Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to folding, collapsible structures.
Portable rooms, such as tents or screened rooms, can be transported and assembled at various locations for various purposes. For example, a tent may be used for camping. As another example, a screened room may be used to shelter occupants while providing a view of a surrounding environment. In yet another example, a room may be erected for a crime scene investigation, medical treatment, and/or as a clean area.
Conventional portable rooms include fabric that is erected with poles, ropes, and stakes. For ease of transportation, conventional portable rooms use light-weight fabrics. In some cases, portable rooms are used for camping and outdoor activities. It is desirable to improve portable rooms such that they may be used for other tasks, such as painting, or other industrial tasks. When using the portable room for industrial tasks, as well as conventional tasks (e.g., camping), it may be desirable to integrate pockets in the ceiling. The pockets may be used to receive filters for a filtration system. The pockets may also be used to receive other material, such as a transparent material to provide a sunroof.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a containment room is disclosed. The containment room includes multiple opaque sides. One of the opaque sides includes an opening for providing access to an interior of the containment room. The containment room also includes a roof attached to the opaque sides. The containment room further includes pockets integrated with the roof. Each pocket is configured to receive an insert.
Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a containment room in combination with a frame. The frame includes multiple legs for supporting a roof structure comprising an inner truss and an outer truss. The containment room includes multiple opaque sides. One of the opaque sides includes an opening for providing access to an interior of the containment room. Additionally, one or more opaque sides are attached to one or more of the legs. The containment room also includes a roof attached to the opaque sides. The containment room further includes pockets integrated with the roof. Each pocket is configured to receive an insert.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable room is disclosed. The portable room includes multiple sides. The portable room also includes a roof attached to the multiple sides. The portable room further includes multiple pockets integrated with the roof. Each pocket receiving an insert.
The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.
The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.
Based on the teachings, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.
Although particular aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses or objectives. Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly applicable to different technologies, system configurations, networks and protocols, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure rather than limiting, the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
As shown in
It is desirable to provide a system to improve a customer's ability to attach various structures to a shelter. Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a multi-point attachment system that provides multiple points in a shelter for securely fastening a structure, such as a flag, banner, side skirt, tent, etc., to the shelter's frame. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the multi-point attachment system provides a solution for a customer to attach different structures to the interior and/or exterior of the frame.
In one configuration, the multi-point attachment system provides attachment points at a center of a shelter as well as corners of the shelter. Of course, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to providing attachment points at the center and all corners, as various configurations are contemplated based on a customer's need.
Some shelters may have a roof structure that is elevated with a telescoping peak beam. The peak beam may be connected to a bracket (e.g., center bracket) with multiple sockets. The sockets may receive one end of the peak beam as well as ends of truss links. In one configuration, one or more attachment points are provided at the center bracket.
Additionally, the center bracket 200 includes multiple side sockets 206 extending from the body of the center bracket 200. In one configuration, each socket is at substantially right angles from an adjacent socket 206.
Each socket 206 is coupled to a truss link 204 via a bolt 222 or other type of fastener. The truss links 204 may pivot within the respective sockets 206. In one configuration, to allow a truss link 204 to pivot when coupled to a socket 206, the sockets 206 include three sides (e.g., two arms 216 and a base 218). Furthermore, as shown in
As shown in
Furthermore, as shown in
As previously discussed, a center bracket may include attachment points (e.g., handles) for a multi-point attachment center. In one configuration, attachment points are defined on leg brackets of a shelter. The attachment points on the leg brackets may be provided alternate to or in addition to the attachment points of the center bracket.
The leg bracket 400 includes multiple sockets 404 extending outward from a body 412 of the leg bracket 400. Each socket 404 may be at substantially right angle from an adjacent socket 404. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to two sockets 404 as shown in
An end of a link member 408 is received in each socket 404 of the leg bracket 400. The end of the link member 408 may be pivotally connected to the socket 404. Specifically, the end of the link member 408 may be attached to the socket via a bolt 424 or other attachment. The socket 404 of the leg bracket 400 includes two arms 416. As a roof and a floor are not defined for each socket 404 of the leg bracket 400, the link member 408 may pivot in an up or down direction.
In one configuration, a handle 410 (e.g., attachment point) is defined below each socket 404. A first end of the handle 410 may be attached to a bottom of one arm 416 of the socket 404 and a second end of the handle 410 may be attached to the body 412 of the leg bracket 400. Each handle 410 may be adaptable to receive a fastener 414. As previously discussed, the fastener 414 is adapted to be connected to material of a structure via a strap or other type of connector. The leg bracket 400 is not limited to receiving link members and may receive telescoping pole members or other structures of a frame of a shelter.
In one configuration, legs 508 are provided at each corner to erect the frame. The legs 508 may be telescoping (e.g., extendable). That is, each leg 508 may comprise a telescoping lower section 520 that extends from a hollow upper section 522. The telescoping lower section 520 may be slidably disposed within the hollow upper section 522. Each telescoping lower section 520 has a foot 540 for engagement with the ground. Additionally, a perimeter truss frame 550 is connected to the legs 508 via brackets 524, 526 to stabilize and support the frame of the shelter 500. The perimeter truss frame 550 may also be referred to as a perimeter truss framework.
The perimeter truss frame 550 may include multiple outer truss links 552 and multiple inner truss links 554. Two outer truss links 552 may form an outer truss link pair. The outer truss links 552 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to each other at a cross-link joint 536, such as in a scissor configuration. In one configuration, a first end of each outer truss link 552 is pivotally connected to a leg 508 via either a leg bracket 524 or a sliding bracket 526. That is, a first end of one outer truss link 552 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to a socket of the leg bracket 524. Each socket of the leg bracket 524 may include an attachment point (e.g., handle) for receiving a fastener (see
As shown in
The shelter 500 may include a peak beam 532 for supporting a roof structure (not shown), such as a canopy. The peak beam 532 may be attached to a center bracket 528. The peak slider 518 may also be slidably attached to the peak beam 532. In one configuration, a peak pole 534 is telescoping (e.g., extendable) from the peak beam 532. That is, the peak beam 532 may be hollow so that the peak pole 534 may extend upward from the peak beam 532. The peak pole 534 may be slidably disposed within the peak beam 532. Additionally, the peak pole 534 may include a top bracket 538 for engaging a roof structure, such as a canopy.
The top bracket 538 may also include attachment points. In one configuration, a sail banner may be attached to an attachment point of the top bracket 538 and an attachment point on one or more leg brackets 524. Additionally, or alternatively, the sail banner may be attached to other components of the shelter. The sail banner may be used to display information on the interior of the shelter 500. In one configuration, a roof material may be placed on the shelter 500. In this configuration, the roof structure is placed over the sail banner, such that only the roof structure is visible from the exterior of the shelter 500, while both the roof structure and the sail banner are visible from the interior of the shelter 500.
Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to two outer truss link pairs per side. The number of outer truss link pairs, per side, may be less than or greater than two. For example, as shown in
Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the shelters of
In one configuration, legs 608 are provided at each corner to erect the shelter 600. The legs 608 may be telescoping (e.g., extendable). That is, each leg 608 may comprise a telescoping lower section 624 that extends from a hollow upper section 622. The telescoping lower section 624 may be slidably disposed within the hollow upper section 622. A slider 628, such as a slider with a pull pin, may be used to extend the telescoping lower section 624 from the hollow upper section 622. Each telescoping lower section 624 has a foot 640 for engagement with the ground. Additionally, a perimeter truss frame 616 is connected to the legs 608 for stability and support.
The perimeter truss frame 616 may include multiple outer truss links 612. Two pivotally connected outer truss links 612 may form an outer truss link pair. The outer truss links 612 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to each other at a cross-link joint 636, such as in a scissor configuration. In one configuration, a first end of each outer truss link 612 is pivotally connected to a leg 608 via a sliding bracket 664 or a leg bracket 668. Specifically, the first end of one outer truss link 612 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to a socket of a sliding bracket 664. The first end of another outer truss link 612 of each outer truss link pair may be pivotally connected to a socket of the leg bracket 668, such that each outer truss link 612 is pivotally connected to a corresponding leg 608. The leg bracket 668 and/or the sliding bracket 664 may include one or more attachment points (see
As shown in
The lower peak truss links 632 may provide support to a corresponding (e.g., adjacent) upper peak truss link 614. The upper peak truss links 614 form a peak for supporting a roof structure (not shown), such as a canopy. The lower peak truss links 632 and/or upper peak truss links 614 may be made of a rigid material or flexible material. The truss links may form a dome shape roof, a pyramid shape roof, or other type of roof.
As shown in
The lower peak truss links 654 may provide support to a corresponding (e.g., adjacent) upper peak truss link 652. The upper peak truss links 652 and lower peak truss links 654 form a dome for supporting a roof structure (not shown), such as a canopy. The lower peak truss links 654 and the upper peak truss links 652 may be a flexible material. For example, the lower peak truss links 654 and the upper peak truss links 652 may be flexible rods, such as composite fiber rods. The flexibility improves wind resistance.
As an example, a tent shelter, such as a cube tent, gazebo, or a structure with a roof, may be erected within the shelter 650. In one configuration, the tent shelter may have a cube shape and the sides of the tent shelter may be attached to attachment points on the leg brackets 602. Furthermore, a strap may be attached to the roof of the structure and an attachment point of the dome center bracket 656. The dome of the shelter 650 may then be covered with a roof fabric. The flexibility of the upper peak truss links 652 as well as the connection between the roof of the tent shelter and the dome of the shelter 650 improves the wind resistance of the structure. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to erecting a tent shelter in shelters with flexible peak truss links, as the tent shelter may be erected in any type of shelter with a multi-point attachment system.
As previously discussed, a conventional portable room, such as a tent, may be assembled by erecting fabric using poles, stakes, and/or rope.
As is known to those of skill in the art, erecting the conventional portable room 800 via the poles 808 is cumbersome and time consuming. Furthermore, the conventional portable room 800 may have a low profile (e.g., low height). The low profile may reduce instability caused by wind or other elements. Still, the low profile of the portable room 800 reduces an amount of space that is available.
To increase an amount of space, the length of the poles 808 may be increased to provide a higher arch for the portable room 800. The higher arch may increase the amount of space within the portable room 800. Still, as the arch increases, the wind stability decreases. Additionally, or alternatively, the footprint of the portable room 800 may increase. That is, a perimeter of the fabric 802 may be increased. However, as the footprint increase, the wind stability decreases.
In some cases, to increase an amount of space and to also reduce assembly time, conventional portable rooms may be attached to an erectable frame.
As shown in
A center of the roof 906 may be attached to the center bracket 916 via a center fastener 918. The center fastener 918 may latch onto the center bracket 916. Alternatively, the center fastener 918 may be tied to a fastener of the center bracket 916. In this example, the roof 906 extends at an upward angle that is similar to an angle of the peak of the frame 902. Still, the roof 906 and the angle of the peak may be substantially flat. A canopy (not shown) may be placed over the peak links 912 to provide additional protection from the elements. The peak links 912 of the frame 902 are made of rigid tubes, such as metal or fiberglass. That is, the peak links 912 are not flexible.
As shown in
Although the portable rooms 900, 950 of
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a portable room and shelter with improved wind resistance. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure reduce assembly time based on the use of various brackets provided on a frame of a shelter.
In one configuration, to improve wind resistance, a flexible center strap connects a roof of the portable room to peak links of a frame. The connection between the portable room and the peak links via the flexible center strap provides flexibility to the portable room and the frame, thereby improving wind resistance.
In one configuration, a flexible strap 1010 is attached to a roof of the portable room 1000. When assembling the portable room 1000, the flexible strap 1010 may be attached to one or more peak links 1006. At block 1030, the flexible strap 1010 is attached to two flexible peak links 1006. An end of the flexible strap 1010 may split into a first arm 1010A and a second arm 1010B. Each arm 1010A, 1010B may attach to a different peak link 1006. The arms 1010A, 1010B may also attach to handles (not shown) of a center bracket 1014 (See
By attaching the flexible strap 1010 to the flexible peak links 1006 or the handle of the center bracket 1014, the wind resistance of the portable room is increased based on the flexibility of the flexible strap 1010 and the flexible peak links 1006. The flexible peak links 1006 may also attach to rigid peak links (See
As shown in
Additionally, as shown in
Furthermore, as shown in
As shown in
In another configuration, the sidewalls 1032 may be airtight. That is, the sidewalls 1032 may provide a sealed enclosure such that elements within the portable room 1000 do not venture into an exterior environment of the portable room 1000. The airtight portable room 1000 may be used as a forensics lab (e.g., crime scene lab). The airtight portable room 1000 may also be used as a decontamination chamber. In this example, an input hose may provide water to a shower fixture within the interior of the portable room 1000 and a drainage hose may drain water from the interior of the portable room 1000. The portable room 1000 may have many other uses. A size of the portable room 1000 is not limited to the sizes discloses herein. The portable room 1000 may be larger or smaller.
As discussed, it may be desirable to integrate compartments (e.g., pockets) into the ceiling of a portable room. In one configuration, to improve air quality, the pockets receive filters. Specifically, the filters may be used for dust containment and improved air quality. The air quality refers to the air quality within the portable room or the quality of the air surrounding the portable room.
The ventilation fan 1120 may directly attach to the vent 1102. Alternatively, the ventilation fan 1120 may attach to the vent 1102 via an air duct 1122. That is, one end of the air duct 1122 attaches to the vent 1102 and another end of the air duct 1122 attaches to the ventilation fan 1120. The vent 1102 or air duct 1122 may wrap around an opening of the ventilation fan 1120. The ventilation fan 1120 may be used to suck air out of the portable room 1100 or blow air into the portable room 1100. The ventilation fan 1120 is not limited to the type of ventilation fan 1120 shown in
In another configuration, the vent 1102 is attached to an air conditioner 1130. The air conditioner 1130 may be used to adjust a temperature within the portable room 1100. For example, the air conditioner 1130 may lower the temperature within the portable room 1100. In yet another configuration, the vent 1102 may be attached to a heater to increase the temperature within the portable room 1100. The heater may be the same device as the air conditioner 1130. The heater and/or air conditioner 1130 may attach to the vent 1102 via the air duct 1122.
As shown in
When air is blown into the interior of the portable room 1100, via the vent 1102, the air rises and leaves the portable room 1100 via the pockets 1104. The filter 1108 within each pocket 1104 filters particles from the air leaving the portable room 1100. This may be desirable if the air within the portable room 1100 is not clean. For example, if the portable room 1100 is used as a decontamination chamber, the air within the portable room 1100 may be toxic. Therefore, the air should be filtered prior to leaving the portable room 1100, such that the toxic air does not affect the environment surrounding the portable room 1100.
In some cases, the portable room 1100 may be used as a clean room (e.g., crime scene lab). Therefore, the air entering the portable room 1100 should be filtered. In this example, when air is sucked out of the interior, via the vent 1102, new air may enter the interior via pockets 1104. In this configuration, the new air may be filtered via the filters 1108 of the pockets 1104. The pockets 1104 may be referred to as filter pockets.
Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to using the portable room 1100 as a decontamination chamber or a clean room. The portable room 1100 may have other uses. For example, when camping in a dusty environment, it may be desirable to filter the air entering the portable room 1100. As another example, at a work site, such as a construction site, the portable room 1100 may be used as an office, therefore, it may be desirable to filter the air entering the portable room 1100.
As shown in
The fabric for the walls 1116 and roof 1106 may be non-porous, such that air may be limited to entering and exiting the interior via the pockets 1104. In one configuration, the portable room 1100 does not include mesh material 1110 on the sides, such that each side is opaque (see
As shown in
Additionally, side straps 1152 may be attached to a junction of adjacent walls 1116. The side straps 1152 may be used to attach the portable room to a frame, such as a frame or legs of a shelter. The side straps 1152 may be attached to material that extends from a junction of adjacent walls 1116. The portable room 1100 may also include floor straps 1154 attached to a junction of a floor of the portable room and two adjacent walls 1116. The floor straps 1154 may be attached to the ground or a shelter, such as legs of a shelter. The straps 1150, side straps 1152, and floor straps 1154 may be adjustable in length. Each of the straps 1150, 1152, 1154 may include an attaching device, such as a hook, to attach to a structure, such as a shelter leg, a shelter truss link, a shelter bracket, or another type of structure.
The portable room may also include roof straps 1160. In one configuration, the roof straps 1160 include a pair of looping straps and a pair of hook straps. The looping straps may loop around a structure, such as an inner truss link of a shelter. The hook straps may attach to a structure, such as an inner truss link or peak beam bracket.
The bottom of the pocket 1200 may be substantially flush with the ceiling 1202. The top of the pocket 1200 may be substantially flush with the roof 1204. Air from the exterior of the portable room may enter the interior of the portable room via the pocket 1200. Alternatively, air from the interior of the portable room may enter the exterior of the portable room via the pocket 1200.
In one configuration, an opening wall (not shown) covers the opening. A bottom edge 1308 of the opening wall attaches to the ceiling of the portable room. When the bottom edge 1308 is detached from the ceiling, an opening is created for a person to insert the filter 1300 into the pocket 1302. That is, because the ceiling and roof are flexible, the material of the ceiling may be pushed upward to create a temporary opening when the bottom edge 1308 is detached from the ceiling. In another configuration, a bottom portion of the pocket is detachable from the ceiling to allow the filter 1300 to be inserted into the pocket 1302.
The top portion of the pocket may be integrated with the roof The top portion may be a mesh-type material to allow air to flow through the filter. The bottom of the pocket faces an interior of the portable room and may be integrated with the ceiling. The bottom portion may also be a mesh-type material to allow air to flow through the filter. The top portion and/or bottom portion of the pocket are not limited to mesh-type material. Other materials are also contemplated, such as a clear material to create a sunroof
The sealable opening comprises an attaching device 1406 at an edge 1408 of a bottom portion of the pocket 1400. The attaching device 1406 may be a zipper or other type of fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener. The attaching device 1406 is used to attach and detach the edge 1408 of the bottom portion the pocket 1400 to the ceiling 1404, or a portion of the ceiling 1404, of the portable room. The portion of the ceiling 1404 may be a lip 1402 that extends beyond one of the walls of the pocket 1400.
When the attaching device 1406 detaches the edge 1408 of the bottom portion from the ceiling 1404, an opening is created for a person to insert a filter into the pocket 1400. That is, because the ceiling 1404 and roof are flexible, the material of the ceiling 1404 may be pushed upward to create a temporary opening when the attaching device 1406 detaches the edge of the bottom portion from the ceiling 1404.
Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to inserting a filter into the pocket 1400. The pocket 1400 may receive other types of material or items. For example, the pocket 1400 may receive transparent material to provide a sunroof to the portable room. As another example, fans or heaters may be inserted into the pockets. The fans or heaters may be integrated into a housing that fits the dimensions of the pockets 1400. Power may be provided to the fans and heaters via a battery or external power source.
In one configuration, a floor of the portable room is removable. The floor may include walls that are attached to the bottom of the walls of the portable room. For example, the floor walls may attach to walls of the portable room via zippers. The floor may be removed for cleaning, disposal, or other needs.
The loop strap 1600 includes a short strap 1620 and a long strap 1622, which collectively form the loop strap 1600. An end of the short strap 1620 attaches to an end of the long strap 1622 to form a loop. The ends may attach via a connection, such as a hook and loop fastening system. As shown in
In one configuration, a hook 1604 is attached to an end of the hook strap 1602 (see
At block 1704, a filter is inserted into the pocket via an opening created between the edge and the portion of the ceiling. The filter may be an air filter. For example, the filter may filter air entering or leaving the portable room. In an optional configuration, at block 1706, the edge is attached to the portion of the ceiling after inserting the filter.
As discussed, portable rooms may be used for camping and outdoor activities. Alternatively, a portable room may be used for other tasks, such as painting, or other industrial tasks. A portable room used for an industrial task may be referred to as a containment room. The containment room may prevent elements that are external to the room from entering the room, thus providing a clean internal environment. Additionally, it is desirable to prevent internal elements, such as paint or toxic air, from leaving the containment room. Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited from using the containment room for industrial tasks. The containment room may be used for other purposes, such as a changing room.
The roof of the containment room may include straps, such as loop straps and hook straps for attachment to the shelter (see
As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.
The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.
It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/702,402, filed on Dec. 3, 2019, entitled “PORTABLE CONTAINMENT ROOM,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/774,804, filed on Dec. 3, 2018, entitled “PORTABLE CONTAINMENT ROOM,” and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/670,937, filed on Oct. 31, 2019, entitled “PORTABLE ROOM WITH CEILING POCKETS,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/754,822, filed on Nov. 2, 2018, entitled “PORTABLE ROOM WITH CEILING POCKETS,” and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/397,982, filed on Apr. 29, 2019, entitled “PORTABLE ROOM,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/664,855, entitled “PORTABLE ROOM,” filed on Apr. 30, 2018, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62754822 | Nov 2018 | US | |
62664855 | Apr 2018 | US | |
62774804 | Dec 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16702402 | Dec 2019 | US |
Child | 17157847 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 16670937 | Oct 2019 | US |
Child | 16702402 | US | |
Parent | 16397982 | Apr 2019 | US |
Child | 16702402 | US |