`Carter
`
`||||||||
`US0055 1572A
`11
`Patent Number:
`5,511,572
`45) Date of Patent:
`Apr. 30, 1996
`
`(54) COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER WITH FLEXIBLE,
`COLLAPSIBLE CANOPY
`
`76 Inventor: Mark C. Carter, 101.31 Kernwood Ct.,
`Alta Loma, Calif. 91737
`
`1 avy
`
`alla .........
`
`- P --
`
`4,641,676 2/1987 Lynch...................................... 135/110
`4,779,635 10/1988 Lynch...............
`... 135/145 X
`4,827,958 5/1989 Cantwell et al. ....................... 135/127
`23. G S. et al. .
`"is,%
`4,947,884 8/1990 Lynch...........
`... 135/45 X
`5,035,253
`7/1991 Bortles ...................................... 135/89
`5,069,572 12/1991 Niksic ......
`135/147 X
`(21) Appi. No.: 279,476
`5,244,001
`9/1993 Lynch .......
`... 135/103
`la-
`5,275,188
`1/1994 Tsai ........................................... 135/97
`22 Filed:
`Jul. 25, 1994
`(51) Int. Cl." ........................................... E04H 15/50
`Primary Examiner-Lanna Mai
`52 U.S. Cl. .......................... 135/145; 135/151; E; Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fulwider Patton Lee & Utecht
`58) Field of Search ..................................... 135/144, 145,
`57)
`ABSTRACT
`135/147, 151, 155, 152, 127
`The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy frame
`References Cited
`work that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved
`between a raised position and a lowered position. The
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting
`402,755 5/1889 Lyon ................................... 135151 x
`flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and
`1,712,836 5/1929 Mills.
`forming the framework of the canopy, X-shaped truss pairs
`1,853,367 4/1932 Mace.
`of link members are connected to each of the legs on each
`2,723,673 11/1955 Call .................................... 135/147 X
`side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
`3,810,482 5/1974 Beavers ................................... 135/147
`-
`4,601,301
`7/1986 Hermanson ............................... 135/25
`4,607,656 8/1986 Carter ...................................... 135/110
`
`56)
`
`
`
`1 Claim, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 1 of 10
`
`
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`5,511,572
`
`Apr. 30, 1996
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`eS©seeSfo2aofeS=AyOo
`
`reOo
`
`gepeGe
`
`‘Soxaa
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 2 of 10
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`
`
`Apr. 30, 1996
`Apr. 30, 1996
`
`5,511,572
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`5,511,572
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 3 of 10
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 3 of 10
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`5,511,572
`
`Apr. 30, 1996
`Apr. 30, 1996
`
`5,511,572
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 4 of 10
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 4 of 10
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`
`
`Apr. 30, 1996
`Apr. 30, 1996
`
`5,511,572
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`5,511,572
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 5 of 10
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 5 of 10
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`
`
`Apr. 30, 1996
`Apr. 30, 1996
`
`5,511,572
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`5,511,572
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 6 of 10
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 6 of 10
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 30, 1996
`Apr. 30, 1996
`
`5,511,572
`5,511,572
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`sheet of
`
`FIG16
`
`
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 7 of 10
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 7 of 10
`
`
`
`1.
`COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER WITH FLEXIBLE,
`COLLAPSIBLE CANOPY
`
`5,511,572
`
`2
`scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first
`collapsed position extending horizontally between two of
`the legs to a second extended position extending between the
`legs. The two perimeter truss pairs of link members on each
`side are connected together at their inner ends. The collaps
`ible shelter preferably has four legs, but can also have three,
`five, or more legs.
`At least two flexible pole members are also provided that
`are removably mountable to the upper ends of the legs of the
`shelter to extend across the shelter to form a structure for a
`flexible, collapsible canopy. The canopy also preferably
`includes a cover secured to the upper ends of the legs. In a
`currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible
`pole members comprise a plurality of segmented poles
`formed from a plurality of pole sections that are removably
`connectable together, and that are removably mounted in
`indexing holes in hinge means affixed to the upper ends of
`the legs, and the pole members are similarly removably
`connected together by a central hub that is preferably
`permanently connected to an inner end of one of the pole
`members. When the pole members are connected together
`and inserted in the hinge means of the legs, the pole
`members forming the canopy can flex and move between a
`normal raised position and a lowered position by exertion of
`a downward force on the top of the canopy, such as by a
`strong wind, to reduce the profile of the shelter that would
`be exposed to the wind and still provide rain run off. To
`facilitate this aspect of the invention the flexible poles in a
`currently preferred embodiment are made of a composite
`material such as fiberglass, but a variety of materials such as
`metal tubing and other composites can be used for such
`purposes.
`In one currently preferred aspect of the invention, the
`second link members are the same length as the first link
`members and the slider tab length cause the legs to be canted
`outward to a vertical position when the collapsible shelter is
`in a fully extended configuration. A hinge member is also
`preferably mounted to the upper end of each of the legs, and
`preferably includes a pair of sockets extending at approxi
`mately right angles from each other. The first link members
`are hingedly connected in the sockets of the hinge members
`to the upper ends of the legs. Each leg slider member also
`preferably includes a pair of sockets extending at approxi
`mately right angles from each other, and the second link
`members are hingedly connected in the sockets of the leg
`slider members, for reinforcement of the connection of the
`second link members to the leg slider members.
`A plurality of clip members are also advantageously
`disposed on an inner surface of truss pairs of link members
`for removably receiving the pole members for temporary
`stowage of the pole members in a folded configuration. In
`another currently preferred aspect of the invention, the inner
`ends of the first and second link members also have an
`opening in which a reinforcing plug is inserted. The inner
`ends of the first link members on each side of the collapsible
`shelter are pivotally connected through the reinforcing
`plugs, and the inner ends of the second link members on
`each side of the collapsible shelter are pivotally connected
`through the reinforcing plugs, to reinforce the connections
`between the inner ends of the link members.
`From the above, it can be seen that the present invention
`provides an economical, easily erected shelter that is less
`susceptible to toppling or damage from winds and still
`provides excellent shelter from sun and rain. These and other
`aspects and advantages of the invention will become appar
`ent from the following detailed description, and the accom
`panying drawing, which illustrates by way of example the
`features of the invention.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates generally to folding, collapsible
`structures, and more particularly relates to a collapsible,
`field shelter structure having an elevated canopy.
`2. Description of Related Art
`Temporary shelters that can be easily transported and
`rapidly set up at emergency sites can be particularly useful
`in providing temporary care and housing. Such shelters can
`also be useful for non-emergency outdoor gatherings, such
`as for temporary military posts, field trips, and the like. One
`such quickly erectable, collapsible shelter having a frame
`work of X-shaped linkages, telescoping legs, and a canopy
`covering the framework is described in my U.S. Pat. No.
`4,607,656. The legs of that shelter are capable of telescoping
`to about twice their stowed length, and the framework of
`X-shaped truss pairs is capable of horizontal extension
`between the legs to support a canopy. The framework can be
`constructed of lightweight material, and the telescoping legs
`can be extended to raise the framework of the shelter.
`However, the height of the canopy is limited to the extended
`length of the legs, and the canopy is essentially flat, allowing
`for collection of precipitation and debris on top of the
`canopy, which can promote leaks and tears in the canopy. In
`addition, the size and stability of such shelters, particularly
`in the face of strong winds, are generally limited by the
`strength of the framework.
`It would be desirable to provide an improved collapsible
`shelter with a support framework for the canopy that rises
`above the supporting legs, to provide for more headroom
`within the structure, to shed precipitation and debris from
`the top of the shelter, and to allow for a reduction in the size
`and weight of the legs and framework required to achieve an
`adequate height of the canopy. It would also be desirable to
`provide a canopy that bends and collapses in strong winds,
`to reduce exposure of the shelter to the force of winds that
`can lift and topple the shelter, for improved strength and
`stability in strong winds, and to allow support of larger,
`lighter collapsible shelter structures. It would also be desir
`able if such a canopy were to be less expensive to construct
`than prior art canopies. The present invention meets these
`needs.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention pro
`vides for a collapsible shelter with a flexible, collapsible
`canopy framework that can be raised to provide increased
`headroom, strength and stability, and can be lowered to
`provide a reduced profile to the wind.
`The invention provides for a collapsible shelter having at
`least three legs supporting a collapsible canopy supported by
`flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs. At
`least two perimeter truss pairs of link members are con
`nected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between
`two adjacent legs. Each of the X-shaped perimeter truss
`pairs of link members are essentially identical, and include
`two link members connected together by a central pivot,
`with the first link member having an outer end connected to
`the upper end of one leg, and the second link member having
`an outer end slidably connected to the leg. The first and
`second link members are pivotally connected together in a
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 8 of 10
`
`
`
`3
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter in
`a collapsed, folded configuration;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter in
`a first stage of being unfolded by pulling the legs outwardly;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter
`being unfolded by extending the perimeter truss pairs hori
`Zontally;
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter
`showing the raising of the truss pairs to lock them into
`position;
`FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the slider
`connection of link members of a truss pair to a leg;
`FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the hinge means
`for connecting the flexible pole members to the top of a leg
`of the collapsible shelter;
`FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the central hub
`for connecting the pole members together,
`FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the top portion of the
`collapsible shelter showing the pole members of the canopy
`structure in a normal raised position, and showing the
`lowered position in phantom;
`FIG.9 is a perspective view showing the extension of the
`legs of the collapsible shelter;
`FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion
`of a leg;
`FIG. 11 is front perspective view of the collapsible shelter
`in a raised configuration;
`FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the upper portion of
`the raised canopy of the collapsible shelter;
`FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the inset
`portion of FIG. 12;
`FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the collapsible
`shelter showing the folding and capturing of a section of a
`pole member;
`FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the capture member and
`section of the pole member from FIG. 14;
`FIG. 16 is an enlarged, exploded view of the connection
`between the inner ends of adjacent truss pairs; and
`FIG. 17 is an illustration of the flexing of the collapsible
`canopy when exposed to strong winds.
`
`O
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`The size and available headroom of previous collapsible
`shelters have been generally limited by the extended length
`of the legs of the structure, and provided essentially flat roof
`structures, allowing for collection of precipitation in pockets
`or puddles on top of the shelter. The size and stability of
`shelters can also be compromised by strong winds. The
`collapsible shelter of the invention provides for larger,
`lighter collapsible shelter structures, with a flexible, collaps
`ible canopy structure which improves the stability of the
`shelter. Another substantial benefit of the invention is the
`relatively low cost construction compared to prior art
`designs.
`As is illustrated in the drawings, and particularly referring
`to a first preferred four-sided embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
`the invention is embodied in a collapsible shelter 10, that can
`be collapsed and folded for carrying and transportation in a
`bag or sheath 12. In a currently preferred embodiment, the
`collapsible shelter includes a framework 14 of perimeter
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`5,511,572
`
`4
`truss pairs attached to four legs 16, although the collapsible
`shelter can also be made with three, five, or more legs. The
`collapsible shelter also includes a flexible, collapsible
`canopy structure 18 that includes a canopy cover 20 that is
`preferably formed of nylon fabric, although the canopy
`could also be made of other suitable sheet materials, such as
`canvas, or other types of cloth fabric, or plastic. The canopy
`cover 20 is also preferably permanently affixed to the upper
`ends of the legs, such as by rivets or the like, although the
`canopy cover can also be included as a separate piece to be
`disposed over the framework of the collapsible shelter. With
`reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the legs has an upper
`end 22 and a lower end 24, and preferably each leg includes
`telescoping upper and lower sections 26 and 28, respec
`tively, with the telescoping lower section including a spring
`loaded detent pin 30 for indexing in apertures 32 provided
`in the upper section for locking the leg in a desired extended
`position. The extendable lower section also preferably
`includes a foot portion 34 for engagement with the ground
`or other floor surface, and preferably includes a flange 36
`with an aperture 38 for receiving a stake or peg 40 for
`securing the legs to the ground.
`As is best seen in FIGS. 5 and 13, a leg slider member 42
`is also slidably mounted on the upper section of each of the
`legs. With reference to FIG. 5, a spring loaded detent pin 44
`is also provided in the upper leg section for indexing with an
`aperture 46 in the leg slider member, as will be further
`explained below.
`Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the currently preferred
`embodiment, the perimeter framework 14 includes a plural
`ity of substantially identical perimeter truss pairs 50 of link
`members. The link members are preferably made of hollow
`aluminum tubing to provide a strong, stable, and lightweight
`structure, although other materials such as stainless steel
`tubing, for example, may also be suitable. Two perimeter
`truss pairs are connected to each leg, with each of the
`perimeter truss pairs including a first link member 52 having
`an outer end 54 connected to the upper end 22 of a leg, an
`inner end 58, a longitudinal center 60 of the link members,
`and a pivot point 62 at the approximate longitudinal centers
`of the first link members. Each of the perimeter truss pairs
`further includes a second link 64 having an outer end 66
`pivotally connected to the leg slider member, thus slidably
`connecting the second link to the upper section of the leg.
`The second link members are preferably slightly longer than
`the first link members, so as to cause the legs to be slightly
`inwardly canted, for improved stability of the collapsible
`shelter when it is set up in the extended configuration.
`As is illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer end of each first link
`member is journalled by a bolt 67 for pivotal movement in
`a socket 68 of a hinge means 70 secured as by bolts or
`screws as a cap to the top end of the legs. The outer end of
`each second link member is similarly journalled by a bolt 71
`for pivotal movement in a socket 72 of the slider member.
`Each hinge means includes two sockets 68 extending at
`approximately right angles from each other from the body of
`the hinge means, and each slider member similarly includes
`two sockets 72 extending at approximately right angles from
`each other from the body of the slider member. The hinge
`means and the slider member are each preferably made
`unitarily from a tough, molded plastic.
`The second link member of the perimeter truss pairs
`includes an inner end 74, a longitudinal center located
`adjacent to the first link member longitudinal center 60, and
`a pivot point 78 at the approximate longitudinal centers of
`the second link members adjacent to the pivot point of the
`first link members. The pivot points of the first and second
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 9 of 10
`
`
`
`S
`links in each of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally
`connected in a scissors configuration. The inner ends 58 and
`74 of each perimeter truss pair are further preferably pivot
`ally connected to the inner ends 58 and 74 of another
`perimeter truss pair at a junction 80 centered between two
`legs of one side of the shelter framework. The collapsible
`shelter framework of truss pairs is expandable and extend
`able from a folded configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to
`an unfolded, extended configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 8,
`9 and 11, for example.
`In the currently preferred embodiment, four flexible pole
`members 82 are provided, corresponding to the number of
`legs, as is illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 12. While a variety
`of materials such as metal tubing, composite tubing (tubing
`made of resin impregnated fibers) or solid composite poles
`may be used, the flexible pole members currently preferably
`each comprise segmented flexible poles formed from two
`fiberglass pole sections 84 that are removably connectable
`together, with an inner end 86 of one of the pole sections
`bearing a metal jacket 88, made of aluminum or steel for
`example, into which the adjacent inner end 90 of the other
`pole section is insertable, to join the pole sections together.
`The pole sections are preferably hollow, and an elastic cord
`92 runs through the longitudinal centers of the pole sections.
`An outer end 94 of the cord of each pole member extends
`through an indexing aperture 96 in the hinge means, and is
`secured to the hinge means such as by a knot. The inner end
`98 of the cord is secured to the inner end 100 of the pole
`member, such as by a knot, so that the pole sections of the
`pole member are biased together. The pole members are
`removably receivable for mounting in the indexing apertures
`96 in the hinge means affixed to the upper ends of the legs.
`In a currently preferred embodiment, a central hub mem
`ber 102, having four symmetrically located indexing holes
`104 for removably receiving the inner ends of three pole
`members, and for permanently receiving the inner end of a
`fourth pole member, mounted in a hub indexing hole, such
`as by an adhesive such as epoxy, for example, for joining the
`pole members together. The central hub member is also
`preferably formed of tough, molded plastic. The pole mem
`40
`bers thus can be removably mounted to the upper ends of the
`legs of the shelter to extend across the shelter peaking in the
`center of the collapsible shelter to form a canopy structure
`under the top fabric cover, to form a flexible, collapsible
`canopy. The pole members are preferably slightly longer
`than the straight line distance between the tops of the legs at
`the opposite corners of the collapsible shelter, so that the
`pole members will normally be bowed when the pole
`members are connected together and between the central
`hub member and the legs. Alternatively, at least two central
`flexible pole members can be provided, not connected by a
`central hub member, extending between hinge means at
`opposite corners and permanently connected to a corre
`sponding number of the hinge means by the elastic cords,
`and removably insertable in the opposite corner hinge
`means. Initially, when the pole members are connected
`together and inserted in the hinge means of the legs, the pole
`members forming the canopy will typically be bowed down
`wardly, and can be pushed upward to snap into an upwardly
`bowed, normal canopy configuration. The pole members
`forming the canopy can also flex and move from the normal
`raised position 106 to a lowered position 108 by pulling the
`pole members down, or by exertion of a downward force on
`the top of the canopy, such as by a strong wind, to reduce the
`'profile of the shelter that would be exposed to the wind.
`As is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, a clip 110, having a
`slot 112 for receiving and gripping the inner segment of a
`
`35
`
`6
`pole member, is preferably mounted to the inside surface 114
`of each of the second link members, such as by screws 116,
`for example, for retaining the pole members in an out of the
`way position when they are folded for storage of the
`collapsible shelter. The clips are preferably formed of a
`unitary piece of plastic having jaw members 118 with a
`rounded inner contour 120 for receiving a pole member
`section. Alternatively, the clips can be spring clips made of
`spring steel, for example.
`As is illustrated in FIG. 16, the first and second link
`members are preferably hollow, and preferably include a
`reinforcing plug 122, presently preferred to be a rigid
`plastic, that is inserted in the openings 124 in the inner ends
`of each of the first and second link members. The reinforcing
`plugs preferably have a forked shape, with a first prong 126
`inserted into the inner end of the link member, and a second
`prong 128 having a generally flat outside surface 130
`disposed outside the link member adjacent to another second
`prong of an adjacent reinforcing plug. An aperture 132
`extends through the first and second prongs of the reinforc
`ing plug, corresponding to an aperture 134 through the inner
`end of the link members, for receiving bolts 136 hingedly
`connecting the inner ends of the link members for pivotal
`movement. The reinforcing plugs permit the bolts pivotally
`connecting the inner ends of the link members to be tight
`ened securely, without comprising the structural integrity of
`the link members, and facilitate a moderately frictionless
`hinged movement of the inner ends of the link members
`during folding and unfolding of the collapsible shelter.
`In light of the above description, it will be apparent that
`the invention provides for an improved, quickly erectable,
`collapsible shelter having a flexible, collapsible canopy that
`can be moved between a raised position providing more
`headroom and a lowered position presenting a reduced
`profile for resisting the force of strong winds on the shelter.
`It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular
`forms of the invention have been illustrated and described,
`various modifications can be made without departing from
`the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not
`intended that the invention be limited, except as by the
`appended claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A collapsible shelter comprising:
`at least three legs, each of said legs having an upper end
`and a lower end;
`at least two perimeter truss pairs of link members con
`nected to each of said legs, each of said perimeter truss
`pairs of link members including first and second link
`members, said first link member having an outer end
`connected to the upper end of one said leg, and said
`second link member having an outer end slidably
`connected to said leg, and said first and second link
`members being pivotally connected together in a scis
`sors configuration so as to be extendable from a first
`collapsed position to a second extended position;
`a flexible, collapsible canopy mounted to said upper end
`of said legs, said flexible, collapsible canopy being
`movable between a normal raised position and a low
`ered position providing said collapsible shelter with a
`reduced profile, said flexible, collapsible canopy
`including at least two flexible pole members removably
`mountable to the upper ends of the legs of the shelter
`to extend across the shelter, and
`a plurality of clip members disposed on said truss pairs of
`link members for removably receiving said pole mem
`bers for temporary stowage of said pole members in a
`folded configuration.
`
`ck
`
`:
`
`k
`
`k
`
`sk
`
`5,511,572
`
`10
`
`5
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Petitioner Walmart Inc.
`Exhibit 1009 - Page 10 of 10
`
`