SHELTER FRAME AND SHELTER FRAME WITH COVER

Abstract

A frame for a shelter including at least four legs and at least four arch rails, wherein the legs and/or arch rails are preferably coupled together with rib members scissor-type coupled together and wherein the shelter is expandable and collapsible upon the arch rails being rotated relative to the legs such that angles greater than 90° and less than 90° can be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail, and wherein angles less than 180° and greater than 180° can be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to generally to canopies and shelters, and more particularly, to an expandable and collapsible shelter frame (and preferable but not critical, also to include a cover for the shelter frame) that is primarily intended for, but not limited to, sheltering pets, such as dogs and/or cats. Although pop-up and expandable canopies and shelters are known, the present invention provides advantages heretofore unrealized, such as, but not limited to, a construction that provides for an easier set up and storage than prior pet shelters, an improved manufacturing process to build and assemble over those known for prior shelters, and the present invention is further believed to provide advantages in its compactness, lightweight construction, portability, and toolless assembly over those known and associated with prior known pet shelter assemblies, among other advantages.

Conventional pop-up shelters for people are widely known, examples of which can easily be found in the prior art. Also known is a prior art portable dog house construction, which can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,593, which describes a portable pet-house in the shape of an A-frame, in which the roof panels are pivoted at the top such that they are collapsible into a generally planar, carrying mode, there preferably being floor and end wall members carried internally between the roof panels when the unit is in its portable mode.

However, the state of the art is still deficient in the recognition and the ability to achieve the above advantages, including but not limited to, an easier to expand and collapse shelter frame and a more compact shelter frame structure construction that is preferably advantageous for pets.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved expandable and collapsible shelter frame (and optional cover therefor), preferably for pets, which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and achieves the advantages disclosed and contemplated herein, all of which are provided by the embodiments and figures disclosed herein.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an objective of the present invention to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and achieve the advantages disclosed herein.

For example, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a shelter frame, particularly applicable for pets, which is easier to expand and collapse than heretofore known.

Another advantage and objective of the present invention is to provide a shelter frame, particularly applicable for pets, which maximizes the shelter space for the pet when expanded and minimizes the needed storage space when collapsed.

Yet another advantage and objective of the present invention to provide a cover that can be provided on and used with the shelter frame embodiments disclosed herein.

Still another advantage and objective of the present invention is to provide a method of expanding and collapsing a shelter frame that provides the advantages and objectives set forth herein.

Further objectives and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the images and figures and ensuing disclosure.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, methods of operation and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction, illustration and description hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

Therefore, to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and to achieve the objects and advantages set forth above and below, preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to, generally speaking, an expandable and collapsible shelter frame comprising one or more features disclosed herein, either individually or in combination with one or more of any other features disclosed herein.

For example, in a first preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a frame for a shelter comprising a first leg coupled to a second leg by two “first side” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first leg; an upper end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second leg; a third leg coupled to a fourth leg by two “second side” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third leg; an upper end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth leg; a first slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the first slidable coupler; a second slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the second slidable coupler; a third slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the third slidable coupler; a fourth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the fourth slidable coupler; a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail by two “first side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first arch rail; an upper end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second arch rail; a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail by two “second side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third arch rail; an upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth arch rail; a fifth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the fifth slidable coupler; a sixth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the sixth slidable coupler; a seventh slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the seventh slidable coupler; an eighth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the eighth slidable coupler; a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail; a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail; a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail; a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail; a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail; a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail; wherein a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move towards each other; a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move away from each other; a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move towards each other; a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move away from each other; a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other; a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other; a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; and a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other; and wherein the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit angles greater than 90° and less than 90° to be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail; and the respective arch rail/arch rail couplers permit angles less than 180° and greater than 180° to be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

In the above embodiment or any of the hereinafter disclosed embodiments of the present invention, the frame may comprise a fifth leg coupled to the second leg by two rib members scissor-type coupled together; a sixth leg coupled to the fourth leg by two rib members scissor-type coupled together; a fifth arch rail coupled to the second arch rail by two rib members scissor-type coupled together; and a sixth arch rail coupled to the fourth arch rail by two rib members scissor-type coupled together.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a frame for a shelter comprising a first leg coupled to a second leg; a third leg coupled to a fourth leg; a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail; a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail; a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail; a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail; a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail; a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail; a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail; a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail; wherein the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit angles greater than 90° and less than 90° to be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail; and the respective arch rail/arch rail couplers permit angles less than 180° and greater than 180° to be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a frame for a shelter comprising a first leg coupled to a second leg; a third leg coupled to a fourth leg; a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail by two “first side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first arch rail; an upper end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second arch rail; a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail by two “second side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third arch rail; an upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth arch rail; a first slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the first slidable coupler; a second slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the second slidable coupler; a third slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the third slidable coupler; a fourth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the fourth slidable coupler; a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail; a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail; a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail; a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail; a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail; a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail; wherein a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other; a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other; a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; and a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other.

In any of the above embodiments or any of the hereinafter disclosed embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is also directed to a shelter comprising any of the embodiments directed to the frame as disclosed herein including a cover for covering the frame for a shelter.

In yet additional preferred embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of collapsing and/or collapsing a frame for a shelter, wherein the frame of the shelter is constructed in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

For example and not limitation, a preferred method of collapsing a frame as disclosed herein comprises the steps of sliding the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first leg and sliding the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second leg causing the first leg and the second leg to move towards each other; sliding the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third leg and sliding the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth leg causing the third leg and the fourth leg to move towards each other; sliding the fifth slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and sliding the sixth slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causing the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other; sliding the seventh slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and sliding the eighth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causing the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; and rotating each arch rails relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail becomes less than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail becomes less than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail becomes less than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail becomes less than 90°; and rotating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180° to greater than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180º to greater than 180°.

And, in a preferred method of expanding a frame for a shelter as disclosed herein, the method comprises the steps of sliding the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first leg and sliding the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg causing the first leg and the second leg to move away from each other; sliding the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third leg and sliding the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg causing the third leg and the fourth leg to move away from each other; sliding the fifth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and sliding the sixth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causing the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other; sliding the seventh slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and sliding the eighth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causing the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other; rotating each arch rail relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°; and rotating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180° to less than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180° to less than 180º.

As disclosed above, a cover for all the embodiments of the shelter frames is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is particularly suited for pets, such as dogs and/or cats for example and not limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the invention are made more apparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached Drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of a shelter frame, constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, when in an expanded i.e. erected condition;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and rear views, respectively, of the shelter frame illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, when in an expanded i.e. erected condition;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are first and second side views, respectively, of the shelter frame illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, when in an expanded i.e. erected condition;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are bottom and top views, respectively, of the shelter frame illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, when in an expanded i.e. erected condition;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E illustrate components, constructions, and the coupling of components, of preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-8;

FIGS. 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I illustrate particular features of couplers 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, and 40F;

FIGS. 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M illustrate particular components and features of couplers 40G, 40H, and 40I;

FIGS. 10, 10A, 11, and 11A, also illustrate components, constructions and the coupling of components, of preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1-9, when the present invention is in a collapsed e.g. for a stored condition; and

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate the shelter frame illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 in various stages of expansion and erection from an initial collapsed e.g. a stored/storage condition as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 as well illustrating various stages of collapsing and storage from an initial expanded condition as illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures and images in connection with the following disclosure of preferred embodiments of the expandable and collapsible shelter frame and methods of expanding and collapsing of the shelter frame.

As indicated in the Figures, the present invention is directed to an expandable and erectable shelter frame, generally indicated at 10, constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of the shelter frame 10 of the present invention comprises a plurality of legs each generally indicated at 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F and a plurality of arch rails each generally indicated at 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F as illustrated in the figures.

Each of the legs and each of the arch rails are preferably made of metal, and more preferably steel, and may be provided in one or more cross-sectional shapes, the most preferred being rounded or square. But of course, all of the legs and arch rails, whatever the cross-sectional shape, are preferably all the same in any one shelter frame 10. This makes the parts more interchangeable during manufacturing, construction and/or replacement if needed.

Each leg is coupled at one end thereof to a respective coupler 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F, preferably by at least a friction fit wherein one end of either the respective leg or coupler is inserted into the other end of the leg or coupler. In other words, the present invention can be constructed with the respective ends of each leg being inserted into a respective end of each associated coupler or the respective end of each coupler can be inserted into the end of the associated leg. Screws, rivets and/or other securing means may be provided to further ensure the respective ends do not inadvertently or undesirably come apart.

Each coupler 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F is preferably constructed as illustrated in the enlarged views in FIGS. 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, which show a preferred construction of such couplers utilizing mating sections with teeth, detents and/or and spring(s) as would be understood in the art in order to maintain preferred relative positions of the legs and arch rails when the shelter frame 10 is being expanded, is fully expanded, is being collapsed and/or when fully collapsed. As can also be seen in FIGS. 9F, 9G, 9H, 9I, the construction of couplers 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F prevent over-rotation of the legs/arch rails, which in turn provides the desired structural integrity of shelter frame 10 when in an expanded and erected condition.

As also shown in the Figures, middle leg 20B is respectively coupled to its neighboring outer legs 20A and 20C by a plurality of rib members, each rib member generally indicated at 50, with pairs of rib members 50 being scissor-type coupled together as shown in the figures. The upper ends 50A of each of the rib members 50 are maintained in a fixed position about the respective top ends of the respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C, and the lower ends 50B of each of the rib members 50 will move upward and downward relative to each of the respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C. More specifically, shelter frame 10 includes couplers 60A, 60B, 60C that are fixedly coupled to the respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C using friction fit and/or additional securing means such as screws, rivets, etc. to ensure couplers 60A, 60B, 60C remain in a fixed position on each of the respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C. Coupled to the couplers 60A, 60B, 60C are the first ends 50A of rib members 50 as shown in the Figures. In addition, shelter frame 10 includes slidable couplers 61A, 61B, 61C that are slidably coupled to the respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C. Coupled to the slidable couplers 61A, 61B, 61C are the second ends 50B of rib members 50 as shown in the Figures.

On the opposite side of the shelter frame a preferably correspondingly identical construction can be seen, wherein middle leg 20E is respectively coupled to its neighboring outer legs 20D and 20F by a plurality of rib members, each rib member indicated at 52, with pairs of rib members 52 also being scissor-type coupled together as shown in the Figures. Similarly, the upper ends 52A of each of the rib members 52 are maintained in a fixed position about the respective top ends of the respective legs 20D, 20E, 20F, and the lower ends 52B of each of the rib members 52 will move upward and downward relative to each of the respective legs 20D, 20E, 20F. That is, shelter frame 10 further includes couplers 62A, 62B, 62C that are fixedly coupled to the respective legs 20D, 20E, 20F using friction fit and/or additional securing means such as screws, rivets, etc. to ensure couplers 62A, 62B, 62C remain in a fixed position on each of the respective legs 20D, 20E, 20F. Coupled to the couplers 62A, 62B, 62C are the first ends 52A of rib members 52 as shown in the Figures. In addition, shelter frame 10 includes slidable couplers 63A, 63B, 63C that are slidably coupled to the respective legs 20D, 20E, 20F. Coupled to the slidable couplers 63A, 63B, 63C are the second ends 52B of rib members 52 as shown in the Figures.

Furthermore, shelter frame 10 also includes pairs of rib members also scissor-type coupled together on each side of the shelter frame 10 that intercouple the arch rails. More particularly, middle arch rail 30B is respectively coupled to its neighboring outer arch rails 30A, 30C by a plurality of rib members, each rib member generally indicated at 54, with pairs of rib members 54 being scissor-type coupled together as shown in the figures. The upper ends 54A of each of the rib members 54 are maintained in a fixed position about the respective top ends of the respective arch rail 30A, 30B, 30C, and the lower ends 54B of each of the rib members 50 will move upward and downward relative to each of the respective arch rail 30A, 30B, 30C. More specifically, shelter frame 10 includes couplers 64A, 64B, 64C that are fixedly coupled to the respective arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C using friction fit and/or additional securing means such as screws, rivets, etc. to ensure couplers 64A, 64B, 64C remain in a fixed position on each of the respective arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C. It can also be seen that coupled to the fixed couplers 64A, 64B, 64C are the first ends 54A of rib members 54 as shown in the Figures. In addition, shelter frame 10 includes slidable couplers 65A, 65B, 65C that are slidably coupled to the respective arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C. Coupled to the slidable couplers 65A, 65B, 65C are the second ends 54B of rib members 54 as shown in the Figures.

As can also be seen in the Figures, an identical configuration and construction is provided on the opposite side of the shelter frame 10 with scissor-type coupled rib members 56 intercoupling together the middle arch rail 30E to the respective outer arch rails 30D and 30F, and with first ends 56A of the rib members being coupled to the respective arch rails 30D, 30E, 30F with fixed couplers 66A, 66B, 66C. In a similar manner, the other ends 56B of the respective rib members 56 are coupled to the arch rails 30D, 30E, and 30F with slidable couplers 67A, 67B, 67C in an identical manner as disclosed above on the other side (i.e. as with arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C). In this way, it can be seen that the right side and left side of the shelter frame 10 are preferably identically constructed.

Couplers 40G, 40H, 40I are provided to respectively couple arch rails 30A, 30D; arch rails 30B, 30E; and arch rails 30C, 30F. Details of the preferred constructions of couplers 40G, 40H, 40I are illustrated in the enlarged views in FIGS. 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M, which likewise show the couplers preferably constructed with mating sections with teeth, detents and/or and spring(s) as would be understood in the art in order to maintain preferred relative positions of the respective arch rails when the shelter frame 10 is being expanded, is fully expanded, is being collapsed and/or when fully collapsed. Here too and as can be seen in FIGS. 9J, 9K, 9L, 9M, the construction of couplers 40G, 40H, 40I prevent over-rotation of the arch rails, which in turn similarly provide the desired structural integrity of shelter frame 10 when in an expanded and erected condition.

Like the disclosure above with respect to the leg/coupler couplings of couplers 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F to respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, it should be understood that the same options and constructions are preferably provided to couple couplers 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F to respective arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, and similar constructions is/are provided to couple each end of couplers 40G, 40H, 40I to the respective ends of arch rails 30A, 30D; arch rails 30B, 30E; and arch rails 30C, 30F.

Feet 70A, 70C, 70D, 70F may be provided on the bottom ends of respective legs 20A, 20C, 20D, 20F as illustrated in the Figures to provide added stability to shelter frame 10 when in its expanded condition and to assist in providing the desired balance of the shelter frame 10 when erected and freely standing.

Preferably, to enjoy the advantages and objectives of the present invention, disclosed herein is a cover, generally indicated at 100, for covering the shelter frame 10 and shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Cover 100 is preferably made from a textile and/or breathable and/or fabric material, such as polyethylene, polyester, or the like. Cover 100 may be secured to the shelter frame by clips, Velcro, bungie cords, straps, or other types of securing means.

Reference is now also made to FIGS. 12-16 (in combination with FIGS. 10 and 11 and FIG. 1, as explained below) to further illustrate the use and operation of the present invention, for example, the expansion and erection of shelter frame 10 from a stored condition (e.g. FIGS. 10, 11) to an expanded and erected condition (e.g. FIG. 1) and back to its collapsed i.e. stored condition (e.g. FIGS. 10, 11). Among many of the advantages disclosed herein, the following disclosure in connection with FIGS. 1, 10, 11, and 12-16 clearly show and disclose to the reader the advantageous nature of the construction and method of operation of the present invention.

For example, reference is again made to FIGS. 10, 11, which shows the shelter frame 10 in a collapsed and stored condition. FIG. 12 shows an early step in a preferred erecting and expanding sequence of the shelter frame 10 wherein respective arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C and arch rails 30D, 30E, 30F (not all arch rails being labeled in each Figure for brevity) are being moved away from each other as shown by the arrow in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 shows the continued separation of the arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C from arch rails 30D, 30E, 30F (again, not all arch rails being labeled in each Figure for brevity) by way of arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C and arch rails 30D, 30E, 30F being rotated upwardly (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 13).

FIGS. 14 and 15 also show arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C and arch rails 30D, 30E, 30F continuing their respective rotation upwardly through the horizontal position (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 14) until the arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F have reached their peak position as illustrated in FIG. 16.

The combination of FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a preferred next step in an expanding/erecting procedure of shelter frame 10 wherein shelter frame 10 can be expanded by the separation of respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C, legs 20D, 20E, 20F and respective arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C and arch rails 30D, 30E, 30F from each other, i.e. causing the rib member pairs (i.e. 50 (2 pairs), 52 (2 pairs), 54 (2 pairs), 56 (2 pairs)) to rotate about their respective center coupling(s) and causing the respective slidable couplers 61A, 61B, 61C; 63A, 63B, 63C; 65A, 65B, 65C; and 67A, 67B, 67C to slide upwardly along the respective legs and arch rails, all of which together allow the shelter frame 10 to expand, as should be understood from the Figures, including but not limited to, as seen in FIG. 1, which shows shelter frame 10 in its fully expanded and erected condition.

In a preferred embodiment, one or more arch rails are provided with a spring loaded pin/tab/“button,” which are dimensioned and intended to engage a respective hole, slot, bore, and/or other type of opening in a corresponding and associated slidable coupler in order to permit shelter frame 10 to be maintained in its expanded and erected condition until collapsing and/or storage is desired when such spring loaded pin/tab/“button” can be disengaged from the hole/slot/bore/opening in the respective slidable coupler. For example and in a preferred embodiment, a spring loaded pin/tab/“button” is provided on arch rails 30A and 30F with a corresponding hole/slot/bore/opening being provided in/on slidable couplers 65A and 67C. As noted above, together the interaction between the spring loaded pin/tab/“button” in/on the selected arch rails and the corresponding hole/slot/bore/opening in/on the respective slidable couplers 65A and 67C permit shelter frame 10 to be maintained in its expanded and erected condition until collapsing and/or storage is desired when such locking pins/tabs/“buttons” can be disengaged from the respective hole/slot/bore/opening in the associated slidable coupler, which will permit and facilitate the collapsing of the shelter frame. While the above sets forth the preferred embodiment, it should be noted that an alternative embodiment is also disclosed as follows, i.e. the spring loaded locking pins/tabs/“buttons” may be provided on and associated with the slidable couplers 65A and 67C, and the corresponding hole/slot/bore/opening may be provided in/on arch rails 30A and 30F to receive the respective spring loaded locking pin/tab//“button”, which similarly together in combination permit shelter frame 10 to be maintained in its expanded and erected condition until collapsing and/or storage is desired when such locking pins/tabs/“buttons” would be disengaged to facilitate the collapsing of the shelter frame. Disengagement for any/all of the above embodiments may be done by the user physically pushing the pins/tabs/buttons, or even brute physical force could be used if desired, e.g. physical force would work best if a smooth rounded button or the like was used. Alternatively, certain additional pin embodiments could be used whereby the entire pin could be inserted and pulled out by the user as would be known in the art.

In connection with a preferred sequence of steps for collapsing an erected shelter structure, reference is made to the following. That is, from its expanded and erected condition of FIG. 1, shelter frame 10 can also be collapsed to its stored condition by a preferred series of steps, all of which should be understood based on a review of the Figures and certainly in view of the following disclosure, e.g. wherein shelter 10 can be then collapsed by pushing the respective legs 20A, 20B, 20C, legs 20D, 20E, 20F and respective arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C and arch rails, 30D, 30E, 30F towards each other so that the rib member pairs (i.e. 50 (2 pairs), 52 (2 pairs), 54 (2 pairs), 56 (2 pairs)) will again rotate about their respective center coupling(s) and cause the respective lower slidable couplers 61A, 61B, 61C; 63A, 63B, 63C; 65A, 65B, 65C; and 67A, 67B, 67C to now slide downwardly along the respective legs and arch rails, all of which together allow the shelter frame 10 to collapse as shown in FIG. 15. Thereafter, arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C and arch rails 30D, 30E, 30F can now be rotated downwardly (i.e. in a direction opposite the arrows in FIGS. 14 and then 13, and then through the positions as shown in FIG. 13 and then FIG. 12, until the arch rails 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F have reached their collapsed position as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, thus having shelter frame 10 again in its collapsed and stored condition.

It should also be understood that various configurations and embodiments and combination of features, parts and or functions as disclosed above can be provided in any one or more of the preferred embodiment.

For example, in a specific preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to a frame 10 for a shelter comprising a first leg 20A coupled to a second leg 20B by two “first side” rib members 50, 50 scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end 50A of the first of the two “first side” rib members 50,50 is coupled to a top end 20U of the first leg 20A; an upper end 50A of the second of the two “first side” rib members 50,50 is coupled to a top end 20V of the second leg 20B; a third leg 20D coupled to a fourth leg 20E by two “first side” rib members 52,52 scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end 52A of the first of the two “first side” rib members 52,52 is coupled to a top end 20W of the third leg 20D; an upper end 52A of the second of the two “first side” rib members 52,52 is coupled to a top end 20X of the fourth leg 20E; a first slidable coupler 61A slidably coupled to the first leg 20A, wherein a lower end 50B of the second of the two “first side” rib members 50,50 is coupled to the first slidable coupler 61A; a second slidable coupler 61B slidably coupled to the second leg 20B, wherein a lower end 50B of the first of the two “first side” rib members 50,50 is coupled to the second slidable coupler 61B; a third slidable coupler 63A slidably coupled to the third leg 20D, wherein a lower end 52B of the second of the two “first side” rib members 52,52 is coupled to the third slidable coupler 63A; a fourth slidable coupler 63B slidably coupled to the fourth leg 20E, wherein a lower end 52B of the first of the two “first side” rib members 52,52 is coupled to the fourth slidable coupler 63B; a first arch rail 30A coupled to a second arch rail 30B by two “first side arch rail” rib members 54, 54 scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end 54A of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members 54, 54 is coupled to a top end 30U of the first arch rail 30A; an upper end 54A of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members 54, 54 is coupled to a top end 30V of the second arch rail 30B; a third arch rail 30D coupled to a fourth arch rail 30E by two “second side arch rail” rib members 56, 56 scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end 56A of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members 56, 56 is coupled to a top end 30W of the third arch rail 30D; an upper end 56A of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members 56, 56 is coupled to a top end 30X of the fourth arch rail 30E; a fifth slidable coupler 65A slidably coupled to the first arch rail 30A, wherein a lower end 54B of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members 54, 54 is coupled to the fifth slidable coupler 65A; a sixth slidable coupler 65B slidably coupled to the second arch rail 30B, wherein a lower end 54B of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members 54, 54 is coupled to the sixth slidable coupler 65B; a seventh slidable coupler 67A slidably coupled to the third arch rail 30D, wherein a lower end 56B of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members 56, 56 is coupled to the seventh slidable coupler 67A; an eighth slidable coupler 67B slidably coupled to the fourth arch rail 30E, wherein a lower end 56B of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members 56, 56 is coupled to the eighth slidable coupler 67B; a first leg/arch rail coupler 40A coupling the first leg 20A to the first arch rail 30A; a second leg/arch rail coupler 40B coupling the second leg 20B to the second arch rail 30B; a third leg/arch rail coupler 40D coupling the third leg 20D to the third arch rail 30D; a fourth leg/arch rail coupler 40E coupling the fourth leg 20E to the fourth arch rail 30E; a first arch rail/arch rail coupler 40G coupling the first arch rail 30A to the third arch rail 30D; a second arch rail/arch rail coupler 40H coupling the second arch rail 30B to the fourth arch rail 30E; wherein a sliding of the first slidable coupler 61A in a first direction (see arrow “X” in FIG. 1) along the first leg 20A and a sliding of the second slidable coupler 61B in the first direction along the second leg 20B causes the first leg 20A and the second leg 20B to move towards each other (see arrows “X₁”, “X₁” in FIG. 1); a sliding of the first slidable coupler 61A in a direction opposite the first direction (see arrow “Y” in FIG. 1) along the first leg 20A and a sliding of the second slidable coupler 61B in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg 20B causes the first leg 20A and the second leg 20B to move away from each other (see arrows “Y₁”, “Y₁” in FIG. 1); a sliding of the third slidable coupler 63A in a first direction (see arrow “X” in FIG. 1) along the third leg 20D and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler 63B in the first direction along the fourth leg 20E causes the third leg 20D and the fourth leg 20E to move towards each other (see arrows “X₁”, “X₁” in FIG. 1); a sliding of the third slidable coupler 63A in a direction opposite the first direction (see arrow “Y” in FIG. 1) along the third leg 20D and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler 63B in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg 20E causes the third leg 20D and the fourth leg 20E to move away from each other (see arrows “Y₁”, “Y₁” in FIG. 1); a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler 65A in a first direction (see arrow “A” in FIG. 3) along the first arch rail 30A and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler 65B in the first direction along the second arch rail 30B causes the first arch rail 30A and the second arch rail 30B to move towards each other (see arrows “X₁”, “X₁” in FIG. 1); a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler 65A in a direction (see arrow “B” in FIG. 3) opposite the first direction along the first arch rail 30A and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler 65B in a direction opposite the first direction (see arrow “B” in FIG. 3) along the second arch rail 30B causes the first arch rail 30A and the second arch rail 30B to move away from each other (see arrows “Y₁”, “Y₁” in FIG. 1); a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler 67A in a first direction (see arrow “C” in FIG. 1) along the third arch rail 30D and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler 67B in the first direction along the fourth arch rail 30E causes the third arch rail 30D and the fourth arch rail 30E to move towards each other (see arrows “X₁”, “X₁” in FIG. 1); and a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler 67A in a direction (see arrow “D” in FIG. 3) opposite the first direction along the third arch rail 30D and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler 67B in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail 30E causes the third arch rail 30D and the fourth arch rail 30E to move away from each other (see arrows “Y₁”, “Y₁” in FIG. 1); and wherein the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit the arch rails to be rotated relative to the legs such that angles greater than 90° (i.e. expanding the frame 10 of the shelter) and less than 90° (collapsing the frame 10 of the shelter) to be formed (i) between the first leg 20A and first arch rail 30A, (ii) between the second leg 20B and second arch rail 30B, (iii) between the third leg 20D and third arch rail 30D, and (iv) between the fourth leg 20E and fourth arch rail 30E; and the respective arch rail/arch rail couplers permit the first and third (and second and fourth) arch rails to be rotated relative to each other as coupled to each other to permit angles less than 180° (i.e. expanding the frame 10 of the shelter) and greater than 180° (i.e. collapsing of the frame 10 of the shelter) to be formed (i) between the first arch rail 30A and the third arch rail 30D and (ii) between the second arch rail 30B and the fourth arch rail 30E.

Using the same terminology and reference numbers as set forth herein and above so it should be understood that the above reference numbers are intended to refer to like elements, parts, and features disclosed hereinafter, other combination of features and embodiments are disclosed herein.

For example, as in another preferred embodiment, the aforementioned frame 10 for a shelter preferably comprises a first fixed coupler 60A for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “first side” rib members to the top end of the first leg 20A; a second fixed coupler 60B for coupling the upper end of the second of the two “first side” rib members to the top end of the second leg 20B; a third fixed coupler 62A for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “second side” rib members to the top end of the third leg 20D; a fourth fixed coupler 62B for coupling an upper end of the second of the two “second side” rib members to the top end of the fourth leg; a fifth fixed coupler 64A for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members to the top end of the first arch rail 30A; a sixth fixed coupler 64B for coupling the upper end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the top end of the second arch rail 30B; a seventh fixed coupler 66A for coupling the upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members to the top end of the third arch rail 30D; and an eighth fixed coupler 66B for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members to the top end of the fourth arch rail 30E.

Still further, as disclosed above, in a preferred embodiment, the frame 10 of the shelter may be larger than just having four (4) legs and therefore, in another preferred embodiment, the present invention may comprise a fifth leg coupled to the second leg by two rib members scissor-type coupled together; a sixth leg coupled to the fourth leg by two rib members scissor-type coupled together; a fifth arch rail coupled to the second arch rail by two rib members scissor-type coupled together; and a sixth arch rail coupled to the fourth arch rail by two rib members scissor-type coupled together.

Therefore, it should be understood that references to a four (4) legged embodiment does limit the claims or the versality of size of the frame contemplated herein. That is, the use of “comprising” in the claims makes clear that the six (6) and/or eight (8) or even larger frames are all covered and remain within the scope of all the claims recited herein.

As stated above, variations in the preferred embodiments are well contemplated herein. As but another example of a preferred embodiment, the frame 10 for a shelter may have different coupling arrangements between the legs and/or the arch rails, therefore, not every contemplated and preferred embodiment of the present invention need have scissor coupled rib members between the respective legs or arch rails. As such, another preferred embodiment may broadly comprise a first leg coupled to a second leg; a third leg coupled to a fourth leg; a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail; a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail; a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail; a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail; a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail; a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail; a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail; a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail; wherein: the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit angles greater than 90° and less than 90° to be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail; and the respective arch rail/arch rail couplers permit angles less than 180° and greater than 180° to be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

However, in a specific embodiment of the above construction there are two “first side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the first leg to the second leg; and there are two “second side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the third leg to the fourth leg; wherein the “first side” rib members and the “second side” rib members permit the expansion and the collapsing of the frame by movement of respective rib members along respective legs of the frame. In the foregoing specific embodiment, the arch rails may be coupled together by an alternative coupling arrangement.

However, in yet an alternative embodiment, it may be that the legs are not coupled together by the scissor-coupled rib members but it is the arch rails that are so connected, and therefore, in such a preferred specific embodiment, there are two “first side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the first arch rail to the second arch rail; and there are two “second side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the third arch rail to the fourth arch rail; and wherein the “first side arch rail” rib members and the “second side arch rail” rib members permit the expansion and the collapsing of the frame by movement of respective rib members along respective legs of the frame.

In any and all of the preferred embodiments, it can be seen that the first arch rail and the third arch rail are rotatable relative to each other such that angles of at least 324° (i.e. collapsing the frame 10 of the shelter) and less than 162° (i.e. expanding the frame 10 of the shelter) are formable therebetween; and likewise the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail are rotatable relative to each other such that angles of at least 324° (i.e. collapsing the frame 10 of the shelter) and less than 162° (i.e. expanding the frame 10 of the shelter) are formable therebetween. These angles have been determined to provide for 10% tolerances from 360° and 180°, respectively.

For the avoidance of doubt, FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred 120° angles formed between the first arch rail and the third arch rail (and likewise the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail) and also shows the preferred 120° angles formed (i) between the first leg 20A and first arch rail 30A, (ii) between the second leg 20B and second arch rail 30B, (iii) between the third leg 20D and third arch rail 30D, and (iv) between the fourth leg 20E and fourth arch rail 30E.

On the other hand, FIG. 13 illustrates angles between the first arch rail and the third arch rail (and likewise between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail) already being greater than 180° and increasing as one moves from FIG. 13 to FIG. 12. Again, in a preferred embodiment, this angle will increase preferably to 360° as the arch rails become parallel to each other as the frame is collapsing (e.g. moving to FIGS. 10, 11). Likewise, in the collapsing condition, the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit the arch rails to be rotated relative to the legs such that angles less than 90° (e.g. see FIG. 13 and then FIG. 12) and preferably down to 0° are achievable as the legs and arch rail pairs become parallel to each other (FIG. 11).

However, in a preferred embodiment in a collapsed condition (e.g. see FIGS. 10, 11), it can be seen that the first arch rail and the third arch rail (and likewise the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail) are rotatable relative to each other such that angles of 360° are achievable, e.g. the respective pairs of arch rails are parallel to each other. In an expanded condition (e.g. see FIG. 1), the first arch rail and the third arch rail (and likewise the second arch rail and fourth arch rail) are preferably rotatable relative to each other such that angles of 120° (plus or minus a 10% tolerance) are formed therebetween.

Also in a preferred embodiment in a collapsed condition (e.g. FIGS. 10, 11), the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit the arch rails to be rotated relative to the legs such that angles less than 90° and preferably 0° (plus or minus a 10% tolerance) are achievable as the legs and arch rail pairs are parallel to each other. In an expanded condition (e.g. FIG. 1) angles of greater than 90° and preferably 120° (plus or minus a 10% tolerance) are formed (i) between the first leg 20A and first arch rail 30A, (ii) between the second leg 20B and second arch rail 30B, (iii) between the third leg 20D and third arch rail 30D, and (iv) between the fourth leg 20E and fourth arch rail 30E.

In still yet another preferred embodiment, it is possible to construct a frame 10 for a shelter that comprises legs coupled to each other than by scissor coupled rib members and that comprises leg/arch rail couplers and arch rail/arch rail couplers different from those disclosed above and in the figures, and in such a preferred embodiment, the frame 10 for a shelter may comprise a first leg coupled to a second leg; a third leg coupled to a fourth leg; a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail by two “first side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first arch rail; an upper end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second arch rail; a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail by two “second side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third arch rail; an upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth arch rail; a first slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the first slidable coupler; a second slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the second slidable coupler; a third slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the third slidable coupler; a fourth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the fourth slidable coupler; a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail; a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail; a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail; a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail; a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail; a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail; wherein a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other; a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other; a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; and a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other.

However, and of course, the foregoing embodiment may comprise two “first side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the first leg to the second leg, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first leg; an upper end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second leg; two “second side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the third leg to the fourth leg, wherein an upper end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third leg; an upper end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth leg; a fifth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the fifth slidable coupler; a sixth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the sixth slidable coupler; a seventh slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the seventh slidable coupler; an eighth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the eighth slidable coupler; wherein a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move towards each other; a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move away from each other; a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move towards each other; a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move away from each other.

Likewise and similarly of course, either or both of the aforementioned two (2) embodiments may further comprise respective leg/arch rail couplers to permit angles greater than 90° and less than 90° to be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail; and respective arch rail/arch rail couplers to permit angles less than 180° and greater than 180° to be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

That is, and as stated above FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred 120° angles formed between the first arch rail and the third arch rail (and likewise the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail) and also shows the preferred 120° angles formed (i) between the first leg 20A and first arch rail 30A, (ii) between the second leg 20B and second arch rail 30B, (iii) between the third leg 20D and third arch rail 30D, and (iv) between the fourth leg 20E and fourth arch rail 30E. On the other hand, FIG. 13 illustrates angles between the first arch rail and the third arch rail (and likewise between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail) already being greater than 180º and increasing as one moves from FIG. 13 to FIG. 12. Again, in a preferred embodiment, this angle will increase preferably to 360° as the arch rails become parallel to each other as the frame is collapsing (e.g. moving to FIGS. 10, 11). Likewise, in the collapsing condition, the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit the arch rails to be rotated relative to the legs such that angles less than 90° (e.g. see FIG. 13 and then FIG. 12) and preferably down to 0° are achievable as the legs and arch rail pairs become parallel to each other (FIG. 11).

In any one of and all of the foregoing embodiments, the constructed shelter would comprise any one or more of the frame constructions disclosed herein and the cover 100 for covering the frame for a shelter.

As also disclosed above, the present invention is directed to methods of collapsing a frame for a shelter that is currently in an expanded condition (e.g. see FIG. 1), wherein the frame of the shelter is comprised as disclosed in any one or more of the above embodiments, wherein the method comprises the steps of sliding the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first leg and sliding the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second leg causing the first leg and the second leg to move towards each other; sliding the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third leg and sliding the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth leg causing the third leg and the fourth leg to move towards each other; sliding the fifth slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and sliding the sixth slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causing the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other; sliding the seventh slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and sliding the eighth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causing the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; and rotating each arch rails relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail becomes less than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail becomes less than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail becomes less than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail becomes less than 90°; and rotating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180° to greater than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180º to greater than 180°.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of expanding a frame for a shelter as disclosed in any one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein that is currently in a collapsed condition (e.g. see FIG. 10). In such a preferred embodiment, the method may comprise the steps of sliding the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first leg and sliding the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg causing the first leg and the second leg to move away from each other; sliding the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third leg and sliding the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg causing the third leg and the fourth leg to move away from each other; sliding the fifth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and sliding the sixth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causing the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other; sliding the seventh slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and sliding the eighth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causing the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other; rotating each arch rail relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°; and rotating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180° to less than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180º to less than 180°.

In a specific preferred embodiment, the method of collapsing the collapsible frame as disclosed in any one or more of the embodiments herein may comprise the steps of rotating each the arch rails relative to the legs such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail becomes less than 10°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail becomes less than 10°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail becomes less than 10°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail becomes less than 10° (i.e. all of the foregoing such that the arch rails and associated legs are approaching or at parallel alignment relative with/to each other (e.g. see FIG. 10)); and rotating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases to greater than 324° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases to greater than 324° (i.e. approaches positions where the arch rails are approaching or at parallel alignment with/to each other (e.g. see FIG. 10)).

Similarly, where the method may be directed to expanding the frame of any one or more of the above embodiments, the method may comprise the steps of rotating the arch rails relative to the legs such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail increases to at least 100°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail increases to at least 100°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail increases to at least 100°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail increases to at least 100°; and rotating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases to at least 100° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases to at least 100°.

As also should be understood, the method for any of the above embodiments may comprise the step(s) of providing a cover on said frame to provide shelter to an animal or pet positioned within the space created by the frame in its expanded condition.

It should be understood that various further embodiments are also contemplated herein. For example, it could be that the first leg is coupled to the second leg and the third leg is coupled to the fourth leg by respective scissor-type coupled together rib members but only one of the pairs of arch rails are coupled together by “side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together. Likewise, it is also contemplated that the first arch rail is coupled to the second arch rail and the third arch rail is coupled to the fourth arch rail leg by respective scissor-type coupled together rib members but only one of the pairs of legs are coupled together by the scissor-type coupled rib members.

It should also be understood that there is no necessity to carry out the expansion or collapsing in only the above steps/order, as one skilled in the art would understand from the above disclosure and figures that other sequences of steps could be undertaken and would also achieve the objectives and advantages set forth herein, and likewise the claims should not be limited thereby.

Also reference to top and bottom, e.g. “top end” does not require features/elements to be literally at the “top,” “bottom,” or “end” of a component, element or feature, as the language used herein, e.g. “couple,” “coupling,” or the like is intended to make clear that variations and/or couplings along the e.g. leg and/or arch rail and/or rib member(s) are permitted while still staying within the scope of the claims. For example and the avoidance of doubt, “top,” “end” and/or “bottom” of a leg, arch rail, rib member and/or any other feature/element disclosed herein should be understood to mean on one or the other side of the centerline of the feature, part, leg, arch rail, rib member and/or the like. Also, no limitation is meant or should be interpreted by the use of lead lines with and/or without arrow heads in the Figures. Also, lead lines or arrows or claim language referring to any one or more of the “end(s),” “top(s),” and/or “bottom(s)” of the legs, arch rails, ribs, and/or other components are merely intended for convenience to the reader and understanding of the invention as it should be understood, as indicated elsewhere herein, that use of the term “end(s),” “top(s),” and/or “bottom(s)” is not to be taken literally but rather should be interpreted for the claims and understanding of the invention to mean anywhere to the right and/or left of the centerline, as the case may be, along the respective leg, arch rail, rib, and/or other component as disclosed herein. It should be understood that “upper” and “lower” and “top” and “bottom” could also be used and should be understood to be interchangeable with “first” and “second” should any amendments be elected to be made to the claims as it should be understood that no change in scope would be created and/or intended thereby. Also, “top” and “bottom” and “upper” and “lower” are used only for convenience and no limitation as to a specific orientation of the frame is required and therefore, such terms (also e.g. upper and lower) should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

It should also be understood that the dimensions provided herein are exemplary as other sizes (e.g. height, width, length of legs, length of arch rails, diameters of each, number of legs, number of arch rails) of the disclosed shelter frame 10 are contemplated herein and achievable using the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, in a preferred embodiment, six (6) legs are contemplated as a preferred embodiment but of course additional legs e.g. eight (8) or ten (10) legs, are contemplated herein to make/construct a larger shelter frame. Additional arch rails, rib members, couplers, etc. would therefore be correspondingly needed consistent with the foregoing.

While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

It will thus be seen that the objectives set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying Figures and images shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It should also be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention described herein and all statements of the scope of the invention that as a matter of language might fill therebetween.

As should now be understood, the present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art while also providing the advantages mentioned herein as well as those advantages that should be understood by those skilled in the art. Other advantages and objectives are deemed to be apparent from the disclosure herein. It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways.

Claims

1. A frame for a shelter comprising: a first leg coupled to a second leg by two “first side” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first leg;an upper end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second leg;a third leg coupled to a fourth leg by two “second side” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third leg;an upper end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth leg;a first slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the first slidable coupler;a second slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the second slidable coupler;a third slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the third slidable coupler;a fourth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the fourth slidable coupler;a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail by two “first side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first arch rail;an upper end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second arch rail;a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail by two “second side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein: an upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third arch rail;an upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth arch rail;a fifth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the fifth slidable coupler;a sixth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the sixth slidable coupler;a seventh slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the seventh slidable coupler;an eighth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the eighth slidable coupler;a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail;a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail;a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail;a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail;a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail;a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail;wherein: a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move towards each other;a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move away from each other;a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move towards each other;a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move away from each other;a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other;a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other;a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; anda sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other; andwherein:the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit angles greater than 90° and less than 90° to be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail; andthe respective arch rail/arch rail couplers permit angles less than 180° and greater than 180° to be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

2. The frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a first fixed coupler for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “first side” rib members to the top end of the first leg;a second fixed coupler for coupling the upper end of the second of the two “first side” rib members to the top end of the second leg;a third fixed coupler for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “second side” rib members to the top end of the third leg;a fourth fixed coupler for coupling an upper end of the second of the two “second side” rib members to the top end of the fourth leg;a fifth fixed coupler for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members to the top end of the first arch rail;a sixth fixed coupler for coupling the upper end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the top end of the second arch rail;a seventh fixed coupler for coupling the upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members to the top end of the third arch rail; andan eighth fixed coupler for coupling the upper end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members to the top end of the fourth arch rail.

3. The frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a fifth leg coupled to the second leg by two rib members scissor-type coupled together;a sixth leg coupled to the fourth leg by two rib members scissor-type coupled together;a fifth arch rail coupled to the second arch rail by two rib members scissor-type coupled together; anda sixth arch rail coupled to the fourth arch rail by two rib members scissor-type coupled together.

4. A frame for a shelter comprising: a first leg coupled to a second leg;a third leg coupled to a fourth leg;a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail;a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail;a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail;a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail;a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail;a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail;a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail;a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail;wherein:the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit angles greater than 90° and less than 90° to be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail; andthe respective arch rail/arch rail couplers permit angles less than 180° and greater than 180° to be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

5. The frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: two “first side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the first leg to the second leg;two “second side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the third leg to the fourth leg;wherein the “first side” rib members and the “second side” rib members permit the expansion and the collapsing of the frame by movement of respective rib members along respective legs of the frame.

6. The frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: two “first side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the first arch rail to the second arch rail; andtwo “second side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the third arch rail to the fourth arch rail; andwherein the “first side arch rail” rib members and the “second side arch rail” rib members permit the expansion and the collapsing of the frame by movement of respective rib members along respective legs of the frame.

7. The frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein: the first arch rail and the third arch rail are rotatable relative to each other such that angles of at least 324° and less than 162° are formable therebetween; andthe second arch rail and the fourth arch rail are rotatable relative to each other such that angles of at least 324° and less than 162° are formable therebetween.

8. A frame for a shelter comprising: a first leg coupled to a second leg;a third leg coupled to a fourth leg;a first arch rail coupled to a second arch rail by two “first side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first arch rail;an upper end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second arch rail;a third arch rail coupled to a fourth arch rail by two “second side arch rail” rib members scissor-type coupled together, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third arch rail;an upper end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth arch rail;a first slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the first slidable coupler;a second slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the second slidable coupler;a third slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third arch rail, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the third slidable coupler;a fourth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth arch rail, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side arch rail” rib members is coupled to the fourth slidable coupler;a first leg/arch rail coupler coupling the first leg to the first arch rail;a second leg/arch rail coupler coupling the second leg to the second arch rail;a third leg/arch rail coupler coupling the third leg to the third arch rail;a fourth leg/arch rail coupler coupling the fourth leg to the fourth arch rail;a first arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the first arch rail to the third arch rail;a second arch rail/arch rail coupler coupling the second arch rail to the fourth arch rail;wherein:a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other;a sliding of the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and a sliding of the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causes the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other;a sliding of the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; anda sliding of the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and a sliding of the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causes the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other.

9. The frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: two “first side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the first leg to the second leg, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the first leg;an upper end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the second leg;two “second side” rib members scissor-type coupled together for coupling the third leg to the fourth leg, wherein: an upper end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the third leg;an upper end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to a top end of the fourth leg;a fifth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the first leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the fifth slidable coupler;a sixth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the second leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “first side” rib members is coupled to the sixth slidable coupler;a seventh slidable coupler slidably coupled to the third leg, wherein a lower end of the second of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the seventh slidable coupler;an eighth slidable coupler slidably coupled to the fourth leg, wherein a lower end of the first of the two “second side” rib members is coupled to the eighth slidable coupler;wherein: a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move towards each other;a sliding of the fifth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first leg and a sliding of the sixth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg causes the first leg and the second leg to move away from each other;a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move towards each other;a sliding of the seventh slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third leg and a sliding of the eighth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg causes the third leg and the fourth leg to move away from each other.

10. The frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the respective leg/arch rail couplers permit angles greater than 90° and less than 90° to be formed (i) between the first leg and first arch rail, (ii) between the second leg and second arch rail, (iii) between the third leg and third arch rail, and (iv) between the fourth leg and fourth arch rail; andthe respective arch rail/arch rail couplers permit angles less than 180° and greater than 180° to be formed (i) between the first arch rail and the third arch rail and (ii) between the second arch rail and the fourth arch rail.

11. A shelter comprising: the frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 1; anda cover for covering the frame for a shelter.

12. A shelter comprising: the frame for a shelter as claimed in claim 4; anda cover for covering the frame for a shelter.

13. A method of collapsing a frame for a shelter, wherein the frame of the shelter is comprised as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: sliding the first slidable coupler in a first direction along the first leg and sliding the second slidable coupler in the first direction along the second leg causing the first leg and the second leg to move towards each other; sliding the third slidable coupler in a first direction along the third leg and sliding the fourth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth leg causing the third leg and the fourth leg to move towards each other; sliding the fifth slidable coupler in a first direction along the first arch rail and sliding the sixth slidable coupler in the first direction along the second arch rail causing the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move towards each other; sliding the seventh slidable coupler in a first direction along the third arch rail and sliding the eighth slidable coupler in the first direction along the fourth arch rail causing the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move towards each other; androtating each arch rails relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail becomes less than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail becomes less than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail becomes less than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail becomes less than 90°; androtating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180° to greater than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180° to greater than 180º.

14. A method of expanding a frame for a shelter, wherein the frame of the shelter is comprised as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method comprises the steps of: sliding the first slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first leg and sliding the second slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second leg causing the first leg and the second leg to move away from each other; sliding the third slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third leg and sliding the fourth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth leg causing the third leg and the fourth leg to move away from each other; sliding the fifth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the first arch rail and sliding the sixth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the second arch rail causing the first arch rail and the second arch rail to move away from each other; sliding the seventh slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the third arch rail and sliding the eighth slidable coupler in a direction opposite the first direction along the fourth arch rail causing the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail to move away from each other;rotating each arch rail relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°; androtating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180° to less than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180º to less than 180°.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising the step of providing a cover on said frame to provide shelter to an animal or pet positioned within the space created by the frame in its expanded condition.

16. A method of collapsing a frame for a shelter, wherein the frame of the shelter is comprised as claimed in claim 4, wherein the method comprises the steps of: moving the first leg and the second leg towards each other;moving the third leg and the fourth leg towards each other;moving the first arch rail and the second arch rail towards each other;moving the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail towards each other;rotating each arch rails relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail becomes less than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail becomes less than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail becomes less than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail becomes less than 90°; androtating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180° to greater than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween increases from less than 180° to greater than 180º.

17. A method of expanding a frame for a shelter, wherein the frame of the shelter is comprised as claimed in claim 4, wherein the method comprises the steps of: moving the first leg and the second leg away from each other;moving the third leg and the fourth leg away from each other;moving the first arch rail and the second arch rail away from each other;moving the third arch rail and the fourth arch rail away from each other;rotating each arch rail relative to the leg with which the arch rail is associated such that (i) the angle between the first leg and first arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (ii) the angle between the second leg and the second arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, (iii) the angle between the third leg and the third arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°, and (iv) the angle between the fourth leg and the fourth arch rail increases from less than 90° to greater than 90°; androtating the first arch rail relative to the third arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180° to less than 180° and rotating the second arch rail relative to the fourth arch rail such that the angle therebetween decreases from greater than 180º to less than 180°.