Patent Publication Number: US-2017362851-A1

Title: Temporary and portable shelters for mourning, celebration, and spiritual use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/258,100, filed Apr. 22, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/814,866, filed Apr. 23, 2013; the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to shelters and other protective structures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to expandable, temporary, and/or mobile protective shelters and structures and methods of sheltering processions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Processions and gatherings of mourning, celebration, and other spiritual and social purposes occur sometimes in outdoor environments, where participants may be subjected to rain, wind, and sun. In both mourning and celebrating situations, the participants may prefer some protection against the elements. Participants in any such gathering may be wearing valued clothing unintended for or vulnerable to precipitation and other outdoor conditions. 
     Processions may travel over stairs and non-level terrain. Despite weather and terrain conditions, dignity and decorum are often of utmost importance to participants. Participants may walk in formation or procession from indoors to outdoors, or among multiple locations and gather in school yards, church yards, community centers, cemeteries and other locations of spiritual significance. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide shelters that are convenient to use. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     An expandable shelter includes a canopy having pleats, the canopy being adjustable in length along a longitudinal axis between an expanded and a collapsed configuration. Legs support the canopy in an A-frame configuration defining an apex angle along an upper ridgeline, the apex angle being adjustable between an open and closed configuration by angular adjustment of the legs such that a width transverse to the length is adjustable. A shaded or sheltered area that is variable in length and width is defined. 
     A mobile shelter for carriage by multiple bearers includes multiple protective structures, each supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle configured to be gripped and supported by a respective bearer. Interconnecting structures maintain relative spacings between the multiple protective structures. In at least one example, each handle is toroidal in shape, providing a round comforting gripping surface for use at any angle. 
     A method of sheltering a procession of people includes supporting by multiple human bearers multiple respective protective structures, each protective structure supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle gripped and supported by a respective human bearer while interconnecting structures maintain relative spacings between the multiple protective structures. In at least one example, the method includes traversing non-level terrain by coordinated movements of the bearers with regard to each respective handle such that the protective structures are maintained in a desired configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an example expandable shelter in a partially expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the shelter shown in  FIG. 1  in a collapsed configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a leg segment in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrates different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an example mobile shelter supported by multiple bearers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework top skeleton structure; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of an embodiment of an expandable support casing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of the internal structural components of an expandable support casing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an example mobile shelter supported by multiple bearers by a v-shaped horizontal spacer beam in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an example expandable shelter in an expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the disclosure of the technology herein is presented with sufficient details to enable one skilled in this art to practice the invention, it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology. The inventor contemplates that future technologies may facilitate additional embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter as claimed herein. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of an example expandable shelter  100  in a partially expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the expandable shelter  100  includes a canopy  102  that is supported by legs  104 . The canopy  102  is illustrated as having a pleated construction having pleats  108  that can be expanded and collapsed linearly along a longitudinal axis, generally designated by double arrow  106 . An upper ridgeline  110  defines, at any point along the longitudinal axis  106 , an apex angle  112  between legs  104  or side panels  114  supported by legs. The shelter  100  defines an A-frame structure having an apex angle  112  that can be opened and closed by hinging of the support legs  104  at their junction or other upper convergence under or at the ridgeline  110 . By linear expansion and collapse along the axis  106 , the longitudinal length of the expandable shelter can be adjusted as desired. By opening and closing of the apex angle  112  the transverse width of the expandable shelter  100  can be adjusted as desired. Thus, the expandable shelter  100  defines a shaded or sheltered area that is variable in length and width, such as a rectangular area. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the shelter  100  shown in  FIG. 1  in a collapsed configuration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 2 , a sash  118  is shown as being wrapped or bound about the shelter  101  for securing the shelter in a collapsed configuration during handling, travel, and storage. The sash  118  or other flexible member having tensile and shear strength such as a cord, rope or chain may be used to tether the shelter  100  to a building such as a church, to an architectural structure such as a gazebo, to a tree in cemetery, or to an anchored pole or other secure object. Hooks or other grappling elements may be included with one or more tethering elements to secure the shelters against movement in high winds. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the legs  104  are sectioned as leg segments  116  connected end to end so as to provide a variable height of the ridgeline  110  and to permit orientation of the ridgeline as horizontal or sloped as desired over variable terrain, which may be encountered for example in school yards, church yards, community centers, cemeteries and other locations of spiritual significance. Junctions  120  of adjacent leg segments  116  may be fixed, releasable, collapsible, foldable, telescoping, or hinging. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a leg segment  116  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the leg segment  116  may include an end cap  122  provided at upper and/or lower ends of the legs  104  to provide decorative or sloped termination and/or ground penetration for secure placement of the expandable shelter  100 . The end cap  122  has a conical head  124  and an opposite threaded shank  126  received by a threaded internal bore of a leg segment. 
     The canopy  102  may be a weatherproof covering made of waterproof and/or water repellant material. For example, the canopy  102  may be made of nylon fabric or other textiles that shed rain water and other precipitation. In other examples, canopies can be made of sheer fabrics and heavy fabrics. The canopy  102  may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. For example, substantially opaque black coverings may be used for winter or funeral ceremonies and lacey white coverings may be used for a spring or wedding ceremonies. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrates different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework, which can be used for many purposes including, for example, supporting a structure such as the canopy  102  of the expandable shelter  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 4A , the figure shows a deployed expanded configuration  212  so as to variably be stowed for transportation and storage and deployed on location where a supported shelter is needed or such a framework is otherwise desired. Referring to  FIG. 4B , the framework includes framework members  202  that can be segmented or attached end to end to form, for example an extended linear framework assemblies  208  shown in  FIG. 4C . Holes  204  are formed through the illustrated framework members  202 , for example for passing a pin or rod  206  for attaching or securing the members. The framework members  202  can be arranged in a gathered flat configuration  210  as shown in  FIG. 4D . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an example mobile shelter  500  supported by multiple bearers  502  who are illustrated as attire as appropriate, for example, in a procession of mourning, celebration, or other spiritual or social purposes. The shelter  500  includes multiple protective structures  510 , each of which is supported by a vertical supporting column  512  having a lower handle  514 . Each handle is gripped and supported by a respective bearer  502 . The handles are illustrated as toroidal in shape, providing a round comforting gripping surface for use at any angle. In  FIG. 5 , the bearers are illustrated as gripping the handles  514  with their arms extended down to provide relatively low shelter. A relatively higher shelter is provided when the bearers extend their arms upward collectively supporting the mobile shelter at a raised position. Indeed, the mobile shelter  500  can be maintained in an approximately level orientation, with the protective structures  510  at approximately equal absolute heights, when ascending or descending stairs or traversing non-level terrain by coordinated movements of the bearers  502  with regard to each respective handle  514 . For example, forward bearers ascending uphill may maintain handles  514  in relatively low positions and following rearward bearers may maintain handles in relatively higher positions. In a further example, forward bearers ascending downhill may maintain handles  514  in relatively high positions and following rearward bearers may maintain handles in relatively lower positions. Thus, the mobile shelter  500  can be carried in an elegant and dignified manner across non-level surfaces and terrain. 
     Each protective structure  510  includes a respective covering  516 . In at least one example, the coverings  516  are weatherproof coverings made of waterproof and/or water repellant material. For example, the coverings  516  may be made of nylon fabric or other textiles that shed rain water and other precipitation. In other examples, the coverings are made of sheer fabrics and heavy fabrics. The coverings may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. For example, essentially opaque black coverings may be preferred for use in a winter or funeral procession and lacey white coverings may be preferred in a spring or wedding procession. The decorum of the coverings may be varied to match the robes of the bearers  502 . 
     Internal structures may be included as part of each protective structure  510  to maintain the coverings  516  in open or stretched configurations extending at least somewhat outward from their respective supporting columns  512 . Interconnecting structures such as horizontal spacer beams  518  extend between the protective structures  510  to maintain the spacing between the protective structures  510  and to maintain the overall physical configuration of the mobile shelter  500 . In one example of the mobile shelter  500 , a respective horizontal beam  518  is rigid and is fixed at its two ends to a neighboring pair of vertical supporting columns  512 , such that a rectangular footprint is maintained of the mobile shelter  500  with protective structures  510  at four corners thereof as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Thus, in that example, the mobile shelter includes four protective structures  510  held aloft by four vertical supporting columns  512  maintained in a rectangular plan arrangement by four horizontal beams  518 . In other examples, mobile shelters according to these descriptions includes other numbers of vertical supporting columns maintained in other plan arrangements, which may be rectangular or otherwise, by other numbers of horizontal beams. 
     The coverings  516  may be separate from each other as illustrated in  FIG. 5  to define separate respective areas, each for use by a respective mourner, celebrant, or other honored guest. In other embodiments, in other examples, the coverings  516  are joined together along their edges to define a consolidated area for use by one or more such people, or for further example, for carriage of a casket or other vehicle or object or structure of distinction, honor, or importance. Thus, one or more mobile shelters  500  may be used to honor and shelter, for example: the deceased and surviving family members in a funeral procession; a bride and groom and family members in a wedding procession; clergy persons or others in the procession of a religious practice. 
     In  FIG. 5 , the bearers  502  support the handles  514  from offset standing or walking positions without occupying the covered areas under the coverings  516  so as to allow space to accommodate others under the coverings  516 . It should be understood that the bearers may otherwise shelter themselves by standing or walking under the coverings  516 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate different views of embodiments of components of an expandable support framework, which can be used for many purposes including, for example, supporting a structure such as the canopy  102  of the expandable shelter  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 6A , the figure shows a deployed expanded configuration  602  with a series of rods  604  extending in a perpendicular fashion from a support rod  608 . Referring to  FIG. 6B , the framework includes framework members  606  that can be segmented or attached end to end to form, for example an extended rectangular linear framework assembly  608  shown in  FIG. 6BC . Holes  610  are formed through the illustrated framework members  202  as shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4B , for example for passing a pin or rod  206  of  FIG. 4B  for attaching or securing the members. The framework members  202  can be arranged in a gathered flat rectangular configuration  612  as shown in  FIG. 6B  or any other type of polygonal shape similar to the rectangular configuration  612  illustrated in  FIG. 6B . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a front view of a top skeleton structure  702  of the expandable support framework of the present application. Referring to  FIG. 7A , the internal skeletal structure  702  defines an A-frame structure having an apex angle with arms  706  extending outwards. As further shown in  FIG. 7A , the arms  706  extend downward from an octagonal support segment  704  which receives each one of the arms  706 . The arms  706  may also be characterized as support legs, support extensions, or support extension members. An expandable support rod  710  also extends from an opening portion  708  positioned in the middle of the octagonal support segment  704  (which will be explained next). As further shown in  FIG. 7B , the opening portion  708  is illustrated as oval or circular, but, can be any reasonable shape consistent with the expandable support rod (explained in detail below). The octagonal support segment  704  has an opening at each segment to allow for the arms  706  to extend outwards. 
       FIG. 8  is a front view of an embodiment of an expandable support rod  800  in accordance with embodiments of the present application. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the arms  802  may extend at an angle orthogonal to the expandable support rod  800 . The expandable support rod  800  includes a support segment casing  814  which further includes at least two slots  804  and a within a support segment casing  814  of the expandable support rod  800 . The support segment casing  814  includes a release button  806  for engaging and disengaging the arms  802  between an open and close position. As further shown in  FIG. 8 , the expandable support rod  800  includes a neck  810  portion which extends from the expandable support rod  800  to the group. The neck  810  corresponds to the top portion of the leg  812 . 
     For further illustrative purposes, a front view of the internal structural components of an support segment casing  814  discussed in  FIG. 8  is disclosed in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a support segment casing  900  includes a spring  902  which may be responsible for aiding with the compression and automation of the arms  802  as they are engaged to be opened and closed. The spring  902  may be wrapped around the slot  904  in a coil fashion and further include a push up-ring portion  906 . The push up-ring portion  906  moves up and down with pressure from the spring once engaged and disengaged. The neck  910  corresponds to the neck  810  as disclosed in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of an example mobile shelter configuration  1000  supported by multiple bearers  1002  who are illustrated as attire as appropriate, for example, in a procession of mourning, celebration, or other spiritual or social purposes. The mobile shelter  1000  includes multiple protective structures  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008 , each of which are supported by the expandable support rod  800  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  and depicted in  FIG. 9  at reference label  1010 . The multiple protective structures  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008  are interconnected by a v-shaped horizontal spacer beam  1012 . The v-shaped horizontal spacer beam  1012  is attached to the expandable support rod  1010  in an adjacent manner. The multiple protective structures  1004  and  1008  are without a expandable support rod  1010  relieving the bearers  1002  from having to hold or grip the expandable support rod  1010 . For instance, the bearers are illustrated as with both hands to their sides or positioned at their stomachs. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an expanded view of the example mobile shelter configuration  1100  with the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam  1110  which are supported by multiple bearers  1002  who are illustrated as attire as appropriate, for example, in a procession of mourning, celebration, or other spiritual or social purposes. The mobile shelter  1000  includes multiple protective structures  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008 , each of which are supported by the expandable support rod  800  as illustrated in  FIG. 8  and depicted in  FIG. 9  at reference label  1010 . The multiple protective structures  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008  are interconnected by a v-shaped horizontal spacer beam  1012 . The v-shaped horizontal spacer allows for structural integrity and continuity between each multiple protective structure  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008 . Furthermore, the protective structure  1006 , which includes the expandable support rod  1010 , performs the structural operations of extending, opening, closing, engaging, or disengaging of the two additionally connected protective structures  1004  and  1008 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , a four protective structure embodiment is disclosed which includes multiple protective structures  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108 . Each multiple protective structure  1102 ,  1004 ,  1106 , and  1108  are interconnected with the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam  1114  which further includes a first joint segment  1112  and a second joint segment  1116 . The first and second joint segments  1112  and  1116  are capable of flipping up and down. Furthermore, the v-shaped horizontal spacer beam  1114  is interconnected and supported by the expandable support rod  1118 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an example of the expandable shelter of the present application. In  FIG. 12 , the bearers  1206  stand underneath a stationery expandable shelter  1202  configuration with support legs  104  from offset standing or walking positions without occupying the covered areas under the coverings  1204  so as to allow space to accommodate others under the coverings  1204 . It should be understood that the bearers may otherwise shelter themselves by standing or walking under the coverings  1204 . 
     While the embodiments have been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.