COLLAPSIBLE CEILING STRUCTURE

BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention

Described herein are devices relating generally to ceilings and connector-components for ceilings, for example, for use in building structures, such as animal kennels, and specifically to collapsible ceilings.

Description of the Related Art

Various building structures utilize roofs and ceiling structures to protect objects and living creatures within the structures. Such ceiling structures can provide shelter from conditions, such as the elements and direct sunlight. One type of ceiling structure that can be employed, particularly in the context of portable structures, such as tents and small gazebo structures, is a skeletal ceiling structure that can provide the rigid structural support to cover, for example, a tarp or other flexible material that can overlay the skeletal ceiling structure. An example of such a skeletal structure for use in a Gazebo structure is set for in U.S. Pat. No. D715,006, to Pomerantz, entitled GAZEBO, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

One issue regarding conventional skeletal ceiling structures is that they can be bulky and hard to store and transport. Also, conventional ceiling structures can be difficult to assemble and disassemble. Furthermore, a ceiling with a single fixed shape and orientation might not be convenient in many spaces, where the dimensions of the ceiling are inconvenient with the surrounding environment.

SUMMARY

Described herein are collapsible ceiling structures that can comprise multiple orientations and can comprise an orientation that occupies a reduced amount of space allowing for efficient assembly, disassembly, storage and transport of the collapsible ceiling structures. In some embodiments, the collapsible ceiling structures comprise a base portion and one or more arm portions. In some embodiments, the base portion of the collapsible ceiling structures is configured as a central hub for a plurality of arm portions. In some embodiments, the arm portions are freely moveable or have a predetermined range of motion, allowing the collapsible ceiling to have multiple orientations. In some embodiments, movement of the arm portions are restricted or otherwise controlled by the central hub portion, for example, to limit or control range of motion of the arm portions.

In one embodiment, a collapsible ceiling structure incorporating features of the present invention comprises a base portion comprising at least one base connection portion, wherein the base connection portion is configured to moveably connect to at least one arm portion configured to support a cover portion.

In another embodiment, a collapsible ceiling structure incorporating features of the present invention comprises a base portion and a plurality of arm portions. Each arm portion in the plurality is moveably connected to the base portion at a first arm portion end and comprises a second arm portion end which is configured to connect to a building structure, wherein the plurality of arm portions are configured to support a cover portion for the building structure.

In still another embodiment, a collapsible ceiling structure incorporating features of the present invention comprises a base portion, which comprises at least one protective walled structure. The collapsible ceiling structure further comprises a plurality of arm portions moveably connected to the base portion at a first arm portion end, such that the points where the arm portions are moveably connected to the base structure are substantially surrounded by the protective walled structure. The arm portions further comprise a second arm portion end which is configured to connect to a building structure.

These and other further features and advantages of the invention would be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate corresponding parts in the figures, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a collapsible ceiling device incorporating features of the present invention shown installed on a housing structure, the housing structure shown in phantom lines to differentiate the collapsible ceiling device from the structure as a whole;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a collapsible ceiling device, with the arm portions shown as comprising a variable length;

FIG. 3 is a zoomed-in partial front perspective view of an embodiment of the collapsible ceiling structure of FIG. 2, shown with an arm portion removed and displayed separately;

FIG. 4 is a zoomed-in partial front perspective view of an embodiment of the collapsible ceiling structure of FIG. 2, showing an arm portion removed;

FIG. 5A is a partial front sectional view of a portion of a collapsible ceiling structure showing the connection of an arm portion, incorporating features of the present invention showing a method of connection;

FIG. 5B is a partial front sectional view of the portion of the collapsible ceiling structure of FIG. 5A, shown in a different orientation;

FIG. 5C is a partial front sectional view of the portion of the collapsible ceiling structure of FIG. 5A-5B, shown in a different orientation;

FIG. 5D is a partial front sectional view of the portion of the collapsible ceiling structure of FIG. 5A-5C, shown in a different orientation;

FIG. 5E is a partial front sectional view of the portion of the collapsible ceiling structure of FIG. 5A-5D, shown in a different orientation;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a central hub base portion of a collapsible ceiling structure incorporating features of the present invention, with the arm portions shown as comprising a variable length;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the central hub base portion of FIG. 6 shown in a different orientation; and

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the central hub base portion of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now set forth detailed descriptions of various embodiments. These embodiments include collapsible ceiling structures that can comprise a base portion and one or more arms that can be moveably connected to the base portion and can be freely connectable and removable. In some embodiments, the base portion of the collapsible ceiling structures is configured as a central hub for a plurality of arm portions. In some embodiments, the arm portions are freely moveable or have a predetermined range of motion, allowing the collapsible ceiling to have multiple orientations. In some embodiments, movement of the arm portions are restricted or otherwise controlled by the central hub portion, for example, to limit or control range of motion of the arm portions.

In some embodiments, the arm portions are directly connected to the base portion such that the arm portions can move in relation to a portion of the base portion, for example, by at least partially rotating about a pivot point. This allows the arm portions to be configured in different orientations in relation to the base portion, for example, to be perpendicular to the base portion or be at various angles in relation to the base portion. In some embodiments, the arm portions are not directly connected to the base portion but are connected to the base portion via an intermediate connector portion, which is connected to the base portion and can move in relation to a portion of the base portion, for example, by at least partially rotating about a pivot point, thus allowing a connected arm portion to be connected to the base portion and move in relation to a portion of the base portion.

In some embodiments, the base portion of a collapsible ceiling structures incorporating features of the present invention can comprise protective walled portions, which can be configured to at least partially shield a connected arm portion and/or an intermediate connector portion, by at least partially surrounding and/or overhanging the arm portions, when the connected arm portion and/or an intermediate connector portion is in at least one of its orientations in relation to the base portion. This configuration provides further protection to a connected arm portion and/or intermediate connector portion from environmental damage and wear.

In some embodiments, the collapsible ceiling structures can be configured, such that the one or more arms are “locked” into position, such that they cannot be accidently removed. In some embodiments, this “locked” orientation can be accomplished by configuring at least one of the one or more arms with the base portion, such that the one or more arms cannot be removed from the base portion without first inverting the arm and then sliding it free from the base portion. In some embodiments, the arm will not slide free from the base portion without first inverting the arm approximately 180 degrees from its resting orientation.

Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the term “invention,” “device,” “present invention,” or “present device” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “invention,” “device,” “present invention,” or “present device” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on” or “adjacent” to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly attached, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. For example, an arm portion of a ceiling structure is connected to a central hub base portion if it is connected directly, but it is also connected to a central hub base portion if it connected through the use of intervening adaptor portions, which are in turn connected to the central hub base portion as described herein. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly attached,” “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Relative terms, such as “outer,” “above,” “lower,” “below,” “horizontal,” “vertical” and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one feature to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items.

The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to different views and illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

It is understood that when a first element is referred to as being “between,” “sandwiched,” or “sandwiched between,” two or more other elements, the first element can be directly between the two or more other elements or intervening elements may also be present between the two or more other elements. For example, if a first element is “between” or “sandwiched between” a second and third element, the first element can be directly between the second and third elements with no intervening elements or the first element can be adjacent to one or more additional elements with the first element and these additional elements all between the second and third elements.

It is understood that the present disclosure may use the terms “ceiling” and “roof” interchangeably to refer to the top portion of a structure, for example, the top skeletal portion of a gazebo structure. Devices incorporating features of the present invention can be used as the top portion of a structure.

An example embodiment of a collapsible ceiling structure 100 is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the collapsible ceiling structure 100 installed on an example frame building structure 102, which can include any structure to which the collapsible ceiling structure 100 can provide a ceiling. Some example building structures 102 can include, but are not limited to, tents, huts, buildings, kennels, housing structures for people or animals, agricultural or other plant-growing and/or plant-supporting structures and gazebo structures.

The collapsible ceiling structure 100 can comprise a connector base 104, functioning as a central hub for one or more arms 106 (eight shown), which are shown as having a variable length. It is understood that arm structures disclosed in embodiments incorporating features of the present invention can comprise any suitable length, shape and/or orientation that allows the arm structures to function as a support of a cover or celling as disclosed herein. The base 104 can function as one stability point for the collapsible ceiling structure 100 and an attached structure 102 can function as another stability point. A tarp or other cover portion can be placed on the arms 106, such that the arms 106 provide a skeletal structure for the cover. In embodiments wherein the collapsible ceiling structure comprises only a single arm, typically the single arm will be configured to further spread out or differentiate in order to efficiently provide a resting area for the tarp or other cover and to further provide stability to the collapsible ceiling structure in relation to the base 104 and an attached structure 102, although it is understood that other single arm configurations incorporating features of the present invention are possible.

Typically, the collapsible ceiling structure 100 comprises a plurality of arms 106. This provides a more stable structure for the collapsible ceiling 100 and allows for further customization of ceiling structure orientation, for example, in embodiments wherein the ceiling structure 100 is to be connected to an irregular-shaped structure, one or more of the arms 106 can form a different angle of orientation with the base 104, allowing the ceiling structure 100 to account for the structure's irregular shape.

Both the base 104 and the arms 106 can comprise any material suitable for providing a ceiling structure, with a preferred material being a material capable of providing sound structural support, being capable of supporting a cover and/or being easily capable of being moveably configured, such that the arms 106 can move in relation to the base 104. In some embodiments, the base 104 and the arms 106 comprise the same material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the base 104 and the arms 106 comprise different materials or combinations of materials. Some suitable materials for the base 104 and the arms 106 to comprise include, but are not limited to: resin, rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene foam, polymers/copolymer substances, acrylic substances, plastic, leather, metal, glass, fiberglass, wood, cloth or a combination thereof. The base 104 and the arms 106 can be formed by any suitable method known in the art, for example, molding, injection molding, stamping and extrusion.

It is understood that the collapsible ceiling structure 100 (including the base 104 and the arms 106) can comprise various other shapes and orientations capable of functioning as a ceiling and are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings. The collapsible ceiling structure 100 and its individual components can comprise any suitable shapes, including any regular or irregular polygon, as well as linear, circular and elliptical shapes. In some embodiments, the base 104 is cylindrical or nearly cylindrical and the arms 106 are substantially linear. The arms 106 can comprise a first end that is configured to connect to the base 104, for example, utilizing connection configurations described herein, including an arm connection portion at one end (not shown in FIG. 1, but will be shown and described in greater detail below), or through an intermediate connection portion (which will also be described further herein). At a second end of the arm 106, the arm 106 can comprise an end arm portion 108, which is configured to connect to the building structure 102.

The end arm portion 108 can comprise a bent orientation (for example, as shown in FIG. 2) or a straight orientation configured to connect to the building structure 102, utilizing any suitable connection means, for example, various male-female connections, pressure fit connections, adhesive connections, corresponding structure connections that lock into place, or any known connection configuration. In the embodiment shown, the building structure 102 has a corresponding structure that is configured to interact or mate with the end arm portion 108. In is understood that in some embodiments, the end arm portion 108 is not bent. The bend of an end arm portion 108 is configured to facilitate connection of the arms to a structure, for example, by providing a more desirable angle of attachment.

The ceiling structure 100 is shown in FIG. 1 in a first orientation, wherein the plurality of arms 106 are angled, such they are spread apart or “open.” In this open orientation, the arms 106 can provide a substantial foundation structure for a tarp, canvas-cloth or other cover to fill out the skeletal ceiling for a connected structure. However, as discussed previously, the “open” functional ceiling orientation is not the only orientation of the collapsible ceiling structure 100. If the collapsible ceiling structure 100 were permanently locked into the open position, the ceiling structure would permanently be bulky, space-consuming and difficult to transport, such as conventional ceiling structures.

A “closed” configuration of the collapsible ceiling structure 100 is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the collapsible ceiling structure 100, the base 104 and the arms 106. In FIG. 2, however, the arms 106 are positioned in a different angle in relation to the base 104 than in FIG. 1. In the position shown in FIG. 2, the arms 106 are not spread out in a wide angle from the base 104 like in FIG. 1, but are instead substantially perpendicular to a normal surface of the base 104 and are hanging downward linearly. When the ceiling structure 100 is collapsed into this orientation, the ceiling structure 100 occupies less space, as the arms 106 are not spread out in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the ceiling structure 100 can be easily carried and transported, even with a single hand, as a user can easily grip the arms 106 as the arms 106 are all in one centralized location, rather than being spread out in many different horizontal directions. In some embodiments, the collapsible ceiling structure 100 can further comprise an adjustment portion 110, which can be configured to secure one or more portions of the base 104 together and/or conceal portions of the collapsible ceiling structure 100 that are not aesthetically pleasing, for example, various fasteners that may be used in the construction of the collapsible ceiling structure 100.

It is understood that when terms, such while “open position” and “closed position” are used, that there are other positions corresponding to different angles of the arms 106 in relation to the base 104, while the arms 106 are connected to a corresponding structure. This allows for varying degrees of “spread” or collapsibility of the collapsible ceiling structure 100. Accordingly, the collapsible ceiling structure 100 can function as a ceiling in a variety of different areas having different spatial limitations and characteristics.

The base 104 can be configured such that portions of the base can shield portions of the connected arms 106. The portions of the arms directly connected to the base, or in embodiments utilizing intermediate connection structures, the intermediate connection structures themselves, can be at least partially surrounded by at least one protective walled portion 103 of the base 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the portions of the arms 106 directly connected to the base 104 are substantially surrounded by the protective walled portions 103. In the embodiment shown, the arm portions 106 extend from the base only in the single downward vertical direction when the collapsible ceiling structure 100 is in its “closed” configuration wherein the arms 106 are not spread out in a wide angle from the base 104 like in FIG. 1, but are instead substantially perpendicular to a normal surface of the base 104 and are hanging downward linearly.

The protective walled portions 103 of the base 104 can be configured such that the connected arm portions 106 do not extend from the base to a greater extent than the protective walled portions except for in a single direction when the collapsible ceiling structure 100 is in its “closed” configuration. In the embodiment shown, when the arms 106 are substantially perpendicular to a normal surface of the base 104 and are hanging downward linearly, the arms do not extend in a lateral or upwardly vertical direction to a greater extent than the protective walled portions 103. Furthermore, even when the device 100 is in an “open” position, wherein the plurality of arms 106 are angled, such they are spread apart as described herein, the protective walled portions 103 still substantially surround the point at which the arms 106 are moveably connected to the base 104, for example, by surrounding at least both lateral sides of the moveable connection point as shown in FIG. 2. As is shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the base connection portion can also be substantially surrounded by the protective walled portions. This configuration further protects the moveable connection.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the collapsible celling structure 100 comprising the base 104 and arms 106. For illustrative purposes, one of the arms 106A has been disconnected from the collapsible ceiling structure 100. The various features of the disconnected arm 106A are more easily viewable. Some of these features include an arm connection portion 304, which can comprise any connection structure, for example, various structures that are configured to be removably connectible to the base 104 and/or interact or mate with one or more portions of the base 104, hinge and joint connections, and/or any removably connectible structure known in the art.

In the embodiment shown, the arm connection portion 304 comprises an opening comprising an entry point 306 and a channel 308. The opening is configured such that a corresponding portion of the base 104, which in this embodiment is at least one base connection portion 310 is configured to enter the arm connection portion 304 at the entry point 306. The base connection portion 310 can then be further secured by being placed within the channel 308, such that the channel ceiling 312 rests on the base connection portion 310. As the channel ceiling 312 is located in a portion of the channel 308 that is offset or staggered from the entry point 306, the chance that the arm 106A will become inadvertently detached from the base 104 is mitigated. FIGS. 5A-5E set forth a detailed further example connection configuration between an arm 106 and the base 104.

FIG. 4 shows the collapsible ceiling structure 100, comprising the base 104 and several arms 106. One arm has been removed to expose the base connection portion 310. The base 104 can comprise the base connection portion 310, which can be an integral part of the base 104 or can be otherwise connected to the base 104. The base connection portion 310 can comprise any shape or configuration that is configured to interact or mate with a corresponding structure of an arm 106, for example, the arm connection portion 304 shown and described with regard to FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the base connection portion comprises a substantially circular or cylindrical ring-like structure that is configured to fit inside the entry point 306 of an arm 106. As described with regard to FIG. 3 above, the substantially circular or cylindrical ring-like structure can be configured to further be placed within a channel of the arm connection portion 304.

FIG. 4 further shows the base 104 comprising an inner base wall 402, located adjacent to the base connection portion 310. The inner base wall 402 can be configured to interact with the base connection portion 310 and/or one or more portions of the arms 106, for example, the arm connection portion 304, to further control the manner in which the arms 106 can be connected to the base 104. In some embodiments, the inner base wall 402 can interact with a portion of the arms 106 in order to limit the range of motion of the arms 106 and prevent accidental disconnection from the base. This feature is described in greater detail in FIGS. 5A-5E.

A detailed further example of a connection structure between the base and the arms is shown in FIGS. 5A-5E. FIG. 5A shows a sectional schematic representation of an arm 106, which comprises an arm connection portion 304, further comprising an entry point 306 and a channel 308. FIG. 5A further shows base connection portion 310 and an inner base wall 402. In a first connection step, the base connection portion 304, which in the embodiment shown is a circular or cylindrical ring-like structure, can enter into the entry point 306, therefore beginning the connection process to the base.

A second connection step is shown in FIG. 5B, which like FIG. 5A shows a sectional schematic representation of an arm 106, which comprises an arm connection portion 304, further comprising an entry point 306 and a channel 308. Also like FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B further shows base connection portion 310 and an inner base wall 402. In the second connection step, the base connection portion 310 is placed into the channel, until it comes to rest on the channel ceiling 312.

A third connection step is shown in FIG. 5C, which like FIG. 5A shows a sectional schematic representation of an arm 106, which comprises an arm connection portion 304, further comprising an entry point 306 and a channel 308. Also like 5A, FIG. 5C further shows base connection portion 310 and an inner base wall 402. In the third connection step, the base connection portion 310 is now against the channel ceiling 312. At this point, the arm 106 is rotated in a direction that is unrestricted due to the positioning of the inner base wall 402, in this embodiment, this is the clockwise direction. A counterclockwise rotation is not possible as an elongated portion 410 of the arm 106 would abut against the inner base wall 402, therefore preventing any further movement in that direction.

A fourth connection step is shown in FIG. 5D, which like FIG. 5A, shows a sectional schematic representation of an arm 106, which comprises an arm connection portion 304, further comprising an entry point 306 and a channel 308. Also like 5A, FIG. 5D further shows base connection portion 310 and an inner base wall 402. In the fourth connection step, the base connection portion 310 is still against the channel ceiling 312 and the arm 106 is continuing its clockwise rotation.

A fifth connection step is shown in FIG. 5E, which like FIG. 5A shows a sectional schematic representation of an arm 106, which comprises an arm connection portion 304, further comprising an entry point 306 and a channel 308. Also like FIG. 5A, FIG. 5E further shows base connection portion 310 and an inner base wall 402. In the fifth connection step, the channel ceiling 312 is now resting on the base connection portion 310. In this final connection configuration, the arm 106 is now in the position of the arms 106 shown in FIG. 2 and cannot be rotated further in the clockwise direction without the arm 106 and/or its arm connection portion 304 abutting against the inner base wall 402. The inner base wall is spaced a distance from the arm 106 and/or its arm connection portion 304, such that the base connection portion 310 cannot simply be pulled through the channel 308 and the entry point 306. This is because the arm 106 and/or the arm connection portion 304 will abut against the inner base wall 402 if this operation is attempted. Accordingly, the only way to effectively disconnect the arm 106 from the base connection portion 310 is to reverse the first through fifth connection steps, including rotating the arm 106 back in the counter clockwise direction.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a base portion 502, similar to the central hub base portion 104 discussed herein, can connect to arm portions 503 through utilization of one or more intermediate connector portions 504, rather than the arm portions directly connecting to a base portion 502, for example, by the intermediate connector portions 504 connecting to a base connection portion as discussed above. In such embodiments, the intermediate connector portions 504 can comprise a first connected end 506, which can be moveably connected to the base portion 502, for example, by being connected to a connection portion of the base portion 502, and a first receiving end 508, which is configured to receive an arm portion 503. These embodiments can further comprise an adjustment portion 510, similar to the adjustment portion 110 described earlier herein with regard to FIG. 2.

The base portion 502 and/or the intermediate connector portions 504 of these embodiments can be made from any of the materials listed herein that the base portion 104 described earlier can comprise. The base portion 502 can comprise the same materials as the intermediate connector portions 504 or can comprise different materials. The intermediate connector portions 504 can be moveably connected or freely connectable/detachable to the base portion 502 at the first connected end 506 through various configurations, including, but not limited to: a ball and socket joint arrangement, hook and loop structures (such as Velcro), button structures, snap-fit structures, a hinge or living hinge arrangement and a vertical and or horizontal rotational movement arrangement or any known moveable connection configuration. In the embodiment shown, the first connected end 506 is connected to a base connection portion (not clearly visible as it is covered by the first connected end 506), such as a structure similar to the base connection portion 310 discussed herein, such that the intermediate connector structure 310 can at least partially rotate or pivot about the base connection portion. The intermediate connector portions 504 can comprise any suitable shape or configuration that can allow for connection of arm structures 503 to the base structure 502, for example, any regular or irregular polygonal shape. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate connection structures 504 are substantially cylindrical.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate connector portions 504 are connected to the base portion 502 by being rotatably connected around a pivot point such that the intermediate connector portions 504 can at least partially rotate about the pivot point to change orientations, for example, to allow connection of arm portions at different angles and to allow connected arm portions to have a “closed” position in relation to the base structure 502 similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 2 above.

The base portion 502 can further comprise one or more first movement stop portion 512. The first movement stop portion 512 can be a portion of the base portion 502 or an otherwise connected structure that can limit the free range of movement of an intermediate connector portion 504 in relation to the base portion 104. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first movement stop portion 512 is positioned above the intermediate connector portions 504. When the intermediate connector portion 504 rotates about its pivot point, its continued upward motion is obstructed by the first movement stop portion 512, which the intermediate connector portion 504 can abut against.

The base portion 502 can further comprise a roof structure 514, which forms a top portion of the base portion 502. This roof structure 514 can comprise a protective walled portion 516, substantially similar to the protective walled portions 103 discussed in reference to FIG. 2 above, except that this protective walled portion 516 is configured to overhang and extend laterally from the base portion 504 such that it extends in a lateral direction and covers and extends outward to a greater extent that the intermediate connector portions 504, when the intermediate connector portions 504 are in a resting “closed” configuration. Like in FIG. 2 above, this “closed” configuration includes when the connected arms 503 are not spread out in a wide angle from the base portion 502, like in FIG. 1, but are instead substantially perpendicular to a normal surface of the base portion 504 and are hanging downward linearly, like in FIG. 2.

One advantage of this configuration, wherein the overhang portion 516 substantially or at least partially covers the top surface of said intermediate connector portions 504 and/or extends outward to a greater extent that the intermediate connector portions 504 when the base portion 502 is in a closed position, is that the intermediate connector portions 504, which can comprise a moveable connection, are more protected from exposure to damage and the elements, which can be at least partially covered by the overhang portion 516 of the roof structure 504.

An “open” configuration, wherein the intermediate connector portions 504 are configured such that they are positioned at a more horizontal orientation, such that connected arms can provide a substantial foundation structure for a tarp or other cover to fill out the skeletal ceiling for a connected structure, is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows the base portion 502, the intermediate connector portions 504, the roof structure 514 and the corresponding overhang portion 516, the first movement stop portion 512 and the adjustment portion 510. FIG. 7 further shows a clearer view of the first receiving end 508 of the intermediate connector portions 504. The arm portions are not shown in FIG. 7, so as to better show the first receiving ends 508, but it is understood that arms connected to the intermediate connector portions 504 via the first receiving ends 508 in the orientation shown would be spread out in the “open” configuration similar to what is shown with regard to FIG. 1.

The first receiving ends 508 of the intermediate connector portions 504 can comprise any suitable configuration for receiving an arm portion to complete the collapsible ceiling structure. In the embodiment shown, a male-female tapered thread connection is utilized, similar to that employed by a garden hose to connect to an outdoor faucet or spigot. In some embodiments, different connection configurations are utilized, including, but not limited to: various male-female connections, pressure fit connections, corresponding structure connections that lock into place, or any known connection configuration.

The overhang portion 516 is configured to protect the collapsible ceiling structure even in the “open” configuration shown in FIG. 7, wherein the intermediate connection portions 504 are angled such that they extend laterally further than the overhang structure 516. Even in the “open” configuration, the point at which the intermediate connection portions 504 are moveably connected to the base structure 502, for example at the first connected end 506, is substantially surrounded or covered and are shielded from the environment. Accordingly, the point at which any connected arm portions are moveably connected to the base structure 502 via the intermediate connection portions 504 is also substantially surrounded or covered and are shielded from the environment. It is understood that the portions of the intermediate connection portions 504 that are moveably connected to the base structure 502 can be protected not only by an overhang protective walled portion 516 as shown in FIG. 7, but also by different protective walled portion configurations, for example, portions of the base 504 surrounding the point of moveable connection on its lateral sides, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 above.

A bottom view of the base structure 502 is shown in FIG. 8, which shows the base portion 502, the intermediate connector portions 504, the roof structures overhang portion 516, the first connected end 506 and the first receiving end 508. FIG. 8 also shows an bottom plate portion 602, which can be connected to the roof structure of the base portion 502 such that at least a portion of the intermediate connector portions 504 are between the roof structure and the bottom plate portion 602. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the first connected ends of the intermediate connector portions 504 are between, and at least partially held in position by, the roof structure and the bottom plate portion 602. The roof structure and the bottom plate portion 602 can be connected together utilizing a connector structure 604, which can comprise any suitable configuration including, but not limited to, adhesives and mechanical connector structures such as screws, hooks and nails, or any known connection configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the roof structure and the bottom plate portion 602 are connected by a screw structure as the connector structure 604. Like in FIG. 7 discussed earlier herein, the arm portions are not shown in FIG. 8, so as to better show the bottom view of the base portion 502.

Also shown in FIG. 8 is that the base structure 504 can also comprise one or more second movement stop portions 606. The second movement stop portion 606 can be a portion of the bottom plate portion 602 or an otherwise connected structure that can limit the free range of movement of an intermediate connector portion 504 in relation to the base portion 104. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the second movement stop portion 606 is positioned below the intermediate connector portions 504. When the intermediate connector portion 504 rotates about its pivot point, its continued downward motion is obstructed by the second movement stop portion 606, which the intermediate connector portion 504 can abut against. This results in the intermediate connector portions 504 being stopped in the “closed” position as shown in FIG. 6.

By comprising both the first stop portion 512 configured to limit range of continued motion of the intermediate connector portions 504 in a first direction (for example, upward), and the second stop portion 606 configured to limit range of continued motion of the intermediate connector portions 504 in a second substantially opposite direction (for example, downward), a desired range of motion can be established. For example, by comprising both a first stop portion 512 located above the intermediate connector portion 504 and the second stop portion 606 located below the intermediate connector portion 504, both the upward and downward range of motion of the intermediate connector portions 504, and therefore any connected arm portions, can be limited or otherwise controlled. In some embodiments, the complete range of motion of the intermediate connector portions is from zero to ninety degrees from the resting position of the intermediate connector portions 504 in their position substantially perpendicular to the bottom of the base portion 502 as shown in FIG. 6 (i.e. in the closed position).

In some embodiments, the range of motion is limited to slightly less than ninety degrees as the first movement stop portion 512 stops continued upward movement of the intermediate connector portions 504, such that the intermediate connector portions 504, and therefore any connected arm portions, are held in place angled from the base portion 504 rather than being positioned with the first receiving ends 508 being held substantially horizontal to the base portion 504.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above.

The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims, wherein no portion of the disclosure is intended, expressly or implicitly, to be dedicated to the public domain if not set forth in the claims.

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