U.S. patent application number 17/213739 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-29 for reconfigurable shelter.
The applicant listed for this patent is Christopher ABELL. Invention is credited to Christopher ABELL.
Application Number | 20220307285 17/213739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005526355 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220307285 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ABELL; Christopher |
September 29, 2022 |
RECONFIGURABLE SHELTER
Abstract
A reconfigurable shelter includes a set of biasable members that
are secured or securable at a first end thereof at spaced positions
to inhibit movement of the first ends from the spaced positions. A
flexible cover is connected or connectable to the set of flexible
members to at least partially enclose a space between the set of
biasable members. A closure structure is connected to the set of
biasable members or the flexible cover to alternately condition the
set of biasable members between an open configuration, in which the
second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to
provide an opening in the flexible cover towards the second ends of
the set of biasable members, and a closed configuration, in which
the second ends of the set of biasable members are positioned to
diminish or close the opening.
Inventors: |
ABELL; Christopher;
(Burlington, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ABELL; Christopher |
Burlington |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005526355 |
Appl. No.: |
17/213739 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/405
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/40 20060101
E04H015/40 |
Claims
1. A reconfigurable shelter, comprising: a set of biasable members
that are secured or securable at a first end thereof at spaced
positions to inhibit movement of the first ends from the spaced
positions; a flexible cover connected or connectable to the set of
flexible members to at least partially enclose a space between the
set of biasable members; a closure structure connected to at least
one of the flexible cover and the set of biasable members to
alternately condition the set of biasable members between an open
configuration, in which the second ends of the set of biasable
members are positioned to provide an upper opening in the flexible
cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, and a
closed configuration, in which the second ends of the set of
biasable members are positioned to diminish or close the upper
opening.
2. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 1, wherein the biasable
members are biased towards the open configuration, and wherein the
closure structure biases the biasable members towards the closed
configuration.
3. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein each of the set
of biasable members is a flexible member.
4. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein each of the set
of biasable members includes at least one joint at which the
biasable member articulates.
5. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein the closure
structure includes a cord bound to at least one of the set of
biasable members towards the second ends thereof and the flexible
cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members,
wherein pulling of the cord biases the set of biasable members
towards the closed configuration and releasing of the cord permits
the set of biasable members to return to the open
configuration.
6. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 5, wherein each of the set
of biasable members includes a channel towards the second end
thereof in which the cord is received.
7. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 1, wherein the first ends
are secured to a base frame.
8. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein the base frame
includes a set of base frame members extending between and
connected at the spaced positions, the base frame being
conditionable between an assembled state in which the base frame
members are secured to one another to prevent relative movement,
and a collapsed state in which movement between at least some of
the base frame members is less restricted than in the assembled
state.
9. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 2, wherein the flexible
cover has a discontinuity extending from a bottom peripheral edge
towards the first ends of the biasable members to a top peripheral
edge towards the second ends of the set of biasable members, the
discontinuity being reclosably openable to facilitate collapsing of
the reconfigurable shelter and/or configure the reconfigurable
shelter in an exposed configuration, in which a side opening at
least partially extends from the top peripheral edge to the bottom
peripheral edge.
10. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 9, wherein the flexible
cover includes a fastener system to reclosably open the
discontinuity.
11. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 10, wherein the fastener
system can at least partially open the discontinuity.
12. The reconfigurable shelter of claim 1, further comprising a top
cover dimensioned to extend over a top perimeter of the flexible
cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable members to
inhibit precipitation from entering the upper opening.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The specification relates generally to a barrier, and, in
particular, to a reconfigurable shelter.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Present shelters for use in outdoor environments are
generally constructed with a frame that has a single configuration.
In one example, a conventional tent includes two support rods that
are secured in the ground and elevate a central portion of a fabric
enclosure and four corners of the fabric enclosure are pinned to
the ground. An opening is provided in one side for entry and exit
of the cloth enclosure when deployed. Once deployed, the frame of
the tent is unchanged. Such tents have a closed top to shield their
users from the elements, such as rain, sleet, and snow. Further,
these tents often substantially seal to prevent the ingress of
insects and other animals.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] In one aspect, there is provided a reconfigurable shelter,
comprising: a set of biasable members that are secured or securable
at a first end thereof at spaced positions to inhibit movement of
the first ends from the spaced positions; a flexible cover bound to
the set of flexible members to at least partially enclose a space
between the set of biasable members; a closure structure connected
to at least one of the flexible cover and the set of biasable
members to alternately condition the set of biasable members
between an open configuration, in which the second ends of the set
of biasable members are positioned to provide an upper opening in
the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of biasable
members, and a closed configuration, in which the second ends of
the set of biasable members are positioned to diminish or close the
upper opening.
[0004] The biasable members can be biased towards the open
configuration, and wherein the closure structure biases the
biasable members towards the closed configuration. Each of the set
of biasable members can be a flexible member. Each of the set of
biasable members can include at least one joint at which the
biasable member articulates.
[0005] The closure structure can include a cord bound to at least
one of the set of biasable members towards the second ends thereof
and the flexible cover towards the second ends of the set of
biasable members, wherein pulling of the cord biases the set of
biasable members towards the closed configuration and releasing of
the cord permits the set of biasable members to return to the open
configuration. Each of the set of biasable members can include a
channel towards the second end thereof in which the cord is
received.
[0006] The first ends of the biasable members can be secured to a
base frame.
[0007] The base frame can include a set of base frame members
extending between and connected at the spaced positions, the base
frame being conditionable between an assembled state in which the
base frame members are secured to one another to prevent relative
movement, and a collapsed state in which movement between at least
some of the base frame members is less restricted than in the
assembled state.
[0008] The flexible cover can have a discontinuity extending from a
bottom peripheral edge towards the first ends of the biasable
members to a top peripheral edge towards the second ends of the set
of biasable members, the discontinuity being reclosably openable to
facilitate collapsing of the reconfigurable shelter and/or
configure the reconfigurable shelter in an exposed configuration,
in which a side opening at least partially extends from the top
peripheral edge to the bottom peripheral edge. The flexible cover
can include a fastener system to reclosably open the discontinuity.
The fastener system can at least partially open the
discontinuity.
[0009] The reconfigurable shelter can further include a top cover
dimensioned to extend over a top perimeter of the flexible cover
towards the second ends of the set of biasable members to inhibit
precipitation from entering the opening.
[0010] Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to
one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following
figures and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] For a better understanding of the embodiment(s) described
herein and to show more clearly how the embodiment(s) may be
carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example
only, to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1A and 1B are a front elevation view and a rear
elevation view, respectively, of a reconfigurable shelter in
accordance with one embodiment thereof in an open
configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the reconfigurable shelter of FIGS.
1A and 1B;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows the reconfigurable shelter of FIGS. 1A to 2 in
a collapsed state, including a collapsible base frame and a cover
assembly;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows the base frame of FIG. 3 after partial
expansion;
[0016] FIG. 5A shows a counter-rotating joint of the base frame in
region 5A of FIG. 4 in greater detail;
[0017] FIG. 5B shows a rotating joint of the base frame in region
5B of FIG. 4 in greater detail;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of the base frame of the reconfigurable
shelter of FIGS. 1A to 2 after expansion and coupling of the free
ends thereof;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the cover assembly after
being coupled to the base frame of FIG. 6 and being opened along a
discontinuity with ends of the flexible cover being retracted
laterally;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows a flexible vertical rod forming part of the
cover assembly of FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the reconfigurable
shelter of FIGS. 1A to 2 in a closed configuration; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is a top view of the reconfigurable shelter of FIG.
9 in the closed configuration.
[0023] Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in
the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered
appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures
to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the embodiment or embodiments described
herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill
in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
methods, procedures and components have not been described in
detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It
should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary
embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the
principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any
number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present
disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary
implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and
described below.
[0025] Various terms used throughout the present description may be
read and understood as follows, unless the context indicates
otherwise: "or" as used throughout is inclusive, as though written
"and/or"; singular articles and pronouns as used throughout include
their plural forms, and vice versa; similarly, gendered pronouns
include their counterpart pronouns so that pronouns should not be
understood as limiting anything described herein to use,
implementation, performance, etc. by a single gender; "exemplary"
should be understood as "illustrative" or "exemplifying" and not
necessarily as "preferred" over other embodiments. Further
definitions for terms may be set out herein; these may apply to
prior and subsequent instances of those terms, as will be
understood from a reading of the present description. It will also
be noted that the use of the term "a" or "an" will be understood to
denote "at least one" in all instances unless explicitly stated
otherwise or unless it would be understood to be obvious that it
must mean "one".
[0026] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the
systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without
departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the
components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or
separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses
disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other
components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or
other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable
order. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a
set or each member of a subset of a set.
[0027] A reconfigurable shelter 20 in accordance with an embodiment
is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The reconfigurable shelter 20 includes a
base frame 24 that can be rested on a surface, such as a ground
surface GS. A cover assembly 28 extends upwardly from the base
frame 24 and includes a flexible cover 32 that is connected to a
set of biasable members in the form of flexible posts 36 that
extend upwardly from the base frame 24. The flexible cover 32 has a
discontinuity on a rear section 38 in the form of a separation 40
extending along its height from a top peripheral edge 41 thereof to
a bottom peripheral edge 42 opposite the top peripheral edge 41 to
enable to ends 44a, 44b of the flexible cover 32 to be separated
from one another along the separation 40. The bottom peripheral
edge 42 of the flexible cover 32 is positioned adjacent the base
frame 24 when the reconfigurable shelter 20 is assembled. A
fastener system releasably connects the ends 44a, 44b to one
another. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener system is a
zipper 48, but can be any other suitable fastening system for
releasably connecting the ends 44a, 44b, such as snaps, ties,
hook-and-loop fabric elements, etc. A top flap 52 is connected to
the flexible cover 32 towards the top peripheral edge 41 thereof. A
door 60 is releasably coupled to a remainder 61 of the flexible
cover 32 via a zipper 62 or some other suitable fastening system in
a front section 64 of the flexible cover 32 enables the entry and
exit of the reconfigurable shelter 20 when assembled. The door 60
can be fully detached or partially detached to enable folding back
of the door 60.
[0028] In FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the reconfigurable shelter 20 is
shown in an open configuration, in which the flexible posts 36 are
not brought together towards top ends thereof at or near the top
peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover 32. As can be seen, the
flexible posts 36 bow outwardly away from each other, and open the
top peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover to expose an opening
68.
[0029] A cord conduit 72 towards the top peripheral edge 41 of the
flexible cover 32 houses a cord 76 that extends between each end
44a, 44b of the flexible cover, and having cord ends 80a, 80b that
hang down from either end 44a, 44b at the separation 40.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, the components of the
reconfigurable shelter 20 are shown in a collapsed state for
facilitating transportation and storage. The base frame 24 includes
a set of base frame cross-members 84 that are pivotally coupled
together via a set of joint couplers 88a, 88b. Each joint coupler
88a to 88c is pivotally coupled or couplable to the base frame
cross-members 84, enabling the placement of the base frame
cross-members 84 generally longitudinally adjacent to one another.
The joint connector 88c is similar to the joint connectors 88b,
except that it enables releasable pivotal connection with a free
end 92 of a base frame cross-member 84.
[0031] The cover assembly 28 is also shown collapsed with the
flexible posts 36 having been removed from the base frame 24. In
the assembled state, the flexible posts 36 are friction fitted
within receiving sleeves 96 extending upward from a top surface of
each joint connector 88a to 88c. During collapsing, the zipper 48
is undone to separate the ends 44a, 44b from each other to
facilitate withdrawal of the flexible posts 36 from the base frame
24 and packing. The flexible posts 36 are then bunched together
with the connected flexible cover 32.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows the base frame 24 partially expanded. As the
base frame cross-members 84 are separated from one another, they
pivot at the joint connectors 88a to 88c.
[0033] FIG. 5A shows the ends of the two base frame cross-members
84 having protrusions 100a with abutment surfaces 104a. As the two
base frame cross-members 84 are rotated in directions D.sub.A, the
abutment surfaces 104a are moved towards one another until they
abut, thus limiting further rotation of the base frame
cross-members 84 towards one another. When the abutment surfaces
104a are abutting one another, the angle .theta..sub.A between the
two base frame cross-members 84 is 120 degrees.
[0034] FIG. 5B shows the ends of the two base frame cross-members
84 having protrusions 100b with abutment surfaces 104b. As the two
base frame cross-members 84 are rotated in directions D.sub.B, the
abutment surfaces 104b are moved towards one another until they
abut, thus limiting further rotation of the base frame
cross-members 84 away from one another. When the abutment surfaces
104b are abutting one another, the angle .theta..sub.B between the
two base frame cross-members 84 is 120 degrees.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows the base frame 24 after pivoting of the base
frame cross-members 84 and coupling of the free end 92 with the
joint connector 88c. As the rotation of the base frame
cross-members is restricted to angles of 120 degrees, the base
frame cross-members 84 forms a hexagonal shape.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a flexible post 36 forming part of the cover
assembly 28. The flexible post 36 is made of any suitable material,
such as a polymer, fiberglass, wood, etc. A loop 108 is positioned
towards a top end of the flexible post 36 and is formed of a
material that provides a sufficiently low coefficient of friction
with the cord 76 so that the cord 76 can be readily slid through
the loop 108. The flexible post 36 is initially bowed so that the
loop 108 is oriented on an outside of a curve of the flexible post
36, but it is sufficiently flexible to enable bowing in an opposite
direction so that the loop 108 is positioned on an inside of the
curve of the flexible post 36.
[0037] Each flexible post 36 is positioned within a sleeve along an
inside surface of the flexible cover 32, with the loop 108
positioned along the cord conduit 72 and the cord passing through
the loop 108.
[0038] FIGS. 1A and 1B show the cover assembly 28 after installment
on the base frame. In the exposed configuration, the cover assembly
28 of the reconfigurable shelter 20 is opened along a side from top
to bottom. The ends 44a, 44b of the flexible cover 32 can be
separated by opening of the zipper 48 to facilitate placement of
the flexible posts 36 within the receiving sleeves 96 of the joint
connectors 88a, 88b. Additionally, the ends 44a, 44b of the
flexible cover 32 can be opened to fold back the flexible cover 32
so that the ends 44a, 44b are drawn towards the flexible posts two
positions removed about the circumference of the base frame 24 to
completely open two of six sides of the reconfigurable shelter 20.
The flexible post 36 positioned adjacent to the discontinuity can
be releasably coupled to the flexible cover 32 via a set of
hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 or via any other suitable means. In
this manner, the flexible post 36 can be removed entirely when it
is desired to fold back panels of the flexible cover 32. The loop
108 of the released flexible post 36 can be slid over the end 80b
of the cord 76 to allow the flexible post 36 to be freed from the
cord 76. When it is desired to close the ends 44a, 44b of the
flexible cover 32, the flexible post 36 can be secured to the
flexible cover 32 via the hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 and the
end 80b of the cord 76 can be threaded through the loop 108 of the
flexible post 36.
[0039] FIG. 8 shows the cover assembly 28 being installed on the
base frame 24. During assembly, the ends 44a, 44b of the flexible
cover 32 can be separated by opening of the zipper 48 to facilitate
placement of the flexible posts 36 within the receiving sleeves 96
of the joint connectors 88a, 88b. Once the cover assembly 28 is
secured to the base frame 24, ends 44a, 44b of the flexible cover
32 can be releasably secured to one another via the zipper 48 so
that the reconfigurable shelter 20 is in the open configuration
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively or at a later time, the
zipper 48 can be left open or opened, respectively, as shown in
FIG. 8 so that the ends 44a, 44b of the flexible cover 32 can be at
least partially opened to fold back the flexible cover 32 in an
exposed configuration. In the exposed configuration, the separation
between the ends 44a, 44b creates a side opening 89 that extends at
least partially from the top peripheral edge 41 to the bottom
peripheral edge 42. Further, when the zipper 48 is fully opened,
the ends 44a, 44b can be drawn towards the flexible posts two
positions removed about the circumference of the base frame 24 to
completely open two of six sides of the reconfigurable shelter 20.
The flexible post 36 positioned adjacent to the discontinuity can
be releasably coupled to the flexible cover 32 via a set of
hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 or via any other suitable means. In
this manner, the flexible post 36 can be removed entirely when it
is desired to fold back panels of the flexible cover 32. The loop
108 of the released flexible post 36 can be slid over the end 80b
of the cord 76 to allow the flexible post 36 to be freed from the
cord 76. When it is desired to close the ends 44a, 44b of the
flexible cover 32 to condition the reconfigurable shelter 20 back
to an open configuration, the flexible post 36 can be secured to
the flexible cover 32 via the hook-and-loop fabric loops 112 and
the end 80b of the cord 76 can be threaded through the loop 108 of
the flexible post 36. Further, the zipper 48 can be at least
partially opened to create a side opening that extends at least
partially from the top peripheral edge 41 to the bottom peripheral
edge 42.
[0040] Now referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, when the flexible posts 36
are secured within the receiving sleeves 96 and the ends 44a, 44b
of the flexible cover 32 are secured together via the zipper 48,
the upper portions of the flexible posts 36 and the top peripheral
edge 41 of the flexible cover 32 can be drawn together by drawing
the ends 80a, 80b of the cord 76 downwards. Continued drawing of
the cord 76 encourages the flexible posts 36 to bow inwards
together with the flexible cover 32.
[0041] FIGS. 9 and 10 show the reconfigurable shelter 20 in a
closed configuration after the cord 76 has been drawn to bring the
upper ends of the flexible posts 36 and the top peripheral edge 41
of the flexible cover 32 together, leaving a small or no aperture
at the top thereof. The top flap 52 is then flipped over the
aperture to prevent rain from entering the reconfigurable shelter
20 through the opening 68. The ends 80a, 80b of the cord 76 can be
secured via any suitable means, such as by tying them to a loop on
an inside surface of the flexible cover 32, clamping them together
to prevent the retraction force of the flexible posts 36 from
drawing the cord 76 back into the cord conduit 72, tying the ends
80a, 80b of the cord 76 in a knot, etc.
[0042] When it is desired to reconfigure the reconfigurable shelter
20 back in the open configuration, the cord 76 is freed to enable
the retractive force of the flexible posts 36 to pull open the top
peripheral edge 41 of the flexible cover 32 and return to the open
configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0043] While in the above-described embodiment, the biasable
members are flexible posts, other types of suitable biasable
members can be employed instead. For example, the biasable members
can be made of rigid or semi-rigid elements that are pivotally
connected and biased via any suitable means to one or more
positions.
[0044] Although specific advantages have been enumerated above,
various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the
enumerated advantages.
[0045] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are
yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible,
and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more
implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the
claims appended hereto and any amendments made thereto.
* * * * *