ROOF SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR COLLAPSIBLE SHELTER

Abstract

A supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting. The support assembly includes a pole having one end coupled with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. In one embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a coupler attached to the end of the pole that fits over a central hub of the framework. In another embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded end of the pole. The threaded member can be formed integral with the central hub or affixed to the central hub as a separate component. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/015,294 filed on Jan. 27, 2011. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/607,887 filed on Mar. 7, 2012. The contents of these prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to temporary shelter structures, such as tents and hunting blinds. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and devices for supporting collapsible shelter structures.

2. Description of the Related Art

Collapsible shelter structures used for hunting blinds, fishing huts, and the like, are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,482 issued to Beavers and U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,338 issued to Stumbo disclose examples of such collapsible shelter structures. These collapsible shelter structures typically include a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top, and a collapsible framework for supporting the flexible fabric cover. The collapsible framework includes, among other things, a central hub and a plurality of resilient spokes for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover to provide a free span roof for the shelter structure. There are typically four spokes that are hingedly connected to and radiate outwardly from the central hub to support the roof of the collapsible shelter structure.

The collapsible shelter structures of the type generally shown in the Beavers and Stumbo patents have become popular because, among other things, they are lightweight, portable, and easy to erect, making them useful and desirable for hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The collapsible framework used to support the roof in these structures provides a relatively roomy interior free of obstructions. However, the collapsible framework often lacks the strength necessary to withstand the range of external loads imparted to the shelter structure during inclement weather, such as high winds and heavy rain or snow. As a result, these shelter structures often collapse, particularly if they are left in the field for extended periods and/or during inclement weather.

There is a need in the industry for an improved method and device to prevent collapsible shelter structures, such as ground blinds for hunting, from collapsing when they are left in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a supplemental support assembly that can be used to prevent a collapsible shelter structure from collapsing during inclement weather and to increase the ability of a shelter structure to withstand other external forces without collapsing.

Further objects of the present invention are to provide a support assembly that is lightweight, portable, adjustable, easy to couple with and uncouple from a primary support assembly of a collapsible shelter structure, reliable in operation, inexpensive to manufacture, and capable of a long operating life.

To accomplish these and other objects of the present invention, a supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting or a portable shelter for ice fishing. The support assembly includes a pole having one end coupled with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. In one embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a coupler attached to the end of the pole that fits over a central hub of the framework. In another embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded end of the pole. The threaded member can be formed integral with the central hub during manufacture of the shelter structure, or the threaded member can be affixed to the central hub as a separate component. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads, such as high winds, rain or heavy snow.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a collapsible shelter structure is provided, comprising: a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top; a framework comprising a central hub and a plurality of spokes connected to the central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover, the framework providing a primary support for a free span roof of the shelter structure; and a supplemental support assembly for supporting the framework. The supplemental support assembly includes a pole having a first end coupled with the framework and a second end with a structure for engaging the ground. The supplemental support assembly provides a removable support for a center portion of the framework to prevent the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing supplemental support for a collapsible shelter structure is provided, comprising: providing a collapsible shelter structure having a flexible fabric cover with a plurality of side walls and a top, a framework having a central hub and a plurality of spokes connected to the central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover to provide a primary support for a free span roof of the shelter structure; providing a supplemental support assembly having a pole with first and second ends, a threaded portion at the first end, and a ground engaging structure at the second end; coupling the first end of the pole with the central hub; and placing the ground engaging structure into engagement with the ground surface under the central hub.

Numerous other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described embodiments of the present invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more clearly appreciated as the disclosure of the present invention is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupler for a supplemental support assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the coupler shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a supplemental support assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the coupler shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross section elevation view of the coupler shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the support assembly of the present invention after being pushed over a central hub with spokes of a collapsible shelter structure.

FIG. 7 is another plan view of the support assembly of the present invention after being rotated into locking engagement with the central hub and spokes.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support assembly of the present invention coupled with the central hub and spokes of a collapsible shelter structure.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the support assembly of the present invention coupled with the central hub and spokes of a collapsible shelter structure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a supplemental support assembly for a collapsible shelter structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the support assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a conventional central hub assembly for a collapsible shelter structure in which a large washer covers the bottom side of the hub assembly.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the hub assembly shown in FIG. 12 with the supplemental support assembly of the present invention attached to the large washer covering the bottom side of the hub assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A supplemental support assembly for supporting a collapsible shelter structure according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.

A supplemental support assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9. The support assembly 10 is used in combination with a collapsible shelter structure 11. The collapsible shelter structure 11 can be, for example, a collapsible blind similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,338 and 7,565,909, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the collapsible shelter structure 11 includes a flexible fabric cover 12 having a plurality of side walls 13 and a top 14, and a collapsible framework 15 for supporting the flexible fabric cover 12 in a taut condition. The collapsible framework 15 includes, among other things, a central hub 16 and a plurality of resilient spokes 17 for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover 12 in a taut condition to provide a clear span roof for the shelter structure 11. The spokes 17 are hingedly connected to the central hub 16 and radiate outwardly therefrom. The spokes 17 are resilient and flexible and are secured to the hub 16 by pins or by ball-and-socket couplings that allow the spokes 17 to pivot through an angle of 90 degrees from a folded position to an unfolded position parallel to the plane of the hub 16. In the unfolded position, the hub 16 prevents the spokes 17 from pivoting past the plane of the hub 16. When the spokes 17 are urged to an outwardly bowed condition, the tautness of the cover 12 tends to maintain the spokes 17 in an over-center condition to support the blind in an upright position with the spokes 17 bowed upwardly to provide a clear span roof without any ground-engaging supports at the center of the structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, there are four spokes 17 that radiate outwardly from the central hub 16. The four spokes 17 are supported at their outer ends by an additional framework that defines the side walls 13 of the shelter structure 11. The collapsible framework 15 provides a primary support for the roof of the shelter structure 11, which allows the roof to clear span the width of the shelter structure 11 (i.e., without any center supports) during normal use.

The supplemental support assembly 10 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of the shelter structure 11. The supplemental support assembly 10 is designed to be easily coupled with and uncoupled from a center portion of the framework 15 supporting the roof. The support assembly 10 includes a pole 19 having a coupler 20 at a first top end and a ground engaging structure 21 at a second bottom end.

The structural details of the coupler 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the coupler 20 is removably connected to the pole 19 by a threaded connection. Specifically, the coupler 20 has a first portion 22 with female threads 23 at its lower end for connecting to corresponding male threads 24 at the top of the pole 19.

The coupler 20 has a second portion 25 at its upper end for connecting to the framework 15 of the collapsible shelter structure 11. The second portion 25 of the coupler 20 has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality of slots 26 formed in a sidewall 27 thereof. The slots 26 are generally L-shaped to allow locking engagement with the framework 15 of the collapsible shelter structure 11 by a combination of axial movement and rotational movement of the coupler 20 relative to the framework 15. Each of the slots 26 are arranged to receive a respective one of the spokes 17 of the framework 15.

Each of the slots 26 have an axial portion 28 open at the top of the coupler 20 and a circumferential portion 29 extending circumferentially from the axial portion 28. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the axial portions 28 of the slots 26 are arranged to allow the coupler 20 to be pushed over the central hub 16 of the framework 15 of the shelter structure 11 with the coupler 20 surrounding the central hub 16 and the spokes 17 of the framework 15 extending radially outwardly through the slots 26. The circumferential portions 29 of the slots 26 are arranged to allow the coupler 20 to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the pole 19 into locking engagement with the spokes 17, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

A lip 30 extends into at least one, and preferably all, of the slots 26 to resist rotational movement of the coupler 20 in a direction that would tend to uncouple the coupler 20 from the framework 15. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lips 30 extend only partway into the circumferential portion 29 of each of the slots 26 so that the spokes 17 can still pass between the lip 30 and the bottom of the slots 26 when the coupler 20 is slightly raised relative to the framework 15. This construction of the slots 26 provides a quick and reliable connection between the coupler 20 and the framework 15, while also allowing a quick and easy uncoupling from the framework 15.

An opening is provided in the bottom center of the second portion 25 to accommodate the head of a bolt or other protrusion commonly found on the bottom center of the hub 16.

The pole 19 is a telescoping pole assembly that can be adjusted in length between a compact storage position and an extended support position. For example, the telescoping pole assembly can be of the type having two pole sections 31, 32 that are nested one within the other, and a locking structure for locking the pole sections 31, 32 together in a known manner.

The ground engaging structure 21 at the bottom end of the pole 19 comprises a spike 21 with a pointed end 33 for penetrating the ground G, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 9. The spike 21 can be pressed into the ground G to help secure the supplemental support assembly 10 in place. For example, the spike 21 will prevent side-to-side movement of the lower end of the pole 19 and will resist raising from the ground G (e.g., when a gust of wind blows through the shelter structure 11 that raises the roof). A corkscrew or threaded structure can be attached to the lower end of the pole 19 for anchoring the pole 19 to the ground G or to a frozen surface (e.g., for an ice fishing shelter).

The structural details of the supplemental support assembly 10 of the present invention are described above. A method of using the supplemental support assembly 10 will now be described.

The support assembly 10 can be used to supplement the primary support assembly of a collapsible shelter structure 11 to prevent the shelter structure 11 from collapsing under heavy external loads. While the primary support assembly is sufficient to support the shelter structure during normal use with a clear span roof to minimize obstructions within the shelter, the supplemental support assembly 10 of the present invention can be coupled with a center portion of the framework 15 to prevent the roof from collapsing under heavy external loads during periods of nonuse.

The coupler 20 of the support assembly 10 is coupled with the center portion of the framework 15 by a combination of axial movement and rotational movement of the coupler 20 relative to the framework 15 to engage the spokes 17 into the L-shaped slots 26. The length of the pole 19 can then be adjusted to allow the pointed lower end 21 to penetrate the ground to secure the support assembly 10 in place and to adapt the pole 19 to the height of the shelter structure 11.

A supplemental support assembly 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The support assembly 40 is used in combination with a collapsible shelter structure 41 with a modified central hub 42. The construction of the shelter structure 41, other than the central hub 42, is the same as the shelter structure 11 described above and therefore will not be further described in detail herein. The supplemental support assembly 40 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of the shelter structure 41, in a manner similar to the supplemental support assembly 10 described above.

The modified central hub 42 includes a threaded tubular member 43 that extends downwardly from a center of the central hub 42. The tubular member 43 has female threads 44.

In one embodiment, the tubular member 43 is formed integral with the central hub 42 during manufacture of the collapsible shelter structure 41. For example, the central hub 42 and tubular member 43 can be molded as a unitary plastic structure.

In another embodiment, the tubular member 43 is affixed to the central hub 42 as a separate component. For example, the tubular member 43 can be affixed to the central hub 42 by using a suitable adhesive that bonds the tubular member 43 to the lower surface of the central hub 42. For another example, the tubular member 43 can be affixed to the central hub 42 by using a threaded bolt or the like that extends through a bore in the end of the tubular member 43 and a corresponding bore through the central hub 42.

The supplemental support assembly 40 includes a pole 45 having a threaded portion 46 at a first top end and a ground engaging structure at a second bottom end. The pole 45 can be a telescoping pole assembly having the same structure as the pole 19 shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, including a ground engaging structure at the bottom end of the pole 45. The pole 44 can be easily coupled with and uncoupled from the central hub 42 by threading the threaded portion 46 of the pole 45 into the female threads 44 of the tubular member 43.

The structural details of the supplemental support assembly 40 of the present invention are described above. A method of using the supplemental support assembly 40 will now be described.

The support assembly 40 can be used to supplement the primary support assembly of a collapsible shelter structure 41 to prevent the shelter structure 41 from collapsing under heavy external loads. While the primary support assembly is sufficient to support the roof of the shelter structure 41 with a clear span during normal use, the supplemental support assembly 40 can be temporarily coupled with the central hub during periods of nonuse to ensure that the shelter structure 41 does not collapse.

The pole 44 is coupled with the tubular member 43 by mating the male threads 46 of the pole 45 with the female threads 44 of the tubular member 43. The length of the pole 44 can then be adjusted to allow the pointed lower end to penetrate the ground to secure the support assembly 40 in place and to adapt the pole 44 to the height of the shelter structure 41.

The supplemental support assembly 40 provides an effective, low cost solution to the problem of shelter structures collapsing under heavy external loads during periods of nonuse. By providing a modified central hub 42 (i.e., with a tubular member 43 for mating with the threaded end 46 of the pole 45) at the time of manufacturing the shelter structure 41, the cost of the supplemental support assembly 40 can be substantially reduced.

A supplemental support assembly 50 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 illustrates a conventional hub 51 for a collapsible shelter structure in which the resilient spokes 52 are connected to the hub 51 by ball-and-socket type couplings. A large flat plate or washer 53 is secured to the bottom side of the conventional hub 51 by a threaded fastener 54 or other coupling device that extends through the center of the washer 53.

The supplemental support assembly 50 includes a threaded tubular member 55 that extends downwardly from the center of the washer 53. The tubular member 55 can be attached to the washer 53 using the same threaded fastener 54 that normally attaches the washer 53 to the hub 51. Alternatively, the tubular member 55 can be formed integral with or permanently attached to a replacement washer that can be interchanged with the OEM washer 53 of the hub 51. For example, the tubular member 55 and the washer 53 can be molded as a unitary plastic structure, or the tubular member 55 can be permanently attached to the washer by welding or by use of a suitable adhesive.

The tubular member 55 has female threads 56 and is open on the bottom end 57 to receive the upper end 58 of a support pole 59. The support pole 55 has a male threaded portion 60 at its upper end 58 that can be threaded into the female threads 56 of the tubular member 55 to couple the support pole 59 to the hub 51. The supplemental support assembly 50 is used to provide a temporary support for supporting the center of the roof of the shelter structure 51, in a manner similar to the supplemental support assembles 10 and 40 described above.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the application should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.

Claims

1. A collapsible shelter structure, comprising:

a flexible fabric cover having a plurality of side walls and a top;

a framework comprising a central hub and a plurality of resilient spokes pivotally connected to said central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover, said framework providing a primary support for a clear span roof of the shelter structure; and

a supplemental support assembly for supporting said framework, said supplemental support assembly comprising a pole having a first end removably coupled with said framework and a second end with a structure for engaging the ground, whereby said supplemental support assembly provides a removable support for a center portion of said framework to prevent the clear span roof of the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.

2. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein said resilient spokes and said central hub are constructed and arranged to engage and support the top of the fabric cover with the spokes bowed upwardly in an over-center condition relative to a plane of the hub to provide the clear span roof of the shelter structure.

3. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein said first end of the pole has a threaded portion, and wherein said pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded portion of the pole.

4. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 3, wherein said threaded member comprises a tubular member that extends downwardly from the central hub and has female threads for mating with corresponding male threads on the threaded portion of the pole.

5. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 4, wherein said threaded member is integral with said central hub.

6. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 4, wherein said threaded member is affixed to said central hub as a separate component.

7. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 4, wherein said central hub has a flat washer covering a bottom side thereof, and wherein said threaded member is affixed to or integral with said flat washer.

8. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein said pole comprises a telescoping pole assembly that can be adjusted in length between a compact storage position and an extended support position.

9. The collapsible shelter structure according to claim 1, wherein said ground engaging structure at the second end of said pole comprises a spike with a pointed end for penetrating the ground.

10. A method of providing supplemental support for a collapsible shelter structure, comprising:

providing a collapsible shelter structure having a flexible fabric cover with a plurality of side walls and a top, a framework having a central hub and a plurality of resilient spokes pivotally connected to said central hub and radiating outwardly therefrom for engaging and supporting the top of the fabric cover, said framework providing a primary support for a clear span roof of the shelter structure;

providing a supplemental support assembly having a pole with first and second ends, a threaded portion at said first end, and a ground engaging structure at said second end;

coupling said first end of the pole with said central hub; and

placing said ground engaging structure into engagement with the ground surface under said central hub.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said resilient spokes and said central hub are constructed and arranged to engage and support the top of the fabric cover with the spokes bowed upwardly in an over-center condition relative to a plane of the hub to provide the clear span roof of the shelter structure.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein said central hub has a threaded member extending downwardly therefrom, and said first end of the pole is coupled to the central hub by mating a threaded portion of the pole with the threaded member.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising adjusting a length of said pole using a telescoping assembly to adapt said pole to a height of said collapsible shelter structure.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said ground engaging structure comprises a pointed end, and further comprising penetrating the ground surface with said pointed end to help secure the supplemental support assembly in place.