Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
PORTABLE MULTI-RINGED SHELTER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is largely directed to a portable multi-hinged shelter
for
attachment to and operation with vehicles generally equipped with an open
cargo bay or
bed, such as a truck, a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), an all-terrain vehicle
(ATV), or
equivalent. More particularly, the portable multi-hinged shelter offers manual
operation for
expansion to form an enclosure for occupancy by multiple individuals and
storage of cargo
and the like and contraction to facilitate convenient self-storage on the
vehicle for effectual
transport to varying locations or destinations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable shelters or enclosures are often utilized in recreational activities
such as ice
fishing and camping to protect the enthusiast from the cold and sometimes
harsh climatic
conditions. Ice fishing, for example, is a popular and favorite outdoor sport
or hobby held
typically in northern regions of many countries with cold climatic conditions,
often
necessitating the need for some form of protective enclosure or shelter. Ice
fishing in
general involves catching fish from atop of an ice sheet formed on a body of
water. Access
to the aquatic environment that underlies the ice sheet is mainly achieved by
drilling or
cutting a hole through the ice sheet of sizable dimension to allow ample room
for
adequately accommodating passage of fish line, a fish catch of varying size
and weight,
and ancillary fishing equipment like that of a sonar fish finder without undue
hinderance
and difficulty. Some ice fishing enthusiasts or anglers desirably participate
in the sport
within the open environment so as take in the fresh air, while others may
preferably reside
within the comforts of an enclosure to protect them from the elements and
harsh cold
conditions.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
Enclosures directed for this purpose may vary in type and size, with some
being of
the semi-permanent type fabricated from metal or wood to resemble a structured
shed or
shack and optionally fitted with wheels or skids to fulfill relocation
relatively about the ice
sheet as may be desired from time to time, whereas other types of enclosures
may be
extensively portable in nature. Portable shelters that often fulfill the
enthusiastic angler's
requirements are typically inexpensive, can accommodate one or more persons,
albeit
generally limited in number, lightweight for transport to and from the body of
water, and
incorporate features for quick assembly and disassembly so that one may
desirably relocate
the shelter coincident to the movement of feeding fish for attainment of the
ultimate catch.
The construct of and features associated with portable fishing shelters are
recognized in the art to vary by some degree, but are generally represented by
three basic
design types: a pop-up tent, a rigid sled incorporating a flip-over tent, and
a flip-over tent
connectively adapted to a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) or equivalent.
As considered the most basic form of a portable fishing shelter, the pop-up
tent
fishing shelter is usually featured with similar components as one would find
for a tent
used in camping, absent an integrated floor structure. This type of the
portable shelter
typically includes a light-weighted assembly of flexible poles hingedly
mounted to and
extending from hubs to expand outwardly and forcibly act against an all-
encompassing,
water-proof fabric skin to rigidly form a structured enclosure suited for
occupancy and
containment of a minimal amount of fishing gear and the like. Although pop-
tent shelters
are rather inexpensive and light-weighted for carry and assembly by an
individual fishing
angler, they can be cumbersome in fulfilling the capability of transporting
the desirable
amount of fishing gear with that of the pop-up tent, in addition to the
difficulty associated
with setup, particularly in relation to embedding the requisite anchors within
the ice sheet
and connecting lines to structural aspects of the pop-up tent to consummate
the assembly.
In an extended version or variation of the pop-up tent fishing shelter
described
above, the rigid sled with the flip-over tent type of fishing shelter
incorporates within the
structure of the sled a pair of sideward anchoring plates that offers mounting
of one or
more swinging canopy supports that selectively connect in part to an outer,
waterproof skin
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and pivotally rotate relative to the anchoring plate to spatially expand and
relocate the outer
skin from within the confines of the sled to structurally form an enclosure
for occupancy
and containment of a limited amount of fishing gear. Like the pop-up tent
fishing shelter,
the canopy supports inherently possess capabilities to extend outwardly and
forcibly act
against the outer skin and lock in place to consummate the assembly. Although
this type of
fishing shelter conveniently offers onboard storage of the outer skin and
associated canopy
supports to admirably advance aspects portability for transport to the body of
water and
relocation relatively about the ice sheet at moment's notice, there is a
tendency for
premature wear and tear of operative components and hardware as well as
calamitous
opportunities for damaging fishing gear and sensitive equipment due to
traversing over
rough sheets of ice and mounds of snow, particularly if the sled is being
transported behind
a moving vehicle like that of a snowmobile or UTV and the like. Additionally,
this type of
fishing shelter, like that of the pop-tent type, is spatially limited for
occupancy and storage
of fishing gear, can be difficult for one to manage setup during adverse
climatic and windy
conditions, and with due consideration of its weight and overall bulkiness and
sizable
dimension, can be problematic for the individual user to load and unload the
fishing shelter
respectively into and from the vehicle, which, on most occasions, necessitates
use of a
truck or an equivalent type of vehicle offering sizable holding capacity.
Like the two previously described portable fishing shelters, the flip-over
tent for
UTV's utilizes a plurality of flexible canopy supports and an attachable
stretchable fabric
skin capable of being attached to and expanded outwardly from the UTV to form
an
enclosure, generally offering a minimal footprint with limited overall spatial
capacity for
comfortably accommodating multiple anglers and fishing gear. As with most
designs of
this type, the flexible canopy supports and attachable fabric skin typically
collapse or fold
together to attain a level of compactness for convenient storage within the
spatial confines
of a cargo bay or bed of the UTV, which in turn adversely limits the vehicle's
onboard
storage capacity for carrying fishing gear and ancillary necessities. Although
this type of
portable fishing shelter may possess practicality and convenience for most
anglers, there
still remains unresolved issues of utilizing flexible canopy supports that are
inherently
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
difficult to manage during adverse, climatic conditions and are prone to
breakage.
Furthermore, inadvertent jarring of the vehicle during travel and snow and ice
unwantedly
accumulating within the bed of the UTV may unduly compromise vital operating
components of the flip-over tent as well as fishing gear that may accompany
transport
therewith.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a portable multi-hinged shelter that is
adaptable for use with most vehicle types having an open cargo bay or bed and
incorporates structural components for readily forming a structural enclosure
that
sufficiently and comfortably accommodates one or more individuals and
accompanying
gear and attains a level of compactness for onboard storage on the vehicle
without unduly
compromising the vehicle's overall spatial capacity to stow and transport
ancillary
necessities and items typically relating to an outdoor excursion.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to overcome the numerous drawbacks apparent in the prior art, a
portable
multi-hinged shelter has been devised for readily attaching to and
conjunctively operating
with a variety of vehicle types that generally incorporate an open cargo bay
or bed, such as
a truck, a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or
equivalent.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable multi-hinged
shelter that
includes structural components to readily fulfill expansion of an attachable
fabric skin to
form a protective enclosure for occupancy of one or more individuals and
storage of
accompanying gear and ancillary necessities, while equally possessing the
capabilities to
readily contract or fold together to attain a level of compactness for
transport.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable multi-
hinged
shelter that retains the onboard storage capacity of the vehicle so as
adequately
accommodate storage of accompanying gear and ancillary necessities without
unduly
compromising the comfort of passengers situated within the vehicle.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable multi-
hinged
shelter that is relatively simple in terms of design and construction and
fabricated from
corrosion resistant materials to sustain long-term use and operation in harsh
climatic
conditions.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable multi-
hinged
shelter that offers stowable bench seating for advancing comfort to
individuals and ample
storage capacity within the formed enclosure for immediate, convenient access
to
accompanying gear and ancillary equipment.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a portable multi-
hinged
shelter that consists of modular structural components for readily effecting
repair and
replacement of damaged or failed components.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a portable multi-
hinged
shelter that is capable of being held within the height and width of the
vehicle's
dimensional relationship while in a folded, compact arrangement so as to
afford
unhindered travel into and out of a trailer, a garage, or other forms of
storage
accommodations.
In accordance with the present invention, a portable multi-hinged shelter has
been
devised to comfortably house one or more occupants and fulfill convenient and
accessible
storage of accompanying gear during outdoor excursions and like activity, the
portable
multi-hinged shelter includes a box frame mountably situated atop of sidewalls
of an open
cargo bay of a transport vehicle and connecting to a moveable frame assembly
by way of a
supportive wind wall that equally connects to a lower wind wall, the box frame
further
includes provisions for storage of items on one or more shelf platforms while
maintaining a
sufficient amount of loading capacity of the cargo bay and permits attachment
of a
secondary shelter shell for forming a protective enclosure, the moveable frame
assembly
further includes primary and secondary canopies and a ground brace that are
individually
capable of pivotal movement and permit attachment of a primary shelter shell,
whereby
angular moveable supports or telescopic supports in connection with the
supportive wind
wall and moveable frame assembly permits manual capabilities for expansion and
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
contraction of the moveable frame assembly respectively for occupancy and
convenient
transport alongside the vehicle without unduly hindering the vehicle's safe
operation.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments
thereof when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference
numerals
depict the same parts in the various views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way
of
example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a primary shelter shell joined to a secondary shelter
shell collectively
covering a box frame and moveable frame assembly and being attached to a
vehicle;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a primary shelter shell joined to a secondary shelter
shell collectively
covering a box frame and a moveable frame assembly and being attached to a
vehicle;
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a primary shelter shell connecting to a secondary
shelter shell
operably attached to a vehicle;
FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a primary shelter shell having an extending top flap
and a pair of
elongate sideward flaps;
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a box frame positioned atop of sidewalls of and mounted
to an open
cargo bay of a vehicle;
FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a box frame mounted atop of an open cargo bay of a
vehicle;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a box frame having upper and lower horizontal members
connecting
to corner posts;
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a box frame having upper and lower horizontal members
connecting
to corner posts;
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating detail of joining upper and lower horizontal members to
a corner post
by a three-way connector;
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating of a corner cap fitted to a three-way connector;
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating of a corner cap fitted to a three-way connector having
accessible
openings;
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a three-way connector having accessible openings and
alignment
members;
FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating of a corner cap having a pair of outward pins and a
pair of inversed
grooved slides;
FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating of a corner cap having a pair of outward pins;
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention
illustrating a shelf platform;
FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating a shelf platform configured with cap screws and track
nuts;
FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a turnbuckle having connective hooks configured to
engage eye bolts;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a turnbuckle having connective hooks configured to
engage eye bolts;
FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating an alignment plate having a top planar element
integrally connecting
to a sideward planar element;
FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating an alignment plate designated for use with a pair of
cap screws and
track nuts;
FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a supportive wind wall having a pair of upright
supports connecting
to a lower support member;
FIG. 22 is a rear elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a supportive wind wall having a pair of upright
supports connecting
to a lower support member;
FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a supportive wind wall having a pair of upright
supports connecting
to a lower outward member and dual-mountable pivot plates;
FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a supportive wind wall connecting to a moveable frame
assembly in
an expanded relation and a pair of telescopic supports each connectively
spanning from an
upright support of the supportive wind wall to a sideward arm;
FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a two-way corner connector with insertable ends;
FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a three-way corner connector with insertable ends;
FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a box frame mounted to an open cargo bay of a vehicle
and
connecting to moveable frame assembly in a folded, compact position;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
FIG. 28 is a rear elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a box frame mounted to an open cargo bay of a vehicle
and
connecting to moveable frame assembly in a folded, compact position;
FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a supportive wind wall connecting to a moveable frame
assembly and
a lower wind wall collectively in an expanded relation;
FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a moveable frame assembly presented in expanded form
and
connecting to a box frame associatively mounted to an open cargo bay of a
vehicle;
FIG. 311s a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention
illustrating a supportive wind wall connecting to a moveable frame assembly in
an
expanded relation;
FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a lower wind wall having a supportive framed structure
connecting to
a pair of rotatable arms;
FIG. 32A is a partial enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a rotatable arm connecting to a supportive end member
of a
supportive frame structure;
FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention
illustrating a primary canopy having a pair of sideward members each
connecting to dual
triangulated pivot plates;
FIG. 33A is a partial enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a dual triangulated pivot plate separable from a
sideward member of a
primary canopy;
FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention
illustrating a supportive wind wall connecting to moveable frame assembly and
a lower
wind wall collectively in an expanded relation;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a pair of opposing inline plate connecting together by
bolt and nut
assemblies;
FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention
illustrating a pair of opposing inline plate connecting together by bolt and
nut assemblies;
FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a secondary canopy having a pair of sideward members
connecting to
a cross support;
FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a secondary canopy having a pair of sideward members
connecting to
a cross support and fitted with end-mountable brackets;
FIG. 39 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a pivot bracket assembly having a plate-mountable
bracket pivotally
connecting to an end-mountable bracket;
FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating a pivot bracket assembly having a plate-mountable
bracket separable
from an end-mountable bracket and a bolt and nut assembly;
FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a pair of opposing T-plates each with an outward
portion and a
lengthened portion;
FIG. 42 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a pair of opposing T-plates each having an outward
portion and a
lengthened portion and connecting together by bolt and nut assemblies;
FIG. 43 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a ground brace having a pair of sideward supports
connecting to a
cross member;
FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a ground brace having a pair of sideward supports
connecting to a
cross member;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
FIG. 45 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating a pair of corner braces connecting together by bolt and
nut
assemblies;
FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention
illustrating a pair of corner braces connecting together by bolt and nut
assemblies;
FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating an angular moveable support having a rigid member
separable from
an end-mountable pivot bracket and an arm-encompassing sleeve;
FIG. 48 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
.. invention illustrating a supportive wind wall having a pair of dual-
mountable pivot plates
and connecting to a moveable frame assembly and a lower wind wall collectively
in an
expanded relation;
FIG. 48A is a partial enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a pivot bracket assembly mountable to an upright
support of a
.. supportive wind wall and pivotally connecting to an angular moveable
support;
FIG. 49 is an exploded, partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the
present invention illustrating a pivot bracket assembly having a plate-
mountable bracket
attachable to an upright support of a supportive wind wall and an end-
mountable bracket
separable from a rigid member of an angular moveable support;
FIG. 50 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating a telescopic support having an elongate sleeve
separable from an
inner slidable support, a bushing, and a fitted stop mechanism;
FIG. 50A is a partial enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a fitted stop mechanism associated with a telescopic
support having
.. an insertable end and enlarged portion with a spring-loaded pin;
FIG. 51 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a telescopic support having an inner slidable support
slidably fitting
within an elongate sleeve;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
FIG. 52 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a primary shelter shell joining to a secondary shelter
shell;
FIG. 53 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a primary shelter shell joining to a secondary shelter
shell;
FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a primary shelter shell joining to a secondary shelter
shell;
FIG. 55 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a bottom panel of a pair of bottom panels and having a
formed sleeve;
FIG. 56 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a bottom panel of a pair of bottom panels and having a
formed sleeve;
FIG. 57 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a bottom panel of a pair of bottom panels and having a
buckle and
strap assembly;
FIG. 58 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a bottom panel of a pair of bottom panels and having a
buckle and
strap assembly;
FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating a frontal-top-rearward panel of a secondary shelter
shell;
FIG. 60 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a frontal-top-rearward panel of a secondary shelter
shell;
FIG. 61 is a bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating a frontal-top-rearward panel of a secondary shelter
shell and having
an access door;
FIG. 62 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a box side panel of a secondary shelter shell;
FIG. 63 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention
illustrating a box side panel of a secondary shelter shell;
FIG. 64 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
-
invention illustrating a box side panel of a secondary shelter shell and
having a zippered
door;
FIG. 65 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention
illustrating a moveable frame assembly presented in expanded form and
connecting to a
.. box frame configured with a shelf platform;
FIG. 66 is a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a supportive wind wall connecting to a moveable frame
assembly in
an expanded relation and a pair of telescopic support poles connecting to
sideward arms;
FIG. 67 is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a telescopic support pole having an elongate member
slidably fitting
within a lengthened sleeve; and
FIG. 68 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the
present
invention illustrating a telescopic support pole having an elongate member
separable from
a lengthened sleeve, a fitted bushing, and a stop mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While this invention is susceptible of being embodied in many different forms,
the
preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and
described in detail hereinafter with the understanding that the present
disclosure
purposefully exemplifies the principles of the present invention and is not
intended to
unduly limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated and presented
herein. The present
invention has particular utility as a portable shelter for outdoor excursions
and like
activities with structural features that readily advance assembly for
immediate occupancy
.. by one or more individuals and storage of accompanying gear and ancillary
items, while
equally possessing capabilities to attain a level of compactness for onboard,
self-storage in
connection with a variety of vehicle types.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown generally at 10 a portable multi-
hinged
shelter in expanded form and mounted and attached to a vehicle 12 of the
particular type
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
equipped with an open cargo bay 12a or bed, with a portion of the portable
shelter
extending outwardly from a rearward end 12b of the vehicle to advance an
increase in
spatial capacity for comfortably accommodating one or more individuals and
storage of
accompanying equipment and related gear. As further shown therein, the
portable multi-
.. hinged shelter includes a protective shell assembly 14 semi-permanently
attached to and
exteriorly covering a box frame 16 and a moveable frame assembly 18, in
addition to
incorporating an integral assembly of flaps 20 suited to protectively wrap and
encase the
moveable frame assembly while presented in collapsible form, primarily in
preparation for
transport.
The box frame 16 in FIGS. 5-8 preferentially resides above the open cargo bay
12a
and is configured to attach to sidewalls 12c substantially forming the cargo
bay of the
vehicle and includes four corner posts 22 generally extending vertically in
alignment with
the sidewalls and perpendicular to a bottom surface 12d of the open cargo bay,
with each
of the corner posts having a first end 22a and a second end 22b respectively
connecting to
upper horizontal members 24 and lower horizontal members 26 by way of a three-
way
connector 28. The three-way connector in particular is shown in FIGS. 9-14 to
include an
aperture 30 extending through each of the three walls 28a of the three-way
connector for
accepting therethrough a cap screw 32 or equivalent, with a threaded end 32a
thereof being
threadably inserted within a cylindrical bore 22c, 24a, 26a extending
lengthwise about the
corner post as well as of each of the upper and lower horizontal members.
Accessible
openings 34 supplement the three-way connector to allow access to and passage
of the cap
screw for advancing and consummating assembly. To promote proper alignment and
positioning of the corner posts 22 with respect to the horizontal members 24,
26, the three-
way connector as in FIGS. 11 and 12 incorporates within its structure an
alignment
member 36 extending outwardly from a backside 28b of each wall configured with
the
aperture for fitment within an open track 22d, 24b, 26b integrated within and
extending
lengthwise along each of the corner posts and horizontal members, generally
formed within
each as an extrusion. A corner cap 38 of the type depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14
encases the
three-way connector, whereby connectivity is maintained by a pair of outward
pins 40 that
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
engage and snap in place within corners of an open side 28c of the three-way
connector 28,
while a pair of inversed grooved slides 42 engagingly mate with an equally
configured pair
of inversed grooved slides 44 integrated within the structure of the three-way
connector's
walls bearing the accessible openings.
As further depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the box frame 16 incorporates one or
more
intermediate members 46 to supplement its overall strength and rigidity and
generally
connect midway to each of the upper horizontal members 24 and lower horizontal
members 26 as well as extending in between a pair of parallel upper horizontal
members
48. Connection of the individual intermediate members in this regard may be
advanced by
a common connective assembly 50 primarily comprising a cap screw 50a or
equivalent
passing into and fitting within a cross bore 24c, 26c extending
perpendicularly through the
upper and lower horizontal members, whereupon the cap screw's threaded end
threadably
engages a cylindrical bore 46a of the intermediate member 46.
In some embodiments of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 5, 6,
15, and
16 the box frame 16 may be fitted with an optional shelf system that fulfills
expanded
storage capabilities for items and the like interiorly within the confines of
the portable
shelter 10. In this regard, a pair of shelf supports 52 individually extend
horizontally in
between and connect to one of the four corner posts 22 and a vertically
orientated
intermediate member 54, generally in the manner shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
Connection is
maintained by the common connective assembly 50, whereby by individual cap
screws 50a
fit within a cross bore 22e, 54a respectively extending through the corner
post and
vertically orientated intermediate member and threadably engage and terminate
within a
cylindrical bore 52a of the shelf support 52. In completing assembly of the
shelf system, a
shelf platform 561s illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 to extend to each of the
mounted shelf
.. supports 52 and attaches thereto by way of a cap screw 58 or equivalent
fitting within a
cylindrical sleeve 60 fixedly attached to each corner of the shelf platform. A
track nut 62 of
the type shown in FIG. 16 includes an overall geometric shape that enables it
to slidably
pass into and within an open track 52b of the mounted shelf support 52 yet
inhibits upward
movement as the cap screw 58 is tightened to a specified torque setting.
Although the
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
construct of the shelf platform 56 may exist in numerous forms, practically
adapting use of
the types conventionally known in the art, it is preferably fabricated from a
plurality of
inner supports 56a spaced apart from one another and bounded by and connected
at their
ends to a supportive frame 56b so as to maintain passing of light from above-
positioned
light fixtures that may be used within the interior of the portable shelter
10. In some
installations, where it is desired to increase the supportive strength of the
shelf platform for
heavily-weighted items, a stacked arrangement of shelf platforms may be aptly
connected
together by way of the cylindrical sleeves 60, typically in the manner
depicted in FIG. 16.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 17 and 18, the box frame 16 is preferentially
attached to
the vehicle's cargo bay 12a by way of an assembly of eye bolts 64 and multiple
turnbuckles
66 of the type generally recognized in the art for such applications, with
each of the
turnbuckles having a pair of ends 66a individually configured with a
connective hook 66b
or equivalent and a tensioning mechanism 66c operating conjunctively with
threaded stem
portions 66d, whereby turning of the tensioning mechanism clockwise or
counterclockwise
respectively shortens or lengthens the effective length of the turnbuckle. In
fulfilling
attachment of the turnbuckles 66 to the box frame, one end bearing the
connective hook
66b engages a lowermost eye bolt 68 fixedly mounted to the open cargo bay's
bottom
surface, whereas the other, companion connective hook is configured to engage
an
uppermost eye bolt 70 extending outwardly from and connecting to one of the
lower
horizontal members 26. Adjustability of the eye bolt along the lower
horizontal members is
fulfilled by the capabilities of a track nut 72 slidably fitting within the
open track 26b,
whereas a threaded portion 70a of the eye bolt passes into and threadably
engages the track
nut to consummate a secured arrangement, as generally depicted in FIGS. 17 and
18.
In further association with the box frame 16, a plurality of alignment plates
74 may
be employed to ensure proper orientation and alignment of the box frame
relative to the
open cargo bay 12a while positioned atop the sidewalls 12c thereof. As can be
seen in
FIGS. 19 and 20, each alignment plate includes a top planar element 76
integrally
connecting to and being perpendicularly orientated to a sideward planar
element 78, where
the top planar element is configured to sit atop of and engage the lower
horizontal member
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
with the sideward planar element being situated to simultaneously abut against
the
horizontal member and an inner wall surface 12e of the cargo bay's sidewall.
Moveability
and securement of the alignment plates relative to and along the lower
horizontal member
26 is furthered by an assembled arrangement of a cap screw 80 passing into an
aperture
76a extending through the top planar element 76 where it is allowed to
threadably engage a
track nut 82 capable of sliding along the open track 26b of the lower
horizontal member 26
and being tightened to fulfill securement of the alignment plate.
Now in reference to FIGS. 21-24, the portable shelter 10 is further associated
with a
supportive wind wall 84 possessing structural features for connecting the box
frame 16 to
the moveable frame assembly 18 as well as supporting connectivity of a lower
wind wall
86 that possesses capabilities of being moved inwardly toward the supportive
wind wall
and stowed for transportational purposes.
The supportive wind wall in particular is shown in FIGS. 21-24 as having a
pair of
upright supports 88 each configured with a top end 88a and a bottom end 88b
respectively
connecting to an upper outward member 90 and a lower outward member 92 at each
of
their first ends 90a, 92a by way of a two-way corner connector 94 and a three-
way corner
connector 96. FIGS. 25 and 26 generally illustrates the overall configuration
of each corner
connector, where an insertable end 94a, 96a integrally formed with and
extending
outwardly from an exposed corner member 94b, 96b associated therewith
geometrically
conforms to and fits interiority within the structural square tubing
preferentially used in
fabricating the moveable frame assembly 18. It is generally understood within
the context
of this disclosure that the insertable end may be permanently or temporarily
attached to the
corresponding structural tubing by a variety of attachment means
conventionally known in
the art, including, but not limited to, press-fitted, screws, bolts, rivets,
glue, and so forth.
As generally depicted in FIGS. 21-23, 27, and 28, as an alternative, second
embodiment of the moveable frame assembly 18, each of the upright supports of
the
supportive wind wall 84 may be outfitted with dual-mountable pivot plates 98
in lieu of the
upper outward member to advance connectivity to a sideward arm 100. Connection
of the
17
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
dual-mountable pivot plates to the upright supports 88 is preferably
maintained by
attachment means relatively at its attachable end 98a, such as multiple bolt
and nut
assemblies 98b of the type typically shown in FIG. 21, rivets, screws, welds,
and other
methodologies recognized in the art for this purpose. Regardless of the
overall construct of
the supportive wind wall, each of the upright supports is further featured
with at least one
pair of supportive plates 102 that engagingly connect to an equal number of
complementary supportive plates 104 extending outwardly from and connecting to
the
corner post 22 of the box frame 16 situated most rearward of the vehicle 12.
FIG. 28 shows
a typical arrangement of the supportive plates with that of the complementary
supportive
plates, whereby individual sets of bolt and nut assemblies 106 advance a
temporary fixed
connection thereof.
In fulfilling connection of the two upright supports 88 as well as offering
overall
structural support to the lower wind wall 86, each of the bottom ends 88b in
FIGS. 21 and
22 connects to ends 108a of a lower support member 108 by way of one of the
available
insertable ends 96a of the three-way connector, particularly in a manner that
allows the
lower support member to generally reside on the same plane as the upright
supports with
the lower outward member 92 extending outwardly perpendicular thereto to
advance
connectivity to the lower wind wall.
Comparatively, FIGS. 29 and 30 respectively show each of the upper outward
members 90 or pair of dual-mountable pivot plates 98 as associated with the
alternative
embodiment of the moveable frame assembly 18 being connected to the sideward
arm 100
in a manner that yields pivotal action relatively at an inward end 100a of the
sideward arm.
In applications employing usage of the upper outward members, for example, a
pair of
opposing inline plates 110 facilitates connectivity as well as providing for
the desirable
pivoting movement, where in particular a fixed end 110a of the inline plate is
fixedly
attached to the inward end of the sideward arm by fastening means, such as at
least one
pair of bolt and nut assemblies 112 of the type shown in FIG. 29, welds, or
equivalent,
whereas a free end 110b of the inline plate connects to a second end 90b of
the upper
outward member by pivot fastening means, such a singular bolt and nut assembly
with
18
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
inner washers possessing lubricity properties, a bolt, a pin, or equivalent
types of fasteners
capable of yielding pivoting movement. In like manner, the dual-mountable
pivot plates 98
each includes an aperture 98c extending through a pivoting end 98d thereof as
in FIG. 21
to align with a cross bore 100b extending through the inward end 100a of the
sideward arm
as in FIG. 31, of which is appropriately fitted with pivot fastening means.
Referring now to FIGS. 24, 32 and 32A, the lower wind wall is shown as
including
a supportive framed structure 114 pivotally connecting to a pair of rotatable
arms 116 with
each having a first end 116a pivotally connecting to a second end 92b of the
lower outward
member 92 to substantially form a lower wind wall with dual-hinged
capabilities, whereby
the lower wind wall is capable of pivot movement relatively at PB-A along path
A in the
direction of A' toward the supportive wind wall to effect a compact
relationship, and
conversely, in the direction of A" to effect expansion thereof with that of
the moveable
frame assembly 18, as generally represented in FIG. 30. The supportive framed
structure is
generally depicted in FIG. 32 as comprising a pair of supportive end members
118 with
each having a first end 118a connecting to ends 120a of a cross beam 120 by
way of the
two-way corner connector 94, particularly being arranged to allow the
supportive end
members to reside on the same plane as the cross beam. A handle assembly 122
of the type
generally shown in FIG. 32A preferably fulfills connectivity of a second end
118b of the
supportive end member with that of a second end 116b of the rotatable arm and
the second
end 92b of the lower outward member 92 with that of the first end 116a of the
rotatable
arm. The handle assembly, as exemplarily described for use in connecting the
supportive
framed structure to the rotatable arm as in FIG. 32A, aptly includes a bolt
124 slidably
fitting within an aligned arrangement of cross bores 118c, 116c extending
through the
second ends of the supportive end member and rotatable arm and being fixed
thereat by a
lock nut 126 situated thereinbetween, whereas a threaded exposed end 124a of
the bolt is
threadably fitted with a sleeve 128 that connects to and conjunctively
operates with a
handle 130 for manually tightening or loosening the connection on an as-needed
basis.
Now in reference to FIGS. 27, 33 and 33A, the moveable frame assembly 18 is
further associated with a primary canopy 132 extending from and connecting to
outward
19
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
ends 100c of the sideward arms 100 and a secondary canopy 134 connecting
intermediate
along the sideward arms, whereby each of the canopies possesses the
capabilities of
collapsing inwardly toward the sideward arms as well as traveling outwardly
therefrom
respectively along paths C and D in FIG. 30 to attain contraction and full
expansion of the
moveable frame assembly 18.
As generally depicted in FIGS. 29, 33 and 34, the primary canopy 132 includes
a
pair of sideward members 136 each having a first end 136a connecting to ends
138a of a
cross member 138 by way of the two-way corner connector 94. The primary canopy
is
further shown as including a shortened arm 140 generally extending
perpendicular to the
sideward member 136 and connecting intermediate along thereof to a second end
136b of
the sideward member by way of a pair of opposing T-plates 142 each having an
outward
portion 142a and a lengthened portion 142b, of which may be fastened by bolt
and nut
assemblies 144 as in FIG. 29, welds, or equivalent fastening means known in
the art. In
other featural aspects of the primary canopy 132, each of the shortened arms
includes first
and second ends 140a, 140b respectively connecting to the outward end 100c of
the
sideward arm 100 and a first end 146a of a sideward support 146 of a ground
brace 148 by
way of a pair of opposing inline plates 150 of the type shown in FIGS. 35 and
36,
particularly equivalent to the type used for pivotally joining the inward end
of the sideward
arm to the upper outward member of the supportive wind wall. In the instance
of their
usage, a fixed end 150a of the individual inline plates is shown in FIG. 29 as
being fixedly
attached to the outward end 100c of the sideward arm as well as the second end
of the
sideward support by fastening means, such as bolt and nut assemblies 152 as in
FIG. 29,
welds, or equivalent fastening methodologies known in the art. Comparatively,
a free end
150b of the individual inline plate providing for capabilities for pivotal
movement is
shown as being attached to the first and second ends of the shortened arms by
pivot
fastening means, such as a bolt and nut assembly 154 as in FIG. 29, pass-
through pin or
bolt with locking capabilities, such as a lockable cross pin, cotter pin,
couplers, eye pin,
and so forth, or equivalent structural forms known in the art for fulfilling
pivotal
movement.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
As an alternative embodiment, in lieu of the shortened arm, the primary canopy
may
connect to the sideward arms and ground brace by way of a pair of dual
triangulated pivot
plates 156 each configured with a pair of outward ends 156a and arranged in an
opposing
manner, whereby a fixed connection is maintained with the sideward members of
the
primary canopy by fastening means, such as bolt and nut assemblies 158 as in
FIG. 33,
welds, or equivalent methodologies known in the art for this strict purpose.
Pivoting
connectivity of the outward ends of the dual triangulated pivot plates with
the outward end
100e of the sideward arm 100 and sideward support 146 of the ground brace is
fulfilled by
pivot fastening means to the likes noted above for the opposing inline plates.
As generally represented in FIGS. 37 and 38, the secondary canopy 134 is shown
therein as possessing similar structural characteristics as the primary
canopy, but differs
slightly with respect to its mounting to the sideward arm 100, particularly as
such to allow
full collapse inwardly toward the supportive wind wall 84. Accordingly, the
secondary
canopy includes a pair of sideward members 160 each having a first end 160a
connecting
to ends 162a of a cross support 162 by way of the two-way corner connector 94.
Connection of the secondary canopy to the sideward arm may be fulfilled by a
pivot
bracket assembly 164 as in FIG. 27 or by a pair of opposing T-plates 166 as in
FIG. 29.
The pivot bracket assembly as generally represented in FIGS. 39 and 40
provides
for pivotal connection of the sideward members 160 to the sideward arms 100,
whereby an
end-mountable bracket 168 and a plate-mountable bracket 170 respectively
attach to the
second end 160b of each sideward member and intermediate along each of the
sideward
arms 100 of the moveable frame assembly 18. As generally depicted in FIGS. 39
and 40
the end-mountable bracket includes an insertable end 168a integrally
connecting to and
extending inline and outwardly from an off-setting protuberance 168b
configured with a
cross bore 168c. The end-mountable bracket is further shown in FIG. 39 as
having a
formed ridge 168d situated in between the insertable end and off-setting
protuberance to
serve as a stop mechanism as the insertable end slidably fits interiorly
within the tubing of
the sideward member. Permanent or temporary fastening of the insertable end to
the
21
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
sideward member may be maintained by screws, bolts, glue, and other
methodologies
recognized in the art for this purpose.
Comparatively, the plate-mountable bracket 170 is shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 as
comprising a complementary offsetting protuberance 170a integrally connecting
to and
extending outwardly from a base plate 170b, whereby the complementary
offsetting
protuberance engagingly mates with the adjacently-placed offsetting
protuberance 168b of
the end-mountable bracket and connects therewith by way of a bolt and nut
assembly 172
appropriately suited for fitment within the arrangement of bores 168c, 170c
extending
through the offsetting protuberances. Connection of the plate-mountable
bracket is
generally fulfilled by at least two bolts 174 or equivalent passing into and
through an
aligned arrangement of apertures 176 extending through the base plate of the
plate-
mountable bracket and sideward arm and threadably fitted with nuts 174a.
In instances of using the opposing T-plates 166 for joining the secondary
canopy to
the sideward arm of the type represented in FIGS. 41 and 42, a lengthened
portion 166a
thereof is fixedly attached to the sideward arm 100 by fastening means, such
as bolt and
nut assemblies 166b as in FIG. 29, welds, rivets, or equivalent, whereas an
outward portion
166c is attached to the second end 160b of the sideward member 160 by pivot
fastening
means, such as a singular bolt and nut assembly 166d as in FIG. 42, a pin with
locking
capabilities, or equivalent type of fastener capable of fulfilling pivotal
action thereabout.
Consequently, through the structural connective arrangement of the end-mount
and
plate-mountable brackets, the secondary canopy 134 can pivotally travel
relatively about
PB-D inwardly toward the sideward arm 100 in direction of D' along path D in
FIG. 30
until the first end of the sideward member 136 generally comes in proximate
contact with
the inward end 100a of the sideward arm as in FIG. 27. Conversely, the
secondary canopy
134 can travel outwardly away and apart from the sideward arm 100 in direction
of D"
along path D to the extent of establishing a near-perpendicular orientation
thereof with
respect to the sideward arm, as generally shown in FIG. 30.
22
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
In reference to FIGS. 43 and 44, the portable shelter 10 incorporates within
its
structure the ground brace 148 to provide for overall structural support of
the moveable
frame assembly 18 while presented in expanded form for accommodating occupancy
by
individuals. Similar to the construct of the primary and secondary canopies,
each of the
sideward supports 146 of the ground brace 148 is shown in FIG. 43 as
comprising a second
end 146b connecting to one of two ends 178a of a cross member 178 by way of
the two-
way corner connectors 94 with the insertable ends 94a associated therewith
being
permanently or temporarily attached by fasteners of the type recognized in the
art for such
purpose, including, press-fitted, screws, bolts, glue, or equivalent. As
generally illustrated
in FIGS. 29 and 30 and discussed above, adaptation of the opposing T-plates or
dual
triangulated pivot plates 156 for joining the sideward supports 146 to the
primary canopy
132 aptly allows the ground brace 148 to pivot and move inwardly with respect
to the
primary canopy 132 to fulfill states of partial compactness and expansion of
the moveable
frame assembly 18 as may be desired from time to time.
As further associated with the portable shelter 10, the primary and secondary
canopies as well as the ground brace may include multiple pairs of corner
braces 180 of the
type shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 to offer structural strength and advance
rigidity thereto,
particularly among areas most prone to possible permanent disfiguration due to
applied
twisting and torsional forces that the portable shelter may sustain during
operative events.
Accordingly, it is desired to place and mount pairs of corner braces in an
opposing manner
relatively on each side of individual two-way and three-way corner connectors
that effect
to join the sideward members 136 with that of the cross member 138, as
generally
associated with the primary canopy, and sideward members 160 with that of the
cross
support 162, as generally associated with the secondary canopy 134, as well as
other
structural components requiring supplemental support and rigidity. Like the
opposing line
plates, the corner braces are fastened to the appropriate, designated
structure by fastening
means, such bolt and nut assemblies 180a as in FIGS. 45 and 46, rivets, or
equivalent.
Now in reference to FIGS. 47-49, the portable shelter 10 incorporates within
its
overall structure a supportive extending assembly to assistively extend the
moveable frame
23
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
assembly 18 from the supportive wind wall 84 while in a contracted relation
and offer
continued support thereof while in an expanded relation.
As generally depicted in FIG. 47, the supportive extending assembly 181
includes a
pair of angular moveable supports 182 each extendably spans the connective
arrangement
of the upright support 88 and sideward arm 100 to afford pivotal rotation
relatively about a
pivoting end 98d of the dual-mountable pivot plates 98 or free end 110b of the
connected,
opposing pairs of inline plates 110 generally designated at PB-B, whereby the
sideward
arms 100 primarily travel along path B in direction BI to generally reside in
proximity to
the upright supports of the supportive wind wall 84 to effect a compact
relationship thereof
and, conversely, along path B in direction B" to extend outwardly from the
upright support
of the supportive wind wall to effect a fully expanded relationship, as
generally represented
in FIG. 30. Each angular moveable support 182 is shown in FIG. 47 as
comprising a rigid
member 184 having a first end 184a operably connecting to a slidable yoke
assembly 186
and a second end 184b operably connecting to a pivot bracket assembly 188 of
which
respectively attaches to the sideward arm 100 and upright support 88 of the
supportive
wind wall. The slidable yoke assembly, as particularly shown in FIGS. 47 and
48, includes
an arm-encompassing sleeve 190 capable of being slidably fitted to the
sideward arm 100
and a pair of flanges 186a integral to and extending from one wall 186b of the
arm-
encompassing sleeve to form an inner slot 186c for receiving therein a center-
positioned
protuberance 192a of an end-mountable pivot bracket 192. In FIG. 47, the end-
mountable
pivot bracket is further associated with an insertable end 192b integrally
connecting to and
extending outwardly from an intermediate ridge 192c that adequately serves as
stop
mechanism to the likes described above for the end-mountable bracket 168 of
the pivot
bracket assembly 164, whereby the insertable end may be permanently or
temporarily
attached to the first end of the rigid member 184 of the angular moveable
support by a
variety of fasteners generally known in the art for such purpose. Connectivity
between the
slidable yoke assembly 186 and the center-positioned protuberance 192a is
furthered by a
bolt and nut assembly 194, wherein the bolt 194a fits within an aligned
arrangement of
apertures 192d, 186d extending through a face 192e of the center-positioned
protuberance
24
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
and pair of flanges 186a with a nut and washer 194b being mounted to the bolt
to
consummate the assembly. Comparatively, the pivot bracket assembly 188
appropriate for
connecting the upright support to the angular moveable support 182 as in FIG.
49 is
structurally equivalent to the type used in connecting the secondary canopy
134 to the
sideward arms 100, whereby a plate-mountable bracket 196 is mountable to the
upright
support 88 with fastening means, such as bolt and nut assemblies 196a, screws
or
equivalent, while the end-mountable bracket 198 with an insertable end 198a is
fitted
interiorly within the second end 184b of the rigid member 184. In completing
the
assembly, off-setting protuberances 196a, 198b integrally made part of the
plate- and end-
mountable brackets are placed adjacent to one another and connected together
by pivot
fastening means, such a bolt and nut assembly 200 or equivalent to fulfill
capabilities of
pivotal movement thereabout, as typically shown in FIGS. 39,40 and 49.
As generally depicted in FIGS. 50, 50A and 51, the supportive extending
assembly
may alternatively comprise a pair of telescopic supports 202 that connectively
span from
the upright supports 88 to the sideward arms 100, whereby first and second
ends 202a,
202b of the telescopic support respectively connect to outward portions 204a,
206a of
upper and lower sets of opposing T-brackets 204, 206. In particular, each
telescopic
support is shown in FIGS. 50 and 51 as comprising an inner slidable support
208 slidably
fitting interiorly within an elongate sleeve 210 that geometrically conforms
therewith. The
elongate sleeve includes a first open end 210a and a second open end 210b
respectively
accommodating an end cap 212 and a bushing 214 capable being placed interiorly
in part
within the elongate sleeve while permitting a portion of the inner slidable
support 208 to
slidably pass through an opening 214a associated with the bushing.
Comparatively, the
inner slidable support is shown to include an open end 208a for accommodating
therein an
insertable end 216a of a fitted stop mechanism 216, whereby an enlarged
portion 216b
integrally extending outwardly from and in line with the insertable end forms
a peripheral
rim 218 that aptly engages with and abuts against an end wall portion 208b of
the inner
slidable support while being fixedly attached thereto. As further evident in
FIG. 50A, the
enlarged portion includes a spring-loaded pin 216c of conventional form and is
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
geometrically configured to tightly fit, but slide interiorly within the
elongate sleeve 210,
whereby formed surface ridges 216d existing exteriorly on the enlarged portion
are capable
of interactively engaging with and sliding relatively about the elongate
sleeve's inner walls
without profound resistance while the inner slidable support slidably moves in
position to
allow the spring-loaded pin to locldngly engage with one of a plurality of
apertures 210c
extending through a wall section 210d of the elongate sleeve 210. FIGS. 24 and
29
generally depict connectivity of each of the telescopic supports to the
individual sets of T-
brackets, where in particular a lengthened portion 204b, 206b of each of the
upper and
lower sets of opposing T-brackets 204, 206 is respectively attached to the
sideward arm
100 and upright support 88 by fastening means, such as bolt and nut assemblies
220 as in
FIGS. 41 and 42, welds, or equivalent methodologies known in the art.
Conversely,
attachment of the first and second ends of the telescopic supports to each of
the outward
portions 204a, 206a of the upper and lower T-brackets is fulfilled by pivot
fastening
means, such, for example, a bolt and nut assembly 222 with the bolt
respectively passing
through an aligned arrangement of apertures 202c, 204c, 206c extending
individually
through the first and second ends of the telescopic support and outward
portions of the
upper and lower sets of opposing T-brackets designated therefor with nuts
being threadably
attached thereto to complete the assembly.
As generally shown in FIGS. 52-54, the protective shell assembly 14 comprises
a
primary shelter shell 224 designated for use with the moveable frame assembly
18 and a
secondary shelter shell 226 designated for use with the box frame that
generally exists
separable from the primary shelter shell, but semi-permanently attached
thereto to facilitate
assembly and disassembly for repairs that may be needed from time to time, for
example,
as well as providing for varied use of the box frame 16, with and without the
secondary
shelter shell, apart from the moveable frame assembly 18, with and without the
primary
shelter shell, and vice versa.
The primary shelter shell 224, as represented in FIGS. 52-54, includes a top-
rearward panel 228 integrally including a bottom outward flap 230 to engage
with the
ground's surface that functionally mitigates updrafts into an interior
compartment 232 of
26
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
the portable shelter and an extending top flap 234 of the integral assembly of
flaps 20 used
in part to encase the moveable frame assembly while presented in collapsible
form for
transportational purposes. Other notable features of the top-rearward panel as
in FIG. 52
include an integrated rearward access door 236 operably configured with a
zipper 236a or
equivalent type of closure mechanism for sealing the doorway and one or more
windows
238 with each having a closable flap 240 configured with a hook-and-loop
fastener or
equivalent attached along a top side thereof.
In FIGS. 1-4 and 52-54, the primary shelter shell 224 further includes a pair
of side
panels 242 each including a common perimeter edge 242a sewnly attached to and
along a
common sideward edge 228a of the top-rearward panel, a bottom outward flap
244, an
integrated door 246 to the likes set forth for the top-rearward panel, one or
more sealable
air vents 248, an elongate sideward flap 250 possessing protective
functionality
substantially equivalent to the extending top flap 234 for transportational
purposes, and a
sideward closure flap 252 for enclosing an elongate area 254 formed in between
the
supportive wind wall 84 and corner post 22 of the box frame 16, as generally
depicted in
FIG. 28.
In further association with the primary shelter shell 224, as shown in FIGS.
53 and
55-58, a pair of bottom panels 256 is fixedly positioned relatively about the
lower wind
wall 86, where in particular each bottom panel includes an outer sideward edge
256a
sewnly attached to a lower perimeter edge 242b of the side panel and a common
interior
edge 256b configured with a hook-and-loop fastener 258 or equivalent to
engagingly mate
with its complementary hook-and-loop fastener or equivalent associated with
the adjacent,
companion bottom panel.
Connection of the primary shelter shell to the moveable frame assembly 18 as
in
FIG. 3 is mainly provided by multiple straps 262 extending outwardly from and
attaching
to an interior surface 224a of the primary shelter shell. Each of the straps
generally
incorporates at its end a fastener 264 in the form of a hook-and-loop
fastener, a D-ring
264a, snap, button, or other suitable types generally recognized in the art
for fulfilling this
27
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
purpose. Configuration and securement of the straps 262 specifically in
relation to the cross
member of the primary canopy, cross support of the secondary canopy, and cross
member
of the ground brace generally involves encircling the straps around each of
the foregoing
structures and affixing their position with the fastener. FIG. 3 illustrates
exemplarily
availability of straps individually configured with a D-ring to effect
connection of the top-
rearward panel 228 to available loop brackets 266 extending outwardly from and
connecting to the sideward support and cross member 178 of the ground brace
148 and
bottom panels 256 of the lower wind wall 86.
Comparatively, the secondary shelter shell 226, as generally depicted in part
in
FIGS. 59-61, is shown therein as including a frontal-top-rearward panel 268
selectively
positioned over front, top and back sides of the box frame 16, whereby a
rearward side
268a of the frontal-top-rearward panel includes an access door 270 configured
with a
zipper 270a or equivalent closure mechanism to possibly cordon off an interior
space
formed by the box frame and interior area of the moveable frame assembly 18 or
offer
complete enclosure of the box frame 16, generally in instances of desirable
non-use of or
being disassembled apart from the moveable frame assembly 18.
In completing enclosure of the box frame, as depicted in FIGS. 62-64, the
secondary
shelter shell 226 includes a pair of box side panels 272 each having an upper
perimeter
272a and a pair of sideward edges 272b sewnly attached to a common sideward
edge 268b
of the frontal-top-rearward panel 268. Other aspects of each box side panel as
in FIGS. 62
and 64 include an optional window 274 and zippered door 276 to gain convenient
access to
the interior space of the box frame and an integral sideward flap 278
configured with a
hook-and-loop fastener 280 that selectively mates with a hook-and-loop
fastener 252a
integral to the structure of the sideward closure flap 252 of the side panel
242, of which
supplementally serves to protectively enclose the elongate area 254 formed in
between the
upright support 88 of the supportive wind wall and corner post 22 of the box
frame.
Connection of the secondary shelter shell 226 to the box frame 16 is fulfilled
by a plurality
of straps 282 with each extending outwardly from an interior side 268c, 272c
of the frontal-
top-rearward panel and box side panel 272 and being configured with a fastener
of the type
28
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
generally associated, for example, with the top-rearward panel. In advancing a
tight seal
between the primary shelter and secondary shelter shells, an assembly of
segmented straps
284 as in FIGS. 2, 56 and 58 are provided to slidably fit and reside within
formed sleeves
252b, 228b, 256c respectively integral to the sideward closure flap 252 of the
side panel
242, top-rearward panel 228, and pair of bottom panels 256. Fasteners 286 in
the form of a
buckle 286a, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or equivalent provide
means for
connecting together ends 284a of the segmented straps.
Now by way of briefly exemplifying description of the assembly and
functionally of
the portable shelter 10, one may appreciably gain further insight into the
relatedness and
interaction of the operative components discussed thus far that principally
fulfill the
utilitarian objects of the invention.
The box frame 16 is initially assembled by way of connecting together the
corner
posts 22 with that of the upper and lower horizontal members 24, 26 with
structural
provisions being made for mounting one or more shelves. The resultant box
frame is
selectively positioned about the sidewalls 12c of the open cargo bay and
partially fitted
with the secondary shelter shell 226 before finalizing attachment to the open
cargo bay 12a
by way of the turnbuckles 68.
Comparatively, the moveable frame assembly 18 is preferably assembled in whole
as a structure without the primary shelter shell 224 before being fixedly
attached to the box
frame, where in particular the supportive wind wall 84 pivotally connects to
the lower wind
wall 86 and the pair of sideward arms 100 followed by the primary canopy
pivotally
connecting to the sideward arms, the ground brace 148 pivotally connecting to
the primary
canopy 132, and the secondary canopy 134 pivotally connecting to the sideward
arms. In
fulfilling manual operation for contraction and expansion of the portable
shelter 10, the
supportive extending assembly, which preferably exists in form as pairs of
angular
moveable supports or telescopic supports, are selectively mounted within the
structure of
the moveable frame assembly. Regardless of using either the angular moveable
supports or
telescopic supports, which are shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 as connectively
spanning from
the upright supports of the supportive wind wall to the sideward arms 100,
each possesses
29
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
capabilities for pivotally moving the sideward arms outwardly from and
inwardly toward
the upright supports 88 of the supportive wind wall 84 along path B in FIG.
30.
Once in assembled form, the moveable frame assembly 18 is selectively located
in
vicinity of the box frame and positioned in a manner to allow the supportive
plates
connected to the rearward corner post 22 of the box frame 16 and supportive
wind wall 84
to engagingly mate with one another, where in particular the supportive plates
102
mounted to the supportive wind wall rest upon the complementary supportive
plates 104
affixed to and extending outwardly from the rearward corner posts. A bolt and
nut
assembly 106 accompanying and fitting to each of the mating, overlapping
supportive
plates consummates a secured connection of the moveable frame assembly to the
box
frame. After attachment in this regard, the primary shelter shell 224 is
fitted relatively
about and over the moveable frame assembly 18 and affixed thereto by means of
the straps
262, with sideward closure flaps 252 of the side panel 242 of the primary
shelter shell
engagingly mating with the integral sideward flap 278 of the box side panels
272 of the
secondary shelter shell 262 by way of the hook-and-loop fasteners.
In operational configurations of the portable shelter 10, the moveable frame
assembly, as associatively attached to the box frame 16, is presented in
expanded form
with and without attachment of the primary shelter shell 224, as in FIGS. 30
and 65, and,
conversely, in contracted form, as in FIGS. 27 and 28 to permit encasement
thereof by way
.. of the integral assembly of flaps 20, particularly the extending top flap
234 and elongate
sideward flap 250, with provisions for securement thereof by multiple elongate
straps 288
configured with fasteners 290 in the form of buckles 290a, hook-and-loop
fasteners, snaps,
buttons, ties, or equivalent, primarily in preparation of transport.
In the exemplary instance of using the angular movable supports 182 to yield
overall contraction of the moveable frame assembly 18, the arm-encompassing
sleeves 190
of the slidable yoke assembly 186 are slidably moved along the sideward arms
100 in the
direction of A' in FIG. 30 toward the inward end 100a of the sideward arm,
where in
particular the sideward arms will pivot relatively at PB-B while moving
inwardly along
path B in the direction of B' toward the supportive wind wall. At the same
time, the
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
primary and secondary canopies will respectively pivot relatively at FB-C and
PB-D while
moving inwardly along paths C and D in the directions of C and D' toward the
sideward
arms followed by the ground brace pivoting at PB-E and moving inwardly along
path E in
the direction of E' toward the primary canopy to attain an overall compact
arrangement of
the moveable frame assembly to the likes shown in FIG. 27. An end cap 92c of
the type
shown in FIG. 21 may be fitted to the second end 92b of each of the lower
outward
members to offer protection of the sideward arm as it comes in proximity to
the upright
support 88. Conversely, in fulfilling expansion of the movable frame assembly
18 to the
likes shown in FIGS. 30, the arm-encompassing sleeve 190 of the slidable yoke
assembly
are slidably moved in the direction of A" downwardly along the sideward arms
100 toward
the outward end 100c thereof to the extent of intercepting one of a plurality
of settable
stops 292 desirably set and located about the length of the sideward arm,
mainly
represented by a cross pin 292a or like structure, whereby the sideward arms
move
outwardly from the supportive wind wall 84 along path B in the direction of B"
while the
primary and secondary canopies respectively move and unfold along paths C and
D in the
direction of C" and D" to the extent of reaching the maximum, desirable length
of limiting
straps 294 individually mounting to and extending from each of the primary and
secondary
canopies to the sideward arms, as typically illustrated in FIG. 24.
Approximately at the
same time, the ground brace 148 will move outwardly from the primary canopy
along path
E in the direction of E" and continue to unfold to the extent that the cross
member 178 of
the ground brace engages the ground's surface.
In an alternative instance of using telescopic supports 202 for effecting
manual
movement of the moveable frame assembly 18, overall operability of the
sideward arms,
primary and secondary canopies, and ground brace occurs in like manner
described above
for the angular moveable supports 182, primarily about their respective
pivots, but differs
with respect to the manner in which the telescopic supports operate in
relation to the
sideward arms. In this regard, the spring-loaded pin 216c is depressed and
released from its
mating aperture 210c to allow the inner slidable support 208 to freely and
slidably move
inward within the elongate sleeve 210, which simultaneously allows the
sideward arms
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
100, primary and secondary canopies and ground brace to collectively move and
collapse
inwardly toward the supportive wind wall 84. Conversely, expansion of the
movable frame
assembly simply involves depression of the spring-loaded pin and manually
applying an
outward force to the sideward arms to extent of attaining a desirable position
away and
apart from the supportive wind wall, whereupon the canopies and ground brace
will
collectively unfold with the connected primary shelter shell while the spring-
loaded pin is
permitted to engage with one of the selected apertures such to lock the
moveable frame
assembly in place.
In using either the angular moveable supports 182 or telescopic supports to
effect
movement of the moveable frame assembly 18, consideration is given to the
lower wind
wall 86 in instances of storage and use of the portable shelter 10.
Untightening the handle
130 allows the supportive framed structure 114 to freely pivot at PB-A and
travel along
path A and move inwardly and outwardly respectively in the direction of A' and
A" toward
and away from the supportive wind wall to assistively attain overall
compactness and
expansion of the moveable frame assembly.
In an optional configuration of the portable shelter 10, as generally depicted
in FIG.
66, a pair of telescopic support poles 296 may be used in lieu of or in
conjunction with the
lower wind wall 86 to supplement overall support to the moveable frame
assembly 18 and
advance options for connecting the primary shelter shell 224. Like the
telescopic supports
202 in terms of overall features and function, as operably associated with the
sideward
arms, each of the telescopic support poles as in FIGS. 67 and 68 includes a
lengthened
sleeve 298 for housing and slidably accepting a portion of an elongate member
300. An
open end 298a of the lengthened sleeve includes a fitted bushing 302
configured with an
opening 302a to permit select passage of the elongate member, whereas an open
end 300a
.. of the elongate member is fitted with an insertable end 304a of a stop
mechanism 304, of
which is configured with a pin 304b of conventional form or equivalent
structure for
engaging with one of a plurality of apertures 298b extending through a wall
section 298c
of the lengthened sleeve. By and through the act of disengaging and engaging
the pin at the
appropriate or pre-select aperture advances fixed connectivity of the
lengthened sleeve 298
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
with that of the elongate member 300, particularly being advantageous in
setting the
overall length of the telescopic support poles to aptly correspond with the
cross member
178 of the ground brace generally residing relatively at ground's surface as
well as for
stowing alongside the moveable frame assembly in contractive form. In other
regards,
each of the telescopic support poles 296 may be fitted with an end cap 306 and
a foot pad
308 respectively at its first and second ends 296a, 296b. Connectivity of each
of the
telescopic support poles to the moveable frame assembly 18 is preferably
advanced by a
pair of T-brackets 310 mountable in an opposing manner relatively about the
sideward
arms 100 by fastening means, such as a bolt and nut assembly 312 or
equivalent, generally
at a location in between the supportive extending assembly and the secondary
canopy 134
collectively connecting to the sideward arms 100. In fulfilling capabilities
for compactness
with that of the moveable frame assembly and securement therewith, each of the
lower
outward arms 92 may be fitted with an in-line plate 314 as in FIG. 66, whereby
a fixed end
314a thereof is attached to the second end 92b of the lower outward member 92,
while a
free end 314b thereof includes aperture 314c that aligns with an aperture 100d
extending
through the sideward arm. A spring pin 316 of conventional form is placed
within the
aligned arrangement of apertures to fulfill a locking relationship of the
sidearm arm 100
with that of the supportive wind wall 84, particularly upon the instance the
telescopic
support poles are in a retractable relation and abutting the sideward arms in
proximity to
.. the upright supports 88.
In a typical, yet preferred approach for protectively encasing and wrapping
the
portable shelter 10 for storage and transport, the elongate sideward flaps 250
are moved
inwardly and folded to cover a majority of the primary shelter shell 224 from
behind,
whereby hook-and-loop fasteners 250a existing along an outer leading edge 250b
engagingly mate with one another, while ends 288a of the elongate straps 288
are secured
together by the buckle 290a or equivalent. Subsequently, a pair of lower
elongate straps
318 each connectively extending from the elongate sideward flaps 250 are
positioned to
engagingly mate with a buckle and strap assembly 320 associated with the pair
of bottom
panels 256. In completing encapsulation of the contracted moveable frame
assembly, the
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
extending top flap 234 is downwardly folded over the connected arrangement of
the
elongate sideward flaps 250 to permit hook-and-loop fasteners 234a, 250a
respectively
associated with a leading edge 234b of the extending top flap and on an
exterior surface
250c of the elongate sideward flaps to engagingly mate with one another.
Comparatively,
in instances where the moveable frame assembly 18 is expanded for utilitarian
purposes of
occupancy, the elongate sideward flaps may be rolled and bounded by one or
more
sideward straps 322 extending from and connecting to the side panels 242,
whereby
fasteners 322a such as a buckle or equivalent secures ends of sideward straps
for fulfilling
compact storage of the elongate sideward flaps alongside the side panels.
It is obvious that the components comprising the portable shelter 10 may be
fabricated from a variety of materials, providing such selection or use of
materials possess
the capacity to withstand forces acting thereon throughout its duration of use
as well as
limiting occurrences of premature failure due to repeated forces acting
thereon during
contraction and expansion of the moveable frame assembly 18. Accordingly, it
is most
desirable, and therefore preferred, to construct the portable shelter 10,
namely, components
of the box frame 16 and moveable frame assembly from extruded aluminum, high
tensile
strength plastic, polymer composites, or an equivalent type of material that
meaningfully
offers reasonable structural strength for its weight, while limiting the
extent by which the
components may unacceptably fail due to applied stresses.
While there has been shown and described a particular embodiment of the
invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes
and alterations
can be made therein without departing from the invention and, therefore, it is
aimed in the
appended claims to cover all such changes and alterations which fall within
the true spirit
and scope of the invention.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-01
