Patent Publication Number: US-11041324-B2

Title: Portable erectable shelter

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/676,138, filed on May 24, 2018, and titled “PORTABLE ERECTABLE SHELTER,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to folding, collapsible structures and, more particularly, to a portable and erectable structure. 
     Background 
     Portable erectable shelters, such as tents or screened rooms, can be transported and set up for various purposes. Conventional portable shelters include fabric that is erected with poles, ropes, and stakes. Although conventional portable shelters are easily transported, the assembly may be cumbersome. Furthermore, as most conventional portable shelters use extendible poles for support, the conventional portable erectable shelters are not durable. 
     For increased durability, non-erectable or semi-erectable shelters, such as pre-fabricated homes, may be used as a shelter. Although these types of shelters provide improved durability, they are difficult to transport and assemble. Accordingly, there is a need for a portable erectable shelter with a reduced assembly time and improved durability. 
     SUMMARY 
     A portable erectable shelter may include a pair of wall panels arranged outermost from a pair roof panels. The pair roof panels may be between the pair of wall panels in a collapsed, vertical position of the shelter. The portable shelter may include a first outer wall truss link rotatably fixed to a sidewall of a first wall panel and having a first end pivotally secured to a first corner of a first roof panel and a free end opposite the first end. The portable shelter may further include a first outer roof truss link rotatably fixed to a sidewall of the first roof panel and including a first end pivotally secured to a first corner of the first wall panel. The first end of the first outer wall truss link may be arranged to abut the first end of the first outer roof truss link in an erect position. 
     A portable, erectable shelter may include inner truss links arranged on a first side of the erectable shelter and a second opposite side of the erectable shelter. The erectable shelter may also include outer truss links arranged on the first side and the second opposite side of the erectable shelter. Each of the outer truss link may be pivotally connected to one of the inner truss links between a first end of the outer truss link and a second end of the outer truss link. At least one end of each outer truss link pivotally attached to an adjacent inner truss link. The erectable shelter may further include link connectors. Each link connector connects one end of an inner truss link on the first side to an end of an inner truss link on the second opposite side. 
     This has outlined, rather broadly, the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a conventional shelter. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a portable, erectable shelter, according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6A-6K  depict a process of erecting the portable, erectable shelter of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  further depict formation of the interior of the portable, erectable shelter of  FIG. 2  in a first interior stage and a second interior stage, according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a portable, erectable shelter, according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 9A-9E  illustrate alternative structural configurations for a portable, erectable shelter, according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A-10I  depict a process of erecting the portable, erectable shelter of  FIG. 9A , according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts. 
     Based on the teachings, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality, in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure disclosed may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. 
     Although particular aspects are described herein, many variations and permutations of these aspects fall within the scope of the disclosure. Although some benefits and advantages of the preferred aspects are mentioned, the scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular benefits, uses or objectives. Rather, aspects of the disclosure are intended to be broadly applicable to different technologies, structural configurations, fabrics, and materials, some of which are illustrated by way of example in the figures and in the following description of the preferred aspects. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the disclosure, rather than limiting the scope of the disclosure being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
     A foldable (e.g., collapsible) shelter may be used in various scenarios. For example, the foldable shelter may be used as a display booth, a shelter, an exhibit, a storefront, etc. The foldable shelter may be referred to as a shelter. The shelter may include three or more sides. The sides may be of different sizes (e.g., lengths) or the same size. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a conventional shelter  100  with sidewalls  101  and side skirts  106  attached to legs  104 . The sidewalls  101  and side skirts  106  may be formed of a fabric material such as a polyester fabric. In conventional systems, the sidewalls  101  and side skirts  106  may attach directly to the legs  104  or perimeter truss via a connection, such as a fastener attached to a strap. The connections are neither secure nor taut. Therefore, the sidewalls  101  and side skirts  106  are prone to sagging or disconnecting from the legs  104 . Additionally, or alternatively, banners, flags, and/or other types of dressings may be mounted to the legs and/or frame. As an example, half walls  110  may also be mounted to the legs  104 . 
     As discussed above, conventional portable erectable shelters, such as the conventional shelter  100 , are not durable. Unfortunately, an increase in durability generally reduces a shelter&#39;s portability. In some cases, conventional portable shelters are pre-fabricated shelters with a substantially rectangular body. Portions of the shelter body may expand and collapse. The conventional rectangular body shelters may be transported via a trailer or other transportation system. Nevertheless, these conventional rectangular body shelters are difficult to transport and often involve specific transportation systems, such as trailers, shipping containers, or flat-bed trucks. These specific transportation systems limit the areas capable of receiving conventional rectangular body shelters. 
     In some cases, conventional portable shelters may collapse and fold. For example, a foldable portable building is described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,844. The conventional foldable building includes multiple roof, floor, and wall members that are foldable and extendible. The roof and floor members lie outermost and are extendible to form the floor and roof of the building. Multiple wall members are interconnected to extend and complete the building in a concertina manner from within the portable building. Still, the conventional foldable building is difficult to assemble. For example, the roof, the floor, and the walls are extended and arranged, piece by piece, into a shelter. As a result, these conventional erectable shelters often rely on electronics or other machines to expand and erect the shelter. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an erectable and portable shelter with improved durability and reduced difficulty for assembly. The erectable and portable shelter may be referred to as an erectable shelter or an erectable house. In one configuration, the erectable shelter folds to a size that is less than a footprint of the erectable shelter, for example, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a portable, erectable shelter  200 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. Representatively, the portable, erectable shelter  200  includes a first wall panel  210 , a second wall panel  220 , a first roof panel  230 , and a second roof panel  240 . The first wall panel  210  is framed by a first link connector  212 , a second link connector  214 , a first inner truss link  216 , and a second inner truss link  218 , which may be referred to as inner truss links (e.g., a third inner truss link and a fourth inner truss link). The second wall panel  220  is framed by a first link connector  222 , a second link connector  224 , a first inner truss link  226 , and a second inner truss link  228 . The first roof panel  230  is framed by a first link connector  232 , a second link connector  234 , a first inner truss link  236 , and a second inner truss link  238 . The second roof panel  240  is framed by a first link connector  242 , a second link connector  244 , a first inner truss link  246 , and a second inner truss link  248 . 
     In this configuration, the first wall panel  210  is secured to the first roof panel  230  by a first outer wall truss link  202  and a second outer truss link  204  using a first end connector  260  and a second end connector  262 . In addition, the second wall panel  220  is secured to the second roof panel  240  by a first outer truss link  206  and a second outer truss link  208  using a first end connector  264  and a second end connector  266 . In this arrangement, the first wall panel  210  is secured to the first outer wall truss link  202  and the second outer truss link  204  using a first truss pair link connector  270  and a second truss pair link connector (not shown). Similarly, the second wall panel  220  is secured to the first outer truss link  206  and the second outer truss link  208  using a first truss pair link connector  274  and a second truss pair link connector (not shown). 
     In one configuration, the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  are also connected by a first outer truss link pair  280  and a second outer truss link pair  284 . As described herein, the first outer truss link pair  280  and the second outer truss link pair  284  may be referred to as roof panel outer truss links, for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In addition, a first outer roof truss link  282  is rotationally secured to the first inner truss link  236  to form a roof truss link pair, for example, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 3  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, the first outer truss link  206  is pivotally connected to the first inner truss link  226  of the second wall panel  220  through the first truss pair link connector  274 . The first outer truss link  206  is also pivotally connected to the second roof panel  240  through the first end connector  264 . Similarly, the second outer truss link  208  is pivotally connected to the second inner truss link  228  of the second wall panel  220  through a second truss pair link connector (not shown). In addition, the second outer truss link  208  is pivotally connected to a second inner truss link  228  through a second end connector  266 . 
       FIG. 3  further illustrates the first outer truss link pair  280  and the second outer truss link pair  284 , which are identified as roof panel outer truss links, and are rotationally connected to the first roof panel  230  and the second roof panel  240  through connectors (not shown). The first outer truss link pair  280  and the second outer truss link pair  284  are pivotally connected to the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  through end connectors (not shown). In this example, the first outer truss link pair  280  and the second outer truss link pair  284  are rotationally connected to an adjacent inner truss link, such as the first inner truss link  246  or the second inner truss link  248  of the second roof panel  240 . These connections may form truss pair link connections, which may be off-center between each end of the truss links. In addition, a truss pair connection (e.g., the first end connector  264  and/or the second end connector  266 ) is defined between each end of an inner truss link (e.g., first inner truss link  246 ) and each end of an outer truss link (e.g., first outer truss link  206 ). 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. This example highlights the first link connector  232 , the second link connector  234 , the first inner truss link  216 , and the second inner truss link  218 , which are joined together to frame the first roof panel  230 . In this configuration, a first end  402  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  includes the first inner truss link  236  that corresponds to the second inner truss link  238  on a second end  404  of the portable, erectable shelter  200 . A rectangular shape may be formed when each end of the first inner truss link  236  is connected to ends of the second inner truss link  238  via the first link connector  232  and the second link connector  234 . The rectangular shapes may be filled with material to form the first roof panel  230 . This same configuration may be followed to form the second roof panel  240  as well as the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220 . 
       FIG. 5  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. This example highlights a first roof truss link pair  580  of the first roof panel  230 , and a first wall truss link pair  570  of the second wall panel  220 . In this example, the first outer truss link  206  of the first wall truss link pair  570  has two connections: 1) the first end connector  264  to the first inner truss link  246 ; and 2) the first truss pair link connector  274  to the first inner truss link  226  of the second wall panel  220 . In one configuration, a length of the first outer truss link  206  of the first wall truss link pair  570  is less than a length of the first outer roof truss link  282  of the first roof truss link pair  580 . 
     In this configuration, the portable, erectable shelter  200  includes the first roof truss link pair  580  and the first wall truss link pair  570  on the first end  402 . The portable, erectable shelter  200  also includes a second roof truss link pair (not shown) on the second end  404 . For example, the first roof panel  230  includes the first roof truss link pair  580  on the first end  402  and a second roof truss link pair (not shown) on the second end  404 . Similarly, portable, erectable shelter  200  includes wall truss link pairs on the second end  404 . For example, the second wall panel  220  includes the first wall truss link pair  570  on the first end  402  and a second wall truss link pair (not shown) on the second end  404 . 
     In one configuration, the first outer truss link  206  of the first wall truss link pair  570  has a similar length to the first outer roof truss link  282  of the first roof truss link pair  580 . In another configuration, the length of the first outer truss link  206  of the first wall truss link pair  570  is less than the length to the first outer roof truss link  282  of the first roof truss link pair  580 . Furthermore, one end of the first outer truss link  206  of the first wall truss link pair  570  of the second wall panel  220  is unconnected. Similarly, a free end  502  of the first outer wall truss link  202  of the first wall truss link pair  570  of the first wall panel  210  is also unconnected. Because the ends of the first outer wall truss link  202  and the first outer truss link  206  are unconnected to another structural element, the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  may be placed in a vertical position for extending a floor panel  290  secured to the first wall panel  210  through an inner link end  406  (of  FIG. 4 ). In addition, the first roof panel  230  and the second roof panel  240  may be placed in an angled position, as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6J . 
       FIGS. 6A-6J  depict a process of erecting the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. The process of erecting the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  begins at  FIG. 6A . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  in a collapsed position  600 . The collapsed position  600  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  shows the first outer truss link  206  as well as a floor panel  290  attached to the second wall panel  220  (as shown in  FIG. 6B ). The portable, erectable shelter  200  is transformed from the collapsed position  600  to the expanding position  610  (as shown in  FIG. 6B ) by pulling sides of the portable, erectable shelter  200  in opposite directions indicated by arrows  602  and  604 . 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  in an expanding position  610  relative to the first end  402  and the second end  404 . The expanding position  610  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  shows the first roof truss link pair  580  as well as the first wall truss link pair  570 . In addition, the second roof panel  240  as well as the second wall panel  220  are also shown. The first link connector  212  of the first wall panel  210 , the first link connector  232  of the first roof panel  230 , and the first link connector  242  of the second roof panel  240  are also shown in the expanding position  610 . 
       FIGS. 6C and 6D  illustrate the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  in a first expanding position  620  and a second expanding position  630 . The first expanding position  620  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  is achieved by pulling ends of the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  in opposite directions indicated by arrows  622  and  624 . As shown in  FIG. 6D , in the second expanding position  630 , the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  rotate. For example, the first wall panel  210  rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, whereas the second wall panel  220  rotates in a clockwise direction, which eventually lifts the first roof panel  230  and the second roof panel  240 , as shown in  FIG. 6F . 
       FIGS. 6E and 6F  further illustrate the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  in a third expanding position  640  and a fourth expanding position  650 . The third expanding position  640  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  is achieved by pushing down on ends of the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  in a downward direction indicated by arrows  642  and  644 . As shown in  FIG. 6F , in the fourth expanding position  650 , the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  further rotate. In this example, the first wall panel  210  continues to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, whereas the second wall panel  220  continues to rotate in a clockwise direction. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 6E and 6F , pulling out the sides of the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  and pushing them down causes the first roof panel  230  and the second roof panel  240  to extend outward and upward, as shown by an arrow  652 . Because the free end  502  of the first outer wall truss link  202  of the first wall panel  210  is not connected to another structure, the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  may be rotated to a vertical position. 
       FIGS. 6G and 6H  further illustrate the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  in a first rotated position  660  and a second rotated position  670 . The first rotated position  660  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  is achieved by pushing down and inward on ends of the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  in directions indicated by arrows  662  and  664 . As shown in  FIG. 6H , in the second rotated position  670 , the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  are further rotated. The first wall panel  210  continues to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, whereas the second wall panel  220  continues to rotate in a clockwise direction to a vertical position. In this example, the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  rotate to a vertical position while the first roof panel  230  and the second roof panel  240  rotate to an angled position. 
       FIGS. 6I and 6J  further illustrate the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  in a third rotated position  680  and an erect position  690 . The third rotated position  680  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  is achieved by pushing inward on ends of the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  in directions indicated by arrows  682  and  684 . As shown in  FIG. 6J , in the erect position  690 , the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220  are completely rotated. The first wall panel  210  completes counter-clockwise rotation, whereas the second wall panel  220  completes clockwise rotation to a vertical position. In this example, an end of an outer truss link of the roof truss link pair butts against an end of an outer truss link of the wall truss link pair, as highlighted with reference number  692 . This abutment of the outer truss links provides structural support for the portable, erectable shelter  200 . 
       FIG. 6K  is a blowup illustration of the circled portion of the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2 , as highlighted with reference number  692  in  FIG. 6J , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In the collapsed state of the portable, erectable shelter  200  shown in  FIG. 6A , a pair of wall panels (e.g., the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220 ) are arranged outermost from a pair roof panels (e.g., the first roof panel  230  and the second roof panel  240 ). In this configuration, the pair of roof panels (e.g., the first roof panel  230  and the second roof panel  240 ) are arranged between the pair of wall panels (e.g., the first wall panel  210  and the second wall panel  220 ) in a collapsed, vertical position for storage or transport. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6J and 6K , the first outer wall truss link  202  is rotatably fixed to a sidewall of the first wall panel  210  through the first truss pair link connector  270  (see  FIG. 2 ). The first outer wall truss link  202  includes a first end pivotally secured to a first corner of the first roof panel  230  through the first end connector  260 . The first outer wall truss link  202  also includes a free end (e.g., the free end  502  of  FIG. 5 ) opposite the first end. In one configuration, the first outer roof truss link  282  (e.g., of the first roof truss link pair  580  of  FIG. 5 ) is rotatably fixed to a sidewall (e.g., the first inner truss link  236 ) of the first roof panel  230 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6K , the first outer roof truss link  282  includes a first end pivotally secured to a first corner (e.g., the first inner truss link  216  of  FIG. 2 ) of the first wall panel  210  through a first end connector  288 . In this configuration, the first end of the first outer wall truss link  202  abuts the first end of the of the first outer roof truss link  282  in the erect position  690 . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 6K , the first outer wall truss link  202  includes a flanged sidewall portion  209 , extending away from a flat portion of the first outer wall truss link  202 . The flat portion of the first outer wall truss link  202  is secured to the first inner truss link  236  of the first roof panel  230  through the first end connector  260 . In addition, the first outer roof truss link  282  includes a flanged sidewall portion  286 , extending away from a flat portion of the first outer roof truss link  282 . The flat portion of the first outer roof truss link  282  is secured to the first inner truss link  216  of the first wall panel  210  through the first end connector  288 . In this configuration, the flanged sidewall portion  209  of the first outer wall truss link  202  directly abuts the flanged sidewall portion  286  of the first outer roof truss link  282  in the erect position. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  further illustrate formation of the interior of the portable, erectable shelter  200  of  FIG. 2  in a first interior stage  700  and a second interior stage  750 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. The first interior stage  700  of the portable, erectable shelter  200  is achieved by moving the floor panel  290  from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The floor panel  290  also includes a first floor link  292  and a second floor link  294 . In this example, an additional floor panel  790  is shown in a horizontal position and includes a first floor link  792  and a second floor link  794 . The first floor link  792  and the second floor link  794  may be pivotally connected to an end of each inner truss link of the wall truss link pairs using an inner link end  796 . The first floor link  292  and the second floor link  294  form the floor panel  290 . In addition, the first floor link  792  and the second floor link  794  form the additional floor panel  790  The corresponding floor links (e.g.,  792 / 794 ) may attach to adjacent floor links (e.g.,  292 / 294 ) for added stability. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates the second interior stage  750  of the portable, erectable shelter  200 . In this configuration, the interior of the portable, erectable shelter  200  includes a first wall panel  710  and a second wall panel  720 . Representatively, the first wall panel  710  and the second wall panel  720  may be pivotally connected to each inner truss link of the wall truss link pairs. The first wall panel  710  and the second wall panel  720  may pivot outward to be substantially perpendicular to the floor panel  290  and the additional floor panel  790 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a portable, erectable shelter  800 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, doors  810  are built into the second wall panel  720 . In another configuration, the front and/or back of the portable, erectable shelter  800  may be open, for example, as shown in  FIG. 7A . In further configurations, fixtures, such as piping, electrical wiring, Internet wiring, and other like fixtures, may be pre-installed into the first wall panel  210  and/or the first roof panel  230 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9E  illustrate alternative structural configurations for a portable, erectable shelter  900 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the disclosure are not limited to four truss link pair, such as the portable, erectable shelter  200  shown in  FIG. 2 . In one configuration, additional truss link pairs are used. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900 , including six truss link pairs. In this example, a first truss link pair  910  includes a first outer truss link  912  and a first inner truss link  914 . The first outer truss link  912  of the first truss link pair  910  may be pivotally connected to the first inner truss link  914  of the first truss link pair  910  via a truss pair link connector (e.g., truss pair link connector  906 ). This example also illustrates a bottom end  902  and a top end  904  of the portable, erectable shelter  900 . 
       FIG. 9B  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, the first truss link pair  910  is identified as a first adjacent truss link pair, and a third truss link pair  930  is identified as a second adjacent truss link pair. A third outer truss link  932  of the third truss link pair  930  may be pivotally connected to a third inner truss link  934  of the third truss link pair  930  via a truss pair link connector (e.g., truss pair link connector  906 ). For this configuration, a first end (e.g., top end  904 ) of a second outer truss link  922  is pivotally connected to a top end (e.g., top end  904 ) of the first inner truss link  914  of the first adjacent inner truss link pair (e.g., the first truss link pair  910 ). A bottom end (e.g., bottom end  902 ) of the second outer truss link  922  is pivotally connected to a bottom end (e.g., bottom end  902 ) of a third inner truss link  934  of a second adjacent inner truss link pair (e.g., the third truss link pair  930 ). 
     In this configuration, the first adjacent inner truss link pair (e.g.,  910 ) is adjacent to one side of the second outer truss link  922  and the second adjacent inner truss link pair (e.g.,  930 ) is adjacent on an opposite side of the second outer truss link  922 . In addition, the truss links (e.g., first inner truss link  914  and second outer truss link  922 ) connected at a top end connection (e.g.,  904 ) are connected in a “V” shape. The truss links (e.g., third inner truss link  934  and second outer truss link  922 ) connected at a bottom end (e.g.,  902 ) are connected in an “X” shape. 
       FIG. 9C  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, the portable, erectable shelter  900  includes two outermost outer truss links (e.g., a first outermost truss link  956  or first outermost outer truss link and second outermost truss link  966  or second outermost outer truss link). The portable, erectable shelter  900  also includes two outermost truss link connectors (e.g., a bottom outermost truss link connector  952  and a bottom outermost truss link connector  962 ). In this arrangement, a bottom end of the first outermost truss link  956  is connected to a bottom outermost truss link connector  952 . The connection to the bottom outermost truss link connector  952  may be a fixed connection. In addition, a bottom end of the second outermost truss link  966  is connected to the bottom outermost truss link connector  962 . Furthermore, each bottom outermost link connector (e.g.,  952 / 962 ) is also connected to an opposing outermost truss link. 
       FIG. 9D  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example of the portable, erectable shelter  900 , the first outermost truss link  956  is connected to a short truss link  976  at a truss pair connector  974 . Similarly, the second outermost truss link  966  is connected to a short truss link  986  at a truss pair connector  984 . In this arrangement, the short truss link (e.g.,  976 / 986 ) includes two attachment points: 1) a bottom end connection  908  to an adjacent truss link (e.g.,  910 / 930 ); and 2) a truss pair connector (e.g.,  974 / 984 ) connection to an outermost truss link (e.g.,  956 / 966 ). Because the short truss link (e.g.,  976 / 986 ) includes two connections in this configuration, a wall panel (see  FIG. 9E ) may stand vertically. The vertical position of the wall panel causes roof panels (see  FIG. 10I ) to be in an angled position, thereby erecting the portable, erectable shelter  900 . 
       FIG. 9E  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, the portable, erectable shelter  900  includes a wall panel  950  framed by the first outermost truss link  956 , a second outermost truss link  958 , a top end link connector  954 , and the bottom outermost truss link connector  952 . The wall panel  950  also includes a short truss link connector  972  that joins the first outermost truss link  956  and the second outermost truss link  958 . The wall panel  950  may be covered with a material prior to, or after, erecting the portable, erectable shelter  900 . Sample materials for the wall and roof panels as well the structure of the portable, erectable shelter may include thin aluminum sheet connected to the trusses of each panel. Alternatively, the aluminum sheet could be fabric attached to the trusses of each panel. 
       FIGS. 10A-10I  depict a process of erecting the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , according to aspects of the present disclosure. The process of erecting the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A  begins at  FIG. 10A . 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A  in a collapsed position  1000 . The collapsed position  1000  of the portable, erectable shelter  900  shows a wall panel  960  opposite the wall panel  950  shown in  FIG. 9E , including the first outermost truss link  956 . In this configuration, the wall panel  960  includes the second outermost truss link  966  and an outermost truss link  968  joined by the bottom outermost truss link connector  962  and a top end truss link connector  964 . The wall panel  960  also includes a short truss link connector  982  connected to the second outermost truss link  966  and the outermost truss link  968 . 
       FIG. 10B  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A  in the collapsed position  1000 . The portable, erectable shelter  900  is transformed from the collapsed position  1000  to an expanding position by pulling sides of the portable, erectable shelter  900  in opposite directions indicated by arrows  1010  and  1012 .  FIG. 10C  also illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A  in the collapsed position  1000 . The portable, erectable shelter  900  may collapse to the collapsed position  1000  shown in  FIGS. 10A to 10C , as a reduced structure (e.g., useful for saving storage/travel space). In addition, the wall panels (e.g.,  950 / 960 ) reside on both ends of the portable, erectable shelter  900  in the collapsed position  1000 . 
       FIG. 10D  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A  in a first expanding position  1030 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. The portable, erectable shelter  900  expands outward when the sides are pulled in the first expanding position  1030 . This first expanding position  1030  illustrates the first outermost truss link  956  secured to the short truss link  976 . The first expanding position  1030  also shows the third truss link pair  930  as well as a top end link connector  936 . In addition, the short truss link  986  as well as the short truss link connector  982  are also shown. 
       FIG. 10E  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , prior to transitioning from the first expanding position  1030  to the second expanding position  1050  (see  FIG. 10F ).  FIG. 10F  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , after transitioning from the first expanding position  1030  to the second expanding position  1050  by pulling the sides of the portable, erectable shelter  900  in opposing directions indicated by arrows  1040  and  1042  (as shown in  FIG. 10E ). This second expanding position  1050  highlights the short truss link connector  972  as well as the top end link connector  936 . 
       FIG. 10G  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , prior to transitioning from the second expanding position  1050  to an erect position  1070  (see  FIG. 10H ).  FIG. 10H  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  of  FIG. 9A , after transitioning from the second expanding position  1050  to the erect position  1070  by lifting the portable, erectable shelter  900  upward, in the direction indicated by arrows  1060  and  1062  (as shown in  FIG. 10G ). 
       FIG. 10H  illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  in the erect position  1070 . This erect position  1070  highlights support, including the short truss link  976 , the first outer truss link  912 , the second outer truss link  922 , the third outer truss link  932 , and the fourth outer truss link  942 . In this configuration, support of the portable, erectable shelter  900  is provided by the truss links butting one another. For example, the short truss link  976  is pressed against the first outer truss link  912 . Similarly, the first outer truss link  912  is press against the second outer truss link  922 . The second outer truss link  922  is pressed against the third outer truss link  932 . Finally, the third outer truss link  932  is pressed against a fourth outer truss link  942  in the erect position. Because each outer truss link butts an adjacent truss link, the stability of the portable, erectable shelter  900  is improved. 
       FIG. 10I  further illustrates the portable, erectable shelter  900  in the erect position  1070 , according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, a roof panel  1020  may be formed from two top adjacent top end connectors (e.g.,  926  and  928 ) and the corresponding truss link pairs (e.g., the second truss link pair  920 ). The truss link pairs used to form the roof panel  1020  may be referred to as roof truss link pairs. In this configuration, the roof panel and/or the wall panel (e.g.,  950 / 960 ) may be covered with a material. In further configurations, fixtures, such as piping, electrical wiring, Internet wiring, and other like fixtures, may be pre-installed into the first wall panel  210  and/or the first roof panel  230 . 
     According to this aspect of the present disclosure, the portable, erectable shelter may be manually expanded from the collapsed position to the assembled position. The assembled position may refer to the erect or upright position. When in the collapsed position, the wall panels lie outermost and the roof panels are defined between the wall panels. The wall panels and roof panels may be perpendicular to a ground surface when the shelter is in the collapsed position. 
     When expanded, the roof panels form an angled roof and the wall panels are placed in a vertical position that is substantially perpendicular to the ground. Additionally, an end of an outer truss link may be adjoined with an end of another truss link. For example, an end of one outer truss link may butt against an end of an adjacent outer truss link. The adjoined outer truss links provide additional stability to the erectable structure. 
     According to aspects of the present disclosure, the erectable shelter may be transported by road or other transportation system to a desired location, such as a disaster area, a temporary camp, or a backyard. The erectable shelter may be used for a variety of purposes, such as, but not limited to temporary housing, permanent housing, animal shelter, storage unit, outdoor venue, etc. 
     As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c. 
     The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. 
     It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes, and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus described above without departing from the scope of the claims.