US20010007260A1 - Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism - Google Patents
Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism Download PDFInfo
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- US20010007260A1 US20010007260A1 US09/803,991 US80399101A US2001007260A1 US 20010007260 A1 US20010007260 A1 US 20010007260A1 US 80399101 A US80399101 A US 80399101A US 2001007260 A1 US2001007260 A1 US 2001007260A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tent
- clevis
- shelter
- clevises
- vertical pin
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/28—Umbrella type tents
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
- E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
- E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
- E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
- E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means
Abstract
A collapsible shelter/tent, such as for example an umbrella tent, has a collapsible frame with a plurality of legs that are erected by manually moving two clevises toward one another. The shelter/tent includes an improved locking mechanism that very securely maintains the structure in an erected position. The improved locking mechanism includes a generally vertical pin extending from one of the clevises that is received inside a socket supported on the other of said clevises. The socket has an engaging member therein that can engage a groove in the generally vertical pin after said generally vertical pin has been inserted into said socket. Preferably, the engaging member is spring biased into the groove. The shelter/tent also includes a variety of novel frame structures. An erection device for erecting a collapsible tent is also included. The erection device includes an elongated pole and a slide member that can be used to control relative movement of the clevises toward and away from one another.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to collapsible shelters and tents having sheet material walls supported by a collapsible frame. The present invention provides, among other things, an improved collapsible shelter or tent having a frame locking mechanism.
- 2. Background of the Invention
- Collapsible tents, such as umbrella tents, are well known in the art. The term “umbrella tent” is commonly used in the trade because the frames for such tents can be erected and collapsed in much the same manner as an umbrella. Some exemplary collapsible tents are shown in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,358 (Forell); U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,936 (D. Surrendi); U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,363 (Watts et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,146 (Maiken); and U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,087 (Simonson).
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,358 shows a foldable tent and frame therefor that includes a number of complex drive mechanisms to move upper and lower spiders14 and 16, respectively, toward and away from one another to erect and collapse the tent frame. The drive mechanisms also include a locking mechanism for securing the spider assembly in an erected condition.
- U.S. Pat. No.4,945,936 shows a collapsible tent having a frame with an
upper clevis member 10 and a lower clevis member 11 that are manually moved towards and away from one another, without a complex drive mechanism, to erect and collapse the tent. The '936 tent does not contain, however, a separate locking mechanism to lock the upper and lower clevis members together. In order to assemble the tent, the tent is initially in a position like that shown in FIG. 2. The lower clevis member 11 is then forced up towards theupper clevis member 10. The structure of the tent creates a force resisting upward movement of the lower clevis member 11 towards theupper clevis member 10 until the radial brace members 28 become generally horizontal. Thereafter, the force on the lower clevis member 11 actually causes the lower clevis member 11 to move towards theupper clevis member 10. As a result, in an assembled state as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, wherein the stop member 26 is seated within the recess 15, the tent is self-sustaining and an additional locking mechanism is not included. The '963 patent can collapse, however, upon the application of a modest downward pressure to the top of the upper clevis member when the frame is assembled. - U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,363 shows an umbrella type collapsible shelter having an upper hub12 and a lower hub 14 that are moved toward one another to erect the shelter. Similar to the '936 device, when the rib members 15 move past the position perpendicular to the vertical center line of the shelter, the resultant upward force on the hub 14 due to the stress in the bowed support members 11 tends to hold the hub 14 proximate to the central hub 12 to maintain the shelter in the erected position. (See col. 4, lines 45, et seq., of the '363 patent.) In addition, the '363 device includes means for preventing inadvertent collapse of the shelter. In particular, the upper hub 12 includes a bore 23 and the lower hub 14 includes a bore 24 aligned with but eccentric to the bore 23. An erecting means 13 (e.g., an elongated rope or rod) extends through the bores 23 and 24. After the structure is assembled, as stated on col. 6, lines 17 et seq., “[t]he second hub 14 is then rotated by about one-quarter to about three-eighths of a turn about the axis of the erecting means” which creates a binding action due to the eccentric relationship. The '363 device, however, has a number of drawbacks—for example: a) the means for preventing inadvertent collapse of the hubs 12 and 14 involves hubs which rotate with respect to one another (and with respect to legs or the like attached thereto); b) the means for preventing inadvertent collapse is complex, unreliable, and can create undue stress on parts; c) the '363 involves mounting the shelter fabric within the frame, creating undue exposure and potential damage of the frame structure and creating other deficiencies.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,771,087 shows a portable screen having a locking mechanism that locks together an upper ridge piece12 and a lower latching block 24. The locking mechanism of the '087 device also contains a number of drawbacks. In the '087 device, the latching block 24 has an upper cap member 30 with a coil spring 40 that biases loop portions 40 outwardly. The ridge piece 12 includes a central bore 20 that receives the cap member 30. A flexible element 44 is used to pull the cap member 30 vertically through the bore 20 of a ridge piece 12 to lock the latching block 24 to the ridge piece 12 once the loop portions 36 are seated above the screen 54 to lock the device. The drawbacks of the '087 device include, for example, that the locking mechanism can be: a) disadvantageously exposed to the environment; b) inconvenient since disassembly should be initiated from outside of the shelter; and c) undesirable because it involves mounting the frame outside of the screen 54 which reduces the design options of the device.
- There remains a need in the art for the continued improvement of collapsible shelters and tents and, for example, for a collapsible shelter or tent having an improved means for locking a frame thereof in an assembled state.
- The present invention provides a variety of features that overcome the above-noted problems and many other problems existing in the art.
- A first aspect of the invention involves the provision of a collapsible shelter/tent that has an improved means for locking a frame thereof in an assembled state. In this regard, a collapsible shelter/tent can be provided that includes: a collapsible frame including: a) three or more legs pivotally connected to a first clevis; and b) three or more support bars pivotally connected with respect to the legs at an outer end of the support bars and pivotally connected to a second clevis at an inner end of the support bars; a locking mechanism for locking the first and second clevises together when the shelter/tent is assembled which includes: a) a generally vertical pin extending from one of the first and second clevises, the generally vertical pin having a groove on a side thereof; b) a socket on the other of the clevises having a receiving bore aligned with the generally vertical pin; c) an engaging member supported within the socket that can firmly engage the groove in the generally vertical pin after the generally vertical pin is inserted into the socket; and a plurality sheet-material walls supported on the collapsible frame.
- Preferably, the collapsible shelter/tent includes biasing means for biasing the engaging member into the groove automatically upon engagement of the first and second clevises.
- In one exemplary embodiment, the first clevis is above the second clevis and the generally vertical pin extends downward from the first clevis towards the second clevis. Preferably, the socket is fixed to the second clevis and includes a central bore and a widened opening having a funnel-shape receiving surface. The diameter across the widened opening having the funnel-shape receiving surface is preferably substantially greater than a diameter across the vertical pin to ensure engagement and can be, for example, more than 2 times, or even more than 2.5 times, or even more than 3 times as great.
- According to another aspect of the invention, an erection device is provided that includes: an assembly pole having a slide supported thereon; the assembly pole having a tip with an engagement element; the generally vertical pin having a lower end with a corresponding engagement element for engaging the tip of the assembly pole; and the second clevis and the socket having a through-hole through which the assembly pole is insertable so that the tip of the assembly pole can be engaged with the generally vertical pin.
- The present invention has a number of advantages not found in the references. A number of these advantages are discussed below. The following advantages are found in the more preferred embodiments, but are not absolutely required in every embodiment of the invention.
- The present locking mechanism can be embodied substantially within a lower clevis assembly which can, for example, receive a downward protruding pin from the upper clevis member.
- The present locking mechanism allows the frame to be located either inside or outside of the shelter/tent sheet-material (e.g., fabric, etc.) walls.
- The present locking mechanism does not need to be exposed to the environment since, for example, the locking mechanism can be internalized within the clevis assembly, and notably substantially within the lower clevis member. The frame and locking mechanism is thus less likely to become corroded, to accumulate dirt or dust, etc., which could negatively effect the device or its operation.
- The present device is also more convenient for the user because the user can unlock the device from a position within the shelter/tent.
- The present invention also does not require an external element such as a chord or the like so that the present design can be mounted either inside or outside of the shelter/tent sheet-material walls.
- The above and many other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention are further presented in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which follows.
- FIG. 1(A) is a schematic perspective view according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention having a rectangular base;
- FIG. 1(B) is a schematic perspective view according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention having a square base;
- FIG. 1(C) is a schematic perspective view according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention having a square base and a dome-shaped top;
- FIG. 1(D) is a schematic side view of a frame structure according to one embodiment of the invention in a collapsed state;
- FIGS.2(A)-2(C) show elements of a first preferred locking mechanism according to certain embodiments of the present invention;
- FIG. 2(A) illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanism;
- FIG. 2(B) shows a side view of a pin-holding element that can be used in this first preferred locking mechanism;
- FIG. 2(C) shows a side view of a pin that can be used in this first preferred locking mechanism;
- FIGS.3(A)-3(D) show elements of a second preferred locking mechanism according to certain embodiments of the present invention;
- FIG. 3(A) shows a side view of a vertical locking pin usable in this second locking mechanism;
- FIG. 3(B) shows a cross-sectional top view taken along the
axis 3B-3B shown in FIG. 3(D); - FIG. 3(C) shows a side view of a clevis structure usable for the upper and lower clevises;
- FIG. 3(D) illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanism taken along the axis3-3 shown in FIG. 3(B);
- FIGS.4(A)-4(C) show elements of a third preferred locking mechanism according to certain embodiments of the invention;
- FIG. 4(A) shows a cross-sectional bottom view taken along the axis4A-4A in FIG. 4(B);
- FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional side view taken along the axis4-4 in FIG. 4(A);
- FIG. 4(C) is a schematic side view showing a portion of the locking mechanism;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a clevis for constructing a rectangular shelter/tent according to one exemplary embodiment;
- FIG. 6(A) is a plan view of a band bar that is used to construct an upper portion of a leg for a shelter/tent according to one exemplary embodiment;
- FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view of the band bar taken along the line6-6 shown in FIG. 6(A);
- FIG. 7(A) is a plan view of a leg tube that is used to construct a lower portion of a leg for a shelter/tent according to one exemplary embodiment;
- FIG. 7(B) is a cross-sectional view of the leg tube taken along the line7-7 shown in FIG. 7(A);
- FIG. 8(A) is a side view of a connecting member according to one aspect of the invention;
- FIG. 8(B) is a side view of the connecting members shown in FIGS.8(A), 8(C) and 8(D) from the direction of the
arrows 8B; - FIG. 8(C) is a side view of a connecting member similar to that shown in FIG. 8(A) with a rounded end configuration;
- FIG. 8(D) is a side view of a connecting member similar to that shown in FIG. 8(A) with a modified flat-end configuration;
- FIG. 9(A) is an end view of a hinge element according to one aspect of the invention;
- FIG. 9(B) is a side view of the hinge element shown in FIG. 9(A);
- FIG. 9(C) is a side view of the hinge element from the direction of the
arrow 9C shown in FIG. 9(B); - FIG. 10(A) is a top view of another hinge element according to another aspect of the invention;
- FIG. 10(B) is a side view of the hinge element shown in FIG. 10(A);
- FIG. 10(C) is an end view of the hinge element shown in FIG. 10(A);
- FIGS.11(A)-11(E) illustrate connecting members according to other aspects of the invention;
- FIG. 11(A) illustrates the end views such connecting members;
- FIG. 11(B) is a side view of one connecting member having an angled end;
- FIG. 11(C) illustrates the side views of the connecting member from the direction of the
arrow 11C shown in FIGS. 11(B), 11(D) and 11(E); - FIG. 11(D) is a side view similar to that shown in FIG. 11(B) of a connecting member having a modified end;
- FIG. 11(E) is a side view similar to that shown in FIG. 11(B) of another connecting member having a modified end;
- FIG. 12 is a plan view of a support bar or center tube according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 13(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 13(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the line13-13 shown in FIG. 13(A);
- FIG. 14(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 14(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the line14-14 shown in FIG. 14(A);
- FIG. 15(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 15(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the line15-15 shown in FIG. 15(A);
- FIG. 16(A) is a side view of a tent foot according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 16(B) is a top cross-sectional view taken along the line16-16 shown in FIG. 16(A);
- FIG. 17 is a broken away side view of a tent foot fixed at a corner of a shelter/tent;
- FIG. 18(A) is an elevational view of a shelter/tent frame in an assembled state according to another embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 18(B) is a side view of the shelter/tent shown in FIG. 18(A) in a collapsed state;
- FIG. 18(C) is a cross-section of a band bar that useable in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18(A);
- FIG. 18(D) is a perspective view of a section of the band bar shown in FIG. 18(C);
- FIG. 19(A) is a schematic side view of a section of a shelter/tent frame in an assembled state according to another embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 19(B) is a schematic side view of a section of a shelter/tent frame in a collapsed state according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 19(C) is a schematic side view of a section of a shelter/tent frame in a partially-collapsed state according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 20 is a partly cross-sectional side view of an erection device and an assembled locking mechanism of a shelter/tent that is erected and/or disassembled via the erection device;
- FIG. 21 is a partly cross-sectional side view of the erection device shown in FIG. 20 engaged with the locking mechanism of the shelter/tent shown in FIG. 20;
- FIG. 22 is a partly cross-sectional side view of the erection device shown in FIG. 20 engaged with the locking mechanism of the shelter/tent shown in FIG. 20 and having separated the upper and lower clevises a limited distance;
- FIGS.23(A)-23(G) are schematic illustrations of one method for erecting a shelter/tent with the erection device shown in FIGS. 20-22;
- FIGS.23(A)-23(E) show a gradual progression as the slide is moved upward along the assembly pole of the erection device;
- FIG. 23(F) shows the erection device removed from an erected shelter/tent; and
- FIG. 23(G) shows the erection device being stored along a side of the shelter/tent.
- In addition to reference numerals identifying specific parts as discussed herein, FIGS.2-17 also include reference numerals referring to sizes, in inches, as well as angles, in degrees, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. These FIGS. are also illustrated in proportional size ratios according to exemplary embodiments. These exemplary sizes, angles and ratios are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the wide range of the invention, which can vary greatly between various embodiments.
- FIGS.1(A)-1(C) show shelters/
tents 10, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, each having acollapsible frame 100 that supports a sheet-material cover 200 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1(A)). In the preferred embodiments, the sheet-material cover 200 is supported outside of the frame, but the sheet-material cover 200 can also be mounted inside of the frame (not shown), or covers could be provided both inside and outside of the frame (appropriate access there-through should be provided). - The sheet-
material cover 200 can be made with any known sheet-materials, including any known sheet-materials commonly used for constructing shelters and tents. These materials can include, as some examples, synthetic fabrics, nylon fabrics, polyester fabrics, plastic sheets, natural fiber sheets, cloth sheets, canvas sheets, etc. As shown in FIG. 1(A), the sheet material cover preferably includes a plurality ofsides 210 and aceiling 230. As shown in dashed lines, one or more of the sides can include a door D, a window or the like access means. In addition, thecover 200 can also include afloor 220. Thefloor 220 can be omitted or can be optional in certain embodiments. In addition, as long as thecover 200 imparts the necessary forces (discussed below), portions of thesides 210 and theceiling 230 can be omitted as desired. - The
collapsible frame 100 preferably includes four supportinglegs 300 that are pivotally attached to anupper clevis 400. Although four legs are preferred, the frame can have only three legs or can have five or more legs. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1(A)-1(C), each of thelegs 300 includes aleg tube 310 extending from atent foot 311 to ahinge 312 and aband bar 320 extending from thehinge 312 to theupper clevis 400. Each of thelegs 300 also includes ahinge 450 that pivotally supports an outer end of acenter tube 500, while an inner end of thecenter tube 500 is pivotally connected to alower clevis 600. - According to a first aspect of the present invention, the upper and
lower clevises novel locking mechanism 700. - FIGS.2(A)-2(C) show a first embodiment of the
locking mechanism 700. In this first embodiment, thelocking mechanism 700 includes apin 710, FIG. 2(C), fixed to theupper clevis 400 and a lock housing orsocket 720 fixed to thelower clevis 600, FIG. 2(A). As shown in FIG. 5, for example, theupper clevis 400 can include ahole 420 and pin-holdingelement 710A, FIG. 2(B), can be pressed, screwed, welded or otherwise fixed within thehole 420, while the pin-holdingelement 710A can include a receivingbore 711A into which thepin 710 is pressed, screwed, welded or otherwise fixed. Preferably, the pin-holdingelement 710A includes threads T that are screwed into corresponding threads in theupper clevis 400. The outer surface of the pin-holdingelement 710A can be hexagonal, gnarled, or otherwise configured to facilitate screwing it to theupper clevis 400. It is contemplated, however, that thepin 710 can also be fixed directly to theupper clevis 400, such as being pressed, threaded or welded directly thereto, or can be fixed thereto in any other known manner. - The
socket 720 preferably includes a receivingopening 721 having an funnel-shape guide surface 722 and acentral bore 723 that is sized to receive the pin as shown in FIG. 2(A). Thesocket 720 also includes anannular recess 724 and aring 730 that is retained in, yet laterally displaceable along, theannular recess 724. A spring SP (such as a compressed coil spring as shown or any other known spring or biasing means) preferably biases thering 730 so that thepin 731 extends through a lateral hole in thesocket member 720 into agroove 712 in thecenter pin 710 to lock the upper andlower clevises pin 731 rightward in FIG. 2(A)). - In order to disengage the clevises, the
ring 730 can be moved laterally, e.g., moved manually leftward in FIG. 2(A), against the force of the spring SP to disengage thepin 731 from thegroove 712 in thecenter pin 710. - A second embodiment of the
locking mechanism 700 is shown in FIGS. 3(A)-3(D). In this second embodiment, theupper clevis 400 has a dependingvertical center pin 710′ with anannular groove 712′ and thelower clevis 600 has anupstanding socket 720′ for receiving thepin 710′. As with the preceding embodiment, thepin 710′ can be fixed to theupper clevis 400 in a variety of ways. Thesocket 720′ includes avertical bore 723′ that receives thepin 710′ and also includes alateral bore 724′, FIG. 3(B), that slidingly receives a slidingpin 730′. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the slidingpin 730′ has a narrow section that allows thevertical center pin 710′ to pass and a wide section that restricts movement of thevertical center pin 710′ when located within theannular groove 712′ in thevertical center pin 710′. - The
vertical center pin 710′ has a taperedend portion 713′ that can move the slidingpin 730′ laterally within thebore 724′ during engagement. In order to engage the wide section of the slidingpin 730′ with thegroove 712′, a user can manually move thepin 730′ to a locked position. Alternatively, a spring (not shown) could be used to bias thepin 730′ into the locked position. The slidingpin 730′ can then be manually moved to an unlocked position disengage the device. - The sliding
pin 730′, or a portion of the socket orhousing 720′ proximate thereto, can also be color coded for visual identification of the unlocked and locked positions of the sliding pin—as one example, the end region A can be colored green so that one can easily discern that the assembly is unlocked when the side A protrudes as shown in FIG. 3(B), while, for example, the opposite end of the pin can be colored red so that one can easily discern that the assembly is locked when that opposite side protrudes. The other embodiments of thelocking mechanism 700 discussed herein can also include similar color coding to facilitate observance of the locked positions and the unlocked positions of thelocking mechanism 700. - A third embodiment of the
locking mechanism 700 is shown in FIGS. 4(A)-4(C). In this third embodiment, thelower clevis 600 has avertical center pin 710″ with a taperedtop end 713″ which enters abore 723″ in avertical shaft 720″ connected to theupper clevis 400. Upon insertion, the taperedtop end 713″ moves ahorizontal pin 730″ laterally within aninclined slot 740″ in theshaft 720″. The outer ends of thepin 730″ can include widenedportions 731″, or the like, to prevent thepin 730″ from falling from theslot 740″. In contrast to the second embodiment, the lockingpin 730″ moves in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of thepin 730″. When engaged, thepin 730″ returns via gravity (falls within theinclined slot 740″) into thegroove 712″ of thepin 710″ to lock the clevises together. Once again, in alternative constructions, a biasing means (not shown) could also be used to bias thepin 730″ into its locked position. Thelocking pin 730″ can be manually moved (e.g., rightward in FIG. 4(C) from a position A to a position B) to disengage thepin 730″ from thegroove 712″ in the center pin. - Other embodiments of the locking
mechanisms 700 can be made by combining or modifying the above exemplary embodiments of the locking mechanism. As some exemplary although less preferred modifications, the locking pins 710, 710′ and/or 710″ can be modified to extend from the other of the upper or lower clevises and the parts can be, thus, reversed. - Preferably, the locking mechanisms include: a) a pin member extending from one of the clevis members; b) a socket member on the other of the clevis members; c) the socket member preferably has an engaging member that can firmly engage a groove or hole in the pin upon insertion of the pin member into the socket member (preferably, the engagement is automatically imparted via a spring and/or via another biasing means such as gravity or the like); d) the engaging member is preferably manually releasable. In addition, the manual release is preferably performed proximate the lower clevis member to facilitate access thereto.
- Among other things, the
present locking mechanisms 700 can be beneficially located inside the shelter/tent structure (e.g., within sheet-material walls of a shelter/tent). The structure of the locking mechanisms can advantageously limit the accumulation and/or effect of debris (e.g., dust or dirt) that could otherwise interfere with the operation of the device. The locking mechanisms can also be highly accurate, consistent and fail-safe. - The
pin 710, the upper andlower clevises socket 720, and thepins - The present invention has significant advantages, for example, in military applications wherein substantial shelters/tents need to be erected quickly and without difficulty or trouble. Similarly, the present invention also has significant advantages in disaster-relief applications, wherein shelters/tents are used to accommodate and/or care for individuals or the like in disaster situations, such as during floods, earthquakes, warfare, etc. The present invention also has substantial advantages for recreational uses (e.g., camping, mountaineering, hunting, etc.) and in other common uses of shelters and/or tents. The present invention thus has broad applicability to various shelters, tents, hunting blinds, covers, screens and the like. The terminology “shelter/tent” is defined herein to encompass any such structures.
- The above-described
locking mechanisms 700 can be incorporated into a variety of shelter/tent structures having upper and lower clevises. The various shelters can range in sizes from single person tents, or smaller, that are only a few feet high to large tents having ceiling heights of eight to ten feet or even substantially greater. A number of exemplary shelter/tent structures into which such a locking mechanism can be incorporated are discussed hereinbelow. - In one type of preferred embodiment, the shelter/tent structure has four sides and, hence, four
legs 300. In that regard, the upper and lower clevises can be modified appropriately to pivotally support a desired number oflegs 300. In another type of preferred embodiment, the shelter/tent structure has six sides and, hence, sixlegs 300. The number of legs, however, can be selected as desired and can be any number that is three or more. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 3(B) and 4(A), discussed below, show clevises that operate with four legs, and, more preferably, four legs of equal length to create a shelter/tent covering a generally square ground area. On the other hand, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 shows a clevis that operates with four legs of equal length to create a shelter/tent covering a generally rectangular ground area, such as shown for example in FIG. 1. - The particular embodiment shown in FIG. 5 has two pairs of band-bar mounts410 for attaching the
legs 300. The band-bar mounts 410 are preferably situated along a common circle (such that forces from thelegs 300 are directed to a common center C). In the illustrated exemplary construction, each pair of mounts is about 53° from one another and about 127° from the mounts of the other pair. The clevis shown in FIG. 5 can be used for example to construct a tent having a base of about 4 feet by 8 feet, like that shown in FIG. 1 for example. As noted above, the sizes, angles and ratios illustrated in the FIGS. are with respect to exemplary embodiments, and these exemplary sizes, angles and ratios can be varied greatly between various embodiments to yield a wide range of shelter/tent sizes and shapes. - The upper and lower clevises are preferably constructed to have generally like shapes in each of the embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4(A), for example, the upper and lower clevises can be constructed with a similar “snow-flake” shape. The shapes and/or sizes of the upper and lower clevises, however, can of course be made to be different from one another under various circumstances.
- As shown in FIG. 4(A), the
clevis 400 includes four symmetrical bar mounts 410 of equal size situated 90 degrees apart from one another. The bar mounts 410 are made up of a pair ofprotrusions protrusion hole 411 for pivotally mounting thelegs 300 as discussed below. - As shown in FIGS.1, 6(A) and 6(B), the
legs 300 preferably have upper band bars 320 that are pivotally connected to the bar mounts 410 of theupper clevis 400. Thelegs 300 preferably also includeholes 321 that are used to attach a connectingmember 330 like that shown in FIG. 8(C). The connectingmember 330 includes a through-hole 331 that is aligned with the through-holes 411 and also includes through-holes 332 that are aligned with the through-holes 321 of theband bar 320. Theinside surface 412 of eachbar mount 410 of theclevis 400 is preferably spaced sufficiently away from theend 333 of themember 330 so as not to contact the same during the rotation of themember 330 about the axes of the alignedholes end 333 is preferably modified to be rounded at both sides as shown in FIG. 8(C). - Preferably, when connected to the upper clevis (e.g., via pins, bolts, or the like) a notched
region 334 for receiving theband bar 320 faces upward to provide a smooth upper surface, which is preferable in embodiments wherein acover 200 is supported thereon. - As shown in FIG. 1, a
connector hinge 450 is located at an intermediate location along the length of eachband bar 320 for pivotally supporting an outer end of a support bar orcenter tube 500. As shown in FIGS. 10(A)-10(C), eachconnector hinge 450 preferably includes a bracket member having a generally U-shape cross-section, FIG. 10(C), and having hinge-holes 451 and mounting-holes 452. The mounting-holes 452 are aligned with through-holes 322 at an intermediate location along theband bar 320, FIG. 6(A), and screws, bolts or the like (not shown) are used to secure thehinge 450 thereto. - The lower end of the band bars320 have a
second connector member 330 fixed thereto like that shown in FIGS. 8(A) or 8(D). In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8(C), theend 333 of the second connector member preferably has a roundedside 333A and aflat side 333B like that shown in FIGS. 8(A) or 8(D). The embodiments shown in FIGS. 8(A), 8(C) and 8(D) each have similar views in a direction of thearrows 8B, as seen in FIG. 8(B). FIG. 8(D) illustrates an embodiment wherein the flat side is at an angle of about 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis LA of themember 330. FIG. 8(A) shows an embodiment wherein theflat side 333B is at an angle of about 70 degrees to the longitudinal axis LA. This angle can be selected as desired depending on circumstances, and a variety of other angles can be used. As discussed further hereinbelow, the angle selected can be used to set the opening angle OA, FIG. 1, of thehinge 312. Theflat side 333B is used as a stop to prevent further rotation of the connecting member about the connectingpiece 313 discussed in the next paragraph. Theflat side 333B preferably faces the interior of the shelter/tent while therounded side 333A preferably faces the exterior of the shelter/tent. - As noted, and as shown in FIGS.9(A)-9(B), the
preferred hinge 312 includes a connectingpiece 313 having a generally H-shaped cross-section, FIG. 9(B), formed by two opposing bar mounts 314 with left andright sides 314A and 314B and mountingholes 315. The second connectingmember 330 at the lower end of theband bar 320 is supported in a first of these bar mounts 314. In this regard, theflat side 333B is arranged to abut one of thesurfaces 316 when a predetermined angle is achieved between the axis LA of themember 330 and the axis CA, FIG. 9(C), of themember 313. This enables the hinge to lock open at the predetermined opening angle OA, FIG. 1, when the shelter/tent is erected. - At the
second bar mount 314 of themember 313, a connectingmember 340 like that shown in FIG. 11(B) or 11(D), having atop end 343 similar to thetop end 333 of the connectingmember 330 shown in FIG. 8(A) or 8(D) and having a generally cylindricallower end 342 is connected to the connectingpiece 313 in a similar manner to the connectingmember 330. - The
lower end 342 is adapted to fit inside a hollow end of a generallycylindrical leg tube 312, such as shown in FIGS. 1, 7(A) and 7(B). Thelower end 342 preferably includesannular grooves 344 for receiving an o-ring to enhance the tightness of the connection and to provide an enhanced seal between themember 340 and theleg tube 310. - In this manner, an angle can be formed between the
band bar 320 and theleg tube 310 through thehinge 312. This angle (formed between the axes of the two connectingmembers 330 and 340) can be in a broad range between about 180 degrees (180 degrees can be provided for instance using elements like that shown in FIGS. 8(D) and 11(D)) and 90 degrees (90 degrees can be provided for instance using elements like that shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 11(B), but with theflat sides 343B angled to create a 90 degree angle, such as both being at 45 degrees). Previously, angles approaching 90 degrees were not workable. The present invention allows angles far closer to 90 degrees than previously possible, and notably angles of less than 155 degrees, and even less than 140 degrees, and even less than 125 degrees, and even less than 110 degrees. As noted, these angles can be selected as desired. - Among other things, the
locking mechanism 700 of the present invention allows for an angle much closer to 90 degrees than previously possible. In particular, (a) the ceiling area can be at a lower position without the risk that the weight of the ceiling will cause the structure to collapse and (b) the frame can be locked at a position closer to the location of maximum force against the cover 200 (e.g., closer to the horizontal position of the center tubes 500). - Thus, the present invention enables a shelter/tent to have a corner between a ceiling and a side that is at or near a “right angle”, which allows for a substantial increase in useable space inside the structure than with conventional “dome” shape designs.
- It is noted that FIGS.1(A) and 1(B) illustrate exemplary embodiments of rectangular base and square base shelter/tents having an angle approaching 90 degrees, while FIG. 1(C) illustrates an exemplary embodiment having a square base and an angle of about 180 degrees. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1(C), the flexure of the band bars 320 provides most of the curvature at the juncture between the sides and the ceiling.
- The structure of the
hinge 312 is an improvement over, for example, the hinge 36 shown in FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,358, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although a preferred hinge structure is described, it is contemplated that any appropriate hinge structure could be used in other embodiments. - The lower end of the
leg tube 310 preferably has atent foot 311 secured thereto. FIGS. 13(A)-13(B) illustrate a first embodiment of thetent foot 311. FIGS. 14(A)-14(B) illustrate a second embodiment of thetent foot 311. FIGS. 15(A)-15(B) illustrate a third embodiment of thetent foot 311. And, FIGS. 16(A)-16(B) illustrate a fourth embodiment of thetent foot 311. These embodiments are designed, for example, to accommodatedifferent leg tubes 310. In each of the illustrated preferred embodiments, thetent foot 311 includes an upper socket 311-1, a narrow mid-region 311-2, and a wide bottom-region 311-3. Theleg tubes 310 can be received within the socket 311-1, such as being press-fit, threaded, glued, welded, etc., thereto. Alternatively, thetent feet 311 can have a cylindrical top that fits within a hollow end of aleg tube 310, such as shown in FIG. 17. Alternatively, the tent feet could be attached in any other known manner. - The
tent feet 311 preferably do not penetrate thecover 200 so as to extend to the ground surface, but are preferably retained within thecover 200. The rounded bottom surface of thetent feet 311 helps prevent damage to anyfloor 220 material that thefeet 311 may contact. In addition, a reinforcement member can be provided between thetent feet 311 and thefloor 220 to prevent thetent feet 311 from damaging the floor surface. The reinforcement member can include, for example, as shown in FIG. 17 ametal ring 311R that is received in the region 311-2 and that is supported on a sheet orfabric material 311S sewn or otherwise fixed at a corner of thefloor 220. In the preferred embodiment, as shown, thesheet material 311S is a heavy webbing and turns under the foot so that the foot can sit on both the webbing and the shelter/tent floor. The diameter of the inside opening of thering 311R is preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the portion 311-3 so that the ring fits thereover when the plane thereof is perpendicular to the axis A of thetent foot 311, but which locks in the section 311-2 by tension forces within thecover 200 that causes thering 311 R to tilt and thus become locked within the section 311-2 as shown in FIG. 17. In contrast to common tents, no additional clips or other locking elements are required to engage the tent feet below thering 311R. - Among other things, the present invention thus provides substantial benefits including ease in use and assembly. The preferred design of the tent feet in combination with the reinforcement members also allows sheet material walls and floors of the shelter/tent to be locked onto the frame quickly and to be easily removed therefrom. Among other things, this allows the user to (a) assemble the shelter/tent without having to deal with loose parts or separate implements and to (b) have multiple or different covers that can be attached and removed to provide for a wide range of needs. For example, a single frame design can accommodate one or more of a recreational tent cover, an ice fishing tent cover, a cabana cover, and/or any other desired cover. Notably, the covers can have different materials (such as with different weights, strengths, waterproof qualities, visibility, heat retention and other properties, etc.), different wall and floor arrangements (such as with or without a floor and/or with or without one or more side, etc.), etc. In addition, the manner in which the tent feet can lock into the corners (e.g., with a
ring 311R or other receiving member and the tent foot 311) of the shelter/tent as the frame imparts an outward force against thecover 200 can create a more rigid “unibody” type of structure. - Although less preferred, the
tent feet 311 can also be made to penetrate thefloor 220 and contact the ground. In other embodiments, thetent feet 311 can also be mounted on or fixed to floor surfaces of boats, trucks, buildings, pre-fabricated floors, etc. Although the FIGS. illustratepreferred tent feet 311, it is contemplated that any known tent feet could be used or any known tube end could be used. Alternately, such tent feet or tube ends can be omitted entirely if desired. - As shown in FIGS.1(A)-1(C) and 12, the
hinge 450 supported on theband bar 320 pivotally supports an outer end of acenter tube 500. Another connectingmember 340 like that shown in FIGS. 11(A)-11(E) is supported at thehinge 450 via the mountingholes 451 upon a pin, bolt or the like (not shown) fitted through theholes member 343 freely pivots therearound. Theend 343 preferably does not contact thesurface 453 so that themember 340 pivots freely through an angle of about 180 degrees or more. Most preferably, theend 343 of the connectingmember 340 supported at thehinge 450 is completely rounded, such as shown in FIG. 11(E). - The inner ends of the
center tubes 500 preferably include like connectingmembers 340 to connect the center tubes to the bar mounts of thelower clevis 600 in a similar manner to the connection of themembers 330 to the bar mounts of theupper clevis 400. - Operation:
- In order to erect the shelter/tent, from an initially collapsed state shown schematically in FIG. 1(D), a user can begin by moving the
leg tubes 310 downward in the direction of thearrow 1. Then, the user can raise the band bars 320 in the direction of thearrow 2. This action of raising the band bars causes thecenter tubes 500 to elevate in the direction of thearrow 3. As thecenter tubes 500 approach a horizontal position, the outer ends of thecenter tubes 500 push against thecover 200 that is supported on thelegs 300. This pressure against thecover 200 causes thelegs 300 to flex and to thus store potential energy (thecover 200 can also be made to store energy if desired). Since theleg tube 310 has already been turned downward, the outward force of thecenter tubes 500 also creates pressure that further forces theleg tube 310 in the direction of thearrow 1 and forces thehinge 312 to its fully opened state, such as shown for example in FIG. 1. - Once the
lower clevis 600 has been moved upward a certain distance, the user can place one hand under thelower clevis 600 and the other hand above theupper clevis 400 and can push the clevises together to a point whereat thelocking mechanism 700 can lock the clevises together. As noted, after thecenter tubes 500 are lifted past approximately the horizontal axis, thelower clevis 600 is forced upward towards theupper clevis 400. - Because the upper and lower clevises are securely locked together via the
locking mechanism 700, thecenter tubes 500 do not necessarily need to be raised substantially above the horizontal axis. Nevertheless, it is preferred that thecenter tubes 500 are raised above the horizontal axis at least a distance to ensure that an upward force is imparted to the lower clevis that further holds the clevis members together. - In use, because the frame is securely locked via the
locking mechanism 700, a user can also freely utilize the center tubes of the shelter/tent to hang items, such as clothes, bags, lights, lanterns, partitions, hanging implements, etc. - Erection Facilitating Assembly:
- Another method for erecting such a shelter/tent is shown in FIGS.20-23. In particular, a novel device is provided for erecting a shelter/tent of the present invention. The device is particularly beneficial in facilitating erection of larger shelters/tents, but it can also be utilized with other shelter/tent sizes.
- One of the challenges associated with the assembly of shelters/tents relates to the difficulties one encounters in erecting larger models. For example, a structure could be made that may be too tall for a user to easily manipulate the upper and lower clevises. In addition, larger structures could possess greater strengths in their component parts that would make assembly of larger models more difficult and problematic when energy inherent in the component parts cannot be easily controlled throughout the assembly and/or take down processes.
- The erection device shown in FIGS.20-23, however, facilitates assembly of such shelters/tents. In fact, the illustrated erection device can enable a single individual, even a small individual, to easily assemble a relatively large structure. For example, the device enables even a single individual to assemble large shelters/tents that could otherwise require more than one individual, and even a ladder, to be assembled. These benefits appreciably expand the uses and applications of shelters/tents according to the present invention.
- As shown in FIGS.20-22, the
erection device 800 includes anassembly pole 810 having an externally threadedtip 811. Thetip 811 is configured to threadingly engage an internally threaded bore 713 at the lower end of thepin 710. To provide access to thepin 710, thebore 723 in thesocket 720 extends through the bottom of the socket and thelower clevis 600. Thepole 810 also includes aslide tube 830 supported there-around that is adapted to move up and down along thepole 810. Theslide tube 830 also has alock lever 840 that locks theslide tube 830 at a particular position along thepole 810. Theslide tube 830 and thelock lever 840 can be constructed in a variety of ways. For example, thelock lever 840 can include a spring mechanism (not shown) that biases a friction element (not shown) into contact with thepole 810 to lock theslide tube 830 in position when no external force is applied, and thelock lever 840 can be used to move the friction element away from thepole 810 against the force of the spring mechanism to allow theslide 830 to move along thepole 810. Preferably, when thelock lever 840 is moved inward to a position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 20 (e.g., with one's hand H), theslide tube 830 is released to allow theslide tube 830 to move freely up or down theassembly pole 810, and when the lock lever is moved to the outward position shown in solid lines in FIG. 21 the position of theslide tube 830 is locked. - In operation, the
pole 810 and theslide tube 830 can be used both to erect and to disassemble the shelter/tent structure. - The use of the pole and slide to disassemble (i.e., collapse or take down) the structure will be described first. As shown in FIG. 20, to disassemble the frame when the upper and lower clevises are connected, the threaded
tip 811 of theassembly pole 810 can be inserted vertically into the hole in thelower clevis 600. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, thetip 811 can be screwed into theinternal threads 713 of thelocking pin 710 to connect thepole 810 to thepin 710. Although a threaded engagement is preferred, it is contemplated that other known engagements can be used between thepole 810 and thepin 710. Most preferably, however, the engagement is imparted and released by merely rotating thepole 810 with respect to thepin 710. After thepole 810 is engaged with thepin 710, theslide tube 830 can be moved vertically up thepole 810 until it touches the bottom of thelower clevis 600 as shown in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 22, thering 730 can then be moved laterally to release thepin 731 from thegroove 712 to unlock thevertical pin 710 from thesocket 720 mounted on thelower clevis 600. When thepin 731 is released, the upward force caused by pressure of thelegs 300 against the sheet material walls of the tent/shelter alone holds theupper clevis 400 and thelower clevis 600 together. - Then, with one hand the user can grasp the
lock lever 840 while holding theslide tube 830 against the bottom of thelower clevis 600. Simultaneously, the user can also use his or her other hand to grasp theassembly pole 810 below the slide tube and gently push theassembly pole 810 upward through theslide tube 830 and through thelower clevis 600. Because of the union of theassembly pole 810 and thelocking pin 710, this action can thus move theupper clevis 400 away from thelower clevis 600. - When the
upper clevis 400 moves away a certain distance from thelower clevis 600, the structure of the frame system will cause theupper clevis 400 to seek to accelerate away from thelower clevis 600 for a considerable distance until the energy of the frame system dissipates when thelegs 300 of the frame are relaxed and free from tension against thecover 200. The user can control the release of stored energy within the frame which seeks to accelerate the separation of theupper clevis 400 from thelower clevis 600 by braking downward motion of thelower clevis 600 via thelock lever 840 and by braking upward motion of theupper clevis 400 by manipulating theassembly pole 810 and by controlling the speed that theassembly pole 810 passes up through thelower clevis 600. - Once the
upper clevis 400 andlower clevis 600 no longer accelerate away from each other, the user can move theslide assembly tube 830 down to a low point on theassembly pole 810 and can release thelock lever 840 to lock theslide assembly tube 830 at that low point. The remainder of the shelter/tent frame assembly can then be collapsed around theassembly pole 810, such as shown in FIG. 23(A). Theassembly pole 810 and theslide tube 830 can thus conveniently remain attached to the frame during storage. Among other things, this reduces the likelihood of loss of such parts and also facilitates expeditious assembly of the structure. - In order to assemble the shelter/tent, the process is simply reversed. FIGS.23(A)-23(G) schematically illustrate stages during the erection of the shelter/tent. As shown in FIG. 23(A), the shelter/tent is initially fully collapsed. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(B), the
leg tubes 310 are lowered. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(C), the user begins to raise theslide assembly tube 830 which, in turn, causes thelower clevis 600 to elevate and to lift the band bars 320 as shown in FIG. 23(D). Once the upper and lower clevises are engaged via thelocking mechanism 700, such as shown in FIG. 23(E), thepole 810 andtube 830 assembly is unscrewed, FIG. 23(F), and removed for storage. Thepole 810 andtube 830 can be easily stored until it is needed again for disassembly. In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 23(G), supports S, such as straps or the like, can be attached along a side wall, or preferably at a corner between two side walls of the tent or along the floor proximate the juncture between the floor and the wall to retain thepole 810 and thetube 830 out of the way during use. When straps are used, the straps can be opened and closed via hook and loop fastening fabric, buttons or the like to retain thepole 810. - Although the
erection device 800 has been described in conjunction with a shelter/tent having alocking mechanism 700 similar to that shown in FIG. 2(A), it should be understood that theerection device 800 can be used in conjunction with a shelter/tent having alocking mechanism 700 like that of any of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art should recognize how to modify such embodiments to accommodate such an erection device. Alternatively, thepresent erection device 800 could also be used in conjunction with a shelter/tent that does not include such a locking mechanism, such as for example with a shelter/tent similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,936, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although theassembly pole 810 has been described as a single elongated pole, thepole 810 can also be constructed from two or more pole segments (not shown) that are connected end-to-end (such as via male and female threads) to create asingle pole 810. In this manner, thepole 810 can be broken down (i.e., disassembled) for placement within a back-pack, for storage or the like. - Additional Frame Structures:
- As noted herein-above, various aspects of the present invention are not limited to frame structures exactly as described. As some examples, the locking
mechanisms 700 and theerection device 800 can be used with a variety of other frame structures having upper and lower clevises. - Other frame structures are illustrated, for example, in FIGS.18-19.
- FIGS.18(A)-18(C) show an embodiment having four modified legs (as noted, the number of legs can be selected as desired). In the illustrated embodiment, each leg includes three
leg segments longitudinal ribs 320 R extending along the length of the band bars as shown in FIGS. 18(C) and 18(E). Preferably, two ribs are provided. Among other things, this allows the band bars 320A and 320B to impart a greater flex-action and thus allows for a wider range of designs. In one exemplary embodiment, the band bars 320A and 320B can be extruded into this form, such as being made of extruded aluminum. It is contemplated that any of the embodiments discussed herein can include this type of band bar structure and/or such extruded materials. It again noted that the various leg segments, shapes, etc., can be varied extensively between embodiments, and that the illustrated and described embodiments are merely exemplary designs. - The embodiment shown in FIG. 19(A) is similar to that shown in FIG. 18(A) and includes a
frame having legs 300′ (only one leg shown) with threeleg segments 310′, 320′-A and 320′-B and with twointermediate hinges 312′-B and 312′-A. This embodiment enables, for example, the frame to be collapsed into a smaller size. As a result, the device can be used, for example, to create shelters/tents that can be easily carried within a common back-pack carried by a user. As shown in the exemplary dimensions in inches in FIG. 19(A), a substantial shelter/tent size can be created that folds into a small structure (the largest leg segment length of the exemplary embodiment shown being about 23 inches). Once again, the exemplary dimensions are for illustrative purposes only. - The embodiment shown in FIG. 19(B) is similar to that shown in FIG. 19(A), except that FIG. 19(B) includes four
leg segments 310′, 320′-A, 320′-B and 320′-C. As shown, the device preferably collapses to a state wherein the maximum height H is determined approximately by the relative positions of the upper and lower clevises in the fully collapsed state. The embodiment shown in FIG. 19(B) also shows a modified locking mechanism wherein asocket 720 extends from the upper clevis and apin 710 extends from thelower clevis 600. - The embodiment shown in FIG. 19(C) is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 19(A), except that the middle segment M1 of the
hinge 312′-A is longer than the middle segment M2 of thehinge 312′-B to facilitate compact folding of the structure. - Additional Modifications and Embodiments:
- The features of the present invention described herein-above enable the creation of easily operated, quickly erectable, highly secure and/or large shelter/tent structures. Accordingly, the present invention has greater applicability and benefits in a variety of circumstances. For example, as discussed above, the present invention is also highly beneficial in military and disaster relief applications.
- The present invention could also be used to create even larger structures by incorporating multiple shelter/tent structures in side-by-side relationship and connecting adjacent sides of adjacent shelters/tents, such as via common door openings D. Because the present invention enables the formation of larger shelters/tents, the combination of multiple shelters/tents in side-by-side relationships enables the creation of large facilities for many applications. For example, persons at camping sites can attach a plurality of private tents to a single common tent area. As another example, in disaster relief situations large elongated structures can be created by connecting a plurality of such structures in a row. Other multiple shelter/tent arrangements can be beneficial in the creation of temporary health care centers. It is notable that the present invention, including the
locking mechanism 700 also enables thesides 210, FIG. 1, to be formed at a steeper angle (i.e., closer to vertical) which greatly facilitates and enables the connection of multiple shelters/tents and advantageously provides a larger useable space per unit floor area than other shelters/tents. - While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein-above, it should be understood that various modifications to the preferred embodiments can be made based on this disclosure and the knowledge of those in the art. All such modifications are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention. As some examples, various aspects of embodiments described above can be incorporated into other embodiments described above, and various other modifications can be made as would be understood by those in the art based on this disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A collapsible shelter/tent, comprising:
a collapsible frame including: a) three or more legs pivotally connected to a first clevis; and b) three or more support bars pivotally connected with respect to said legs at an outer end of said support bars and pivotally connected to a second clevis at an inner end of said support bars;
a locking mechanism for locking said first and second clevises together when said shelter/tent is assembled which includes: a) a generally vertical pin extending from one of said first and second clevises, said generally vertical pin having a groove on a side thereof; b) a socket on the other of said clevises having a receiving bore aligned with said generally vertical pin; c) an engaging member supported within said socket that can firmly engage said groove in said generally vertical pin after said generally vertical pin is inserted into said socket; and
a plurality sheet-material walls supported on said collapsible frame.
2. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said sheet-material walls include sides around the perimeter of said shelter/tent and a ceiling.
claim 1
3. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said sheet-material walls are supported on an outside surface of said frame.
claim 2
4. The collapsible shelter/tent of , further included biasing means for biasing said engaging member into said groove automatically upon engagement of said first and second clevises.
claim 1
5. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said biasing means includes at least one spring.
claim 4
6. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said biasing means includes a gravitational force on said engaging member.
claim 4
7. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said first clevis is above said second clevis and said generally vertical pin extends downward from said first clevis towards said second clevis.
claim 1
8. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said engaging member is located proximate said second clevis and is manually movable at a position proximate said second clevis and spaced substantially below said first clevis.
claim 7
9. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said socket is fixed to said second clevis and includes a central bore and a widened opening having a funnel-shape receiving surface.
claim 8
10. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein a diameter across said widened opening having said funnel-shape receiving surface is more than 2 times greater than a diameter across said vertical pin.
claim 9
11. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said diameter across said widened opening having said funnel-shape receiving surface is more than 2.5 times greater than said diameter across said vertical pin.
claim 10
12. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said diameter across said widened opening having said funnel-shape receiving surface is more than 3 times greater than said diameter across said vertical pin.
claim 11
13. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein said generally vertical pin is generally cylindrical with a circular cross-section and said diameter across said vertical pin is a diameter across said circular cross-section, and wherein said generally vertical pin has a tapered bottom end.
claim 10
14. The collapsible shelter/tent of , wherein one or both of said socket and said engaging member are color coded to identify when said engaging member is in a locked position and to identify when said engaging member is in an unlocked position.
claim 1
15. The collapsible shelter/tent assembly of , further including:
claim 1
an assembly pole having a slide supported thereon;
said assembly pole having a tip with an engagement element;
said generally vertical pin having a lower end with a corresponding engagement element for engaging said tip of said assembly pole; and
said second clevis and said socket having a through-hole through which said assembly pole is insertable so that said tip of said assembly pole can be engaged with said generally vertical pin.
16. A method of erecting a collapsible tent, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a collapsible shelter/tent having:
a collapsible frame that includes: a) three or more legs pivotally connected to a first clevis; and b) three or more support bars pivotally connected with respect to said legs at an outer end of said support bars and pivotally connected to a second clevis at an inner end of said support bars;
a locking mechanism, to lock said first and second clevises together when said shelter/tent is assembled, including: a) a generally vertical pin extending from one of said first and said clevises, said vertical pin having a groove on a side thereof; b) a socket on the other of said clevises having a receiving bore aligned with said pin; c) an engaging member supported within said socket that can firmly engage said groove in said generally vertical pin after said generally vertical pin is inserted into said socket; and
a plurality sheet-material walls supported on said collapsible frame; and
b) placing said collapsible shelter/tent in a collapsed condition;
c) moving said clevises towards one another against a biasing force tending to separate said clevises created by said legs and said sheet-material walls;
d) upon reaching a certain position, having said legs and said sheet-material walls switch the direction of force on said second clevis so as to force said clevises toward one another;
e) after reaching said certain position, locking said clevises together with said locking mechanism.
17. The method of , wherein said step e) of locking said clevises together includes automatically biasing said engaging member into said groove upon engagement of said first and second clevises.
claim 16
18. The method of , further including performing said step of automatically biasing said engaging member by at least one spring.
claim 16
19. The method of , further including the step of providing said sheet-material walls on an outside surface of said legs, and further including the step of disassembling said shelter/tent by reaching from inside of said shelter/tent and manually moving said engaging member at a position proximate said second clevis member and spaced substantially below said first clevis member.
claim 16
20. The method of , wherein said step c) of moving said clevises towards one another includes:
claim 16
a) providing an assembly pole having a slide supported thereon, said assembly pole having a tip with an engagement element thereon, and said generally vertical pin having a lower end with a corresponding engagement element for engaging said tip of said assembly pole, and said second clevis and said socket having a through-hole through which said assembly pole is insertable so that said tip of said assembly pole can be engaged with said generally vertical pin; and
b) moving said clevises toward one another by manipulating said assembly pole and said slide.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/803,991 US6345639B2 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 2001-03-13 | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/122,115 US6199572B1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1998-07-24 | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
US09/803,991 US6345639B2 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 2001-03-13 | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/122,115 Continuation US6199572B1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1998-07-24 | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
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US20010007260A1 true US20010007260A1 (en) | 2001-07-12 |
US6345639B2 US6345639B2 (en) | 2002-02-12 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/122,115 Expired - Fee Related US6199572B1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1998-07-24 | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
US09/803,991 Expired - Fee Related US6345639B2 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 2001-03-13 | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/122,115 Expired - Fee Related US6199572B1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1998-07-24 | Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism |
Country Status (10)
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---|---|
US (2) | US6199572B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1105599A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4350307B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100629202B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU5113299A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2338439A1 (en) |
CZ (1) | CZ2001296A3 (en) |
EA (1) | EA002286B1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ510119A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000005466A1 (en) |
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- 1999-07-20 EP EP99935709A patent/EP1105599A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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- 1999-07-20 CZ CZ2001296A patent/CZ2001296A3/en unknown
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Cited By (34)
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US6565139B2 (en) * | 2001-01-11 | 2003-05-20 | Jess Bayerle | Vehicle canopy |
US6860280B2 (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2005-03-01 | Steve Wolcott | Quick set-up and take-down umbrella system for recreational activities |
US20050189006A1 (en) * | 2001-12-04 | 2005-09-01 | Steve Wolcott | Quick set-up and take-down umbrella system |
US20050279047A1 (en) * | 2003-03-18 | 2005-12-22 | Kalnay Peter A | Fully enclosed, folding, expandable multi-antechamber for emergencies |
US7290378B2 (en) * | 2003-03-18 | 2007-11-06 | Peter Andres Kalnay | Fully enclosed, folding, expandable multi-antechamber for emergencies |
US20050011134A1 (en) * | 2003-07-15 | 2005-01-20 | Zinaida Boltan | Universal extra shade tent structure to hand held umbrella |
WO2005054607A1 (en) * | 2003-12-04 | 2005-06-16 | Ki-Hyun Kim | Tent and frame for automatic umbrella style canopy tent |
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US20080087313A1 (en) * | 2006-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | Norstar International, Inc. | Collapsible canopy framework |
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WO2008049031A3 (en) * | 2006-10-17 | 2008-11-27 | Norstar International Inc | Collapsible canopy framework |
US8042562B1 (en) | 2007-04-16 | 2011-10-25 | Mcdaniel Jr Michael D | Portable shelters, related shelter systems, and methods of their deployment |
US9587394B2 (en) | 2007-04-16 | 2017-03-07 | Reaction, Inc. | Portable shelters, related shelter systems, and methods of their deployment |
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US20150237977A1 (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2015-08-27 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Quick assembly methods and components for shade structures |
US9433269B2 (en) * | 2014-02-25 | 2016-09-06 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Quick assembly methods and components for shade structures |
US9580923B2 (en) | 2015-01-07 | 2017-02-28 | Reaction, Inc. | Modular shelter systems and methods |
US11206904B2 (en) | 2015-09-14 | 2021-12-28 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Quick assembly methods and components for shade structures |
US10631603B2 (en) | 2015-09-14 | 2020-04-28 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Quick assembly methods and components for shade structures |
US10060152B2 (en) | 2015-09-14 | 2018-08-28 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Components for shade structures |
US10631605B2 (en) | 2015-09-14 | 2020-04-28 | Oliver Joen-An Ma | Umbrella hub |
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US10292466B2 (en) | 2016-10-25 | 2019-05-21 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella rib connector assemblies and methods |
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US10736390B2 (en) | 2016-12-07 | 2020-08-11 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella hub assembly |
USD814173S1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2018-04-03 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella runner grip |
USD828995S1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2018-09-25 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella housing |
USD826543S1 (en) | 2016-12-21 | 2018-08-28 | ZHUN-AN Ma | Umbrella housing |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6345639B2 (en) | 2002-02-12 |
JP4350307B2 (en) | 2009-10-21 |
WO2000005466A1 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
NZ510119A (en) | 2002-10-25 |
CZ2001296A3 (en) | 2002-02-13 |
JP2002521591A (en) | 2002-07-16 |
KR20010074751A (en) | 2001-08-09 |
US6199572B1 (en) | 2001-03-13 |
WO2000005466A8 (en) | 2000-08-10 |
AU5113299A (en) | 2000-02-14 |
KR100629202B1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
EP1105599A1 (en) | 2001-06-13 |
CA2338439A1 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
EA200100170A1 (en) | 2001-08-27 |
EA002286B1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
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