Windbreak Structure

Abstract

A generally V-shaped, foldable structure that protects the user from wind and can easily be erected and dismantled for storage and transport. In certain embodiments of the invention, covers are provided to further protect the user from sun and wind.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Non-Provisional Application based on Provisional Application No. 61/611,212 filed Mar. 15, 2012.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to windbreak type structures. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel, generally V-shaped, foldable structure that protects the user from wind and one that can be easily erected and easily dismantled for storage and transport.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

A number of different types of windbreak structures have been suggested in the past. These structures range from very simple to unduly complex constructions and typically involve a plurality of hingedly interconnected panels. Exemplary of the typical prior art windbreak structures are those illustrated and described in the following patents:

U.S. Pat. No. 2,465,147 issued to Butler et al. This patent describes a windbreak comprising a pair of rigid panels, means pivotally interconnecting the panels, collapsible means for bracing the panels in a predetermined angular relation and including a seat portion disposed between the panels.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,525 issued to Snow et al. discloses a barrier shield device, foldable and easily portable, for outdoor use in providing wind-protection or other shielding effects, particularly for use on a sandy beach. A plurality of panels are hinged for a composite shield-effect when folded outwardly for use; and a plurality of spikes, which are supportingly connected to the panels, are movable between an upper position for ease of transport and a lower position in which they are pushed into the ground to hold the panel assembly stable. The connectors for connecting the spikes to the panels, but permitting the movement of the spikes into the sand or ground, are advantageously provided integrally from portions of the panels themselves, and they are located sufficiently low with respect to the bottom edge of the panels so that the spikes are supported in and between both their transport position and their ground-engaging position; and the connectors for the spike or spikes inwardly of the end spikes are formed from the panel-portions adjacent the hinges of the panels, thus achieving the opening for accommodation of the spike by the panel material which would be an outside corner of the panel assembly whether in folded condition for transport or open condition for shield-effect use.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,939 issued to McGee discloses a portable and foldable shelter for use by ice fishermen and other outdoorsmen. A tripod of pole members, hingedly interconnected at one end, is covered with a canvas or plastic cover. A hinged tang is provided on the central pole member which can be secured to the ice and about which the erected shelter can be rotated to keep the open side thereof directly downwind in the event of a wind shift.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a windbreak type structure for protecting the user from wind that can be easily erected for outdoor use and can be easily dismantled for storage and transport.

Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the aforementioned character that can be safely secured in the erected, operable configuration.

Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the character described in the preceding paragraphs that, when in the erected operable configuration, is quite stable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the character described that is lightweight and easily portable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure of the class described that not only protects the user from the wind, but also protects the user from the sun.

Another object of the invention is to provide a windbreak type structure in which the foldable panels that make up the sides of the structure can be releasably secured in a coplanar configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of the windbreak structure of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the windbreak structure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary top view illustrating the manner in which one side of the windbreak structure is folded into a transport, storage configuration.

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary top view further illustrating the manner in which the sides of the windbreak structure are folded into a transport, storage configuration.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary top view illustrating the operation of the leg brace locking assembly that interconnects the side panels of the windbreak structure and maintains them in an open, erected configuration.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of the surface bolt assembly that releasably locks the side panels of the windbreak structure in a coplanar relationship.

FIG. 5 is a generally perspective, exploded view of an alternate form of the windbreak structure of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a greatly enlarged generally perspective fragmentary, exploded view of the area designated in FIG. 5 as 5A-5A.

FIG. 5B is an enlarged view taken along lines 5B-5B of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a generally perspective fragmentary view similar to FIG. 5A, further illustrating the operation of the cover connecting assembly to interconnect the cover with the upper portion of the windbreak structure.

FIG. 6 is a generally perspective view of the alternate form of the windbreak structure showing the cover interconnected with the upper portion of the windbreak structure.

FIG. 7 is a generally perspective view of still another form of the windbreak structure of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of still another form of the windbreak structure of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary side view of one of the conventional hinges that interconnect the four segments of each of the side panels of the windbreak structure and then maintains them in an open, erected configuration.

FIG. 10 is a side view of yet another form of the windbreak structure of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, one form of the windbreak structure of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 14. The windbreak structure 14, which is specially designed for outdoor use to protect the user from the wind, here comprises a first side 16 that comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected uniquely shaped first panels 18, 20 and 22. As indicated in FIG. 1, windbreak structure 14 also comprises a second side 24, which is hingedly connected to first side 16 by a hinge assembly 26 (FIG. 3), and is movable between a first collapsed position and a second operable position. More particularly, second side 24 is pivotally movable between a first position proximate first side 16 and a second position wherein the second side extends from the first side at an acute angle of between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees. First panel 18 is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels 20 and 22 are generally trapezoid-shaped. Second side 24 also comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected, second panels 28, 30 and 32. Second panel 28 is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels 30 and 32 are generally trapezoid-shaped. A polygon can be defined as a plane shape having straight sides, while a trapezoid can be defined as a four-sided polygon having exactly one pair of parallel sides. The sum of the angles of a trapezoid is 360 degrees. Panels 18, 20, 22, 28, 30 and 32 can be constructed from various materials, including metal, wood and plastic. Additionally the panels can be colored, opaque, translucent or transparent as may be desired by the user.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings, the first and second sides are releasably locked in the operable position by a leg brace locking, or securement assembly 34. Both hinge 26 and securement assembly 34 are of conventional construction and are readily commercially available from several sources, including National Manufacturing of Lake Forest, Calif.

Side panel 22 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 36 and 38 that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 40 and an upper member 42. Upper member 42 extends angularly from leg 38 at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees. Side panel 20 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 36a and 38a that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 40a and an upper member 42a. Upper member 42a extends angularly from leg 38a at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees.

Side panel 30 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 44 and 46 that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 48 and an upper member 50. Upper member 50 also extends angularly from leg 46 at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees (FIG. 1). Side panel 32 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 44a and 46a that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 48a and an upper member 50a. Upper member 50a also extends angularly from leg 46a at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees (FIG. 1).

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the present form of the invention, the panels of each of the first and second sides 16 and 24 are hingedly interconnected by conventional hinges 54 and for ease of storage and transport are movable from the first generally coplanar position shown in FIG. 2A to the second folded position shown in FIG. 2B. In order to releasably hold the panels of each of the first and second sides 16 and 24 of the structure in a coplanar position as shown in FIG. 1, a panel lock assembly, shown here as a conventional surface bolt 56, is connected to and spans each of the adjoining panel members. Both, hinges 54 and securement assembly, or surface bolts 56, are of conventional construction and are readily commercially available from several sources, including National Manufacturing of Lake Forest, Calif.

Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, an alternate form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 64. This structure is somewhat similar, in construction and operation, to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings, and like numerals are used in FIG. 5 to identify like components.

The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and the earlier described embodiment resides in the fact that the windbreak structure is somewhat longer, having three, rather than two, interconnected trapezoid shaped panels. Additionally, this latest embodiment of the invention is uniquely provided with a flexible cover that covers a portion of the structure and provides protection to the user from rain and from the sun.

Windbreak structure 64 here comprises a first side 66 that comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected first panels 68, 70, 72 and 74. First panel 68 is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels 70, 72 and 74 are generally trapezoid-shaped. Windbreak structure 64 also comprises a second side 76, which is hingedly connected to first side 66 by a conventional hinge 26 (FIG. 3) for movement between a first collapsed position and a second operable position. More particularly, second side 76 is pivotally movable between a first position proximate first side 66 and a second position wherein the second side extends from the first side at an acute angle of between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees. Second side 76 also comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected second panels 78, 80, 82 and 84. Second panel 78 is in the shape of a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle, while panels 80, 82 and 84 are generally trapezoid-shaped.

As in the earlier described embodiment, first and second sides 66 and 76 are releasably locked in the operable position by a leg brace locking or securement assembly 34.

Side panel 70 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 86 and 88 that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 90 and an upper member 92. Upper member 92 extends angularly from leg 86 at an angle of between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees. Side panel 72 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 86a and 88a that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 90a and an upper member 92a. Side panel 74 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 86b and 88b that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 90b and an upper member 92b. Upper member 92b extends angularly from leg 86b at an angle of between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees. Side panel 80 of second side 76 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 94 and 96 that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 98 and an upper member 100. Upper member 100 extends angularly from leg 94 at an angle of about 20 degrees. Side panel 82 of second side 76 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 94a and 96a that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 98a and an upper member 100a. Upper member 100a extends angularly from leg 94a at an angle of about 20 degrees. Side panel 84 of second side 76 has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 94b and 96b that are interconnected by a ground engaging base member 98b and an upper member 100b. Upper member 100b extends angularly from leg 94b at an angle of about 20 degrees.

As in the previously described embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and as previously described, in this latest form of the invention, the panels of each of the first and second sides 66 and 76 are also hingedly interconnected by conventional hinges 54 and for ease of storage and transport are movable from the first generally coplanar position shown in FIG. 2A to the second folded position shown in FIG. 2B. In order to releasably hold the panels of each of the first and second sides of the structure in a coplanar position as shown in FIG. 5, a panel-lock assembly shown there as a conventional surface bolt 62, is connected to and spans each of the adjoining panel members.

As depicted in FIG. 5 of the drawings, this latest embodiment of the invention uniquely includes a flexible cover 104 having edges 104a and 104b that are connected to the upper members of each of the panels of the first and second sides 66 and 76 by uniquely configured connector elements 106. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, each of the generally T-shaped connector elements 106 comprises a locking leg 106a and a connector leg 106b that is connected to and extends from the locking leg at an angle of about 90 degrees (FIG. 5B). Attached to each connector leg 106b is a connector cord 107 that interconnects the connector element with the edges of the cover 104 (see FIGS. 5B and 5C).

In order to connect the cover 104 with the windbreak structure to form the structure illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings, each of the connector legs of each of the connector elements is inserted into a selected one of a plurality of generally vertically extending slots 109 that are formed in the upper members of the panels of the first and second sides 66 and 76 and then turned in the manner depicted in the right hand portion of FIG. 5C. In this manner, cover 104 can be readily removably interconnected with the upper portion of the windbreak structure in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, still another form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 114. This structure is somewhat similar in construction and operation to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings and like numerals are used in FIG. 7 to identify like components.

The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings resides in the fact that the windbreak structure includes not only a flexible cover that covers a portion of the structure, but also includes a flexible cover that covers portions of the sides of the structure.

Windbreak structure 114 here comprises a first side 66 that comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected first panels 68, 70, 72 and 74. Windbreak structure 114 also includes a second side 76, which is hingedly connected to first side 66 by a conventional hinge 26 (FIG. 3) for movement in the manner previously described, between a first collapsed position and a second operable position. Second side 76 also comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnected second panels 78, 80, 82 and 84. As in the earlier described embodiment, first and second sides 66 and 76 are releasably locked in the operable position by a leg brace locking or securement assembly 34.

As depicted in FIG. 7 of the drawings, this latest embodiment of the invention uniquely includes a flexible cover 118 having edges 118a and 118b that are, in the manner previously described, connected to the upper members of each of the panels of the first and second sides 66 and 76 by uniquely configured connector elements 106.

This latest embodiment of the invention also uniquely includes a flexible side cover 126 having edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel 82 of the second side 76 in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements 106 (not shown in FIG. 7). Additionally, a flexible side cover 130 has edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel 84 of the second side in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements 106 (not shown in FIG. 7). This latest embodiment of the invention also uniquely includes a flexible side cover 134 having edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel 72 of the first side in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements 106 (not shown in FIG. 7). Similarly, a flexible side cover 136 has edges that are connected to the side, top and bottom structural members of panel 74 of the first side in the manner previously described, by uniquely configured connector elements 106 (not shown in FIG. 7). With this novel construction, when the user is inside the windbreak structure, cover 118 provides protection from the sun, while side-covers 126, 130, 134 and 136, provide protection from the wind and other outside elements.

Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, a side view of yet another form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 144. This structure is also somewhat similar in construction and operation to the earlier described embodiments of the invention. The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and the earlier described embodiments resides in the fact that the windbreak structure 144 comprises first and second interconnected sides, each side comprising four hingedly connected segments which together cooperate to define a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle 146, having a first generally perpendicularly extending side 148, a second angularly extending side 150, a top 152 and a bottom 154. Each four-sided polygonal side comprises a first segment 156, a second segment 158, a third segment 160 and a fourth segment 162.

The four segments 156, 158, 160 and 162 are interconnected in the manner shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings by a conventional hinge 164. This novel construction permits a folding movement of the segments about fold axes 166, 168 and 170 (FIG. 8) between a first operable position and a second collapsed position. In order to releasably hold the segments of each of the first and second sides of the structure in a coplanar position, a panel lock assembly, shown here as a conventional surface bolt 56, is connected to and spans each of the adjoining segments in the manner shown in FIG. 8.

Each side of the windbreak structure is covered with a substantially transparent, flexible covering 174 so that users of the structure have an uninterrupted view through the sides of the structure. Because of the absence of spaced apart vertical support members between the top and bottom members, the fold lines about which the segments fold, advantageously cannot be seen.

Referring next to FIG. 10 of the drawings, a side view of still another form of the windbreak structure of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral 178. This structure is also somewhat similar in construction and operation to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The primary difference between this latest embodiment of the invention and that illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 resides in the fact that the windbreak structure 178 comprises first and second hingedly interconnected sides (not shown—see FIG. 1), each side comprising first and second interconnected segments 180 and 182, which together cooperate to define a four-sided polygon, or quadrangle 184. As before, the first and second hingedly interconnected sides are connected by a hinge 26 (not shown in FIG. 10) and are movable in the manner previously described, between a first collapsed position where the sides are adjacent and a second operable position where the sides extend angularly with respect to each other.

First segment 180, which is general trapezoid in shape, has spaced apart, generally vertically extending, generally parallel legs 186a and 188a that are interconnected by a ground engaging base assembly 190a and an upper member assembly 192a. Second segment 182 has a first generally perpendicularly extending side 192, a second angularly extending side 194, a top assembly 196 and a bottom assembly 198. Second side 194 extends angularly from bottom assembly 198 at an angle of between about 70 degrees and about 80 degrees.

Each of the first and second segments 180 and 182 comprise two foldable panels. More particularly, first segment 180 has first and second panels 200 and 202 that are interconnected by hinges 164 and are foldable about a fold axes 204 between a first operable position and a second collapsed position. Similarly, second segment 182 has first and second panels 206 and 208 that are interconnected by hinges 164 and are foldable about a fold axes 210 between a first operable position and a second collapsed position. As before, in order to releasably hold the panels of each of the first and second segments of the structure in a coplanar position, a panel lock assembly, shown here as a conventional surface bolt 56, is connected to and spans each of the adjoining panels.

Each of the first and second segments 180 and 182 of each side of the windbreak structure is covered with a substantially transparent, flexible covering 212 so that users of the structure have an uninterrupted view through the sides of the structure. Because of the absence of spaced apart vertical support members between the top and bottom members of each of the first and second segments 180 and 182, the fold lines about which the panels thereof fold, advantageously cannot be seen.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A windbreak structure comprising:

(a) a first side including first and second hingedly interconnected panels, said first panel being in the shape of a four-sided polygon and said second panel being in the shape of a trapezoid; and

(b) a second side hingedly interconnected with said first side, said second side including first and second hingedly interconnected panels, said first panel being in the shape of a the shape of a four-sided polygon and said second panel being in the shape of a trapezoid.

2. The windbreak structure defined in claim 1 in which said first and second sides are movable from a first collapsed position to a second operable position wherein said second side extends from the first side at an acute angle.

3. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 2 further including a securement assembly connected to said first and second sides for releasably locking said first and second sides in said operable position.

4. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 3 in which said first side further includes a third panel hingedly interconnected with said second panel and being in the shape of a trapezoid and in which said second side further includes a third panel hingedly interconnected with said second panel and being in the shape of a trapezoid.

5. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 4 further including a flexible cover connected to said first and second sides.

6. A windbreak structure comprising:

(a) a first side including first, second and third hingedly interconnected panels, said first panel being in the shape of a four-sided polygon and said second and third panels being in the shape of a trapezoid; and

(b) a second side hingedly interconnected with said first side, said second side being movable relative to said first side between a first collapsed position to a second operable position wherein said second side extends from the first side at an acute angle, said second side including first, second and third hingedly interconnected panels, said first panel being in the shape of a four-sided polygon and said second and third panels being in the shape of a trapezoid; and

(c) a securement assembly connected to said first and second sides for releasably locking said first and second sides in said operable position.

7. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 6 further including a flexible cover connected to said first and second sides.

8. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 6 further including a plurality of surface bolts interconnecting and spanning said first, second and third panels of said first side and a plurality of surface bolts interconnecting and spanning said first, second and third panels of said second side for holding said panels in a coplanar relationship.

9. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 6 in which said second panel of said first side and said second panel of said second side each include spaced apart, generally vertically extending first and second parallel legs, a ground engaging base member connected to said first and second parallel legs and an upper member connected to said parallel legs and extending angularly there from at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees.

10. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 6 in which said third panel of said first side and said third panel of said second side each include spaced apart, generally vertically extending first and second parallel legs, a ground engaging base member connected to said first and second parallel legs and an upper member connected to said parallel legs and extending angularly there from at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees.

11. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 10 further including a side cover connected to said third panel of said first side and a side cover connected to said third panel of said second side.

12. A windbreak structure comprising:

(a) a first side including first, second and third hingedly interconnected panels, said first panel being in the shape of a four-sided quadrangle and said second and third panels being in the shape of a trapezoid, said second and third panels of said first side each comprising spaced apart, generally vertically extending first and second parallel legs, a ground engaging base member connected to said first and second parallel legs and an upper member connected to said parallel legs and extending angularly there from at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees; and

(b) a second side hingedly interconnected with said first side, said second side being movable relative to said first side between a first collapsed position to a second operable position wherein said second side extends from the first side at an acute angle, said second side including first, second and third hingedly interconnected panels, said first panel being in the shape of a four-sided quadrangle and said second and third panels being in the shape of a trapezoid, said second and third panels of said second side each comprising spaced apart, generally vertically extending first and second parallel legs, a ground engaging base member connected to said first and second parallel legs and an upper member connected to said parallel legs and extending angularly there from at an angle of between about 15 and about 25 degrees.

13. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 12 further including a securement assembly connected to said first and second sides for releasably locking said first and second sides in said operable position.

14. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 12 further including a plurality of surface bolts interconnecting and spanning said first, second and third panels of said first side and a plurality of surface bolts interconnecting and spanning said first, second and third panels of said second side for holding said panels in a coplanar relationship.

15. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 12 further including a side cover connected to said third panel of said first side and a side cover connected to said third panel of said second side.

16. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 12 further including flexible cover connected to said first and second sides.

17. The windbreak structure as defined in claim 16 in which said upper members of said second and third panels of each of said first and second sides is provided with a plurality of vertically extending slots and in which said windbreak structure further includes a plurality of connector legs removably receivable within said slots for connecting said flexible cover to said first and second sides.