Construction frame

Abstract

A structure comprising at least three essentially rigid legs, each having a top end, and a bottom end, with at least two connecting elements fitted on each leg and at least three elongate braces each having a first end and a second end and being fitted with at least four anchoring sites. Each brace is connected with two adjacent legs, and at least one of the anchoring sites is directly coupled with a respective connecting element of one adjacent leg, and at least one other of the anchoring sites is coupled via a tensioning member to another respective connecting element of the other adjacent leg.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to structures, and in particular, to easily erectable and collapsible structures such as, for example, pavilions, tent frames, as well as frame structure such as for marine or airborne vehicles, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many common known structures, such as tent frames, pavilions and other shelters or structures, are constructed using support poles/rods, bars and multiple other parts that must be assembled together. Such a process is time-consuming and often requires considerable effort and skill, in particular where assembling and disassembling should be performed at specific sequence of operations. Also, the plurality of components that must be assembled and disassembled increases the likelihood of loss of parts, improper assembly, etc.

[0003] An example where a structure according to the invention may be utilized is a sukkah (a booth with a roof of branches and leaves used during the Jewish feast of Sukkoth—tabernacles), it is used for a week each year and is then stored for a prolonged period.

[0004] Several conventional tents, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,884,646 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,795, are constructed of jointed rods, which allow the tent frame to lock and become rigid when the tent is assembled and also enable the tent to be easily collapsed during disassembly.

[0005] Another type of collapsible tent frame is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,157. The frame is constructed of several side poles connected by a network of hinged ribs that extend outward when the tent is in use and fold inward for storage. This structure also has a center pole whose height can be adjusted by a spring to stretch and sustain a roof for the tent.

[0006] The present invention calls for a new structure frame which essentially overcomes or reduces the above referred to drawbacks. In particular the invention is concerned with a frame structure which is easily erected and disassembled, using simple components and connecting elements and giving rise to a structure which at its assembled, erect position is essentially rigid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a structure frame comprising a plurality of elongate connecting members with suitable connectors and tensioning elements, which at an erect state of the structure render it rigidity and stability. A frame according to the invention may be useful for a variety of structures e.g. vehicles (hulls of ships, air balloons, plains etc.), sheds etc. The frame may be a collapsible or a fixed structure.

[0008] The present invention provides for a structure comprising at least three essentially rigid legs, each having a tip end, and bottom end, with at least two connecting elements fitted on each leg; at least three elongate braces each having a first end and a second end and being fitted with at least four anchoring sites; each brace being connected with to two adjacent legs, where at least one of said anchoring sites is directly coupled with a respective connecting element of one adjacent leg, and at least one other of said anchoring sites is coupled via a tensioning member to another respective connecting element of the other adjacent leg.

[0009] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning members provide an inward force on the top ends of the legs, causing them to approach a center of the structure while causing bottom ends of the legs to depart from the center of the structure. However, according to a second embodiment of the invention, the tensioning members provide an outward force on the top ends of the legs, also causing the bottom ends of the legs to depart from the center of the structure. The above first and second embodiments may be utilized simultaneously or separately in the same embodiment, together imparting the structure its stability.

[0010] According to the first and second above embodiments, the bottom ends of the legs are secured by a restraining member to prevent their departure in a direction away from the center of the structure. According to one specific arrangement, the bottom ends of the legs are secured to a supporting surface (typically ground) by suitable attachment members for securing to the supporting surface.

[0011] According to a different embodiment, the bottom ends of the structures' legs are connected by an additional tensioning member providing the bottom ends of the legs with a force countering the inward force generated at the top ends of the legs, affording the structure with a high degree of stability. The tension in the additional tensioning member may be adjustable and may have means for its adjustment.

[0012] By one application, the direct coupling of the anchoring sites with the connecting elements is pivotal, allowing the structure to collapse and erect with relative ease.

[0013] The anchoring sites on adjacent braces may be attached to prevent the augmentation of the angle between the braces. This may be achieved in a variety of ways including attaching the anchoring sites on adjacent braces via a tensioning member.

[0014] According an arrangement of the present invention, at least one end of one or more braces is directly coupled to a respective leg, with a tension member extending between a portion of the brace and a portion of the respective leg above the point of direct coupling with said brace; or at least one brace is directly coupled to a respective leg at a portion of the brace other then its end and where said braces is coupled to the respective leg by a tension member extending between a portion of the brace and a portion of the respective leg below the point of direct coupling with said brace. These options may be combined in a single structure.

[0015] The anchoring or tensioning of the bottom ends of the legs mentioned hereinabove may be obviated according to still another embodiment of the invention, wherein at least some, though preferably all, braces are coupled to the respective legs with a first tensioning member extending between a portion of the brace and a portion of the respective leg below the point of direct coupling with said brace and a second tensioning member extending between a portion of the brace and a portion of the respective leg above the point of direct coupling with said brace. According to one particular embodiment, tensioning members extending from two intersecting braces towards a portion of a leg are coupled to the leg at the same site.

[0016] Typically but not necessary according to the invention, all components remain connected to respective other components also at the collapsed state of the structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some embodiments will now be described, by way on non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an erect construction in accordance with the present invention, illustrating two embodiments of connection of components of the construction;

[0019] FIG. 2A is a portion of the construction seen in FIG. 1 in an erect through un-tensioned state;

[0020] FIG. 2B is a portion of the construction seen in FIG. 1 in an erect and tensioned state;

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating a corner of the structure in accordance with an embodiment the invention seen as in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a direct connection in accordance with the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a section through an anchoring member useful for fixing a leg of the construction to a support surface;

[0024] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a construction in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate a leg/brace connecting zone (corner), of the embodiment of FIG. 6, in three respective positions, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 7A illustrates the construction at a collapsed state;

[0027] FIG. 7B illustrates the device during assembly; and

[0028] FIG. 7C illustrates an erect position;

[0029] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an adjustable tensioned member used in erecting a construction according to the present invention; and

[0030] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of an erect structure frame according to the invention, in a pre-tensioned and tensioned state, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrating a construction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention generally designated 10. The construction 10 comprises four essentially rigid legs 12 made for example of reinforced fiber material, aluminum, plastic, etc. Each leg has a respective top end 14 and a bottom end 16, where the bottom ends are engageable with a support surface, e.g. ground, floor, etc.

[0032] The structure 10 further comprises four elongate braces 20 each having a first end designated 22 and a second end designated 24.

[0033] Each brace 20 is fitted with at least four anchoring sites which depending on their function and position are designated 30, 32, 36 or 38, as will become apparent hereinafter and wherein each leg 12 is fitted with at least two connecting elements of different types 40 and 42 as will become apparent hereinafter.

[0034] As noted in FIG. 1, each brace 20 is connected with an adjacent leg 12 at corners of the construction generally designated 50 where it is noticeable that the front top corner of the construction is different from the other corners and is thus designated 52.

[0035] In corners 50 of the embodiment of FIG. 1, connection is achieved by directly coupling one anchoring site 36 of a brace 20 at a top portion of a corresponding leg 12 by directly coupling it to a connecting element 42 fixed on leg 12. Connecting sites 30 of the respective corners 50 are connected to respective connecting element 40 of leg 14 via tensioned elements 56 which also interconnect to adjacent anchoring sites 30. Tensioning members 56 are made of an unextendible cord, e.g. fabric, metal chain, etc.

[0036] Turning now also to FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating the corner 50, and the respective bottom end 16 of leg 12 illustrating the corner at a pre-tensioned position (FIG. 2A) and at a tensioned position (FIG. 2B). The tensioned position of FIG. 2B renders the entire structure 10 stability and rigidity. This is obtained by imparting an essentially inwardly directed force F (illustrated in FIG. 2B of the drawings by a dashed line). As noted in the figures, the force F is a resultant force as a result of tensioning a tension line 60 fixed at the bottom end 16 of legs 12 and tensioning said tension line in the direction of arrows f. Alternatively, and as one will appreciate, the bottom ends 16 may be directly inwardly in the direction of force F.

[0037] According to a different embodiment, or in combination, there may be provided a surface engaging member designated 64 which can also be seen in FIG. 5. The surface engaging member comprises a receptacle 66 for receiving the bottom 16 of legs 12 and a through going bore 68 for inserting a tent peg 70 or, for example, a concrete rivet or bolt for connecting same to the floor. The engagement member 64 further comprises an eye hook 74 through which the tensioning cord 60 extends.

[0038] In utilizing a tension cord 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is advantageous to employ a tensioning member 80 which is seen in more detail in FIG. 8. The tensioning member 80 comprises a hollow body member 82 through which tension cords 60′ extends with a stopper member 84 biased by means of spring 86 against a slack end 88 of the cord 60′. Member 84 is typically formed with a ridged peripheral portion 90 for improved gripping with a corresponding portion of the cord. A cord 92 which may be the opposite end of cord 60′, or another cord, is tied at a suitable ear 94 or an alternative ear 96 as may be required, depending on the direction of tension. Pulling the slack end of the cord 88 in the direction of arrow 100 gives rise to tensioning cords 60′ and 92.

[0039] The housing 82 of the tensioning member 80 is cylindric and is dimensioned so as to receive an end portion of a leg member 12 or a brace member 20 in accordance with the present invention, where the tensioning device 80 may serve for adjusting the tension through tensioning members 56 as discussed hereinabove.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates the components of a corner 50 in a somewhat enlarged scale wherein the different anchoring sites can be better appreciated. Anchoring sites 30 are eye hinges mounted over braces 20 and slidable fixed by suitable means, e.g. by riveting or by suitable bolts, as known, per se. Anchoring sites 36 are hooks fitted with a spring closure of a known type, connectable to a corresponding eye hinge of connecting element 52 which in turn is slidably fixed on leg 12. It is further noted that tensioning element 56 is a flexible cord fitted with three hooks 107 for engagement with corresponding anchoring sites 30 on braces 20 and connecting element 40 of leg 12. In this embodiment the length of the tensioning member 56 is fixed and it is appreciated that the tension through this cord may be adjusted by suitable tensioning member, e.g. tensioning member 80 disclosed in FIG. 8.

[0041] Reverting now to the embodiment of FIG. 1, attention is directed to the front-most top corner designated 52 which serves the same function as the other corners 50 though it is constructed in a different manner. In accordance with this embodiment braces 20 are coupled at their respective anchoring sites 38 to a corresponding connecting element 42 (see also FIG. 4) whereby anchoring sites 32 are coupled via tensioning cords 111 to a respective connecting element 40 fitted on leg 12. It is appreciated that the anchoring sites 38 and 24 as well as connecting elements 42 and 40 respectively, are fixed to the braces 20 and leg 12, respectively to prevent their axial displacement.

[0042] It is appreciated that also in connection with the embodiment represented by corner 52 tensioning cord 60 entails the bottom end 16 of the respective leg 12 to deform inwardly towards the center of the construction thereby tensioning cords 111, impairing the entire structure, stability, and rigidity.

[0043] Turning now to the embodiment of FIG. 6, there is illustrated a construction generally designated 126 comprising three legs 128, each having an upper portion 130 which curves inwardly towards the center of the triangular construction and each terminating with a hooked portion 132. The arced portion 130 may be suitable for stretching a fabric over the construction whereas the hooked portions 132 may serve for hanging different loads as utility hangers or for increasing stability of the structure.

[0044] Each pair of adjoining legs 122 is interconnected by a corresponding brace 138 and it is noted that each of the braces is fitted with four anchoring sites 140 and 146 corresponding with anchoring sites 30 and 36 in FIG. 1, and attention is directed to the relevant description hereinabove. Each of the legs 128 in the embodiment of FIG. 6 comprises two connecting elements 150 corresponding with connecting element 40 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and one connecting element 152 corresponding with the connecting element 42 in FIG. 1.

[0045] The principle difference between the embodiment of FIG. 6 and the embodiment of FIG. 1 is the obviation of tensioning cord 60 applying an inwardly directed force at the bottom of the structure's legs, owing to tensioning cords 156 and 158 which in their mutual tensioned position render the structure, stability and rigidity.

[0046] In FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, a typical corner of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is illustrated in three consecutive positions, namely, a collapsed state of the structure (FIG. 7A) and erecting state (FIG. 7B) and a erected, stable state (FIG. 7C), respectively.

[0047] In FIG. 7A the braces 138 are collapsed over leg 128, enabled by disconnecting tension cords 156 from connecting element 150 fixed on leg 128. For that purpose, it is advantageous that the tensioning cord 156 be fitted at its end with suitable clip hinges 185.

[0048] Connecting clips 185 to connecting element 150 of leg 128 is possible upon positioning the braces at their erected position and slightly deforming each of the leg 128 and braces 138 towards one another as illustrated by arrows F thereby decreasing the distance between anchoring sites 140 and the connecting element 150, whereby the hooks 185 can be hooked onto the respective connecting element 150. Upon ceasing of force F, the structure will obtain stability and rigidity owing to tension residing within the tension cords 158 and 156, as illustrated in FIG. 6C. Obviously, suitable tensioning members may be provided, e.g. tensioning member 80 illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0049] In FIGS. 9A and 9B there is illustrated another embodiment of construction frame in accordance with the present invention. The frame comprises components which are principally similar to those disclosed in connection with previous embodiments and accordingly some specific details have been omitted and thus the reader is directed to these previous embodiments.

[0050] The construction generally designated 110 comprises four legs 112 formed in a rectangular shape and supported by four braces 116 fitted at the lower ends of the legs 112. Braces 116 are articulated to the legs in a similar manner as illustrated in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1 with tension cords 120 extending between ends of braces 116 and respective bottom portions of legs 112.

[0051] Top ends 124 of legs 112 are fitted with an eye-hook 126 through which a peripheral tension cord 130 extends with a tensioning member 132, for example, such as the one disclosed in connection with FIG. 8, is provided.

[0052] Upon tensioning the cord 130, e.g., in the direction of arrow F, the top ends 124 of legs 112 approach one another as in FIG. 9B giving rise to a dome-shape which by means of member 132 retains its position.

[0053] It is noted that the structure 110 may be secured to the ground by means of suitable pegs 140.

[0054] However, it will also be appreciated that the structure may be used for different purposes such as, for example, a hot air balloon in which case no support pegs will be required.

[0055] It will be understood that the above described embodiments constitute only examples of such structures in accordance with the present invention and that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0056] The structure, according to the present invention may be used in a variety of ways. It may serve as a tent frame or as an internal framework for other such shelters such as vending booths. As it may be constructed in a range of sizes, the structure may also serve as the framework for advertising displays, and the like. In addition, the structure may serve as the frame of a ship's hull, an airborne vehicle (such as, for example, a hot air balloon, a zeppelin, etc.).

Claims

1. A structure comprising at least three essentially rigid legs located about a center of the structure, each leg having a top end and a bottom end, with at least two connecting elements fitted on each leg; at least three elongate braces each having a first end and a second end and being fitted with at least four anchoring sites; each brace being connected with to two adjacent legs, where at least one of said sites is directly coupled with a respective connecting element of one adjacent leg, and at least on other of said sites being coupled via a tensioning member to another respective connecting element of the other adjacent leg.

2. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the direct coupling of the anchoring sites with the connecting elements is pivotal.

3. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning members provide an inward force on the top ends causing them to approach the center of the structure.

4. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the ends of the legs are connected by an additional tensioning member.

5. A structure according to claim 4, wherein tension in the additional tensioning member provides the ends of the legs with a force countering the inward force.

6. A structure according to claim 5, wherein the tension in the additional tensioning member is adjustable.

7. A structure according to claim 1, wherein anchoring sites on adjacent braces are attached to prevent the augmentation of the angle between the braces.

8. A structure according to claim 7, wherein anchoring sites on adjacent braces are attached via a tensioning member.

9. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the bottom ends of the legs are capable of being attached to the supporting surface.

10. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the top ends of the legs extend towards a center of the structure.

11. A structure according to claim 10, wherein the extended upper ends are capable of supporting a stabilizing weight to further stabilize the structure.

12. A structure according to claim 10, wherein the extended upper ends are capable of supporting a canopy.

13. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure is a tent frame or a sukkah.

14. A structure according to claim 1, wherein all components remain connected to respective other components also at the collapsed state of the structure.

15. A structure according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning members provide an inward force on the top ends of the legs, causing them to approach the center of the structure while causing bottom ends of the legs to depart from the center of the structure.

16. A structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one brace is directly coupled to a respective leg at a portion of the brace other then its end and where said braces is coupled to the respective leg by a tension member extending between a portion of the brace and a portion of the respective leg below the point of direct coupling with said brace.

17. A structure according to claim 1, wherein two or more braces are coupled to the respective legs with a first tensioning member extending between a portion of the brace and a portion of the respective leg below the point of direct coupling with said brace and a second tensioning member extending between a portion of the brace and a portion of the respective leg above the point of direct coupling with said brace.

18. A structure according to claim 1, wherein tensioning members extending from two intersecting braces towards a portion of a leg are coupled to the leg at the same site.