GB1604621A

GB1604621A - Collapsible structures

Info

Publication number: GB1604621A
Application number: GB1427777A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-05-24
Filing date: 1978-05-24
Publication date: 1981-12-09

Description

(54) COLLAPSIBLE STRUCTURES (71) I, JAMES PHILIP TAYLOR, a British Subject of 52 School Crescent, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury, Yorkshire do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a Patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to collapsible structures intended primarily, but not exclusively, for use as camping device.

The primary intended use of a collapsible structure according to the invention is in association with estate cars and station wagons, i.e. vehicles having opening rear door(s), the structure being adapted to fit over and enclose the door(s) when the structure is in operative position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a collapsible structure including a framework consisting of a plurality of legs and a stressing to which said legs are connected, said legs being movable from a first position in which the legs are substantially parallel and in the same plane to a second position in which the legs are spaced apart around an imaginary centre position of the structure, and means to maintain said legs in said second position, said stressing providing a housing for a plurality of springs connected to the legs for assisting in erection of the structure, said framework when said legs are in said second position having no central support means at said imaginary centre position.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, an embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structure according to the invention; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but with the outer cover removed; Figure 3 is an exploded view of part of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a plan view, to an enlarged scale, of part of Figure 2; Figure 5 shows the structure of Figure 2 in a collapsed position; Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view of part of Figure 6; Figure 7 is a section taken on the line VII--VII of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective of a part of the structure embodying the invention, and showing an alternative form thereof; and Figures 9 and 10 show still further modifications of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and firstly to Figures 1 and 2, the collapsible structure consists of a framework including a central member 2 to which are connected a plurality of legs 4 which are held in their erected positions shown in Figure 2 by spring means as will be explained below. The framework has a cover 6 including a skirt 8, and a top section 8A and, as will be seen, the structure does not have any centrally located let, the legs being spaced about the theoretical centre of the structure, such that when in the erected state shown in Figure 1, unimpeded movement within the structure may take place.

Referring now to Figure 3, the member 2 consists of a top or cover plate 10 and a stress ring 12 which are secured together by rivets or bolts (not shown) passing through holes 14 and 16 in the top or cover plate and into holes 18 and 20 in a first cross-member 22 of the stress ring 12, spacer tubes (not shown) being located on the rivets or bolts so as to keep the top or cover plate 10 and the stress ring 12 a predetermined distance apart.

In addition, the top or cover plate 10 is secured to the stress ring 12 by a pivot bolt (not shown) passing through a hole 24 in the plate 10 and engaging in a threaded hole 26 in a second cross member 28 of the stress ring.

It will be seen from Figure 3, that the stress ring 12 consists of two continuous tubes which are shaped as shown into a generally circular shape, the ends 30, 32, 34, and 36 of these tubes having hooks 38, 40, 42 and 44 thereon, these hooks being the ends of springs 60 and 62 (Figure 6) which pass through the tubes forming the stress ring 12 and which are adapted to assist in erection of the structure.

The generally circular portions of the tubes are maintained in the desired and close relationship by means of lugs 46 and 48 on the ends of the cross-member 28, and by means of a lug 50 formed on the end of crossmember 22, the latter member being the flattened end of a tube 52 lying in close relationship and extending parallel to the tube ends 30, 32, 34 and 36. A clamp 54 is provided to maintain the tube ends 30, 32, 34 and 36 and the tube 52 in close relationship, the clamp 54 being rivetted or otherwise secured in position.

Located between the top or cover plate 10 and the stress ring 12 and mounted for pivotal movement about the pivot bolt are the ends 4A of the legs 4, said ends being shaped generally as shown and each having a hole 4B therein to allow passage of the pivot bolt therethrough. It will be seen from Figure 3 that the top or cover plate 10 includes a Ushaped extension piece 10A having holes 10B for securing the cover 6 in a position relative to the legs 4. The cover 6 is secured to the extension piece by passing rivets (not shown) through the holes 10B and the cover 6, the cover being secured to the legs 4 at the appropriate positions by means of releasable ties, not shown.

Thus, the ends 4A of the legs 4 and the cover 6 are effectively secured to the member 2, the legs being secured in a movable relation ship with the member 2.

Reference to Figure 4 will show the interrelationship of the legs 4 in their opened-out positions. Each leg 4 is connected to the tube 52 (which constitutes the rear leg of the structure) by means of a series of lugs and ties.

The legs 4' have respectively sleeves or lugs 70 and 72 to which are pivotally connected the ends of stay rods or ties 74 and 76. The other ends of the stay rods or ties 74 and 76 are pivotally connected at 78 and 80 to the outer ends of an arm 82 carried by a sleeve 84 mounted on the red 52. The ends 38, 40, 42 and 44 of the coil springs 60 and 62 engage the arm 82, this being more clearly shown in Figure 6.

The legs 4" in a similar fashion, each carry a sleeve or lug 86 and 88 to which are pivotally connected the ends of stay rods or ties 90 and 92, the other ends of these rods or ties being pivotally secured at 94 and 96 to the ends of an arm 98 carried by a sleeve 100 also mounted for movement on the rod 52. Similarly, legs 4"' each have a sleeve or lug 102 and 104 to which ends of stay rods or ties 106 and 108 are pivotally secured, the other ends of the rods or ties being pivotally secured at 110 and 112 to the ends of an arm 114 carried by a sleeve 116 mounted for movement on the rod 52.

If desired, each leg where it would other wise be in contact with the stress ring may be provided with a roller applied to or built into the appropriate position of the leg. The provision of such rollers, suitably located and secured in position, would enable the legs to move more easily over the stress ring thereby reducing wear and tear on the legs and the stress ring itself.

In the position shown in Figure 4, the springs 60 and 62 are in compression, and when the legs are in the positions shown in Figure 5, the springs 60 and 62 are in tension so that the tendency is always for the legs to move to the positions of Figure 4.

The springs 60 and 62 may be released from the legs when in the Figure 5 position if desired, to avoid fatigue of the springs.

Referring again to Figure 2 and also to Figure 5, it will be seen that the legs are formed as telescopic members, so that the overall length of the structure in the collapsed condition can be kept to a minimum. It will be appreciated that the telescopic legs may be formed in as many sections as desired, it being also appreciated that the legs instead of being telescopic may be foldable if desired.

The legs will preferably be composed of a synthetic plastics material which is both resilient and flexible so that they are capable of being flexed into the positions shown in Figure 2. The top or cover plate 10 and the stress ring 12 may also be formed of a synthetic plastics material or they may be formed of a lightweight alloy for additional strength.

In use, and commencing from the position of Figure 5 and with the cover 6 secured to the legs, particularly at the bottoms thereof, the folded structure of Figure 5 has its legs extended either by telescoping or folding and secured in their extended positions, whereafter the framework is stood vertically and outward pressure is applied to the legs 4' so that they move away from one another about the pivot bolt in the stress ring 12. The tension in the springs 60 and 62 then takes over and causes the sleeve 84 to travel along the tube 52 so as to splay out the legs 4'. Movement of sleeve 84 continues until it comes into contact with sleeve 100 which then also moves along the tube 52 so as to splay out the legs 4". Such movement of the sleeves 84 and 100 then causes movement of the sleeves 116 along the rod 52 so as to splay out the legs 4"', such movement continuing until the sleeve 116 comes into contact with the clamp 54 at which time the legs are in the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2. Because the legs 4', 4", 4"' and 4"" are connected together by the cover 6, their amount of travel away from one another is limited and so they assume the arched positions shown in Figures 1 and 2.

If the cover 6 were not otherwise connected together, the legs would merely splay out in star-like fashion and would remain straight.

The legs 4', 4", 4"', and 4"" may be secured to the ground, if desired, this being in addition or as an alternative to conventional guyropes.

Thus, by means of the invention, the structure shown in Figure 1 is formed which is not supported at its centre so that movement within the structure is unlimited and headroom is increased (although the overall height of the structure is lessened), it being possible if desired to back up an estate car or station wagon so that the rear door(s) open within the structure. Of course, where the structure is to be used as a conventional tent for instance a flap may be arranged to cover the open end of the structure, such flap being zipped, ties or otherwise secured in position.

If desired, and particularly where the structure according to the invention is to be used as a free-standing tent, the cover 6 may be provided with window(s), door(s), ventilator(s) and any other required openings, the number and location of such opening being arranged to suit user requirements. In addition, the flap referred to above may be provided with side pieces or walls to form a short tunnel or covered passageway, so as to enable it to be used as weather protection or to act as a porch or the like when the structure is being used as a free-standing tent.

It will be appreciated that the structure according to the invention will have many other uses. For example, if the cover were made of a transparent or translucent plastics material, the structure could be used as a greenhouse or cold-frame. Other uses would be a portable workman's shelter, fisherman's shelter, equestrian shelter and other temporary shelters, either on a short term or long term basis. In addition, the structure according to the invention may be used in association with side door(s) of a vehicle if preferred.

In a modification of the invention, referring now to Figures 9 and 10, the centrally located pivotting bolt may be dispensed with, and the legs 4 attached by separate pivot bolts 120 to the second cross-member 28 of the stress ring, the number of bolts and locations required being determined by the number of legs pivotting about one central point, each leg will have its own pivot point so that the legs may be swung out to their operative positions somewhat as shown in Figure 10. It will be appreciated that the number of legs and hence the number of pivot bolts may be more or less than the number illustrated.

It will be appreciated that modifications may be made to the example illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the general shape of the structure could be varied, i.e. elongated, widened, fiat- tened etc. by using different combinations of leg lengths and number of sections in each leg. In addition, a framework could be formed with a stress ring and a plurality of legs at either end such that a "ridge tent" like structure could be formed, such a framework having stress rings of the type described or stress rings which are not spring loaded.

In such a case a strong ridge would be located between the framework which could be of a telescopic nature if desired so that the overall size of the structure may be varied. If desired, the leg 4"" may form the ridge of such a structure.

Further, a structure according to the invention may have a stress ring formed of only one or more than two tubular members. In the latter case, particularly where a large structure is required, additional springs may be required in order to aid erection of the structure. By increasing the number of springs, but not their individual strength, the pull of the springs will be increased but no extra ecort will be required by the person erecting the structure as he individually loads the springs.

Instead of the stress ring being formed as previously described, it may be formed by casting or injection moulding, passageways being left in the structure to accommodate the springs 60 and 62. Such a construction is shown in Figure 8 where the stress ring will be provided with a removable bottom plate.

The stress ring 100 will be formed with an integral housing 102 for the leg 52, the leg being quickly and conveniently locatable in position. A threaded bore 104 is provided in the stress ring for receiving the bolt used to secure the ends of the legs 4 to the stress ring. Alternatively, the stress ring may be formed in two halves which would be fused or secured together to form a one-piece stress ring.

It will also be appreciated that the stay rods or ties may be wholly or partially omitted if preferred. For example, if one considers that the stay rods 74 and 76 activated by sleeve 84 as the prime movers, then the push rods 90, 92, 106, 108 and sleeves 116 and 100 together with lugs 110, 112, 94 and 96 could be omitted. The structure could still be erected either manually or by spring assistance due to the fact that the stay rods or ties 74 and 76 actuated by sleeve 84 would push forwards the legs 4' to their outer position, and the cover due to its attachment to the other legs would pull such other legs into their respective outer positions.However, if preferred, and to reduce the strain on said cover cords or flex- ible cables could be attached from regions 70 to 86, 86 to 102 and 102 to 54 on one side and from regions 72 to 88, 88 to 104, and 104 to 54 on the other side, such that when the legs are positioned as shown in Figure 4 the cords or cables are positioned as shown in Figure 4 the cords or cables will be taut between the said regions having pulled the other legs into position. With the structure in the position as shown in Figure 5 the cords or cables will hang loosely between the legs It will be apparent that in the case of partial omission of stay rods, the relative length of the prim moving stay rods will be shortened, and sleeve 84 will be free to move right up against clamp 54.

The skirt 8 may be removable or releasable, so that the structure when assembled may be used as a shelter, for example over a bonnet or boot so that protection will be afforded when working in those areas of a vehicle in inclement weather.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the structure when in the colLapsed position shown in Figure 5 is comparatively flat so that it can easily be stored and transported, if desired underneath a conventional roof-rack.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: - 1. A collapsible structure including a framework consisting of a plurality of legs and a stressing to which said legs are connected, said legs being movable from a first position in which the legs are substantially parallel and in the same plane to a second position in which the legs are spaced apart around an imaginary centre position of the structure, and means to maintain said legs in said second position, said stressing providing a housing for a plurality of springs connected to the legs for assisting in erection of the structure, said framework when said legs are in said second position having no central support means at said imaginary centre position.

2. A structure according to Claim 1, wherein said legs are each pivotally connected to a common bolt carried by the stress ring of the structure.

3. A structure according to Claim 1, wherein said legs are pivotally connected by means of separate bolts to the stress ring of the apparatus.

4. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the stress ring is formed by tubular members and cross members or by a one-piece structure moulded or formed of a plastics materiaL 5. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the structure includes two stress rings and two pluralities of legs connected together by an elongate member.

6. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the legs are telescopic.

7. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the legs are foldable.

8. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the legs are arranged in pairs connected together by stay rods or ties carried by arms movable along a rear leg of the structure, said springs being connected to a sleeve movable along said rear leg.

9. A structure according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein a cover surrounds the legs in their erected state, said cover also serving to limit the amount of travel of said legs when the structure is being erected.

10. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein each leg in the vicinity of the stress ring is provided with a roller or sleeve so as to ease its passage relative to the stress ring.

11. A structure according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the cover is provided with window, door and/or ventilation aperture(s) or opening(s).

12. A collapsible structure substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, or Figures 1 to 7 as modified by Figure 8 or Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. and sleeve 84 will be free to move right up against clamp 54. The skirt 8 may be removable or releasable, so that the structure when assembled may be used as a shelter, for example over a bonnet or boot so that protection will be afforded when working in those areas of a vehicle in inclement weather. Finally, it will be appreciated that the structure when in the colLapsed position shown in Figure 5 is comparatively flat so that it can easily be stored and transported, if desired underneath a conventional roof-rack. WHAT I CLAIM IS: -

1. A collapsible structure including a framework consisting of a plurality of legs and a stressing to which said legs are connected, said legs being movable from a first position in which the legs are substantially parallel and in the same plane to a second position in which the legs are spaced apart around an imaginary centre position of the structure, and means to maintain said legs in said second position, said stressing providing a housing for a plurality of springs connected to the legs for assisting in erection of the structure, said framework when said legs are in said second position having no central support means at said imaginary centre position.

4. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the stress ring is formed by tubular members and cross members or by a one-piece structure moulded or formed of a plastics materiaL

5. A structure according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the structure includes two stress rings and two pluralities of legs connected together by an elongate member.