U.S. patent application number 15/030429 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for shelter deployment handles.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Coleman Company ,Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Daniel BYUN, James J. HOPPER, Kevin HU, Faye HUANG, Gary LEE, Susan L. MICHAELIS.
Application Number | 20160290002 15/030429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53180127 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290002 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MICHAELIS; Susan L. ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
SHELTER DEPLOYMENT HANDLES
Abstract
A handle for easily and quickly deploying a shelter wherein a
conventional "instant" type shelter is provided having a deployment
handle made of webbing material attached to the upper corner of
diagonally opposed shelter frame comers, allowing the users to
grasp the deployment handles and move outward from each other to
expand the shelter frame to its full footprint prior to raising the
frame to its desired height and locking it in place.
Inventors: |
MICHAELIS; Susan L.;
(Wichita, KS) ; HOPPER; James J.; (Wichita,
KS) ; HUANG; Faye; (Guangzhou City, Guangdong
Province, CN) ; LEE; Gary; (Guangzhou City, Guangdong
Province, CN) ; BYUN; Daniel; (Kangbuk-ku, Seoul,
KR) ; HU; Kevin; (Xiamen, Fujian, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC. |
Wichita |
KS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Coleman Company ,Inc.
|
Family ID: |
53180127 |
Appl. No.: |
15/030429 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
November 20, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/066570 |
371 Date: |
April 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61906473 |
Nov 20, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/54 20130101;
E04H 15/32 20130101; E04H 15/50 20130101; E04H 15/46 20130101; E04H
15/48 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/46 20060101
E04H015/46; E04H 15/48 20060101 E04H015/48; E04H 15/32 20060101
E04H015/32; E04H 15/54 20060101 E04H015/54 |
Claims
1. A portable shelter comprising: A frame including at least 4
standing rods and a shelter top frame supported by each of the
standing rods, the shelter top frame including a lateral supporting
rod assembly arranged between each of the standing rods,
characterized in that at least one set of two diagonally arranged
standing rods includes a handle on its upper end.
2. A portable shelter comprising: A frame including at least 4
standing rods and a shelter top frame supported by each of the
standing rods, the shelter top frame including a lateral supporting
rod assembly arranged between each of the standing rods, the
lateral supporting rod assembly including at least 2 cross pivoted
bars pivotally connected together end to end, the bars of the
lateral supporting rod assembly connected to the standing rods
through a fixed bracket and an operably connected bracket,
characterized in that at least one set of two diagonally arranged
standing rods includes a handle on its upper end.
3. The portable shelter of claim 2 wherein said handle comprises a
webbing strap loop.
4. The portable shelter of claim 2 wherein the shelter top frame
includes a plurality of shelter top rods and a center hub, each of
the top rods including two bars pivotally connected with each
other, an inner side of each of the shelter top rods is
respectively pivotally connected to the center hub, and an outer
end of each of the shelter top rods is respectively pivotally
connected to the fixed bracket on a top portion of each of the
standing rods, the handle is arranged on the fixed bracket.
5. The portable shelter of claim 2 wherein the shelter top frame
includes a plurality of shelter top rods and a center hub, each of
the top rods including two bars pivotally connected with each
other, an inner side of each of the shelter top rods is
respectively pivotally connected to the center hub, and an outer
end of each of the shelter top rods is respectively pivotally
connected to the fixed bracket on a top portion of each of the
standing rods, the handle is arranged on the operably connected
bracket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/906,473, filed on Nov. 20, 2013, the
full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable shelters and tents are used for numerous activities
including camping, sporting events, picnics, beach-going, fairs and
the provision of simple shade from the sun and protection from
other weather elements. A majority of conventional shelters are of
the "instant" type wherein the frame is comprised of interconnected
members, hubs, brackets and hinges so that deployment is relatively
quick and easy. The canopy portion of the "instant" shelter can be
attached to the frame prior to deployment or can be attached after
the shelter is erected.
[0003] Although these types of shelters are easy to deploy,
improper set up can lead to unnecessary stress on the frame and
premature failure of the frame structure. It is preferred for no
more than 2 people located on opposite diagonal corners to expand
the footprint of these shelters and then to raise the shelter frame
to its desired height. The present invention provides a system for
easily indicating to users the preferred method of deployment and
for assisting the users in expanding the shelter frame in a simple
and efficient manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0005] A shelter frame including at least four standing rods and a
shelter top frame supported by each of the standing rods, the
shelter top frame including a lateral supporting rod assembly
arranged between each of the standing rods, the lateral supporting
rod assembly including at least two cross pivoted bars pivotally
connected together end to end, the bars of the lateral supporting
rod assembly connected to the standing rods through a fixed bracket
and an operably connected bracket, characterized in that at least
one set of two diagonally arranged standing rods includes a handle
on its upper end. In a first embodiment, the deployment handle is
located on a fixed bracket. In a second embodiment, the deployment
handle is located on a sliding bracket.
[0006] In embodiments described herein, the shelter utilizes one of
two deployment handle placements. It should be understood, however,
that the mechanisms described herein can be applied to other types
of portable shelters including tents having an attached floor and
side walls.
[0007] The present invention provides a visual for the user on
where to grab the shelter frame and how to easily deploy the
shelter. The present invention helps prevent users from pulling on
all four upright poles at the same time which causes undue force on
the scissor frame and ultimately results in premature breakage of
the steel tubing.
[0008] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing
detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the shelter in a fully
deployed upright configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
handle of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of
the handle of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will also
be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0013] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows a conventional portable shelter 10 that includes a frame
assembly 12 and a canopy (not shown). Frame assembly 12 is of a
conventional construction and 12 includes leg members 14 and upper
frame 16, preferably made of steel. There are preferably four leg
members 14 for supporting a four-sided shelter, each leg member 14
comprising an upper leg 18 telescopically connected to a lower leg
20 to enable the entire frame assembly 12 to be set at various
heights through the use of locking mechanisms (not shown) which are
known and used in the industry. Base feet (not shown) are located
at the lower end of lower legs 20 to provide a stable foundation
for the shelter frame. Upper frame 16 comprises truss assembly 22
which extends between the leg members 14 on each side of the
shelter near the top edge and roof assembly 24. As shown in FIG. 1,
truss assembly 22 is comprised of multiple individual truss members
23 which are criss-crossed and connected to each other at hinge
points to allow for scissor-like folding of the members for
deployment and collapsing of the frame. Roof assembly 24 comprises
roof members 25 and center hub 26 which are similarly connected to
each other at hinge points to allow for expansion and collapsing.
Certain of the hinge points are uni-directional hinges which are
known in the industry and which allow the frame structure to
maintain its desired rigidity. The upper criss-crossed truss
members 23 having ends located at each corner of the frame are
connected to a corner bracket 28 and the lower criss-crossed truss
members 23 having ends located at each corner of the frame are
connected to a sliding bracket 30 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The
sliding bracket 30 comprises a locking sleeve that can move
vertically along the upper leg 18 to allow for adjustment of the
frame height. The foregoing description of the shelter frame
construction is not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention but is intended only to provide a general description of
"instant" type shelters that are known in the industry such as the
structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,293 and similar patents.
Other frame constructions known and used in the industry can also
be utilized with the present invention.
[0014] A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
2, wherein deployment handle 32 is connected to the sliding bracket
30 on leg member 14. Deployment handle 32 is preferably a loop of
nylon or polypropylene webbing, or a similar functioning material
such as grosgrain ribbon, rope, folded fabric or the like. Although
a loop is preferred, deployment handle 32 could also be a rigid or
semi-rigid ring, a rigid or semi-rigid toggle handle, or similar
structure provided it allows easy gripping by a user. Deployment
handle 32 is preferably permanently attached to frame by a rivet 34
or other permanent attachment means such as a screw, nut and bolt
or the like. Although not the most preferred method, it is also
within the scope of the present invention for the deployment handle
32 to be attached by a more temporary means such as quick release
buckles, ladder lock buckles, clips, hook and loop connectors,
toggles and other releasable attachments known in the industry.
[0015] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 3, wherein the
deployment handle 32 is attached to the frame 12 at the upper
corner bracket 28. Although it is preferred for deployment handle
32 to be attached to the frame 12 in an upper corner area when the
frame is collapsed, it is within the scope of the invention for
deployment handle 32 to be attached at any point along the vertical
axis of upper frame 16 (not shown).
[0016] Two deployment handles 32 are preferred. The deployment
handles 32 are located in opposed corners of the shelter frame 12
as shown in FIG. 1 so that only two users would be utilized to
deploy a four-sided shelter, thus reducing the amount of stress on
the frame members. It is within the scope of the present invention,
however, for the shelter to have more than two deployment handles,
although this is not the preferred method for a four-sided shelter.
It is also within the scope of the present invention for the
shelter 10 to have more than four corners--such as a hexagonal
shaped shelter with six corners, an octagonal shelter with eight
corner and the like. In such a case, the shelter would preferably
have at least two handles which would be located on opposite
corners. Although not described herein in detail, the shelter may
have additional features known in the industry such as side walls,
cup holders, vents, leg weights, stakes, guy lines and the like.
The present invention would also be used with a tent having
sidewalls and a floor if the tent comprises a similar frame
structure.
[0017] For deployment of the shelter 10, the folded shelter is set
on its base feet in an upright position as is conventionally done.
Two users each grasp a deployment handle 32 located on opposed
corners at or near the upper corner brackets. Each user then moves
outward in opposite directions from each other, pulling the shelter
frame corner as they move. The users continue moving outward until
the shelter frame has been expanded to its standard footprint. At
this point, the users can raise the shelter frame to its desired
height and lock the frame in place. If the canopy is not already
attached to the shelter frame prior to initial deployment, the
canopy can be placed on and attached to the frame either before or
after the frame has been raised to its desired height.
[0018] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated
embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been
described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that
there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form
or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover
all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in
the appended claims.
[0019] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0020] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
[0021] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
* * * * *