Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a collaps7ble shelter
means utilizing a pair of panel supporting collapsible frame means arranged at
opposed ends of the shelter. Specifically, the structure of the present inven-
tion provides improved and durable collapsible end frames, wherein the frames
are easily and readily erected, and while erected, are maintained in stable
disposition. Specifically, bracing strut means are provided between alternate
outer apices of the lazy -tong structure so as to add rigidity to the structure `
when erect, and further to facilitate ease of collapsing, whenever desired.
In the past, collapsible shelter means have been proposed and
described utilizing pairs of collapsible frame means at the opposed ends thereof.
In certain instances, lazy-tong structures have been proposed and utilized for ;
this purpose. Generally speaking, however, the lazy-tong structure, while
providing ease of erection, has only been of limited utility. Two major problemshave been encountered, the first being that of ease of erection, with ease oF
erection being limited to those collapsible shelters of relatively small size. '
The other problem deals with lack of stability in the presence of wind loads or ;~
other forces. In the presence of unusual external loading, the conventional ;~
lazy-tong structures become unstable and sometimes tend to assume anomalous
configurations, and furthermore may inadvertently collapse. The structure of
the present invention is provided with means to assist erection, and by the sametoken to resist inadvertent collapse, and furthermore to provide a stable and
durable construction when in erect form to resist external loading.
Specifically, the collapsible shelter means of the present invention
utilizes improved collapsible frame means disposed at opposed ends thereof,
with such opposed frame means being mirror images of each other. In this
connection, strut means or bracing means are provided at and between adjacent
spaced apart outer apices of the lazy-tong structure, with the strut means thereby
providing a means of rendering the overall frame means both rigid and durable~
Furthermore, the inner apices are designed so as to permit pairs of mutually
adjacent links to be coupled together to form a straight linear angle of substan-
tially 180, thereby further enhancing the rigidity of the overall structure.
When erect, therefore, the frame means provides a durable truss arrangement
which provides both durability and stability to the overall shelter. With the
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` arrangement of the straight angle for the inner apices, these apices form a
pattern which substantially circumscribes a circle, generally a semicircle, of
fi~ed radius. The inner apices are defined as those points at which mutually
adjacent links meet and are joined together. As a further feature, means are
provided for coupling or linking the bracing strut means together for either
simultaneous or serial disengagement of these strut means, thereby facilitating
collapse of the structure whenever desired. In certain instances, it is desirable
to couple together the disengagement means, thereby permitting a single operatorto simultaneously disengage the strut means from both collapsible frame means
at the opposed ends of the collapsible structure.
As a feature of facilitating ease of dolding of the panels supported
by the opposed frames, each of the panels is coupled to the frames at the cross
points of the lazy-tong structure, and the inner apices, upon folding, are
arranged to provide a taut segment in the Folded member. This arrangement -
facilitates storage without adversely affecting the fabric, and contributes to ";
the compact folding of the overall structure.
SUMMAF~Y OF THE INVENTION
. ~.
Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide
an improved collapsible shelter means which utilizes a pair of improved stable
and durable frame means at opposed ends thereof, the system being designed to ~ ~
maintain the erect disposition, and further being designed to provide ease of ~ -
either erecting or collapsing the structure whenever desired.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
collapsible shelter means which utilizes allazy-tong structure for the collapsible ~ -
frame means, and additionally which utilizes a bracing strut between outer apices
of the lazy-tong structure, wherein the bracing strut means may be simultaneously
disengaged or removed from erect disposition whenever desired in order to
facilitate collapse of the shelter.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved collapsible shelter means utilizing a lazy-tong frame structure at
opposed ends thereof, and wherein the lazy-tong structure is provided with `
mechanical biasing means to assist in initial Iy erecting and thereafter to maintain
the frame means in erect disposit70n.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide end frames
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for coliapsible structures in the form of repeated links wherein the inner
apices of the linkage system when erect form straight angles oF substantially
180 between adjacent links, and wherein bracing strut means are provided
between adjacent outer apices of the linkage system so as to improve and
maintain stability of the structure when erect.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved collapsible shelter means which is provided with a series of shelter
panels, and wherein the panels are coupled to the inner portions of the lazy-tong "
structure, thereby facilitating ease of storage and ease of folding upon collapse
of the structure for storage purposes.
A principal object is to provide a collapsible shelter means having '
a pair of collapsible frame means disposed at opposed ends thereof and supporting
panel means extending therebetween, said collapsible frame means comprising:
a lazy-tong structure having first and second interconnected linkage assemblies
which in erect disposition form alternate inwardly and outwardly disposed ; ~;
structural spans, said inwardly disposed spans comprising a plurality of ~; ~
angularly coupled rigid members pivotally coupled at mutually adJacent ends to `
neighboring rigid members to form a general ly continuous semipolygon structure -
which in erect design is enclosed at the top and open at the bottom, each of said
inwardly disposed span systems being interconnected at junction points disposed
generally midway of the length thereof to longitudinally extending rails for
spacing said opposed collapsible frame means one from the other; said outwardly
disposed structural spans comprising a plurality of spanned apart apices; and i ~ ;
strut brace means pivotally coupled to alternate apices of said outwardly dis- ` ! 1:
posed spans at a strut brace pivotal joint having a strut brace extending from one
end thereof and having a strut engaging surface along the opposed side thereof "
and being adapted to engage the free end of an adjacent strut brace means being
substantially equal to the length of the span between successive junction points
and forming an outer compression brace for said strut spans. ~-
Other and further objects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon a study of the following specification,
appended claims, and accompanying drawings.
BF2IEF DESGRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention
3~ :
` showing a fully erected collapsible shelter means having collapsible frame means
at opposed ends thereof prepared in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the shelter
means in collapsed disposition;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the shelter means illustrated in
Figure 1, and showing the arrangement in partially erected Form;
Figure 4 is an end view of the shelter means of the embodiment of ;:
Figure l, and illustrating the details of one of the collapsible frame means;
Figure 5 is a detail elevational view of one repeating segment of the
frame means of the embodiment of Figure l, and illustrating the structure in ~ ~
erect disposition, with Figure 5 being shown on a slightly enlarged scale; :::
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, and showing the frame means -~
in the form upon initiation of collapse thereof; .-~
Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 4, and illustrating the disposi~
tion of the individual strut members upon initiation of deliberate collapse of the
structure;
Figure 8 is a fragmentary top elevational view of one repeating unit
of the frame means, and illustrating the structure on a still further enlarged `
scale from Figure 5, with Figure 8 being taken along the line and in the
direction of the arrows 8-8 of Figure 6; 1
Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, but taken in a front eleva- ~ -
tional plane, and further illustrating the details of the strut guide arrangement;
Figure lO is a detail sectional view taken along the line and in the
direction of the arrows lO-lO of Figure 9; ~ :
Figure l l is a view similar to Figure 9, and illustrating the disposi-
tion of the outer strut upon initiation of collapse of the erect structure;
Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the ~; :
direction of the arrows 12-12 of Figure 5;
Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the . ~. :
directior, of the arrows 13-13 of Figure 5; :
Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the
direction of the arrows 14-14 of Figure 5;
Figure 15 is a fragmentary sectional view of a typical tube-end
construction, with Figure 15 being taken along the line and in the direction of
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the arrows 15-15 of Figure 14;
Figure 16 i5 a detail fragmentary sectional view of one end of the
structure as illustrated in Figure 14, but showing an end panel secured thereto,
and with portions of the structure being shown broken away; `:
Figures 17, 18 and 19 are Fragmentary end views of the frame means
and panels, with Fi~ure 17 illustrating one complete panel in taut erect con-
figuration, with Figure 18 illustrating the panel in partially collapsed form,
with one adjacent inner apex being il lustrated; and wherein Figure 19 illustrates
a series of such panels in collapsed form;
Figure 20 is a detail elevational view of one repeating segment of ~ .
the frame means of a slightly modified embodiment of the invention, and illustra-
ting the structure in erect disposition;
Figure 21 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the
direction of the arrows 21-21 of Figure 20, with Figure 21 being shown on a -;
slightly enlarged scale; ~: :
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Figure 22 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the :~ ~
. . . ~ ,, .
direction of the arrows 22-22 of Figure 20, with Figure 22 being shown on a
slightly enlarged scale; : :
Figure 23 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the ~ ~ i
direction of the arrows 23-23 of FigL~e 20, with Figure 23 being shown on a ~ :
slightly enlarged scale;
Figure 2~ is a view similar to Figure 20, and illustrating, in :
phantom, the disposition of the components of the structure while in partially -~ :
erected disposition;
Figure 25 is a sectional view taken along the line and in the
direction of the arrows 25-25 of Figure 24, and illustrating the disposition of .
the system in partially erected form, with Figure 25 illustrating the clamping
or latching means for retaining the system in erect disposition; .
Figure 26 is a view similar to Figures 20 and 24; and illustrating
the disposition of the components of the system in partially erected or partially
co l l apsed form; and
Figure 27 is an elevational view of one repeating unit of the arrange- ~:
ment in collapsed disposition.
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DESC~R!PTION OF ONE ALTERNATE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In accordance with one alternate preferred embodiment oF the
present invention, and with particular attention being directed to Figure 1 of
the drawings, the collapsible shelter means generally designated 10 includes a
pair of collapsible frame means generally designed 11 and 12 disposed at
opposed ends of the structure, and with the frame means supporting a plurality
of panels extending between the Frame means, such as the panels 13 and 14. As
is apparent in the drawings, collapsible frame means 11 and 12, each in the formof a lazy-tong structure with interconnected link elements, form the actual
structural arrangement for the end frames, with the collapsible frame means 11
and 12 being mirro images, one to the other5
\I\lhile the view of Figure 1 illustrates the structure in erect form,
Figures 2 and 3 show the structure in collapsed and semi-erected form respecti-
vely. As is apparent in Figure 2, the collapsible shelter means 10 is shown in
collapsed form proper for storage, and with the rigid end panels 16 and 17
being employed to provide some degree of protection for the flexible panels,
such as panels 13 and 14 during storage. Also panels 16 and 17, being rigid
and durable, provide a means of protecting the structure from damage due to `~
kicking, striking with hard objects, or other typical hazards for this type of
structure.
As can be appreciated, the structure of the present invention may
provide a portable collapsible shelter of any desired length. The practical
limitation on shelter length would typically be the weight of the overall structure,
and also limitations due to wind loading and the like which could become substan-
tial when highly elongated structures are utilized. As a practical matter,
therefore, when elongated structures are desired, a number of individual
shelter units may be placed end-to-end until the desired length is achieved.
As illustrated in Figure 16 herein, end panels may be utilized as additional
protection from the elements. Typically, such end panels may be attached by
means of zippers, buttons, snaps, swivels, or other such conventional fasteners. -
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 16, the arrangement becomes water-tight
and resists collection or build-up of accumulations oF water, snow, ice or the
like.
As a typical material of construction, the collapsible Frame means
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may be fabricated from lightweight durable aluminum tubing, although fiberglass
rods may be employed, with panels 13 and 14 preferably being fabricated from a
durable material such as nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron~, or the like.
The panels 16 and 17 may typically be fabricated From fiberglass or the like,
with all such materials being, of course, readily commercially available. When
fiberglass is utilized as a material of construction for panels, such as panels
16 and 17, these panels are preferably corrugated so as to provide added
rigidity to the overall structure. Either vertical or horizontal corrugations
may be employed, with vertical corrugations being generally preferred.
Attention is now directed to Figures 4~7 inclusive, wherein the ~ ~
frame means is illustrated in essentially erected dispositionO As illustrated, ~ ~ -
the collapsible frame means includes a lazy-tong structure having first and
second interconnected strut assemblies which, in erect disposition, form ~ -
alternate inwardly and outwardly disposed structural spans. Specifically, at
Figure 4, the inwardly disposed spans are shown at 20 and 21, while the out- `
wardly disposed spans are illustrated at 22 and 23. Also, as is apparent in
Figure 4, the outwardly disposed spans have spaced apart apices such as at
25 and 26, with these spaced apart apices being bridged by a brace or strut as
at 27. As is apparent from the illustration in Figure 77 the individual struts
such as struts 27 and 287 for example, are pivotally coupled to the hub formed ;~
at apices 25 and 26 respectively, thus permitting the brace or strut to be drawn
inwardly against a bias force, more fully explained hereinafter, to facilitate
ease of take-down of the assembly. In the erect position as is illustrated in
Figure 4, however7 the individual braces or struts which span the outer spaced
apart apices lends a significant degree of stability and rigidity to the structure
when erected.
V\~ith attention now being specif7cally directed to Figures S and 6, 1
it will be seen that the linkage assemblies forming the inwardly disposed struc-
tural spans are illustrated as at 29 and 30. The linkage assemblies 29 and 30
are pivotally joined in typical lazy-tong fashion through hub or sleeve 31, and
each extend outwardly in an outwardly extending link portion 29~ and 30A
respectively to the outwardly disposed apices 25 and 26. The tip portion of 30A
is broken away so as to more fully show the details of the cradle member 35
described more fully hereinafter.
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As is apparen~ in the view oF Figure 6, a continuous lanyard element
32 extends throughout the entire extent of the collapsible frame means, and is
coupled to the outer struts such as strut 27, through pulley 33 (the specific
operation and detail oF the lanyard is more fully disclosed in Figures 9, 10 and
ll). Pulley 33, in turn, is utilized to exert an inward force on strut 27 in the
direction of arrow 34 when a pull is exerted on the lanyard device. Such a pull
applies a tripping force to the system, as previously indicated.
A cradle structure is illustrated as at 35, with cradle 35 having a
strut receiving channel formed therewithin, particularly as is illustrated in
Figure 8. The strut receiving channel is shown as at 36 with a cross-stop ~-~
shown at 36A, and with strut 27 being shown disposed therewithin. With
continuing attention being directed to Figures 5 and 6, however, it will be
seen that cradle 35 Is pivotally secured to strut 27 as at 38, thus permitting
arcuate motion of strut 27 in the direction of arrow 34. As previously indicated,
the base end of strut 27 is pivotally mounted within the hub formed at apex 26,
and specifically about pln 39.
It will further be appreciated, of course, that individual linkage
members 29 and 30 are pivotally secured together by pin 40 which, in turn, is ~
dispGsed within hub 41. Hub 41 serves an alternate purpose of a base member ~ ~ `
for the retention of the panels, such as fabric panels 13A and 14A. The draping
and support of the fabric will be more fully described hereinafter, it being ~ -
sufficient to note at this point that tie points such as at 42 having hooks therein
are utilized for this purpose.
With continued attention being directed to Figures 5 and 6, it will
be noted that cradle 35 is provided with a pin receiving slot such as at 45.
Pin receiving slot 45 permits relative motion to occur between the individual
struts and the basic lazy-tong structure during erection and collapsing thereof,
with this pin receiving zone being required since the eFfective distance or real
distance between the individual apices shifts and varies during erection and i~ -
collapsing of the structure. This slot permits relative motion to occur so as to
assist in ready disassembly of the arrangement, but while maintaining rigidity `~
while the arrangement is erected.
While the collapsible shelter of Figures l-19 is in erected disposi-
tion, the strut such as bracing strut 27 actually form a compression brace ;
~S7~79
between the individual apices. In erected disposition, and in the absence of
any unusual load, the bracing strut 27 may be spaced apart from the abutment
surface of the adjacent hub by a distance of approximately 0. 010 inch. In the
presence of an outward-going force applied to the structure, the free tip end ofbracing strut 27, as at 27A, engages and strikes the surface of the hub 25A
formed at apex 25. In the structure illustrated, loads greater than the normal
load due to ~he inherent weight of the assembly causes the tip portion 27A of
bracing strut ~7 to enyage the surface of hub 25A. It wil l be appreciated that
those situations wherein the load applied to the structure is less than the normal
load due to the inherent weight of the assembly will cause the tip portions of the
bracing strut to move away from the surface of hub 2!;A. -
~`~ Attention is now directed to Figures 8, 9, 10 and 11 wherein further
details of the individual articulating joints are shown, along with the details of
the operation of the lanyard device. Specifically, in order to provide a constant
bias force on strut 27 and its identical and corresponding strut devices, torsion
spring 50 is utilized. Torsion spring 50 is anchored on hub 25A, for example,
and is secured upon a pin or through-shaft 51 (Figure 12), pin 51 having a trans~
verse pin 52 extending therethrough and being locked withim~a groove formed in
hub member 25B. The torsional rotational force applied to pin 52 by spring 50 i -
may be controlled by preloading, with the clevis portion of spring SO being, in
turn, engaged in bore 5~ formed in hub member 25C. In order to prevent spring
50 from assuming a solid configuration and thereby binding upon the pin, it is "
normally preferred that spring 50 be maintained in tension. The retaining ring
is shown at 55 to retain pin 51 suitably in place. The lengths of wire forming
slotted cradle 35 are shown in Figure 12. For purposes of ease of handling, it
is normally deemed desirable to Place a cup or sleeve over each of the springs ~;
in order to shield them.
With continued attention being directed to Figures 9 and 10, it will `
be noted that lanyard cord 32 passes through pulley 33, as illustrated in Figure ~-
10 specifically, and a downward or inwardly directed force applied to lanyard
32 will, in turn, be imparted to strut 27. Accordingly, inward pull of the lanyard
will dis~ngage each of the individual struts which extend between the outwardly
disposed apices. Since the structure of each is identical, one to the other, it
is not felt necessary to describe this operation in detail, other than to state
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that the free ends of the lanyard 32 are anchored to the structure as at 58 and 59.
Accordingly, any force applied inwardly of lanyard 32 will tend to disengage
each of the individual strut members 27, as indicated in Figure 7. As an aiter-
nate to securing the free ends of lanyard 32 to the walls of the structure, the
lanyard 32 along with its companion lanyard at the opposed end may be tied
together, thus permitting a force to be applied to opposed lanyards by a single
pull.
As has been indicated, since each of the identifiable repeating struc-
tural units is identical, one to another, it is believed sufficient to describe the
details of the mechanism in connection with one such span only, thus avoiding
repetitious disclosure. Also, it will be appreciated that each of the frame
members at the opposed ends of the structure is identical, one to the other,
with the exception being that each such structures represent mirror images of
each other. ~ ~ `
~ttention is now directed to Figures 12-19 inclusive wherein further
details of the structure are illustrated. Figure 12, as previously indicated,
illustrates the details of the spring loaded mechanism applying a bias or
pre-tensioning of the individual struts or braces which extend between neighbor-ing spaced apart outwardly disposed apices. Figure 13, for example, illustrates
the detail of construction of a typical inwardly disposed hub~ such as hub 60.
Hub 60 includes two individual hub elements 61 and 62 spaced apart by a sleeve
member 63. A lanyard guiding pin is disposed as at 6~, with lanyard 32 being
disposed inwardly thereof, as illustrated. Torsion spring 65 is illustrated as
being mounted upon pin 66, and being retained thereon by transverse pin 67 and
clevis 68. Clevis 68, as indicated, is received in bore 69 formed within hub
component 62. A second pin 70 extends through the diameter of pin 66 in order
to maintain the assembly unitary.
The extent of preloading on spring 65 is discretionary, and will be -
controlled so as to assist in erection of the device, and resist rapid or un-
controlled collapse. The amount of the force to be applied from individual springs
such as spring 65 may be determined upon the evaluation of the weight of the
entire collapsible shelter structure.
Attention is now directed to Figures 14, 15 and 16 wherein details of
the panel tensioning arrangement are illustrated. SpeciFically7 panels such
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as the panels 13 and 14 are supported, as indicated in Figure 14 with regard
to panel 13 by a spring biased arrangement. A reinforcing strip may be applied ~;
to the ends thereof as at 75, and tension is, in turn, obtained by a siiding
spring-retaining member. A single purpose spring is provided at one end of
the structure, as illustrated at 76, with this spring being retained in place
by disc 77. Spring 76 is, in turn, coiled upon rod 78, with rod 78 being, in
turn, retained within a hub member such as hub general Iy designated 79. Hub
79 is, of course, retained at the opposed end of the structure, such as at frarne
12 in Figure l. The details of hub 79 are, of course, identical to the details of
opposed hub member generally designated 80. A support hook is provided as
at 81 for one end of panel 13, with grommet element 82 being utilized to distri~
,,~
bute the forces on panel 13. At the opposed end, therefore, a reinforcing strip
is provided as at 84, the reinforçing strip in turn retaining grommet 85. A ~;
second support hook is shown as at 86, with this support hook being provided
for motion with double-acting fabric tensioning sleeve 87. Hook 86 is, as
indicated, received within a bore formed in sleeve 87, and is permitted to slidewithin slot 88 formed within the tubular support member such as support member
'! 90. Support member 90 is one of many such support members which extend
between each of the inwardly disposed apices, as illustrated.
Figure 15 illustrates the details of the tube end construction. The `~
tube ends are provided with diametric bores as at 91 in Figure 15, with the tubetypically being that tube or link portion 29A or 30A as illustrated in Figure 5.Those individual tubular elements, specifically linkage assemblies 29 and 30
which extend across the individual tie points formed by hooks 81 and 86, for ~;
example, do not terminate at that point. Specifically, the tubing section such as
section 29A will terminate in a plastic bushing or hub as at 92, in order to ;-
avoid the exposure of an open tube.
As is more clearly indicated in Figure 16, hub 80 includes two hub
segments 94 and 95 spaced apart by sleeve member 96, and being, in turn,
mounted upon rod 98 which extends through and terminates in retaining disc 99
(Figure 14). Preferably, retaining d7sc 99 is arranged to slide within the
interior of sleeve 87, although disc 99 may, alternatively, be arranged to be
received within the confines of the tubular structure. The function oF this
arrangement has been previously disclosed. ;
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Also illustrated in Figure 16 is the end panel 100, wh7ch, as
indicated, extends downwardly from the tie point formed by hook 86. The
reinforcement strip, in the \~iew illustrated in Figwre 16, such as reinforcing
strip 84, has been modified in the form of reinforcing strip 101 so as to
receive zipper element 102. Zipper element 102 secures end panel 100 to
reinForcing strip 101, as indicated.
Attention is now directed to Figures 17-19 inclusive wherein details
of the folding arrangement for the structure are illustrated. Specifically, the
,
views illustrate, progressively, the disposition of the panels, particularly
fabric panels, as the structure is being folded from an erect position. The I
specing of the individual cross members relative to the panel engaging hooks is
such that the fabric is always maintained generally taut, and thus, tangling is
avoided. ALs~ the-~lansla~didevice is arranged to be folded so that it also
remains taut in folded disposition. The arrangement of utilizing the shelter `
arrangement inwardly of the frame members enhances the ability of the structure
to f o l d .
Attention is now re-directed to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 wherein the
details of the base panels are illustrated. Specifically, the base panels provide
a rigid walI and provide a base which renders the structure semicircular on
top of each of the base panel members. As is apparent in the view of Figures
1 and 4, the base hub elements 103 and 103A extend outwardly of rigid wall 16 `
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and 17, and are, in turn, anchored by links 104 and 105 to base pivot hubs 106
and 107 respectively. The outer apices of hubs 103 and 103A are coupled by
link element or supporting strut 108 and 109 to the base pivot hub 110 and 111
respectively. In order to accommodate closure in the form illus~rated in Figure
2, therefore, relative motion of sliding motion is provided for hubs 110 and 111so as to achieve and permit collapse of the collapsible frame é~ements. The
utilization of such a rigid wall is not essential, but is normally deemed desirable.
As has been indicated, the above structure may be fabricated from
aluminum tubing, with the sleeves, hubs, and other items being made of any
suitable durable engineering plastic material such as molded polytetrafluoro-
ethylene, nylon, acetal resin derived by polymerization of formaldehyde (Delrin~,
or the like. Also, as has been indicated, the fabric used for the shelter may beany suitable fabric such as woven nylon or the like. In order to provide
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durability anci enhance resistance to stretch, a woven Fiber may be laminated
with a Film to provide enhanced bias strength. The lanyard material may also be
any durable woven, braided or knit line fabricated from a material such as nylonor the like. The length of the lanyard device is preferably selected so that it
becomes taut when the unit is folded up, this being made possible by the foldingarrangement of the structure.
DESCRIPT!ON OF A SECOND ALTERNATE PR~FERRED EM_ODI~MENT
In accordance with a second alternate preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and with particular attention being directed to the embodiment -
illustrated in Figures 20-27 of the drawings, the collapsible shelter means
generally designated 120 includes the same basic pair of collapsible frame means, ~ ~ -
such as has been designated 11 and 12 in the embodiment of Figures 1-19 inclusive, ~
with the linkage means forming the lazy-tong structure being, in this case, ;
modified. The repeating segments include solid link elements 121 and 122, links
121 and 122 being coupled together at a pivot point 124. In order to complete the
enclosed truss arrangement, outer link elements 126 and 127 are provided, each
of which are pivotally coupled at their adjacent ends in bored sleeve arrangements
as at 128-128. Pivoting is accomplished through and about pivot pin 129. A
support element or post is shown at 130, for slidable retention of the coupling - -
arrangement generally designed 131, all of which will be more fully disclosed in ~ ;
detail hereinafter. A second pivotal support post 132 is provided, where
indicated, to complete the repeating segment. One such element 132 is illustrated
at the left, with a second corresponding element 132A being shown at the right
of Figure 20. Support posts 132-132A are pivotally mounted in the pivot block
assembly generally designated 134, and are held in position by a latching `
ball-and-socket combination shown generally at 135 in Figure 21. Member 131
provides a strut brace means which is functionally equivalent to that of the
embodiment of Figures 1-19, but which is in modified form. Accordingly, the
coupling arrangement 131 provides a strut brace pivotal joint for links 126 and
127. `
Detailed attention is now directed to Figures 21 and 24 for a descrip-
tion of the features and details of assemblies 134 and 135. Specifically, assembly
134 utilizes a central stud element 137 as a support pin, with pivoting sleeve
elements 138 and 139 being provided for support of rods 121 and 122A, it being
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noted that rods 121 and 122A are disposed in a straight angular relationship,
one to another. Rod 121A corresponds functionally to rod 121 of Figure 20,
while rod 122A corresponds functionally to rod 122 of Figure 20. The ball-and-
socket arrangement 135 includes ball element 140 which is coupled directly to
support post 132, with ball receiving socket 141 being provided, ball receiving
socket 141 being, in turn, an angular extension of sleeve portion 1499 as will
be more Fully explained hereinafter. Stud element 142 together with nut 143
provide for pivotal retention of rod receiving sleeves 144, 146, and 146 as
illustrated, with washers being provided as at 147 and 148 to control and reducethe friction in erecting and collapsing the structure. F;~od receiving sleeve
element 144 is coupled to one end of rod 122, with rod receiving sleeve element
145 being, in turn, coupled to one end of rod 121A. Sleeve 146 is coupled to oneend of link 126A, with the sleeve portion 149 being the socket retaining element,
and being in turn coupled to link 127. -;
Attention is now directed to Figures 20 and 22 of the drawings for
a detailed description of the pivot and latch assembly shown generally at 131.
Pivot and latch assembly includes a nylon sliding sleeve or block 151 which is
coupled to a block element 152 having a blind bore 153 formed therein for
receiving the end of post 130 therewithin. A pivot-latch assembly is shown
generally a$ 154, with the pivot-latch assembly including a latching dog element155 which is pivotally secured about pivot 156 to block 152. A compression
spring 157 is provided in bore 158 for normally ur ging latching dog 155 into the ~ ;
position illustrated in Figure 22. Thumb pressure on latch 155 at point 159
opens the latch and permits the nylon block 151 to slide downwardly upon post
130, such as is illustrated in phantom in Figure 24. Also as is illustrated in
Figure 227 the base element or block 160 provides a receiving bore 161 for roof
boom or panel support 162 which extends between opposed frame members and is
utilized to support the fabric of the enclosure with each boom 162 normally being ; ~ -
bowed outwardly for added rigidity and water disposal. Set screw 163 is
utilized to retain boom 162 in place within the bore 161. Bore 165 is used for
receiving post 130, as is indicated. Block 160 is provided with a threaded bore `~ `
as at 166 for receiving stud 167 therew7thin. V\~ith reference to Figure 20, it
will be observed that the pivotal joining of rods 121 and 122 occurs within
sleeves 168 and 169, with these sleeves being pivotally secured to the shank
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~S7479
portion of stud 167. ;
For erecting the collapsed structure, reference is made initially to
Figure 7 wherein the collapsed repeating segments are shown in detail. Speci- ;
fically, the individual links are expanded until the disposition is achieved as `;
~, , .
shown in Figure 24, wtth post 132 being shown in the stowed position as at
132A, and in the intermediate disposition at 132B, it being understood that post ~ ~ .. ..
132 is the common element to each of these dispositions, the only difference ~ ;
being that of physical disposition. The sliding element of block 151 is moved `
outwardly from the collapsed disposition to an intermediate disposition as shown ~ -
in phantom in Figure 24, and ultimately continued to move in a direction opposite
to the arrows shown mediately at Figure 24 until the fully expanded disposition of
the solid lines of Figure 24 is achieved. The latching element 155 is then engaged
about the edge of sleeve or block 151 as illustrated in Figure 22, and the
ball-and-socket joint 135 is secured into place in the form illustrated in Figure ~ ~ ~
20 and 21. To disassemble the system, sequential disengaging of ths block 151 ; ;;
from the latching arrangement is followed until the system is fully collapsed.
Ordinarily, the first operation for each of the individual segments is the unlatch~
ing of the ball-and-socket joint 135.
In the embodiment of Figures 20-27, it is not necessary to utilize ;-
a lanyard or other type of de-coupling arrangement, since each of the individual
linkage assemblies are assembled sequentially. Following the collapsing opera-
tion which is a continuation of that configuration illustrated in Figure 26, and ;
Following arcuate motion indicated by arrows 171 and 172, the fully collapsed
arrangement is ultimately achieved as is illustrated in Figure 27. . ~ :
Figure 26 illustrates the repeating units in partially collapsed config- -
uration, with arrows 171, 172 and 173 illustrating the direction of motion of the
individual components dur7ng the collapsing operation. As will be appreciated,
the linkage assembly includes a solid rod such as rod 121, which mates with rod
122A at pivot point 134. In the adjoining or adjacent linkage assembly, rod 122A ~ :
will be continuous, and will extend, at its end, to a point corresponding to rod
1228 as shown in Figure 20.
The embodiment illustrated in Figures 20-27 is readily adapted for
construction utilizing fiberglass rods and molded synthetic resin rod receiving
elements. Conventional nylon or acetal res7n derived by polymerization of
formaldehyde (Delrin) may be utilized for these components.
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