Patent Abstract:
An improved temporary structure utilizes an enhanced, heavy-duty frame that is specially engineered to be easily transported, assembled, used and then disassembled and transported again, all while simultaneously providing superior strength and support to the shell covering and flexibility in configuration to meet the varying needs of a myriad of different users. The exterior shell covering can be constructed of tough, all-weather materials that can handle rain, wind, sleet, snow, sun, sand, and other harsh conditions while staying attached to the frame and properly supported thereby; the two working in concert to provide a much improved temporary structure.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/163,216, entitled IMPROVED TEMPORARY STRUCTURE and filed on May 18, 2016, which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that it discloses and teaches. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of buildings and construction; and more specifically, to the field of tents and associated temporary structures. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    From the time when people lived in caves and traveled to seasonal hunting grounds, there has been a need for temporary structures that could be transported and erected to provide shelter. In more recent times, a number of tents and other temporary structures have been developed to meet the continuing needs for portable shelters, sales kiosks, wind breaks, sun shields, etc. However, many of the tents currently known in the art sacrifice strength and sturdiness for light-weight materials and portability. This often results in structures that are not sufficiently strong to withstand wind, storms, etc. Although some tents are strengthened and designed to be tough, they often are complex, heavy, and difficult to erect and take down, sometimes requiring special equipment and/or many people working together. What is needed is an improved temporary structure that remains portable, easy to erect and take-down, is not overly-complex, and yet provides a strong structure capable of withstanding wind, storms, etc. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An improved temporary structure utilizes an enhanced, heavy-duty frame that is specially engineered to be easily transported, assembled, used and then disassembled and transported again, all while simultaneously providing superior strength and support to the shell covering and flexibility in configuration to meet the varying needs of a myriad of different users. The exterior shell covering can be constructed of tough, all-weather materials that can handle rain, wind, sleet, snow, sun, sand, and other harsh conditions while staying attached to the frame and properly supported thereby; the two working in concert to provide a much improved temporary structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved temporary structure; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced frame for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced frame for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced frame for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner base including a shell cover for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner base of an improved temporary structure without a shell cover; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner roof member including a shell cover for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner roof member without a shell cover for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner strut including a shell cover for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cot expansion including a shell cover for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of an expansion T member for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf expansion for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12A  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12B  illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12C  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12D  illustrates another elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a side panel and view port for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a second shell cover top lock flap for an improved temporary structure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first shell cover bottom lock flap for an improved temporary structure; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shell cover corner join for an improved temporary structure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. Furthermore, lists and/or examples are often provided and should be interpreted as exemplary only and in no way limiting embodiments to only those examples. Similarly, in this disclosure, language such as “could, should, may, might, must, have to, can, would, need to, is, is not”, etc. and all such similar language shall be considered interchangeable whenever possible such that the scope of the invention is not unduly limited. For example, a comment such as: “item X is used” can be interpreted to read “item X can be used”. 
         [0026]    Exemplary embodiments are described below and in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides a review of the drawing Figures in order to provide a thorough understanding of, and an enabling description for, these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that in some cases well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
         [0027]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved temporary structure  5 . As the shell cover  10 ,  20 , and  40  is in place, the enhanced frame supporting the shell cover is not visible. See later FIGs. for more detail on the enhanced frame. In the illustration in  FIG. 1 , two sides of the improved temporary structure  5  are visible. As the standard shape is generally rectangular (although other shapes are contemplated), the roof  40  is designed to be similarly rectangular where it joins and overlaps the sidewall panels  10  and  20  through the curved roof transition assembly covers  47  where it transitions into a four faced pyramid moving upwards therefrom and terminating in a roof panel peak  45 . 
         [0028]    The shell cover  10 ,  20  and  40  should be made from durable, weather-resistant, fire-resistant heavy-duty material(s) such as the heavy-duty polyester and satin blend is shown in the FIGs. This material easily rolls or folds as desired for easy packing, storing and transport and yet is extremely durable and tough to provide strong, nearly rigid side panels  10  and  20  and roof  40 . 
         [0029]    The side panels  10  and  20  are illustrated in two standard configurations in  FIG. 1  and have other contemplated configurations in additional embodiments. As shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , the first side panel  10  comprises a door configuration having a left door panel  13  and a right door panel  15  that are joined by the door join  19  itself. The door join  19  can utilize any type of adequate closure including a zipper, hook and loop materials, snaps, ties, magnets, etc. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a heavy-duty zipper is used with a storm flap covering the zipper and ensuring the door join remains weather-resistant. 
         [0030]    Abutting the first side panel  10  is the second side panel  20 . In the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , the second side panel  20  comprises a window configuration having a single arch window  30 . The illustrated arch window  30  utilizes a transparent/translucent vinyl material to allow light to pass through while retaining weather-resistant properties as well. In other embodiments, other types of materials/windows are contemplated. For example, see the mesh screen material illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The windows  30  can be removable by using any type of install/un-install connectors such as zippers, hook and loop materials, etc. In another embodiment, the second side panel  20  includes a plurality of windows, which can be one, two, three, or more. In yet another embodiment, the second side panel  20  includes no windows whatsoever. 
         [0031]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the improved temporary structure  5  incorporates an enhanced frame that is approximately ten feet wide by ten feet long. In other embodiments, other sizes are contemplated; furthermore, an improved temporary structure need not have a square footprint, but can be rectangular, etc. In one embodiment, an enhanced frame is constructed utilizing durable sixteen gauge, one and a quarter inch galvanized steel tubing. Other materials are contemplated in other embodiments. 
         [0032]    Although only two side panels  10  and  20  are visible in  FIG. 1 , the opposing sides can be configured as mirrors of their opposites. In such a configuration, the improved temporary structure will have two door side panel  10  and two window side panels  20 . The side panels  10  and  20  can be individually removed, leaving an improved temporary structure with zero, one, two, three, or four sides. Any of the side panels  10  and  20  can be replaced with a screen panel that is also removable. 
         [0033]    The roof  40  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  is designed to be rectangular where it joins and overlaps the sidewall panels  10  and  20  through the plurality of curved roof transition assembly covers  47 . These curved overlaps provide a significant advantage over other temporary structures as any rain, sleet, hail, snow, etc. that impacts the roof and rolls down it has a smooth, curved transition to follow that guides the precipitation off of the structure. Other prior art temporary structures have straight roof edges which abruptly merge with vertical walls, causing a potential catch-basin to form there. The weight of the precipitation (especially heavy, wet snow) that catches in there causes prior art structures to pool snow, water, and even ice in these locations. Such pooling can become extremely heavy, deforming the structure, causing damage, and allowing water, etc. to enter the prior art structures. On the other hand, the plurality of curved roof transition assembly covers  47  of the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 1 , allow the roof  40  to transition smoothly to the side panels  10  and  20  so that the ability of precipitation to pool at those transitions is limited. 
         [0034]    Moving upwards from the curved roof transition assembly covers  47 , the roof  40  resembles a four sided pyramid in shape and terminates in a four sided roof panel peak  45 . The peak  45  is supported by a peak keystone component of the enhanced frame, see  FIGS. 12A-12D . 
         [0035]    The improved temporary structure illustrated in  FIG. 1  has a large number of potential uses. An exhaustive listing is not practical, but here is a partial list of the most popular uses:
       Spa Tent (an improved temporary structure can cover and protect a spa/hot-tub: allowing it to be used in all weather conditions, allowing the surrounding air to be cooled or heated as desired, allowing a hot-tub/spa to become a steam room, and saving money on heating the spa&#39;s water as the improved temporary structure provides an insulating barrier);   Vendor Tents (an improved temporary structure can provide a protected vending space that is open and airy and yet protected from sun, wind, precipitation, etc.);   Smokers&#39; Tents (many locations ban smoking indoors, leaving smokers out in the elements, but an improved temporary structure can alleviate this problem, especially as the shell cover can employ fire-resistant materials);   Carports (as entire side panels can be removed from an improved temporary structure, it can serve as an excellent car port);   Lawn and Garden Shed (lawn mowers, snow blowers, tillers, tractors, etc. degrade rapidly when stored outside, yet with limited or no garage space, that can be the only option for many people—an improved temporary structure can solve this dilemma);   Recreation Vehicle Storage (boats, golf-carts, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, and RVs all can benefit from being stored inside an improved temporary structure instead of sitting out in the sun and weather);   Camping (an improved temporary structure provides one of the most durable, strong, weather-resistant camping tents you can find, and the enhanced frame provides many interior equipment hanging locations to help keep you organized while camping);   Golf Room (you can practice year round while being protected from harsh weather); and   Welding/Work Shelters (allows welders, workers at construction sites, etc. to perform work while protected from the elements, or as a temporary reprieve from the sun, bad weather, etc.).       
 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced frame  100  for an improved temporary structure  5 . An enhanced frame  100  comprises a plurality of corner bases  200 , a plurality of first bottom rails  110 , a plurality of second bottom rails  115 , a plurality of first corner struts  120 , a plurality of second corner struts  125 , a plurality of corner roof members  300 , a plurality of first top rails  150 , a plurality of second top rails  155 , a plurality of curved roof transition assemblies  140 , a plurality of roof struts  145 , and a peak keystone  400 . In other embodiments, an enhanced frame  100  can comprise additional, fewer, and/or different components. 
         [0046]    In the embodiment in  FIG. 2 , the enhanced frame  100  is in a four sided cube arrangement with a bottom and top. In this embodiment, no floor or other covering is illustrated on the bottom of the cube, although it is contemplated that one could be added, attaching to the plurality of corner bases  200 , the pluralities of first and second bottom rails, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, a floor covering can be utilized that does not attach or attaches in a different manner than that described. Similarly, no interior ceiling is illustrated on the top of the cube, although it is contemplated that one could be added. Above the top of the cube, the roof frame components extend upwards to support the exterior roof shell cover  40  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0047]    A plurality of corner bases  200  are illustrated with one in each lower corner of the enhanced frame  100 . Each corner base  200  utilizes a base plate, a plurality of rail locks, a plurality of securing ports, and a corner strut mount (for details of these components, see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). A corner base  200  is adapted to have a first bottom rail  110  and a second bottom rail  115  attached thereto. In the embodiment in  FIG. 2 , each corner base  200  provides for the rails to attach so that they are oriented at approximately ninety degrees to one another and extend outwards approximately horizontally from the corner base  200 . Extending upwards from the corner base  200  is a corner strut mount (again, see  FIGS. 4 and 5  for more detail) which is adapted to hold securely therein a first corner strut  120 . Thus, each corner base  200  has three rails/struts extending outwards therefrom, with the two horizontal rails extending in an X axis and a Y axis direction, and the strut extending upwards in a Z axis direction. In other embodiments, a corner base  200  could also be adapted to accept additional/other/fewer rails/struts extending in other directions therefrom. 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the plurality of first bottom rails  110  each attach at a proximal end to a corner base  200  and at a distal end to a second bottom rail  115 . Similarly, each second bottom rail  125  attaches at a distal end to a first bottom rail  110  and at a proximal end to a corner base  200 . In one embodiment, the distal end of each first bottom rail  110  is a male end with a decreased diameter than fits inside the distal end of each second bottom rail  115  with comprises a female end. In another embodiment, the distal ends of the first bottom rails  110  are female and those of the second bottom rails  115  are male. In yet another embodiment, both first and second bottom rails  110  and  115  have male distal ends (or both have female distal ends) and a coupler is used to secure them to each other. 
         [0049]    Mounted approximately vertically in each corner base  200  is a first corner strut  120 . As a significant portion of the various stresses and weight loads of the structure is placed on each first corner strut  120 , the connection between each first corner strut  120  and each corner base  200  needs to be very strong and secure. For details of this connection, see  FIGS. 4 and 5 . A proximal end of each first corner strut  120  is adapted to mount to a corner base  200  while a distal end of each first corner strut  120  is adapted to mount to a second corner strut  125 . As with the first and second bottom rails  110  and  115  described above, the connection between each first corner strut  120  and each second corner strut  125  can be a combination of male and female ends without a coupler or both female/male ends with a coupler. 
         [0050]    The distal ends of the second corner struts  125  can be connected to the first corner struts  120  while the proximal ends of the second corner struts  125  can be attached to a plurality of corner roof members  300 . The corner roof members  300  each comprise four connection members that are durably joined together to form a single corner roof member  300 . Each of the four connection members is adapted to connect to a proximal end of another frame component. Pointing generally downwards, the corner strut connection member connects with the proximal end of the second corner strut  125 . 
         [0051]    The roof transition connection member points generally upwards and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a curved roof transition assembly  140 . The first top rail connection member points generally horizontally and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a first top rail  150 , while the second top rail connection member also points generally horizontally at approximately ninety degrees to the first top rail connection member and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a second top rail  155 . For more details of the four connection members, see  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0052]    Connections between the first and second top rails can mirror those options discussed above for connecting the first and second top rails to each other. For more detail of the connections between the proximal ends of the top rails  150  and  155  and the corner roof members  300 , see  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Once the top rails  150  and  155 , bottom rails  110  and  115 , corner struts  120  and  125 , corner bases  200  and corner roof members  300  have all been attached to one another as described above, the cube structure of  FIG. 2  is formed. In other embodiments, the analogous structure may not be cube shaped but could have other shapes, such as a brick, cylinder, etc. 
         [0053]    A plurality of curved roof transition assemblies  140  each have a proximal end which is adapted to connect to one of the plurality of corner roof members  300 . The proximal end of each curved roof transition assembly  140  points generally downwards and is adapted to connect with the generally upwards pointing roof transition connection member on a given corner roof member  300 . Once connected, the distal end of each curved roof transition assembly  140  extends upwards and inwards towards a generally central axis of the improved temporary structure. 
         [0054]    Each of a plurality of roof struts  145  is attached to each curved roof transition assembly&#39;s distal end and extends the roof frame components so that they more closely approach the generally central axis. Located on this generally central axis is a peak keystone  400 . The peak keystone  400  has four keystone ports which each connect to the proximal ends of the plurality of roof struts  145  to finish off the enhanced frame  100 . Note that in other embodiments, additional curved roof transition assemblies  140  and additional roof struts  145  may be utilized. Similarly, the total number of each component may vary from those shown in  FIG. 2  in yet other embodiments. 
         [0055]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced frame  100  for an improved temporary structure. This view shows exemplary embodiments of a plurality of curved roof transition assemblies  140 , a plurality of roof struts  145 , a peak keystone  400 , a plurality of first top rails  150 , and a plurality of second top rails  155 . Also shown in the bottom left corner of  FIG. 3A  is a close-up of a corner base  200 . Note that later FIGs. show more detail of a corner base, see, for example,  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of an enhanced frame  100  for an improved temporary structure. In this view, a first and second bottom rail  110  and  115 , a first and second top rail  150  and  155 , a corner base  200 , a corner roof member  300 , a curved roof transition assembly  140 , a roof strut  145 , and a peak keystone  400  are illustrated. Note that  FIG. 3B  also provides a close-up of the peak keystone  400 , although additional details can be seen in  FIGS. 12A-12D . 
         [0057]      FIG. 3B  also includes a statement that in this embodiment “all tubes [can be] connected by push-pins for positive locating”. Although not easily visible in  FIG. 3B , push-pins can be used. Alternatively, pop-up locks can be installed near the ends of all rails, struts, and assemblies, said pop-up locks comprising spring loaded, rounded pins which are attached inside of the members and are pushed upwards through a lock port in the member by a spring-type action. The pop-up locks can pass upwards through the lock port in their own member and then extend through a mating lock port in the connected component. This pop-up lock helps to hold the components in place while additional locking means are actuated. For example, bolts or screws can be threaded through each member and its connected component to solidly lock them together. The pop-up locks can be unlocked by simply pressing downwards on the top of the pop-up lock and then decoupling the member and the connected component—the rounded top of the pop-up lock is further pressed downwards and unlocked from the connected component by pressure from the sidewall of the lock port itself as it slides over the top of the pop-up lock. 
         [0058]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner base  200  including a shell cover for an improved temporary structure. Each corner base  200  utilizes a base plate  210  that rests upon an installation surface  290 . Additional components of each corner base include: a plurality of rail locks  220  and  230 , a plurality of securing ports (not shown in  FIG. 4 , see  FIGS. 3A and 5 ), and a corner strut mount  240 . The base plate  210  can be a support plate, extending generally horizontally. Although the base plate  210  in  FIG. 4  is generally square in nature, other shapes and sizes are contemplated. For example, when the improved temporary structure is installed on a firm, flat surface such as concrete or asphalt, a smallish base plate  210  may be sufficient. However, when installed on a sandy, swampy, or other non-stable surface, larger base plates  210  may be needed. Additionally, the shape of the base plate  210  may be modified to more securely contact a specific type of ground surface, flooring, etc.; for example, if an improved temporary structure were to be mounted on a corrugated steel surface, a matching corrugation could be incorporated into the base plate  210 . 
         [0059]    The base plate  210  forms the base upon which each corner base  200  rests. Extending upwards from the base plate  210  are a plurality of rail locks  220  and  230 . In  FIG. 4 , the rail locks comprise threaded rod which extends upwards from the base plate  210  and provides mounting locations in order to attach the first and second bottom rails  110  and  115  to the corner base  200 . Each mounting rail has an attachment port  111  and  116  that comprises a hole through both sides of the rail that is simply aligned with the rail locks  220  and  230  and then the rails are pressed downwards over the rail locks  220  and  230 . Nuts or other locking hardware can be screwed down over the rail locks  220  and  230  until they contact the rails and thereby hold them in place. If the surface upon which the improved temporary structure is erected is uneven, the bottom rails  110  and  115  can be raised or lowered by simply loosening or tightening the locking hardware. Once locked in place, the bottom rails are firmly and securely attached to the corner base  200  and each other. 
         [0060]    Also attached to the bottom rails are a first shell cover base lock flap  14  and a second shell cover base lock flap  16 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , these lock flaps  14  and  16  each comprise two sections of material attached near the bottom edge of the side panels  10  and  20  that can be wrapped around the bottom rails and secured to each other via hook and loop material (or by some other means in other embodiments). These help to secure the side panels  10  and  20  to the enhanced frame  100 . Prior art tents often utilize sewn sleeves through which support poles must be carefully threaded during the process of erecting the tent. This can be difficult to accomplish and such configurations can reduce the strength and stability of the tent pole frame and fabric combination. Instead, as the embodiment in  FIG. 4  illustrates, the enhanced frame can be erected first and then the shell cover can be installed and secured afterwards without having to thread components through sleeves or otherwise attempt to erect frame and cover components simultaneously. Furthermore, because the shell cover components can be installed after the frame is fully erected, that allows the shell cover components to also be uninstalled without having to change or modify the erected frame. This allows shell cover components to be removed as desired for usability of the improved temporary structure; for example, perhaps one side of a sidewall panel  20  must be removed to move a picnic table into the structure, the illustrated embodiment can accommodate this need quickly and easily without having to take down any part of the enhanced frame. 
         [0061]    Extending generally upwards from the base plate  210  is a corner strut mount  240 . The corner strut mount is adapted to hold securely therein a first corner strut (not visible in  FIG. 4 , see  FIG. 2 , item  120 ). As discussed above, there are a number of different means by which a first corner strut can be attached and secured to the corner strut mount  240 . In one embodiment, the corner strut mount  240  has a slightly larger diameter than a proximal end of a first corner strut such that the strut fits snugly inside the corner strut mount  240 . In another embodiment, the strut could fit over the corner strut mount  240 . In any case, a strut lock (not visible in  FIG. 4 , see  FIG. 5 , item  244 ) can be used to lock the two components together once they are in place. Also, as discussed above, a pop-up lock or similar auto-locating lock can be used in place of, or in addition to, the strut lock described here. 
         [0062]    A first base lock wrap  24  is also illustrated in  FIG. 4 . It functions to attach one or more of the sidewall panels  10  and  20  to the corner base  200 . In the embodiment in  FIG. 4 , this is accomplished via two strap components that wrap around the corner strut mount  240  and then are secured to each other via hook and loop materials. Other types of securing materials or means are contemplated in other embodiments. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner base  200  of an improved temporary structure without a shell cover. In this embodiment, additional components of the corner base  200  are more visible, including a plurality of securing ports  222  and  232 , a strut lock  244  with threaded lock nut  242 , and a plurality of rail locks locking hardware  221  and  231 . As mentioned above, the rail locks locking hardware  221  and  231  locks the bottom rails  110  and  115  in place once they are installed on the rail locks  220  and  230 . 
         [0064]    The plurality of securing ports  222  and  232  can be used to attach/secure the corner base  200  to the installation surface  290 . For example, when the surface  290  on which the improved temporary structure is to be installed is dirt, tent stakes, spikes, etc. can be inserted through the securing ports  222  and  232  and driven into the dirt. If the surface is not conducive to pounding stakes therein, then the securing ports  222  and  232  can be used as tie downs to secure the corner base  200  to the installation surface  290  or other nearby tie points. It is contemplated in other embodiments that the number of securing ports  222  and  232  could be zero, one, two, three, or more. 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner roof member  300  including a shell cover for an improved temporary structure. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , four corner roof members  300  are shown. Other embodiments may have more or fewer corner roof members  300 . 
         [0066]    The corner roof members  300  each comprise four connection members  301 ,  302 ,  303  and  304  that are durably joined together to form a single corner roof member  300 . Each of the four connection members is adapted to connect to a proximal end of another frame component. For example, pointing generally downwards, the corner strut connection member  303  connects with the proximal end of the second corner strut  125 . 
         [0067]    The roof transition connection member  301  points generally upwards and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a curved roof transition assembly  140 . The first top rail connection member  304  points generally horizontally and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a first top rail  150 , while the second top rail connection member  302  also points generally horizontally at approximately ninety degrees to the first top rail connection member  304  and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a second top rail  155 . For more details of the four connection members, see  FIG. 7 . 
         [0068]    Once a given rail, strut or assembly is in place, a strut lock  310 ,  311 ,  312 , and  313  can be used to lock the component to the corner roof member  300 . Additional location locks can be utilized as well, see the plurality of pop-up locks  371  and  373  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The pop-up locks can be installed near the ends of all rails, struts, and assemblies; said pop-up locks comprising spring loaded, rounded pins which are attached inside of the members and are pushed outwards through a lock port in the member by a spring-type action. The pop-up locks can pass outwards through the lock port in their own member and then extend through a mating lock port in the connected component, here, the connection members  301 ,  302 ,  303  and  304 . This pop-up lock helps to hold the components in place while additional locking means are actuated. Further, the protruding head of the pop-up locks can assist in keeping the top rail lock wraps  340  and  341  in place. 
         [0069]    Top rail lock wraps  340  and  341  can be similar to the first base lock wrap  24  introduced above. They function to attach one or more of the sidewall panels  10  and  20  and/or the roof  40  to a corner roof member  300 . In the embodiment in  FIG. 6 , this is accomplished via two strap components that wrap around the corner roof member  300  and then are secured to each other via hook and loop materials. Other types of securing materials or means are contemplated in other embodiments. 
         [0070]    A plurality of second corner strut lock wraps  23  are shown in  FIG. 6 , they are similar to the top rail lock wraps  340  and  341  described above. The second corner strut lock wraps  23  help to attach one of more of the sidewall panels  10  and  20  to a second corner strut  125 . In the embodiment in  FIG. 6 , this is accomplished via two strap components that wrap around the second corner strut  125  and then are secured to each other via hook and loop materials. Other types of securing materials or means are contemplated in other embodiments. 
         [0071]    Also attached to the top rails  150  and  155  are a first shell cover top lock flap  41  and a second shell cover top lock flap  42 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , these top lock flaps  41  and  42  each comprise two sections of material attached near the top edge of the side panels  10  and  20  that can be wrapped around the top rails  150  and  155  and secured to each other via hook and loop material (or by some other means in other embodiments). These help to secure the side panels  10  and  20  to the enhanced frame  100 . Furthermore, the heavy-duty flap system  14 ,  16 ,  41 , and  42  wraps around the top and bottom frame components, adding strength, durability, and limiting the amount of dirt and wind that enter the unit. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner roof member  300  without a shell cover for an improved temporary structure. The corner roof members  300  each comprise four connection members  301 ,  302 ,  303  and  304  that are durably joined together to form a single corner roof member  300 . Each of the four connection members is adapted to connect to a proximal end of another frame component. For example, pointing generally to the right in  FIG. 7 , the corner strut connection member  303  connects with the proximal end of the second corner strut  125  (not shown in  FIG. 7 , see  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0073]    The roof transition connection member  301  points generally left in  FIG. 7  and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a curved roof transition assembly  140  (see  FIG. 6 ). The first top rail connection member  302  points generally upwards in  FIG. 7  and is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a first top rail  150  (see  FIG. 6 ), while the second top rail connection member  304  points generally downwards in  FIG. 7  because of the perspective view. It is noteworthy that the first top rail connection member  302  is oriented to point approximately ninety degrees from the second top rail connection member  304 , which is adapted to connect to the proximal end of a second top rail  155 . For more details of the four connection members, see  FIG. 6 . 
         [0074]    Once a given rail, strut or assembly is in place, a strut lock  310 ,  311 ,  312 , and  313  can be used to lock the component to the corner roof member  300 . Additional location locks can be utilized as well, see the plurality of pop-up lock ports  372  and  374  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The pop-up locks can be installed near the ends of all rails, struts, and assemblies; said pop-up locks comprising spring loaded, rounded pins which are attached inside of the members and are pushed outwards through a lock port in the member by a spring-type action. The pop-up locks can pass outwards through the lock port in their own member and then extend through a mating pop-up lock port  372  and  374  in the connected component, here, the connection members  301 ,  302 ,  303  and  304 . Although not illustrated in  FIG. 7 , connection members  302  and  304  can also utilize this feature. The pop-up locks can help to hold the components in place while additional locking means are actuated (such as strut locks  310 ,  311 ,  312 , and  313 ). 
         [0075]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of a corner strut  21  including a shell cover  10  and  20  for an improved temporary structure. The corner strut  21  comprises a first corner strut  120  and a second corner strut  125  which connect together via corner strut junction  170 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the junction  170  is shown utilizing a male/female end connection system as described in  FIG. 2 &#39;s connection between the first and second bottom rails (see above). Similarly, in other embodiments, a coupler can be used. 
         [0076]    A plurality of second corner strut lock wraps  23 , a plurality of first base lock wraps  24 , and a plurality of first corner strut lock wraps  25  are illustrated in  FIG. 8 . They are similar to the top rail lock wraps  340  and  341  described above. The lock wraps  23 ,  24  and  25  help to attach one of more of the sidewall panels  10  and  20  to the corner strut  21  and/or the corner base  200 . In the embodiment in  FIG. 8 , this is accomplished by each lock wrap utilizing two strap components that wrap around the corner strut  21  and/or the corner base  200  and then are secured to each other via hook and loop materials. Other types of securing materials or means are contemplated in other embodiments. 
         [0077]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cot expansion  500  including a shell cover for an improved temporary structure. The cot expansion  500  utilizes a number of frame components that are inserted between the first corner strut  120  and the second corner strut  125 . A plurality of expansion T members (unlabeled, but at the same height as expansion T members  520  and  521 ) are placed between the corner struts  120  and  125  and the remaining portions of the cot expansion  500  can be attached thereto. If the plurality of first corner struts are not each the proper length for optimum cot height, the first corner struts can be replaced by longer or shorter components when the T members are installed. Further, if the regular junction between first and second corner struts utilizes a male/female arrangement, then an adapter sleeve can be inserted over the male end so that both ends fit snugly inside the T members. 
         [0078]    Two additional T members  501  and  502  can be installed in the bottom rails with shorter replacement sections of bottom rail so that the overall dimensions of the enhanced frame aren&#39;t changed. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , these two additional T members  501  and  502  have cot legs  510  and  511  supporting the cot expansion components that do not reside directly against the left and right door panels  13  and  15 . 
         [0079]    Extending horizontally from and attaching between T members  520  and  521  is a cot rail  540  (a second cot rail  541  extends between the other two unlabeled T members that are installed in the corner struts). The cot rails  540  and  541  function to support and secure the cot surface  560  and hold the weight of whoever or whatever is placed on the cot. An additional center support post  550  can be used to further support said weight. 
         [0080]    Also illustrated in  FIG. 9  is a shelf expansion  600 . This component can utilize one or two additional T members and can be inserted in the corner struts or above/below/within the cot legs. Extending out horizontally from the additional T members can be a shelf that can hold a lamp, miscellaneous equipment, etc. See  FIG. 11  for more detail. 
         [0081]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of an expansion T member  520  for an improved temporary structure. Note that in this embodiment, the expansion T member  520  is configured with female ends so that corner struts, bottom rails, top rails, etc. all fit within the ends of the expansion T member  520 . In other embodiments, the T member  520  can have male ends that fit inside the struts, rails, etc., or a combination of male and female can be used. In yet another embodiment, couplers are used and the ends are either male or female. The T top  581  has two strut locks  582  and  584  to lock in the struts, rails, or other components that are attached thereto. Similarly, the T base  583  has a single strut lock  585  to lock in the strut, rail, or other component attached thereto. 
         [0082]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shelf expansion  600  for an improved temporary structure. In this embodiment, the shelf expansion  600  utilizes only a single expansion T member  520  placed within the corner strut  21 . The shelf plate  620  extends horizontally out from the T member  520  and provides a shelf upon which equipment  630  can be placed. 
         [0083]      FIG. 12A  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone  400  for an improved temporary structure. See earlier FIGs. for more descriptions of the peak keystone  400 , the components to which it is connected, and its placement within the enhanced frame. Note here that the four keystone ports are all arranged approximately 90 degrees from one another. 
         [0084]      FIG. 12B  illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone  400  for an improved temporary structure. See earlier FIGs. for more descriptions of the peak keystone  400 , the components to which it is connected, and its placement within the enhanced frame. Note here that the four keystone ports are not in a single plane, but are instead angled downwards to receive the plurality of roof struts  145  therein. 
         [0085]      FIG. 12C  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone  400  for an improved temporary structure. See earlier FIGs. for more descriptions of the peak keystone  400 , the components to which it is connected, and its placement within the enhanced frame. Note here that the four keystone ports can be angled such that a one hundred and forty degree angle spans between them. In other embodiments, other spanning angles are contemplated to accommodate other roof pitches as needed. 
         [0086]      FIG. 12D  illustrates another elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a peak keystone  400  for an improved temporary structure. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12D  a number of exemplary measurements are indicated. In other embodiments, other angles and lengths can be used. 
         [0087]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a side panel  20  and view port  30  for an improved temporary structure. In this embodiment, the view port  30  utilizes a fine mesh material to allow air to blow through the window but to keep insects, etc. out. 
         [0088]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a second shell cover top lock flap  42  for an improved temporary structure. The second shell cover top lock flap  42  wraps around the second top rail  155 . 
         [0089]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first shell cover bottom lock flap  14  for an improved temporary structure. The first shell cover bottom lock flap  14  wraps around the first bottom rail  110 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shell cover corner join  80  for an improved temporary structure. In this illustration, the right door panel  15  that is a component of the first side panel  10  in a door configuration is shown abutting and connected to the second side panel  20  at a corner location. The two are connected at a shell cover corner join  80  with a connection strip utilizing hook and loop materials. In other embodiments, other types of connections between the first and second side panels  10  and  20  are contemplated. 
         [0091]    The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the described systems, articles of manufacture and methods. It is important to note that many implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4