Portable shelter

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References to “width” and “length” are made below. These words are used for context only, relative to the orientation illustrated inFIG. 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 toFIGS. 14-15, which increases the overall “width” of the structure.

Referring toFIG. 1, a portable shelter1is illustrated according to one embodiment. As will be described below, the portable shelter1is a customizable and modular structure configured to shield various sized objects from the environment. The portable shelter shown inFIG. 1is a single-module embodiment in which four legs5at 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. 1shows 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 template10that will be described in further detail with reference toFIG. 2below. Each leg5or column includes an individual attachment rod20(FIGS. 3C, 3F), a column base30, a lower column40, and an upper column50. Along the width of the portable shelter, a column beam60connects two of the legs. Along the length of the portable shelter, a truss assembly that includes a middle truss body70and a pair of end truss bodies80connects two of the legs. The truss includes a middle truss body70connected to and flanked by a pair of end truss bodies80. Roof beam body members90(FIG. 9) extend parallel to the column beam60at spaced intervals along the length of the portable shelter. These roof beam body members90are support members for an overlying roof cover100.

In some embodiments, the components shown inFIG. 1are 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 bases30, lower columns40, and upper columns50are 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 ofFIG. 1is described in more detail below. These main components are also shown in isolation in various figures.

The portable shelter1can be positioned on the ground according to its relationship to the placement pattern10. The placement pattern has cut-outs on its sides for different locations to match with the legs5of the shelter1, providing the user with a template for how far to space the legs. The placement pattern10has a pair of cut-outs marked “0 feet” at slot aligners for placing two of the column bases30. The placement pattern10has 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 bases30for a desired length of the portable shelter1.

Referring toFIG. 2, another embodiment of aligners is shown. The aligners have a pair of surface features14that are sized according to the size of the bottom of the column base30. A user can place a column base30against the surface features. A pair of aligners are spaced apart by a spacer11. The spacer11has a central fastening feature13A to fasten two parts of the spacer11together. The spacer11also has a plurality of plurality of additional surface features, such as openings13B,13C,13D, and13E. These openings are configured to receive a corresponding projection extending from the aligners such that the user can select a desired length of the shelter1. For example, if the user wishes to have a length of seven feet (the shortest available length in this embodiment), the holes13B can engage with the projection in the aligner to create a seven-foot length between the pairs of legs5to define the length of the shelter1.

FIG. 3Ashows a perspective view of one of the legs5in an assembled state, andFIGS. 3B-3Fshow the various components of the leg5. Each leg5includes a column base30which tapers inward in a direction away from the underlying surface. The tapered outer surface of the column base30defines a plurality of slots30A extending at least partially through the thickness of the column base30. The slots30A 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 legs5.

Referring toFIGS. 3B and 3C, a generally cylindrical opening34is defined within the column base30. The opening34can include either male or female threading about the circumference of the cylinder. The opening34is sized and configured to receive the attachment rod20for attaching the lower column40to the column base30. The attachment rod20is also generally cylindrical and has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical opening34. The attachment rod20can have a hollow interior with an inner surface that defines either male or female threading24. The threading24can engage with corresponding threading41of the lower column40, discussed further below. In one embodiment not shown, one or more flanges can extend from the outer surface of the attachment rod20at 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 base30. This allows the bottom of the attachment rod20to be coplanar with the bottom of the column base30while both rest on the underlying surface.

Referring toFIG. 3D, the column base30defines an indent30B located within the slot30A. The indent30B 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 groove30A. A filler cap32A or plug is sized and configured to be received within a corresponding hole33that is formed within the column base30. The filler cap32A can be removed or otherwise disengaged from the column base, exposing the hole33. This allows the user to fill the interior of the column base30with water, sand, or other substance. The user can then plug the hole33with the filler cap32A, entrapping the substance within the column base30. The column base30, when filled with the substance, can weigh the entire structure1down 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 hole33. The filler cap32A can include a step with a flange that is larger than the hole33and disposed within the interior of the column base30such that the filler cap32A, when unplugged from the hole33, can still remain attached to the column base30.

The filler cap32A is shown in perspective inFIG. 3J. The filler cap32A has a threaded or ribbed head to engage with corresponding surface features within the hole33. A set of wires32B extend longitudinally from the head, and end at an end region32C. The end region of the wire at32C is wider than the diameter of the hole33such that the wire can be retained within the hole33even when the filler cap32A is removed. In one embodiment, the wire is plastic.

Referring toFIGS. 3E and 3F, additional detail of a portion of the lower column40is shown. The lower column40includes threading41to engage with the threading24of the attachment rod20. In this fashion, the lower column40can slide into the interior of the attachment rod20within the column base30and screw or fasten with the attachment rod. The lower column40is secured to the attachment rod20via a threading engagement at24and41.

The lower column40also includes a pair of opposing handle recesses42. A pair of handles43A can be rotatably attached to the lower column40via a pin43B, and can be stored within the handle recess42flush with the lower column. This allows the user to pull the handles43A away from the lower column and grasp the handles43A while turning the lower column40relative to the attachment rod20to screw and unscrew the lower column40to the attachment rod20.

The lower column40also includes a projection44extending coaxial from the lower column40. The projection44is sized with a slightly smaller diameter than that of the lower column40. The projection is configured to fit within a recess or pocket on the bottom side of the upper column50. The upper column50slides over the lower column40via the projection44. The upper column50also defines a beam hole51sized to receive the column beam60that extends between and connects two of the legs5. The upper column50also has a connector52extending therefrom that is sized to be received within a receptacle85of an end truss body80, as will be described below.

In another embodiment, the beam hole51only extends partially (e.g., halfway) through the upper column50for a certain number of legs5. This is shown inFIG. 3H, in which the beam hole51is filled at one end, as indicated by surface51A. If the entire structure is multiple sets of legs long (like inFIG. 14), the legs5that are on the outermost corners can have the beam holes51only extend partially therethrough, facing the interior of the structure.

FIG. 3Fshows an exploded perspective view of the components that make up each leg5. In short, the attachment rod20is placed within and engages the column base30, which can be filled with water, sand, etc. The lower column40screws to the column base, and the handles43A can assist in doing so. The upper column50can then attach to the lower column40via the projection44.

FIG. 3Ishows the handles43A in perspective, with the associated pin43B. In assembly, the pin43B extends through a corresponding hole43C in the handle43A to rotatably connect the handle43A to the lower column40.

FIGS. 4A and 4Bshow various perspective views of the column beam60. The column beam60connects two legs5along the width of the portable structure1, as shown inFIG. 1. To do so, the column beam60includes a pair of notches62extending from opposing end surfaces of the column beam60. The notches62are sized to be received in the corresponding beam holes51of the upper column50.

FIG. 4Cis a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C ofFIG. 4A. As shown inFIGS. 4B and 4C, the underside of the column beam60includes a longitudinal groove64A formed therein. The groove64A is configured to act as a guide for curtains or other such covers that can connect to the column beam60and cover the space between the two connected legs5, as is shown inFIG. 13Bdescribed below.

FIG. 5illustrates a truss assembly68that includes a middle truss body70and a pair of end truss bodies80on either side of the middle truss body70. It should be understood that more or less bodies can be used rather than the three bodies shown inFIG. 5. The assembled truss assembly68connects two legs5along the width of the portable structure1.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate perspective views of the middle truss body70. The middle truss body has one or more notches71formed therein on the upper side of the body70to receive roof beam bodies90, as described below. On either side of the middle truss body70is a projection72which is configured to slide within and be received by a corresponding slot or guide82formed in the side of the end truss body80.

The middle truss body70also includes a plurality of apertures74formed therein. The apertures74do not need to pass entirely through the body70, but must be at least deep enough to properly receive an anchor73(described below). The apertures74can includes screw threads to engage with corresponding screw threads of the anchor73. 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 body70also includes a longitudinally extending groove76for attaching a curtain or other type of wall structure, similar to the groove64A of the column beam60.

FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate perspective views of one of the end truss bodies80. Similar to the middle truss body70, the end truss body80includes one or more notches81to receive the roof beam bodies90. One end of the end truss body80also includes the guide82formed therein to receive the projection72.

Similar to the middle truss body70, the end truss body also has a plurality of apertures84, each configured to receive one of the anchors, like the apertures74.

Also similar to the middle truss body70, the underside of the end truss body includes a longitudinally extending groove86formed therein for attaching a curtain or other type of wall structure. Also on the underside are a plurality of receptacles85A,85B,85C, and85D at spaced apart locations along the length of the body80. These receptacles85A-85D are sized and configured to receive the connector52of the upper column50. The spaced-apart nature of the receptacles provides the user with the ability to customize how far inset the legs5should be positioned with respect to the outer boundaries of the truss assembly68and roof. In other words, the distance between the legs5can be customized along the length of the portable structure1while retaining the overall profile and size of the roof.

FIG. 8illustrates the anchor73in a perspective view. The anchor73can include a screw for screwing into the apertures74,84. The anchor73has a boss75that has a diameter larger than the apertures74,84such that the boss75does not secure with in the apertures74,84. The boss75provides separation between the outer surface of the truss assembly68. The surface area on the boss75provides an attachment surface for a cord106that will be described below. A washer77or flange provides an end surface and defines the outer boundary of the boss75to keep the cord106between the washer77and the truss assembly68.

FIG. 9illustrates a pair of truss assemblies68with a plurality of roof beam bodies90extending there-between, in a direction of the width of the portable structure1. Each roof beam body90secures within the notches71of the center middle truss body70or the notches81of the end truss bodies80. The roof beam bodies90provide a secure connection between both truss assemblies68, and also provide a support for a roof cover100to be placed over the assembly.

FIG. 10Ashows a single roof beam body90in isolation, andFIG. 10Bis a cross-sectional view of one roof beam body90. The roof beam body90includes a pair of projections92that fit into the corresponding notches71or81. Each projection has a space93between a part of the projection92and the roof beam body90to allow for clearance. A plurality of apertures95are provided for more of the anchors73to be attached, as described above. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 10B, the apertures95do not extend all the way through the roof beam body90. Also shown inFIG. 10B, a pair of opposing apertures95can be provided on opposing sides of the roof beam body90to allow anchors73to be attached on either side of the roof beam body90.

FIG. 11Ashows a roof cover100that can be placed over the connected roof beam bodies90and the truss assemblies68.FIG. 11Bshows a zoomed-in view of one of the corners of the roof cover100and its attachment to the truss assembly68and column beam60.FIG. 12Ashows a perspective view of the roof cover100with half of the roof cover100removed to show the underlying structure, andFIG. 12Bshows a connection of a vent103A and vent cover103B above a vent hole103.

Referring toFIGS. 11A-12B, the roof cover100can 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 cover100can include one or more vent holes103, allowing air to pass through the roof cover100. Each vent hole103can be covered by a vent103A that is fixed (e.g., sewn, welded, attached) at one end of the vent hole103but not directly fixed at the other end. This allows the vent103A with the ability to pivot with respect to the roof cover100to selectively “open” and “close.” A vent cover103B is also provided, being attached to the vent103A via cords103C. In one embodiment, the vent103A 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 anchors73are affixed to the truss assembly68and column beams60. The roof cover100is attachable to the truss assembly68and column beam60by a cord106that can be stretched to extend underneath the anchors73. Metal or plastic grommets105surround corresponding apertures in the roof cover100where the cord106to extend through the roof cover100. In one embodiment, a plurality of cords are used, each attached at both ends to the roof cover100at different locations. In another embodiment, a single cord is used about the entire roof cover100.

FIG. 13Ashows a fully-assembled portable structure1with curtains attached thereto for additional shelter. For example, the ends of the structure1can each be equipped with an end curtain110. The end curtain110is connected to the column beam60via the grooves on the bottom of the column beam60. For example, as shown inFIG. 13B, the end curtain110is attached to the column beam60by hooks115that are slideable within the groove64A of the column beam60. This allows the end curtain110to be slid open and shut. End curtain holders110A can be placed at various heights along each leg to assure the ends of the end curtains110remain attached or at least near the leg.

Similarly, side curtains112are provided that can be attachable to the truss assembly68via hooks within the grooves76,86. Side curtain holders112A are also provided to attach the ends of the side curtains112to the legs, in similar fashion as the end curtain holders110.

The present disclosure is not limited to only four legs with a single roof. For example,FIG. 14illustrates an embodiment in which eight portable structures1are attached side-by-side along each structure'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 covers100, except the covers at the end, can be attached to an anchor73of adjacent truss assembly68via the cords. This enables a cord from one roof cover100to interlock with anchors of a truss assembly68, interlocking the structures into a single structure.

The size of each individual portable structure is not intended to be limited to the embodiment ofFIG. 1. For example,FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15Cshow various sizes of portable structures with varying number of legs. For example,FIG. 15Ashows a single portable structure similar to that shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 15Bshows an additional module placed side-by-side along the length of the structures. This is done by adding more column beams60, truss assemblies68, and legs. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment inFIGS. 15A-15C, a single roof cover100can be provided over more than four legs.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bare provided to illustrate the customization of the portable structures1. The portable structures can individually vary in length and height. To modulate the length of the portable structure1, the end truss bodies80are provided with a plurality of receptacles85A-85D to receive the upper column50, as illustrated inFIG. 7B. To modulate the height of the portable structure1, the lower columns40can be adjusted in height relative to the attachment rod20by screwing one direction or the other, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 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.