Adaptive enclosure with rapid stow, deploy and locking machanisms

Abstract

An enclosure with a soft cover, typically of various fabric-like materials which can be operated to enclose a space and volume of variable dimensions from a maximum amount to near zero, and to positions between these limits, by manipulation of its novel frame structure and connecting devices.. The enclosure has a frame assembly which is covered. The frame assembly is formed of members pivotally connected to a central subassembly such that each member may be disposed at a selected position and may be locked in the selected position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is related to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provisional application No. 60/537,852 filed Jan. 21, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consider a three dimensional, inhabitable space that one would wish to enclose at one time yet, at another time, one would wish to uncover the space to gain virtually unimpeded access to the interior. Moreover, one would wish to do this and be able to move between these states quickly and easily.

This invention relates to various canopies, sun-shelters, pavilions, tents and tent-like covers and enclosures that accomplish this end, specifically to inhabitable covers and enclosures having means that allow users to quickly and simply change the configuration from fully deployed, where the maximum attainable space is covered or enclosed, to fully stowed, where no space is covered or enclosed, and to intermediate configurations between these limits.

For purposes of this patent application, unless otherwise noted, the word “enclosure” shall be interpreted to mean, in general, all such canopies, sun-shelters, pavilions, tents and tent-like covers and enclosures that accomplish the end as described above.

There are many kinds of such enclosures. In general, their use involves setting them up so that once deployed, the space or volume covered or enclosed is relatively fixed and invariable. Such enclosures, if tent-like, typically provide door-like openings that limit access to the interior to people and to objects that will fit through the openings as they move back and forth from into and out of the enclosure. If enclosure of objects larger than those that will fit through the door openings is desired, and if its design permits, such enclosures must be erected over the objects and then taken down or disassembled when removal or exposure of the enclosed object or objects is desired.

Canopies, sun-shelters and pavilions are other kinds of structures and covers that once erected are relatively fixed in configuration. For example, the “Bimini” covers on many pleasure boats are assembled in the fully erect configuration. The cover cannot be stowed in a configuration yielding full overhead clearance when under way or for transport or dry dock activities without significant disassembly.

There are many situations where such enclosures are wholly inadequate and where variable configuration enclosures constructed in accordance with this invention would be far more suitable. Without suggesting any limitation as to possible uses of an enclosure constructed in accordance with the invention, consider a few specific examples:

• • a. An enclosure for spas and hot tubs where users may wish to gain privacy and weather protection at one time yet gain a fully open and unenclosed configuration at another time;
  • b. An enclosure for motor cars, motorcycles, garden tractors and other such objects where users may wish to store objects in a fully enclosed configuration until needed, then be able to gain access to the full interior in a fully open and unenclosed configuration at another time;
  • c. A greenhouse enclosure, where full enclosure is desired in certain seasons and weather conditions, and a partial or fully unenclosed configuration is needed at other times;
  • d. As a temporary enclosure for office, construction, maintenance and repair projects in the field as for example, over a manhole to protect workers and the site from weather yet that can be briefly opened to permit large objects to be quickly moved into and out of the enclosed space;
  • e. As a sun shelter or as a “Bimini” cover for small pleasure boat marine applications that can be quickly and fully erected or stowed as desired; and
  • f. As a deck-mounted privacy and weather enclosure for small “party-boat” applications, pontoon boats for example that can be quickly and fully erected or stowed as desired.

So, the marketplace has long needed a cover or enclosure with a means of effectively varying the space covered or enclosed from fully erected, to partially erected, to fully stowed, without disassembly of the cover or enclosure. The cover and enclosure constructed in accordance with the invention herein has such means. Insofar as I am aware, no canopy, sun-shelter, tent or tent-like cover or enclosure provides this kind of adjustability and variability to a user without the disadvantage of requiring full or partial disassembly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an enclosure which may be easily erected and stored.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an enclosure which may be erected into a selected one of a multiple of positions and may be fixed at any of such selected position.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a habitable enclosure having a frame assembly which will overlie the space and volume occupied by the enclosure and support a cover assembly when said enclosure is erected. At least two devices have the means of being attached to the surface over which the enclosure is to be erected. The devices provide a means of and general locus for attachment of other selected members of the frame assembly. The devices provide at least two axes about which attached structural members of the frame assembly may be rotated. The devices provide a means of being locked in a fixed orientation to provide full enclosure of the space and volume occupied by the enclosure when desired. The devices provide a means of being unlocked to provide a variable degree of enclosure of the space and volume occupied by the enclosure from a maximum amount to a minimum amount near or at zero. At least three structural members of the frame assembly that are of arbitrary arc-shape. The structural members have a means of adjusting the height of their arbitrary arc-shape. The structural members have a means of adjusting the span of their arbitrary arc-shape. The structural members have a means of being rotated about an axis collinear with the chord of their respective arc lengths. At least four structural members of the frame assembly which provide a means of being folded approximately in half when desired. The structural members have a means of being arranged in a generally linear configuration when desired. The structural members have a means of locking the member in the generally linear configuration when desired. The structural members have a means of varying the overall length of the structural member when desired. A cover assembly overlying and attached to the frame assembly when said enclosure is erected. The cover assembly is secured to the frame assembly. The cover assembly is formed of any material which can be secured to the frame assembly. When all of the above in the aggregate are combined, the enclosure is operated to either fully enclose an objective space, to partially enclose an objective space, or to fully uncover or un-enclose an objective space.

In further accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed an enclosure formed from a frame assembly having a first member, a second member and at least one intermediate member. Each member has opposite sides formed of struts. Each strut has an upper end and a lower end, each lower end being pivotally connected to a respective subassembly, each upper end being connected to a bow section. Means are provided to anchor each subassembly to a surface on which the enclosure is assembled. A rotating member has a first end pivotally connected to the respective subassembly. Each rotating member has a plurality of secondary pivot axes formed therein. The lower ends of the respective struts are received in the secondary pivot axes. At least four brace arms are provided. Each brace arm has a first end connected to a selected frame assembly member and an opposite second end connected to another selected assembly member. A flexible cover is secured to the frame assembly. The frame assembly overlies the space and volume occupied by the enclosure. The at least one intermediate member is rotatable with respect to the first member such that the enclosure may be partially or completely covered.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a model of the invention being used at a starter's enclosure for a golf tournament.

FIG. 2 is an operation of the invention showing sequencing from fully stowed to fully erected and return to fully stowed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of adaptive tent-like enclosure.

FIG. 4 is a nodal representation of typical supporting frame of adaptive tent-like enclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing components of frame assembly in deployed configuration.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly with the rotating member in a folded down position.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly with the rotating member in an upright position.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the adaptive strut, bow and connector subassembly.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the invention employing a pavilion-like cover.

FIG. 9A is a side view showing the brace arm subassembly in a locked position.

FIG. 9B is a side view showing the brace arm subassembly in an unlocked position.

FIG. 9C is a side view showing the brace arm subassembly in a folded position.

FIGS. 10A-10D are a series of perspective views showing the stowing of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the mechanical components of the frame assembly in stowed configuration.

FIG. 12A shows the present invention with four bows.

FIG. 12B shows the present invention with seven bows.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a two bow configuration of the invention.

FIGS. 14A-14B are perspective views of stowing covers in small boat applications.

DESCRIPTION

Description of the invention will be aided by first examining some useful illustrations. FIG. 1 presents one model of the invention which has been configured as a tent-like enclosure. FIG. 1 shows the complete enclosure fully erected with a door panel in the front. Windows are provided on the sides.

FIG. 2 provides a series of views of an early prototype showing how the invention can be easily operated to change its configuration from a fully stowed to a fully deployed configuration, and then easily returned to the fully stowed configuration.

The invention, an adaptive enclosure with rapid stow, deploy and locking mechanisms, has two major assemblies, the frame assembly and the cover assembly. The frame assembly incorporates two each of a novel subassembly, designated the compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly and four each of a novel subassembly designated the adaptive brace arm assembly.

The compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies provide multiple hinging or pivot axes, so that when the other members of the frame assembly are attached to it, they can be freely rotated about the pivot axes provided.

The members of the frame assembly that are attached to the compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies are arch-like structures called strut and bow subassemblies. The strut components are members that define the wall surfaces of the enclosure. The bow components are attached to the strut components and define the enclosing roof-like surface joining the wall surfaces.

Once the frame assembly is erected or deployed, the adaptive brace arm subassemblies, which are interconnected between selected strut and bow subassemblies, are locked into position to provide both load carrying and structural positioning functions within the overall frame assembly and to maintain the required degree of structural rigidity.

The cover assembly is attached to the frame assembly using means of attachment provided with the cover. Such means properly position and secure the cover over the underlying frame assembly. Once fully deployed, the enclosure can enclose a maximum space or volume defined by the physical dimensions of the frame assembly of the particular unit in use.

Accordingly, an enclosure constructed in accordance with this invention provides a means that, as the brace arms are unlocked, the strut and bow subassemblies are enabled to be rotated about a pivot axis. As the strut and bow subassemblies are rotated from their fully deployed position with the cover assembly attached, the enclosed space begins to decrease. The compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies provide a means so that, when all strut and bow subassemblies are fully rotated about their pivot axes with the cover assembly attached, the enclosed space diminishes to a point where zero, or near zero, space is enclosed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view taken from slightly above and to the front-right of one version of an enclosure constructed in accordance with the invention and shown in the deployed configuration. It can be constructed so that its overall dimensions in terms of maximum height, width and length can be adapted to meet the needs of many different and specific applications. Accordingly, this patent application is intended to encompass all such enclosures constructed in accordance with the invention without limitation as to space or volume enclosed in the deployed configuration. For purposes of this description, and ease of understanding, the reader may assume overall representative dimensions as follows:

• • Representative height—seven feet, six inches, plus or minus six inches
  • Representative width—twelve feet, plus or minus six inches
  • Representative length—fifteen feet, plus or minus six inches

The enclosure may be covered with any of a wide range of flexible fabrics and or materials depending upon the varying needs of many different applications e.g. waterproof fabrics, clear plastic, camouflage fabrics, insect netting, etc. The cover assembly is secured to the frame assembly. Accordingly, this patent application is intended to encompass all such enclosures that are constructed in accordance with the invention without limitation as to the kinds or types of fabric or material used to cover the enclosure or to whether such covers fully enclose the volume whose boundaries are defined by the structure of the frame assembly. For example, in marine applications, the cover may only involve the overhead area and not the sides as in a typical “Bimini-like” marine sun-shelter.

Entry to the fully deployed full enclosure 1 is gained through the front, 3, through the zippered door panel, 2. The zipper has pull-tabs on both sides so that it can be operated to zip or to unzip from either the outside or the inside of the enclosure. When fully zipped, the door flap is closed and when fully unzipped, the door flap can be moved aside to gain entry. The closure of the door panel 2 may be hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons or other means known to persons skilled in the art.

Windows 4 may be provided on each side of a full enclosure. Two right side windows are shown in FIG. 3 and two like windows are provided on the opposite side which are not visible in this perspective view. The windows are constructed with a zipper (or other closure means) along two of the sides so that when unzipped, the flap created can be folded aside and secured with a securing strap to provide visual access as well as air circulation between the inside and outside of the enclosure. A mesh or screen-like fabric is permanently attached to the window area to permit circulation while preventing insects and other matter from entering the enclosure through open window flaps.

There are a number of possible alternative entry and window configurations and techniques that may be suitable based upon the varying needs of many different and specific applications as well as the varying preferences of customers. Accordingly, this patent application is intended to encompass all such enclosures that are constructed in accordance with the invention without limitation in terms of entry or window configurations that might be employed.

FIG. 4 is a nodal representation of the typical supporting frame assembly of the adaptive tent-like enclosure with rapid stow, deploy and locking mechanisms that would underlie and support the cover assembly of the enclosure illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Nodal representation means the points at which the various structural elements of the frame underlying the cover come together and are joined.

From FIG. 4 it can be seen that the frame, for the configuration illustrated, consists of:

• • Two each of item 5, compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies
  • Four each of item 6, adaptive brace arms
  • Ten each of item 7, adaptive struts
  • Five each of item 8, adaptive bows
  • Ten each of item 9, adaptive strut to bow connectors

It is to be emphasized that FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the “Five Bow Configuration” because of the use of five bows. Other configurations are feasible and practical, including but not limited to “Two Bow”, “Four Bow”, “Seven Bow” and “Nine Bow” configurations. The configuration flexibility of the invention will be discussed in more detail later in this Application.

The basic raw materials used to construct the supporting frame consist of materials that are widely available. They generally consist of such materials as rigid or semi-rigid tubular material, flat bar, angle bar, standard fasteners, and miscellaneous general purpose hardware that can be cut, rolled, bent, molded, formed, welded etc. to conform to applicable frame design profiles. Accordingly, this patent application is intended to encompass all such enclosures that are constructed in accordance with the invention herein without limitation in terms of the raw materials used to fabricate the enclosure.

FIG. 5 is a more detailed side view of the mechanical components of the typical five-bow configuration of the frame assembly. The compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly 5, serves as the central structural member which anchors the entire enclosure to the surface upon which the enclosure is assemble. A second compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly 5 is located on the opposite side and mirrors the side shown. Five struts, 7, have ends which are attached to the compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly 5 and five more struts 7 have ends which are attached to the second compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly 5 located on the opposite side. They mirror the struts 7 on the side shown. Five bow to strut connectors 9, are connected to the opposite ends of the struts 7 shown. Five more bow to strut connectors 9 are connected to the opposite ends of the struts 7 on the opposite side mirroring the strut to bow connectors 9 shown. The five bows, 8, from which this configuration gets its name, are connected to the strut to bow connectors 9 to complete the full envelope of the frame assembly. Adaptive brace arms 6, connecting the vertical and horizontal struts provide not only a means of bracing but also provide a means of added structural integrity when the enclosure is in the fully deployed position.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a set of compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies 5 that have been fabricated in accordance with the invention and are shown as constructed for the five bow configuration. The device, made up of the rotating members, 21 and the fixed members 22 are coupled together at the primary pivot axis, 18. Means are provided to securely attach the fixed members 22 to the base plate, 19.

Means are also provided to anchor the base plate to the surface on which the subassembly is mounted and hence, the entire enclosure, at the anchoring points, 26. The compound hinge, anchor and locking subassembly 5 is designed so that it is compatible with a wide range of available fasteners, stakes, etc., so that it can be mounted on a wide range of surfaces including but not limited to wood, concrete, steel, soil, etc. Anchoring via one of the fore and aft anchoring points is normally sufficient for most applications.

Multiple secondary pivot axes, 24, are provided and, in the five bow configuration illustrated, four such axes are provided. Attachment points 25 for a fixed strut are provided on the fixed member 22. The locking pins, 20, are attached to the base plates and engage the rotating members, 21, when the subassembly is in the deployed configuration to lock the rotating member in place. Release by removal of the locking pins 20 enables one to rotate the rotating members 21, about the primary pivot axes, 18, from the storage position shown in FIG. 6A to the vertical position shown in FIG. 6B. In practice, the rotating arm can be positioned at any position from fully deployed to fully stowed which may be beyond the stowed position illustrated and is limited only by mechanical stops in the configuration which may be adjusted as needed.

The adaptive strut, bow and connector assembly consists of seven pieces made up of four parts: two each strut sections, 7, two each half-bow sections 30, two each bow to strut connectors, 9, and one each bow to bow connector 31 to form the bow 8 as shown in FIG. 7. The bow to strut connectors, 9, fit inside of and provide the means of connecting the struts 7, to the half-bows, 30. Means is provided so that the end of the bow to strut connector 9 inserted into the half-bow may be firmly fixed to the half-bow 30 using a standard fastener. Means is provided so that the end of the bow to strut connector 9 inserted into the strut 7 may be varied in length over a range of several inches. A push pin or button lock may be used to secure the bow to strut connector 9 to the strut 7 over a range of incremental lengths defined by a series of locking holes fabricated into the bow to strut connector and strut combination. This adaptability enables a user to vary the overall height of the adaptive strut, bow and connector subassemblies to accommodate tolerance and tensioning variances in various covers.

The bow to bow connector, 31, fits inside of and provides the means of connecting the half-bows, 30. Means is provided so that the end of the bow to bow connector 31 inserted into one of the half-bows 30 may be firmly fixed to the half-bow using a standard fastener. Means is provided so that the end of the bow to bow connector 31 inserted into the other half-bow 30 may be secured to it using a push pin or button lock. Thus, the width or span of the arbitrary arc-shape of the bow may be adjusted.

The use of push pins or button locks enable the entire adaptive strut, bow and connector subassemblies to be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need of special tools. Other connector means known to persons skilled in the art may be used.

FIG. 8 illustrates one model of the invention where a pavilion-like flexible cover 15 has been attached to the frame assembly. FIG. 8 shows the location of the adaptive brace arms 6 in the locked position. In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates optional cover profiles. In FIG. 8, the central overhead area has been left uncovered, as is the case with many gazebo structures; however, a clear plastic cover for this area is available as an option if desired. The front and rear panels are open in the FIG. 8, however, privacy panels are available as an option for installation in these areas if desired. These optional items can be secured to the frame assembly and the illustrated cover assembly using readily available fastening devices.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate the more detailed adaptive brace arm 6. It consists of three main parts: the lower brace arm, 35; the upper brace arm, 36, and the locking sleeve 37. A means of attachment of the brace arm to other structures is provided by the lower attach point 38, and the upper attach point 39. The locking sleeve 37 is shown in the locked position in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9B, slip pins 40 restrict movement of the locking sleeve 37. The locking sleeve is shown in the unlocked position in FIG. 9B. Means are provided to couple the lower brace arm 35 and upper brace arm 36 by the coupling link, 42.

The lower brace arm 3 5 is made up of four parts: the lower brace arm stub 43, the brace arm fine adjuster 44, the lower brace arm coupler 45, and the slip pins 40. Means are provided so that when the brace arm fine adjuster 44 is rotated about its longitudinal axis, the length of the lower brace arm 35 is correspondingly varied. Hence the overall length of the adapter brace arm 6 can be increased or decreased by corresponding rotation of the brace arm fine adjuster 44. Means are provided by the lower brace arm 35, upper brace arm 36 and coupling link 42 so that when the adaptive brace arm 6 is in the unlocked position with the locking sleeve 41 in its unlocked position, the entire adaptive brace arm 6 may be folded as shown in FIG. 9C. In some configurations where the geometry enables it, the fine adjuster may not be required. Accordingly, this patent application is intended to encompass all such brace arms that are constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention herein, including those that may be constructed with or without the fine adjuster feature.

The strut, bow and structural member may be rotated about an axis collinear with the chord of the respective arc lengths.

FIG. 10 again illustrates the stowing sequence of the invention where in FIG. 10-A, the adaptive brace arms shown locked in FIG. 8 are now in the unlocked position. FIGS. 10-B, 10-C and 10-D then demonstrate how the frame and cover assembly can be easily folded to the stow position and the adaptive brace arm subassemblies fold neatly out of the way.

FIG. 11 illustrates the configuration of the frame assembly in the stowed configuration. By merely disengaging the locking mechanism of the compound hinge, anchor and locking assemblies 5 and moving the locking sleeves 37 of the adaptive brace assemblies 6 to the unlocked position, one may grasp the frame assembly near any convenient forward location of its members and rotate the entire structure as illustrated by FIG. 10 to gain the structural configuration shown in FIG. 11 with the compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies 5 in the stow position, the adaptive brace arm subassemblies 6 unlocked and folded, and the strut 7, bow 8 and connector subassemblies, 9 in the stowed position.

By this action, the compound hinge, anchor and locking subassemblies 5 are acted upon to result in the vertical position of the rotating members as shown in FIG. 6B and the adaptive brace arms are acted upon to result in the configuration shown by the folded brace arm of FIG. 9C. The adaptive strut, connector and bow subassemblies rotate about their respective pivot axes shown in FIG. 6A to result in their positions as shown in FIG. 11. The attached cover 15 folds following the envelope defined by the stowed configuration of the frame assembly.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrates the adaptability of the design to varying configurations. It can be seen the compound hinge, anchor and locking assembly 5 may be configured to accommodate a wide range of configurations from as few as the “two bow” configuration to as many as a “nine bow” or more configuration. FIG. 12A illustrates, the “four bow configuration, 50, and FIG. 12B shows the “seven bow” configuration, 51. Accordingly, and as noted earlier, while the earlier figures emphasize the “Five Bow Configuration,” many other configurations are feasible and practical, including but not limited to what might be called the “Two Bow,” “Four Bow”, “Five Bow,” and so on configurations. This invention is intended to include all configurations that make use of the basic concepts disclosed herein without limitation to the number of “bows” which might be incorporated in a particular configuration.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a Two Bow configuration which is of particular application to sun covers and “Bimini” covers for small pleasure boats. It can be seen that by adding an auxiliary bow section 53 to the to the adaptive strut, bow and connector subassemblies previously described (7, 8 and 9 of FIG. 4), and by incorporating locking brace arm subassemblies, 6, the resulting enclosure gains the ability to be folded, via the rotation of the members of the compound hinge anchor and locking subassemblies 5, completely out of the way to the level of the attach plane 56 when desired.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate, in general, how pleasure boat owners deal with the need to stow sun covers and “Bimini” tops when they do not wish them to be fully deployed. It can be seen that because these kinds of cover structures use fixed brace arm assemblies to support the structures, the entire assembly can be stowed to a position no lower than that allowed by the fixed brace arm assemblies, approximately 45 degrees above horizontal, unless they are willing to completely detach the fixed brace arms from the structure. This is not a viable solution in most situations.

Because of this, the adaptive brace arm assemblies 6 described in this invention may be used as replacements for the fixed brace arm assemblies currently in use and can be configured to permit stowing of such covers in a more lowered position. Accordingly, this application is intended to encompass the use of any of the subassemblies and components of this invention, whether in a complete system as described in this invention or whether subassemblies and parts of this invention are used to modify other products for more useful operation.

FIG. 10 provides a sequence of illustrations of an engineering model of the invention illustrating the operation. In the fully deployed position, the compound hinge anchor and locking assemblies 5 are in the deployed position with the adaptive brace arm assemblies 6 in the locked position as shown by FIG. 8. To gain the stow configuration of the invention, one merely disengages the deployed locking pins 20 on each of two compound hinge, anchor and locking assemblies 5, moves the locking sleeves 31 of the adaptive brace arm assemblies to the unlocked position and then, by grasping the front half-bow 30, one merely rotates the entire bow 8 through approximately 180° and the invention assumes the positions shown by the successive views of FIG. 10. To gain the deployed configuration from the stowed configuration, one merely reverses the sequence

Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has been specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A habitable enclosure, comprising:

a frame assembly which will overlie the space and volume occupied by the enclosure and support a cover assembly when said enclosure is erected;

at least two devices which have the means of being attached to the surface over which the enclosure is to be erected; which devices provide a means of and general locus for attachment of other selected members of the frame assembly; which devices provide at least two axes about which attached structural members of the frame assembly may be rotated; which devices provide a means of being locked in a fixed orientation to provide full enclosure of the space and volume occupied by the enclosure, from a maximum

amount to a minimum amount near or at zero;

at least three structural members of the frame assembly that are of arbitrary arc-shape; the structural members having a means of adjusting the height of their arbitrary arc-shape; the structural members having a means of adjusting the span of their arbitrary arc-shape; the structural members having a means of being rotated about an axis collinear with the chord of their respective arc lengths;

at least four structural members of the frame assembly which provide a means of being folded approximately in half when desired; having a means of being arranged in a generally linear configuration when desired; having a means of locking the member in the generally linear configuration when desired; having a means of varying the overall length of the structural member when desired;

a cover assembly overlying and attached to the frame assembly when said enclosure is erected; said cover assembly being secured to the frame assembly; said cover assembly being formed of any material which can be secured to the frame assembly; and

when all of the above in the aggregate are combined, can be operated to either fully enclose an objective space, to partially enclose an objective space, or to fully uncover or un-enclose an objective space.

2. A device which provides a means for being attached to an attachment of selected members of a composite structure:

which device has the means of being attached or anchored to a surface to which it is to be mounted;

which device provides a means and a general locus for the attachment of at least three members of the composite structure;

which device has at least one common axis of rotation about which selected members of the composite structure may be rotated;

which device has at least two axes about which attached structural members of the frame assembly may be independently rotated;

which devices provide a means of being locked in a fixed orientation when desired;

which device provides a means of being unlocked to provide a variable degree of rotation for each of the at least three (3) members of the composite structure, from a near zero degrees to approximately one-hundred eighty degrees (180°).

3. A device:

which provides a means of being attached to other members of a composite structure;

which provides a means of being folded approximately in half when desired;

which provides a means of being arranged in a generally linear configuration when desired;

which provides a means of locking the member in the generally linear configuration when desired;

which provides a means of varying the overall length of the member both independently and when it is used as a member of a composite structure.

4. An enclosure comprising:

a frame assembly having a first member, a second member and at least one intermediate member, each member having opposite sides formed of struts, each strut having an upper end and a lower end, each lower end being pivotally connected to a respective subassembly, each upper end being connected to a bow section;

means to anchor each subassembly to a surface in which the enclosure is assembled;

a rotating member having a first end pivotally connected to the subassembly, each rotating member having a plurality of secondary pivot axes formed therein; the lower ends of the respective struts being received in a respective secondary pivot axes;

at least four (4) brace arms, each brace arm having a first end connected to a selected frame assembly member and an opposite second end connected to another selected assembly member;

a flexible cover secured to the frame assembly; wherein, the frame assembly overlies the space and volume occupied by the enclosure, with at least one intermediate member being rotatable with respect to the first member such that the enclosure may be partially or completely covered.

5. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the bow section is formed from two half bow sections joined to one another.

6. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the connection between the upper end of the strut and the bow section is adjustable such that tolerances and tensioning variances may be compensated.

7. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the brace arms may be locked to secure the members of the frame assembly in a desired position with respect to one another.

8. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the brace arm has a lower arm pivotally connected to an upper arm, by a coupler, a movable locking sleeve disposed on the upper arm, wherein the locking sleeve may be moved over the coupler between the upper arm and the lower arm to lock the brace arms in a linear position.

9. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein the locking sleeve may be moved over the upper arm and the brace arm may be folded in two.

10. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein the lower arm has an end stub rotatably connected to the lower arm such that the length of the length of the brace arm may be increased or decreased.

11. The enclosure of claim 4, wherein the enclosure may be fully expanded to overlie a desired space and may be fully collapsed for storage.