Abstract:
Self-erecting structures are disclosed herein. One such self-erecting structure includes a fabric portion, a first loop of resilient material, a second loop of resilient material coupled to the first loop, wherein the first and second loops are coupled to the fabric portion and are configured to provide structural support for the fabric portion when the structure is erected, and to allow the structure to be folded into a substantially smaller folded shape without decoupling the first loop from the second loop and without decoupling the first and second loops from the fabric portion, and wherein the fabric portion is configured to create an enclosed space when the structure is erected.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/837,785 entitled “Self-Erecting Structure”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to structures. The present invention more particularly relates to self-erecting structures.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Portable structures are quite widespread in use, both on a recreational level and for use in other applications, such as the military. Due to the nature in which such structures are used, a portable structure must be lightweight, and yet able to withstand the forces of nature once it is erected. One problem with conventional portable structures is that such portable structures must be assembled from a large number of individual components, including structural components, as well as the fabric covering of the structure. Because of the nature of this interdependence, the erection of most portable structures is a time-consuming and tedious task, which can be difficult to accomplish in inclement weather conditions, or in reduced lighting.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]     An embodiment of the present invention is directed towards self-erecting structures comprising a plurality of annular loops coupled to a fabric portion. In an embodiment, the plurality of annular loops comprise a resilient material and are configured to provide structural support for the fabric portion to provide a structure suitable for one or more occupants, and also to allow the structure to be folded and stored without the need to decouple the annular loops from the fabric portion. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention may be better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0006]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are diagrammatic views of a self-erecting structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0007]      FIGS. 3-5  are photographs of a self-erecting structure according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0008]     An embodiment of the present invention provides a self-erecting structure configure to provide a shelter for one or more people that is easy to use and store. A self-erecting structure according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of annular loops of material. The annular loops are configured to be coupled to a fabric portion to provide structural support for the fabric portion, thus providing an enclosure.  
         [0009]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a self-erecting structure  100  according to the present invention is shown. The structure as shown comprises two annular loops  110 ,  120 . The structure  100  also comprises a fabric portion  130 , which comprises two end portions  140 , and a door  150 . Loops  110 ,  120  may be annular loops of a resilient material coupled to the fabric portion. The fabric portion  130  comprises sufficient material to provide a covered enclosure for one or more occupants, as well as a portion  150  configured to be releasably engaged, for example with a zipper or snaps, and operative as a door.  
         [0010]     Loops  110 ,  120  are shown as defining planes that are substantially non-parallel, wherein loops  110 ,  120  cross at two points, one at each end of the structure  100 . By being deformed in generally opposing directions, the tension created in each of loops  110 ,  120  may help provide structural support and definition for the structure.  
         [0011]     Further, because in an embodiment loops  110 ,  120  comprise a flexible material, it may be possible to fold the structure into a shape for easy storage, wherein the folded shape is substantially smaller than the fully-erected structure  100 . For example, by bringing loops  110 ,  120  into the same plane and twisting each wire, it may be possible to fold the structure into a size capable of being stored within a backpack, pouch, or other container.  
         [0012]     In an embodiment, an annular loop comprises a resilient material that provides support for the structure, but also allows the loop to deform into shapes other than an annulus. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , a plurality of annular loops  110 ,  120  may be seen, though their generally annular shape may be deformed. For example. in the embodiment shown, the annular loop has been deformed in the erected structure so as to provide structural support for the fabric portion.  
         [0013]     The annular loops may be constructed of various materials known to those of skill in the art. For example, in an embodiment, the annular loops comprise fiberglass. In another embodiment, the annular loops comprise vinyl polyester (“vinylester”), or polyester. Other materials may be used as well provided they possess the general quality of being resilient and flexible.  
         [0014]     In an embodiment, an annular loop may be constructed by using a single linear piece of material, such as fiberglass, comprising a first end and a second end. The linear piece of material may then be bent such that the first end and the second end may be coupled to each other, thus forming an annulus. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first end and the second end may be coupled and the annulus deformed such that a single linear piece of material may be configured to form a plurality of annuluses, such as a double or triple loop. A double or triple loop may be advantageous in an embodiment for providing additional strength and structural support. Annular loops according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise any number of loops so long as the material is capable of forming such number of loops.  
         [0015]     Throughout the specification, reference to an annular loop means a single piece of linear material that has been deformed to provide a generally annular shape, even if the piece of material has been deformed to provide a plurality of loops as described above. Thus, an annular loop may comprise multiple loops, provided the loops are all formed from the same contiguous piece of material. However, if a single piece of material forms a plurality of loops, such loops need not be co-planar.  
         [0016]     In an embodiment, a plurality of annular loops may be used to provide structural support for a fabric portion. In an embodiment, a first and second annular loop are used to provide structural support, wherein each annular loop generally defines a plane. The planes defined by the first and second annular loops are substantially non-parallel in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , however, in an embodiment, the plurality of loops may be substantially parallel. As may be seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , the first and second annular loops  110 ,  120  are aligned such that they cross at a point at a first end and second end of the structure. The point at which the annular loops cross is not critical to the invention, nor must the annular loops cross at any point.  
         [0017]     In an embodiment substantially as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , first and second annular loops are disposed within sleeves provided in the fabric portion. In an embodiment of the present invention, the annular loops may be coupled to the fabric portion with clips or hooks. In another embodiment a plurality of fabric tabs may be provided with opposing Velcro portions configured to loop over a portion of an annular loop and engage the Velcro portions to secure the annular loop. Various other fasteners or fastening methods may be used and would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0018]     In an embodiment the fabric portion may comprise two portions of material coupled together. For example, a lower portion of the fabric portion may comprise a strong, wear-resistant material capable of functioning well as the floor of a structure. A corresponding top portion may comprise a lightweight material, or even a mesh material, configured to allow airflow through the structure, while providing protection from insects or other environmental conditions. In and embodiment, a lower portion comprises a material, such as a Nylon taffeta, which has been configured to be water resistant. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric is 190 count, 70 denier, and it meets CPA184 fire retardant standards, and it has a water repellent coating which exceeds 800 mm hydrostatic tests. In other embodiments, different materials may be used. For example in an embodiment in which additional strength may be advantageous, a rip stop Nylon can be used. In some embodiments, heat reflective material, or insulating material may be advantageous.  
         [0019]     In an embodiment, the material of a lower portion may form the floor of a structure as well as sleeves configured to receive one or more annular loops. Accordingly, the lower fabric portion may prevent ground moisture, rainwater, or other liquids or contaminants, such as mud, dirt, foliage or other material, from entering the structure.  
         [0020]     In the embodiment, the upper fabric portion comprises a mesh material. The mesh material can be configured to have sufficient permeability to air to allow circulation of fresh air into the structure, while providing protection from insects. The permeability of the mesh may be varied by changing the number of openings per unit of area (e.g. per square inch) of the mesh. In an embodiment, the material comprising the upper fabric portion can be configured with an insect repellent to further provide protection from insects.  
         [0021]     Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the unitizing element and assembly of the present invention may be constructed and implemented with other materials and in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.