A retractable shelter is described. In particular embodiments, a tarpaulin includes a conduit with a side wall having first and second inlets and an outlet at one end. A first lift cord may be attached near a lower edge of the tarpaulin, extend through the first set of loops, into the conduit through the first inlet, along the conduit, and then out through the outlet. A second lift cord may likewise extend through the second set of loops, into the conduit, and out through the outlet. One of more lift cords may be tied together, fastened, or braided along their respective lengths. The tarpaulin may include two or more panels equipped with loops, lift cords, conduits, and outlets. In use, the lift cords may be grasped and pulled through the outlet, raising the lower edge of the tarp toward the conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the technology disclosed. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits can be obtained by selecting some of the features while not utilizing others. Accordingly, those with ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations are possible, and may even be desirable in certain circumstances, and are a part of the invention described. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the invention and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a” component can include two or more such components unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Also, as used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

As used herein, the term “facilitate” means to make easier or less difficult and the terms “inhibit” and “impede” mean to interfere with, hinder, or delay the progress. Also, the words “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe items or portions of items that are situated closer to and away from, respectively, a user or operator. Thus, for example, the near end or other portion of an item may be referred to as the proximal end, whereas the generally opposing portion or far end may be referred to as the distal end.

Retractable Shelter

Although the various embodiments are described with reference to a tarpaulin, the assemblies and methods may be used with any of a variety of coverings, sheets, fabrics, or other materials.

A tarpaulin, or tarp, is a sheet of usually waterproof fabric for covering or protecting persons or items. A tarp may include eyelets, grommets, or loops near its corners and/or along its perimeter edges. When used as a temporary shelter, a tarp may be suspended above the ground by ropes or elastic cords, that are usually passed through the eyelets or grommets and attached to supports such as trees or poles. Guy lines may also be attached to the eyelets or grommets and anchored to the ground in order to spread the tarp fabric above a surface.

One Panel

FIG. 1is an illustration of a retractable shelter100that comprises a tarpaulin110, a first set of loops160afastened to the tarpaulin along a first path170a. Through the first set of loops160ais a first lift cord150athat is attached near the lower edge118of the tarpaulin110. As shown, the tarpaulin110may include a first conduit120near and along the upper portion of the tarpaulin. The first conduit120includes a side wall122, a first inlet130a, and a first outlet144located on a proximal end124of the conduit.

Although sets of loops are shownFIG. 1, other types of elements are contemplated for retaining a cord passing therethrough For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, and discussed herein, a set of loops may be made using a set of tabs having a grommet or eyelet therethrough for receiving a cord.

The first lift cord150ais fastened at an attachment point158anear the lower edge118of the tarpaulin110, the cord150aextends through the first set of loops160apositioned along a first path170a, into the first inlet130a, through the conduit120, and out through the first outlet144where it can be grasped by a user. The tarp110is shown in an extended position (with guy lines attached at the corners and to pegs in the ground10). To retract the tarp110to a collapsed position, the user may pull on the first lift cord150awhich draws the lower edge118of the tarp fabric upward toward the first conduit120.

The first lift cord150amay include a first retainer180anear the outlet144for releasably grasping the lift cord150a. The retainer180amay be a spring-biased cord lock or any other type of retaining device.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the retractable shelter100may include a plurality of lift cords150a,150b,150c,150d, each of which enters the conduit120and exit through the first outlet144located at the proximal end124of the conduit. The opposing or distal end126in this embodiment is closed. In use, a person may pull all the cords simultaneously in order to draw the lower edge118of the tarp fabric upward toward a collapsed position.

The second lift cord150bincludes a plurality of second loops positioned along a second path170b, into the second inlet130b, through the conduit120, and out of the first outlet144where it can be grasped by a user. Similarly, the third lift cord150cincludes a plurality of third loops positioned along a third path170c, into the third inlet130c, through the conduit120, and out of the first outlet144. The fourth lift cord150dincludes a plurality of fourth loops positioned along a fourth path170d, into the fourth inlet130d, through the conduit120, and out of the first outlet144.

Each lift cord may include its own retainer. As shown, for example, the first lift cord150amay be releasably grasped by a first retainer180apositioned near the outlet144. The second lift cord150bmay be releasably grasped by a second retainer180b. In particular embodiments, one or more lift cords may be releasably grasped by a single combination retainer192, such as the one shown inFIG. 1that receives both the third and fourth lift cords150c,150d. A spring-biased cord lock may be used for any of the retainers.

As shown inFIG. 1, the retainer or other fastener is located near the outlet144when the tarp is in its fully extended position. In this aspect, the retainer or other fastener keeps the lift cords from retreating into the conduit which, in turn, keeps the tarpaulin110from unintentionally returning to its expanded position.

Instead of a cord-lock or similar retainer, one or more lift cords may be fastened together near the first outlet144; for example,FIG. 3illustrated a hand-tied knot or another type of fastener joining two lift cords together.

In other particular embodiments, one or more lift cords may be fastened together, along their respective lengths, from the free ends (i.e., proximal ends) to a point near the first outlet144. The lift cords may be adhered together, braided, woven into a single cord, or otherwise joined, as illustrated inFIG. 3. Like the cord-lock retainer and the hand-knot, the braiding keeps the lift cords from retreating into the conduit which, in turn, keeps the tarpaulin110from unintentionally returning to its expanded position.

In other particular embodiments, the fastened-together portions of the cords may extend into the conduit for as long as the two cords lie adjacent one another—for example, the first and second lift cords150a,150bmay be braided or otherwise fastened together from their proximal ends all the way to the first inlet130a, where the first lift cord150aleaves the conduit120.

The first conduit120, as shown inFIG. 1, may be positioned along the upper edge119of the tarp110. In particular embodiments, the first conduit120lies along and is substantially parallel to the upper edge. As shown, the tarpaulin110may include a suspension conduit320with a suspension cord330passing therethrough. Using the cord330, the tarp110may be suspended between two supports14,16such as trees or posts.

Although the retractable shelter100is described in the context of a generally rectangular tarp, the assemblies and methods described herein may be used with a tarpaulin, ground sheet, or other fabric panel having any particular size or shape.

One Panel with Tabs

FIG. 2is an illustration of a retractable shelter100like the one shown inFIG. 1, except the tarpaulin110is supported by suspension lines2426, the tarpaulin110includes sets of tabs each having an eyelet therethrough (instead of loops) for receiving the cords, and the tarpaulin110is hanging in a generally vertical orientation. Although the passage through the tabs may be described herein as an eyelet, a simple buttonhole or other small hole may be used to receive a cord through the tab. The eyelet may be protected by a small ring of durable material such as a grommet.

As shown, a first set of tabs360aeach having a grommet or eyelet362a, in this embodiment, is fastened to the tarpaulin110along a first path170a. Through the first set of loops360ais a first lift cord150athat is fastened at an attachment point158anear the lower edge118of the tarpaulin110.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the retractable shelter100may include a plurality of lift cords150a,150b,150c,150d, each of which enters the conduit120and exits through the first outlet144located at the proximal end124of the conduit. The opposing or distal end126in this embodiment is closed. In use, a person may pull all the cords simultaneously in order to draw the lower edge118of the tarp fabric upward toward a collapsed position.

The second lift cord150bengages with a set of second tabs360band eyelets362bpositioned along a second path170b, into the second inlet130b, through the conduit120, and out of the first outlet144where it can be grasped by a user. Similarly, the third lift cord150cengages with a set of third tabs360cand eyelets362cpositioned along a third path170c, into the third inlet130c, through the conduit120, and out of the first outlet144. The fourth lift cord150dengages with a set of third tabs360dand eyelets362dpositioned along a fourth path170d, into the fourth inlet130d, through the conduit120, and out of the first outlet144.

The first conduit120, as shown inFIG. 1, may be positioned along the upper edge of the tarp110. In particular embodiments, the first conduit120lies along and is substantially parallel to the upper edge. As shown, the tarpaulin110may include first or proximate suspension line24and on the other end a second or distal suspension line26. Using the lines24,26the tarp110may be suspended between two supports14,16such as trees or posts.

Although the retractable shelter100is described in the context of a generally rectangular tarp, the assemblies and methods described herein may be used with a tarpaulin, ground sheet, or other fabric panel having any particular size or shape.

Two Panels, Peak Ridge

FIG. 3is an illustration of a retractable shelter200that comprises a tarpaulin having a first panel111and a second panel211. The suspension of the tarp (near its approximate middle, for example) forms or creates a peak ridge that separates the two panels111,211. The material or fabric of the tarpaulin, of course, may be continuous across the peak ridge such that the two panels111,211are, in fact, made of the same piece of fabric.

The first panel111, as shown, may include the lift cords, loops (tabs with eyelets), and a first conduit as described above and illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. The second panel211may include a similar set of secondary lift cords250a,250b,250c,250d, a second conduit222, and a secondary outlet246that is positioned near the distal end226—at the opposite end of the tarp from where the first cords150a,150bexit the first outlet144.

Accordingly, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the first panel111may be retracted by pulling the lift cords at the proximal or first outlet144; and the second panel112may be retracted by pulling the secondary lift cords located at the other end of the tarp, through the distal or second outlet246. In this aspect, one entire side panel of the tarp (the first panel111, for example) may be raised toward its collapsed position near the peak ridge, before the user moves to the opposite end and raises the other side panel (the second panel211, for example). Once accomplished, as described herein, both panels111,112are retracted toward a collapsed position near the peak ridge of the shelter200.

As shown inFIG. 3, one or more lift cords may be fastened to others near their respective outlet. For example, near the first outlet144, the combination retainer192which fastens the first lift cord150ato the second lift cord150bmay be a hand-tied knot, as shown.

Also, as shown, one or more lift cords may be fastened together along their respective lengths, from their respective free ends to a point near the outlet144. For example, near the first outlet144, the third and fourth lift cords150c,150dare braided together from their proximal ends to a point near the first outlet144.

Methods of Use

In use, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the tarpaulin110may be used as a temporary shelter100, using a suspension cord330between two supports14,16such as poles or trees. Guy lines may be attached to the tarp at the lower corners or along the edges, and fastened to ground stakes or other secure anchors, in order to spread the tarp fabric above a surface10.

When the tarp is in place and ready for use as a shelter, the lift cords150a,150b,150c,150d, are typically relaxed or slack, and the retainers180a,180b,180c,180dare typically positioned on each cord very near the first outlet144. The proximal ends of the lift cords may extend only a short distance beyond the outlet, because only a short length of lift cord needs to be accessible by the user.

When the user is ready to retract and fold the tarpaulin, the guy lines may be disconnected from the stakes or other anchors, after which the tarp may hang in a generally vertical orientation, as shown inFIG. 2. At the proximal end124of the first conduit120, the user may grasp and pull all the lift cords150a,150b,150c,150dthrough first outlet144. As the lift cords are withdrawn through the first outlet144, the lower edge118of the tarpaulin110will retract from its expanded position upward, toward the first conduit120.

As the tarpaulin110is retracted, the fabric will typically fold at regular intervals as the loops (or tabs) are drawn closer together. The user may halt the retraction at any point, and fasten one or more of the retainers onto the lift cords, which will hold the tarpaulin110in any intermediate position, thereby selectively retracting the tarpaulin110to a desired intermediate position. At an intermediate position, for example, the user may want to shake debris or water off the tarp before continuing. The user may also retract the tarpaulin110more fully, until the lower edge118is very near the first conduit120. The user can then fasten one or more of the retainers on the lift cords and hold the tarpaulin110in place in a collapsed position. Then, the user may disconnect the suspension cord330(or suspension lines24,26) from the supports14,16and fold or otherwise prepare the tarpaulin110for storage until its next use.

Referring to the two-panel shelter200shown inFIG. 3, the user may disconnect either of the two panels111,211from the ground stakes or other anchors when the user is ready to retract and fold the tarpaulin.

For example, when folding the first panel111, starting at the proximal end124of the first conduit120, the user may grasp and pull all the lift cords150a,150b,150c,150dthrough first outlet144. As the lift cords are withdrawn through the first outlet144, the lower edge118of the first panel111will retract from its expanded position upward, toward the first conduit120. As the first panel111is retracted, the fabric will typically fold at regular intervals as the loops (or tabs) are drawn closer together. The user may halt the retraction at any point, and fasten one or more of the retainers onto the lift cords, which will hold the first panel111in any intermediate position, thereby selectively retracting the first panel111to a desired intermediate position. At an intermediate position, for example, the user may want to shake debris or water off the tarp before continuing. The user may also retract the first panel111more fully, until the lower edge118is very near the first conduit120. The user can then fasten one or more of the retainers on the lift cords and hold the first panel111in place in a collapsed position.

At this point, the user may wish to keep the first panel111in a collapsed position while keeping the second panel211in an extended position for continued use as a shelter. In this aspect, the two-panel shelter200may be used as a single-panel shelter100like the one shown inFIG. 1.

When the user is ready to retract and fold the second panel211, the guy lines may be disconnected from the stakes or other anchors, after which the second panel211may hang in a generally vertical orientation. At the secondary or distal end226, the user may grasp and pull all the lift cords250a,250b,250c,250dthrough first outlet246. As the lift cords are withdrawn through the second outlet246, the lower edge218of the second panel211will retract from its expanded position upward, toward the second conduit220. As the second panel211is retracted, the fabric will typically fold at regular intervals as the loops (or tabs) are drawn closer together. The user may halt the retraction at any point, and fasten one or more of the retainers onto the lift cords, which will hold the second panel211in any intermediate position, thereby selectively retracting the second panel211to a desired intermediate position. At an intermediate position, for example, the user may want to shake debris or water off the tarp before continuing. The user may also retract the second panel211more fully, until the lower edge218is very near the second conduit220. The user can then fasten one or more of the retainers on the lift cords and hold the second panel211in place in a collapsed position.

Then, having retracted both panels111,211to a desired collapsed position, the user may disconnect the suspension cord330(or the suspension lines24,26) from the supports14,16and then fold or otherwise prepare the tarpaulin for storage until its next use.

In the manner described, the tarp may be folded by one person, without spreading it on the ground. During retraction and folding, any rain water or other debris can be shaken off or otherwise removed from the tarp. The folded tarp is not muddied or torn from exposure to the ground and ready to be stowed in a backpack.

CONCLUSION

Although the assemblies and methods are described herein in the context of folding and stowing a tarp, the technology disclosed herein is also useful and applicable in other contexts. Moreover, although several embodiments have been described herein, those of ordinary skill in art, with the benefit of the teachings of this disclosure, will understand and comprehend many other embodiments and modifications for this technology. The invention therefore is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed or discussed herein, and that may other embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are occasionally used herein, as well as in the claims or concepts that follow, such terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and should not be construed as limiting the described invention or the claims that follow.