CA2211964A1 - Portable shelter - Google Patents
Portable shelterInfo
- Publication number
- CA2211964A1 CA2211964A1 CA 2211964 CA2211964A CA2211964A1 CA 2211964 A1 CA2211964 A1 CA 2211964A1 CA 2211964 CA2211964 CA 2211964 CA 2211964 A CA2211964 A CA 2211964A CA 2211964 A1 CA2211964 A1 CA 2211964A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ribs
- connection member
- frame
- rib
- shelter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- E04H15/36—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type
- E04H15/38—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type expansible, e.g. extensible in a fan type manner
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
Abstract
A portable shelter comprises: a frame which comprises a plurality of ribs and a central connection member to which an end of each rib is movably attached, for movement between a compact closed configuration and an open, extended configuration. A flexible, weatherproof, sheet-form covering, is fitted to the frame, to complete the shelter. The frame can readily be raised and taken down, and for typical sizes, this will require no more than two people. The shelter can provide adequate head room for welding and other activities.
Description
Title: PORTABLE SHELTER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to shelters or enclosures, and more particularly is concerned with a portable shelter, which is easy to transport 5 and to set up, and can then be readily collapsed for transportation to another location.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the construction or building field, there are available a wide variety of different structures or shelters. Apart from permanent 10 structures, there are available a variety of temporary structures or shelters.
These can be essentially categorized into two different types, namely shelters or enclosures with a hard exterior and shelters or enclosures with a soft or fabric-like exterior.
An example of the first type is a shelter enclosure formed 15 from fibreglass. This has the advantage of being strong and durable.
However, the major disadvantage is that the enclosure is typically in one piece, and is relatively bulky. It usually requires some form of powered lifting equipment to transport it and move it. As it is solid, and not collapsible, it occupies considerable space, and usually requires 20 transportation on a truck or the like. Hence, such shelters are not suitable for use in remote locations, where trucking equipment and power equipment to move the shelter are simply not available.
A second type of enclosures typically provide some sort of framework, formed from tubes or the like, and a flexible sheet-form 25 covering, which is intended to be waterproof and otherwise weatherproof.
As compared to the first type, such a shelter has the advantage that it requires no special equipment for transportation, the setting up or taking down of the shelter. This type of structure is similar to that found in tents used for recreational and other purposes. However, it has many 30 disadvantages. Commonly, such structures are not large, and provide little headroom or space. The framework is often relatively complex, and includes numerous separate elements which must be assembled together in the correct order. In view of the numerous separate pieces, it is easy to lose a single piece, which renders the structure unusable. Often, to stabilize the structure, guy ropes or the like are required, which complicates the setting up and taking down procedure, and the ropes must be properly tensioned if the structure is to be truly stable.
There are many situations, where it is desirable to provide some sort of temporary structure, which can be readily setup and taken 10 down, and readily transported. For example, on remote construction sites, it is desirable to provide shelters for many construction operations, such as welding and the like. Such a shelter must provide adequate space and head room. Ideally, it should provide a durable, stable structure, which can be readily set up or taken down. More preferably, it should include a 15 minimum number of elements, so that it can be readily set up etc. by unskilled personnel, and so that there is little possibility of parts of the shelter becoming lost.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter comprising: a plurality of ribs; a central 20 connection member, to which an end of each rib is pivotally attached; and a flexible, weatherproof, sheet covering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter comprising: a frame which comprises a 25 plurality of ribs and a central connection member to which an end of each rib is movably attached, for movement between a compact, closed configuration and an open, extended configuration; and a flexible, weatherproof, sheet covering, for covering the frame when the frame is in the extended configuration.
Preferably, the ribs are pivotally attached to the central connection member and are generally arcuate.
. CA 02211964 1997-07-29 To give improved head room, an upper end portion of each rib advantageously includes a header on an upper surface thereof, which header tapers downwardly in thickness, away from an upper free end of the respective rib. Preferably, the central connection member then has a 5 generally planar surface which the ribs abut and which, in the extended configuration, is substantially horizontal, and wherein the upper surfaces of the headers abut the planar surface of the central connection member and the ribs are pivotally connected to the central connection member about axes which are vertical in the extended configuration, whereby the upper 10 surfaces of the headers are maintained in abutment with the central connection member and each rib includes a highest point spaced away from the respective header. More preferably, the highest point of each rib is tangential with the respective header.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a 15 method of providing a temporary shelter, the method comprising the steps of:
(1) providing a frame comprising a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to a central connection member at upper ends thereof and the ribs including lower ends remote from the central, connection 20 member, the frame initially being in a compact closed configuration with the ribs substantially parallel with one another;
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to shelters or enclosures, and more particularly is concerned with a portable shelter, which is easy to transport 5 and to set up, and can then be readily collapsed for transportation to another location.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the construction or building field, there are available a wide variety of different structures or shelters. Apart from permanent 10 structures, there are available a variety of temporary structures or shelters.
These can be essentially categorized into two different types, namely shelters or enclosures with a hard exterior and shelters or enclosures with a soft or fabric-like exterior.
An example of the first type is a shelter enclosure formed 15 from fibreglass. This has the advantage of being strong and durable.
However, the major disadvantage is that the enclosure is typically in one piece, and is relatively bulky. It usually requires some form of powered lifting equipment to transport it and move it. As it is solid, and not collapsible, it occupies considerable space, and usually requires 20 transportation on a truck or the like. Hence, such shelters are not suitable for use in remote locations, where trucking equipment and power equipment to move the shelter are simply not available.
A second type of enclosures typically provide some sort of framework, formed from tubes or the like, and a flexible sheet-form 25 covering, which is intended to be waterproof and otherwise weatherproof.
As compared to the first type, such a shelter has the advantage that it requires no special equipment for transportation, the setting up or taking down of the shelter. This type of structure is similar to that found in tents used for recreational and other purposes. However, it has many 30 disadvantages. Commonly, such structures are not large, and provide little headroom or space. The framework is often relatively complex, and includes numerous separate elements which must be assembled together in the correct order. In view of the numerous separate pieces, it is easy to lose a single piece, which renders the structure unusable. Often, to stabilize the structure, guy ropes or the like are required, which complicates the setting up and taking down procedure, and the ropes must be properly tensioned if the structure is to be truly stable.
There are many situations, where it is desirable to provide some sort of temporary structure, which can be readily setup and taken 10 down, and readily transported. For example, on remote construction sites, it is desirable to provide shelters for many construction operations, such as welding and the like. Such a shelter must provide adequate space and head room. Ideally, it should provide a durable, stable structure, which can be readily set up or taken down. More preferably, it should include a 15 minimum number of elements, so that it can be readily set up etc. by unskilled personnel, and so that there is little possibility of parts of the shelter becoming lost.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter comprising: a plurality of ribs; a central 20 connection member, to which an end of each rib is pivotally attached; and a flexible, weatherproof, sheet covering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter comprising: a frame which comprises a 25 plurality of ribs and a central connection member to which an end of each rib is movably attached, for movement between a compact, closed configuration and an open, extended configuration; and a flexible, weatherproof, sheet covering, for covering the frame when the frame is in the extended configuration.
Preferably, the ribs are pivotally attached to the central connection member and are generally arcuate.
. CA 02211964 1997-07-29 To give improved head room, an upper end portion of each rib advantageously includes a header on an upper surface thereof, which header tapers downwardly in thickness, away from an upper free end of the respective rib. Preferably, the central connection member then has a 5 generally planar surface which the ribs abut and which, in the extended configuration, is substantially horizontal, and wherein the upper surfaces of the headers abut the planar surface of the central connection member and the ribs are pivotally connected to the central connection member about axes which are vertical in the extended configuration, whereby the upper 10 surfaces of the headers are maintained in abutment with the central connection member and each rib includes a highest point spaced away from the respective header. More preferably, the highest point of each rib is tangential with the respective header.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a 15 method of providing a temporary shelter, the method comprising the steps of:
(1) providing a frame comprising a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to a central connection member at upper ends thereof and the ribs including lower ends remote from the central, connection 20 member, the frame initially being in a compact closed configuration with the ribs substantially parallel with one another;
(2) placing the lower ends of the ribs on the ground and raising the central, connection member above the ground;
(3) while maintaining the central, connection member in 25 the raised position, pivoting the ribs into an open, extended position in which the frame is stable and self-supporting; and (4) placing a weatherproof, sheet-form covering over the frame to complete the shelter.
It is preferred for step (2) to be carried out by a first person 30 using a supporting pole and for step (3) to be carried out by another person while the first person maintains the central connection member in the raised position.
CA 022ll964 l997-07-29 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example to the accompanying drawings which show a 5 preferred embodiment of the present invention, and in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view showing raising of a frame for a shelter in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a view, from underneath of a central connection member, in the direction of arrow 2 of Figure 1;
Figure 2a shows a sectional view along line 2A-2A of Figure 2;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the complete shelter;
Figure 4 is a view from underneath of a central connection member;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the complete shelter, showing lowering of a front panel; and Figures 6 and 7 show alternative rib profiles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A shelter in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated by the reference 10, and in this preferred embodiment, it is dimensioned and proportioned for use in welding. It will be appreciated that alternative dimensions can be chosen, depending upon the intended usage. The shelter 10 comprises two main elements, namely a frame 12 and a flexible, sheet-form covering 14 (Figure 4).
The frame 12 comprises a plurality of ribs 16, all of which in this embodiment are generally identical and a central connection member 40. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, these show a profile of a rib 16, formed from laminated wood. The rib 16 has a cross-section of 14 inch width x 3 inch height and a length of 14 feet. It is laminated from, for example, 6 layers.
CA 022ll964 l997-07-29 The rib 16 is curved so that in the complete frame 12, it has an effective radius in a horizontal direction of 10 feet to a lower end 20 of the rib and the upper end of the rib is 8 feet from the ground.
Referring to the detail of Figure 5, the upper end 22 of the 5 rib is provided with a rib header 24 intended to cause the upper end 22 to be inclined downwardly towards the end. Then, as best shown in Figure 3, the highest point of the rib 22 is found at 26, and the overall effect is to give anincreased area under the frame 12 having adequate headroom, and the centre of the frame 12 still has an adequate 8 foot head room. The rib 16, at 10 the highest point 26 is tangential to the top of the rib header 24.
Referring back to Figure 7, the header 24 comprises a block of wood having the same width as the rib, namely 14 inches, and a depth of 2 inches at one end of the header 24 and a depth of 1 8 inches at the other end of the header 24. The header 24 has a length of 9 inches. As shown, a 15 8 inch diameter hole 34 is drilled through both the header 24 and the end of the rib 16, at a location 23 inches from the free end of the rib 16.
To secure the header 24 to the rib 16, tapered side plates 30 are provided. Each side plate has a depth of approximately 3 inches and a width at the top sufficient to give an overall width across the side plates 30 20 and header 24 of 3 inches. Screws 32 secure the side plates 30 to the header 24 and the rib upper end 22.
Turning to Figure 2, the central connection member 40 is formed from a 14 inch thick wooden plate. As shown, one side of the connection member, on the right in Figure 2, is generally straight and it has 25 a dimension of 34 58 inches in this direction, and a dimension of 22 1 inchesperpendicular thereto along an axis 48. Opposite the straight edge 42, the member 40 has an arcuate edge 44. Six holes 46 having 8 inch diameter holes are provided in the locations shown, i.e. in an approximate triangular pattern. The upper ends 22 of the ribs 16 are bolted to this central 30 connection member 40 by bolts 50.
Now, as shown in Figure 1, for storage and transportation, the ribs 16 are positioned side by side, generally parallel to the axis 48 of the connection member 40, in a compact, closed configuration. It can be noted that due to the spacing of the holes 46, the ribs 16 will not be truly parallel, if 5 the lower ends 20 are abutting one another.
To raise and extend the frame for use, a raising pole 60 is used, as shown in Figure 1. This pole 60 can be a simple metal pole, provided with an open bracket or the like to engage a free edge of the connection member 40. For this purpose the member 40 can be provided 10 with a bracket 41, which can be a short length of pipe, closed at one end andattached to one half of a hinge, the other half of which is secured to the connection member 40. Then, the end of the pole 60 is simply engaged in the short length of pipe to lift the connection member 60. Figure 2a shows the bracket 41 in the raised position, and in ghost outline, its orientation 15 when the pole 60 is first engaged with it.
This will require two people. A first person (not shown) holds and stabilizes the ribs 16 of the frame 12. The second person manipulates the raising tool 60, to raise the connection member 40 up to the desired height. When raised, the raising tool 60 can be held in a vertical 20 position by the second person or assistant as shown in Figure 1. Then, the first person can take individual ribs 16 and pivot them around the vertical axis of the relevant bolt 50, to place the rib in the desired position. With sixribs, the ribs would be moved so that, as viewed in plan, they would be at approximate 60~ spacing, to give an open, extended configuration, in which 25 the frame 12 is stable and self-supporting.
The frame 12 is then complete, self supporting and stable.
The raising tool 60 can be removed.
The flexible sheet-form covering 14 is fitted to the shape of the frame 12. In known manner, this covering 14 can be formed from 30 individual panels 70, cut so as to form a close fit with a frame 12. For example, individual panels can be joined along seams corresponding to the ribs 16. Along the seams, indicated at 72, there can be provided tie straps 74 for securing the covering 14 to the ribs 16. The top of the sheet-form covering 14 is secured tightly around the connection member 40. This is shown in Figure 2. To this end, the top of the flexible sheet-form covering 14 can be elasticated and be provided with an elastic tie 75 as shown. This then maintains the edge of the sheet-form covering 14 against the headers 24.
When initially opened, as shown in Figure 3, a front opening 76 is uncovered. A front panel 70 is provided for covering the access opening 76. Tie straps 78 can be provided on either side of the 10 opening 76 for securing the front panel 70 in position in known manner.
The front panel 70 is secured by ties along either edge, following two of the ribs. In use, it can be rolled up. After the frame is put up, the front panel can be put in place and secured by ties. It is also possibleto provide one or more additional openings which can be provided as flaps 15 on either side of an opening.
This then forms a sizable enclosed shelter, providing protection from the weather, for carrying out welding or other operations.
As indicated, the upper ends 22 of the ribs 16 are approximately 8 feet from the ground, so as to provide a substantial area having adequate head room.
It will thus be appreciated that the structure is simple and compact, and comprises basically two elements, namely the frame 12 and the cover 14. The frame 12, while having individual ribs 16, does not have a large number of separate pieces, as is common in many tent frames and the like. This avoids the problem of having to transport numerous 25 individual pieces, or possibly losing one or more of them.
It can be noted that the shape of the ribs 16 forms an arch structure, which is inherently strong and stable. It does not require guy ropes or the like to stabilize it or secure the structure in position. It can also be noted that the arch profile means that there should be no substantial 30 bending moments transmitted from the ribs 16 through the bolts 50 and the central connection member 40. This applies at least to the weight of the frame 12 and the sheet form covering 14. It is possible that horizontal wind loads and the like may impart bending moments through the bolts 50, but these should not be excessive, and the components can be designed to accommodate such loads.
To collapse the shelter 10 for transportation or storage, 5 essentially the reverse of the above steps is carried out. Thus, the front opening 76 is opened and the front panel 70 rolled up or removed. With an assistant holding the raising tool 60 to support the central connection member 40, the ribs 16 can be rotated back until they are all generally side by side with one another. The central connection member 40 is then lowered 10 to the ground, and the collapsed frame can then be transported away for storage or usage elsewhere.
While an embodiment of the invention has been described having a frame 12 formed essentially from wood, this frame can be formed from a variety of different materials and can be dimensioned for different 15 usages. Thus, it can, instead, be formed from aluminum, and the connection member 40 would then be formed from 4 inch thick aluminum plate. The ribs would have generally the similar profile to that shown in Figure 6. Each header would then comprise a flat aluminum plate, bent to form an inverted U-shape, including a planar top portion that is 3 inch x 9 20 inch in dimension, and having vertical end pieces having lengths of 18 inch and 2 inch, to give the profile shown.
It will be appreciated that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, while the ribs 16 are shown as pivotally attached to the connection member 25 40, they could instead by detachably mounted. Thus, the connection member 40 could be provided with slots engaging free ends of the ribs 16, so as to permit the ribs 16 to be individually detached for storage and transportation. However, the pivoted arrangement is preferred, since it ensures that no part of the structure can become lost, and simplifies the 30 number of pieces for transportation and storage. Also, although arcuate ribs are shown, other configurations are possible. For example, each rib could comprise two parts secured together at an oblique angle, the two parts either being separably or pivotally attached together.
It is preferred for step (2) to be carried out by a first person 30 using a supporting pole and for step (3) to be carried out by another person while the first person maintains the central connection member in the raised position.
CA 022ll964 l997-07-29 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example to the accompanying drawings which show a 5 preferred embodiment of the present invention, and in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view showing raising of a frame for a shelter in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a view, from underneath of a central connection member, in the direction of arrow 2 of Figure 1;
Figure 2a shows a sectional view along line 2A-2A of Figure 2;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the complete shelter;
Figure 4 is a view from underneath of a central connection member;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the complete shelter, showing lowering of a front panel; and Figures 6 and 7 show alternative rib profiles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A shelter in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated by the reference 10, and in this preferred embodiment, it is dimensioned and proportioned for use in welding. It will be appreciated that alternative dimensions can be chosen, depending upon the intended usage. The shelter 10 comprises two main elements, namely a frame 12 and a flexible, sheet-form covering 14 (Figure 4).
The frame 12 comprises a plurality of ribs 16, all of which in this embodiment are generally identical and a central connection member 40. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, these show a profile of a rib 16, formed from laminated wood. The rib 16 has a cross-section of 14 inch width x 3 inch height and a length of 14 feet. It is laminated from, for example, 6 layers.
CA 022ll964 l997-07-29 The rib 16 is curved so that in the complete frame 12, it has an effective radius in a horizontal direction of 10 feet to a lower end 20 of the rib and the upper end of the rib is 8 feet from the ground.
Referring to the detail of Figure 5, the upper end 22 of the 5 rib is provided with a rib header 24 intended to cause the upper end 22 to be inclined downwardly towards the end. Then, as best shown in Figure 3, the highest point of the rib 22 is found at 26, and the overall effect is to give anincreased area under the frame 12 having adequate headroom, and the centre of the frame 12 still has an adequate 8 foot head room. The rib 16, at 10 the highest point 26 is tangential to the top of the rib header 24.
Referring back to Figure 7, the header 24 comprises a block of wood having the same width as the rib, namely 14 inches, and a depth of 2 inches at one end of the header 24 and a depth of 1 8 inches at the other end of the header 24. The header 24 has a length of 9 inches. As shown, a 15 8 inch diameter hole 34 is drilled through both the header 24 and the end of the rib 16, at a location 23 inches from the free end of the rib 16.
To secure the header 24 to the rib 16, tapered side plates 30 are provided. Each side plate has a depth of approximately 3 inches and a width at the top sufficient to give an overall width across the side plates 30 20 and header 24 of 3 inches. Screws 32 secure the side plates 30 to the header 24 and the rib upper end 22.
Turning to Figure 2, the central connection member 40 is formed from a 14 inch thick wooden plate. As shown, one side of the connection member, on the right in Figure 2, is generally straight and it has 25 a dimension of 34 58 inches in this direction, and a dimension of 22 1 inchesperpendicular thereto along an axis 48. Opposite the straight edge 42, the member 40 has an arcuate edge 44. Six holes 46 having 8 inch diameter holes are provided in the locations shown, i.e. in an approximate triangular pattern. The upper ends 22 of the ribs 16 are bolted to this central 30 connection member 40 by bolts 50.
Now, as shown in Figure 1, for storage and transportation, the ribs 16 are positioned side by side, generally parallel to the axis 48 of the connection member 40, in a compact, closed configuration. It can be noted that due to the spacing of the holes 46, the ribs 16 will not be truly parallel, if 5 the lower ends 20 are abutting one another.
To raise and extend the frame for use, a raising pole 60 is used, as shown in Figure 1. This pole 60 can be a simple metal pole, provided with an open bracket or the like to engage a free edge of the connection member 40. For this purpose the member 40 can be provided 10 with a bracket 41, which can be a short length of pipe, closed at one end andattached to one half of a hinge, the other half of which is secured to the connection member 40. Then, the end of the pole 60 is simply engaged in the short length of pipe to lift the connection member 60. Figure 2a shows the bracket 41 in the raised position, and in ghost outline, its orientation 15 when the pole 60 is first engaged with it.
This will require two people. A first person (not shown) holds and stabilizes the ribs 16 of the frame 12. The second person manipulates the raising tool 60, to raise the connection member 40 up to the desired height. When raised, the raising tool 60 can be held in a vertical 20 position by the second person or assistant as shown in Figure 1. Then, the first person can take individual ribs 16 and pivot them around the vertical axis of the relevant bolt 50, to place the rib in the desired position. With sixribs, the ribs would be moved so that, as viewed in plan, they would be at approximate 60~ spacing, to give an open, extended configuration, in which 25 the frame 12 is stable and self-supporting.
The frame 12 is then complete, self supporting and stable.
The raising tool 60 can be removed.
The flexible sheet-form covering 14 is fitted to the shape of the frame 12. In known manner, this covering 14 can be formed from 30 individual panels 70, cut so as to form a close fit with a frame 12. For example, individual panels can be joined along seams corresponding to the ribs 16. Along the seams, indicated at 72, there can be provided tie straps 74 for securing the covering 14 to the ribs 16. The top of the sheet-form covering 14 is secured tightly around the connection member 40. This is shown in Figure 2. To this end, the top of the flexible sheet-form covering 14 can be elasticated and be provided with an elastic tie 75 as shown. This then maintains the edge of the sheet-form covering 14 against the headers 24.
When initially opened, as shown in Figure 3, a front opening 76 is uncovered. A front panel 70 is provided for covering the access opening 76. Tie straps 78 can be provided on either side of the 10 opening 76 for securing the front panel 70 in position in known manner.
The front panel 70 is secured by ties along either edge, following two of the ribs. In use, it can be rolled up. After the frame is put up, the front panel can be put in place and secured by ties. It is also possibleto provide one or more additional openings which can be provided as flaps 15 on either side of an opening.
This then forms a sizable enclosed shelter, providing protection from the weather, for carrying out welding or other operations.
As indicated, the upper ends 22 of the ribs 16 are approximately 8 feet from the ground, so as to provide a substantial area having adequate head room.
It will thus be appreciated that the structure is simple and compact, and comprises basically two elements, namely the frame 12 and the cover 14. The frame 12, while having individual ribs 16, does not have a large number of separate pieces, as is common in many tent frames and the like. This avoids the problem of having to transport numerous 25 individual pieces, or possibly losing one or more of them.
It can be noted that the shape of the ribs 16 forms an arch structure, which is inherently strong and stable. It does not require guy ropes or the like to stabilize it or secure the structure in position. It can also be noted that the arch profile means that there should be no substantial 30 bending moments transmitted from the ribs 16 through the bolts 50 and the central connection member 40. This applies at least to the weight of the frame 12 and the sheet form covering 14. It is possible that horizontal wind loads and the like may impart bending moments through the bolts 50, but these should not be excessive, and the components can be designed to accommodate such loads.
To collapse the shelter 10 for transportation or storage, 5 essentially the reverse of the above steps is carried out. Thus, the front opening 76 is opened and the front panel 70 rolled up or removed. With an assistant holding the raising tool 60 to support the central connection member 40, the ribs 16 can be rotated back until they are all generally side by side with one another. The central connection member 40 is then lowered 10 to the ground, and the collapsed frame can then be transported away for storage or usage elsewhere.
While an embodiment of the invention has been described having a frame 12 formed essentially from wood, this frame can be formed from a variety of different materials and can be dimensioned for different 15 usages. Thus, it can, instead, be formed from aluminum, and the connection member 40 would then be formed from 4 inch thick aluminum plate. The ribs would have generally the similar profile to that shown in Figure 6. Each header would then comprise a flat aluminum plate, bent to form an inverted U-shape, including a planar top portion that is 3 inch x 9 20 inch in dimension, and having vertical end pieces having lengths of 18 inch and 2 inch, to give the profile shown.
It will be appreciated that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. Thus, for example, while the ribs 16 are shown as pivotally attached to the connection member 25 40, they could instead by detachably mounted. Thus, the connection member 40 could be provided with slots engaging free ends of the ribs 16, so as to permit the ribs 16 to be individually detached for storage and transportation. However, the pivoted arrangement is preferred, since it ensures that no part of the structure can become lost, and simplifies the 30 number of pieces for transportation and storage. Also, although arcuate ribs are shown, other configurations are possible. For example, each rib could comprise two parts secured together at an oblique angle, the two parts either being separably or pivotally attached together.
Claims (9)
1. A portable shelter comprising: a frame which comprises a plurality of ribs and a central connection member to which an end of each rib is movably attached for movement between a compact collapsed configuration and an open, extended configuration; and a flexible, weatherproof, sheet covering, for covering the frame when the frame is in the extended configuration.
2. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ribs are generally arcuate.
3. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper end of each rib includes a header on an upper surface thereof, which header tapers downwardly in thickness, away from the upper free end of the respective rib, whereby the highest point of each rib is located radially out from the central connection member.
4. A portable shelter as claimed in claimed 2, wherein an upper end portion of each rib includes a header on an upper surface thereof, which header tapers downwardly in thickness, away from an upper free end of the respective rib.
5. A portable shelter as claimed in claimed 4, wherein the central connection member has a generally planar surface which, in the extended configuration, is substantially horizontal, and wherein the upper surfaces of the headers abut the planar surface of the central connection member and the ribs are pivotally connected to the central connection member about axes which are vertical in the extended configuration, whereby the upper surfaces of the headers are maintained in abutment with the central connection member and each rib includes a highest point spaced away from the respective header.
6. A portable shelter as claimed in claimed 5, wherein the highest point of each rib is tangential with the respective header.
7. A portable shelter as claimed in claimed 6, wherein the ribs comprise one of: wooden ribs with wooden headers secured thereto by screws; and metal tubular ribs and metal headers welded thereto.
8. A method of providing a temporary shelter, the method comprising the steps of:
(1) providing a frame comprising a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to a central connection member at upper ends thereof and the ribs including lower ends remote from the central, connection member, the frame initially being in a compact closed configuration with the ribs substantially parallel with one another, together with a weatherproof, sheet-form covering, to complete the shelter;
(2) placing the lower ends of the ribs on the ground and raising the central, connection member above the ground;
(3) while maintaining the central, connection member in the raised position, pivoting the ribs into an open, extended position and opening the weatherproof, sheet-form covering, in which position the frame is stable and self-supporting; and (4) closing the weather-proof, sheet-form covering, to complete the shelter.
(1) providing a frame comprising a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to a central connection member at upper ends thereof and the ribs including lower ends remote from the central, connection member, the frame initially being in a compact closed configuration with the ribs substantially parallel with one another, together with a weatherproof, sheet-form covering, to complete the shelter;
(2) placing the lower ends of the ribs on the ground and raising the central, connection member above the ground;
(3) while maintaining the central, connection member in the raised position, pivoting the ribs into an open, extended position and opening the weatherproof, sheet-form covering, in which position the frame is stable and self-supporting; and (4) closing the weather-proof, sheet-form covering, to complete the shelter.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein step (2) is carried out by a first person using a supporting pole and step (3) is carried out by another person while the first person maintains the central connection member in the raised position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2211964 CA2211964A1 (en) | 1997-07-29 | 1997-07-29 | Portable shelter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2211964 CA2211964A1 (en) | 1997-07-29 | 1997-07-29 | Portable shelter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2211964A1 true CA2211964A1 (en) | 1999-01-29 |
Family
ID=29274927
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2211964 Abandoned CA2211964A1 (en) | 1997-07-29 | 1997-07-29 | Portable shelter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2211964A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008004953A1 (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-01-10 | Anna Karlsson | A tent, especially intended to be used for sanitation purposes |
-
1997
- 1997-07-29 CA CA 2211964 patent/CA2211964A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008004953A1 (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2008-01-10 | Anna Karlsson | A tent, especially intended to be used for sanitation purposes |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |