REMOVABLE SHELTER

Abstract

A temporary shelter for use in a variety of situations, and the various components (bracket and tarp clamp) that are used in the construction of the shelter is disclosed. In particular, such a shelter may be used to cover an outdoor swimming pool, serve as a greenhouse, or serve as a temporary shelter from snow. The temporary shelter has a structural frame having a base frame and a rib frame, a sheet for covering the rib frame, one or more tarp clamps for stretching the sheet over the rib frame and one or more attachment members for securing the sheet to the base frame.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/561,982 filed on Nov. 21, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to outdoor removable shelters and components for constructing outdoor removable shelters.

BACKGROUND

Temporary, removable shelters are commonly used for a wide variety of outdoor applications. Such applications include shelters for swimming pools, car parks, animal housing, farm equipment storage or for use as greenhouses. Temporary shelters are often employed when the cost of constructing a permanent, freestanding building is prohibitive. Such temporary shelters are often subject to harsh weather, and occasionally need to be erected and disassembled in a very short period of time.

Accordingly, there is a need for a temporary shelter system that is easy to set up, durable and cost-effective.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a temporary shelter for use in a variety of situations, and the various components (bracket and tarp clamp) that are used in the construction of the shelter. In particular, such a shelter may be used to cover an outdoor swimming pool, serve as a greenhouse, or serve as a temporary shelter from snow.

The shelter, bracket and tarp clamp, each in its general form, will first be described, and then its implementation in terms of embodiments will be detailed hereafter. These embodiments are intended to demonstrate the principle of each device, and the manner of its implementation. Each device, in its broadest and more specific forms will then be further described, and defined, in each of the individual claims which conclude this Specification.

The temporary shelter disclosed herein has a structural frame having a base frame and a rib frame; the rib frame consisting of a multiplicity of ribs, each rib consisting of a pair of brackets and one or more tubular members, wherein each bracket is attached to the base frame and receives a tubular member at a variable angle, a sheet for covering the rib frame, clamps for stretching the sheet over the rib frame; and one or more attachment members for securing the sheet to the base frame.

In addition the present disclosure provides that there is disclosed a bracket for receiving a tubular member at a variable angle, the bracket having a cylindrical member for receiving the tubular member, a base; and a connecting member for connecting the cylindrical member to the base, wherein the cylindrical member is rotationally attached to the connecting member, and rotation of the cylindrical member is about an axis parallel to the base member.

The present disclosure also provides that there is also disclosed a tarp clamp for stretching a tarp, the tarp clamp having an inner arc member having an inner arc radius; and an outer arc member having an outer arc radius greater than or equal to the inner arc radius; wherein the tarp is secured between the inner and outer members.

The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the removable shelter some of its optional aspects. The shelter may be further understood by the description of the specific embodiments which follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments will now be described in greater detail and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is another perspective view of a bracket in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of multiple brackets in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rib frame in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another rib frame in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tarp clamp in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5B is another perspective view of a tarp clamp in accordance with at least one embodiment; and,

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a removable shelter in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A removable shelter and elements for constructing a removable shelter is described below.

In at least one embodiment, the rib frame is constructed using a series of brackets and tubular members. Each bracket has a variable angle member capable of receiving a tubular member at a variable angle. Each bracket is attached directly to a base frame.

In at least one embodiment, the base frame is placed over the perimeter of a surface that is to be covered. For example, in the case of swimming pool, the base frame is placed over the perimeter of the pool. Where a temporary winter shelter is needed, the base frame is placed over the perimeter of a driveway. Or, in the case of a greenhouse, the base frame is placed on an area where the greenhouse is to constructed. These are but a few examples of placement of the base frame.

The base frame can be constructed out of any firm material, such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic or plastic composite, aluminum, etc.

Turning to FIG. 1, at least one embodiment of a bracket (5) is illustrated, composed of a bracket base (10) and a variable-angle member (15) in a position to receive a rib member (30). The variable-angle member (15) is secured onto the bracket base (10), such that the variable-angle member (15) can rotate about an axis parallel to the base (10).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the variable-angle member (15) consists of a base tubular member (20), attached to a U-shaped bracket (25), which in turn, is attached to the bracket base (10). There are two apertures in the base tubular members (20), which are aligned with two apertures in the U-shaped bracket (25). A screw or similar device, is threaded through all of the apertures, and secured on to the U-shaped bracket (25), but not tightened completely. The variable-angle member (15) is then adjusted to receive one end of the rib member (15). The other end of the rib member (15) is then either attached to another rib member (not shown), or to another bracket, thereby forming a rib. Once the rib is formed, then each longitudinal member is tightened.

The construction of the variable-angle member (15) shown in FIG. 1 is but one embodiment.

The inner diameter of the base tubular member (20) should be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rib member (30), so as to ensure a tight fit. An optional clamp (35) is attached to the base tubular member (20) for tightening the joint between the base tubular member (20) and the rib member (30).

Alternately, the base tubular member (20) can be constructed as a series of telescoping tubular members, so long as there is angular variation.

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively illustrate at least one embodiment of a bracket (5) attached to a base frame (40), and a series of brackets (5) attached to a base frame (40).

FIG. 3 illustrates at least one embodiment rib frame, consisting of a series of ribs (45). Each rib (45) is constructed as follows. Once the bracket (5) is attached to the base frame (40), a rib member (30) is inserted into the variable-angle member. Another rib member (31) may then be fitted into the open end of the first rib member (30), and so on, until the assembly of rib members (30, 31) is then fitted into a bracket (6) on the opposing side of the base frame (40). Alternately, a rib (45) may be composed of only one rib member. Where two tubular bodies mate (e.g. bracket and rib member, or first rib member and second rib member), a clamp may be used to secure the mating of the two bodies.

A rib frame, formed by a parallel series of ribs, may be constructed along the length of the area to be covered. The combined rib frame and base frame is called a structural frame. The structural frame can include members in addition to the ribs, to strengthen the structure. In FIG. 4, an additional member (47) is added in addition to the ribs (45).

The strength of the structural frame is high enough to withstand high winds, so that the assembled structure will not be destroyed, nor fall apart, in high winds.

As shown in FIG. 4, once the structural frame is in place, a tarp or sheet (50) is stretched over the rib frame (45), and attached to the base frame (40), to complete the shelter. In order to stretch the tarp (50), and hold it in place, a tarp clamp (not shown) is used.

At least one embodiment of a tarp clamp (60) is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The tarp clamp (60) consists of two longitudinal concentric arcs (65, 70) and a set of screws (80). The tarp (75) fits in between the arcs (65, 70), and is then attached thereto using screws (80), which are secured with conventional means (such as wing nuts, etc). The outer-most arc (70) can have a small aperture, through which a cord (90) is looped. The cord (90) is then used to pull the tarp (75) (via the clamp) over the rib frame (not shown). The cord (90) is then secured to the base frame. With this construction, the tarp (75) does not tear, and withstands weighted objects, as described below.

The longitudinal length of the arcs (65, 70) can vary. The arcs can be constructed from any high-strength material.

The curvature of the arcs can vary as well, as there are no predetermined limits of the curvature.

While a cord is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, it is understood that a similar attachment device, such as (but not limited to) a bungee cord, small chain, rope, metal cable etc. can be used to secure the tarp clamp to the base frame.

The tarp (75) can be clear or opaque. It can be UV-resistance. It keeps out dust, and when UV protected, prevents the formation of algae in water (when the shelter is used to cover a pool surface). In addition, the tarp can have a reflective outer surface, to reflect sunlight and heat.

Embodiment

Snow Shelter

In cold-weather climates, car-owners are often in need of a temporary shelter to keep snow off driveways. Conventional snow shelters involve wieldy structures.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temporary shelter can be constructed as a snow shelter, as shown in FIG. 6. The shelter (90) consists of a base frame (95), rib frame (100) and a tarp (105). The rib frame (100) consists of a series of ribs (110), constructed of rib members detachably attached to variable-angle members of brackets. Each bracket (not shown) is attached to the base frame (95) on the ground. The tarp (105) is stretched over the rib frame (100), using one or more tarp clamps (not shown), each of which is secured to the base frame (95) with a cord (not shown).

The snow shelter is quick to assemble, and disassemble. To assemble, a base frame is constructed, covering the area to be sheltered. Then, opposing pairs of brackets are attached to the frame, at intervals along the length of the frame. Next, for a given pair of brackets, rib members are inserted between opposing angular members, thereby completing the rib frame. For added security, clamps can be used to secure connections between rib members, and between rib members and variable-angle members. Then, the tarp is prepared by adding one or more tarp clamps onto the tarp, as needed. The tarp (with clamps) is then placed over the rib frame, stretched, and attached to the base frame.

The tarp can be clear or opaque, and is water resistant. The shape of the shelter allows snow to slide off, thereby avoiding dangerous levels of accumulation thereon.

Embodiment

Swimming Pool Shelter

FIG. 3 illustrates at least one embodiment of a removable swimming pool shelter, and has been described in detail above.

The tarp can be opaque or clear. It may also be UV-resistant, to deflect UV-rays away from the water, which minimizes and/or eliminates the build-up of algae. This reduces the need of chemicals required to minimize algae production.

The shelter keeps out pollen, leaves, insects, and other debris. It also prevents rodents and small animals from falling in. It also provides safety against small children from accidentally falling in.

This reduces the need for maintenance of the pool, as well as use of chemicals added to the water. In addition, the shelter keeps the water warm, as the heat that rises from the surface of the pool, stays within the shelter (like a greenhouse), and helps to heat the water. In northern climates, the shelter serves to conserve heat, and thereby keeps the pool heated naturally, especially overnight when the temperature drops.

In southern climates, a heat-resistant tarp may be used, so as to deflect heat away from the water surface. Or, a layer of heat-resistant material may be added onto the surface of the water, in conjunction with a regular tarp (which is not heat-resistant). One way to reflect the sun's heat is to use reflective bubble wrap on the surface of the pool. In either case, this prevents the water from over-heating.

The assembled structure has enough strength to keep out children or animals. That is, if either a child or an animal climbs onto the shelter, the tension of the shelter is high enough so that the intruder cannot fall through the shelter, into the pool.

The tarp can be quickly removed, simply by releasing each cord from the base frame. The rib frame can be high enough to permit use of the pool, with, or without the tarp.

The pool shelter can be used in northern climates over the winter, to keep snow and debris out of the pool.

The embodiments described herein are examples of structures, systems or methods having elements corresponding to elements of the techniques of this application. This written description may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the techniques of this application. The intended scope of the techniques of this application thus includes other structures, systems or methods that do not differ from the techniques of this application as described herein, and further includes other structures, systems or methods with insubstantial differences from the techniques of this application as described herein.

Moreover, the previous detailed description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to those embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention described herein. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular, such as by use of the article “a” or “an” is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by the elements of the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A removable shelter comprising:

a) a structural frame having a base frame and a rib frame; the rib frame consisting of a multiplicity of ribs, each rib consisting of a pair of brackets and one or more tubular members, wherein each bracket is attached to the base frame and receives a tubular member at a variable angle;

b) a sheet for covering the rib frame;

c) one or more tarp clamps for stretching the sheet over the rib frame; and

d) one or more attachment members for securing the sheet to the base frame.

2. The shelter of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more tubular members are comprised of a series of telescoping tubular members.

3. The shelter of claim 2, wherein the series of telescoping tubular members are secured using an annular gear clamp.

4. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the base frame is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of: wood, steel, carbon fibre, plastic, plastic composite and aluminium.

5. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the one or more attachment members are selected from the group consisting of: a bungee cord, a chain, a rope and a metal cable.

6. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the sheet is selected from the group consisting of: a clear tarp, an opaque tarp, a reflective tarp, a mildew resistant tarp, a heat resistant tarp and a UV resistant tarp.

7. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the shelter comprises a second sheet.

8. The shelter of claim 7, wherein the second sheet is selected from the group consisting of: a clear tarp, an opaque tarp, a reflective tarp, a mildew resistant tarp, a heat resistant tarp and a UV resistant tarp.

9. The shelter of claim 7, wherein the second sheet is stretched over the rib frame by the one or more tarp clamps and secured to the base frame by the one or more attachment members.

10. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the rib members are constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: wood, carbon fibre, steel, plastic, plastic composite and aluminium.

11. The shelter of claim 1, further comprising a swimming pool, wherein the base frame is constructed around the swimming pool.

12. The shelter of claim 1, wherein the base frame is constructed around a vehicle parking space.

13. A bracket for receiving a tubular member at a variable angle, said bracket comprising:

a) a cylindrical member for receiving the tubular member;

b) a base; and

c) a connecting member for connecting the cylindrical member to the base, wherein the cylindrical member is rotationally attached to the connecting member, and rotation of the cylindrical member is about an axis parallel to the base member.

14. The bracket of claim 13, further comprising an annular gear clamp positioned about the tubular member for securing the tubular member relative to the cylindrical member.

15. A tarp clamp for stretching a tarp, the tarp clamp comprising:

a) an inner arc member having an inner arc radius; and

b) an outer arc member having an outer arc radius greater than or equal to the inner arc radius;

wherein the tarp is secured between the inner and outer members.

16. The tarp clamp of claim 15, wherein said outer arc member has a small aperture for receiving an attachment device.

17. The tarp clamp of claim 16, wherein the attachment device is selected from the group consisting of: a bungee cord, a chain, a rope and a metal cable.

18. The tarp clamp of claim 15, wherein the inner arc member has at least one receiving holes and the outer arc member has at least one receiving holes, the at least one receiving holes of the inner arc member being aligned with the at least one receiving holes on the outer arc member.

19. The tarp claim of claim 18, wherein a mechanical fastener is placed through the aligned at least one receiving holes on each of the inner arc member and the outer arc member to secure the inner arc member to the outer arc member.

20. The tarp clamp of claim 19, wherein the mechanical fastener is selected from the group consisting of: a rivet, a sheet metal screw, a machine screw in combination with a nut and a machine screw in combination with a wingnut.