Patent Application
20130061898
The present invention relates to shelter structures such as tents, exhibition structures, aviaries, greenhouses, shade structures, gazebos, pavilions, humanitarian relief structures, transient housing structures and the like, as well as to kits, components of, accessories for, and methods for assembling such structures.
Early man created shelter using materials at hand: mud, stones, snow, ice, skins, sticks, foliage, bones, etc. Nomadic people either carry their shelter with them or build new shelter every time they move. For those nomads who choose to carry their shelter with them, it is a goal to make their weather-resilient shelters as light and compact as possible while still allowing for great internal volume.
There are two major portable shelter traditions. The earliest tradition uses structural material, such as wood, to create a relatively rigid framework. A canopy, perhaps of animal skins or felt or foliage, is then draped over or hung from this framework to seal out the weather. Teepees and yurts fit into this category. The invention of woven fabric revolutionized nomadic shelters, allowing for the canopy to be much lighter and more portable. Woven fabric also led to the rise of a new portable shelter tradition when the nomadic people of North Africa invented Black Tents. Black tents are tensioned fabric structures in which central poles were held in place under a ceiling of pre-stressed fabric, relying on the canopy itself for structural support. Another example of the early use of tensioned fabric to create a structure is seen in medieval military campaign tents, which used a single central mast from which a conically shaped canopy was stretched and anchored to ground, often with multiple guy lines added to increase internal volume and stability. Circus tents are another example of this type of central mast supported tent.
The invention of metal did little to further the refinement of these two shelter types—the self-supporting rigid framework tents and the tensioned fabric structures—until modern times when the development of light-weight tubular metal and the invention of composites such as fiberglass and carbon fiber led to further improvements in framing materials. Strong, collapsible framing materials led to the invention of dome tents, which follow the self-supporting framework tradition and tunnel tents, which follow the tensioned fabric tradition.
In recent times, the development of strong fabric composites has ushered in the age of large, non-portable tensioned fabric architectural structures, along with associated methods and techniques that are used to maintain these structures in equilibrium. To date there has been little use of the principles applied in this school of architecture in light-weight shelter design.
Another relatively recent development has been the invention of tensegrity structures, in which free-floating compression elements are suspended in a web of tension elements. In current practice, these structures are more artistic than practical.
Many different types of tent and canopy structures have been developed and are in use, ranging from highly portable, lightweight backpacking shelters to more commodious, heavier tent structures of various sizes, to larger structures having permanent or semi-permanent rigid supports. Various types of tent and canopy structures are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 214,996, 1,409,316, 1,581,311, 1,601,889, 2,000,644, 2,084,778, 2,167,219, 3,063,521, 3,169,611, 3,406,698, 3,990,463, 3,945,106, 4,473,976, 4,569,362, 5,036,874, 5,163,461, 5,642,590, 5,642,750, 5,901,727, 6,145,527, 6,220,264, 6,415,806, 6,470,901, 6,615,552, 6,843,261, 6,866,055, 6,868,640, 6,892,742, 6,901,714, 7,004,183, 7,013,608, 7,137,399, 7,575,010, 7,578,306, 7,578,307, 7,766,023, 7,987,864, 7,997,292, 8,001,987, U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0145471 A1 and U.S. Patent Publication 2012/0017955 A1.
Many tent structures, such as dome and tunnel styles of tent structures, are shaped using multiple poles (serving as compression elements) that extend along paths between two support locations on the ground or between support locations positioned at or near other poles. In dome style tents, the paths of these types of support poles often cross or intersect one another and, in combination, they may form a freestanding framework structure. In tunnel style tents, these types of support poles generally run parallel to one another and are maintained in place by their association with or connection to fabric portions of the tent. Neither dome nor tunnel style tents typically employ support poles forming closed or continuous compression elements.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,521 discloses a tent wherein a sidewall portion is joined to a generally conical roof section at a defined transition. A relatively narrow fabric tension shelf is provided internally of the transition for retaining a semi-flexible compression hoop. An internal center pole is provided and the pole, tension shelf, compression hoop and fabric act together as an engineered unit to provide a stable structure without the need for an extensive external or internal pole system and without the need for a multiplicity of individual ties for the hoop.
Notwithstanding the considerable efforts directed to developing shelter structures, the existing structures remain far from ideal. Applicant's disclosure is directed to providing shelter structures that may be assembled and disassembled easily and transported conveniently, that provide substantial internal volume, and that may be used in a variety of applications. The shelter structures disclosed herein improve upon existing collapsible tent structures, as well as exhibition structures, aviaries, greenhouses, shade structures, gazebos, pavilions, humanitarian relief structures, transient housing structures and the like.
Tensioned structures, including tensioned fabric structures, that apply both the newer and the historical traditions in a novel way are disclosed. While mimicking traditional shelter shapes, these structures may exploit the properties of strong, light-weight fabrics and framing materials, and use principles gleaned from the study of architectural tensioned fabric structures. In one embodiment, tensioned structures of the present invention incorporate an external suspension web mounted to or forming a part of the structure and extending externally of the structure at a transition region located at the junction of an upper canopy portion and a lower enclosure portion. In another embodiment, tensioned structures of the present invention incorporate an external suspension web extending externally of the structure in proximity to a base portion of a structure, and/or at an intermediate region of the structure above a base region. The external suspension web typically has a substantially continuous inner edge mounted or attached to the fabric structure, with the web structure extending externally of the fabric structure.
In some embodiments, the external suspension web incorporates or is associated with one or more structures for suspending a structural element, such as a peripheral support element in the form of a hoop or a partial hoop, externally of the structure. In some embodiments, the external suspension web incorporates or is associated with one or more fixtures for supporting anchoring structures, such as guy lines, cables, or the like that, when the structure is erected, may be anchored to the ground or other supports to anchor the structure and evenly distribute tensile forces. The external suspension web may thus serve to suspend a structural element such as a peripheral hoop or partial hoop, and/or to be suspended by anchoring structures. In these embodiments, the combination of the external suspension web and a peripheral hoop or partial hoop, with or without anchoring structures, functions to distribute forces substantially uniformly and symmetrically along a perimeter of the structure and improves the tautness of the structure, thereby providing a more stable, more durable and less leak-prone structure. This arrangement also allows for greater internal volume using fewer structural framing support elements than are required for conventional collapsible structures.
In one embodiment, structures of the present invention employ at least one external suspension web for retaining a closed compression element such as a ring-shaped element that, when the structure is erected, is suspended externally of tensioned fabric near the base of an upper tensioned canopy portion to define internal space and to create large internal volumes using minimal framing materials. The suspension of a closed compression element, such as a ring-shaped hoop, near the base of an upper tensioned canopy structure directs multidirectional tension forces onto a plane defined by the closed compression element, which are easily resisted by the closed compression element. In alternative embodiments, a partially ring-shaped element or hoop may be suspended externally of the structure as a compression element near the base of an upper tensioned canopy portion. These tensioned structures employing one or more external suspension webs supporting an externally suspended peripheral compression element require less structural framing material and considerably fewer framing elements than those required for other shelter structures, such as tunnel-like structures and dome structures, which allows for greater portability and simpler set-up, and often provides more usable internal volume as well.
In one aspect, shelter structures of the present invention are formed as tensegrity structures composed of isolated (non-intersecting and non-contacting) compression members supported in a pre-stressed field of continuous tension that delineates the system spatially. An external peripheral support element in the form of a closed or partially open element serves as an isolated compression element and is typically located at lower peripheral region of an upper canopy portion, or at a transition region between an upper canopy portion and a lower enclosure or framework portion. In this embodiment, a pre-stressed field of continuous tension is provided by the upper tensioned canopy portion alone or in combination with a lower enclosure or framework portion. An apical support element may be provided as an open compression member supported by the ground or by a base structure at one end and by a pre-stressed, tensioned upper canopy portion at an opposite end, or as an overhead support element.
In one aspect, shelter structures of the present invention comprise an upper shelter portion (or canopy-like structure) that, when the structure is erected, is supported (internally or externally) at an apex and peripherally by means of one or more peripheral support element(s) serving as a closed or partially open compression element. The peripheral support element is mounted externally of the shelter structure in an externally-directed suspension web. The upper shelter portion, or canopy, may provide a roof-like structure and, when erected, may be supported at its apex internally by an apical support element such as a rigid pole and/or externally by an overhead support element. A lower shelter portion may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the upper shelter portion to provide a completely or partially enclosed internal volume defined by wall panels, doors, vents, windows, and the like.
Both the upper and lower shelter portions may be constructed wholly or partially from pliable materials such as fabrics and flexible sheet materials that, when supported as described herein, form tensioned structures. The term “fabric,” as used herein, refers to any pliable material, including traditional fabrics comprising woven or non-woven fibers or strands, as well as fiber reinforced sheet materials, and other types of flexible sheeting materials composed of natural and/or synthetic materials, including flexible plastic sheeting material, pliable thermoplastic, foam and composite materials, screen-like or mesh materials, and the like. Other types of rigid or semi-rigid materials may be used in panel structures of the present invention, including various types of plastic and thermoplastic sheet material, flexible and rigid foam materials, as well as thin wood-based and composite sheet materials. Materials forming the upper and/or lower shelter portions may be treated or impregnated with various types of compositions and coatings to provide desired properties, including water resistance, fire resistance, breathability, wear resistance and the like, and fabric composites comprising multiple layers of constituent materials may be used. Shelter structures described herein are suitable for use as portable tent shelters, portable, semi-permanent and/or permanent protected shelters for work and recreation, transient housing structures, exhibition structures, special purpose enclosures, and the like.
An apical support element supports an apex of the upper shelter portion either internally or externally of the structure. When an internal apical support element is used, it generally comprises, or can be assembled to provide, one or more substantially rigid support member(s). In some embodiments, an internal central apical element is provided as a generally linear, axial support element extending between the apex of the upper shelter portion and a ground support surface in a generally axial manner. In alternative embodiments, an internal apical support element may comprise a plurality of substantially rigid support elements arranged, in combination, to support the apex of the upper shelter portion. In some embodiments, one or more internal apical support element(s) may comprise telescoping or collapsible members, such as telescoping poles, interconnecting tubular members, shock-corded tubular members and other arrangements of smaller units that, when assembled and fit together, form a generally rigid apical support structure. In some embodiments, internal apical support element(s) are adjustable to provide support members having different, selectable lengths. In tent embodiments, an apical support element may comprise one or more staff(s) or hiking pole(s).
An external apical support element may be provided to support an apex of the upper shelter portion as a substitute for, or to supplement, one or more internal apical support element(s). External apical support elements may be provided by overhanging tree limbs or beams or other types of overhanging structures to which an apex of the upper shelter portion may be attached. In another embodiment, the apex of the upper canopy or shelter portion may be supported by (e.g., by attachment to) an external cable mounted to one or more supports to provide a generally taut overhead support. Other types of external support elements may also be provided, as described below.
In one embodiment, a peripheral support element, when assembled, has a substantially continuous perimeter and a substantially closed structure form. The peripheral support element may be provided as a plurality of smaller sub-units, such as interconnecting tubular members that can be assembled to provide continuous perimeter forms. Once assembled, the peripheral support element has, or can be manipulated to form, a predetermined configuration, such as a circular configuration. When assembled, the peripheral support element of this embodiment provides a substantially continuous peripheral form defining a plane. In another embodiment, a peripheral support element forms a partially open element extending around at least 50% of the perimeter of the underlying structure at the location of the peripheral support element. The portion of the perimeter not supported by the peripheral support element may be open, or it may be closed by means of a stabilizing strut having a linear or curved or polygonal configuration, arranged on the same plane as the plane formed by the partial peripheral support element, or on a different plane.
While substantially hoop-like, circular peripheral support elements are preferred for many applications, peripheral support element(s) having a variety of other perimeter configurations, including oval, elliptical, polygonal, and the like, may be suitable for various applications. The perimeter configuration of the peripheral support element(s) generally matches the peripheral configuration of the base of the upper shelter portion. In many embodiments, the peripheral support element is provided as a generally circular, hoop-like structure; in many embodiments the peripheral support element is constructed from multiple tubular members attachable to or interlockable with one another to form a linear rod that bends sufficiently along its axis to form a generally rigid, hoop-like, continuous support element when the ends are joined. Shock-corded tubular sections or other types of sections that fit together to provide a continuous linear and/or closed structure may be used.
The upper shelter portion may be constructed from a continuous sheet or from multiple joined panels of pliable fabric material, and/or from relatively lightweight rigid or semi-rigid elements, such as panels, that are connected to or connectible to one another and that, when supported at an apex, form a downwardly extending geometric shape providing an internal volume. In many embodiments, the upper shelter portion is provided as a generally cone-shaped structure having a central apex and a circular base portion. In alternative embodiments, the upper shelter portion may have an oval- or elliptical-shaped base portion, or it may have a polygonal-shaped base portion, such as rectangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. In some embodiments, depending on the configuration, size, material and other factors, the upper shelter portion may have multiple apical portions, or it may have an apex formed in the configuration of a line or a geometrical shape, rather than as a point. In some embodiments, the apex is at a central point of the upper shelter portion, while in other embodiments, the apex may not be at a center point of the upper shelter portion, and either or both the upper shelter portion and/or the lower enclosure portion may be asymmetrically arranged with respect to the apex of the structure.
A lower enclosure portion or framework structure may be connected or connectible, directly or indirectly, to an upper shelter portion at a transition region to provide sidewalls that, together with the upper shelter portion, provide a partially or fully enclosed internal space. In some embodiments, the upper shelter and lower enclosure portions may interface directly with one another at a transition region provided as a seam or another type of substantially continuous attachment. In some embodiments, the upper shelter and lower enclosure portions may interface directly or indirectly with one another and/or with an additional element, such as a band or web, or another element that provides enhanced strength, durability, and/or stability at the transition region.
The lower enclosure portion may be constructed from a continuous sheet of pliable material, or it may be constructed from a plurality of pliable panels attached or attachable to one another by sewing, bonding, sealing, or the like. Alternatively, the lower enclosure portion may be formed from relatively lightweight rigid or semi-rigid elements that are connected or connectible to one another. An upper region of the lower enclosure portion typically has the same general cross-sectional configuration as the base region of the upper shelter portion or another element provided at the transition region. In tent-like structures, the lower enclosure portion is constructed from a pliable fabric that may be sewn or bonded or otherwise connected (directly or indirectly), at a transition region, to the upper shelter portion. The upper region of the lower enclosure portion may be attached to the base region of the upper shelter portion directly or indirectly when a band or web or another element is provided at the transition region.
In tensioned fabric structures employing an externally directed suspension web at a transition region, the suspension web is attached or connected to, or otherwise associated with, a perimeter region of the upper shelter portion or lower enclosure portion, or to a transition element provided at the interface of the upper shelter and a lower enclosure portions, and extends externally of the upper shelter portion (i.e., away from a central region and apex of the fabric structure). When the structure is assembled with an apical support element supporting the apex of an upper shelter portion and a peripheral support element mounted in the externally directed suspension web at the transition region, the peripheral support element provides compressive resistance to the tensile forces exerted on it at the base region of the upper shelter or the transition region, and substantially all of the local forces are transferred through the external suspension web to the peripheral support element. The peripheral support element is thus a compressive element that is suspended in and by the pre-stressed tension elements, including the upper and lower shelter portions and the external suspension web. Together, this balance of elements and the forces they exert provides a stable tensioned structure. When the internal edge of the externally directed suspension web has a generally round configuration and the peripheral support element is a generally continuous circular hoop-like structure, the forces are exerted in a substantially uniform and/or symmetrical manner, and a very stable structure is provided. Support and/or reinforcement structures may be provided internally or externally of the fabric structure in connection with suspension webs provided at a transition region.
Multiple peripheral support elements having the same or different perimeter dimensions may be provided and may be mounted to the same or to a co-located external suspension web. Multiple peripheral support elements may be supported at multiple externally directed suspension webs at different locations along the structure—i.e., at different levels of the structure. In one embodiment, for example, a peripheral support element is retained in an external suspension web provided at a transition region between the upper shelter portion and a lower shelter portion of the structure, and another peripheral support element is retained in another external suspension web provided at a transition region between the lower shelter portion and a base portion of the structure, which may be associated with an integral floor.
In another aspect, shelter structures of the present invention having a peripheral support element suspended at a transition region between the upper shelter portion and a lower enclosure portion may additionally include a fabric eave or panel located generally below the transition region. The fabric eave or panel may have the same general configuration as the transition region and, when the transition region has a generally circular configuration, the fabric eave or panel may be provided as a generally cylindrical band, or as an annular band having a larger diameter peripheral edge and an opposite smaller diameter peripheral edge. A cylindrical fabric eave or band may be attached or mounted to the fabric structure at a location below the transition region and the suspension web located at the transition region, forming a generally cylindrical band below the suspension web when the fabric structure is erected. An annular fabric eave or ventilation band may be attached or mounted to the fabric structure at a location below the transition region and the suspension web, with the eave or band angled internally or externally with respect to the inner edge of the suspension web when the fabric structure is erected. The eave may be fabricated from a material having different structural and/or functional properties than the material forming the upper shelter portion and/or the lower enclosure portion. The eave may be provided as a structural element that assists in the distribution of forces exerted in the transition region, and it may additionally or alternatively provide ventilation between the interior of the shelter structure and the outside environment when it is constructed from an air permeable material and provided in a location that is protected from the elements by the overhanging external suspension web and/or base region of the upper shelter portion, or by a fly or another accessory element.
In yet another aspect, shelter structures of the present invention having a peripheral support element suspended at a transition region between the upper shelter portion and a lower enclosure portion may additionally include an internally directed tensioning structure suspended between the transition region of the fabric structure and a central internal region of the shelter, such as an internal central apical support element. In some embodiments, the internally directed suspension structure may be adjustably positioned in association with a central support structure, providing for adjustment of the position of the internal suspension structure along a portion of the length of an internal central apical support element. An internally directed tensioning structure may comprise, for example, a plurality of radially arranged webs or supports, or a substantially continuous fabric element.
A base portion of the lower enclosure portion is generally anchored to the ground or to a base support structure when the structure is erected to provide a pre-stressed structure that exerts tensile forces at the transition region between the lower enclosure portion and the upper shelter portion. The tensile forces are preferably substantially uniformly and/or symmetrically distributed around the periphery of the transition region. These tensile forces generally oppose compressive forces exerted by the apical support element and the peripheral support element, via the external suspension web provided at the transition region. In structures that don't incorporate a lower enclosure portion, various elements, such as suspension web(s), straps or lines or wires may be used to exert the desired tensile forces on the base of the upper shelter portion or at the transition region.
In some embodiments, an externally directed suspension web may be provided at a base portion of the lower enclosure portion. A substantially continuous inner edge of the base external support web is preferably mounted or bonded to, or otherwise associated with, the base region of the lower enclosure portion of the structure and extends externally of the base region. In one embodiment, an external suspension web may be provided at a base region of a shelter portion of a fabric structure and configured for retaining a peripheral support element, as described above with reference to shelter structures having an external suspension system provided at a transition region between an upper shelter portion and a lower enclosure portion. In another embodiment, an external suspension web may be provided at a base region of the fabric shelter structure, the external suspension web having an inner edge mounted or attached to, or otherwise associated with, the fabric structure and an outer edge of the external suspension web having fittings for attaching or supporting anchoring structures, such as guy lines, cables, stakes, or the like that, when the structure is erected, may be anchored to the ground or other supports to anchor the structure and evenly distribute tensile forces. In these embodiments, the use of a base external suspension web facilitates more uniform and/or symmetrical distribution of tensile forces at a base region of a structure.
According to yet another aspect, shelter structures of the present invention may comprise an external suspension web provided at an intermediate region of the structure, in a region above the base region of a shelter portion. A substantially continuous inner edge of the external support web in this embodiment is preferably mounted or bonded to, or otherwise associated with, an intermediate peripheral region of the structure, extending externally of the structure. In one embodiment, an intermediate external suspension web may be configured for retaining a peripheral support element, as described above with reference to shelter structures having an external suspension system provided at a transition region between an upper shelter portion and a lower shelter portion. In another embodiment, an intermediate external suspension web may provide fittings for attaching or supporting anchoring structures, such as guy lines, cables, or the like that, when the structure is erected, may be anchored to the ground or other support structures to anchor an intermediate region of the structure and evenly distribute tensile forces through the intermediate region. In these embodiments, the intermediate external suspension web facilitates more uniform and/or symmetrical distribution of tensile forces in an intermediate region of a structure.
Stabilizing webs and panels are disclosed for use with the fabric structures of the present invention. In some embodiments, the upper shelter portion and/or the lower shelter portion may be largely open, and one or both shelter portions may comprise an “open” network of structural ribs, tendons, webbing, lines, straps, wires, bands, buttresses or the like. These components may be used to assemble open structural frameworks and skeletal support structures suitable for supporting coverings or canopies of various types. This type of structural framework may be covered to provide a partially or completely enclosed internal space using various types of fabric coverings, coverings composed of natural and synthetic sheet materials, screening materials, and the like.
In some applications, fabric structures of the present invention may be designed for and used as portable and collapsible structures, such as tents, that may be erected, taken down and transported easily and conveniently. In other applications, structures of the present invention may be designed for and used as semi-permanent or permanent structures having a generally larger internal volume for applications such as temporary or semi-permanent housing structures, operational bases, exhibition spaces, aviaries, greenhouses, or the like. In yet other applications, structures of the present invention may be scaled and erected, permanently or temporarily, as larger architectural structures, exhibition structures, and the like.
Kits for erecting structures of the present invention generally comprise a structure having at least a shelter portion and an external peripheral suspension web provided at a peripheral portion of the base of the shelter portion for suspending one or more peripheral support element(s), and/or for supporting a plurality of anchoring structures. Structures of the present invention may comprise one or more peripheral suspension webs positioned at one or more of the following locations: at a base region of an upper shelter portion; at a transition region located at the interface of an upper shelter portion and a lower enclosure portion; at a base region of a structure; and/or at an intermediate region of a structure located above the base region. Additional kit components may include one or more peripheral support element(s), a lower enclosure portion, one or more internal or external apical support element(s), one or more additional external suspension webs or systems and peripheral support elements, a base or floor, a “fly” or another external covering, and anchoring elements such as straps, lines, wires, stakes, or the like.
Illustrative embodiments of various aspects and elements of the present invention will be described in greater detail in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying illustrations and images.
For lightweight, portable shelters suitable for use as tents or other types of portable and collapsible structures, the upper shelter portion 14 (e.g., a canopy-like structure) and lower enclosure portion 22 (e.g., sidewalls) may be constructed from continuous sheet materials, or by joining multiple panels of a pliable fabric or sheet material, with the upper shelter and lower enclosure portions being joined (directly or indirectly) at a transition region. The pliable fabric or sheet material may be stretchable, at least to some degree, or it may comprise a substantially non-stretchable material. In alternative embodiments, described in more detail later, the upper shelter portion and/or the lower enclosure portion may be constructed from semi-rigid or even substantially rigid, generally lightweight materials that form the desired configuration of the upper shelter and/or lower enclosure portion(s), or from panels or other sub-units that may be assembled to form the desired configuration of the upper shelter and/or lower enclosure portion(s).
In the embodiment shown in
Pre-stressed fabric is suspended between opposing apical and base support termini and further spatially delineated by at least one peripheral support element suspended in at least one peripheral suspension web. Base regions of the lower enclosure portion 22, 22P are preferably staked or otherwise attached to the ground or another support surface, for example using stake tabs 19 oriented generally radially and positioned at intervals along the periphery of the lower enclosure portion. Various portions of the lower enclosure portion may also have connections for guying out, or attaching lines to anchor regions of the lower enclosure portion to the ground. Anchoring of the lower enclosure portion to the ground or another support structure creates a lower terminus for supporting the pre-stressed fabric structure. The arrangement of the external suspension web suspending a peripheral support element, in combination with one or more apical support element(s) for supporting an apex of the shelter and enclosure portions and an anchored base at the opposite support terminus, provides a stable structure in which the shelter and enclosure portions, and external suspension web, are maintained under tension while the apical and peripheral support elements and the base anchoring portions are maintained under compression.
It will be appreciated that a variety of shelter structures having different geometries that employ the structural elements described herein, including one or more apical support elements, one or more peripheral support elements supported by one or more external suspension web(s), an upper shelter portion, and an (optional) lower enclosure portion may be provided. Various configurations of upper shelter portions and external suspension webs may be used, and may be combined with various configurations of lower enclosure portions. In some embodiments, the configurations of the lower enclosure portions and upper shelter portions match one another, while in other embodiments, the configurations of the lower enclosure and upper shelter portions may be different. In some embodiments, an overhead canopy structure may be erected without a lower enclosure portion by providing one or more internal or external central support element(s) supporting the apex of an upper shelter portion and positioning one or more peripheral support elements in an external suspension web. A base region of the upper shelter portion and/or the external suspension web may be anchored to the ground or to another stationary structure in the absence of a lower enclosure portion to provide the desired lower support terminus for balancing the tensile forces.
Structures of the present invention may be erected in various ways to provide different internal spaces. In some embodiments, the length of one or more apical support element(s) may be varied to provide shelter structures having different configurations. In one arrangement, for example, when one or more apical support element(s) are used to support the apex of the upper shelter portion at a higher location, increased standing room and floor space is provided. In an alternative arrangement, when one or more apical support element(s) are used to support the apex of the upper shelter portion at a lower location, the structure has a generally lower profile, the side walls of the enclosure portion have a lower profile and may have less surface area, and the structure may be better able to withstand extreme conditions, such as high winds and storms. The same structural elements may thus be arranged to provide different internal volumes simply by raising and lowering the position of the apex of the upper shelter portion and, optionally, by using anchoring points provided at different locations along the side walls. Asymmetrical structures may be supported from one or more centrally positioned, or off-center, apical support element(s). Floors may be provided in the structures by permanently or detachably attaching a floor component having a footprint that substantially matches the configuration of the base region of the enclosure portion.
Enlarged drawings of various embodiments of external suspension webs extending externally of a lower region of the upper canopy portion 14 and suspending peripheral support element 20 are shown in greater detail in
When a circular or partially circular peripheral support element is used, the external suspension web is preferably configured to support the peripheral support element a substantially constant distance from the transition region along the perimeter of the peripheral support element. Thus, when the transition region forms a generally circular perimeter, the external suspension web is preferably configured to support a circular peripheral support element along a substantially concentric path externally of the transition region. When the transition region is generally polygonal and a corresponding polygonal peripheral support element is used, the suspension web is preferably configured to suspend the polygonal support element a substantially constant distance from the transition region along side regions of the polygon, with a different distance between the support element and transition region at corners of the polygonal structures. In alternative embodiments, when a circular or partially circular support element is used with structures having a polygonal transition region, the external suspension web is preferably configured to support the circular or partially circular support element in such a way that the perimeter of the polygonal transition region is substantially centered within the curved support element.
Structures of the present invention are typically configured so that when the structures are erected and a peripheral support element is suspended by the external suspension web, the external suspension web and the peripheral support element are arranged on a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the ground or another support surface. In structures that employ an internal apical support element, the external suspension web and the peripheral support element are typically (but not always) arranged on a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the axis of the apical support element. It may be desirable, in some embodiments, to provide structures in which a peripheral support element and external suspension web, when assembled, are arranged forming a plane that is not parallel to the plane of the ground but, rather, is arranged at an angle to the plane of the ground, or another support surface, or a structure floor. This arrangement may be preferred, for example, in structures having canopy and/or lower shelter portions that are arranged asymmetrically with respect to a central region or an apex of the upper canopy portion.
The combination of the external suspension web and the peripheral support element distributes forces substantially uniformly and/or symmetrically along and at the transition region. Substantially uniformly and/or symmetrically directed forces may be provided using an external suspension web having a substantially continuous interface with the transition region, and/or using an external suspension web having multiple elements, or tabs, that interface with the peripheral support element at intervals. The external suspension web may be constructed from a pliable material have substantially non-stretch properties, such as a reinforced sheet material. In alternative embodiments, the external suspension web may be constructed from a material that is stretchable to pre-determined limits, or that has isotropic stretch characteristics. In some embodiments, the external suspension web may be constructed from a material that is rigid or semi-rigid.
In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, web member 42 may comprise a generally annular band having generally concentric inner and outer edges, and having fasteners spaced at intervals along the outer edge for attachment of a peripheral support element 20. In alternative embodiments, as shown in
Fasteners for retaining the peripheral support element 20 are generally provided at the narrower external support portion of tabs 48. In alternative embodiments, the peripheral suspension web may comprise a series of straps with attachment mechanisms provided at regular intervals along the transition region for suspending a peripheral support element a substantially constant distance away from the transition region. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide an external suspension web comprising the combination of a substantially non-stretch band extending at and around the transition region, for example by bonding or sewing or otherwise attaching a substantially non-stretch element around the transition region and a plurality of externally extending tabs or straps extending externally of the band at regular intervals along the transition region. In these embodiments, mounting extending tabs or straps directly or indirectly to the band facilitates uniform distribution of the load along the transition region.
The number of extending tabs 46, 46′, 48 may vary depending on various aspects of the structure's configuration, size and materials of construction, but at least three extending tabs are generally provided, and more than three tabs are preferred for many applications. In preferred embodiments, the extending tabs are arranged in a radially symmetrical manner around at least a portion of the transition region and the number of extending tabs 46, 46′, 48 is sufficient to distribute forces substantially uniformly along the transition region 40 when the peripheral support element 20 is installed. In many embodiments, the material forming extending tabs 46, 46′, 48 and stabilizing band 49 may be substantially non-stretchy, or may have substantially isotropic stretch characteristics.
One or more attachment mechanisms 44 is provided, typically at or near an outermost area of extending tabs 46, 46′, 48. Attachment mechanisms 44 may be provided as various types of clips, hooks, straps, buckles, loops, anchors, sleeves, pockets, fasteners, and the like, suitable for capturing and retaining peripheral support element 20. In some embodiments, attachment mechanism 44 comprises a securing mechanism 50 comprising a clip or a hook or another fixture suitable for capturing and securing a peripheral support element, and strap 52 provides flexible and (optionally) adjustable positioning of securing mechanism 50. Attachment, securing and adjustment mechanisms may be adjustable, in various ways, to accommodate and retain different types, sizes, perimeter dimensions and profiles of peripheral support elements, and (optionally) to vary the distance of the peripheral support element from the transition region. It will be appreciated that many different types of attachment, securing and adjustment mechanisms may be used for this purpose.
It will be appreciated that the external suspension web may take a variety of forms, any of which function to support a peripheral support element a distance externally of the transition region and to distribute forces substantially evenly and/or symmetrically along the transition region. Additional embodiments of external suspension webs, not specifically illustrated in the exemplary embodiments described above, are intended to be encompassed within the disclosure and claims of this application.
In the embodiment illustrated in
External and/or internal buttressing elements may be provided for stabilizing the external suspension web and peripheral support element and/or the transition region.
External buttress elements 60 generally provide a physical link between lower enclosure structure 22 and the external suspension web 42 and (indirectly) peripheral support element 20 and tend to stabilize the external suspension web and peripheral support element when loads are applied, such as from high winds. Several external buttress elements 60 may be provided at intervals below the external suspension web, as shown, and may be bonded, sewn, or otherwise attached to the external suspension web and the lower enclosure portion. While the external buttress elements are illustrated as generally triangular structures, it will be appreciated that other types of external buttress elements, such as cords, straps, and the like, may be provided to link the external suspension web to the lower enclosure portion in addition or alternatively to the external buttress elements shown. External buttress elements are preferably fabricated from pliable materials that have low or substantially no-stretch properties, and/or that have isotropic stretch properties.
Peripheral support elements (20, 20A, 20B) comprising many different materials and having various cross-sectional profiles and sizes may be used. Exemplary cross-sectional profiles include: rectangular profiles having the longer dimension arranged in the vertical direction when in use; rectangular profiles having the longer dimension arranged in the horizontal direction when in use; circular and substantially circular profiles; oval or oblong profiles with the longer axis arranged in the vertical direction when in use; and oval and oblong profiles with the longer axis arranged in the horizontal direction when in use. Peripheral support elements having a substantially flat profile may also be used.
Peripheral support element(s) for use with structures having a generally round transition region have a generally continuous curved form when assembled and are generally lightweight. In many embodiments, the peripheral support element(s) form a substantially continuous, closed circular form when assembled, while in other embodiments the peripheral support element(s) form a continuous curved and partially circular form when assembled. Peripheral support elements are generally substantially rigid along their longitudinal axis and form, or can be arranged to form, a continuous structural element that is at least somewhat rigid with respect to the plane defined by the continuous form when assembled. Peripheral support elements may be provided as a single, continuous structural element, such as a rod that can be arranged to form a hoop, or they may be provided as multiple constituent members that, when assembled (generally, end to end) provide a continuous, curved structural element. Disassembled peripheral support elements may be provided as pre-bent, partially pre-bent or straight sections that can be temporarily bowed to the assembled, curved form of the peripheral support element used in the erected structure.
Many different types of support elements are suitable, including conventional tent poles comprising multiple tubular members that may be detachably joined to or interlocked with one another to form an integral structural element, such as shock-corded or other types of joinable but collapsible or detachable members. Tubular sections designed to be joined to one another for applications such as tent poles generally have ends cut at a right angle to the axis of the section, with adjacent sections meeting by abutting (and/or interlocking) blunt ends of adjacent sections. These types of section joints are suitable for many applications, but they permit rotation and twisting of the adjacent sections with respect to one another. In alternative embodiments, adjacent tubular sections are provided with mating, or mirror image angular ends arranged on a bias, and adjoining ends meet and abut only in one rotational orientation. This embodiment provides structural interlocking members that, in combination, provide an integrated, longer scarfed joint characterized by controlled and limited torsional twisting and rotation of adjacent sections. Providing adjoining tubular sections having angled or biased end configurations also facilitates alignment and orientation of curved or angled tubular sections during assembly to produce the desired assembled configuration.
Constituent members or sections that are assembled to provide a generally continuous, curved form may be fabricated from individual members having a curved, arced configuration, or from individual members having linear configurations that, when assembled end to end to form a linear rod, may then be arranged in a continuous curved and/or closed circular configuration. Peripheral support elements may be constructed as unitary elements or as constituent members or sections from materials such as generally lightweight metallic and polymeric materials, natural materials such as bamboo and other woods, substantially rigid plastics and composite materials, and the like.
The structures described herein may be characterized as tensile structures, with the upper shelter portion and the (optional) lower enclosure portion being pre-stressed when the structures are erected and thereafter maintained substantially in tension. In these structures, the peripheral support element serves as an external, “floating” or “suspended” compression element. The suspended peripheral compression element is joined to the structure via the external suspension web at the transition region between the upper and lower fabric components of the structure. The forces applied above and below the transition region by the suspended peripheral support element are preferably applied substantially uniformly and/or symmetrically around the perimeter of the transition region. Because these structures perform best when the upper shelter portion and lower enclosure portions are under substantially uniform tension and remain under substantially uniform tension during their lifetimes, it is generally desirable to fabricate the structures using materials having low stretch characteristics, and/or having limited and pre-determined or substantially uniform stretch characteristics in all directions. Because using these types of materials is not always practical or cost effective, the upper shelter and (optional) lower enclosure portions may be constructed from woven materials that exhibit different stretch characteristics in different directions. In these circumstances, attention must be paid to the weave orientation and the stretch characteristics of the fabric as oriented relative to the transition region.
In some embodiments, as shown in
While stabilizing structure 70 is shown as a substantially solid, cone-shaped fabric structure in the illustrative embodiments of
In the embodiment illustrated in
The configuration of the base of shelter portion 22 may be curved having a substantially uniform radius of curvature along the transition region 93 where external suspension web 110 and peripheral base support member 113 are mounted, and may have a different configuration, such as a polygonal configuration at the base of panels 22A, 22B, as shown. Panels 22A, 22B may, for example, form a polygonal base structure. Panels 22A, 22B are suitable for use, in whole or in part, as an entry opening or doorway or vent structure.
The externally directed base suspension web with attachment mechanisms for mounting an external base support member and/or for attachment of stakes, guy lines, or the like may be used in combination with structures of the present invention incorporating an external suspension web supporting a peripheral support element at or near a transition region located at the interface of an upper canopy portion and a lower shelter portion, as shown in
Shelter structure 115 additionally comprises a floor 91 attached or attachable to, or bonded or mounted to or otherwise associated with, a base region of shelter structure 115 to provide a substantially closed or close-able internal space. The floor may be reinforced in the region where an apical support structure contacts the floor, such as in a central portion of the floor. The floor 91 may also incorporate one or more reinforcing or stabilizing straps 97 radiating from a central region of the floor and, in the embodiment shown, essentially crossing one another at a center point of the floor structure. Reinforcing straps 97 may comprise a substantially non-stretch material, or a material that stretches in a direction other than radially (with respect to the central region of the floor), and thereby stabilizing the floor and the entire structure in its erect form.
A central mounting structure 98 may additionally be provided that is configured and arranged to engage and position a lower end of an internal apical support. Such an apical support mounting structure receiving a lower end of the internal apical support provides more stable mounting and longer term positioning of the internal apical support when the structure is erected and during its use.
In the embodiment shown in
It will be appreciated that when an attached floor and/or reinforcing webbing are used as illustrated schematically in
Shelter structure 130 additionally comprises an internal apical support structure provided by two (or more) curved internal apical supports 135 having one end mounted at or near an apex of the shelter structure and another end terminating at or near a base portion of the shelter structure. The base ends of the internal apical supports may be supported by the ground or a base support, or by a floor structure. Alternatively or additionally, base ends of internal apical supports may be supported by cross-bars 136 that mount to or are supported by a peripheral base suspension member 134, as shown. Shelter configurations adopting multiple internal apical supports positioned away from the central portion of the structure provide a large internal volume that is substantially uninterrupted and may be used for various applications, including fabric tents, other types of fabric structures, exhibition structures, transient housing and other types of structures It will be appreciated that when multiple internal apical supports with base ends attached directly to a peripheral base support member or to cross-bars mounted to a peripheral base support member are used in combination with an external base suspension web as in
An intermediate external suspension web 150 may be used alone to exert forces outwardly from an intermediate region of the structure in a substantially uniform and/or symmetrical manner, but it is often employed in combination with an external suspension web 18 and peripheral support element 20 extending externally of a transition region at the interface of upper canopy portion and a lower shelter portion. In this embodiment, the intermediate external suspension web 150 may support a second continuous or partial peripheral element and/or fixtures for supporting stakes, guy lines, cables, or the like, exerting forces outwardly from the shelter structure in a substantially uniform and/or symmetrical manner. An intermediate external suspension web 150 may provide additional support and structural stability in harsh weather conditions, and may also be used to shape the external shelter profile and the internal volume.
Structures employing an intermediate external suspension web may (optionally) additionally incorporate a base suspension web 155 having fixtures 156 for retaining a base peripheral support element 158, as shown in
The structures described herein may be fabricated from pliable fabrics, including various types of sheet materials, as well as from semi-rigid and substantially rigid panel materials. In general, it is preferred to fabricate structures from materials having generally low-stretch and/or isotropic stretch properties. For applications where the portions of structures may be fabricated from multiple panels of woven fabric or other flexible materials having variable stretch characteristics, it may be desirable to more evenly distribute loads by stabilizing seams (e.g., seams joining adjacent panels, transition seams between upper shelter portions and lower enclosure portions, and in other locations) that are under tension when the structure is erected. Seam stabilization may be provided in a variety of ways, such as by providing a substantially non-stretch (or lower stretch) material sewn into, or bonded to, or otherwise attached to the underlying material at or near seam locations, or by providing reinforcing panels comprising materials having different stretch characteristics or stretch profiles along different directions at seam locations and/or at other panel locations. More generally, providing seams, interfaces and/or stabilizing panels composed of at least one material having lower (or different) stretch characteristics than other materials being joined, is useful for many types of tent and fabric structure applications. This stabilization helps to distribute the tensile forces and control the stretch or strain exerted on the fabric structures at desired locations.
In some embodiments, stabilization of fabric structures and improved distribution of tensile forces may be provided by employing webs at circumferential locations where it is desirable to have evenly distributed tensile forces, such as at transition regions (e.g., between the upper shelter section and the lower enclosure section). In the embodiment shown in
In the skeletal structural embodiments shown in
A lower peripheral band B may be provided extending between tendons T and forming a peripheral base portion. Intermediate stabilizing bands S may be provided at more than one location between the transition region and the base of the structure, as shown. The framework structure may additionally include a base external suspension web as previously described and shown. The components of this skeletal structure are preferably fabricated from materials having pliable, low-stretch characteristics, and/or uniform stretch characteristics, or from materials that are substantially non-stretchy. The skeletal structures illustrated schematically in
Alternatively or additionally, skeletal structures such as those shown in
An apex of canopy fly 160 may be reinforced where it interfaces with the apex of the underlying canopy structure and, directly or indirectly, with an internal or external apical support structure. When an internal apical support structure 12 is used, for example, an upper terminal end 162 of internal apical support structure 12 may be received through and penetrate suitable fittings provided at the apex of the upper canopy portion of the structure, as well as at the apex of the canopy fly. In this embodiment, a mating cap 164 may be mounted to the terminal end of the internal apical support after the canopy fly is positioned over the underlying canopy portion to securely position and retain the apex of the canopy fly in place. When an external apical support structure is used, the apex of the upper canopy portion and the canopy fly may be attachable to one another and mutually supported by the external support structure.
In one embodiment shown schematically in
Canopy panels 182 and sidewall panels 186 may be fabricated in a variety of ways, depending on the desired structural and functional attributes, the application, the location, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, rigid or semi-rigid canopy and/or sidewall panels joined or joinable to one another at flexible interfaces may be used. In this embodiment, the panels or subsets of panels forming the canopy and sidewalls may be foldable with respect to one another for shipping, transport and/or storage. One example of substantially rigid panels mounted to one another at flexible interfaces to provide folding panels is shown, in a portable boat application, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,570. In another embodiment, canopy panels 182 and/or sidewall panels 186 may be fabricated as a double-walled fabric pocket structure, sized and configured for placement of rigid or semi-rigid panels in the pockets at the site where the structure is erected. Panels comprising wood and wood composites and wood-containing materials, metallic materials, cardboard or paper products, plastics, foam, or the like may be used. In another embodiment, canopy and/or sidewall panels may be provided as inflatable or partially inflatable structures to provide desired rigidity, insulating properties, or the like.
In the embodiment shown in
Structures as described herein are typically erected by suspending or supporting an apex of the upper shelter portion. This may be accomplished, for example, by placing one end of at least one internal apical support structure at an apex of the upper shelter portion and placing an opposite end of the one or more internal central support structure(s) on the ground or platform, or by suspending an apical portion of the upper shelter portion using an overhead suspension system. The upper shelter portion is then extended downward and away from the supported apex and one or more peripheral support elements may be mounted in the external suspension web provided at or near the base of the upper shelter portion (and/or at a transition between the upper shelter portion and a lower enclosure portion). Alternatively, one or more peripheral support elements may be mounted and retained in the external suspension web before the central support structure is placed to support the apex of the upper shelter portion. In embodiments in which the upper shelter portion is attached to a lower enclosure portion at a transition seam or joint, a base portion of the lower enclosure portion may then be arranged and anchored, if necessary or desired, to the ground or another stationary structure at several points around its periphery. The structure is preferably erected and anchored so that forces acting at the transition region and/or at the external suspension web are exerted substantially uniformly around the perimeter of the transition region and the external suspension web.
In canopy embodiments employing only an upper shelter portion, an external retaining system and one or more peripheral support elements, the apex of the upper shelter portion may be suspended or supported, as described above, before or after one more peripheral support elements is mounted in an external suspension web. The base of the upper shelter portion is then anchored at multiple points along its periphery to the ground or to a platform or another stationary structure using ropes, wires, or the like to provide tensile forces at the periphery of the upper shelter portion. The structure is preferably erected and anchored so that forces acting at the base of the upper shelter portion and at the external retaining system are exerted substantially uniformly around the perimeter.
Kits for assembling structures of the present invention preferably comprise at least an upper shelter portion having an apex that, when supported by an apical support element, supports structural elements extending peripherally from the apex, and an external suspension web provided on or attachable to a base region of the upper shelter portion. In embodiments in which the structure comprises both an upper shelter portion and a lower enclosure portion, kits of the present invention preferably comprise at least an upper shelter portion having an apex, a lower enclosure portion joined (directly or indirectly) to a base portion of the upper shelter portion at a transition region, and an external suspension web provided at or attachable to the transition region. Kits may additionally comprise one or more apical support elements and one or more peripheral support elements in the form of or assemble-able to provide a continuous peripheral support element, such as a circular or partially circular peripheral support element, or a polygonal peripheral support element. Kits may additionally comprise coordinating protective structures such as a canopy or fly, an integral or detachable floor element, anchoring mechanisms such as straps, lines, cords, and stakes, internal shelves and accessories, and the like.
The shelter structures described herein provide many advantages. All elements other than the apical and peripheral support elements may be fabricated from pliable materials that are lightweight, if desired, and easily transported and stored. Pliable fabrics and sheet materials of various types may be used to provide shelter structures suitable for different applications and environments. The shelter structures require minimal rigid components, which may be provided as lightweight collapsible structures. When shelter structures of the present invention are assembled using an internal apical structural support, there is a single structural support member contacting the ground or other support structure, and the rigid components (the internal apical support and the continuous peripheral support element) do not intersect or contact one another, yet they function to stably support the shelter structure and provide a capacious internal volume.
It will be appreciated that the structures, support systems, kits and methods of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of different forms, and that the specific embodiments shown in the figures and described herein are presented with the understanding that the present disclosure is exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments, descriptions and illustrations provided herein.
This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/533,732 filed Sep. 12, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61533732 | Sep 2011 | US |
