GB2372700A

GB2372700A - Collapsible shelter supported by its case

Info

Publication number: GB2372700A
Application number: GB0105277A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Arnold Fulton
Original assignee: FULTON Co Ltd A
Current assignee: FULTON Co Ltd A
Priority date: 2001-03-02
Filing date: 2001-03-02
Publication date: 2002-09-04
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-02
Also published as: GB0105277D0; GB2372700B

Abstract

The base of the case has a hole for receiving a support rod. The elongate support rod is supported and retained in an upwardly projecting position. A canopy is connected to two telescopic support rods. When not in use the case is used to carry the shelter. The orientation of the canopy can be altered. Preferably the case is formed from both bases. The rods are attached to the canopy by a crossbars and ties. The rod support includes an eccentrically tightening collet and sleeve lock.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN COLLAPSIBLE SHELTERS The invention relates to improvements in collapsible shelters, and in particular to a portable collapsible shelter for use as a sunshade or windbreak.

The most common type of collapsible shelter exists in the form of a large parasol or umbrella having a traditional construction, namely a central shaft and a canopy attached to the shaft by means of a rib and stretcher mechanism. When in use, the end of the shaft is either forced into the ground or secured to a concrete or water filled plastic base.

Unfortunately those forced into the ground can easily become loosened from the ground and blow away when subjected to wind, whilst the latter are generally far too heavy or bulky to be portable.

It is therefore an objection of the present invention to provide a collapsible shelter, which can be used as a sunshade or windbreak which is fully portable and easy to erect.

The invention therefore provides a collapsible shelter comprising a canopy, at least one elongate support member, means for connecting the canopy to the at least one support member and a carrying case for storing the canopy, the support member and the connecting means, wherein the case provides at least one base in which is provided an aperture for receiving the support member and means to support and retain the support member in an upwardly projecting position.

The invention also provides a collapsible shelter comprising a canopy, at least two elongate support

members, means for connecting the canopy to the support members and means for adjusting the orientation of the canopy relative to the support member.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the shelter in its assembled condition for use as a sunshade; Fig. la is a perspective view of a base of the shelter of Fig. 1 receiving a support shaft shown in an alternative orientation to that of Fig. 1; Fig. 2 is a side sectional elevation of one of the supporting bases; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the base of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a slit canopy for use with a collapsible shelter of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of two telescoping members as used in the shelter of Fig. 1; and Fig. 6 is a carrying case for the shelter of Fig.

1.

Referring first to Fig. 1 there is illustrated a collapsible shelter erected in a position suitable for use as a sunshade. The shelter 10 comprises a canopy 11 which is supported by means of a pair of elongate support members in the form of shafts 12, each of which is held in an upwardly projecting position by a base 30.

The canopy 11 can be made of any suitable flexible material, depending on the ultimate use and intended cost of the shelter. For example for use as a sunshade it may be preferable to use a polyester material coated with a reflective metallic coating.

Alternatively any woven or non-woven fabric could be used. In most applications the canopy 11 will comprise an uninterrupted sheet of material, but in some applications it may be perforated or slit in a manner which would allow the penetration of wind, but not sun. One proposal for a slit version is shown in Fig. 4. This arrangement prevents the passing of sun through the slits, which are sufficiently narrow and closed up under normal conditions but, when subject to gusts of wind, the slits expand and allow penetration of the wind without subjecting the shelter 10 to undue forces.

The canopy 11 is attached at each end by suitable means to a crossbar 13. One suitable arrangement comprises a pair of ties 14 attached to either end of the crossbar 13. The ties 14 have elastic capability which may be provided either by the material of the ties 14 themselves, e. g. elasticated cord, or an elastic or spring section attached to otherwise inelastic ties 14. Alternatively the ties 14 could comprise springs. At each end of the canopy are provided at least two eyelet holes 15. If the canopy 11 is substantially rectangular as illustrated, these are preferably provided in the corners of the canopy 11. However, if the canopy is of another shape, e. g. oval, eyelet holes or other suitable connecting means are provided at appropriate places on the perimeter of the canopy 11. The free ends of the ties 14 are provided with hooks 16 which can be inserted through the eyelets 15 to secure the canopy 11 to the ties 14.

Obviously any other alternative arrangement to ties

14, eyelet holes 15 and hooks 16 may be used which will provide a secure fastening between the crossbars 13 and canopy 11. The other ends of the ties 14 are securely attached to each end of the crossbar 13. The ties 14 attached to each crossbar 13 may be individual, or may be attached through the centre of the crossbar 13, so that it is effectively a single tie having two tie ends 14.

The crossbars 13 are preferably telescopic, for ease of assembly of the shelter 10, and made of cylindrical cross section aluminium, which promotes its portability and suitability for use in beach-type locations. However, other materials may be used as can other cross sections.

Each crossbar 13 is removably attachable to a support shaft 12 by means of a link member 17. The link member 17 is preferably attached to the top of the support shaft 12, although it is envisaged that it may be slidable along the length thereof. The link member 17 preferably has a pair of jaws which receive and restrain the crossbar 13 either in a snap-fitting manner or with adjusting means for opening and closing the jaws. The orientation of the jaws of link member 17 is also adjustable so that the crossbar 13 can be positioned to form a"T"with the support shaft 12, in the configuration shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively it can be adjusted to allow rotation of the crossbar 13 relative to the support shaft 12 until they are aligned. This is the position that is suitable for use of the shelter as a windbreak, with the canopy substantially vertical rather than horizontal. The link member 17 may conveniently be provided with a hook 31 for receiving a user's clothes or other belongings.

The support shafts 12 are also preferably telescopic, which allows the raising and lowering of the canopy 11 when the link member 17 is non-slidable.

The locking mechanism for the telescoping members used in the crossbars 13 and the support shafts 12 can be of any suitable arrangement. However, one particularly convenient arrangement is a twist-lock, illustrated in Fig. 5 which shows outer and inner telescoping members 18a, 18b separated. Outer member 18a has an internal diameter which is greater than that of inner member 18b which allows inner member 18b to be inserted into outer member 18a. An inwardly projecting rib 19 is provided in outer member 18a, against which the end of inner member 18b abuts when inserted into the outer member 18b. An outwardly projecting rib 21 which has a diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of outer member 18a, 18b, helps to hold the inner member 18b securely within the outer member 18a.

At the end of the inner member 18b is provided a locking device 22 which consists of two outwardly projecting flanges 23,24 joined by an off-centre spigot 25. One face of the flange 24 is provided with a stop member 26 and located around the spigot 25 is a rotatable collar 27. The collar 27 also has an offcentre aperture such that, when in a non-locking position, the perimeter of the collar 27 is substantially aligned with the perimeter of the flanges 23,24. The collar 27 has a gap 28 in its perimeter to enable it to be located on and removed from the spigot 25. The width of the collar 27 is reduced in the region away from the gap 28. The step created at the width reduction and increase forms stop members. The external surface of the collar 27 is provided with a series of transverse ridges 29.

The inner telescopic member 18b can easily be inserted into the outer telescopic member 18a, and slid into position where the end of the inner member 18b abuts the rib 19. Relative rotation of the two members 18a, 18b causes rotation of the collar 27a, due to the contact between the inner surface of member 18a and the ridges 29. As the collar 27 rotates, because of the eccentric positioning of the spigot 25 and collar aperture, the collar 27 moves out of alignment with flanges 23,24 and extends to one side jamming against the inner surface of the outer member 18b. This has the effect of locking the telescoping members 18a, 18b with respect to each other and prevents them from moving coaxially relative to each other. The stop members on the collar 27 and flange 24 limit movement of the collar 27 to prevent it from being jammed. Relative rotation of the members 18a, 18b in the opposition direction forces the collar 27 to return to its original position and unlocks the telescopic members 18a, 18b, so that they can be moved coaxially relative to each other.

The bases 30 each comprise an open mouthed container having a floor 31 and side walls 32.

Although the drawings illustrate a substantially rectangular configuration, any suitable shape may be employed. The bases are preferably made of moulded plastic, although other suitable materials may be used. The bases 30 are preferably of identical size and their open mouths 33 can be aligned by means of guide members 34 which project above the height of the side walls 32 and act as locators. The two bases 30 are securely fastenable together to provide a carrying case 40 for the shelter 10 by means of complementary latch 35 and detent means 36, or other suitable fastening means. These may be integrally formed with the base 30, or attached thereto.

The floor 31 of each base 30 is provided with an aperture 37 through which an end of a support shaft 12 passes. Located adjacent the aperture 37 is a socket incorporating a locking mechanism 38 which locks the support shaft 12 in the socket 37 and prevents it from being withdrawn. The locking mechanism 38 may be provided by a screw fixing or an eccentric rotational collar and sleeve arrangement, operating in a similar manner to the locking device for the telescopic elements 18a, 18b, or another suitable mechanism. The bases 30 may be provided with handles 39, or two halves of a handle. Thus when the two bases 30 are secured together, they form a carrying case 40 as shown in Fig. 6.

The dimensions of the case 40 are suitable to receive at least the canopy 11, support shafts 12 and crossbars 13 to provide a convenient means for transporting the shelter 10. It may also be large enough to receive a small shovel or other things.

In order to erect the shelter 10, the two halves of the case 40 are separated to provide the two bases 30. The bases 30 can be placed with their open mouths upwardly facing (as shown in Fig. 1) and filled with sand or gravel to stabilise them. Alternatively, they can be placed downwardly (as shown in Fig. la) and the bases 30 buried in the sand. The ends of the support shafts 12 are inserted into the apertures 37 and locked in position. If the ground material is soft, such as sand, the shaft ends can be pushed through the aperture 37 and are buried in the sand. However, if the ground material is hard, e. g. rocks, the shaft ends may only penetrate through the bases 30 by a small amount. Although the preferred orientation of the shafts 12 is substantially vertical, if a suitable locking mechanism 38 is used it is possible to

position them at other, generally upwardly pointing angles.

The crossbars 13 are extended, and locked in their extended position. The crossbars 13 are then inserted into the link members 17. The canopy 11 is attached to the crossbars 13, in the illustrated embodiment by attaching the hooks 16 to the eyelet holes 15. The extension of the crossbars 13 should be such that the length of the crossbars 13 is greater than that of the width of the canopy 11, or at least the section of the canopy between the eyelet holes 15.

This ensures that the ends of the canopy 11 is held in a taut manner and the elasticity of the ties 14 takes the strain of any gusts of wind. The height of the canopy 11 can be adjusted by extending or retracting the telescopic support shafts 12. Alternatively if the shafts 12 are not telescopic and the link members 17 are slidable, the adjustment is carried out by sliding the link members 17 along the shafts 12.

Furthermore, the orientation of the canopy 11 can be adjusted to ensure that it provides the user with the best shade from the sun or so as to act as a windbreak. This is achieved by pivoting the crossbars 13 relative to the vertical shafts 12 and locking them in their selective positions.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a more traditional umbrella structure can be used, but with the carrying case 40 providing a single base 30 for the single shaft 12.

Claims

CLAIMS : 1. A collapsible shelter comprising a canopy, at least one elongate support member, means for connecting the canopy to the at least one support member and a carrying case for storing the canopy, the support member and the connecting means, wherein the case provides at least one base in which is provided an aperture for receiving the support member and means to support and retain the support member in an upwardly projecting position.
2. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 1 in which the at least one base has a floor, side walls and an open mouth.
3. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a pair of elongate support members, and in which the carrying case comprises two separable sections, each of which sections provides a base for a support member, and each of which is provided with an aperture for receiving a support member.
4. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the case is substantially rectangular.
5. A collapsible shelter comprising a canopy, at least two elongate support members, means for connecting the canopy to the support members and means for adjusting the orientation of the canopy relative to the support member.
6. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 4 further comprising at least two bases, each of which has an aperture for receiving an elongate support

member and means for supporting and retaining in an upwardly projecting position.
7. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 3 or claim 6 in which the two bases are provided with complementary fastening means for securing them together to form a carrying case.
8. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 3 or claim 6 or claim 7 in which each base is provided with guide means for aligning the open mouths of the bases.
9. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the elongate support members are telescopic.
10. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the means for connecting the canopy to the support members comprise at least two crossbars, means for removably attaching an end of the canopy to each crossbar, and a link member for receiving and connecting each crossbar to a support member.
11. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 10 in which the link members provide the canopy orientation adjusting means and are adjustable to enable the crossbars to be pivoted relative to the support members and locked in a selected orientation.
12. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 in which the link members are slidable along the length of the support members.
13. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 in which the crossbars are telescopic.
14. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 in which an end of the canopy is removably attached to a crossbar by means of a tie projecting from each end of the crossbar, the free ends of which ties are provided with fastening means for securing to the canopy.
15. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 14 in which the ties are elastic.
16. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 14 in which the ties include an elastic or spring section.
17. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 14 in which the ties are each provided by a spring.
18. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 in which the fastening means are hooks, which hook into eyelet holes in the canopy.
19. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each base is made of moulded plastic.
20. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18 in which each base is made of aluminium.
21. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each support member is made of aluminium.
22. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21 in which the crossbars are made of aluminium.
23. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of

the preceding claims in which the means for supporting and retaining the support member (s) include a locking mechanism, lockable to prevent removal of the support member.
24. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 23 in which the locking device comprises an eccentrically tightening collet and sleeve.
25. A collapsible shelter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.