Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02348045 2001-05-15
United States Patent Application For:
PORTABLE SHELTER
S
FIELD Or THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable shelters; more
specifically to a strong portable shelter which is easily
transported and which may be easily assembled by one person.
1C
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Conventional portable shelters may include a frame formed
from a set of legs which connect to each other and to a center
portion via arms. The frame supports a flexible sheet or top.
15 The frame collapses to render the shelter pc>rtable. The arms in
such frames may have a scissor structure, formed from one or
more X shaped structures, each X shaped structure formed from
two hinged bars. Several such X shaped structures may be
hingedly linked to form an extendible and collapsible arm. Each
20 scissor structure typically is pivotably connected to collars or
mounts mounted on a leg, where one of the collars or mounts
slides along the leg to allow the scissor structure to extend.
Since such structures typically link each leg to its
adjacent legs, such structures may require two people for set-
CA 02348045 2001-05-15
up, as legs must be extended by being leveraged against each
other, and the arms supporting the legs may not be extended one
at a time. Furthermore, the links between adjacent legs add
bulk when such shelters are folded and also add weight.
The collars on such structures which must be slid along a
length of tubing during user set-up may make set-up difficult,
as while the legs are being extended a user must ensure that the
collars smoothly slide over the legs. Mounting the arms of such
structures on multiple sliding collars reduces the overall
strength and stability of the shelter. Strength and stability
are also reduced in such structures, as the arms may include
multiple joints, and the shape of the arms when extended is
effectively a zigzag.
The arms of such structures typically include beams
existing in only one plane. For example, a series of X
structures hingedly connected typically moves and extends in
only two axes. The arms of such structures thus typically have
most of their strength in those two axes, and lack strength in
other directions.
Alternately, a portable shelter may use frames similar to
conventional umbrellas, with ribs supported by and pivoting away
from a central post, raised by supports sliding along the
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central post. Such a shelter lacks stability, as only one post,
rather than multiple legs, supports the shelter.
It would be desirable to have a portable shelter which may
be easily and smoothly assembled by one person. It would be
desirable to have such a shelter with increased strength and
reduced weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The portable shelter according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention includes a set of arms extending radially
from a central hub and has legs extending downward from the
arms. No peripheral assembly links adjacent legs. The legs may
unfold outward for set-up and fold inward for storage. Each arm
includes four sections, each section joined at one end to either
the central hub or a leg, and joined at another end to a hinge
arrangement at the center of the arm. Two arm sections of each
arm include beams which, when the arm is extended, extend in a
substantially straight line or link from the hub to a leg. The
other two sections of each arm each include two horizontally
separated beams to provide lateral stability. Since the arms
use beams lying in more than one plane, strength is increased.
Since the legs are not linked to each other, the arms with
attached legs may be extended from the hub individually and thus
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only one person is required for set-up.
Since the shelter includes no peripheral or perimeter
assembly linking the legs, no eaves are needed to cover such a
structure, providing for a more attractive roof profile. The
shelter also has extra strength since the arms are connected to
fixed pivots on the legs, rather than on movable collars sliding
on the legs. The structure gains increased strength and
stability as when each arm is extended, one portion of the arm
is a substantially straight portion with only one joint, rather
than a zigzag having multiple joints. The improved strength of
the design may allow for less material to be used, allowing for
a lighter shelter.
Ease of set-up may be furthered by a mechanism slightly
spreading the arms when the collapsed shelter is first unpacked,
allowing the shelter to stand upright.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance
with the present invention with the shelter fully assembled.
Fig. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a portable shelter in
accordance with the present invention, with the cover removed,
the arms extended and the legs retracted.
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Fig. 3a depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the arm
extended and the leg is retracted.
Fig. 3b depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the arm
partially extended and the leg retracted.
Fig. 4 depicts a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a
portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5a is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an
embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present
invention.
Fig. 5b is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an
embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present
invention, where the latch is open.
Fig. 5c depicts a latch of the hinge arrangement of an
embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present
invention.
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Fig. 5d is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of a shelter
according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the
latch is open.
Fig. 6a depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter
in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 6b depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter
in accordance with the present invention, when the upper hinge
assembly is pressed downward.
Fig. 7a depicts a leg of an embodiment of a portable shelter in
accordance with the present invention, with the leg extended.
Fig. 7b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment. of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8a depicts a leg of a an embodiment of a portable shelter
in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 8b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention.
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Fig. 8c is a cutaway view of a portion of a leg of an embodiment
of a portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, various aspects 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 present
invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in
the art 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 present
invention.
Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a portable shelter in
accordance with the present invention with the shelter fully
assembled. The shelter 1 includes, for example, four radially
configured arms 10, 12, 14 and 16 extending diagonally from a
central hub 500. Preferably each leg is connected to only one
arm, and is not connected to any peripheral assembly; thus each
arm is extendable independently of each other arm. In alternate
embodiments other numbers of arms may be used. The arms 10-16
are supported by a set of telescoping legs 20, 22, 24 and 26.
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The arms 10-16 are extendible to assemble the shelter 1 and are
retractable to compress and collapse the shelter 1 for storage.
Each arm 10-16 includes, for example, an inner end pivotably
connected to the hub 500 and an outer end pivotably connected to
a leg. Preferably the arms 10-I6 are connected to fixed pivots
on the legs 20-26 and central hub 500, with preferably no leg
being mounted on a movable collar. Such a structure provides
improved strength and stability.
In a preferred embodiment, each arm 10-16 includes a set of
arm sections connected by a hinge arrangement allowing the arm
to fold preferably into two portions. Each hinge arrangement is
preferably located near the center of the arm section as defined
when the arm section is fully extended. The arm 10 includes arm
sections 100, 110, 120 and 130, connected by the hinge
arrangement 140. The arm 12 includes arm sections 200, 210, 220
and 230, connected by the hinge arrangement 240. The arm 14
includes arm sections 300, 310, 320 and 330, connected by the
hinge arrangement 340. The arm 16 includes arm sections 400,
410, 420 and 430, connected by the hinge arrangement 440.
When the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 are fully extended,
as depicted in Fig. 1, the arms 10-16 tilt downward from the hub
500 at an angle, and legs 20-26 tilt outward as they extend down
from the arms. Preferably, the legs 20-26 meet the ground or
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supporting surface at an angle that is smaller than 90 degrees
(e.g. 84 degrees). The tilt of the legs 20-26 provides a unique
appearance and provides additional stability. In alternate
embodiments, the arms 10-16 or the legs 20-26 may have other
angles, or may not be angled. Preferably, the hub 500 is in the
center of the structure 1 when viewed from above and the arms
10-16 are of equal size. However, in alternate embodiments, the
hub need not be in the center, and arms of unequal size may be
used. Furthermore, the shelter may have alternate shapes; for
example, the arms may be arranged to form a rectangular or
triangular roof.
In a preferred embodiment, the hub 500 and the legs 20-26
support a flexible cover 4, preferably constructed from =
polyester or polyurethane fabric and having a W protective
coating. Alternate materials may be used for the cover 4. The
cover 4 is integrally pitched; as the shelter 1 is set up the
hub 500 forces the middle section of the cover 4 upwards and
tensions the cover 4, providing a pitch. The user does not need
to take any additional steps to tension or pitch the cover 4,
such as adjusting the hub 500. The cover 4 forms a pitched roof
and is slanted to allow water to drain from the roof. While in
one embodiment the cover 4 is permanently fixed to the shelter
1, the cover 4 may alternately be removable. In one embodiment,
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the bias of the cover 4 runs along the diagonal (e. g., the line
between the hub 500 and the legs 20-26). Applying force to the
fabric along the bias rather than on the grain provides the roof
with an attractive shape and effective water shedding surfaces.
When fully compressed and folded, the arms 10-16 and the
legs 20-26 nest next to one another to form a compact structure.
The cover 4 then folds on top of, in between, or around the arms
10-16 and the legs 20-26. The folded shelter l may be placed in
a bag or tied to keep the components neatly collapsed.
The shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention does not require a frame extending from leg to
leg; this removes the need to extend the roof line below such a
frame, allowing for a more attractive roof line. For example,
the roof line of each side in the shelter 1 depicted in Fig. 1
rises upward near the center of each side, rather than being
flat or extending downward to cover a perimeter structure.
Fig. 2 is a view of an embodiment of a portable shelter in
accordance with the present invention, with the cover removed,
the arms extended and the legs retracted. 'The shelter 1 is
supported by the set of telescoping legs 20-26 connected to the
hub 500 by the set of radially configured arms 10-16. Each leg
20-26 includes three telescoping sections. The leg 20 includes,
for example, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162,
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and a lower leg section 164. The leg 22 includes an upper leg
section 260, a middle leg section 262, and a lower leg section
264. The leg 24 includes an upper leg section 360, a middle leg
section 362, and a lower leg section 364. The leg 26 includes
S an upper leg section 460, a middle leg section 462, and a lower
leg section 464. In Fig. 2 the legs 20-26 are shown retracted.
In alternate embodiments, the legs may be of different
structures. For example, the legs may include different numbers
of telescoping sections, may fold rather than telescope, or need
not telescope or extend.
The arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 1.10, 120 and 130,
connected by the hinge arrangement 140. The arm 12 includes arm
sections 200, 210, 220 and 230, connected by the hinge
arrangement 240. The arm 14 includes arm sections 300, 310, 320
and 330, connected by the hinge arrangement 340. The arm 16
includes arm sections 400, 410, 420 and 430,. connected by the
hinge arrangement 440.
In a preferred embodiment, certain arm sections, preferably
the lower arm sections, include one beam each, and certain arm
sections, preferably the upper arm sections, include two
substantially horizontally spaced beams. The two beams of each
upper arm section are in a plane which extends substantially
laterally outward from the axis of the upper arm section;
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preferably each beam lies to the side of the axis. Each of the
lower arm sections includes one bar which is outside of the
plane defined by the bars of the corresponding upper arm
section. With such an arrangement the bars of the upper arm
sections provide lateral support. The three bars of each arm
section form a triangle when viewed along the axis of the arm
section.
The arm sections 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330, 420 and 430
include one beam each. The arm sections 120, 130, 220, 230,
320, 330, 420 and 430 include beams 126, 136, 226, 236, 326,
336, 426, and 436, respectively. The arm section 100 includes
beams 102 and 104, the arm section 110 includes beams 112 and
114, the arm section 200 includes beams 202 and 204, the arm
section 210 comprises beams 212 and 214, the arm section 300
1S includes beams 302 and 304, the arm section 310 includes beams
312 and 314, the arm section 400 includes beams 402 and 404 and
the arm section 410 includes beams 412 and 414.
Preferably the bars of the lower arm sections are thicker
and stronger than those of the upper arm sections. Therefore,
the lower arm sections provide primary load bearing support.
The lower arm sections include two members lying substantially
in a straight line; this provides more strength than a design
having arm members not lying in such a straight line or
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comprised of more than two members, such as scissor type legs.
The bars of the upper arm sections, while contributing to load
bearing support, provide lateral stability and also provide
stability in the attachment of the arms 10-16 to the hub 500 and
the legs 20-26.
In a preferred embodiment, certain arm section bars are
hollow or tubular and certain arm section bars are elongated
bent sheets. The bars of the lower arm sections are tubes
having a circular cross section and the bars of the upper arm
section are elongated sheets bent at a right angle. In
alternate embodiments the arm members may have different shapes;
for example, the upper bars may be tubes or may be bent at
another angle. The arm arrangement of the shelter 1 according
to an embodiment of the present invention avoids the use of
multiple sliding collars to mount the arms, providing for more
structural strength and also providing for .a smoother set-up.
The additional strength of the arm sections removes the
requirement for a supporting outer frame joining the legs 20-26.
Thus the shelter according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention may be lighter.
In alternate embodiments, the orientation of the arms may
be different; for example, the arms may fold and unfold
horizontally rather than vertically. In further embodiments,
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different numbers or arrangements of arm sections may be used,
and different numbers or arrangements of beams may be used for
each arm section. For example, the arm sections lying in a
substantially straight line may include more than one beam, and
arm sections providing lateral support may include other numbers
of beams.
In a preferred embodiment, when an arm of one of arms 10-16
is fully extended, it is locked into place by a releasable latch
(an example of which is shown in Fig. Sa) preferably located in
or on the hinge arrangement. Each latch locks its respective
arm section into place and may be released by a handle. That
each latch is preferably located in the middle of each arm 10-16
optimizes the latching force. Each respective handle is
preferably mounted on a leg, and connects to a flexible steel
strip (Fig. 5a) which extends through the upper section of the
associated leg and through the associated bottom outer arm
section to the latch. The leg 20 includes, for example, a
handle 146, the leg 22 includes a handle 246, the leg 24
includes a handle 346, and the leg 26 includes a handle 446
(Fig. 2).
Fig. 3a depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a
portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with
the arm extended and the leg is retracted. Referring to Fig.
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3a, the arm 10 is connected to the leg 20. The ieg 20,
includes, for example, three telescoping leg sections 160, 162
and 164; in Fig. 3a the leg sections 160-164 are shown in a
collapsed state. The arm 10 includes four arm sections 100,
110, 120 and 130 connected at the center by a hinge arrangement
140. Through the hinge arrangement 140, the arm sections 120
and 130 are pivotably connected, the arm sections 110 and 100
are pivotably connected, and arm section 11U pivotably connects
to arm section 120.
The upper outer arm section 110 is connected fixedly to two
connecting members 116, and the upper inner arm section 100 is
pivotally connected to the same connecting members 116 and thus
to the upper outer arm section 110. Preferably, since each
upper arm section 110 and 100 comprises two beams, and since
when the various arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connect, the
double upper arm sections 100 and 110 are located to the outside
of the single beam lower arm sections 120 and 130, the
connecting members 116 comprise two units. Alternately, the
lower arm sections 120 and 130 need not nest: inside the upper
arm sections and the connecting members 116 may comprise one
unit.
The bottom inner arm section 120 is connected fixedly to a
connecting member 122, and the bottom outer arm section 130 is
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connected fixedly to a connecting member 132. The connecting
members 116 are hingedly connected to connecting member 122, and
thus the outer upper arm section 110 is hingedly connected to
the inner lower arm section 120. The connecting member 122 and
S the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected at their inner
upper portions at a pivot 123, and thus the two bottom arm
sections 120 and 130 are pivotally connected. In alternate
embodiments, other systems for connecting arm sections may be
used. For example, the connecting members may be hinged in a
different manner, or connecting members need not be used and arm
sections may be connected directly.
The connecting member 122 and the connecting member 132 are
hingedly connected at their upper portions; this, in combination
with the size and shape of the members 122 and 132 and the
location of the hinge, prevents the two bottom arm sections 120
and 130 from moving past a 180 degree angle when extended. In
alternate embodiments, the connecting members 122 and 132 or
other aspects of the arm 10 may be arranged to alter the angle
at which the arm sections 100-130 lie when extended. When the
arm 10 is fully extended and the arm sections 120 and 130 meet
at a 180 degree angle, a releasable latch (not shown) operated
by the handle 146 prevents the arm sections 120 and 130 from
articulating.
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Each arm of arms 10-16 pivotally connects to both the
central hub 500 and one of the legs 20-26. For example, the arm
sections 110 and 130 include hinge connectors 118 and 138,
respectively, for connecting with the leg 20. The upper leg
section 160 of leg 20 includes two hinge connectors 166 and 168,
each fixedly connected to the upper leg section 160. The hinge
connectors 118 and 138 are pivotally connected to the hinge
connectors 166 and 168 by pins. Thus the outer arm sections 110
and 130 pivotally connect to the upper leg section 160. The arm
sections 100 and 120 include hinge connectors 104 and 124,
respectively. The hub 500 (partially shown in Fig. 3a) includes
hinge connectors including hinge connectors 510 and 520, each
connected to the hub 500. The hub 500 includes other hinge
connectors connecting to the other legs 22-26. The hinge
connectors 104 and 124 are pivotally connected to the hinge
connectors 520 and 510, respectively, by pins. Thus the inner
arm sections 100 and 120 pivotally connect to the hub 500. Arms
12, 14 and 16 include arrangements of beams, joints and
connecting members similar to that of arm 10, and connect to the
hub 500 and their respective legs 22-26 in similar manners.
That each leg of a shelter of an embodiment of the present
invention may be pulled out and extended independently allows
for one person set-up. This may be contrasted with designs
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having a perimeter attaching each leg, which may require that
all legs, or pairs of legs, be extended simultaneously.
Fig. 3b depicts an arm and a leg of an embodiment of a
portable shelter in accordance with the present invention, with
S the arm partially extended and the leg retracted. Referring to
Fig. 3b, the leg 20 includes leg sections 160, 162 and 164. The
arm 10 includes arm sections 100, 110, 120 and 130 connected by
the hinge arrangement 140. The arm sections 120 and 130 are
pivotably connected, the arm sections 110 and 100 are pivotably
connected, and arm section 110 pivotably connects to arm section
120. The arm section 110 is fixed to the connecting members
116, and the upper inner arm section 100 is pivotally connected
to the same connecting members 116. The arm section 120 is
fixed to the connecting member 122, and the arm section 130 is
fixed to the connecting member 132. The connecting members 116
are hingedly connected to connecting member 122. The connecting
member 122 and the connecting member 132 are hingedly connected
at the pivot 123.
Fig. 4 depicts a hinge arrangement of an embodiment of a
portable shelter in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 4, the hinge arrangement 140 includes the
connecting members 116, connected to the arm section 110, the
connecting member 122, connected to the arm section 120, and
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connecting member 132, connected to the arm section 130. The
arm section 100 is pivotably connected to connecting members
116. The connecting member 132 and the connecting member 122
are pivotably connected by the pivot 123. The two beams
comprising arm section 100 may be connected by a brace 101. The
two beams comprising arm section 110 may be connected by a brace
111.
Preferably the two beams of each of the upper arm sections
100 and 110 are located to the outside of the single beam lower
arm sections 120 and 130, and there is a connecting member 116
attached to each of the two beams of the upper arm section 110.
Thus, preferably two connecting members 116 are used for each
arm. Alternately, the lower arm sections 120 and 130 need not
nest inside the upper arm sections 100 and 110, and/or the
connecting members 116 may comprise one unit.
Fig. 5a is a cutaway view of a hinge arrangement of an
embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present
invention. Figs. 5b and 5d are cutaway views of a hinge
arrangement of an embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance
with the present invention, where the latch is open. Referring
to Figs. 3a, 5a, 5b and 5d, the arm 10 includes a latch 150
located in the hinge arrangement 140 and pivotably attached to
the connecting member 132 by a latch pivot 152. The latch 150
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hooks to a pin 156, which is mounted to the connecting member
122, to lock the connecting member 122 to the connecting member
132 and thus to lock the arm section 120 to the arm section 130.
The arm pivot 123 aids in locking the arm sections 120 and 130.
S A preferably flat metal spring 154 biases the latch 150 downward
to close over the pin 156. The latch 150 is shaped so that when
the arm sections 120 and 130 move from an angled position to an
extended position the latch 150 slides over the pin 156, and,
biased by the spring 154, closes on the pin 156. A slanted or
cutaway portion 158 of the latch 150 aids this sliding. In
alternate embodiments, the latch may be of a different
structure. For example, a coil spring may be used.
To open the latch 150 the user presses on the handle 146
(Fig. 3a), mounted on the leg 20. The handle 146 is connected
1S to a flexible steel strip 148 (Figs. Sa and 5b) which extends
through a portion of the upper section 160 of the leg 20 and
through the bottom outer arm section 130 to the latch 150. In
an alternate embodiment, the strip 148 may be completely or
partially replaced by a wire, rope, belt or length of webbing,
for example, a rubber belt or polypropylene webbing. The strip
may be of another material, such as aluminum. When a user
operates the handle 146, the strip 148 is pulled outward along
the arm 10 to lift the latch 150 against the pressure of the
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spring 154. When the latch 150 no longer fats over the pin 156,
the arm 10 may bend and may be folded. The arms 12-16 include
substantially similar or identical arm latch and handle
mechanisms. In alternate embodiments, other latching systems
may be used. For example, a latch may be operated by a handle
located near the center of a leg, or by inserting and removing a
pin.
Fig. 5c depicts a latch of the hinge arrangement of an
embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present
invention. The latch 150 is a preferably metal piece which
pivots to fit over the pin 156 (Fig. 5a). The latch 150
includes the slanted or cutaway portion 158, which aids sliding
over the pin 156.
Preferably, when the shelter 1 is collapsed for storage, it
is placed in a bag or possibly wrapped or tied to ensure all
components stay together and remain collapsed.
In one embodiment of the present invention, after the
shelter 1 is taken from a bag or untied, the arms 10-16
automatically spread slightly to provide stability. With the
arms 10-16 slightly spread, the shelter 1 is better able to
stand upright and the user may easily assemble the shelter 1.
In such an embodiment, the upper inner arm section of each arm
connects to a set of pivots which are mounted on a moveable
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collar (Figs. 6a and 6b) mounted on the hub 500; this moveable
collar is biased upward by a biasing member such as a spring
mechanism. The spring mechanism applies pressure forcing apart
the two pivot points for each arm 10-16 at the arm's connection
to the hub 500. As a result of the configuration of the arms
10-16 and of the hinge arrangements 140, 240, 340 and 440, the
movement of the pivot points causes the arms 10-16 to extend
slightly. The near ends of the arms 10-16, attached to the hub
500, allow the arms 10-16 to pivot at the hub 500, and the far
ends of the arms 10-16, connecting to the legs 20-26, are pushed
away from the hub 500.
After the arms 10-16 have spread apart a certain distance,
the bias is no longer applied, although the arms 10-16 may be
manually extended further. In such an embodiment the spring
mechanism causes the legs 20-26 to move outward from the
compact, collapsed configuration (which may have a cross
sectional area of, e.g., ten inches by ten inches) to an
intermediate configuration (e.g., two feet by two feet). The
user may then conveniently extend the arms 10-16 further. While
in such an embodiment, a collar slides a short length along the
hub, this sliding occurs with only one collar, occurs only along
a short length of the hub, is spring aided and occurs as the
compressed shelter is unwrapped, and before the user extends the
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legs.
Fig. 6a depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 6b
depicts the hub of an embodiment of a portable shelter in
accordance with the present invention, when the upper hinge
assembly is pressed downward. Referring to Figs. 6a and 6b, the
hub 500 includes a hub body 502, a set of lower arm section
hinge connectors 510, 512 and 516 (only three of the four hinge
connectors can be seen), and an upper hinge assembly 504 having
a set of upper arm section hinge connectors 520, 522, 524 and
526. Preferably the upper hinge assembly 504 is fixed to the
hub 500 and the lower arm section hinge connectors 510-516 form
a fixed pivot assembly.
In an embodiment where the arms automatically extend
slightly, the upper hinge assembly 504 is a pivot assembly which
is moveable on the hub body 502, is biased upwards by a set of
springs 530, 532, 534 (depicted in Fig. 6b only) and 536 and is
held on the hub body 502 by a hub cap 538. The springs 530-536
may each include one or more leaf springs. The upper hinge
assembly 504 may travel up and down on the hub body 502
preferably approximately one quarter inch. This relatively
small range of movement provides greater structural stability
than shelters with collars having a greater range of movement.
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In an embodiment where the arms do not automatically extend,
springs 530-536 may be omitted and the hinge assembly 504 may be
fixed to the hub 500.
To fully collapse the shelter 1, a user releases the leg
latches for the legs 20-26 and moves the legs 20-26 close to the
hub 500, thus fully folding the arms 10-16. In such a
configuration the shelter 1 may be placed in a bag or tied.
In one embodiment, when the tie or bag is removed, the
pressure from the bag or tie is released, and the springs 530-
536 force the upper hinge assembly 504 upwards against the hub
cap 538. This forces the upper arm section hinge connectors
510-516 and lower arm section hinge connectors 530-536 apart,
thus forcing the arms 10-16 and the legs 20-26 to spread
slightly. In such an embodiment, the legs 20-26 occupy an
approximately ten inch by ten inch square when the shelter 1 is
fully collapsed, and spread to an approximately two feet by two
feet square when freed from a bag or ties. In the latter
configuration the shelter 1 may stand on its own and a user may
fully extend the arms 10-16. As the arms 10-16 are extended
outward, beyond the distance which the springs 530-536 extend
the arms 10-16, the upper hinge assembly 504 remains against the
hub cap 538, and only moves downward from the hub cap 538 if the
legs 20-26 are forced closer than a certain distance from the
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hub 500.
In such an embodiment, the lower arm section hinge
connectors may be forced downward by a spring. The springs 530-
536 may be consolidated into a smaller number of springs, or may
be of a different structure. For example, a single coiled
spring arranged on the inside or the outside of the hub 500 may
be used.
In alternate embodiments, other methods may be used to
connect arms to the hub 500 or to the legs 20-26; for example, a
ball and socket joint or a flexible pivot.
Fig. 7a depicts a leg of an embodiment of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention, with the leg
extended. Referring to Fig. 7a, the leg 20 includes three leg
sections, an upper leg section 160, a middle leg section 162,
and a lower leg section 164. The three leg sections 160-164
telescope, with the lower leg section 164 nesting inside the
middle leg section 162, and the middle leg section 162 nesting
within the upper leg section 160. Preferably each leg section
160-164 is a tube with a square cross section which prevents the
leg sections 160-164 from twisting; in alternate embodiments,
other stabilizing arrangements may be used. For example, a slot
arrangement may be used, or the legs may be of another shape
such as oval.
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CA 02348045 2001-05-15
when the leg 20 is fully collapsed or compressed inward, or
is fully extended, the leg sections 160-164 are held in place by
two leg latches 170 and 180. Each leg latch 170 and 180 has a
pin 172 and 182, respectively, which fits through holes in the
nested leg sections 160-164 to keep the leg sections 160-164 in
position when the leg sections 160-164 are nested or fully
extended. Leg section 160 includes a hole 190, leg section 162
includes holes 192, 193 and 194, and leg section 164 includes
holes 195 and 196. The leg latch 170 includes a pin 172 which
fits through the holes 190 and 192 when the middle leg section
162 is substantially extended out of the upper leg section 160,
keeping the middle leg section 162 fixed in an extended
position. The pin 172 fits through the holes 190 and 193 when
the middle leg section 162 is substantially fully within the
upper leg section 160, keeping the middle leg section 162 fixed
within the upper leg section 160. The leg latch 180 includes a
pin 182 which fits through the holes 194 and 195 when the lower
leg section 164 is substantially extended out of the middle leg
section 162, keeping the lower leg section 164 fixed in an
extended position. The pin 182 fits through the holes 194 and
196 when the lower leg section 164 is substantially fully within
the middle leg section 162, keeping the lower leg section 164
fixed within the middle leg section 162.
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CA 02348045 2001-05-15
Fig. 7b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to
Fig. 7b, the leg latch 170 includes a pin 172, a flat spring 174
for biasing the pin 172 into the leg 20, a frame 176, and a
button 178. The user presses the button 178 to move the pin 172
out of the leg holes 190, 192 and/or 193. Pressing the button
178 moves the frame 176 against the force of the spring 174,
moving the pin 172 outward from the leg and out of the leg holes
190, 192 and/or 193. The leg latch 170 may be manufactured from
metal. Alternately, the leg latch 170 may be plastic, or
certain parts may be plastic and other parts, such as the spring
174 and the pin 172, may be metal. The legs 22-26 include a
similar arrangement of leg sections and leg latches, and
telescope in a similar manner.
Other leg latching mechanisms may be used; for example, a
leg latching mechanism which is internal to each leg. Fig. 8a
depicts a leg of a an embodiment of a portable shelter in
accordance with the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8a,
the leg 20 includes three leg sections, an upper leg section
160, a middle leg section 162, and a lower :Leg section 164. The
three leg sections 160-164 telescope, with r_he lower leg section
164 nesting inside the middle leg section 162, and the middle
leg section 162 nesting within the upper leg section 160.
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CA 02348045 2001-05-15
Preferably each leg section 160-164 is a tube with a square
cross section
When the leg 20 is fully collapsed or compressed inward, or
is fully extended, the leg sections 160-164 are held in place by
two leg latches 470 and 480. Each leg latch 470 and 480 has a
pin 472 and 482, respectively, which fits through holes in the
nested leg sections 160-164 to keep the leg sections 160-164 in
position when the leg sections 160-164 are nested or fully
extended. The pins 472 and 482 fit through holes in the leg
sections 160-164 in a manner similar to the pins 172 and 182
(Fig. 7a). However, the latches 470 and 480 are internal to the
leg sections 160-164, rather than external, as with latches 170
and 180 (Fig. 7a).
Fig. 8b depicts a leg latch of an embodiment of a portable
shelter in accordance with the present invention. Referring to
Fig. 8b, the leg latch 470 includes a pin 4'72 and a spring
section 474, biasing the pin 472 into holes in the leg 20.
Pressing the pin 472 moves the pin 472 out of holes in the leg
20, allowing the leg sections 160 and 162 to move. The leg
latch 470 may be manufactured from metal, and may include
plastic parts.
Fig. 8c is a cutaway view of a portion of a leg of an
embodiment of a portable shelter in accordance with the present
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CA 02348045 2001-05-15
invention. Referring to Fig. 8c, the leg latch 470 holds leg
portion 160 and leg portion 162 fixed with respect to each other
by projecting pin 472 through corresponding holes in leg
portions 160 and 162. To release leg portions 160 and 162, a
user presses on the pin 472, causing it to travel inward towards
the center of the leg 20 and no longer project through the
corresponding holes in the leg portions 160 and 162.
The structural components of the shelter 1 may be
manufactured from strong, lightweight material such as aluminum.
Other materials may be used, such as powder coated steel, or
plastic such as acetyl or polyacytal.
To assemble the folded shelter 1, the user unpacks the
shelter 1 from a holding bag or unties ties holding the shelter
1. The arms 10-16 may automatically spread slightly, and the
user fully extends each arm 10-16, one at a time. Preferably,
the horizontal level of each leg 20-26 is substantially the same
when the leg is close to the hub 500 (when the shelter 1 is
completely folded or when the arms 10-16 are slightly extended
by the springs 530-536 in the hub 500) as when the leg is far
from the hub 500. As each leg 20-26 is travelling from the hub
500 to its extended position its horizontal level may change.
The legs 20-26 remain at substantially the same horizontal level
in this manner; this allows for a stable configuration during
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CA 02348045 2001-05-15
set-up. If less than alI of the legs 20-26 are extended, the
shelter 1 stands unaided, and will not fall over.
As each arm 10-16 extends, the associated center hinge
arrangement 140, 240, 340 or 440 rises from being level with the
bottom of the associated leg 20-26 (when the leg is folded
inward) to a position near or above the top of the leg 20-26.
When an arm of arms 10-16 is fully extended, a respective latch
acts to keep the arm 10-16 extended until the corresponding
handle is released. At extension, each arm 10-16 is tilted
downward at an angle; the arrangement of the center hinge
arrangement of the arm and the connections with the hub 500 and
the legs 20-26 may be manufactured to alter this angle.
For each leg 20-26, the user presses in the various leg
latch buttons to release the leg segments of the leg and
telescopes the leg segments outward. When each leg section has
fully telescoped, the respective leg latch pins fit within holes
in the leg sections to hold the extended leg sections, and to
keep them from collapsing inward. In a preferred embodiment,
when the shelter 1 is fully erected, the cover 4 measures
approximately ten feet by ten feet, and the shelter 1 is
approximately seven feet high at the tops of the legs 20-26,
with its hub 500 approximately eight inches higher than the tops
of the legs 20-26. The downward angle of the arms 10-16
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CA 02348045 2001-05-15
contributes to the height of the hub~500.
While the shelter of the present-invention is described
with respect to specific embodiments, it should be noted that
the present invention may be implemented in different manners
and used with different applications.
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