FRAME FOR SELF-SUPPORTING SHELTER

Abstract

Provided herein is a frame for use with a self-supporting structure, such as a tent or awning. The frame may comprise a plurality of support members, each comprising a plurality of elongate support sections in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre hinge joints. The frame may have an erected self-supporting condition with the hinged joints in an open over-centre condition and each support member forms an arch. The frame may have a collapsed condition with the hinged joints in a closed condition and the support members are folded. Also provided are collapsible shelters comprising any of the frames described herein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from Australian Patent App. Nos. 2016902889 filed Jul. 22, 2016 and 2017901207 filed Apr. 3, 2017, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a frame for a self-supporting, shelter such as a tent or an awning. More particularly, the invention relates to a frame for an improved shelter that is convenient to erect and collapse.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Various tent constructions are commercially available, many allegedly making it easy to at least erect the tent structure. These tent constructions include, for example, tents with an umbrella-like frame (“umbrella tents”), self-erecting tents with closed loop frames (“pop-up tents”), and “quick-pitch tents.”

Umbrella tents typically have a frame that is configured to be erected and collapsed in much the same fashion as an umbrella. Generally, the frames of umbrella tents include a plurality of arms that are pivotally connected to an upper spider assembly and a lower spider assembly. A complex drive mechanism is used to move the upper and lower spider assemblies towards and away from one another to splay or draw together the arms, respectively, thereby erecting or collapsing the frame. Some umbrella tents require manual pushing of the lower spider assembly upwards towards the upper spider assembly to erect the frame. A locking mechanism is typically used to lock the frame of the umbrella tent in an erected condition. To erect an umbrella tent, a user typically stands beneath the lower spider assembly, within the collapsed tent, and manually pushes the lower spider assembly upwards towards the upper spider assembly in order to splay the arms of the frame into an erected condition. Alternatively, if a drive mechanism is present on the frame, a user operates the drive mechanism, to move the upper and lower spider assemblies towards one another and splay the arms of the frame into an erected condition.

Umbrella tents have several drawbacks. Not only are they awkward and difficult to erect and collapse, with a user having to stand within a collapsed or collapsing tent and push the lower spider assembly upwards, but the umbrella frame tends to pinch or catch the sheet material of the tent and impede erection and collapse thereof or rip the sheet material. A user can also trap his or her fingers in the umbrella frame. It is difficult for one person to erect an umbrella tent on their own and generally at least two people are required. The frame of umbrella tents is usually quite heavy. In addition, such tents are often unreliable as a locking mechanism is required which typically bears substantial stress in maintaining the tent in the erected condition. If the locking mechanism is of an inferior quality, it can fail under such stress, leading to inadvertent collapse of the tent, rendering it useless.

As an alternative, pop-up tents are commercially available. These tents typically have resilient, coilable frame elements formed into several closed loops, arranged in a variety of configurations relative to one another. The closed loops are held captive by tabs or within sleeves or pockets of the sheet material of the tent. In an erected condition, the resilient frame elements stretch the sheet material of the tent operatively outwards. To collapse the tent, a user manually twists and folds the entire structure, coiling the frame elements, into a bound, flat, circular package for transportation and storage. To erect the tent, a user releases the packaged tent which then instantaneously springs into the erected condition.

Pop-up tents have several drawbacks. It is difficult and awkward to collapse this kind of tent, particularly a large unwieldy tent, because the frame elements constantly spring back into the erected condition due to their inherent resilience. Accordingly, it is difficult for one person to collapse a pop-up tent, and generally at least two people are required.

Further commercially available alternatives are the quick-pitch tents including quick pitch tents for use in adverse weather conditions. These tents generally comprise a frame, from which cloth housing is suspended, the frame typically comprising poles with multiple locking joints which are required to maintain the tent in an erected condition. Such locking joints are typically self-locking joints which are expensive to manufacture, increasing the cost of the tent. Furthermore, while such locking joints can make it relatively easy for a user to rapidly erect the tent; they generally require two hands to unlock in order to collapse the tent. This can make it slow and awkward for a user to collapse these kinds of tents.

The cost of the various mechanisms employed in the tent construction is an important consideration. That is, both the initial cost for the parts themselves and their assembly must be reasonable in order to provide a realistic price point for a manufacturer, as well as to facilitate the use of light-weight materials and the easy and cost-effective replacement of parts of the tent frame, which may become damaged in use.

There remains a need in the art for an improved light-weight self-supporting frame for a collapsible shelter or tent which is of simple construction and is convenient for a user to erect, collapse and repackage into a compact shape and size after use, for storage. There is also a need for a frame for a collapsible shelter which is relatively cost-effective to manufacture.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Broadly, the invention provides an improved frame for a collapsible shelter which is light-weight and self-supporting and is configured and dimensioned for a user to conveniently erect and collapse.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a frame comprising a plurality of support members, wherein each support member comprises a plurality of elongate support sections in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre hinged joints; whereby when the frame is in an erected self-supporting condition the over-centre hinged joints are in an open over-centre condition and each support member forms an arch and when the frame is in a collapsed condition the over-centre hinged joints are in a closed condition and the support members are folded.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of over-centre hinged joints in a frame comprising a plurality of support members, wherein each support member comprises a plurality of elongate support sections in co-linear arrangement and connected by the over-centre hinged joints; whereby when the frame is in an erected self-supporting condition the over-centre hinged joints are in an open over-centre condition and each support member forms an arch, and when the frame is in a collapsed condition the over-centre hinged joints are in a closed condition and the support members are folded.

Each over-centre hinged joint comprises a hinge hook, a hinge channel comprising a hinge shoulder and a pivot pin, wherein the hinge hook is longitudinally disposed at the end of a first support section, the hinge channel is longitudinally disposed at the end of a second support section, the pivot pin is transversely disposed across the hinge channel and connected thereto, and the hinge hook engages the pivot pin. The over-centre hinged joint is operable between an open over-centre condition wherein the hinge hook bears against the hinge shoulder, and a closed condition.

The frame may further comprise slidable hinged joints. Each slidable hinged joint comprises a hinge channel comprising a hinge shoulder and a pivot pin, and a sliding portion comprising an elongate slot having a pivot end and a non-pivot end wherein the hinge channel is longitudinally disposed at the end of the second support section, the pivot pin is transversely disposed across the hinge channel and connected thereto, and the sliding portion is longitudinally disposed at the end of a third support section, the elongate slot is longitudinally disposed along the sliding portion and receives the pivot pin transversely therein.

Each slidable hinged joint may further comprise a lug disposed on the sliding portion and extending therefrom and a corresponding recess disposed in the hinge channel, wherein the lug is receivable in the recess. Preferably, the slidable hinged joint comprises two opposed lugs extending from either side thereof. Preferably, the lugs are adjacent the elongate slot on the sliding portion, and spaced therefrom.

The sliding portion may be hollow and comprise two opposed elongate slots on either side thereof.

The slidable hinged joint is operable between a closed condition wherein the pivot pin is received in the elongate slot at the pivot end thereof and the lug is not received in the recess, and an open condition wherein the pivot pin is received in the elongate slot at the non-pivot end thereof and the lug is received in the recess.

In some embodiments, the plurality of elongate support sections are alternately connected by over-centre hinged joints and slidable hinged joints, wherein the over-centre hinged joints are outwardly facing relative to the frame and the slidable hinged joints are inwardly facing relative to the frame. In these embodiments, when the frame is in the erected self-supporting condition, the over-centre hinged joints are outwardly facing and in the open over-centre condition, and the slidable hinged joints are inwardly facing and in the open condition. When the frame is in the collapsed condition, the over-centre hinged joints are in the closed condition, the slidable locking joints are in the closed condition, and the support members are folded concertina fashion.

The frame may further comprise a flexible sheet material which is attached to the frame. The flexible sheet material may be suspended from the frame.

Any one or more combinations of these features allow the frame to be self-supporting under the weight of the frame and the flexible sheet material, and any additional loads that may be caused by rain etc., which bears against the over-centre hinged joints when in the erected condition.

Preferably, the over-centre hinged joints are non-locking hinged joints.

Preferably, the flexible sheet material is attached to the frame by way of sleeves through which the support members pass and which are attached to, or integral with, the flexible sheet material. The sleeves allow the flexible sheet material to slide along the length of the support members. When in the erected condition, the flexible sheet material hangs from the frame. The flexible sheet material may be held taut or tensioned against, around or over the frame.

The flexible sheet material may be made from light-weight waterproof material such as nylon, polycotton and/or polyester. As will be appreciated, because all of the components of the frame are always associated with the flexible sheet material, loss of component parts is eliminated and replacement of individual components of the frame may be easily accomplished.

The flexible sheet material may be formed in the shape of a tent. The tent may have a generally domed shape with a roof, side walls, a door, optionally one or more windows and a floor that may be formed from contiguous flexible sheet material. The floor may be substantially oblong in configuration and comprise a sewn-in groundsheet made from polyethylene. The door and windows may be formed by an opening in the flexible sheet material which may be closed by a zip. The flexible sheet material may further comprise ties attached to the flexible sheet material for securing the door or window when rolled up and not in use.

The frame may further comprise a roof plate in co-linear arrangement with the elongate support sections and to which the neighbouring elongate support sections are pivotally or hingedly attached. The elongate support sections may be pivotally or hingedly attached to the roof plate in a radial arrangement. The support members may be made from a light-weight material such as plastic and/or glass reinforced plastic.

The frame may further comprise frame anchors for releasably receiving the ends of the support members. Each frame anchor may be in the form of a planar tab comprising one or more holes for releasably receiving and securing the ends of the support members.

Each frame anchor may be connected to the flexible sheet material by a connector. The frame anchor may comprise one or more slots. In some embodiments, the connector is in the form of a length of tape which is attached to the flexible sheet material and passes through a slot in the frame anchor. In another embodiment, the connector is in the form of a length of elastic which is attached to the flexible sheet material and passes through a slot in the frame anchor. In a further embodiment, the connector is in the form of a spring or hook which engages with the frame through a slot on the frame anchor. In yet another embodiment, the frame further comprises a clip which is engageable with a support member and which comprises at least one slot. In this embodiment, the connector is in the form of a length of tape or elastic having two ends wherein each end is attached to the flexible sheet material and the tape or elastic passes through a slot in the frame anchor and a slot in the clip.

According to each of the above embodiments, the frame may further comprise one or more compression damper comprising: a tube in which an end of a support member is co-linearly and slidably receivable, wherein the tube is connected to a frame anchor at one end and comprises a neck at the other end, and wherein the tube defines an elongate damping chamber; and a spring co-linearly disposed within the elongate damping chamber, wherein one end of the spring is connected to the end of the support member and the other end of the spring is connected to the frame anchor.

In embodiments comprising a compression damper, the support member comprises a shoulder which extends transversely therefrom and is spaced from the end thereof, wherein the shoulder is located inside the damping chamber and wherein, in use, the shoulder of the support member bears against the neck of the tube.

The compression damper may further comprise one or more stopper to which an end of the spring is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the compression damper comprises a pair of opposed stoppers disposed within the damping chamber, one connected to the end of the support member and the other connected to the end of the tube. The stoppers may comprise lugs which extend into the spring to which the end of the spring is attached.

In some embodiments, the support members comprise a plurality of elongate support sections in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre hinged joints; whereby when the frame is in an erected self-supporting condition the hinged joints are in an open over-centre condition and each support member forms an arch.

The frame may further comprise one or more stabilising member comprising plurality of elongate support sections in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre hinged joints, in similar fashion to the support member; whereby when the frame is in an erected self-supporting condition the hinged joints are in an open over-centre condition and the stabilising member forms part of an arch.

In other embodiments, the frame further comprises a roof plate. In these embodiments, the support members, and optionally one or more stabilising member, are pivotally or hingedly connected to the roof plate; whereby when the frame is in an erected self-supporting condition the hinged joints are in an open over-centre condition and each support member forms an arch and each optional stabilising member forms part of an arch.

The flexible sheet material may further comprise door and/or window screens, comprising a second layer of flexible sheet material over the door and window, formed by zips. The flexible sheet material may further comprise a fly, positioned adjacent to or over the flexible material.

The frame may further comprise a guy assembly.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a frame for a collapsible shelter in the form of a tent, shaped and dimensioned to house two people.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a frame for a collapsible shelter in the form of a tent, shaped and dimensioned to house three people.

According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a frame for a collapsible shelter in the form of a tent, shaped and dimensioned to house two people, the tent further comprising a porch.

According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a frame for a collapsible shelter in the form of a tent shaped and dimensioned to house six people.

According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a frame for a collapsible shelter in the form of a sunshelter.

Although the descriptions of various embodiments of the invention herein provided are concerned generally with frames for camping tents and sunshelters, for example, those persons skilled in the art will recognize the wider applicability of the inventive features disclosed herein.

Further aspects and/or features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a photograph of a frame according to the invention showing a close-up view of an over-centre hinged joint in the open over-centre condition when the frame is in the erected condition;

FIG. 2 is a photograph of a frame according to the invention showing a close-up view of another over-centre hinged joint in the open over-centre condition when the frame is in the erected condition;

FIG. 3 is a photograph of a frame according to the invention showing a close-up view of an over-centre hinged joint closing into the closed condition when the frame is collapsing into the collapsed condition;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of a frame according to the invention showing a close-up view of the roof plate when the frame is in the erected condition;

FIG. 5 is a photograph of a frame according to the invention showing a close-up top view of a frame anchor when the frame is in the erected condition and wherein the connector is in the form of a length of tape;

FIG. 6 is a photograph of a frame according to the invention showing a close-up bottom view of a frame anchor when the frame is in the erected condition;

FIG. 7 is a photograph of a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention in the erected condition;

FIG. 8 is a photograph of a frame according to a first embodiment of the invention in the erected condition, further comprising a fly;

FIG. 9 is a photograph of a frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in the erected condition;

FIG. 10 is a drawing of an embodiment of the invention in which the connector is in the form of a length of elastic which is attached to the flexible sheet material and passes through a slot in the frame anchor;

FIG. 11 is a drawing of an embodiment of the invention further comprising a clip and in which the connector is in the form of a length of tape or elastic having two ends wherein each end is attached to the flexible sheet material and the tape or elastic passes through a slot in the frame anchor and a slot in the clip;

FIG. 12 is a drawing of a longitudinal section of a compression damper of some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a drawing of an embodiment of the invention comprising a compression damper and a connector in the form of a length of tape;

FIG. 14 is a photograph of a frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in the erected condition, in the form of a sunshelter;

FIG. 15 is a drawing of an embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of elongate support sections that are alternately connected by over-centre hinged joints and slidable hinged joints, wherein the over-centre hinged joints are outwardly facing relative to the frame and the slidable hinged joints are inwardly facing relative to the frame, and the frame is in the erected self-supporting condition;

FIG. 16 is a drawing of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, showing the frame collapsing from the erected self-supporting condition to the collapsed condition;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are close-up drawings of a closing slidable hinged joint wherein the pivot pin is received in the pivot end of the elongate slot of the sliding portion;

FIG. 19 is a drawing of a cross-sectional view of the closing slidable hinged joint of FIGS. 17 and 18; and

FIG. 20 is a photograph showing an end of the closing slidable hinged joint according to some embodiments of the invention in which the slidable hinged joint has a lug which is receivable in a corresponding recess.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Further aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent in the description set out below. It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination with one another. It will also be appreciated that the detailed description and drawings, while indicating certain exemplary embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a frame 10 for a self-supporting, collapsible shelter 12. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved frame 10 for a collapsible shelter 12 that is light-weight and self-supporting and convenient to erect and collapse.

The invention is at least partly predicated on the inventor's unexpected discovery that the use of inexpensive over-centre hinges 14 to connect the support sections 16 of support members 18 of the frame 10 of a collapsible shelter 12 in the form of a tent is sufficient to make the frame 10 self-supporting under the weight of the shelter 12. This has the surprising advantage of making the frame 10 and therefore the self-supporting shelter 12 easy to both erect and collapse, as well as cost-effective to produce. This is counterintuitive, as many quick-pitch tents are designed to withstand wind and other adverse conditions by including locking hinges to prevent the tent from collapsing. Generally, tent designers and manufacturers of currently available tents prefer to provide a tent that does not collapse easily. The frame 10 of the present invention, in contrast, is easy to collapse with one person able to simply bend the over-centre hinges joints 14, with one hand if necessary, thereby folding the light-weight frame 10 of the invention, and therefore the collapsible shelter 12, into the collapsed condition.

As shown in the Figures, a first embodiment of the invention provides an improved frame 10 for a collapsible shelter 12 in the form of a tent, shaped and dimensioned to house two people. The frame 10 comprises a plurality of support members 18, each support member 18 comprising a plurality of elongate support sections 16 in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre non-locking hinged joints 14. The support members 18 are made from a light-weight material such as plastic and/or glass reinforced plastic. The frame 10 is operable between an erected self-supporting condition wherein the hinged joints 14 are in an open over-centre condition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a collapsed condition wherein the hinged joints 14 close into a closed condition, as shown in FIG. 3. When the frame 10 is in the erected condition, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the support members 18 form an arch. When the frame 10 is in the collapsed condition (not shown) the support members 18 are folded against one another.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the over-centre hinges 14 comprise a hinge hook 20 disposed at the end of a first support section 22 and a hinge channel 24 at the opposing end of a neighbouring second support section 26, longitudinally disposed thereto. The hinge channel 24 has a pivot pin 28 that extends across the hinge channel 24, transverse to the second support section 26, and a hinge shoulder 30 at the end of the hinge channel 24. The hinge hook 20 engages the pivot pin 28. In use, the hinged joints 14 are opened by a user pivoting the hinge hook 20 about the pivot pin 28 until the first support section 22 abuts the hinge shoulder 30 of the second support section 26 and the hinged joint 14 is in an open over-centre condition. To close the hinged joint 14, a user simply pushes against the hinged joint 14 so that the hinge hook 20 is pivoted about the pivot pin 28 until the first support section 22 no longer abuts the hinge shoulder 30 of the second support section 26 and the hinged joint 14 is in the closed condition.

The frame 10 further comprises a roof plate 32 in co-linear arrangement with the elongate support sections and to which the neighbouring elongate support sections are pivotally or hingedly attached in a radial arrangement (FIG. 4). The frame 10 further comprises frame anchors 34 (FIGS. 5 and 6) for releasably receiving the ends of the support members 18. Each frame anchor 34 is in the form of a planar tab and comprises one or more holes 80 for releasably receiving and securing the ends of the support members 18. In this embodiment, each frame anchor 34 is connected to the flexible sheet material 36 by a connector 35 in the form of a length of tape which is attached to the flexible sheet material 36 and which passes through a slot 34.1 in the frame anchor 34. In another embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 10, each frame anchor 34 is connected to the flexible sheet material 36 by a connector 35 in the form of a length of elastic which is attached to the flexible sheet material 36 and which passes through a slot 34.1 in the frame anchor 34.

In a further embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 11, the frame further comprises a clip 37 which is engageable with a support member 18 and which comprises at least one slot 37.1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the connector 35 is in the form of a length of tape or elastic having two ends 35.1, 35.2 wherein each end 35.1, 35.2 is attached to the flexible sheet material 36 and the tape or elastic passes through slot 34.1 in the frame anchor 34 and slot 37.1 in the clip 37. That is, one end 35.1 of the tape or elastic is attached to the flexible sheet material 36 at a first point 36.1 and the other end 35.2 of the tape or elastic is attached to the flexible sheet material 36 at another point 36.2. The tape or elastic passes through a slot 34.1 in the frame anchor 34 and through a slot 37.1 in the clip 37.

In a first embodiment, the frame 10 further comprises a flexible sheet material 36, made from light-weight waterproof material such as nylon, polycotton and/or polyester, which is attached to, and suspended from, the frame 10. When in the erected condition, the flexible sheet material 36 hangs from the frame 10 and is held taut or tensioned thereby. The flexible sheet material 36 is attached to the frame 10 by way of sleeves 38 through which the support members 18 pass and which are attached to, or integral with, the flexible sheet material 36. The sleeves 38 allow the flexible sheet material 36 to slide along the length of the support members 18.

The flexible sheet material 36 is formed in the shape of a tent with a generally domed shape with a roof 40 and side walls 42. A door 44 and a window 46 are each formed by a zip (not shown) in the flexible sheet material 36. The flexible sheet material 36 further comprises a floor 48 that formed from contiguous material, is substantially oblong in configuration and comprises a sewn-in groundsheet made from polyethylene. The flexible sheet material 36 further comprises ties (not shown) for securing the door 44 or window 46 when rolled up and not in use.

In the first embodiment, the flexible sheet material 36 further comprises door 44 and/or window 46 screens, comprising a second layer of flexible sheet material (not shown) over the door 44 and window 46, formed by zips (not shown). The flexible sheet material 36 further comprises a fly 50, positioned adjacent to the flexible sheet material 36. The frame 10 further includes a guy assembly 52.

As will be appreciated, when in the erected condition, the frame 10 is self-supporting under the weight of the frame 10 and the flexible sheet material 36, which maintains the hinged joints 14 in the open over-centre condition, and any additional loads that may be caused by rain etc., which bears against the over-centre hinged joints. The flexible material 36 is typically stretched taut or tensioned against, around or over the frame 10, thereby assisting in keeping the frame 10 in the erected condition.

The first embodiment of a frame 10 of the invention for a collapsible shelter 12 in the form of a tent is shown in the erected condition in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 9 shows a frame 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention for a collapsible shelter 124 in the form of a tent shaped and dimensioned to house six people.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in another preferred embodiment, the frame further comprises one or more compression damper 54. Each compression damper 54 is located at an end of a support member 18 such that a support member 18 has a compression damper 54 at one or both ends thereof, adjacent to each foot anchor 34 and engageable therewith. Each compression damper 54 comprises a tube 56 in which an end 19 of a support member 18 is co-linearly and slidably receivable, piston-fashion. The tube 56 is connected to a frame anchor 34 at one end and comprises a tube neck 58 at the other end. The tube 56 defines an elongate damping chamber 60 therein. The support member 18 comprises a shoulder 84 which extends transversely from the support member 18 and is located within the damping chamber 60.

A spring 62 is co-linearly disposed within the elongate damping chamber 60. A pair of stoppers 64, 66 are opposedly disposed within the elongate damping chamber 60. One of the pair of stoppers 64, 66, the operatively upper stopper 64, is connected on the end of the support member 18 and comprises a lug 72 which extends into one end of the spring 62. The other of the pair of stoppers 64, 66, the operatively lower stopper 66, is inserted into the end of the tube 56 and is connected to the foot anchor 34. The lower stopper 66 comprises a lug 74, which extends into the other end of the spring 62, a stopper base 76 which is cross-dimensionally wider than the stopper 66, and a coaxially extending pin 68.

In some embodiments, the stopper 66, stopper base 76 and pin 68 are integral, forming a contiguous stopper body 78. In these embodiments, the stopper body 78 further comprises a circumferential lip 82 against which the end of the tube 56 abutts.

The pin 68 extends through a hole 80 in the foot anchor 34 and is retained in place by a cap 70. In some embodiments, the pin 68 and the cap 70 are threadably engaged. In other embodiments, the pin 68 and the cap 70 are engaged by an interference fit.

In use, embodiments of the invention comprising one or more compression dampers are assembled into the erect condition by sliding the support member 18 into the tube 56 thereby compressing the spring 62 which bears against the pair of opposed stoppers 64, 66. The user then places the pin 68 in the hole 80 of the foot anchor 34 and connects the cap 70 to the pin 68.

Upon the user releasing the support member 18, the spring 62 expands thereby bearing against the stopper 64 and pushing the support member 18 out of the tube 56 until the neck 58 of the tube 56 bears against the shoulder 84 of the support member 18. The support member 18 is thus retained in an erect condition, thereby pulling the flexible sheet material 36 taut. The taut or tensioned flexible sheet material 36 thereby assists in keeping the frame 10 in the erected condition.

To collapse embodiments comprising a compression damper 54, a user disengages the cap 70 from the pin 68 and slides the support member 18 into the tube 56, thereby compressing the spring 62. The spring 62 bears against the pair of opposed stoppers 64, 66. The user then removes the pin 68 from the hole 80 of the foot anchor 34. The frame 10 is then collapsed into the collapsed condition and the flexible sheet material 36 folded.

In some embodiments, the frame assembly of the invention has a connector 35 and a compression damper 54 located on each end of a support member 18.

FIG. 14 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention in the form of a sunshelter. In this embodiment, the frame 10 further comprises a stabilising member 86 which comprises a plurality of elongate support sections 16 in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre hinged joints 14 in a similar fashion to the support members 18. However, there the support members 18 form an arch, the stabilising member 86 forms part of an arch. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the frame 10 has one support member 18 and one stabilising member 86.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, the plurality of elongate support sections 16 are alternately connected by over-centre hinged joints 14 and slidable hinged joints 88, wherein the over-centre hinged joints 14 are outwardly facing relative to the frame 10 and the slidable hinged joints 88 are inwardly facing relative to the frame 10.

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, each slidable hinged joint 88 comprises a hinge channel 24 comprising a hinge shoulder 30 and a pivot pin 28, and a sliding portion 90 comprising an elongate slot 92 having a pivot end 94 and a non-pivot end 96 wherein the hinge channel 24 is longitudinally disposed at the end of the second support section 26, the pivot pin 28 is transversely disposed across the hinge channel 24 and connected thereto, and the sliding portion 90 is longitudinally disposed at the end of a third support section 102. The elongate slot 92 is longitudinally disposed along the sliding portion 90 and receives the pivot pin 28 transversely therein.

In use, when the frame 10 is in the erected self-supporting condition, the over-centre hinged joints 14 are outwardly facing and in the open over-centre condition, and the slidable hinged joints 88 are inwardly facing and in the open condition. In these embodiments, when the frame 10 is in the collapsed condition, the over-centre hinged joints 14 are in the closed condition, the slidable hinged joints 88 are in the closed condition, and the support members 18 are folded concertina fashion.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 20, each slidable hinged joint 88 further comprises a pair of lugs 98 opposedly disposed on the sliding portion 90 and extending from either side thereof, and a pair of corresponding recesses 100 disposed in the hinge channel 24. The lugs 98 are receivable in the corresponding recesses 100. The lugs 98 are adjacent the elongate slot 92 on the sliding portion 90, and spaced therefrom.

In use, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 20, the slidable hinged joint 88 is operable between a closed condition wherein the pivot pin 28 is received in the elongate slot 92 at the pivot end 94 thereof and the lugs 98 are not received in the recesses 100, and an open condition wherein the pivot pin 28 is received in the elongate slot 92 at the non-pivot end 96 thereof and the lugs 98 are received in the recesses 100.

In embodiments of the invention in which the plurality of elongate support sections 16 are alternately connected by over-centre hinged joints 14 and slidable hinged joints 88, the frame is advantageously easy and convenient for a single user to erect into the erected self-supporting condition and collapse into the closed condition with minimal straining, pulling and/or tearing of the flexible sheet material 36.

Although the descriptions of various embodiments of the invention herein provided are concerned generally with camping tents, for example, those persons skilled in the art will recognize the wider applicability of the inventive features disclosed herein.

The collapsible shelter of the invention is advantageously simple and cost-effective to manufacture, as the over-centre hinges used to connect the support sections of the frame support members can be made of inexpensive plastic material.

Furthermore, since all of the components of the frame are always associated with the flexible sheet material of the shelter, component parts are kept together and are not easily lost.

The shelter is not only relatively easy to erect but it is significantly easier to collapse compared to currently available tents and conveniently collapses into a compact shape and size for easy storage. The use of over-centre hinges, connectors and/or compression dampers in the frame assembly of the invention facilitate easy and convenient assembly and collapse of the frame by a user.

To be clear, the shelter of the invention provides a cost-effective and simple frame that is easy to assemble and erect, and which is held in the erected condition by the over-centre hinges. The flexible sheet material, when taut or tensioned against, around, or over the frame assists in keeping the frame erect. Unlike other available shelters and/or tents, the shelter of the invention does not rely on springs, rivets or spars to maintain it in the erected condition.

Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the present invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be carried out using a large number of variations of the devices, device components, methods and steps set forth in the present description. As will be obvious to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present embodiments can include a large number of optional device components, compositions, materials, combinations and processing elements and steps.

Every device, system, combination of components or method described or exemplified herein can be used to practice the invention, unless otherwise stated.

When a group of substituents is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of that group and all subgroups, including any device components, combinations, materials and/or compositions of the group members, are disclosed separately. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.

As used herein, “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements and/or limitation or limitations, which are not specifically disclosed herein.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that compositions, materials, components, methods and/or processing steps other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such compositions, materials, components, methods and/or processing steps are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a spring” includes a plurality of springs and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described.

Claims

1. A frame comprising a plurality of support members, wherein each support member comprises a plurality of elongate support sections in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre hinged joints; whereby when the frame is in an erected self-supporting condition the hinged joints are in an open over-centre condition and each support member forms an arch and when the frame is in a collapsed condition the hinged joints are in a closed condition and the support members are folded.

2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the over-centre hinged joints are non-locking hinged joints.

3. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of slidable hinged joints.

4. The frame according to claim 3, wherein each slidable hinged joint comprises a hinge channel comprising a hinge shoulder and a pivot pin, and a sliding portion comprising an elongate slot having a pivot end and a non-pivot end wherein the hinge channel is longitudinally disposed at the end of a second support section, the pivot pin is transversely disposed across the hinge channel and connected thereto, and the sliding portion is longitudinally disposed at the end of a third support section, the elongate slot is longitudinally disposed along the sliding portion and receives the pivot pin transversely therein.

5. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising one or more stabilising member comprising plurality of elongate support sections in co-linear arrangement and connected by over-centre hinged joints, whereby when the frame is in an erected self-supporting condition the hinged joints are in an open over-centre condition and the stabilising member forms part of an arch.

6. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible sheet material attached to the frame, and wherein when in the erected self-supporting condition, the flexible sheet material is stretched taut.

7. The frame according to claim 6, wherein the flexible sheet material is attached to the frame by way of sleeves through which the support members pass and which are attached to, or integral with, the flexible sheet material.

8. The frame according to claim 7, wherein the flexible sheet material is formed in the shape of a tent or a sunshelter.

9. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising a roof plate in co-linear arrangement with the elongate support sections and to which the neighbouring elongate support sections are pivotally or hingedly attached.

10. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising frame anchors for releasably receiving the ends of the support members.

11. The frame according to claim 10, wherein each frame anchor is connected to the flexible sheet material by a connector.

12. The frame according to claim 11, wherein the frame further comprises a clip.

13. The frame according to claim 12, wherein the connector comprises a length of tape, a length of elastic, a spring, or a hook.

14. The frame according to claim 1, wherein each over-centre hinge comprises a hinge hook disposed at the end of a first support section and a hinge channel at the opposing end of a neighbouring second support section, longitudinally disposed thereto, wherein the hinge channel comprises a pivot pin that extends across the hinge channel, transverse to the second support section, and a hinge shoulder at the end of the hinge channel.

15. The frame according to claim 1, further comprising one or more compression damper.

16. The frame according to claim 15, wherein the compression damper comprises a spring.

17. The frame according to claim 15, wherein the compression damper is located at the end of a support member adjacent to a foot anchor and engageable therewith.

18. The frame according to claim 1, when used for a collapsible shelter.

19. The frame according to claim 18, wherein the collapsible shelter is a tent or a sunshelter.

20. A collapsible shelter comprising a frame according to claim 1.