GB2526317A

GB2526317A - Collapsible yurt

Info

Publication number: GB2526317A
Application number: GB1408967.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hamish Foulerton
Original assignee: GO YURTS Ltd
Current assignee: GO YURTS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-20
Filing date: 2014-05-20
Publication date: 2015-11-25
Also published as: GB201408967D0

Abstract

A collapsible yurt and method of deploying are disclosed. The yurt comprises a first base unit 20 having first edge 22, and a first post 24 and second post 26 which are fixed to, and extend upwards from, the first base unit. The first and second columns are spaced apart from one another and located adjacent the first edge of the first floor unit. A first concertina wall 28 section extends between the first and second stanchions and is operable to move between a first configuration in which the bellow wall is on one side of the first edge of the first ground unit, and a second configuration in which the trellis frame is extended away from the first edge of the first base unit. A second 60 and third 70 base units exist and can be hinged to the first base unit. The pleated expanding panels between the posts may extend across these bases and to the circumference of the bases outer edges. The folding dome may also have a crown ring (50, fig.3) with mounts 52 to which rafters may connect between the concertina walls and end walls of the structure. The first base may be fixed to a trailer. The method of deploying the yurt consists of positioning a first and second base unit so that their upper surfaces are aligned, expanding a concertina wall from the first base across the second base and raising a crown ring on a telescopic post to lift the roof.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE YURT

The present disclosure relates to a yurt.

In particular the disclosure is concerned with a collapsible yurt.

Background

A yurt is a circular tent like structure which was a common dwelling for nomads in Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey. Modern versions may be made of materials produced in a different way, but in essence a modern yurt is essentially the same as its progenitors in that it comprises a framework which supports a water and wind resistant material.

Unlike tents and caravans, yurts are commonly fixed and static structures. Hence while yurts are generally more spacious than tents, and more easily configurable to meet a users needs than caravans, they suffer the demerit that there is no easy way to move them from one location to another.

A movable yurt like structure which can be easily deployed, made ready for transport, delivered and redeployed is thus highly desirable.

Summary

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

Accordingly there may be provided a collapsible yurt comprising: a first base unit having first edge; a first post and second post which are fixed to, and extend upwards from, the first base unit; the first post and second post being spaced apart from one another and located adjacent the first edge of the first base unit; a first concertina wall section extending between the first post and second post and operable to move between: a first configuration in which the concertina wall is on one side of the first edge of the first base unit, and a second configuration in which the concertina wall is extended away from the first edge of the first base unit.

There may also be provided a third post and fourth post spaced apart from the first and second post and located adjacent a second edge of the first base unit; and a second concertina wall section extending between the third post and fourth post and operable to move between first and second configurations relative to the second edge of the first base unit.

The or each concertina wall may be expandable and contractable.

The or each concertina wall may comprise a trellis of pivotably joined criss-crossing members.

The or each concertina wall is may be pivotably connected to its respective posts such that the edges of the wall adjacent the posts may pivot as the or each concertina wall moves between the first configuration and the second configuration.

An end wall may be provided between the first post and the third post, and an end wall is provided between the second post and fourth post, the end walls being spaced apart from and substantially opposite one another.

At least one rafter may extends from each end wall to a crown ring located between the end walls, each rafter being pivotably linked to the crown ring and its respective end wall.

There may also be provided additional rafter mounts on the crown ring and concertina wall, the mounts configured to locate rafters when the or each concertina wall is in the second configuration.

A telescopic post may extend from the first base unit to support the crown ring.

The telescopic post is may be operable to expand and contract to raise and lower the crown ring.

The yurt may further comprise: a second base unit adjacent the first base unit, the second base unit having an inner edge which is proximate to the first edge of the first base unit, and the second base unit also having an outer edge spaced apart from the first base unit, whereby in the second configuration the concertina wall is extended towards the outer edge of the second base unit.

The yurt may further comprise: a third base unit adjacent the first base unit the third base unit having an inner edge which is proximate to the second edge of the first base unit, and the third base unit also having an outer edge spaced apart from the first base unit, whereby in the second configuration the concertina wall is extended towards the outer edge of the third base unit.

In the second configuration the concertina wall may be flush with and/or recessed from substantially the full circumference of the second or third base units outer edge.

The base units may be pivotably joined to one another such that the second or third base units may be rotated between: a stored position at an angle to the plane of the upper surface of the first base unit; and a deployed position wherein the surface of the second or third base unit is substantially aligned with the plane of the surface of the first base unit.

In the deployed position, the upper surfaces of the base units may be level with one another.

The first base unit may be fixed to a trailer.

There may also be provided a method of deploying a collapsible yurt, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a first base unit adjacent to a second base unit such that their upper surfaces are aligned; expanding a concertina wall which extends from and, in a non deployed state, sits within the perimeter of the first base unit, such that the concertina wall extends beyond the perimeter of the first base unit over the second base unit.

The method may further comprise the step of expanding a telescopic post which extends from the first base unit such that it lifts a crown ring pivotably connected to rafters that extend from end walls of the yurt.

Hence there is provided a collapsible yurt which is configured such that it may be easily transformed from a packed state to a usable (e.g. habitable) state, and which may also be easily transformed from a usable state to a packed state such that it can be conveniently transported to a different site where it may be redeployed again or stored until its use is required.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of the yurt of the present disclosure in a stored configuration; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the yurt in a deployed configuration; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the yurt in a deployed configuration; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the yurt in a stored configuration; Figure 5 shows a similar view to that of Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a post and wall section of the yurt of

the present disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the wall and post arrangement shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows how a rafter of the yurt may be attached to a wall of the yurt; Figure 9 shows a different view of the assembly shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 shows a side view of the partly assembled yurt of the present

disclosure; and

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the yurt in an assembled state, as viewed from outside.

Detailed Description

The device of the present disclosure may comprise many characteristics and features which identify it as a "yurt". However, in this application, the term is also intended to cover other temporary or light structures suitable for shelter, regardless of whether they correspond to the commonly understood parameters of a conventional yurt.

Figure 1 shows a collapsible yurt 10 according to the present disclosure. It comprises a first base unit 20 with a perimeter defined in part by a first edge 22. In use, the base unit 20 provides a floor, or support for a floor, for the shelter. In the example shown the base unit 20 is polygonal, and in particular rectangular, although it could be any appropriate shape. There is also provided a first post 24 and a second post 26 fixed to and extending upwards from the first base unit 20. In the example shown the posts are provided at the corners of the first base unit 20. Alternatively they may be provided set back from the corners and edges of the first base unit.

The first post 24 and second post 26 are spaced apart from one another along the edge 22, and located adjacent to the first edge 22 of the first base unit 20. There is also provided a first concertina wall section 28 which extends between the first post 24 and second post 26. The concertina wall section 22 is expandable and contractable. That is to say, it may increase and decrease in length, and is flexible such that it can extend away from the line defined between the first post 24 and second post 26. The first concertina wall section 28 is configured and operable to move between a first configuration in which the concertina wall 22 is on one side of the first edge 22 of the first base unit 20, as shown in Figure 1, and a second configuration in which the concertina wall 28 is extended away from the first edge 22 of the first base unit 20, as shown in Figure 2. That is to say, Figure 2 shows the same view as Figure 1 except that the concertina wall has been moved away from the first edge 22 of the base unit 20, and increased in length, to form a curved, arcuate or part circular shaped wall.

The yurt 10 further comprises a third post 30 and a fourth post 32 which are located adjacent a second edge 34 of the first base unit 20. In the example shown they are provided at corners of the first base unit 20. Alternatively they may be provided set back from the corners and edges of the first base unit. A second concertina wall section 36 extends between the third post 30 and forth post 32 and is operable to move between the first configuration as shown in Figure 1, where the second concertina wall section 36 is aligned with the edge 34 of the first base unit 20, to a second configuration as shown in Figure 2 where the second concertina wall section 36 is extended away from the second edge 34 of the first base unit 20. That is to say, Figure 2 shows the same view as Figure 1 except that the concertina wall 36 has been moved away from the second edge 34 of the base unit 20, and increased in length, to form a curved, arcuate or part circular shaped wall.

The concertina walls 28,36 may be expandable by about 20% of their length, and are configured to contract back to their shorter length.

As described above, the concertina wall sections 28, 36 are expandable and contractible. They may be made of any appropriate material or construction. In the present example, the walls sections 28, 36 are provided as a trellis of pivotally joined criss-crossing members which may rotate relative to one another to allow the wall sections 28, 36 to increase in length from the first configuration as shown in Figure 1 to the second configuration as shown in Figure 2.

An end wall 40 is provided between the first post 24 and third post 30, and another end wall 42 is provided between the second post 26 and forth post 32. The end walls 40, 42 are spaced apart from one another and substantially opposite one another at either end of the first base unit 20, and at right angles to the first and second edges 22,34. At least one rafter 44 extends from each end wall 40, 42 to a crown ring 50 located between the end walls 40, 42. Each rafter 44 is pivotably linked to the crown ring 50 and its respective end wall 40, 42. The rafter is provided in a sliding joint to allow it to pivot and slide as it is angled upwards up, and when brought back to the stored position. In the angled position, the rafters 44 may be at an angle of 25 degrees to the horizontal. The end walls 40,41 are fixed in length and height.

Additional rafter mounts 52 are provided on the crown ring and concertina walls 28, 34.

The mounts 54 configured to locate rafters when the or each concertina wall 28, 36 is in the second configuration as shown in Figure 2. Hence some of the rafters 44 are pivotably attached to the crown ring 50 when the yurt is in a collapsed (e.g. storage or transit) state as shown in Figure 1 and when the yurt is in an expanded state as shown in Figure 2. During assembly of the yurt, additional rafters 44 are added to link the crown ring 50 and concertina walls 28,36, to thereby increase rigidity and stability of the structure, and also to provide a framework for a roof covering.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, a telescopic post 56 extends from the first base unit 20 to support the crown ring 50. The telescopic post 56 is located in a cup-slot 58 provided in the first base unit 20. The telescopic post 56 is operable to expand and contract, that is to say increase in length and decrease in length, to raise and lower the crown ring 50.

In Figure 4 the telescopic post 56 is shown in a contracted state, and in Figures 3 and 5 the telescopic post 56 is shown in an expanded state to raise the crown ring 50 to thereby angle the rafters 44 to provide a pitched roof support structure. The additional rafters may be fitted in place in the mounts 52 when the crown ring 50 is in the raised (ie higher) position.

The telescopic post 56 may be provided as a hydraulic or other actuated means. Figure 3 shows an example in which the telescopic post is provided as a worm drive, with a screw 57 and handle 59 to wind the screw and thereby increase and decrease the length of the post 56.

As shown in figures 1 and 2, there is provided a second base unit 60 adjacent to the first base unit 20. In figure 1 the second base unit is shown folded up at right angles to the first base unit 20. The second base unit 60 has an inner edge 62 which is proximate to the first edge 22 of the first base unit 20. The second base unit 60 also has an outer edge 64 spaced apart from the first base unit 20. In the second configuration the concertina wall 28 is extended towards the outer edge 64 of the second base unit 60.

There is also provided a third base unit 70 adjacent the first base unit 20. In figure 1 the third base unit 70 is shown folded up at right angles to the first base unit 20. The third base unit 70 has an inner edge 72 which is proximate to the second edge 34 of the third base unit 20. The third base unit 70 also has an outer edge 74 spaced apart from the first base unit 20. In the second configuration the concertina wall 36 is extended toward the outer edge 74 of the third base unit 70.

As shown in the figures, the second and third base units 60, 70 are part circular, and the outer edge of the second and third base units 60, 70 are arcuate, curved or part circular.

In the second configuration the concertina walls 28, 36 are flush with and or recessed from substantially the full circumference of the outer edge of the second and third base units 60, 70.

The first base unit 20 and second base unit 60, and the first base unit 20 and third base unit 70 are pivotably joined to one another such that the second or third base units 60, may be rotated between a stored position, as shown in Figure 1, at an angle to the plane of the upper surface of the first base unit 20, and a deployed position wherein the surface of the second or third base unit 60, 70 is substantially aligned with the plane of the surface of the first base unit 20.

In the deployed position, i.e. the second configuration, the upper surfaces of the base units 20, 60, 70 are substantially level with one another.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each concertina wall 28, 36 is pivotably connected to its respective post 24, 26; 30, 32 such that the edges of the concertina wall 28, 36 may pivot as the or each concertina wall 28, 36 moves between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Post 24 is shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, but the same arrangement is applicable to posts 26, 30, 32. A ring 80 bounds the post 24 and a bracket 82 extends away from the ring 80 and is coupled to an arm/member of the trellis wall 28. The same arrangement is shown in figure 7, but from the side. A bolt 84 is passed through the arm of the trellis 28 and the bracket 82 to hold the bracket to the trellis (concertina wall) 28.

Figures 8 and 9 show the arrangement for connecting a rafter 44 to the end walls 42 and comprises a bracket 90 in which a rafter 44 will sit. A bolt 92 passes through the bracket 90 and through the rafter, allowing for a pivotable movement of the rafter relative to the bracket 90 but holding the rafter to the bracket 90 and hence to the end walls 40, 42.

The pivotable arrangements described are examples only, and any appropriate means of providing a pivotable mount and relatively adjustable connection may be used instead.

Figure 10 shows a side view of the yurt in a part assembled state. In this view, the frame comprising the concertina walls 28, 26 and rafters 44 and crown ring 50 are in the second configuration (i.e. expanded to their full size to provide the maximum volume from the collapsible yurt, and all that remains is for a sheet/canvass covering 100, which is normally stored on the top of the crown ring 50 to be folded down such that it covers all sides of the frame and trailer beneath, as shown in figure 11.

The first base unit 20 is fixed to a trailer 90 suitable for being towed behind a car or other tractor vehicle. As the other components are all attached to the base unit 20, they are likewise fixed to the trailer 90. Stabiliser legs 116 may be provided at or towards the corners of the first base unit 20. These may be wound down from the base of the trailer to meet the ground as required.

A yurt 10 according to the present disclosure may be deployed in the following way.

After positioning the trailer 90 upon which the yurt sits in position, stabiliser legs 116 are lowered to provide stability.

In a stored state, the second base unit 60 and third base unit 70 are pivoted such that they are substantially perpendicular to the first base unit 20, as shown in Figure 1.

When they are being deployed, they are folded down such that the upper surfaces 61,71 of the second and third base unit 60, 70 are aligned or level with the upper surface 21 of the first base unit 20. Thus the second and third base units 60,70 are folded down from their vertical storage position such that their upper surfaces 61,71 are aligned with the surface 21 of the first base unit, and the base units 20,60,70 are adjacent one another. The second base unit 60 is positioned adjacent the first base unit on the opposite side of the first base unit 20 to the third base unit 70.

The concertina walls 28 which extend from, and in a non-deployed state, sit within the perimeter of the first base unit 20, are then drawn outwards such that the concertina wall 28 extends beyond the perimeter of the first base unit over the second base unit 60, and the second concertina wall 36 can be drawn outwards over the third base unit such that it extends beyond the perimeter of the first base unit over the third base unit 70. That is to say, the concertina walls 28, 36 are moved from their storage position along the line of the edge 22, 34 of the first base unit such that they extend substantially around the perimeter of the second and third base units 60, 70.

The telescopic post 56 which supports the crown ring 50 is then wound up to raise the roof structure comprising rafters 44 to a pitched configuration, and other rafters are attached to the crown ring 50 to extend down to the edges of the concertina walls 28, 36. This adds rigidity to the structure as well as supplementing the roof support structure created by the rafters. The sheeting 100 normally stored on top of the yurt is then folded down to over the top of the support structure that has just been created.

As shown in Figure 11, both the trailer and the yurt folding mechanisms are covered by the sheeting 100. As also shown in Figure 11, the material of the sheet 100 may be shaped with a door sheet 110 to provide a doorway 112. The door sheet 100 may be folded up or down. Steps 114 may be provided so the user can easier step down and up from floor provided by the base units 20,60,70.

There is thus provided a shelter in the form of a yurt which may be easily folded and expanded to provide a structure as required by a user. The structure may be carried on a trailer, and hence easily transported from one location to another. The setup of a yurt according to the present disclosure provides ample storage as well as being simple and easy to deploy and store. It provides a flexible configuration which may be furnished by a user as required.

The yurt according to the present disclosure is further advantageous as it provides a scalable solution, which can be made to any size as required by a user.

In some examples the overall volume of the stowed configuration of the yurt is smaller than an average caravan and narrower than an average car and is thus easy to transport.

In transit and during storage, all furniture and equipment can be stored on the trailer bed, between the walls 28,36,40,42.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMSA collapsible yurt comprising a first base unit having first edge; a first post and second post which are fixed to, and extend upwards from, the first base unit; the first post and second post being spaced apart from one another and located adjacent the first edge of the first base unit; a first concertina wall section extending between the first post and second post and operable to move between: a first configuration in which the concertina wall is on one side of the first edge of the first base unit, and a second configuration in which the concertina wall is extended away from the first edge of the first base unit.
2 A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a third post and fourth post spaced apart from the first and second post and located adjacent a second edge of the first base unit; and a second concertina wall section extending between the third post and fourth post and operable to move between first and second configurations relative to the second edge of the first base unit.
3 A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the or each concertina wall is expandable and contractable.
4 A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 3 wherein the or each concertina wall comprises a trellis of pivotably joined criss-crossing members.
A collapsible yurt as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each concertina wall is pivotably connected to its respective posts such that the edges of the wall adjacent the posts may pivot as the or each concertina wall moves between the first configuration and the second configuration.
6 A collapsible yurt as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein an end wall is provided between the first post and the third post, and an end wall is provided between the second post and fourth post, the end walls being spaced apart from and substantially opposite one another.
7 A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 6 wherein at least one rafter extends from each end wall to a crown ring located between the end walls, each rafter being pivotably linked to the crown ring and its respective end wall.
8 A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 7 further comprising additional rafter mounts on the crown ring and concertina wall, the mounts configured to locate rafters when the or each concertina wall is in the second configuration.
9 A collapsible yurt as claimed in any one of claims 7 or 8 wherein a telescopic post extends from the first base unit to support the crown ring.
A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 9 wherein the telescopic post is operable to expand and contract to raise and lower the crown ring.
11 A collapsible yurt as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a second base unit adjacent the first base unit the second base unit having an inner edge which is proximate to the first edge of the first base unit, and the second base unit also having an outer edge spaced apart from the first base unit, whereby in the second configuration the concertina wall is extended towards the outer edge of the second base unit.
12 A collapsible yurt as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11 further comprising: a third base unit adjacent the first base unit the third base unit having an inner edge which is proximate to the second edge of the first base unit, and the third base unit also having an outer edge spaced apart from the first base unit, whereby in the second configuration the concertina wall is extended towards the outer edge of the third base unit.
13 A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein in the second configuration the concertina wall is flush with and/or recessed from substantially the full circumference of the second or third base units outer edge.
14 Acollapsibleyurtas claimed in any one of claims 11 tol3wherein the base units are pivotably joined to one another such that the second or third base units may be rotated between a stored position at an angle to the plane of the upper surface of the first base unit; and a deployed position wherein the surface of the second or third base unit is substantially aligned with the plane of the surface of the first base unit.
A collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 14 wherein: in the deployed position, the upper surfaces of the base units are level with one another.
16 A collapsible yurt as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first base unit is fixed to a trailer.
17 A method of deploying a collapsible yurt, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a first base unit adjacent to a second base unit such that their upper surfaces are aligned; expanding a concertina wall which extends from and, in a non deployed state, sits within the perimeter of the first base unit, such that the concertina wall extends beyond the perimeter of the first base unit over the second base unit.
18 A method of deploying a collapsible yurt as claimed in claim 17 further comprising the step of: expanding a telescopic post which extends from the first base unit such that it lifts a crown ring pivotably connected to rafters that extend from end walls of the yurt.
19 A collapsible yurt substantially as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.A method of constructing a collapsible yurt substantially as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.