Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WO 2023/015373
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RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE MODULAR SHELTER SYSTEM
Technical Field
[0001]The invention relates to the field of collapsible structures, in
particular fabric-
covered structures such as tents and collapsible frames for supporting same.
Background
[0002] Numerous designs have been developed for large-scale collapsible fabric-
covered structures which are portable and can be rapidly erected and
disassembled.
Such structures have use in military applications, for resource exploration,
for large
public events such as concerts and festivals and the like. Typically the
frames for
such structures consist of multiple separate pieces which can become misplaced
and are complicated to assemble, dis-assemble and pack for shipment. There is
therefore a need for more simple and efficient frames for large-scale
collapsible
structures.
[0003] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related
thereto are
intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the
related art will
become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the
specification and a
study of the drawings.
Summary
[0004] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and
illustrated
in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary
and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more
of the
above described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other
embodiments are directed to other improvements.
[0005] The present invention therefore provides a leg element for use in a
folding
tent frame system, the folding tent frame system having a roof frame
comprising arch
brackets configured to receive a plurality of the leg elements, each leg
element
comprising: a) a first inner leg element comprising a base and a rigid
vertical element
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mounted on the base, the rigid vertical element having a plurality of
vertically spaced
latch-receiving slots; and b) a second outer sliding leg element slideably
movable
vertically on the first inner leg element, the second outer sliding leg
element
comprising a horizontally extending lifting bar secured thereto and a spring-
biased
latch element for securing the outer sliding leg element at selected vertical
locations
on the inner leg element.
[0006] According to a further aspect there is provided a folding tent frame
comprising
a folding roof frame, and a plurality of leg elements engageable with the
folding roof
frame wherein the folding roof frame comprises a plurality of arch brackets
located
on the periphery thereof for releasably receiving and securing the plurality
of leg
elements. each arch bracket comprises a vertical passage open on the outer
side
thereof for receiving one of the outer sliding leg elements and opposed
tapered
interior surfaces for bearing against an outer surface of the outer sliding
leg
elements. The outer sliding leg elements may comprise tapered outer surfaces
configured to engage the tapered interior surfaces of the plurality of arch
brackets.
There is further provided a shelter system comprising the folding tent frame
described above, and a flexible tent body removably suspended from the folding
tent
frame when the folding tent frame is in an unfolded and locked configuration.
[0007] According to a further aspect there is provided a method of deploying a
shelter wherein the shelter comprises a folding tent frame as described above
and a
flexible tent body, the method comprising the steps of: a) unfolding the roof
frame,
reversibly locking the roof frame in an unfolded configuration and placing the
unfolded roof frame on a generally horizontal surface such as the ground; b)
removably securing the flexible tent body to the unfolded roof frame at a
plurality of
points; c) securing the plurality of leg elements to the arch brackets of the
unfolded
roof frame wherein the leg elements are in a first lowered configuration to
thereby
raise one or both sides of the unfolded roof frame above the generally
horizontal
surface; d) raising the roof frame further above the generally horizontal
surface by
sliding each outer sliding leg elements of the plurality of leg elements
vertically on
each first inner leg element to thereby secure each leg element in a further
extended
configuration; e) repeating step d) until the unfolded roof frame has been
raised to a
selected extended height; f) before or in the course of any one of steps c),
d) or e)
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securing each base of the plurality of leg elements to the generally
horizontal
surface; and g) further securing the flexible tent body to the roof frame and
extended
leg elements and the generally horizontal surface. Where the bases of the leg
elements comprise apertures each base of the plurality of leg elements may be
secured to the generally horizontal surface using stakes extending through the
apertures into the generally horizontal surface. The outer sliding leg
elements may
slid vertically on each first inner leg element by lifting the horizontally
extending
lifting bars.
[0008] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,
further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the
drawings
and by study of the following detailed descriptions.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the
drawings.
It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be
considered illustrative rather than restrictive.
[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the unfolded assembled frame for a one
bay
structure according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the
frame in
Fig. 1, expanded with frame components unfolded.
[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the
frame as
shown in Fig. 2, folded for packing.
[0013] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the
frame as
shown in Fig. 2, partially unfolded.
[0014] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the
frame as
shown in Fig. 2, further unfolded.
[0015] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the
frame as
shown in Fig. 2, further unfolded and standing upright.
[0016] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the
frame as
shown in Fig. 2, standing upright further unfolded.
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[0017] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the upper folding assembly for the
frame as
shown in Fig. 2, standing upright completely unfolded.
[0018] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a Peak Bracket.
[0019] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the Peak Bracket shown in Fig. 9
partially in
cross-section, showing chord connections, peak hinge, and sliding lock
mechanism
with lockout feature.
[0020] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a detail of the sliding lock mechanism
with
lockout feature.
[0021] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the chord knee bracket.
[0022] Fig. 13 is a perspective view partially in cross-section of the chord
knee
bracket of Fig. 12 showing the sliding lock mechanism with lockout feature.
[0023] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a purlin knee bracket.
[0024] Fig. 15 is a detail front perspective view partially in cross-section
of the purlin
knee Bracket of Fig. 14, with sliding lock mechanism but no lockout feature.
[0025] Fig. 16 is a detail rear perspective view of an eave bracket.
[0026] Fig. 17 is a detail perspective view partially in cross-section of the
eave
bracket of Fig. 16
[0027] Fig. 18 is a detail front perspective view of the eave bracket of Fig.
16 with a
leg inserted.
[0028] Fig. 19 is a detail front perspective view in partial cross-section of
the eave
bracket of Fig. 18 with leg inserted, shown resting in place on the upper leg
bosses.
[0029] Fig. 20A is a detail front perspective view of a leg assembly.
[0030] Fig. 20B is a detail front perspective view of a top portion of the leg
assembly
of Fig. 20A showing pinned bosses and a close haul wire hook for cover
connection.
[0031] Fig. 21A is a detail front view of a leg knee joint.
[0032] Fig. 21B is a detail front view of the leg knee joint of Fig. 21A
partially in
cross-section showing a locking slider.
[0033] Fig. 22 and 23 are perspective detail views of a quick release foot
assembly.
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[0034] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the midspan chord.
[0035] Fig. 25 is a detail perspective view of the midspan chord knee joint.
[0036] Fig. 26 is a detail perspective view partially in cross-section showing
the
midspan chord knee joint with lock slider.
[0037] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the midspan chord partially folded.
[0038] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the midspan chord fully folded.
[0039] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a telescoping wind kit post.
[0040] Fig. 30 is a detail perspective view of the wind kit post connection.
[0041] Fig. 31 is an isolated detail perspective view of the connecting
bracket of the
wind kit post.
[0042] Fig. 32 is an isolated detail perspective view of the connecting
fastener on the
chord for the wind kit post.
[0043] Fig. 33 is a detail perspective view of the wind kit foot.
[0044] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the unfolded assembled frame for a two
bay
structure according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0045] Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the unfolded assembled frame for a
four bay
structure according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0046] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of a completed cover for a one bay
structure.
[0047] Fig. 37 is a detail perspective view of one endwall for the cover shown
in Fig.
36.
[0048] Fig. 38 is a detail perspective view of the barrel section for the
cover shown in
Fig. 36.
[0049] Fig. 39 is a detail perspective view of the second endwall for the
cover shown
in Fig. 36.
[0050] Fig. 40 is a detail perspective view of the exterior of a soft door
assembly for
the cover shown in Fig. 36.
[0051] Fig. 41 is detail perspective view of the interior of the soft door
assembly for
the cover shown in Fig. 36.
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[0052] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a completed cover for a two bay
structure.
[0053] Fig. 43 is a perspective view of a completed cover for a four bay
structure.
[0054] Fig. 44 is a perspective view of a removable insulation package for a
single
bay structure.
[0055] Fig. 45 is a perspective view of the endwall for the removable
insulation
package shown in Fig. 44, both endwalls being the same.
[0056] Fig. 46 is a perspective view of the barrel for the removable
insulation
package shown in Fig. 44.
[0057] Fig. 47 is a perspective view of the removable insulation package for a
two
bay structure.
[0058] Fig. 48 is a perspective view of the removable insulation package for a
four
bay structure.
[0059] Fig. 49 is a perspective view of a solar shade for use with the shelter
shown
in Fig. 36.
[0060] Fig. 50 is a perspective view of a winter fly for use with the shelter
shown in
Fig. 36.
[0061] Fig. 51 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a tent-based
shelter
system designed for rapid erection and mobility to perform under adverse
environmental conditions.
[0062] Fig. 52 is a perspective view of a 2-module frame used in the tent-
based
shelter system as shown in Fig. 51.
[0063] Fig. 53 is a perspective view of the tent body for the 2-module frame
used in
the tent-based shelter system as shown in Fig. 51 with sections separated.
[0064] Fig. 54 is a perspective view of the assembled tent body for the 2-
module
frame used in the tent-based shelter system as shown in Fig. 51.
[0065] Fig. 55 is a perspective view of a shelter fly for the 2-module shelter
as shown
in Fig. 51.
[0066] Fig. 56 is a detail perspective view of the peak bracket.
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[0067] Fig. 57 is a perspective view of the leg element 350 in lowered
position.
[0068] Fig. 58 is a perspective view of the leg element 350 in semi-raised
position.
[0069] Fig. 59 is a perspective view of the leg element 350 in fully-raised
position.
[0070] Fig. 60 is a detail perspective view of a frame leg socket at the end
of an
arch.
[0071] Fig. 61 is a detail perspective view of the frame leg socket shown in
Fig. 60
with a leg element in place.
[0072] Fig. 62A-F is a series of schematic drawings illustrating the initial
steps in the
assembly process for the 2-module shelter.
[0073] Fig. 63A-G is a series of schematic drawings illustrating the steps in
raising of
the tent frame for the 2-module shelter.
[0074] Fig. 64 is a partial view of a purlin connection assembly according to
an
embodiment of the invention, before insertion of a purlin into a frame
segment.
[0075] Fig. 65A is a partial view of the purlin of the purlin connection
assembly of
Fig. 64. Fig. 65B is a partial view of the frame segment of the purlin
connection
assembly of Fig. 64.
[0076] Fig. 66A is a view of a spring of the purlin connection assembly of
Fig. 64,
wherein the spring is in its un-tensioned state. Fig. 66B is a view of the
spring of Fig.
66A, wherein the spring is in its tensioned state.
[0077] Fig. 67 is a partial view of the purlin connection assembly of Fig. 64
in an
initially engaged position.
[0078] Fig. 68A-C is a partial side view, partial top view, and partial cross
sectional
top view, respectively, of the purlin connection assembly of Fig. 64 in a
locked
position.
Description
[0079] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in
order to
provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However,
well
known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid
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unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and
drawings
are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
[0080] With reference to Fig. 1, an unfolded frame assembly 10 for a one bay
structure according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. Unfolded frame
assemblies 100 and 200 for two and four bay structures according to an
embodiment
of the invention are shown in Fig. 34 and 35. Each frame assembly 10 comprises
an
upper section assembly 12 (Fig. 2) which includes fully attached folding
purlins 14.
Frame assembly 10 also comprises peak brackets 16, eave brackets 17, chords
18,
legs 20, wind kit posts 22, midspan chords 24, chord knee joints 26, purlin
knee
joints 28, and leg knee joints 30. Such joints contain self-resetting lock
mechanisms
as described below. During set up they lock the joints into place without
needing to
be touched. Once unlocked they reset to automatically lock the joints into
place on
the next setup.
[0081] Peak bracket and chord joint locks contain a secondary feature which
allows
joints to be set into an unlocked position until the joint is bent, at which
time the lock
resets, ready to lock the joint into position on the next setup. This
facilitates the pack
up procedure, as multiple joint locks need not be manually held unlocked at
the
same time.
[0082] Fig. 3 shows the upper folding assembly 12 for the frame as shown in
Fig. 1
and 2, folded for packing. In Fig. 4 one set of two folded chords 18 and one
folded
purlin 14 are rotated about the hinged peak bracket 16 to separate from the
set of
two folded chords 18 and two folded purlin 14. In Fig. 5 the chords 18 are
unfolded
by rotating at chord knee joints 26. In Fig. 6 the partially unfolded upper
frame
assembly is placed in an upright position and as shown in Fig. 7 purlins 14
are
unfolded about hinged purlin knee joints 28, to reach the unfolded
configuration
shown in Fig. 8.
[0083] Peak brackets 16 are hingedly connected to chord 18 about axis 30. When
in
the unfolded position shown in Fig. 9 and 10, the chord 18 is locked in place
by pins
32 which are mounted on interior sliding locking frame 34 and extend through
slots
36 in the sides of chords 18, and into slots 38. Pins 32 are biased by spring
40 into
the locked position shown in Fig. 9. Pulling on cable 42 slides sub-frame 34
away
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from the peak bracket 16, releasing pin 32 from slot 38 and allowing chord 18
to
rotate.
[0084] Thus peak bracket joints, chord knee joints, purlin knee joints, and
leg knee
joints all contain self-resetting lock mechanisms. During set up they lock the
joints
into place without needing to be touched. Once unlocked they reset to
automatically
lock the joints into place on the next setup.
[0085] As previously noted peak brackets 16 and chord knee joints 26, contain
a
secondary lockout feature which allows joints to be set into an unlocked
position until
the joint is bent, at which time the lock resets, ready to lock the joint into
position on
the next setup. This assists the pack up procedure, as multiple joint locks
didn't
need to be manually held unlocked at the same time. Lockout bars 44 permit the
chords 18 to be kept in an extended unfolded position without locking. With
reference to Fig. 11, lockout bar 44 is hingedly mounted on pin 32 on sliding
locking
frame 34. It is biased to an upward position by spring 48. Head 46 is sized to
move
upwardly into slot 50 of chord knee joint 26 or slot 52 of peak bracket 16. By
pulling
on cable 42 the operator can unlock the joint by allowing head 46 to extend
into slot
50/52 to prevent the joint from re-locking while keeping the joint unfolded.
Once the
joint is bent, head 46 comes out of slot 50/52 at which time the lock resets,
ready to
lock the joint into position on the next setup.
[0086] Chord knee bracket shown in Fig. 12 and 13 operates in the same way as
the
peak bracket 16 using sliding locking frame 34.
[0087] Purlin knee joints 28, and leg knee joints 30 operate in the same
manner as
the chord knee bracket 26 and the peak bracket 16 without the secondary
lockout
feature. Purlin knee bracket 28 is shown in Fig. 14. Purlin sections 60, 62
are
hingedly connected about axis 64. When in the unfolded position shown in Fig.
14
and 15, the purlin sections 60, 62 are locked in place by pins 66 which are
mounted
on interior sliding locking frame 68 and extend through slots 70 in the sides
of the
purlins, and into slots 72. Pins 66 are biased by spring 67 into the locked
position
shown in Fig. 14. Pulling on cable 69 slides locking frame 68, releasing pins
66 from
slot 72 and allowing purlin sections 60, 62 to rotate.
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[0088] Eave brackets 17 receive the upper end 21 of legs 20 through apertures
23.
The lower surface 25 of bracket 17 rests on upper leg bosses 27 when the legs
are
in place. As shown in Fig. 19 and 20B, leg 20 may be provided with close haul
wire j-
hook 29 for cover connection. As noted above, leg knee joints 30 operate in
the
same manner as the chord knee bracket 26 and the peak bracket 16 without the
secondary lockout feature. Leg knee joint 30 is shown in Fig. 21A and 21B. Leg
sections 31, 33 are hingedly connected about axis 35. When in the unfolded
position
shown in Fig. 21A and 21B, leg sections 31, 33 are locked in place by pins 37
which
are mounted on interior sliding locking frame 39 and extend through slots 41
in the
sides of the legs 20, and into slots 43. Pins 37 are biased by spring 45 into
the
locked position shown in Fig. 21A. Pulling on boss 47 slides locking frame 39,
releasing pins 37 from slot 43 and allowing leg sections 31, 33 to rotate.
This lock
mechanism allows for a two-handed grip when lowering the shelter.
[0089] Fig. 22 and 23 show a quick release foot assembly 80 for attachment to
legs
20. Such quick release feet allow a high wind set up and tear down procedure,
where the feet 80 are removed from the legs 20 before setup, attached to the
shelter's floor and securely anchored to the ground through apertures 84. When
the
frame is erected, horizontal cylindrical extensions (not shown) on the legs 20
snap
into slots 86 in the pre-anchored feet 80 to be held in place by spring-biased
hinged
arms 83, greatly reducing the risk of injury to personnel or damage to
equipment.
High wind take down is the opposite of set up, where the shelter feet can be
released from the leg assembly by using a foot to force open arms 83, which
allows
a steady two-handed grasp on the leg at all times. Foot pads 80 are also sized
to
allow a low enough ground pressure, even with a snow loaded shelter, such that
any
ground capable of supporting a walking individual, or a vehicle driving on
normal
tires, is sufficient to support the shelter.
[0090] Midspan chords 24 are shown in Fig. 24 through 28. Each chord 24
comprises a single folding element which, when unfolded as shown in Fig. 24,
rests
on upper frame assembly 12, with its central hinge 25 on peak purlin bracket
28 and
its ends on lower purlin brackets 28. The midspan chord knee joints 27 fold
and
lock/unlock the chord sections 91, 93, 95, 97 in the same manner as the purlin
knee
joints 28, using cable 129 to unlock the joint.
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[0091] A telescoping wind kit post 110 is illustrated in Fig. 29 through 33.
Such
posts can be attached to chords 18 at either end of the frame 10, in order to
assist in
securing the cover to the structure, as follows. Each post 110 has a
telescoping
vertical post 112, the interior telescopic section being secured at its lower
end to
wind kit post foot 116. At its upper end the post 112 is provided with a
bracket 113
having a keyhole slot 118 which engages a bolt 120 on chord 18.
[0092] As shown in Fig. 34 and 35, the size of the modular structure can be
increased by increasing the number of chords 18, purlins 14 and peak brackets
16 in
the upper frame assembly 12, with proportionate increase in the number of legs
20
and midspan chords 24. The resulting structure may thereby accommodate a two
or
four bays for equipment storage.
[0093] Fig. 36 illustrates a completed fabric cover 220 for the one bay
structure
whose frame 10 is shown in Fig. 1. It includes an endwall 222 shown in Fig.
37, a
barrel section 224 shown in Fig. 38, and a second endwall 226 shown in Fig.
39. A
soft door assembly 227 may be used for doors 228, whose exterior is shown in
Fig.
40 and interior in Fig. 41. For the two bay structure shown in Fig. 42, two
barrel
sections 224 are used and four are used for the four bay structure shown in
Fig. 43.
[0094] Insulation 240 can be added to the structure as shown in Fig. 44 for a
single
bay structure. It comprises two insulation endwalls 242 for the removable
insulation
package shown in Fig. 45, both endwalls being the same. The barrel 244 for the
removable insulation package is shown in Fig. 46. Again for the two bay
structure as
shown in Fig. 47, two barrel sections 244 are used and four are used for the
four bay
structure shown in Fig. 48.
[0095] Fig. 49 illustrates a solar shade 250 for use with the one bay shelter
shown in
Fig. 36, and Fig. 50 illustrates a winter fly 252 for use with the one-bay
shelter. Both
assemblies are tensioned just at the gable ends with a parabolically curved
wire rope
which is anchored to the feet on the corner legs. This wire rope acts
similarly to the
main support cable in a tension bridge, only inverted. This makes fitment and
proper
tensioning simpler.
[0096] The fabric cover 220 can be attached after the frame has been erected.
Fabric cover 220 may be suspended from the frame elements using fasteners such
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as hooks or hook and loop fasteners 221 and in particular close haul j-hooks
29 at
the eaves as previously noted above. Fabric dry bag style port closures are
preferred. PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System)/ Modular Lightweight Load-
carrying Equipment i.e. PALS/MOLLE webbing attachment patches as universal
hardware mounts may be incorporated. Universal webbing strip/patches may be
sewn into the ceiling for attaching accessories such as air distribution
ducts, lights,
room dividers, etc. Glow in the dark, reversible, fabric exit signs may be
used.
Double layered windows allow visibility without losing insulating air gap
between
cover and insulation layer.
[0097] Fig. 51 through 63 illustrate a further variation of a tent-based
shelter system
using rapidly deployable frame elements. In this embodiment the leg elements
are
modified to facilitate set-up of the shelter particularly in high winds. The
leg elements
comprise sliding rather than folding elements. The main body of the leg is
always the
full length and the portion of the leg to which the roof frame attaches to is
able to
slide up and down the main leg body. In this way the roof section and attached
tent
fabric can be assembled at the ground level and attached to the slidable leg
section
in lowered position with the main leg sections secured to the ground at their
base.
The roof and tent assembly can then be raised by sliding the slidable leg
section up
the main leg section. This facilitates assembling the tent, particularly in
high winds.
Also in this variation nnidspan chords are replaced in the roof frame by
removable
purlins which run in the opposite direction to the midspan chords previously
disclosed.
[0098] With reference to Fig. 51, as in the previous embodiment there is
disclosed a
tent-based shelter system designed for rapid erection and mobility to perform
under
adverse environmental conditions. The system can be configured for example as
a
deployable command post, accommodation, medical facility or as operations and
command centres for disaster relief, for example. For handling and stowage,
the
shelter system breaks down into various packed bags that are small and light
enough for users to carry and pack.
[0099] The different shelter modules provided in the system, using common
components, are shown in Fig. 51 in a standard configuration, however the
particular
arrangement may be changed to suit the particular requirements of the
deployment.
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The system includes the following shelter modules: 4- module shelter 300; 2-
module
shelter 302; 1- module shelter 304; 4-Door Hub 306 for shelter
interconnection;
Vehicle Interface shelter 308; and entrance Vestibule 310. As in the previous
embodiment, the shelter system is a self-standing, external-frame all-weather
tent
system. The tent frame is the structural component of the shelter and is
external to
the tent, with the tent body suspended under the frame. This external frame
design
provides significant advantage for deployment and tear-down timing. The frame
for
the various modules is designed with a minimum number of unique parts. The 2-
module frame 301 is shown in Fig. 52 as exemplary, however the assembly
concept
is the same for all of the frames. The primary difference between the various
frames
is the number of arch sections and legs used to accommodate the length of the
shelter. The illustrated 2- module shelter frame 301 shows the three-arch
folding
frame 301 supported on six telescoping legs 350 and four end stanchions 326.
The
folding frame includes the arches 316, ridge beams 312, and eave beams 314.
Each
arch and beam section is hinged to allow folding for stowage The frame 301 is
preferably constructed of powder coated aluminum for reduced weight and
corrosion
protection.
[0100] The basic frame assembly 301 in this embodiment consists of folding
beams
(horizontal elements that form the ridge beam 312 and eave beams 314), and
folding
arches 316 (sloping beams that join the ridge and eave beams 312, 314). Each
beam and arch has a latched hinge 318, 320 at its mid-point allowing the
entire
assembly to fold to minimize its size for transportation and storage as shown
in Frig.
62A. Arches 316 are hingedly connected to ridge beam 312 at peak brackets 328.
Once the main frame is unfolded during deployment, separate removable purlins
322
are secured between the arches 316 to provide additional rigidity to the frame
and
support points for the roof fabric. The beam and arch latched hinges 318, 320
comprise automatic spring-loaded latches which automatically lock into place
during
erection. These are constructed as disclosed in the previous embodiment. The
arch
latches have a 'free position during teardown, which resets itself into a
primed
position for subsequent deployment when the frame is fully collapsed. See Fig.
9-13.
The beam latches must be held open while they are initially folded. See Fig.
25, 26.
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[0101] The frame 310 is supported on legs 350 that attach by inserting them
into
brackets 368 (Fig. 60) at the junction of each arch and eave beam 316, 314.
Separate endwall stanchions 326 attach to each end of the shelter to provide
additional support for the end walls. The modular purlins 322 are beam
elements
installed between the arches 316, parallel with the eave and ridge beams 312,
314.
The purlins 322 provide frame rigidity and support for the tent fabric.
Endwall
stanchions 326 at the end walls provide additional support for the tent fabric
and
hard door if installed.
[0102] The tent body 330 as shown for the 2-module shelter in Fig. 53 is
preferably
made of military-grade fabric and integrates wall and roof sections. The 1-
module, 2-
module, and 4-module shelters use multi-part fabric bodies as shown in Fig.
53. The
multi-part bodies are composed of endwall sections 332 and barrel sections 334
where required to add length. The 1- module shelter uses two endwall sections
332
directly joined together. The 2- module shelter uses one barrel section 334
between
the endwall sections 332 to provide the required length (as illustrated) and
the 4-
module shelter uses three barrel sections 334. The endwall and barrel sections
are
joined using heavy-duty zippers 336 which start at the roof peak 338. The
section
roof panel edges are diagonal in order to facilitate a modular design with
identical
endwall and barrel sections 332, 334. The connecting edges of each endwall and
barrel are identical so that they may be joined in any sequence ¨ there is no
front or
back orientation. This design simplifies deployment compared to other systems
that
have directional connections and must be oriented in a specific way in order
to
assemble.
[0103] Fig. 54 illustrates the assembled 2- module shelter 330 using one
barrel
section 334 between the endwall sections 332. The endwall sections 332
preferably
have two soft doors 331, one on the end face and one on the sidewall section,
each
with a window panel and a window opening on each side of the door. The soft
doors
may be replaced with hard doors if required. The endwall sections 332 may
incorporate two large sleeves 333 to accommodate external heating or air
conditioning ducts. Two small sleeves 335 may also be incorporated to pass
power
and communication cables in and out of the shelter. Each barrel section 334
preferably also has two soft doors 331 which can remain sealed, used as
windows,
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or as connections to other modules in the complex. An example of a shelter fly
for
the 2- module shelter is shown as 340 in Fig. 55.
[0104] A detail perspective view of the peak bracket 328 is shown in Fig. 56.
It
receives the ends of ridge beams 312, of the 2- module shelter frame as shown
or
potentially of the extension frame for a 4- module shelter frame, and is
provided with
apertures 342 to accept ridge beams 312 and secure them by a hitch pin 344.
Fig.
57, 58 and 59 are perspective views of the leg element 350 in lowered, semi-
raised
and fully-raised positions respectively. Leg element 350 consists of outer
sliding leg
element 352 with lifting handle 354 and spring-loaded lift handle latch 356,
inner leg
element 358 having latch slots 360 mounted on base 362 having base apertures
364. Upper supporting horizontal leg latch bar 351 forms the upper end of a T-
shaped spring loaded lever 355 which rotates about axis 353 to facilitate
removal of
the legs 350 from frame leg socket 368. As outer sliding leg element 352 is
slid up
the inner leg element 358, lift handle latch 356 slides out of the prior latch
slot 360
and is then biased into the next higher latch slot 360 where it secures the
leg
element 352 until it is again moved upwardly. Figure 60 is a detail
perspective view
of the frame leg socket 368 on arch 316. It has open front face 370 to receive
the leg
350, so that bar latch 351 engages socket latch flanges 372 as shown in Fig.
61. The
outer surface of sliding leg element 352 engages the tapered inner surface 374
of
frame leg socket 368 so that arch bracket 368 and attached frame 310 is firmly
supported on the sliding leg element 352. In Fig. 61 the sliding leg element
352 has
been slid upwardly to the fully raised position on inner leg element 358. An
eye bolt
366 can be bolted to the upper edge of inner leg element 358 with an attached
ratchet strap 367 to secure the frame corners to a stake.
[0105] The following describes the assembly process for the 2- module
shelter.The
assembly process is essentially the same for all of the shelters, the
difference being
that the Vestibule, 4-Door Hub, and Vehicle Interface shelter use specific one-
piece
covers, and the 1-module, 2-module, and 4-module shelters use two endwall
sections 332 and 0, 1 or 2 barrel sections 334. Initially the shelter fabric
sections are
laid out on the ground in their intended locations and joined by aligning the
zipper
starting points in the middle at the roof peak, and closing the zippers a
short
distance. The folded roof frame (Fig. 62A) is then deployed before proceeding
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joining the remainder of the fabric. The frame is unfolded on the ground
adjacent to
one end of the laid-out shelter fabric to allow it to be expanded out over the
fabric
(Fig. 62B). With the frame lying on one side, the arches are unfolded at the
roof peak
hinges to their full length at the centre hinges so the arch hinges lock
securely (Fig.
620). The unfolded frame is stood on the eave beam ends as shown in Fig. 62D.
The arches are pulled apart as in Fig. 62E, unfolding the beam sections so the
beam
hinges lock securely as shown in Fig. 62F. Arch cables are secured between the
lower ends of the arches and roof fabric is partially secured to the roof
beams by
connecting cables from the tent roof to the ends of the respective arches by
engaging cable hooks in slots on the underside of the arches where they join
the
eave beam 14 (not shown). The tent fabric is secured by roof attachment straps
to
roof beam D-rings (not shown).
[0106] With reference to Fig. 52 and 62F, 8 modular purlins 322 are then
installed
between arches 316. The ends of each purlin may have a T-shaped head to slide
into securement slots in the sides of arches 316. The roof fabric is then
further
secured to the frame arches 316 and purlins 322, and fly 340 is centered over
the
frame 301. The raising of the frame 301 is illustrated in Fig. 63A-G. The
frame with
attached fabric is positioned on the ground as shown in Fig. 63A. The first
side of
the frame is lifted and the collapsed legs 350 inserted into the frame arch
brackets
368 (Fig. 63B) so that upper latch 351 is positioned in socket latch flanges
372. The
second side of the frame is lifted and the collapsed legs 350 similarly
inserted into
the frame arch brackets 368 on the second side of the frame (Fig. 63C). The
frame
301 is now supported off the ground with the shelter fabric suspended below as
shown in Fig. 63D. The bases 362 of the legs 350 can be secured to the ground
at
each stage of the setup as required using takes through apertures 364 of each
base.
Using the handles 354 on the legs 350 the frame is lifted further, ensuring
the
latches 356 fully engage the leg tube slots 360 (Fig. 63E). The shelter may be
raised
incrementally, one side at a time, or fully, both sides at once, depending on
the
number of personnel available to lift, to the position shown in Fig. 63F and
G.
Insulation and sun shades may be installed as described in the previous
embodiment.
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[0107] Fig. 64 to Fig. 68 illustrate a purlin connection assembly 400
according to an
embodiment of the invention. Purlin connection assembly 400 permits easy,
rapid
and secure locking attachment and detachment between a purlin and a frame
segment. In some embodiments a frame segment may be, or may be part of, a
chord
(e.g. chord 18), a midspan chord (e.g. midspan chord 24) or an arch (e.g. arch
316),
as described herein. In some embodiments a purlin may be a purlin section
(3.g.
purlin section 69, 62) as described herein.
[0108] Purlin connection assembly 400 includes a purlin 401, frame segment 403
and a spring 410. Purlin 401 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as
attaching to a
sidewall of frame segment 403. In other embodiments purlin 401 may attach to a
bottom wall or top wall of frame segment 403.
[0109] Purlin 401 has an end face 415 with a protrusion 402 projecting
therefrom. In
the illustrated embodiment protrusion 402 projects from an approximate middle
of
end face 415. In other embodiments protrusion 402 may be higher or lower along
the
vertical extent of end face 415. Protrusion 402 has a neck 417 connected to
end face
415, and a flared head 419 at the other end. In some embodiments flared head
419
and neck 417 of protrusion 402 may have a T-shaped cross-section.
[0110] Neck 417 has a height 418 and flared head 419 has a height 416 greater
than
height 418 of neck 417. Length 430 of neck 417 is greater than the thickness
of the
wall of frame segment 403 to which purlin 401 attaches. Purlin 401 has a width
427.
Protrusion 419 has a width 432. Width 432 of protrusion 419 may the same as or
less than width 427 of purlin 401 in some embodiments.
[0111] Frame segment 403 has a laterally extending slot 404 for receiving
purlin
401. Slot 404 includes a first end 405 and a second end 406. First end 405 is
larger
than second end 406 and a taper section 428 may be disposed therebetween. In
particular, first end 405 has a height 423 that greater than a height 425 of
second
end 406. Height 423 of first end 405 is also greater than height 416 of flared
had 419
of protrusion 402 so that protrusion 402 can be inserted through first end
405. Height
425 of second end 406 is greater than height 418 of neck 417 of protrusion 402
but
less than height 418 of flared head 419 of protrusion 402 so that protrusion
402 can
be lockingly engaged in second end 406 as explained in greater detail herein.
First
end 405 has a width 422 at least as wide as width 432 of protrusion 419.
Similarly,
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second end 406 has a width 424 at least as wide as width 432 of protrusion
419. Slot
404 accordingly has a width 426 at least twice width 432 of protrusion 419.
[0112] Frame segment 403 also has button holes 407A and 407B. Button hole 407A
is located above first end 405. In other embodiments button hole 407A may be
located below first end 405. Button holes 407A and 407B are separated by a
distance 421. Distance 421 is greater than width 427 of purlin 402.
[0113] Fig. 66A and 66B depict spring 410. Spring 410 can be made of an
elastic
material such as sheet metal. Spring 410 is installed in an interior 409 of
frame
segment 403. In Fig. 66A, spring 410 is shown in its uncompressed state.
Spring 410
has arms 413 with a first button 411A and a second button 411 BA. The
illustrated
embodiment shows spring 410 with a pair of buttons (411A and 411B, and 412A
and
412B) on each arm 413, however other embodiments may have buttons on only one
arm of the spring. Also in other embodiments the spring may be other than a V-
shape so long as the spring buttons are outwardly biased, and a means is
provided
between the first button and the second button that allows depressing of the
second
button to cause the first button to simultaneously retracts inward. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the rigid connection between first button 411A and second button
411B
results in the retraction of first button 411A when second button 411B is
depressed.
[0114] Fig 66B depicts spring 410 in its compressed state. Spring 410 is in
its
compressed state when installed in interior 409 of frame segment 403. As shown
for
example in Figure 64, buttons 411A and 411B due to their outward bias project
outwardly through respective button holes 407A and 407B of frame segment 403.
[0115] Fig. 64, 67 and 68 depict the connection and detachment process of
purlin
connection assembly 400.
[0116] With reference to Fig. 64, purlin 401 is directed towards frame segment
403
in direction 429 such that protrusion 402 engages first end 405 of slot 404.
Spring
410 is pre-installed within frame segment 403 in its compressed state, with
spring
buttons 411A and 411B protruding from frame segment 403 through button holes
407A and 407B.
[0117] Fig. 67 depicts purlin 401 pressed against frame segment 403. In Fig.
67,
protrusion 402 extends through first end 405 of slot 404, allowing end face
415 of
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purlin 402 to depress second button 411A inwardly into frame segment 403, so
that
purlin 401 abuts against the wall of frame segment 403. Purlin 401 can then be
slid
in direction 408 to lock purlin 401 and frame segment 403 together.
[0118] Fig. 68A to 68C depict purlin 401 in a locked position. When purlin 401
is
moved in direction 408 (as shown in Fig. 67), end face 415 of purlin 401 no
longer
contacts first button 411A, allowing first button 411A to protrude again from
frame
segment 403 as shown in Fig. 68B and 680. The protrusion of first button 411A
after
sliding purlin 401 in direction 408 prevents purlin 401 from moving back in a
direction
opposite to direction 408. First button 411A and second button 411B thus flank
purlin
401, providing lateral locking of purlin 401 to frame segment 403.
[0119] Fig. 680 is a cross sectional view of purlin 401 and frame segment 403
in the
locked position. Fig. 680 depicts protrusion 402 locked within second end 406
of slot
404. Flared head 419 of protrusion 402 secures purlin 401 in the direction
perpendicular to frame segment 403, that is, purlin 401 cannot be pulled out
of slot
404 while positioned at second end 406 because height 420 of flared head 419
is
greater than height 425 of second end 406. Again, buttons 411A and 411B secure
purlin 401 in the direction parallel to frame segment 403.
[0120] To unlock and detach purlin 401, second button 411B is depressed into
frame
segment 403. Depressing second button 411B causes first button 411A to retract
into frame segment 403, as buttons 411A and 412A are rigidly connected by
spring
410. As first button 411A retracts, purlin 401 can be slid into first end 405
of slot 404.
Sliding purlin 401 into first end 405 of slot 404 allows protrusion 402 to be
released
from slot 404, since height 423 of first end 405 is greater than height 420 of
flared
head 419, allowing purlin 401 to be detached from frame segment 403.
[0121]Also shown in Figure 680, on the other side of where purlin 401
attaches, is a
second slot similar to slot 404, and buttons 412A and 412B projecting from
button
holes similar to button holes 407A and 407B. A second purlin (not shown) can
attach
and detach to this other side in a similar manner to that described above. In
some
embodiments, these feature may be absent on this other side and spring 410 may
only have buttons on one side.
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[0122] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been
discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain
modifications,
permutations, additions and sub combinations thereof. It is therefore intended
that
the invention be interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations,
additions
and sub combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
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