Abstract:
Deployable structures and methods for assembling the same including a structural mechanism defining a columnar space comprising a plurality of structural members, a plurality of couplings and a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the couplings interconnects three of the structural members and each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and one of the structural members. Each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and an end of one of the structural members not interconnected with one of the couplings. A columnar space, devoid of any structural members, is centrally located within the structural mechanism. Each of the couplings interconnects two of three structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes and the third of the three structural members is interconnected such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the other two structural members.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to deployable structures which include a structural mechanism which is movable for deployment of the structure. The deployable structures of the present invention may be used as structures in a wide range of applications ranging from small structures to large ones. They are particularly, but not exclusively, applicable as frames for tent-like structures. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Portable enclosures, such as tents, have been used as blinds and shelters for centuries. The structure and appearance of such enclosures vary greatly. 
     More recently, easily portable, lightweight, durable and affordable enclosures have become a desirable accessory for many outdoor recreational activities, including camping and hunting. The widespread availability of modern lightweight structures and fabrics has resulted in the proliferation of literally hundreds of new designs for portable enclosures. Among the many popular current styles for tents and hunting blinds are the so-called “collapsible” structures which utilize a spring-like framework which can be easily collapsed and folded for transportation and storage. Such popular designs are typified in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,843,261 to Gillis, 6,941,704 to Chen et al., 7,004,183 to Gillis and 7,137,399 to Ransom et al. 
     These types of enclosures are inexpensive, lightweight, and convenient to use. However, one drawback in structures of this type is the lack of sufficient head room via an open, central columnar space devoid of any structural members. Known designs invariably employ overhead structural members to support the top covering material against sagging or deformation in the roof or top portion of the enclosure. It is desirable, therefore, to improve the structural integrity of existing collapsible structures by inclusion of lightweight and resilient deployable structures that can be easily stowed, transported and deployed, with a minimum of difficulty, and that are easily adapted to cause the roof or upper portion of an outer covering to conform to a particular profile without the use of structural members disposed in a central space of the structure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a deployable structure including a structural mechanism defining a columnar space comprising a plurality of structural members, a plurality of couplings and a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the couplings interconnects three of the structural members and each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and one of the structural members. Preferably each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and an end of one of the structural members not interconnected with one of the couplings. Also, the columnar space is preferably centrally located within the structural mechanism and is devoid of any structural members. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, in the deployed structural mechanism each of the couplings preferably interconnects two of the three structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes and the third of the three structural members is interconnected such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the two structural members. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, each of the couplings comprises a tube having first and second open ends wherein each of the first and second open ends receives an end of one of the two of the three structural members to interconnect the two structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes when the deployable structure is deployed. Further, an elastic cord may be secured to each of the ends of the structural members received within the coupling. Additionally, each of the couplings may further comprise a stop member disposed within the tube between the first and second open ends to stop each of the ends of the structural members from traveling completely through the coupling and wherein the elastic cord passes through or around the stop member. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, in a stowed condition, each of the couplings of the structural mechanism interconnects three of the structural members. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, in a stowed condition of the structural mechanism, the two of the three structural members are no longer interconnected such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, each of the structural members preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, PVC tubing, wood, and graphite composite. Furthermore, each of the couplings may preferably be made integral with at least one of the structural members. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, each of the couplings preferably comprises a hinge which allows the structural mechanism to be converted from a deployed condition to a stowed condition and vice versa. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the deployable structure preferably comprises one or more tie lines, wherein each of the tie lines is disposed between one of the couplings and one of the structural members when the structural mechanism is deployed. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, the deployable structure is a tent and further comprises an outer covering acting as one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a roof, a floor, a side barrier and a wall. Further, the tension lines preferably are an integral part of the outer covering. Additionally, the deployable tent structure may further comprise one or more tie lines, wherein each of the tie lines is disposed between one of the couplings and one of the structural members when the structural mechanism is deployed and wherein the tension lines and the tie lines are an integral part of the outer covering. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the deployable structure preferably is a container and may further comprise an outer covering acting as one or more components selected from the group consisting of: a lid, a bottom, a side barrier and a wall. Additionally, the lid may preferably be removable and the tension lines preferably are an integral part of the outer covering. Further, the deployable container structure may preferably further comprise one or more tie lines, wherein each of the tie lines is disposed between one of the couplings and one of the structural members when the structural mechanism is deployed and wherein the tension lines and the tie lines are an integral part of the outer covering. 
     In a further aspect, the present invention preferably comprises a method for assembling a deployable structure, comprising: assembling a first subassembly comprising a first coupling removably interconnecting first and second structural members, a second coupling removably interconnecting third and fourth structural members, a first tension line removably attached to each of the first and third structural members, and a second tension line removably attached to each of the second and fourth structural members; assembling a second subassembly comprising a third coupling removably interconnecting fifth and sixth structural members, a fourth coupling removably interconnecting seventh and eighth structural members, a third tension line removably attached to each of the fifth and seventh structural members, and a fourth tension line removably attached to each of the sixth and eighth structural members; assembling a third subassembly comprising a fifth coupling removably interconnecting ninth and tenth structural members, a sixth coupling removably interconnecting eleventh and twelfth structural members, a fifth tension line removably attached to each of the ninth and eleventh structural members, and a sixth tension line removably attached to each of the tenth and twelfth structural members; detaching the fifth tension line from the eleventh structural member; removably attaching each of the fifth tension line and the eleventh structural member to the first coupling; detaching the first tension line from the third structural member; removably attaching each of the first tension line and the third structural member to the third coupling; detaching the third tension line from the seventh structural member; removably attaching each of the third tension line and the seventh structural member to the fifth coupling; detaching the sixth tension line from the tenth structural member; removably attaching each of the sixth tension line and the tenth structural member to the second coupling; detaching the second tension line from the second structural member; removably attaching each of the second tension line and the second structural member to the fourth coupling; detaching the fourth tension line from the sixth structural member; and removably attaching each of the fourth tension line and the sixth structural member to the sixth coupling. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a deployable structure preferably comprises a plurality of couplings, a plurality of structural members and a plurality of tension lines wherein three of the structural members and one of the tension lines is removably attached to each of the couplings. In a further aspect of the present invention, the deployable structure preferably comprises six couplings, twelve structural members and six tension lines wherein three of the structural members and one of the tension lines is removably attached to each of the couplings. Further, first, second and eleventh of the twelve structural members and a fifth of the six tension lines preferably are removably attached to a first of the six couplings; third, fourth and tenth of the twelve structural members and a sixth of the six tension lines preferably are removably attached to a second of the six couplings; third, fifth and sixth of the twelve structural members and a first of the six tension lines preferably are removably attached to a third of the six couplings; second, seventh and eighth of the twelve structural members and a second of the six tension lines preferably are removably attached to a fourth of the six couplings; seventh, ninth and tenth of the twelve structural members and a third of the six tension lines preferably are removably attached to a fifth of the six couplings; and sixth, eleventh and twelfth of the twelve structural members and a fourth of the six tension lines preferably are removably attached to a sixth of the six couplings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention in a partially stowed condition. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention in a partially stowed condition. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention in a fully stowed condition. 
         FIG. 7  is a longitudinal cross-section view of a preferred embodiment of a coupling for use in constructing a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a first of three subassemblies for use in constructing a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a second of three subassemblies for use in constructing a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of a third of three subassemblies for use in constructing a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure of the present invention comprising an outer covering. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The foregoing is to be construed as only being an illustrative embodiment of this invention. Persons skilled in the art can easily conceive of alternative arrangements providing functionality similar to this embodiment without any deviation from the fundamental principles or the scope of this invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a deployable structure  10  according to the present invention comprises a plurality of structural members  12  interconnected via a plurality of tension lines  13 , couplings  14  and tie lines  16 . Deployable structure  10  is a collapsible, unitary design structure ideal for tents, but may also be scaled into smaller versions suitable for, but not limited to, clothes racks, hampers, toys, etc. Preferably, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , deployable structure  10  defines a central columnar space  20  in which no structural members  12 , tension lines  13 , couplings  14  or tie lines  16  are disposed. Rigidity and structural support of deployable structure  10  is derived from the preferred construction of the interconnected structural members  12  that exerts positive tension away from the open central space  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , structural members  12  are joined axially in pairs by couplings  14 . The couplings  14  provide at least two known benefits. One, the couplings  14  maintain axial relativity between two structural members  12 . Two, the couplings  14  provide an anchor for attaching another structural member  12 , non-axially, as well as providing an anchor for attaching a tension line  13 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , deployable structure  10  preferably defines a central columnar space  20  having a generally triangular cross-section as outlined by the terminating ends of the structural members  12  at the top and bottom of the deployable structure  10 . Structural members  12  extend in a helical pattern from the triangular base and ceiling. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the base and ceiling are equal in size and rotated 60° on center from each other. While rotational symmetry in the deployable structure may be present, it is not necessary. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , preferably tie lines  16  are removably attached between structural members  12  and couplings  14  to exert additional positive tension away from the open central space  20 , adding to structure stability of deployable structure  10 . Tie lines  16  also serve to “lock” deployable structure  10  in its open or deployed position shown in  FIG. 3 . To close deployable structure  10 , tie lines  16  are disengaged at one end, while the other end of each tie line  16  may remain attached to the deployable structure  10 . The number and location of tie lines  16  can be varied to optimize the stability of deployable structure  10 . In certain embodiments of the deployable structure  10  of the present invention, tie lines  16  may not be necessary. 
       FIGS. 4-6  show the deployable structure  10  in progressively closed positions with  FIG. 4  showing a partially open state,  FIG. 5  showing an intermediate closed state and  FIG. 6  a fully stowed condition of deployable structure  10 . The stowing of deployable structure  10  is accomplished by first disengaging any attached tie lines  16  to produce the condition shown in  FIG. 4 . Next, deployable structure  10  is propped up to the compact configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . The partially stowed condition of  FIG. 5  is obtained by relaxation of structural members  12 , which are in tension in the open position. Lastly, axially mated pairs of structural members  12  are folded or disengaged at the coupling  14  resulting in the fully stowed configuration shown in  FIG. 6 . Conversely, opening deployable structure  10  is accomplished by the reverse procedure. Structural members  12  are extended and inserted in couplings  14 , or where hinge-type couplings are used, they are unfolded. Next, the structural members  12  are pulled apart from each other and tie lines  16  are secured, if used. 
     In a preferred embodiment,  FIG. 7  shows a cutaway view of a coupling  14  with two structural members  12  interconnected or joined using coupling  14  by elastic cord  15 , similar to typical tent pole configurations that fold. The elastic cord  15  is tied or otherwise attached to the end of each structural member  12  inserted into coupling  14  and abutting against stop  17  which defines an opening  18  to allow elastic cord  15  to pass through. The stop  17  prevents each structural member  12  from completely passing through the coupling  14 , but allows the elastic cord  15  to pass through. Couplings  14  preferably are made from metal, plastic, composite or some other material of sufficient rigidity to maintain the substantially axial relationship between the two structural members  12  interconnected thereby. Further, couplings  14  may be made integrally with one or more structural members  12 . Couplings  14  also may comprise a rigid hook or loop (not shown) or some other mechanism for providing one or more points for attaching tension lines  13 , tie lines  16  or another structural member  12  in a non-axial relationship. Such points of attachment do not need to be disposed on the couplings  14 , but may also be located on one or more structural members  12  near a coupling  14 . In addition, couplings  14  may comprise a locking elbow mechanism, similar to a door hinge. This would lock mating structural members  12  in the open structure position but allow the structural members  12  to fold about an axis centered on the elbow where a coupling  14  would normally provide a point of folding. 
     Structural members  12  preferably are flexible in nature, may be solid or hollow and may comprise one or more materials including plastic, aluminum, steel or other metals, PVC tubing, wood, and graphite composite, similar to typical tent poles. Structural members  12  may also be tapered or otherwise contain non-uniform cross-sectional profiles along their lengths. Choice of material and dimensions for structural members  12  may vary to optimize strength, rigidity, weight, etc. As shown in the drawings, structural members  12  preferably are equal in length, cross-section, and hollow to accommodate an internal elastic cord  15 . Further, two structural members  12  connected by a coupling  14  jointly represent one arm, for example, arm  100  or arm  110 , of the structure, as shown in  FIG. 8 . By this design, arm  100  or arm  110  preferably can be folded or uncoupled at the coupling  14 . Other variations of the arm design of the present invention, for example, arm  100  or arm  110 , may include greater or fewer structural members  12 , couplings  14 , and/or cords  15  to increase or reduce folding capabilities. An arm  100  or  110  may also be represented by a telescoping arrangement of structural members  12  and/or couplings  14 , as one alternative to the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings. 
     Tension lines  13  and tie lines  16  may be any conventional string, cord, polyurethane line, etc., that can adequately withstand the tension forces generated by the structural members  12 . Tension lines  13  and tie lines  16  may also be made integral with a structure covering, if used. This may include a tent roof, wall, and/or floor coverings, as applicable. Further, in the mode shown, the terminating end of a tension line  13  at a coupling  14  is also used to affix one non-axial structural member  12  to the coupling  14 . This is accomplished by tying the structural member  12  to the coupling  14  through holes (not shown) in both respective parts. Alternative methods for affixing tension lines  13 , couplings  14 , and structural members  12  may include clasps, hooks, bolts, etc. Tie lines  16  may also be attached in this manner to structural members  12  and couplings  14  or by tying. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that structure  10  preferably is free-standing and does not necessitate guy-lines. However, guy-lines and/or stakes may be added, particularly when structure  10  is used for a tent or other type of shelter. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , preferred subassemblies and methods of constructing a deployable structure according to the present invention are described. Subassembly “A” of  FIG. 8  preferably comprises first and second arms  100  and  110  temporarily interconnected by tension lines  120  and  121  to facilitate final assembly of the deployable structure  10 . First arm  100  of subassembly “A” preferably comprises structural members  103  and  107  removably or hingedly interconnected by coupling  105 . Second arm  110  of subassembly “A” preferably comprises structural members  113  and  117  removably or hingedly interconnected by coupling  115 . 
     Subassembly “B” of  FIG. 9  preferably comprises first and second arms  200  and  210  temporarily interconnected by tension lines  220  and  221  to facilitate final assembly of the deployable structure  10 . First arm  200  of subassembly “B” preferably comprises structural members  203  and  207  removably or hingedly interconnected by coupling  205 . Second arm  210  of subassembly “B” preferably comprises structural members  213  and  217  removably or hingedly interconnected by coupling  215 . 
     Subassembly “C” of  FIG. 10  preferably comprises first and second arms  300  and  310  temporarily interconnected by tension lines  320  and  321  to facilitate final assembly of the deployable structure  10 . First arm  300  of subassembly “C” preferably comprises structural members  303  and  307  removably or hingedly interconnected by coupling  305 . Second arm  310  of subassembly “C” preferably comprises structural members  313  and  317  removably or hingedly interconnected by coupling  315 . 
     In a preferred method of assembling structural mechanism of the deployable structure  10  of  FIG. 3 , subassemblies A, B and C are finally assembled according to the following: 
     Coupling  105  interconnects with structural members  103 ,  107  and  313  as well as tension line  320 ; 
     Coupling  205  interconnects with structural members  203 ,  207  and  113  as well as tension line  120 ; 
     Coupling  305  interconnects with structural members  303 ,  307  and  213  as well as tension line  220 ; 
     Coupling  115  interconnects with structural members  113 ,  117  and  307  as well as tension line  321 ; 
     Coupling  215  interconnects with structural members  213 ,  217  and  107  as well as tension line  121 ; and 
     Coupling  315  interconnects with structural members  313 ,  317  and  207  as well as tension line  221 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a preferred embodiment of the deployable structure of the present invention having an outer covering is described. Deployable structure  500  of  FIG. 11  preferably comprises structural members  12 , couplings  14 , tension lines  13 , as well as tie lines  16  (not shown) as described above, covered by covering  502 . Each or a portion of each of the covering  502 , flap  504 , flooring material  506  and/or roof material  508  may comprise one or more wind-resistant, water-resistant and/or breathable materials such as nylon, plastic, canvas, polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene materials such as Gore-Tex® brand materials available from W.L. Gore &amp; Associates, Inc., Newark, Del., and/or MemBrain® brand fabrics by Marmot Mountain Ltd., Santa Rosa, Calif., etc. A flap  504 , with or without a zipper, Velcro or other suitable closure mechanism (not shown), may be defined by covering  502  for providing access to and from the interior of deployable structure  500  which may also comprise a flooring material  506  and roof material  508  as part of the covering  502 . Flooring material  506  and roof material  508  may be integrally formed as part of the covering  502  or they may be detachable therefrom. Each or a portion of each of the covering  502 , flap  504 , flooring material  506  and/or roof material  508  may comprise an opaque, translucent or transparent material to let in the amount of light as desired, such as for a skylight or window. For example, roof material  508  may comprise a transparent material to provide views out through the top of structure  500 . 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.