[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

WO2008012636A2 - Collapsible shelter suitable for a vehicle - Google Patents

Collapsible shelter suitable for a vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008012636A2
WO2008012636A2 PCT/IB2007/002072 IB2007002072W WO2008012636A2 WO 2008012636 A2 WO2008012636 A2 WO 2008012636A2 IB 2007002072 W IB2007002072 W IB 2007002072W WO 2008012636 A2 WO2008012636 A2 WO 2008012636A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
main
frame
shaped
shaped frames
collapsible shelter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2007/002072
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008012636A3 (en
Inventor
Adriaan Nicolaas Zietsman
Original Assignee
Adriaan Nicolaas Zietsman
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Adriaan Nicolaas Zietsman filed Critical Adriaan Nicolaas Zietsman
Publication of WO2008012636A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008012636A2/en
Publication of WO2008012636A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008012636A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04HBUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H6/00Buildings for parking cars, rolling-stock, aircraft, vessels or like vehicles, e.g. garages
    • E04H6/02Small garages, e.g. for one or two cars
    • E04H6/04Small garages, e.g. for one or two cars wheeled, hinged, foldable, telescopic, swinging or otherwise movable
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04BUILDING
    • E04HBUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/34Supporting means, e.g. frames
    • E04H15/36Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type
    • E04H15/38Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type expansible, e.g. extensible in a fan type manner

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a collapsible shelter that is particularly suitable for use in respect of a vehicle in order to protect it against the elements of the weather, particularly against the ill effects of the sun, rain, wind and dirt.
  • the scope of the invention is, however, in no way limited in application to a collapsible shelter for a vehicle.
  • collapsible shelters Accordingly, numerous different collapsible shelters have been proposed in the past.
  • One general category of collapsible shelters that has attracted much attention is that consisting of inverted U-shaped frames that are rotatable about the free ends of the arms of the U so as to be movable between a generally horizontal collapsed position and an upwardly extending arched position in which they support a flexible cover.
  • a collapsible shelter having a composite frame comprising base means and a plurality of operatively inverted U-shaped frames pivotally mounted, in each instance, at the free ends of the arms thereof for movement between an inoperative and an erected condition and together forming, in the erected condition, a composite frame supporting a cover of flexible sheet material and wherein the height of the erected composite frame in at least the centre of the length thereof is less than one half of the total length of the composite frame
  • the collapsible shelter being characterised in that the composite frame includes two main U-shaped frames whereof the arms have a length equal to approximately one half of the length of the composite frame in the erected condition with the free ends of the main U-shaped frames being pivotally attached approximately centrally of the length of the erected composite frame at approximately ground level and wherein, in the erected condition, the main U-shaped frames extend in opposite directions at an inclination of from 30 to 45 degrees to the horizontal and wherein each main U-shaped frame has pivotally
  • main U-shaped frames to extend at an angle of less than about 43 and preferably less than 40 degrees to the horizontal in the erected condition, and more particularly, at an angle of from 30 to 38 degrees to horizontal; for each main U-shaped frame to have pivotally attached to it the ends of a subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frame that operatively supports the cover in the end regions of the composite frame; for the roof supporting U-shaped frames to have arms with a length of the same order as the distance between their pivotal attachment to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element of the main U- shaped frame; for the end supporting U-shaped frames to have arms of a length of the same order as the distance between their pivotal attachment to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element of the main U-shaped frame such distance optionally being greater than one half the length of the arms of the main U-shaped frame; and for the cover to include flexible sidewalls to the collapsible shelter in the erected condition.
  • main U-shaped frames to be resiliently biased in order to counterbalance, at least to some extent, the weight thereof to be moved between inoperative and erected conditions
  • the resilient bias conveniently being provided by a spring cooperating with each arm of the main U-shaped frame that rotates the greater angular distance between the inoperative and erected conditions; for elastic ties to connect selected U-shaped frames or order to urge them towards each other during erection and collapsing of the composite frame; and for locking means to be provided for locking the collapsible shelter in either the erected or the collapsed condition, or both.
  • the collapsible shelter is adapted for more permanent installation at a particular site in that it is not particularly adapted for ease of transportation.
  • the main U-shaped frames may be pivotally attached to the base means that conveniently assumes the form of a generally U-shaped base frame that is optionally provided with means for permanently securing it to a generally horizontal supporting paved surface or the like.
  • Such a base frame may have a transverse anchor plate secured between the arms thereof in a position preferably selected such that the front wheels of a vehicle to be sheltered within the erected shelter are located on the transverse anchor plate in the parked condition.
  • the main U-shaped frames may have motorised drive assemblies for effecting rotation thereof between the erected operative and collapsed inoperative conditions.
  • the collapsible shelter may be more adapted for easy transportation and erection.
  • the U- shaped frames are generally composed of a plurality of straight tubular frame members operatively interconnected by quick release couplings that may be permanently associated with one of the frame members and corners having quick release couplings that may also be permanently attached to one of the frame members.
  • the base means may include a pair of brackets that are laterally spaced midway along the length of the collapsible shelter with one end of each of the main U-shaped frames and both of a front and rear terminal U-shaped frame attached thereto, in all appropriate cases by means of a common pivot.
  • Appropriate frame members are preferably formed into subassemblies including, in one case, a subassembly of a bracket and four frame members pivotally attached thereto in the above case, and subassemblies of three frame members pivotally connected so as the form part of each of a main U-shaped frame, a roof supporting U-shaped frame and a subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frame.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic side view of one generally more permanently located embodiment of collapsible shelter according to the invention with the shelter in the erected condition;
  • Figure 2 is the same as Figure 1 showing the shelter in a partly collapsed condition
  • Figure 3 is the same as Figure 2 showing the shelter in a more advanced stage of collapse thereof;
  • Figure 4 is a plan view showing the shelter in a collapsed condition
  • Figure 5 is an end elevation of the shelter frame in the erected condition thereof;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic side view similar to Figure 1 of a second embodiment of collapsible frame according to the invention, being a more portable variation;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the frame thereof in the erected condition
  • Figure 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating some of the components of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 6 and 7;
  • Figure 9 is a schematic rear view of a rear wheel anchor element of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 8; and,
  • Figure 10 is a schematic rear view of a front wheel anchor element of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 8.
  • a collapsible shelter of a variety that is particularly adapted for more permanent installation, and is therefore not particularly easily portable has a generally U-shaped base frame (1) that is optionally provided with means for permanently securing or locking it to a generally horizontal supporting paved surface (2). Also with a view to preventing theft, as well as simply anchoring the frame securely in position, the base frame has a transverse anchor plate (3) secured between the arms (4) of the base frame in a position selected such that the front wheels (5a) of a vehicle (5) to be sheltered within the erected shelter are located on the transverse anchor plate.
  • the U-shaped base frame has, in this embodiment of the invention, a length equal to about one half of the length of the erected structure, typically about 3 metres (about 10 feet), and a width that is typically about 2.2 to 2.5 metres (about 8 to about 9 feet).
  • Pivotally attached to the free end regions of the arms of the base frame are the free ends of a pair of main U-shaped frame members (6) whereof the arms have a length equal to approximately one half of the length of the composite frame (that is about 3 metres (about 10 feet) in the present instance) with the free ends of the main U-shaped frames being pivotally attached approximately centrally of the length of the erected composite frame at approximately ground level to the base frame.
  • the arrangement is such that, in the erected condition, the main U-shaped frames extend in opposite directions at an inclination indicated in Figure 1 as angle " ⁇ " of between 30 and 45 degrees to the horizontal, depending on the height required of the shelter.
  • angle " ⁇ " of between 30 and 45 degrees to the horizontal, depending on the height required of the shelter.
  • an angle " ⁇ " of 30 degrees gives a height of the main U-shaped frames of about 1.5 metres (about 5 feet); 37 degrees gives a height of about 1.8 metres (about 6 feet); and 42 degrees gives a height of about 2.0 meters (about 6 1 ⁇ feet).
  • the selection of the height will depend on requirements and the shape of the vehicle to be sheltered therein with an angle of 37 degrees giving what applicant considers to be an all purpose type of height of 1.8 metres (about 6 feet).
  • Each main U-shaped frame (6) has pivotally attached thereto the ends of a subsidiary roof supporting U-shaped frame (7) that is attached to a main U- shaped supporting frame intermediate its ends such that the two roof supporting U-shaped frames extend upwardly and towards each other in the erected condition, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the main U-shaped frames and the two roof supporting U-shaped frames thus form the main support structure for a cover (8) that is attached to the frame members in any convenient manner, many of which are well-known to those skilled in the art.
  • the length of the arms of the roof supporting U-shaped frames is somewhat less than half of the length of the arms of the main U-shaped frames with such length being of the same order as the distance between their pivotal attachment (9) to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element (10) of the main U-shaped frame.
  • the length of the arms of the roof supporting U-shaped frames is about 1.25 metres (about 4 feet) and the pivotal attachment (9) is about 1.25 metres (about 4 feet) from the transverse element (10) of the main U-shaped frame.
  • Each main U-shaped frame also has pivotally attached to it the ends of a subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frame (11) that operatively supports the cover in the end regions of the composite frame at the positions where the cover extends generally vertically downwards.
  • These end supporting U- shaped frames have arms of a length of the same order as the distance between the pivotal attachment (12) thereof to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element (10) of the main U-shaped frame and such distance is, in this embodiment of the invention, greater than half the length of the arms of the main U-shaped frame.
  • the length of the arms of the end supporting U-shaped frames is about 1.75 metres (about 5Vz feet) as is the distance of the pivotal attachment (12) thereof from the transverse element (10) of the associated main U-shaped frame.
  • one half (13) of the peripheral edge of the cover is secured to the base frame whilst the other half (14) of the peripheral edge is attached to a terminal U-shaped frame (15) having the same general dimensions as the main U-shaped frames.
  • the terminal U- shaped frame is pivotally attached to the base frame generally coaxially with the main U-shaped frames and it is thus movable between an inoperative position in which it is superimposed on the base frame and an operative position in which it holds the one half of the peripheral edge of the cover in association with the supporting paved surface, as shown in Figure 1.
  • transverse members of the various U-shaped frames are attached to the cover that therefore acts to hold them in their operative spaced positions.
  • a tension element (16) in this instance in the form of an over-centre locking type of hinged stay, used to interlink the main U-shaped frames with each other in order to hold them at their required inclination to each other.
  • the cover itself will generally be provided with air vents (17) of generally known type, typically towards the top of the cover in its operative position.
  • the terminal U-shaped frame may be driven by means of a pair of electric motors (18), one of which may be located at each side of the composite frame, as shown in Figure 5.
  • the main U-shaped frame that operatively extends rearwards is resiliently biased by means of, in this instance, a helical tension spring (19), having one end connected to the main U-shaped frame at a suitable spacing from the pivot and an extension (4a) of the arms (4) of the base frame (1) that extend rearwards.
  • a helical tension spring (19) having one end connected to the main U-shaped frame at a suitable spacing from the pivot and an extension (4a) of the arms (4) of the base frame (1) that extend rearwards.
  • Collapsing and erecting of the collapsible shelter may be further facilitated by installing elastic ties (20) between the main U-shaped frame and its associated roof supporting frame, in each instance.
  • the elastic ties are stretched to a suitable extent in the erected condition and function to assist in smoothly raising the shelter from the collapsed inoperative condition to its erected operative condition and in the folding activity to the inoperative condition.
  • the security of the structure can be enhanced by bolting the anchor plate (3) to the paved or concrete surface on which the cover is installed by means of bolts (22) and also bolting the U-shaped base frame to the paved or concrete surface by means of bolts (23) in particular located near the pivots at the free ends of the arms (4) of the base frame, as indicated in Figure 4.
  • Security can be enhanced by providing releasable locks on one or more of the pivotal joints between U-shaped frame members such as the pivotal joints (9) between the main U-shaped frames (6) and the roof supporting U- shaped frame (7) and/or the pivotal joints (12) between the end supporting U- shaped frame (11) and the main U-shaped frames (6) so that the frame members can be locked in either the collapsed for the erected condition, as may be required, or both.
  • U-shaped frame members such as the pivotal joints (9) between the main U-shaped frames (6) and the roof supporting U- shaped frame (7) and/or the pivotal joints (12) between the end supporting U- shaped frame (11) and the main U-shaped frames (6) so that the frame members can be locked in either the collapsed for the erected condition, as may be required, or both.
  • the U-shaped base frame is replaced by a front terminal U- shaped frame (30) and this U-shaped frame, as well as the main U-shaped frames (31), the roof supporting U-shaped frames (32), subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frames (33) and the rear terminal U-shaped frame (34) are all made of lightweight, typically aluminium tubes and are each made up of a plurality of straight tubular frame members generally indicated by numeral (35) in Figure 8.
  • the tubular frame members are operatively interconnected by quick release couplings of a spigot and socket type and corners (36) also having quick release couplings.
  • the base means includes a pair of brackets (37) that are to be laterally spaced midway along the length of the collapsible shelter and to each of which is pivotally attached, by means of a common pivot (38), one end frame member of each of the main U-shaped frames and a front and rear terminal U-shaped frames in the form of a subassembly indicated by numeral (39).
  • the brackets are adapted to be bolted or otherwise anchored to the road surface.
  • the length of both of the arms of the roof supporting U-shaped frames (32) and the subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frames are same and in this embodiment of the invention are equal to one third of the length of the main U-shaped frame arms.
  • the individual straight tubular frame members are of a length of about one metre so that a three metre length of the main U-shaped frames is achieved using three tubular frame members and the width of about 2, or 2.2 metres (about 6/4 or 7 feet) is achieved using two frame members.
  • the resultant lightweight shelter is anchored in position in its operative condition by a pair of front wheel anchor elements (41) each of which has a sleeve (42) through which the arms of the front terminal U-shaped frame pass and a pair of rear wheel anchor elements (43) that have an open channel (44) arranged to receive the rear terminal U-shaped frame (34) in the erected condition.
  • a removable pin (45) holds the rear terminal U-shaped frame captive in the channel and the rear wheel anchor elements are located so that the rear wheels and a vehicle are positioned thereon.
  • the position of the rear wheel anchor elements may be fixed by bolting the elements to the road surface and the positions of the front wheel anchor elements may be fixed by a lock screw (not shown) that fixes the axial position of the sleeve on the front terminal U-shaped frame.
  • the front will anchor elements have an upstanding flange (46) (see Figure 10) that a driver will sense when positioning a vehicle on the anchor elements.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices Affording Protection Of Roads Or Walls For Sound Insulation (AREA)

Abstract

A collapsible shelter is provided having a composite frame comprising a base (1, 37) and two main U-shaped frames whereof the arms have a length equal to approximately one half of the length of the composite frame with the free ends of the main U-shaped frames (6, 31) being pivotally attached approximately centrally of the length of the erected composite frame at approximately ground level. In the erected condition, the main U-shaped frames extend in opposite directions at an inclination of from 30 to 45 degrees to the horizontal, and preferably about 37 degrees, and each main U-shaped frame has pivotally attached thereto the ends of a subsidiary roof supporting U- shaped frame (7, 32) that is attached to a main U-shaped frame intermediate its ends. The two roof supporting U-shaped frames extend upwardly and towards each other in the erected condition to support the cover between the two main U-shaped frames.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER SUITABLE FOR A VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a collapsible shelter that is particularly suitable for use in respect of a vehicle in order to protect it against the elements of the weather, particularly against the ill effects of the sun, rain, wind and dirt. The scope of the invention is, however, in no way limited in application to a collapsible shelter for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
There are numerous instances in which garage facilities are not available for a motor vehicle whilst it is desired to provide protection for the vehicle against the ill effects of the sun, rain, wind and dirt. A convenient way of providing such a shelter, in the event that an outside wall is available, is to construct a so-called lean-to, or alternatively to construct a permanent carport. However, such constructions may contravene local regulations and may be undesirable, in any event, for aesthetic or even structural reasons.
Accordingly, numerous different collapsible shelters have been proposed in the past. One general category of collapsible shelters that has attracted much attention is that consisting of inverted U-shaped frames that are rotatable about the free ends of the arms of the U so as to be movable between a generally horizontal collapsed position and an upwardly extending arched position in which they support a flexible cover.
The difficulty with this arrangement is that vehicles generally require a shelter of the order of about six metres long whilst a height of only about two metres is all that is required. Accordingly, the typical radial concertina structure in which the free ends of the U-shaped frames are ail pivotally attached at a central position would lead to an unduly high structure, typically three metres, being the radius required for a six metre long structure. The additional height of an extra metre would mean not only that the structure must be made much stronger to withstand winds for example, and therefore much more expensive, but it would also create an unnecessarily large structure that would generally be undesirable from the aesthetic point of view.
Prior attempts to overcome this difficulty generally resulted in some of the U- shaped frames having their lower ends mounted on slides or runners so that the composite framework can be extended horizontally as it is moved from the collapsed horizontal condition to the erected condition. US patents
4,886,083 and 5,740,826 are examples of such constructions. Both of these constructions are, in applicant's view, unnecessarily complex with accompanying costs of construction and maintenance as well as resulting in the fact that the shelter is more difficult to erect and collapse.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a collapsible shelter of the general type based on U-shaped frames wherein any sliding movement of pivotal points is obviated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention there is provided a collapsible shelter having a composite frame comprising base means and a plurality of operatively inverted U-shaped frames pivotally mounted, in each instance, at the free ends of the arms thereof for movement between an inoperative and an erected condition and together forming, in the erected condition, a composite frame supporting a cover of flexible sheet material and wherein the height of the erected composite frame in at least the centre of the length thereof is less than one half of the total length of the composite frame, the collapsible shelter being characterised in that the composite frame includes two main U-shaped frames whereof the arms have a length equal to approximately one half of the length of the composite frame in the erected condition with the free ends of the main U-shaped frames being pivotally attached approximately centrally of the length of the erected composite frame at approximately ground level and wherein, in the erected condition, the main U-shaped frames extend in opposite directions at an inclination of from 30 to 45 degrees to the horizontal and wherein each main U-shaped frame has pivotally attached thereto the ends of a subsidiary roof supporting U-shaped frame that is attached to a main U-shaped frame intermediate its ends such that the two roof supporting U-shaped frames extend upwardly and towards each other in the erected condition to support the cover between the two main U-shaped frames.
Further features of the invention provide for the main U-shaped frames to extend at an angle of less than about 43 and preferably less than 40 degrees to the horizontal in the erected condition, and more particularly, at an angle of from 30 to 38 degrees to horizontal; for each main U-shaped frame to have pivotally attached to it the ends of a subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frame that operatively supports the cover in the end regions of the composite frame; for the roof supporting U-shaped frames to have arms with a length of the same order as the distance between their pivotal attachment to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element of the main U- shaped frame; for the end supporting U-shaped frames to have arms of a length of the same order as the distance between their pivotal attachment to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element of the main U-shaped frame such distance optionally being greater than one half the length of the arms of the main U-shaped frame; and for the cover to include flexible sidewalls to the collapsible shelter in the erected condition. Still further features of the invention provide for the main U-shaped frames to be resiliently biased in order to counterbalance, at least to some extent, the weight thereof to be moved between inoperative and erected conditions, the resilient bias conveniently being provided by a spring cooperating with each arm of the main U-shaped frame that rotates the greater angular distance between the inoperative and erected conditions; for elastic ties to connect selected U-shaped frames or order to urge them towards each other during erection and collapsing of the composite frame; and for locking means to be provided for locking the collapsible shelter in either the erected or the collapsed condition, or both.
In one variation of the invention the collapsible shelter is adapted for more permanent installation at a particular site in that it is not particularly adapted for ease of transportation. In this variation the main U-shaped frames may be pivotally attached to the base means that conveniently assumes the form of a generally U-shaped base frame that is optionally provided with means for permanently securing it to a generally horizontal supporting paved surface or the like. Such a base frame may have a transverse anchor plate secured between the arms thereof in a position preferably selected such that the front wheels of a vehicle to be sheltered within the erected shelter are located on the transverse anchor plate in the parked condition. In this variation the main U-shaped frames may have motorised drive assemblies for effecting rotation thereof between the erected operative and collapsed inoperative conditions.
In another variation of the invention the collapsible shelter may be more adapted for easy transportation and erection. In such an instance the U- shaped frames are generally composed of a plurality of straight tubular frame members operatively interconnected by quick release couplings that may be permanently associated with one of the frame members and corners having quick release couplings that may also be permanently attached to one of the frame members. In this variation, the base means may include a pair of brackets that are laterally spaced midway along the length of the collapsible shelter with one end of each of the main U-shaped frames and both of a front and rear terminal U-shaped frame attached thereto, in all appropriate cases by means of a common pivot. Appropriate frame members are preferably formed into subassemblies including, in one case, a subassembly of a bracket and four frame members pivotally attached thereto in the above case, and subassemblies of three frame members pivotally connected so as the form part of each of a main U-shaped frame, a roof supporting U-shaped frame and a subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frame.
In order that the invention may be more fully understood two embodiments thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:-
Figure 1 is a schematic side view of one generally more permanently located embodiment of collapsible shelter according to the invention with the shelter in the erected condition;
Figure 2 is the same as Figure 1 showing the shelter in a partly collapsed condition;
Figure 3 is the same as Figure 2 showing the shelter in a more advanced stage of collapse thereof;
Figure 4 is a plan view showing the shelter in a collapsed condition;
Figure 5 is an end elevation of the shelter frame in the erected condition thereof; Figure 6 is a schematic side view similar to Figure 1 of a second embodiment of collapsible frame according to the invention, being a more portable variation;
Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the frame thereof in the erected condition;
Figure 8 is a schematic plan view illustrating some of the components of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 6 and 7;
Figure 9 is a schematic rear view of a rear wheel anchor element of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 8; and,
Figure 10 is a schematic rear view of a front wheel anchor element of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, a collapsible shelter of a variety that is particularly adapted for more permanent installation, and is therefore not particularly easily portable, has a generally U-shaped base frame (1) that is optionally provided with means for permanently securing or locking it to a generally horizontal supporting paved surface (2). Also with a view to preventing theft, as well as simply anchoring the frame securely in position, the base frame has a transverse anchor plate (3) secured between the arms (4) of the base frame in a position selected such that the front wheels (5a) of a vehicle (5) to be sheltered within the erected shelter are located on the transverse anchor plate. There may also be provided locking means for releasably locking the collapsible shelter in both the erected and the collapsed conditions. The U-shaped base frame has, in this embodiment of the invention, a length equal to about one half of the length of the erected structure, typically about 3 metres (about 10 feet), and a width that is typically about 2.2 to 2.5 metres (about 8 to about 9 feet).
Pivotally attached to the free end regions of the arms of the base frame are the free ends of a pair of main U-shaped frame members (6) whereof the arms have a length equal to approximately one half of the length of the composite frame (that is about 3 metres (about 10 feet) in the present instance) with the free ends of the main U-shaped frames being pivotally attached approximately centrally of the length of the erected composite frame at approximately ground level to the base frame.
The arrangement is such that, in the erected condition, the main U-shaped frames extend in opposite directions at an inclination indicated in Figure 1 as angle "α" of between 30 and 45 degrees to the horizontal, depending on the height required of the shelter. As a general indication, with a length of the structure of about 6 metres (about 20 feet), that is a half length of about three metres (about 10 feet), an angle "α" of 30 degrees gives a height of the main U-shaped frames of about 1.5 metres (about 5 feet); 37 degrees gives a height of about 1.8 metres (about 6 feet); and 42 degrees gives a height of about 2.0 meters (about 61Λ feet). The selection of the height will depend on requirements and the shape of the vehicle to be sheltered therein with an angle of 37 degrees giving what applicant considers to be an all purpose type of height of 1.8 metres (about 6 feet).
Each main U-shaped frame (6) has pivotally attached thereto the ends of a subsidiary roof supporting U-shaped frame (7) that is attached to a main U- shaped supporting frame intermediate its ends such that the two roof supporting U-shaped frames extend upwardly and towards each other in the erected condition, as shown in Figure 1. The main U-shaped frames and the two roof supporting U-shaped frames thus form the main support structure for a cover (8) that is attached to the frame members in any convenient manner, many of which are well-known to those skilled in the art.
In this embodiment of the invention the length of the arms of the roof supporting U-shaped frames is somewhat less than half of the length of the arms of the main U-shaped frames with such length being of the same order as the distance between their pivotal attachment (9) to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element (10) of the main U-shaped frame. In the specific example given, the length of the arms of the roof supporting U-shaped frames is about 1.25 metres (about 4 feet) and the pivotal attachment (9) is about 1.25 metres (about 4 feet) from the transverse element (10) of the main U-shaped frame.
Each main U-shaped frame also has pivotally attached to it the ends of a subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frame (11) that operatively supports the cover in the end regions of the composite frame at the positions where the cover extends generally vertically downwards. These end supporting U- shaped frames have arms of a length of the same order as the distance between the pivotal attachment (12) thereof to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element (10) of the main U-shaped frame and such distance is, in this embodiment of the invention, greater than half the length of the arms of the main U-shaped frame. In this instance the length of the arms of the end supporting U-shaped frames is about 1.75 metres (about 5Vz feet) as is the distance of the pivotal attachment (12) thereof from the transverse element (10) of the associated main U-shaped frame. The result is that the end supporting U-shaped frames, in the erected condition, extend generally horizontally.
In order to form a complete enclosure, one half (13) of the peripheral edge of the cover is secured to the base frame whilst the other half (14) of the peripheral edge is attached to a terminal U-shaped frame (15) having the same general dimensions as the main U-shaped frames. The terminal U- shaped frame is pivotally attached to the base frame generally coaxially with the main U-shaped frames and it is thus movable between an inoperative position in which it is superimposed on the base frame and an operative position in which it holds the one half of the peripheral edge of the cover in association with the supporting paved surface, as shown in Figure 1.
It will be understood that the transverse members of the various U-shaped frames are attached to the cover that therefore acts to hold them in their operative spaced positions. However, in order to avoid undue strain being placed on the fabric from which the cover is made, a tension element (16), in this instance in the form of an over-centre locking type of hinged stay, used to interlink the main U-shaped frames with each other in order to hold them at their required inclination to each other.
Of course, the cover itself will generally be provided with air vents (17) of generally known type, typically towards the top of the cover in its operative position.
It will be understood that it will be a simple matter to move the terminal U- shaped frame between its operative and inoperative terminal positions corresponding to the operative and inoperative conditions of the collapsible shelter. If required, one or more suitable pull cords may be provided to assist in this function.
Alternatively, the terminal U-shaped frame may be driven by means of a pair of electric motors (18), one of which may be located at each side of the composite frame, as shown in Figure 5.
In any event, in order to facilitate the movement of the various U-shaped frames between their inoperative an operative positions, the main U-shaped frame that operatively extends rearwards is resiliently biased by means of, in this instance, a helical tension spring (19), having one end connected to the main U-shaped frame at a suitable spacing from the pivot and an extension (4a) of the arms (4) of the base frame (1) that extend rearwards.
Collapsing and erecting of the collapsible shelter may be further facilitated by installing elastic ties (20) between the main U-shaped frame and its associated roof supporting frame, in each instance. The elastic ties are stretched to a suitable extent in the erected condition and function to assist in smoothly raising the shelter from the collapsed inoperative condition to its erected operative condition and in the folding activity to the inoperative condition.
It is to be noted that the security of the structure can be enhanced by bolting the anchor plate (3) to the paved or concrete surface on which the cover is installed by means of bolts (22) and also bolting the U-shaped base frame to the paved or concrete surface by means of bolts (23) in particular located near the pivots at the free ends of the arms (4) of the base frame, as indicated in Figure 4.
Security can be enhanced by providing releasable locks on one or more of the pivotal joints between U-shaped frame members such as the pivotal joints (9) between the main U-shaped frames (6) and the roof supporting U- shaped frame (7) and/or the pivotal joints (12) between the end supporting U- shaped frame (11) and the main U-shaped frames (6) so that the frame members can be locked in either the collapsed for the erected condition, as may be required, or both.
Turning now to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, a substantially more portable variation of the collapsible shelter is provided. In this instance the U-shaped base frame is replaced by a front terminal U- shaped frame (30) and this U-shaped frame, as well as the main U-shaped frames (31), the roof supporting U-shaped frames (32), subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frames (33) and the rear terminal U-shaped frame (34) are all made of lightweight, typically aluminium tubes and are each made up of a plurality of straight tubular frame members generally indicated by numeral (35) in Figure 8. The tubular frame members are operatively interconnected by quick release couplings of a spigot and socket type and corners (36) also having quick release couplings.
In this variation, the base means includes a pair of brackets (37) that are to be laterally spaced midway along the length of the collapsible shelter and to each of which is pivotally attached, by means of a common pivot (38), one end frame member of each of the main U-shaped frames and a front and rear terminal U-shaped frames in the form of a subassembly indicated by numeral (39). The brackets are adapted to be bolted or otherwise anchored to the road surface.
Also formed as a subassembly (40) are three pivotally interconnected frame members that form part of each of a main U-shaped frame, a roof supporting U-shaped frame and an end supporting U-shaped frame. With this end in view, the length of both of the arms of the roof supporting U-shaped frames (32) and the subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frames are same and in this embodiment of the invention are equal to one third of the length of the main U-shaped frame arms. Typically, in the arrangement illustrated, the individual straight tubular frame members are of a length of about one metre so that a three metre length of the main U-shaped frames is achieved using three tubular frame members and the width of about 2, or 2.2 metres (about 6/4 or 7 feet) is achieved using two frame members.
The resultant lightweight shelter is anchored in position in its operative condition by a pair of front wheel anchor elements (41) each of which has a sleeve (42) through which the arms of the front terminal U-shaped frame pass and a pair of rear wheel anchor elements (43) that have an open channel (44) arranged to receive the rear terminal U-shaped frame (34) in the erected condition. A removable pin (45) holds the rear terminal U-shaped frame captive in the channel and the rear wheel anchor elements are located so that the rear wheels and a vehicle are positioned thereon. The position of the rear wheel anchor elements may be fixed by bolting the elements to the road surface and the positions of the front wheel anchor elements may be fixed by a lock screw (not shown) that fixes the axial position of the sleeve on the front terminal U-shaped frame. In order to assist a driver in properly locating a vehicle on the anchor elements the front will anchor elements have an upstanding flange (46) (see Figure 10) that a driver will sense when positioning a vehicle on the anchor elements.
An embodiment of the invention made as described with reference to Figures 6 to 10, in the event that a 25 millimetre (1 inch) diameter aluminium tube is used, can be accommodated, together with a cover and side walls, in a portable bag measuring 1 , 2 metres long (about 4 feet) by 400 millimetres (about 16 inches) wide and 400 millimetres high (about 16 inches).
It will be understood that numerous variations may be made to the embodiments of the invention described above without departing from scope hereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A collapsible shelter having a composite frame comprising base means (1 , 37) and a plurality of operatively inverted U-shaped frames pivotally mounted, in each instance, at the free ends of the arms thereof for movement between an inoperative and an erected condition and together forming, in the erected condition, a composite frame supporting a cover (8) of flexible sheet material and wherein the height of the erected composite frame in at least the centre of the length thereof is less than one half of the total length of the composite frame, the collapsible shelter being characterised in that the composite frame includes two main U-shaped frames (6, 31) whereof the arms have a length equal to approximately one half of the length of the composite frame in the erected condition with the free ends of the main U-shaped frames being pivotally attached approximately centrally of the length of the erected composite frame at approximately ground level and wherein, in the erected condition, the main U-shaped frames extend in opposite directions at an inclination of from 30 to 45 degrees to the horizontal and wherein each main U-shaped frame has pivotally attached thereto the ends of a subsidiary roof supporting U- shaped frame (7, 32) that is attached to a main U-shaped frame intermediate its ends such that the two roof supporting U-shaped frames extend upwardly and towards each other in the erected condition to support the cover between the two main U-shaped frames.
2. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 1 in which the roof supporting U-shaped frames have arms with a length of the same order as the distance between their pivotal attachment (9) to the associated main U-shaped frame and the transverse element (10) of the main U- shaped frame such distance being less than one half the length of the arms of the main U-shaped frame.
3. A collapsible shelter as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2 in which each main U-shaped frame has pivotally attached to it the ends of a subsidiary end supporting U-shaped frame (11 , 33) that operatively supports the cover in the end regions of the composite frame.
4. A collapsible shelter as claimed in claim 3 in which the end supporting U-shaped frames have arms of a length of the same order as the distance between the pivotal attachment to the associated main U- shaped frame and the transverse element of the main U-shaped frame.
5. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the main U-shaped frames extend, in the operative condition, in opposite directions at an inclination of from 30 to 38 degrees to the horizontal.
6. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the cover includes flexible sidewalls to the collapsible shelter in the erected condition.
7. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the main U-shaped frames are pivotally attached to the base means that assumes the form of a generally U-shaped base frame (1).
8. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the base means include a pair of brackets (37) that are laterally spaced midway along the length of the collapsible shelter with one end of each of the main U-shaped frames (31) and a front and rear terminal U-shaped frames (30, 34) being attached thereto by means of a common pivot (38).
9. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the U-shaped frames are generally composed of a plurality of straight tubular frame members (35) operatively interconnected by quick release couplings that are optionally permanently associated with one of the frame members and corners (36) having quick release couplings that may optionally also be permanently attached to one of the frame members.
10. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the base means is provided with means for permanently securing it to a generally horizontal supporting paved surface or the like.
11. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a main U-shaped frame (6) is resiliently biased (19) in order to counterbalance, at least to some extent, the weight thereof to be moved between inoperative and erected conditions.
12. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which elastic ties (20) connect selected U-shaped frames or order to urge them towards each other.
13. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which appropriate U-shaped frames have motorised drive assemblies (18) for effecting rotation thereof between the erected operative and collapsed inoperative conditions.
14. A collapsible shelter as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the base means as one or more anchor (3, 42, 43) elements arranged such that wheels of a vehicle to be sheltered within the erected shelter are located on the anchor element is in the parked condition.
PCT/IB2007/002072 2006-07-28 2007-07-23 Collapsible shelter suitable for a vehicle WO2008012636A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2006/06260 2006-07-28
ZA200606260 2006-07-28
ZA2006/09094 2006-11-01
ZA200609094 2006-11-01

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008012636A2 true WO2008012636A2 (en) 2008-01-31
WO2008012636A3 WO2008012636A3 (en) 2008-06-26

Family

ID=38981836

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2007/002072 WO2008012636A2 (en) 2006-07-28 2007-07-23 Collapsible shelter suitable for a vehicle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008012636A2 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2165870A1 (en) * 2008-09-18 2010-03-24 Sportsman Corporation Air-permeable simple car cover tent
EP2236702A1 (en) * 2009-04-02 2010-10-06 Sportsman Corporation Co. Mobile garage having a side door
CN103437591A (en) * 2013-09-09 2013-12-11 江燕南 Tent
CN103711340A (en) * 2013-12-14 2014-04-09 张中举 Movable folding car shed
CN110821227A (en) * 2019-11-27 2020-02-21 盐城吉大智能终端产业研究院有限公司 Shared automobile parking base station based on 5G internet of vehicles
KR20220115226A (en) * 2021-02-10 2022-08-17 오완곤 Tent For Vehicle

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4886083A (en) * 1989-02-15 1989-12-12 Mark Gamache Vehicle cover
US4944321A (en) * 1990-02-02 1990-07-31 Moyet Ortiz Francisco Portable vehicle garage and tent structure
EP1101885A2 (en) * 1999-11-22 2001-05-23 Nicola Sepe Modular unfoldable cover structure

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4886083A (en) * 1989-02-15 1989-12-12 Mark Gamache Vehicle cover
US4944321A (en) * 1990-02-02 1990-07-31 Moyet Ortiz Francisco Portable vehicle garage and tent structure
EP1101885A2 (en) * 1999-11-22 2001-05-23 Nicola Sepe Modular unfoldable cover structure

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2165870A1 (en) * 2008-09-18 2010-03-24 Sportsman Corporation Air-permeable simple car cover tent
EP2236702A1 (en) * 2009-04-02 2010-10-06 Sportsman Corporation Co. Mobile garage having a side door
CN103437591A (en) * 2013-09-09 2013-12-11 江燕南 Tent
CN103711340A (en) * 2013-12-14 2014-04-09 张中举 Movable folding car shed
CN103711340B (en) * 2013-12-14 2016-05-18 张中举 Movable folding type bicycle shed
CN110821227A (en) * 2019-11-27 2020-02-21 盐城吉大智能终端产业研究院有限公司 Shared automobile parking base station based on 5G internet of vehicles
KR20220115226A (en) * 2021-02-10 2022-08-17 오완곤 Tent For Vehicle
KR102496854B1 (en) * 2021-02-10 2023-02-06 오완곤 Tent For Vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2008012636A3 (en) 2008-06-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP7129119B2 (en) Adjustable center canopy/ring canopy with centering clamp and anti-mite downward tooth and water drain groove and center inner face square lock Wind and smoke redirection adjustable center canopy system and multi-function hook, rope, stake, pulley system・Adjustable perimeter awning ・Single center inner face square locking ・Pop-up
US6971433B2 (en) Automatic retractable awning
WO2008012636A2 (en) Collapsible shelter suitable for a vehicle
US5579796A (en) Automobile shelter structure
KR20150026425A (en) pagora with electric awning apparatus
US20040074157A1 (en) Sliding roof shade
WO1998007937A1 (en) Shading apparatus
JP2009041234A (en) Tent-type garage and fixing device
GB2476052A (en) A collapsible car garage tent
JP5150611B2 (en) Temporary structure
US20030121539A1 (en) Collapsible structure for patios and driveways
KR102203972B1 (en) canopy type structure for parking lot
US20070157959A1 (en) Portable shelter
KR102481900B1 (en) smart shade
WO1996013645A1 (en) A portable vehicle shelter and support post therefor
AU2010100817A4 (en) Awning and frame assembly therefor
CN2248658Y (en) Miniature two direction folding tent-like gararge for car
WO2003035995A1 (en) Collapsible awning
WO2009127758A2 (en) Structure for a solar tracker, and installation method
AU2011204868B2 (en) Shelter and frame assembly therefor
CN114033113A (en) Automatic receive and release weather enclosure
RU2395657C1 (en) Small tent by kovalev
KR200223849Y1 (en) Multi-purpose 2-story car tent
AU727100B2 (en) A frame, a frame system and a method of forming a frame system
AU2011202395B2 (en) Awning and frame therefor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: RU

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07789515

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2