Abstract:
A portable and adjustable shelter for sheltering vehicles, cars, or goods or people is disclosed. The shelter includes a plurality of legs, each leg having a column base attached to a first column which is attached to a second column. The first column is vertically adjustable relative to the column base, enabling the height of the legs to be adjusted. The second column has a projection for attaching to a roof. The roof has a pair of truss assemblies each configured to attach two legs, and each having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface defines a plurality of spaced apart receptacles sized to receive the projection of the second column to secure the roof to the legs at various positions, enabling the user to alter the width of the shelter.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a portable shelter. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an assembly that is readily customizable in size in order to shelter objects such as vehicles, people, or goods, for a short or an extended period of time. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment, a portable and adjustable shelter includes a plurality of legs. Each leg has a column base defining a lower surface for contacting an underlying surface, and an upper surface defining a cavity with a first surface feature therein. Each leg also has a first column with a second surface feature configured to engage with the first surface feature within the cavity, wherein the second surface feature is adjustable relative to the first surface feature enabling the first column to be vertically adjusted relative to the column base. Each leg also has a second column configured to attach coaxially with the first column, the second column having a projection extending therefrom. The shelter further includes a roof attached to the plurality of legs, the roof having a pair of truss assemblies configured to connect two of the legs, each truss assembly having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of each truss assembly defining a plurality of spaced apart receptacles sized to receive the projection of the second column to secure the roof to the legs at various positions. 
     According to another embodiment, a portable and adjustable shelter includes a plurality of legs adjustable in height, wherein a portion of the legs define a hollow cavity covered by a plug to enable storage of a substance therein to add weight to the legs, the legs each having a projection at one end. A pair of truss assemblies each connect two of the legs along a length of the shelter, and each truss assembly has a plurality of receptacles facing the legs and configured to receive the projection enabling the legs to connect to the truss assemblies at various distances apart. The truss assemblies have a plurality of notches formed therein. A plurality of beam body members each connect to both truss assemblies within two of the notches. A fabric covers the beam body members and at least a portion of the truss assemblies. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a portable shelter according to one embodiment of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a placement template for aiding a user in locating components of the portable enclosure for proper alignment and sizing, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of one of the legs of the portable shelter, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of a column base of one of the legs, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment rod configured to be housed within the column base of one of the legs, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3D  is a perspective view taken along line D of  FIG. 3F . 
         FIG. 3E  is an exploded perspective view of an upper portion of a lower column of the leg within line C of  FIG. 3F , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3F , is an exploded perspective view of the leg of  FIG. 3A , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3G  is a side view of an upper column of the leg, according to one embodiment in which the upper column has a beam hole extending therethrough. 
         FIG. 3H  is a side view of an upper column of the leg, according to an alternative embodiment in which the upper column has a beam hole that extends only partially therethrough. 
         FIG. 3I  is an exploded perspective view of a handle that can be rotatably attached to a lower column of the leg via a pin, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3J  is a perspective view of a plug insertable into a hole in a lower region of the leg, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of a column beam configured to attach to a pair of legs along a width of the portable structure, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom perspective view of the column beam of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view of the column beam taken along line C-C of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a truss assembly configured to attach a pair of legs along a length of the portable structure, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is a top perspective view of a middle truss body of the truss assembly, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6B  is a bottom perspective view of the middle truss body of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a top perspective view of an end truss body of the truss assembly, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  is a bottom perspective view of the end truss body of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an anchor for securing a roof cover to the truss assembly and the column beam, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an assembled roof structure without a roof cover, with a plurality of roof beam bodies extending along the width of the portable structure, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10A  is a top perspective view of one of the roof beam bodies of  FIG. 9 , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view of the roof beam body, taken along line B-B of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a roof cover configured to attach to the roof structure, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  is a partial perspective view of one corner of the roof cover, taken along line A of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the roof cover covering the roof structure, with part of the roof cover removed to show the underlying structure, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12B  is a partial perspective view of one corner of a vent in the roof, taken along line B of  FIG. 12A , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of an assembled portable structure with curtains, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13B  is a partial perspective view of a hook connecting the curtain to the column beam, taken along line A of  FIG. 13A , according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13C  is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the portable structure with curtains of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of multiple portable structures assembled end-to-end to create a lengthy single portable structure, according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C  show perspective views of portable structures with various lengths, according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  show side views of various sized portable structures, showing the adjustability in height and width of the columns of the portable structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are examples and that other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations. 
     References to “width” and “length” are made below. These words are used for context only, relative to the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in which a generally rectangular structure is shown with one side being a “length” and another shorter side being a “width.” Multiple individual structures can be attached side-by-side along their length sides, as will be described with reference to  FIGS. 14-15 , which increases the overall “width” of the structure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a portable shelter  1  is illustrated according to one embodiment. As will be described below, the portable shelter  1  is a customizable and modular structure configured to shield various sized objects from the environment. The portable shelter shown in  FIG. 1  is a single-module embodiment in which four legs  5  at four respective corners hold a roof above the underlying surface. This single-module portable shelter can vary in height or width to accommodate the size of the objects being shielded. In other embodiments described below, the portable shelter can also be attached with other modules, and other multiple-module length embodiments to create multiple-module embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  shows many of the main components of the portable shelter that are shown individually in subsequent figures. The portable shelter rests on a placement pattern assembly or template  10  that will be described in further detail with reference to  FIG. 2  below. Each leg  5  or column includes an individual attachment rod  20  ( FIGS. 3C, 3F ), a column base  30 , a lower column  40 , and an upper column  50 . Along the width of the portable shelter, a column beam  60  connects two of the legs. Along the length of the portable shelter, a truss assembly that includes a middle truss body  70  and a pair of end truss bodies  80  connects two of the legs. The truss includes a middle truss body  70  connected to and flanked by a pair of end truss bodies  80 . Roof beam body members  90  ( FIG. 9 ) extend parallel to the column beam  60  at spaced intervals along the length of the portable shelter. These roof beam body members  90  are support members for an overlying roof cover  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the components shown in  FIG. 1  are created through rotational molding or injection molding, although thermal molding or other fabrication techniques can be used. The components can be made of plastic, such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, the components such as the column bases  30 , lower columns  40 , and upper columns  50  are made of a thermoplastic polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The components typically will have a wall thickness of approximately 0.125 to 0.1875 inches. In other embodiments, the components are not made from plastic, but rather from fiberglass or metal. 
     Each of the main components of  FIG. 1  is described in more detail below. These main components are also shown in isolation in various figures. 
     The portable shelter  1  can be positioned on the ground according to its relationship to the placement pattern  10 . The placement pattern has cut-outs on its sides for different locations to match with the legs  5  of the shelter  1 , providing the user with a template for how far to space the legs. The placement pattern  10  has a pair of cut-outs marked “0 feet” at slot aligners for placing two of the column bases  30 . The placement pattern  10  has a plurality of additional cut-outs marked “7 feet,” “8 feet,” “9 feet,” and “10 feet” at respective pairs of aligners formed therein. These aligners guide a user in aligning two more of the column bases  30  for a desired length of the portable shelter  1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of aligners is shown. The aligners have a pair of surface features  14  that are sized according to the size of the bottom of the column base  30 . A user can place a column base  30  against the surface features. A pair of aligners are spaced apart by a spacer  11 . The spacer  11  has a central fastening feature  13 A to fasten two parts of the spacer  11  together. The spacer  11  also has a plurality of plurality of additional surface features, such as openings  13 B,  13 C,  13 D, and  13 E. These openings are configured to receive a corresponding projection extending from the aligners such that the user can select a desired length of the shelter  1 . For example, if the user wishes to have a length of seven feet (the shortest available length in this embodiment), the holes  13 B can engage with the projection in the aligner to create a seven-foot length between the pairs of legs  5  to define the length of the shelter  1 . 
       FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of one of the legs  5  in an assembled state, and  FIGS. 3B-3F  show the various components of the leg  5 . Each leg  5  includes a column base  30  which tapers inward in a direction away from the underlying surface. The tapered outer surface of the column base  30  defines a plurality of slots  30 A extending at least partially through the thickness of the column base  30 . The slots  30 A are formed such that they have a flat vertical surface traveling generally up and down, in the direction of the height of the structure. This vertical flat surface provides a nesting region for the curtains that will be described below, as well as any signs, boards, or other structural pieces that may be desired to stretch across the length or width of the structure between two of the legs  5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3B and 3C , a generally cylindrical opening  34  is defined within the column base  30 . The opening  34  can include either male or female threading about the circumference of the cylinder. The opening  34  is sized and configured to receive the attachment rod  20  for attaching the lower column  40  to the column base  30 . The attachment rod  20  is also generally cylindrical and has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical opening  34 . The attachment rod  20  can have a hollow interior with an inner surface that defines either male or female threading  24 . The threading  24  can engage with corresponding threading  41  of the lower column  40 , discussed further below. In one embodiment not shown, one or more flanges can extend from the outer surface of the attachment rod  20  at a lower region thereof. The flange can be sized and configured to engage with a corresponding cavity or pocket at the bottom of the column base  30 . This allows the bottom of the attachment rod  20  to be coplanar with the bottom of the column base  30  while both rest on the underlying surface. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3D , the column base  30  defines an indent  30 B located within the slot  30 A. The indent  30 B is sized and configured to receive an anchoring feature for anchoring the curtain (which is described below) or other board or structural member that fits within the groove  30 A. A filler cap  32 A or plug is sized and configured to be received within a corresponding hole  33  that is formed within the column base  30 . The filler cap  32 A can be removed or otherwise disengaged from the column base, exposing the hole  33 . This allows the user to fill the interior of the column base  30  with water, sand, or other substance. The user can then plug the hole  33  with the filler cap  32 A, entrapping the substance within the column base  30 . The column base  30 , when filled with the substance, can weigh the entire structure  1  down to inhibit movement of the structure due to wind, etc. To make the structure portable again, the user can drain or otherwise remove the substance from the hole  33 . The filler cap  32 A can include a step with a flange that is larger than the hole  33  and disposed within the interior of the column base  30  such that the filler cap  32 A, when unplugged from the hole  33 , can still remain attached to the column base  30 . 
     The filler cap  32 A is shown in perspective in  FIG. 3J . The filler cap  32 A has a threaded or ribbed head to engage with corresponding surface features within the hole  33 . A set of wires  32 B extend longitudinally from the head, and end at an end region  32 C. The end region of the wire at  32 C is wider than the diameter of the hole  33  such that the wire can be retained within the hole  33  even when the filler cap  32 A is removed. In one embodiment, the wire is plastic. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3E and 3F , additional detail of a portion of the lower column  40  is shown. The lower column  40  includes threading  41  to engage with the threading  24  of the attachment rod  20 . In this fashion, the lower column  40  can slide into the interior of the attachment rod  20  within the column base  30  and screw or fasten with the attachment rod. The lower column  40  is secured to the attachment rod  20  via a threading engagement at  24  and  41 . 
     The lower column  40  also includes a pair of opposing handle recesses  42 . A pair of handles  43 A can be rotatably attached to the lower column  40  via a pin  43 B, and can be stored within the handle recess  42  flush with the lower column. This allows the user to pull the handles  43 A away from the lower column and grasp the handles  43 A while turning the lower column  40  relative to the attachment rod  20  to screw and unscrew the lower column  40  to the attachment rod  20 . 
     The lower column  40  also includes a projection  44  extending coaxial from the lower column  40 . The projection  44  is sized with a slightly smaller diameter than that of the lower column  40 . The projection is configured to fit within a recess or pocket on the bottom side of the upper column  50 . The upper column  50  slides over the lower column  40  via the projection  44 . The upper column  50  also defines a beam hole  51  sized to receive the column beam  60  that extends between and connects two of the legs  5 . The upper column  50  also has a connector  52  extending therefrom that is sized to be received within a receptacle  85  of an end truss body  80 , as will be described below. 
     In another embodiment, the beam hole  51  only extends partially (e.g., halfway) through the upper column  50  for a certain number of legs  5 . This is shown in  FIG. 3H , in which the beam hole  51  is filled at one end, as indicated by surface  51 A. If the entire structure is multiple sets of legs long (like in  FIG. 14 ), the legs  5  that are on the outermost corners can have the beam holes  51  only extend partially therethrough, facing the interior of the structure. 
       FIG. 3F  shows an exploded perspective view of the components that make up each leg  5 . In short, the attachment rod  20  is placed within and engages the column base  30 , which can be filled with water, sand, etc. The lower column  40  screws to the column base, and the handles  43 A can assist in doing so. The upper column  50  can then attach to the lower column  40  via the projection  44 . 
       FIG. 3I  shows the handles  43 A in perspective, with the associated pin  43 B. In assembly, the pin  43 B extends through a corresponding hole  43 C in the handle  43 A to rotatably connect the handle  43 A to the lower column  40 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show various perspective views of the column beam  60 . The column beam  60  connects two legs  5  along the width of the portable structure  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . To do so, the column beam  60  includes a pair of notches  62  extending from opposing end surfaces of the column beam  60 . The notches  62  are sized to be received in the corresponding beam holes  51  of the upper column  50 . 
       FIG. 4C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of  FIG. 4A . As shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the underside of the column beam  60  includes a longitudinal groove  64 A formed therein. The groove  64 A is configured to act as a guide for curtains or other such covers that can connect to the column beam  60  and cover the space between the two connected legs  5 , as is shown in  FIG. 13B  described below. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a truss assembly  68  that includes a middle truss body  70  and a pair of end truss bodies  80  on either side of the middle truss body  70 . It should be understood that more or less bodies can be used rather than the three bodies shown in  FIG. 5 . The assembled truss assembly  68  connects two legs  5  along the width of the portable structure  1 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate perspective views of the middle truss body  70 . The middle truss body has one or more notches  71  formed therein on the upper side of the body  70  to receive roof beam bodies  90 , as described below. On either side of the middle truss body  70  is a projection  72  which is configured to slide within and be received by a corresponding slot or guide  82  formed in the side of the end truss body  80 . 
     The middle truss body  70  also includes a plurality of apertures  74  formed therein. The apertures  74  do not need to pass entirely through the body  70 , but must be at least deep enough to properly receive an anchor  73  (described below). The apertures  74  can includes screw threads to engage with corresponding screw threads of the anchor  73 . In an alternative embodiment, dimples are provided instead of apertures, and the anchors can screw into the dimples themselves to create apertures during screwing. 
     The underside of the middle truss body  70  also includes a longitudinally extending groove  76  for attaching a curtain or other type of wall structure, similar to the groove  64 A of the column beam  60 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate perspective views of one of the end truss bodies  80 . Similar to the middle truss body  70 , the end truss body  80  includes one or more notches  81  to receive the roof beam bodies  90 . One end of the end truss body  80  also includes the guide  82  formed therein to receive the projection  72 . 
     Similar to the middle truss body  70 , the end truss body also has a plurality of apertures  84 , each configured to receive one of the anchors, like the apertures  74 . 
     Also similar to the middle truss body  70 , the underside of the end truss body includes a longitudinally extending groove  86  formed therein for attaching a curtain or other type of wall structure. Also on the underside are a plurality of receptacles  85 A,  85 B,  85 C, and  85 D at spaced apart locations along the length of the body  80 . These receptacles  85 A- 85 D are sized and configured to receive the connector  52  of the upper column  50 . The spaced-apart nature of the receptacles provides the user with the ability to customize how far inset the legs  5  should be positioned with respect to the outer boundaries of the truss assembly  68  and roof. In other words, the distance between the legs  5  can be customized along the length of the portable structure  1  while retaining the overall profile and size of the roof. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the anchor  73  in a perspective view. The anchor  73  can include a screw for screwing into the apertures  74 ,  84 . The anchor  73  has a boss  75  that has a diameter larger than the apertures  74 ,  84  such that the boss  75  does not secure with in the apertures  74 ,  84 . The boss  75  provides separation between the outer surface of the truss assembly  68 . The surface area on the boss  75  provides an attachment surface for a cord  106  that will be described below. A washer  77  or flange provides an end surface and defines the outer boundary of the boss  75  to keep the cord  106  between the washer  77  and the truss assembly  68 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a pair of truss assemblies  68  with a plurality of roof beam bodies  90  extending there-between, in a direction of the width of the portable structure  1 . Each roof beam body  90  secures within the notches  71  of the center middle truss body  70  or the notches  81  of the end truss bodies  80 . The roof beam bodies  90  provide a secure connection between both truss assemblies  68 , and also provide a support for a roof cover  100  to be placed over the assembly. 
       FIG. 10A  shows a single roof beam body  90  in isolation, and  FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view of one roof beam body  90 . The roof beam body  90  includes a pair of projections  92  that fit into the corresponding notches  71  or  81 . Each projection has a space  93  between a part of the projection  92  and the roof beam body  90  to allow for clearance. A plurality of apertures  95  are provided for more of the anchors  73  to be attached, as described above. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 10B , the apertures  95  do not extend all the way through the roof beam body  90 . Also shown in  FIG. 10B , a pair of opposing apertures  95  can be provided on opposing sides of the roof beam body  90  to allow anchors  73  to be attached on either side of the roof beam body  90 . 
       FIG. 11A  shows a roof cover  100  that can be placed over the connected roof beam bodies  90  and the truss assemblies  68 .  FIG. 11B  shows a zoomed-in view of one of the corners of the roof cover  100  and its attachment to the truss assembly  68  and column beam  60 .  FIG. 12A  shows a perspective view of the roof cover  100  with half of the roof cover  100  removed to show the underlying structure, and  FIG. 12B  shows a connection of a vent  103 A and vent cover  103 B above a vent hole  103 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11A-12B , the roof cover  100  can be made of a canvas fabric, or any other suitable fabric that is weather (e.g., rain, snow, etc.) resistant, but also flexible and bendable to give and move in response to wind. The roof cover  100  can include one or more vent holes  103 , allowing air to pass through the roof cover  100 . Each vent hole  103  can be covered by a vent  103 A that is fixed (e.g., sewn, welded, attached) at one end of the vent hole  103  but not directly fixed at the other end. This allows the vent  103 A with the ability to pivot with respect to the roof cover  100  to selectively “open” and “close.” A vent cover  103 B is also provided, being attached to the vent  103 A via cords  103 C. In one embodiment, the vent  103 A is breathable to allow air to flow therethrough. In another embodiment, the vent is a solid material such as plastic or vinyl with less breathability, inhibiting or preventing air from flowing therethrough. 
     As previously described, a plurality of anchors  73  are affixed to the truss assembly  68  and column beams  60 . The roof cover  100  is attachable to the truss assembly  68  and column beam  60  by a cord  106  that can be stretched to extend underneath the anchors  73 . Metal or plastic grommets  105  surround corresponding apertures in the roof cover  100  where the cord  106  to extend through the roof cover  100 . In one embodiment, a plurality of cords are used, each attached at both ends to the roof cover  100  at different locations. In another embodiment, a single cord is used about the entire roof cover  100 . 
       FIG. 13A  shows a fully-assembled portable structure  1  with curtains attached thereto for additional shelter. For example, the ends of the structure  1  can each be equipped with an end curtain  110 . The end curtain  110  is connected to the column beam  60  via the grooves on the bottom of the column beam  60 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 13B , the end curtain  110  is attached to the column beam  60  by hooks  115  that are slideable within the groove  64 A of the column beam  60 . This allows the end curtain  110  to be slid open and shut. End curtain holders  110 A can be placed at various heights along each leg to assure the ends of the end curtains  110  remain attached or at least near the leg. 
     Similarly, side curtains  112  are provided that can be attachable to the truss assembly  68  via hooks within the grooves  76 ,  86 . Side curtain holders  112 A are also provided to attach the ends of the side curtains  112  to the legs, in similar fashion as the end curtain holders  110 . 
     The present disclosure is not limited to only four legs with a single roof. For example,  FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment in which eight portable structures  1  are attached side-by-side along each structure&#39;s length. With the width of each structure being aligned side-by-side, the new “width” of the overall structure is eight times as wide as a single structure. In this embodiment, eight separate roof covers can be provided, but only 18 legs; each of the roof covers  100 , except the covers at the end, can be attached to an anchor  73  of adjacent truss assembly  68  via the cords. This enables a cord from one roof cover  100  to interlock with anchors of a truss assembly  68 , interlocking the structures into a single structure. 
     The size of each individual portable structure is not intended to be limited to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . For example,  FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C  show various sizes of portable structures with varying number of legs. For example,  FIG. 15A  shows a single portable structure similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 15B  shows an additional module placed side-by-side along the length of the structures. This is done by adding more column beams  60 , truss assemblies  68 , and legs. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment in  FIGS. 15A-15C , a single roof cover  100  can be provided over more than four legs. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  are provided to illustrate the customization of the portable structures  1 . The portable structures can individually vary in length and height. To modulate the length of the portable structure  1 , the end truss bodies  80  are provided with a plurality of receptacles  85 A- 85 D to receive the upper column  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . To modulate the height of the portable structure  1 , the lower columns  40  can be adjusted in height relative to the attachment rod  20  by screwing one direction or the other, for example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3C and 3F . 
     The portable structure disclosed herein can be used to shelter vehicles ranging from motorcycles, bikes, ATVs, to cars, vans, trucks, and boats. Since the user is able to fill the legs with a substance for added weight, the structure can provide a long-lasting, reliable, wind-resistant, seasonal or semi-permanent structure for sheltering objects. 
     While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, to the extent any embodiments are described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics, these embodiments are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.