Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02379067 2005-05-02
SHELTER WITH TENSIONED SIDE~JVALL ASSEMBLY
Field Of The Invention
1U The present invention relates to shelters, and more particularly to
shelters
having flexible side walls that may be removed for disassembly, transportation
andlor
storage of the shelter.
Back~-onnd Information
i5 Collapsible structures are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Patent
No. 2,865,386 to Burns ("'the '386 Patent's shows a collapsible structure with
a
flexible foraminous material extended around the frame,. The '386 Patent
further
shows a unitary sidewall flexibly fastened together by means of a strip of
binding tape
sewed together to connect sidewall strips. Similarly, U.S. Patent No.
5,617,681 to
20 Lyons shows a free-standing outdoor enclosure including a flexible skin
mounted to a
frame.
One drawback associated with these and other prior art shelters is the
flexibility of the sidewail when assembled and connected to a supporting
flame. Such
flexible sidewalls are supported by the frames, and do not themselves add
structural
25 support to the shelters. In addition, such flexible sidewalk of the prior
art cannot be
easily wound upon themselves to facilitate transportation and storage.
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Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these and
other drawbacks and disadvantages of the prior art.
Summary Of The Invention
The present invention is directed toward a shelter comprising a frame
assembly, and a roof assembly and flexible sidewall assembly releaseably
connected
thereto. The frame assembly includes a plurality of upright frame members
laterally
spaced relative to each other, and a plurality of lateral frame members
extending
laterally between and interconnecting the upright frame members. Additionally,
the
lateral frame members prevent the upright frame members from moving laterally
relative to each other.
The flexible sidewall assembly includes a first sidewall frame, a second
sidewall frame, and at least one flexible sidewall connected at one end to the
first
sidewall frame and connected at another end to the second sidewall frame and
extending therebetween. The first and second sidewall frames are each
connectable to
the upright and/or the lateral frame members. The second sidewall frame is
positioned laterally relative to the first sidewall frame on the frame
assembly with the
flexible sidewall extending therebetween.
The flexible sidewall assembly further includes at least one tensioning device
connected to the flexible sidewall for securing it to the frame assembly in a
taut
condition. The tensioning device defines a locked position fixedly securing
the
flexible sidewall to the frame assembly in a taut condition, and an unlocked
position
wherein the flexible sidewall is movable relative to the frame assembly.
One advantage of the present invention is that the flexible sidewall assembly
can be pulled taut by employing a tensioning device such that the sidewall
becomes
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rigid. Another advantage of the present invention is that the flexible
sidewall, when
in a taut condition, provides additional support to the frame assembly and
shelter.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in
view of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and
accompanying drawings.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a shelter of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the shelter of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A is an isometric view of a roof assembly of a shelter of the present
invention.
FIG. 3B is an isometric view of a frame assembly of a shelter of the present
invention.
FIG. 3C is an isometric view of a flexible sidewall assembly of a shelter of
the
present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a shelter of the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of a shelter of the
present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a shelter of the
present invention.
FIG. 7 is a somewhat schematic, front elevational view of a frame assembly of
a shelter of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a somewhat plan view of the frame assembly of FIG. 7 with parts
removed for clarity.
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FIG. 9 is a somewhat schematic, top plan view of a tensioning device of the
flexible sidewall assembly of the shelter of FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIG. 10 is a somewhat schematic, top plan view of another tensioning device
of the flexible sidewall assembly of the shelter of FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIG. 11 is a somewhat schematic, top plan view of another embodiment of a
shelter of the present invention wherein the door opens inwardly .
FIG. 12 is a somewhat schematic, top plan view of another embodiment of the
tensioning device of the flexible sidewall assembly of the shelter of FIG 11.
FIG. 13 is a somewhat schematic, top plan view of another embodiment of a
tensioning device of the flexible sidewall assembly of the shelter of FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 is a somewhat schematic, top plan view of a connection assembly of
the flexible sidewall assembly of the shelter of FIG 11.
FIG. 15 is a somewhat schematic, top plan view of another embodiment of a
shelter of
the present invention with parts removed for clarity.
FIG. 16A and 16B are isometric views of two alternative adjustable buckles
used the in tensioning device of the flexible sidewall assembly of the shelter
of the of
FIG. 15.
Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiments
As shown in FIG. 1, a shelter 10 of the present invention comprises a frame
assembly 12, a roof assembly 14, and a flexible sidewall assembly 16. The
frame
assembly 12 includes a plurality of upright frame members 18 laterally spaced
relative
to each other, and a plurality of lower lateral frame members 20 extending
laterally
between and interconnecting the upright frame members 18. The lower lateral
frame
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members 20 prevent the upright frame members 18 from moving laterally relative
to
each other.
The flexible sidewall assembly 16 includes a first sidewall frame 22, and a
second sidewall frame 24. A flexible sidewall 26 is connected at one end to
the first
sidewall frame 22, and is connected at another end to the second sidewall
frame 24.
The first sidewall frame 22 is connectable to at least one of the upright
frame
members 18 and lower lateral frame members 20. Similarly, the second sidewall
frame 24 is connectable to at least one of the upright frame members 18 and
lower
lateral frame members 20, and at a position laterally spaced relative to the
first
sidewall frame 22, with the flexible sidewall extending therebetween. When
connected to the frame assembly 12, the flexible side wall assembly 16 is
pulled taut
such that it additionally secures the relative positions of the frame members
and
prevents their disassembly. When detached from the frame assembly 12, the
flexible
side wall assembly 16 can be wrapped around at least one of the first and
second
sidewall frames 22 or 24 for transportation or storage.
As further shown in FIG. 1, the first sidewall frame 22 and second sidewall
frame 24 can form a door frame assembly 28. The door frame assembly 28
includes a
door panel 30 extending between the first sidewall frame 22 and second
sidewall
frame 24, and pivotally connected with a fastening means 32 to at least one of
the first
or second sidewall frames 22 or 24. As shown further in FIG. 2, the first
sidewall
frame 22 and the second sidewall frame 24 are each connected at one end to at
least
one lower lateral frame member 20, and each connected at another end to at
least one
upper lateral frame member 34 spaced above the lower lateral frame member 20.
The
first and second sidewall frames 22 and 24 are laterally spaced relative to
each other
to define a door opening therebetween, over which the door panel 30 can
extend.
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As further shown in FIG. 2, the frame assembly 12 further includes a plurality
of roof frame members 36 extending from one end upwardly at an angle from the
upper lateral frame members 34. The roof frame members 36 are joined at a
second
end to peak lateral frame members 38. In addition, the roof assembly 14
comprises a
roof cover 40 extending over the frame assembly 12 and connectable thereto.
The frame assembly 12 further includes plurality of fittings 42, 44 and 46,
and
each fitting interconnects adjacent frame members by receiving the ends of the
frame
members. As shown typically in FIG. 2, each fitting includes a plurality of
female
recesses for receiving therein the ends of respective frame members to
interconnect
the frame members and form the frame assembly. Additionally, the fittings can
slidably interconnect the respective frame members such that fasteners are not
required to fixedly secure the respective frame members in relation to each
other.
As shown in FIG. 2, the upright frame members 18 are receivable within
respective lower frame fittings 42 releaseably secured to lower lateral frame
members
20. Roof frame members 36 and upper lateral frame members 34 are receivable
within respective upper frame fittings 44 to thereby fixedly secure roof frame
members 36 and upper lateral frame members 34 relative to each other.
Similarly,
roof frame members 36 and peak lateral frame members 38 are receivable within
respective peak frame fittings 46 to thereby fixedly secure roof frame members
36
and peak lateral frame members 38 relative to each other.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly members and
fittings can be fabricated from rigid, durable, corrosion-resistant material,
such as
galvanized steel or a coated steel. The flexible sidewall 26 and door panel 30
can be
fabricated from many different flexible, durable materials, such as insect
netting,
chain link fence, or canvas, for example. Similarly, the roof cover 40 can be
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fabricated from a water-proof, tear-resistant material, such as canvas, to
provide
overhead shelter. Lastly, the fastening means 32 pivotally connecting at least
one of
the first and second sidewall frames 22 or 24, and the door frame assembly 28,
can be
one or more conventional hinges. The door panel 30 can be connected to the
hinges
S for pivotally moving the door panel between open and closed positions.
FIGS. 3A through 3C delineate the principal assemblies of one embodiment of
a shelter 10 of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the
frame
assembly 12 includes eight upright frame members 18 laterally spaced relative
to each
other. The frame assembly 12 further includes four lower lateral frame members
20
extending laterally between and interconnecting the upright frame members 18.
The
upright frame members 18 are slidably received within respective lower frame
female
fittings 42 secured to lower lateral frame members 20.
As further shown in FIG. 3B, the frame assembly 12 includes eight roof frame
members 36 extending from one end upwardly at an angle from eight upper
lateral
frame members 34. The roof frame members 36 and the upper lateral frame
members
34 are slidably received within respective upper frame fittings 44, to thereby
secure
the roof frame members 36 and the upper lateral frame members 34 relative to
each
other. Lastly, the roof frame members 36 are joined at a second end to three
peak
lateral frame members 38. The roof frame members 36 and the peak lateral frame
members 38 are slidably received within respective peak frame fittings 46, to
thereby
secure the roof frame members 36 and the peak lateral frame members 38
relative to
each other. As described above, all of the frame members 18, 20, 34, 36, and
38 can
be slidably removed from their respective frame fittings 42, 44, and 46 to
permit
disassembly of the frame assembly 12 for transportation or storage.
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In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3C, the flexible
sidewall assembly 16 includes a flexible sidewall 26 extending between the
first
sidewall frame 22 and second sidewall frame 24 for enclosing the frame
assembly 12.
The first sidewall frame 22 and second sidewall frame 24 form the door frame
assembly 28. The door frame assembly 28 includes a door panel 30 pivotally
connected to the first sidewall frame 22 with three hinges 32. The door frame
assembly 28 may further define a door frame 48 including upright frame members
50
and 52, and upper and lower lateral frame members 54 and 56 connected
therebetween to form a frame for the door panel 30. In addition, the door
frame
assembly 28 may include a handle 58 or like means for grasping the door frame
assembly 28.
The flexible side wall assembly 16 shown detached from the frame assembly
12 in FIG. 3C is wrappable around at least one of the first and second
sidewall frames
22 or 24 for transportation or storage. Lastly, the roof assembly 14 shown in
FIG. 3A
rests on and is releaseably secured to the frame assembly 12 by any one of
numerous
conventional means such as, for example, tie-down straps.
Turning to FIGS. 4 through 6, three alternative configurations of the shelter
10
of the present invention are indicated generally by the respective reference
numerals
110, 210, and 310. The shelters 110, 210, and 310 are each the same as the
shelter 10
described above with reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, and therefore like
reference
numerals preceded by the respective numeral "1 ", "2", and "3" are used to
indicate
like elements. As can be seen, in FIGS. 4 through 6, one advantage of the
tensioned
sidewall assembly of the present invention is that the door frame assembly can
be
positioned at any of a plurality of different locations on the frame assembly.
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As shown in FIG. 4, the side wall assembly 116 can be connected to the frame
assembly 112 such that the door frame assembly 128 is positioned to the left
of the
front side of shelter 110 in relation to the front side of shelter 10 shown in
FIGS. 1
through 3. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the side wall assembly 216 can be
connected to the frame assembly 212 such that the door frame assembly 228 is
positioned to the right of the front side of shelter 210 in relation to the
front side of
shelter 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. Lastly, as shown in FIG. 6, the side
wall
assembly 316 can be connected to the frame assembly 312 such that the door
frame
assembly 328 is positioned on a different side of shelter 310 in relation to
the front
side of the shelter 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
As described above in relation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. I through 3,
and as shown in FIG. 7B, the first sidewall frame 22 of the tensioned sidewall
assembly is connectable to at least one of the upright frame members 18 and
lower
lateral frame members 20; and the second sidewall frame 24 similarly is
connectable
to at least one of the upright frame members 18 and lower lateral frame
members 20,
and at a position laterally spaced relative to the first sidewall frame 22.
One upright
frame member 18 is fabricated to slidably receive a first end of each first
and second
sidewall frame 22 and 24, and respective lower frame fittings 42 can be
fabricated to
slidably receive a second end of each first and second sidewall frames 22 and
24 to
thereby connect each first and second sidewall frame 22 and 24 to at least one
of the
upright frame members 18 and lower lateral frame members 20.
As shown in FIG. 7A and in further detail in FIG. 7B, upper lateral frame
member 34 defines an aperture 60 on one end, and a corresponding aperture 60
on the
other end. In turn, a first end of each of the first and second sidewall
frames 22 and
24 are slidably received into and through the apertures 60 of the upper
lateral frame
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member 34. Similarly each of the first and second sidewall frames 22 and 24
subsequently are slidably received within respective lower frame fittings 42.
In
addition, the first end 62 of the first sidewall frame 22 as shown in FIG. 7B,
or the
first end of the second sidewall frame 24, includes an aperture 64 for
receiving any
5 one of numerous known fastening means 66, such as for example, a cotter pin,
or a
nut and bolt assembly.
Turning to FIG. 8, a plan view of a shelter 10 of the present invention is
provided to show the positioning of one tensioning device 68 connected to a
first end
of the flexible sidewall 16. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 also includes a
second
10 tensioning device 70 connected to a second end of the flexible sidewall 16.
Each
tensioning device 68 or 70 can secure the flexible sidewall 16 in a taut
condition to
the frame assembly 12. Further, each tensioning device 68 or 70 defines a
locked
position fixedly securing the flexible sidewall 16 to the frame assembly 12 in
a taut
condition, and an unlocked position wherein the flexible sidewall 16 is
movable
relative to the frame assembly 12.
As shown in FIG. 9, the tensioning device 68 includes a roller 72, wherein one
end of the flexible sidewall 26 can be wrapped over the roller. Generally, the
roller
72 is approximately cylindrical as shown in FIG. 9. The tensioning device 68
further
includes a locking member 74 which, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9, is
movable
relative to the roller 72 between a locked position engaging the flexible
sidewall 26
and fixedly securing the flexible sidewall 26 in a taut condition; and an
unlocked
position spaced relative to the roller 72 and allowing the roller 72 and
flexible
sidewall 26 to move relative to the locking member 74. In addition, the
tensioning
device includes a housing 76 such that the roller 72 is rotatably mounted
within the
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housing 76, and the locking member 74 is connected between a housing sidewall
78
of the housing76 and the roller 72.
As further shown in FIG. 9, the tensioning device 68 also includes a threaded
member 80 in the form of a thumb screw threadedly connected between the
locking
member 74 and housing 76. The locking member 74 is movable between the locked
and the unlocked positions upon threadedly rotating the threaded member 80
relative
to the housing 76. Lastly, the tensioning device 68 includes means 82
connectable to
the roller 72 for rotating the roller 72 and, in turn, winding the flexible
sidewall 26 on
the roller 72.
In one embodiment of the invention and as shown in FIG. 9, the means 82
connectable to the roller 72 for rotating the roller 72 can include a tool 84,
such as an
appropriately shaped wrench, and a corresponding aperture 86 formed in an end
wall
88 of the roller 72. The tool 84 can be slidably received within the aperture
86 such
that the roller 72 can be rotated to thereby wind the flexible sidewall 26 on
the roller
72. As further shown in FIG. 9, the housing sidewall 78 of the housing 76 can
be
fabricated to additionally form a door stop 90 of the door frame assembly 28.
As shown in FIG. 10, a corresponding tensioning device 70 can be provided to
fixedly secure a second end of the flexible sidewall 26. The tensioning device
70 is
essentially the same as the tensioning device 68 described above with
reference to
FIG. 9, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "4" are
used to
indicate like elements. As can be seen, a primary difference of the tensioning
device
70 is that the locking member 474 is located adjacent to the housing 476
rather than in
between the housing 76 and the roller 72.
As shown in FIG. 10, the tensioning device 70 includes a roller 472, rotatably
mounted within the housing 476, wherein one end of the flexible sidewall 426
can be
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fixedly secured over the roller 472. In the embodiment of the present
invention
shown in FIG. 10, the roller surface 492 can define a plurality of recessed
surface
areas and adjacent raised surface areas that are engagable with the flexible
sidewall
426 for facilitating securing the flexible sidewall 426 on the roller 472. The
tensioning device 70 further includes a locking member 474 movable relative to
the
roller 472 and the housing 474 between a locked position engaging the flexible
sidewall 426 and fixedly securing the flexible sidewall 426 in a taut
condition; and an
unlocked position spaced relative to the roller 472 and the housing 474 and
allowing
the roller 472 and flexible sidewall 426 to move relative to the locking
member 474.
As further shown in FIG. 10, the tensioning device 70 also includes a threaded
member 480, such as a thumb screw, threadedly connected between the locking
member 474 and housing 476. The locking member 474 is movable between the
locked and the unlocked positions upon threadedly rotating the threaded member
480
relative to the housing 476. Lastly, the tensioning device 70 includes means
482
connectable to the roller 472 for rotating the roller 472 and, in turn,
fixedly securing
the flexible sidewall 426 on the roller 472.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing 76 of the
tensioning device 68 can be formed by the first sidewall frame 22 of the
flexible
sidewall assembly 16. Similarly, the housing 476 of the tensioning device 70
can be
formed by the second sidewall frame 24 of the flexible sidewall assembly 16.
Turning to FIG. 11, a plan view of another embodiment of a shelter 10 of the
present invention is provided to show an alternative arrangement of the door
frame
assembly 28 such that the door frame assembly 28 opens inwardly. The
tensioning
devices 568 and 570 are essentially the same as the tensioning devices 68 and
70
described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, and therefore like reference
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numerals preceded by the numeral "5" are used to indicate like elements in
FIGS. 11,
12, and 13.
As shown in FIG. 12, the tensioning device 568 is essentially the same as the
tensioning device 68 described above. However, in order for the housing 576 to
similarly form a doorstop 590, the housing 576 includes a second housing
sidewall
594 as shown in FIG. 11. Similarly, the tensioning device 570 is essentially
the same
as the tensioning device 70 described above. Again, in order for the housing
570 to
similarly form a doorstop 590, the housing 576 includes a second housing
sidewall
596 as shown in FIG. 13.
As further shown in FIG. 11, a shelter 10 of the present invention may
alternatively comprise first and second flexible side walls 602 and 604. The
first
flexible side wall 602 is connected on one end to the first sidewall frame 22,
and the
second flexible side wall 604 is connected on one end to the second sidewall
frame
24. The flexible sidewall assembly 16 further comprises a sidewall connector
assembly 600 connected to the other ends of the first and second flexible
sidewalk
602 and 604 to thereby interconnect the flexible sidewalls 602 and 604.
As shown in detail in FIG. 14, the connector assembly 600 includes at least
one locking member 606 , and as indicated by the arrows, the locking member is
movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked
position,
the locking member 606 engages the respective end of a first and second
flexible
sidewall 602 or 604 to fixedly secure the flexible sidewall thereto. In the
unlocked
position, the locking member 606 is spaced away from the respective flexible
sidewall
602 or 604 to release the sidewall therefrom.
As further shown in FIG. 14, the connector assembly 600 includes a housing
608, and at least one roller 610, and preferably a second roller 612,
rotatably mounted
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within the housing 608. One end of a respective flexible side wall 602 or 604
can be
wrapped against a roller 610 or 612 to wind the flexible sidewall onto the
roller, and
to release the flexible sidewall therefrom. Each roller 610 and 612 fturther
includes a
roller surface 614 and a means 616 connectable to the rollers for rotating the
rollers
and fixedly securing the flexible sidewall 602 or 604, all as described above.
In
addition, the connector assembly 600 includes a threaded member 618 threadedly
connected between the locking member 606 and housing 608. As described above,
the locking member 606 is movable between the locked and the unlocked
positions
upon threadedly rotating the threaded member 618 relative to the housing 608.
Another embodiment of a shelter of the present invention is shown in FIG. 15,
and as the shelter is essentially the same as the shelter described above in
connection
with FIGS. 1 through 3, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "7"
are used
to indicate like elements. As shown in FIG. 1 S, shelter 710 includes a
flexible
sidewall assembly 716 that further includes at least one elongated pocket 802
on at
1 S least one end thereof, and preferably a second elongated pocket 804 on the
other end
thereof. The first and second sidewall frames 722 and 724 are each received
within a
respective elongated pocket 802 or 804.
A tensioning device 806 is connected to the flexible sidewall 726, and
receives
a strap 808 connected to an upright frame member 718. By pulling the strap 808
through the tensioning device 806, tension is applied to the flexible sidewall
726.
As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the
teachings herein, any of the tensioning devices employed in a shelter of the
present
invention may take any of numerous different shapes, configurations, and/or
types of
such tensioning devices that are currently or later become known for
performing the
functions of the tensioning device assemblies described herein. For example, a
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tensioning device 806 alternatively can comprise an adjustable buckle 806 as
shown
in FIG. 16A and 16B. At least one strap 808 can connect the adjustable buckle
806
between a respective end of the flexible sidewall 726 and an upright frame
member
718 to thereby adjustably connect the flexible sidewall assembly 716 to the
frame
5 assembly. The adjustable buckle can be any one of numerous embodiments known
such as a spring-loaded buckle 812 shown in FIG. 16A, or a double bar buckle
810
shown in FIG. 16B.
One advantage of the flexible sidewall assembly described in connection with
a shelter of the present invention is that when it is pulled taut, the side
wall assembly
10 effectively secures the frame assembly members and prevents their
disassembly .
Another advantage of the flexible sidewall assembly is that a shelter can be
fully
assembled and secured without the use of fasteners, and be as effectively
secured as if
fasteners were employed.
As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on the
15 teachings herein, numerous other changes and modifications may be made to
the
above-described and other embodiments of the present invention without
departing
from its scope as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, this detailed
description of preferred embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as
opposed to a
limiting sense.
