U.S. patent application number 13/894706 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for shelter expandable component supports.
The applicant listed for this patent is Philip T. Cantin, Rick A. Cochran, Richard S. Pike. Invention is credited to Philip T. Cantin, Rick A. Cochran, Richard S. Pike.
Application Number | 20130305625 13/894706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49580123 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pike; Richard S. ; et
al. |
November 21, 2013 |
SHELTER EXPANDABLE COMPONENT SUPPORTS
Abstract
A portable shelter including an expandable component and an
expandable component support. The expandable component including at
least one structural element, e.g., a wall, configured to extend
from, and retract into, an opening in a wall of the portable
shelter. The expandable component support including a first
non-roller bearing assembly affixed to the portable shelter to bear
at least a portion of the weight of the at least one structural
element.
Inventors: |
Pike; Richard S.; (Saint
Johnsbury, VT) ; Cantin; Philip T.; (Guildhall,
VT) ; Cochran; Rick A.; (Saint Johnsbury,
VT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pike; Richard S.
Cantin; Philip T.
Cochran; Rick A. |
Saint Johnsbury
Guildhall
Saint Johnsbury |
VT
VT
VT |
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49580123 |
Appl. No.: |
13/894706 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61647377 |
May 15, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 29/02 20130101;
B60P 3/34 20130101; F16C 29/045 20130101; E04B 1/34305 20130101;
E04H 15/32 20130101; F16C 2350/00 20130101; E04B 1/3431 20130101;
E04H 15/18 20130101; F16C 2326/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/64 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343 |
Claims
1. A portable shelter comprising: an expandable component
comprising at least one structural element configured to extend
from, and retract into, an opening in a wall of the portable
shelter; and an expandable component support: comprising a first
non-roller bearing assembly, affixed to the portable shelter to
bear at least a portion of the weight of the at least one
structural element.
2. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein: the at least one
structural element is a wall.
3. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein: the first non-roller
bearing assembly comprises a first self-lubricating engineering
plastic.
4. The portable shelter of claim 2 wherein: the expandable
component support further comprises a displacement inhibiting
member adjacent at least one longitudinal vertical side of the
first self-lubricating engineering plastic.
5. The portable shelter of claim 2 wherein: the expandable
component support further comprises a deformation inhibiting member
adjacent at least one longitudinal vertical side of the first
self-lubricating engineering plastic.
6. The portable shelter of claim 2 wherein: the self-lubricating
engineering plastic is a nylon plastic containing first lubricant
powder.
7. The portable shelter of claim 4 wherein: the first lubricant
powder is molybdenum disulfide.
8. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein: the first non-roller
bearing assembly comprises a first low friction coating.
9. The portable shelter of claim 8 wherein: the first low friction
coating is a ceramic-filled abrasion-resistant epoxy.
10. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein: the at least one
structural element is characterized by a curved horizontal cross
section, and the expandable component is configured to pivot about
a first axis substantially at the center of the curve of the at
least one structural element.
11. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein: the at least one
structural element comprises a second non-roller bearing assembly
at the surface of the at least one structural element that contacts
the expandable component support.
12. The portable shelter of claim 11 wherein: the second non-roller
bearing assembly comprises a second self-lubricating engineering
plastic.
13. The portable shelter of claim 12 wherein: the second
self-lubricating engineering plastic is a nylon plastic containing
second lubricant powder.
14. The portable shelter of claim 13 wherein: the second lubricant
powder is molybdenum disulfide.
15. The portable shelter of claim 11 wherein: the second non-roller
bearing assembly comprises a second low friction coating.
16. The portable shelter of claim 15 wherein: the second low
friction coating is a ceramic-filled abrasion-resistant epoxy.
17. The portable shelter of claim 1 wherein: the at least one
structural element comprises first feature, and the expandable
component support comprises a second feature; wherein the second
feature is configured to mate with the first feature to align the
at least one structural element and the expandable component
support.
18. The portable shelter of claim 12 wherein: the first feature
comprises a keel, and the second feature comprises a groove.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/647,377 entitled "SHELTER EXPANDABLE
COMPONENT SUPPORTS", filed on May 15, 2012.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present technology relates generally to shelter systems.
More specifically, embodiments of the technology relate to
supporting expandable components in portable shelter systems.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Portable shelters are often used to provide temporary
facilities for various purposes, such as military, civilian, and
medical applications. Such portable shelters may be used to
supplement permanent structures when additional space is desired,
or to provide new facilities for temporary use, such as the
provision of emergency response services after a disaster.
Motorized vehicles, such as vans, buses, and recreational vehicles
(RVs), etc., may be used as portable shelters under certain
circumstances. While these types of motorized vehicles are able to
transport themselves to a desired location, they may provide
limited interior space for intended use, while also being
relatively expensive.
[0006] Some portable shelters are configured to be in the size and
shape of a standard International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) intermodal shipping container. In this way, such shelters may
be shipped by commercial means, such as by railway, boat, or
aircraft, including military aircraft.
[0007] The floor space of conventional portable shelters is limited
by the fixed external dimensions of the shelter. Expansion modules
akin to "slide out" sections of RVs have been used to increase the
floor space enclosed by a shelter. Such modules, also known as
"expandable components," may be hydraulically or mechanically
driven to extend and retract from the shelter on support beams.
Such shelters are known to incorporate heavy, load bearing,
dynamic, metal rolling element bearings (also referred to herein as
"metal roller bearings") in supporting an expandable component on
the shelter chassis, e.g., using captive metal ball bearings or
needle bearings.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present technology includes portable shelters including
an expandable component and an expandable component support. The
expandable component includes at least one structural element,
e.g., a wall, configured to extend from, and retract into, an
opening in a wall of the portable shelter. The expandable component
support includes a non-roller bearing assembly affixed to the
portable shelter to bear at least a portion of the weight of the at
least one structural element.
[0009] In some embodiments, the non-roller bearing assembly
includes a first self-lubricating engineering plastic as a bearing
surface. In some embodiments, the expandable component support
further comprises one or both of a displacement inhibiting member
and a deformation inhibiting member adjacent at least one
longitudinal vertical side of the first self-lubricating
engineering plastic. In some embodiments, the engineering plastic
is a nylon plastic containing first lubricant powder, e.g.,
molybdenum disulfide. In some embodiments, the first non-roller
bearing assembly includes a low friction coating, e.g., a
ceramic-filled abrasion-resistant epoxy, as the bearing surface. In
some embodiments, the structural element is a wall with a curved
horizontal cross section, and the expandable component is
configured to pivot about a first axis substantially at the center
of the curve.
[0010] In some embodiments, the structural element includes a
second non-roller bearing assembly at the surface of the structural
element that contacts the expandable component support. This second
non-roller bearing assembly can include a second self-lubricating
engineering plastic, e.g., a nylon plastic containing a lubricant
powder such as molybdenum disulfide. The second non roller bearing
can include a ceramic-filled abrasion-resistant epoxy as the
bearing surface. In some embodiments, the structural element
comprises first feature, and the expandable component support
comprises a second feature. In those embodiments, the second
feature is configured to mate with the first feature to align the
structural element and the expandable component support. In some
embodiments the first feature can be a keel, and the second feature
can be a groove.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the disclosed technology are described below
with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a shelter with an expandable component in
perspective view;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a roller bearing expandable component
support in context of the shelter of FIG. 1, the shelter being
shown without the expandable component to illustrate placement of
the roller bearing;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-roller bearing assembly of an
expandable component support assembly of the present technology in
perspective view;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of a non-roller bearing
assembly of the present technology;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of shelter expandable
component supports of the present technology in an expandable
shelter configured as a fifth wheel trailer, along with a partial
detail thereof; and
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a shelter
expandable component support of the present technology in a partial
view of an expandable shelter.
[0018] The drawings are intended to illustrate aspects of the
technology, and as such, are not necessarily to scale and may omit
aspects well know to those of skill in the art and aspects not
relevant to the disclosed features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a shelter 1000 with an extended
expandable component 1300 is shown in perspective view. One side
wall 1310 (the rear side wall of the expandable component 1300)
that is extendable and retractable is shown; a front side wall of
the expandable component 1300 (substantially parallel to side wall
1310) is hidden in this view.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, the shelter 1000 is shown without the
expandable component 1300, with Detail A illustrating the placement
and configuration of a metal roller bearing assembly 400 for
supporting an expandable component 1300 at the position where a
front side wall of the expandable component 1300 would be situated,
i.e., substantially adjacent a cage frame 1200 of the shelter 1000.
Metal roller bearing support assembly 400 includes eleven (11)
metal roller bearing 410 pairs in a roller bearing support 420. As
the expandable component 1300 is extended, e.g., by the
hydraulic-driven power beam assembly 1500, the bottom of the front
side wall rolls on the metal roller bearings 410. At full extension
of the expandable component 1300, the weight of the expandable
component 1300 is supported by the power beam assembly(s) 1500 and
the metal roller bearing assembly(s) 400 installed on the shelter
1000. A fully loaded expandable component can approach 5000 lbs.
The weight borne by the rolling metal bearing assembly 400 is
typically supported on the last few inches (e.g., four inches) of
the metal roller bearings 410. In the retracted configuration the
metal roller bearing assembly 400 supports the weight of the
expandable component 1300 along with follower assembly 1420.
[0021] Various factors can cause metal roller bearings used as
expandable component supports for shelters to fail or to be
disadvantageous. Typical limits to the lifetime of a metal roller
bearing include abrasion from the introduction of contaminants (a
common factor for supports exposed to the environment), fatigue
from repeated loading and unloading, and degradation of the metal
roller bearing from rust caused by moisture. Further, metal roller
bearings may comprise bearing races of complex shape, making them
difficult and expensive to manufacture.
[0022] Some metal roller bearing assemblies require routine
addition of lubricants, while others are factory sealed, requiring
no further maintenance for the life of the mechanical assembly.
Although seals are appealing, they increase friction, and in a
permanently-sealed metal roller bearing the lubricant may become
contaminated by hard particles, such as steel chips from the race
or bearing, sand, or grit that gets past the seal. Contamination in
the lubricant is abrasive and greatly reduces the operating life of
the bearing assembly.
[0023] Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein provide
expandable component support on solid, non-rolling, static low
friction surfaces, referred to herein as "non-roller bearings."
Such an approach can be configured to be more fault tolerant than
use of metal roller bearings, and can be configured to be more
likely to keeping an expandable component guided during extension
and refraction.
[0024] "Low friction" refers to a low coefficient of friction
(COF). COF is a measure of resistance to sliding of one surface
over another, and can be measured in accordance with ASTM D 3702
promulgated by the American Society of Testing and Materials. The
results of COF measurement in accordance with ASTM D 3702 do not
have a unit of measure, since COF is the ratio of sliding force to
normal force action on two mating surfaces. COF values are useful
to compare the relative "slickness" of various materials, usually
run un-lubricated over or against polished steel.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, a low friction bearing assembly 1410 is
shown in perspective view. The illustrated bearing assembly 1410
includes a first channel 1411 and a second channel 1412 supporting
a bearing block 1414. The bearing block presents bearing surface
1416.
[0026] The first channel 1411 is a substantially U-shaped channel
with the opening oriented upward. The second channel 1412 is a
substantially U-shaped channel with the opening oriented downward.
Both the first channel 1411 and the second channel 1412 can be
fabricated from various materials, including 1018 hot rolled steel
(HRS), aircraft grade aluminum, and composite materials. Second
channel 1412 can be secured inside first channel 1411 by various
means including welding, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners. In
the illustrated embodiment, both channels are fabricated from 1018
HRS, and second channel 1412 is secure in first channel 1411 by
welding. In exemplary embodiments, the walls of each of first
channel 1411 and second channel 1412 are 0.25'' thick, with first
channel 1411 having an width of 3'', a height of 2.125'',and a
length that is both substantially greater than either height or
width (though this is not required) and that is substantially
commensurate with the length of bearing block 1414.
[0027] Referring now to both FIG. 3 and to FIG. 4 (in which the
bearing assembly 1410 of FIG. 3 is shown in an end view), bearing
block 1414 is shown as substantially contained by first channel
1411 and second channel on three sides of bearing block 1414. Each
longitudinal side of bearing block 1414 is partially exposed,
thereby presenting a bearing surface 1416 as the interface for
loads placed on the bearing assembly 1410.
[0028] Bearing bock 1414 can be fastened to second channel 1412
using mechanical fasteners (not shown). Mechanical fasteners, e.g.,
cap screws, can be inserted in countersunk bearing block mounting
holes 1415 through bearing block 1414 and secured to threaded
second channel mounting holes 1413 in second channel 1412. In some
embodiments, bearing block 1414 can be secured in bearing assembly
1410 by adhesives, and by adhesives in combination with mechanical
fasteners. Securing bearing block 1414 in the bearing assembly 1410
using mechanical fasteners is preferred, in part because it allows
bearing block 1414 to be readily replaced without removing
adhesives or replacing the first channel 1411 or the second channel
1412. In some embodiments, mechanical fasteners are used to secure
the bearing block 1414 in the first channel 1411 through horizontal
holes in the bearing block and the first channel 1411 walls. In the
particular bearing assembly 1410 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
inverted second channel 1412 allows bearing block 1414 to be
dimensioned less than the interior height of the first channel
1411. In addition to allowing fastener to extend through second
channel threaded mounting holes 1413, use of second channel 1412
can offer cost savings whereas the costs associated with a thicker
bearing block 1414 are greater than the cost associated with the
second channel 1412.
[0029] In some embodiments, bearing block 1414 is a single block of
self-lubricating engineering plastic e.g., nylon plastic filled
with lubricant powder. One example of such a material is
Nylatron.TM. NSM, a nylon plastic filled with molybdenum disulfide
lubricant powder. Solid lubricant additives impart
self-lubricating, high pressure/velocity and superior wear
resistance characteristics. In some embodiments of the bearing
assembly 1410, each bearing block 1414 is secured to the second
channel using cap screws as described above through holes in the
bearing block 1414. The holes can be countersunk to allow the screw
heads to sit below the surface of the bearing block 1414 when
installed.
[0030] In embodiments of the technology using a bearing block, such
as bearing block 1414, to present a bearing surface, such as
bearing surface 1416, to the underside of an expandable component
structural element, e.g., side wall 1310, and front side wall (not
shown), features such as first channel 1411 and second channel 1412
inhibit displacement and deformation (e.g., twisting, skewing) of
the bearing block 1414. Means other than first channel 1411 and
second channel 1412 can be used for the same purpose, i.e., as
displacement and deformation inhibiting members--at least on the
longitudinal vertical sides of the bearing block. For example, a
single block of machined metal with threaded holes for receiving
fastener inserted through holes in the bearing block can be used.
As a further example, a bearing block can be held in place with "L"
brackets mounted to the shelter at regular intervals along each
side of the bearing block. The bearing block can be secured
directly to threaded holes in the frame of the shelter through
holes in the bearing block, with additional support to inhibit
displacement and deformation secured horizontally through the
bearing block.
[0031] In some embodiments of the technology, bearing block 1414
includes a bearing surface longitudinal channel 1417. The bearing
surface longitudinal channel 1417 can mate with a feature, such as
a keel 1321, on the bottom of an expandable component side wall
1310 to assist in maintaining expandable component side wall
alignment during extension and retraction of the shelter expandable
component 1300.
[0032] In some embodiments of the technology, a non-rolling low
friction bearing surface can be presented to the bottom of a side
wall of an expandable component 1300 by using a low friction
coating on a base. Such a coating can be a low-friction
ceramic-filled abrasion resistant epoxy (e.g., Nordbak.RTM. 2-part
ceramic filled epoxy). By using a coating, instead of a bearing
block as described above, the bearing surface can more readily be
formed in irregular shapes. For example, the base can be formed
with a feature (such as a detent or ridge) to coincide with a
compatible feature (such as a trough or a chicane) in the bottom of
the expandable component 1300.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, the shelter 1000 is shown without the
expandable component 1300, with Detail A illustrating the placement
and configuration of a curbside expandable component support
assembly 1400A to support the front side wall of a curbside
expandable component 1300. A roadside expandable component support
assembly 1400B is also shown. The expandable component support
assembly 1400A includes a non-rolling low friction bearing surface
assembly 1410 as described in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
along with a follower assembly 1420.
[0034] The follower assembly 1420 illustrated in FIG. 5 (with an
exemplary embodiment described in connection with FIG. 6 herein),
is mounted to the shelter 1000 chassis in line with, and further
toward the interior of the shelter 1000 than, the bearing assembly
1410.
[0035] While the bearing assembly is shown as forming about 30% of
the length of the expandable component support assembly 1400A, the
bearing assembly 1410 can form both more and less of the expandable
component support assembly 1400A.
[0036] The illustrated bearing assembly 1410 is positioned
longitudinally on the shelter curbside substantially adjacent a
cage frame 1200 of the shelter 1000. As the expandable component
1300 is extended, e.g., by the hydraulic-driven power beam assembly
1500, the bottom of the front side wall slides along the expandable
component support assembly 1400A. At full extension of the
expandable component 1300, the weight of the expandable component
1300 is supported by the power beam assembly(s) 1500 and the
bearing assembly 1410 (one at the front side wall and one at the
rear side wall) of the expandable component support assembly
1400.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 6, a portion of roadside expandable
component support assembly 1400A is shown mounted in a shelter such
as shelter 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, a mounting plate
610 is secured to the shelter chassis 1100, e.g., by fasteners, by
adhesives, by welding. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
plate 610 is formed of steel and is secured to an aluminum shelter
chassis 1100.
[0038] Follower assembly 1420 (partially shown) is shown as
comprising Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene (a
thermoplastic polyethylene) blocks 1421, secured by mechanical
fasteners to a an aluminum follower assembly mounting channel 1422.
The follower assembly mounting channel 1422 can have welded thereto
"L" brackets that are mechanically fastened to the chassis or to
another mounting plate (not shown). UHMW polyethylene blocks 1421
also are shown as attached to a beam of the shelter chassis 1100
using mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments of the present
technology, the follower assembly can be formed from a low friction
coating on a base (as opposed to a UHMW polyethylene block). Such a
coating can be a low-friction ceramic-filled abrasion resistant
epoxy (e.g., Nordbak.RTM. 2-part ceramic filled epoxy).
[0039] Bearing assembly 1410 supports roadside expandable component
front side wall 1320. Bearing assembly 1410 is shown as secured to
mounting plate 610 with welds 620. Two out of four of the welds 610
are visible in FIG. 6; two additional welds are symmetrical to the
first two welds on the non-visible side of bearing assembly 1410.
Bearing assembly 1410 includes bearing surface longitudinal channel
1416, which channel 1416 mates to a keel 1321 on the bottom of the
roadside expandable component front side wall 1320.
[0040] In some embodiments of the technology, the portable shelter
includes an expandable component that comprises a wall
characterized by a curved horizontal cross section. Such an
expandable component can pivot about an axis substantially at the
center of the curve of the wall to extend and retract.
[0041] In some embodiments, a wall of an expandable component of a
shelter can include a non-roller bearing at the surface of the wall
that contacts the expandable component support, e.g., at the bottom
of the wall. Such a non-roller bearing surface can comprise either,
or both of, the bearing assembly 1410 or coating described above.
In some embodiments, a bearing surface assembly can be used between
the top of an expandable component structure and the shelter, e.g.,
at the top of a side wall of the expandable component and at the
portion of the shelter contacting thereto.
[0042] While various embodiments of the present technology have
been described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various
changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the technology. For example, the
shelter illustrated in FIG. 6 can be an ISO shelter instead of a
fifth-wheel trailer. Features described as part of one
implementation can be used on another implementation to yield a
still further implementation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the
present technology should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only
in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *