FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a frame for a transportable shelter. The frame members are designed in an interlocking, piecemeal construction, such that various embodiments of a frame may be produced based on the intended use of the transportable shelter.
BACKGROUND Transportable shelters (e.g., a tent) are used in various situations. For example, a person may use a tent to go camping. In another example, military personnel often use transportable shelters for training or when stationed in a foreign country.
Standard transportable shelters include an inter-locking frame system that creates a hoop, Quonset hut, angular, or otherwise frame-based structure, and the frame-based structure is covered with a fabric to create side and end walls of the structure. Current transportable shelters are designed to withstand particular environmental conditions (e.g., wind, snow loading, cold temperatures, etc.) and are offered as a catch-all for these environmental conditions. Therefore, transportable shelters used in desert and tropical regions are designed for protection against cold and snow, even though it is unlikely that transportable shelters used in these regions will be subjected to cold and snow.
The frame of current transportable shelters is typically made from a metal material, such as aluminum, and requires hard tooling to bend beams and cut gussets. In addition, the frame often requires welding various pieces of the frame together. Frames made from aluminum tend to be difficult to weld because of the age hardening process.
SUMMARY An exemplary frame for a transportable shelter includes a first base member, a second base member, a plurality of structural members, and a plurality of purlins. Each of the structural members has a first end that is connectable to the first base member, a second end that is connectable to the second base member, and at least two interconnecting members that extend between the first end and the second end. A first interconnecting member of a structural member is connectable to a second interconnecting member of the structural member. The plurality of purlins are configured to connect one structural member to another structural member.
An exemplary methodology for manufacturing a frame for a transportable shelter includes determining a customized design for the frame of the transportable shelter. The methodology further includes creating base members for the frame of the transportable shelter. The base members are created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design. The methodology also includes creating two or more structural members for the frame of the transportable shelter. The structural members are created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design for the frame. The methodology further includes creating a plurality of purlins for the frame of the transportable shelter. The purlins are created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design for the frame.
An exemplary methodology for installing a frame for a transportable shelter includes determining a desired location for the transportable shelter. The methodology further includes placing an installation sheet at the desired location for the transportable shelter. The installation sheet includes marked location for placing the base members, the structural members, and the purlins for the frame of the transportable shelter. The methodology also includes attaching the base members to a ground surface at the marked location for placing the base members, connecting each structural member to the base members, and connecting each structural member to at least one adjacent structural member by one or more of the plurality of purlins.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a frame for a transportable shelter;
FIG. 2 illustrates a bay for the frame shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a structural member for the frame shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a structural member for the frame shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a frame for a transportable shelter, in which the frame includes curved purlins;
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment for a beam of the frame shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary embodiments of the web for the beam shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment of a connection between the web and a flange of the beam shown in FIG. 5, in which the connection is made by a barrel fastener;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the barrel fastener of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of the connection using the barrel fastener shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional front view of another exemplary embodiment of a connection between the web and a flange of the beam shown in FIG. 5, in which the connection is made by a T-slot and bolt fastener;
FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary embodiment for a beam of the frame shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 illustrates tabs and slots for the beam shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hinged connection between portions of a frame for a transportable shelter;
FIGS. 14 and 14A-14C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connection portion of the hinge assembly that may be used in the hinged connection shown in FIG. 13;
FIGS. 15 and 15A-15C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a receiving portion of the hinge assembly that may be used in the hinged connection shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 16 illustrates a pivotal connection between the connection portion and the receiving portion of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 illustrates a fixed connection between the connection portion and the receiving portion of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a center arch hinge assembly that may be used to connect portions of a frame for a transportable shelter;
FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first layer of the hinge assembly of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second layer of the hinge assembly of FIG. 18;
FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a purlin that may be used in the frame shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hinged connection between a structural member and base member for a frame of a transportable shelter;
FIGS. 23 and 23A-23C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of structural member portion of the hinge assembly that may be used in the hinged connection shown in FIG. 22;
FIGS. 24 and 24A-24C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of base portion of the hinge assembly that may be used in the hinged connection shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connection between the base portion of the hinge assembly and a base plate;
FIG. 25A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the base plate shown in FIG. 25;
FIG. 26 illustrates a pivotal connection between the structural member portion and the base portion of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 27 illustrates a fixed connection between the structural member portion and the base portion of the hinge assembly shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 28 illustrates exemplary embodiment of a base member of a frame for a transportable shelter, in which the base member is configured to be pivotally attached to a structural member of the frame;
FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a pivoting connector that is configured to pivotally attach to the base member shown in FIG. 28;
FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connector attached to a beam of a structural member for attaching an accessory to the beam;
FIGS. 31 and 31A illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a connector attached to a beam of a structural member for attaching an accessory to the beam;
FIG. 32 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a connector attached to a beam of a structural member for attaching an accessory to the beam;
FIG. 33 illustrates the connector shown in FIG. 32;
FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a base member for a frame of a transportable shelter;
FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate members that may be attached to the base member shown in FIG. 34;
FIGS. 36 and 36A illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a connection member attached to an exemplary embodiment of a base member of a transportable shelter;
FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a tensioning system for a frame of a transportable shelter that may be used to tension a fabric over the frame;
FIG. 38 illustrates the tensioning system of FIG. 37;
FIG. 39 illustrates a transportable shelter having a fly disposed over a frame of the transportable shelter;
FIG. 40 illustrates the fly shown in FIG. 39;
FIG. 41 illustrates a spacer member for providing an open space between the fly shown in FIG. 40 and a frame of the transportable shelter shown in FIG. 39;
FIGS. 42A-42D illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a portion of a hinge assembly that can be used to connect portions of a transportable frame;
FIG. 43A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a beam that has a keyhole for attaching ballistic paneling to the beam;
FIG. 43B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of ballistic paneling that has a keyhole for attaching the ballistic paneling to a beam;
FIG. 43C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fastening member that can be used to attach the ballistic paneling of FIG. 43B to the beam of FIG. 43A;
FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a strengthening member;
FIG. 45 illustrates the strengthening member of FIG. 44 being attached to a beam by an anchoring line;
FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an installation sheet that can be used during installation of a frame for a transportable shelter;
FIG. 47 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing a frame for a transportable shelter; and
FIG. 48 illustrates an exemplary method of installing a frame for a transportable shelter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION With the vast number of possible locations having varying environmental conditions where both civilian and military personnel require shelter, there exists a need for rapidly deploying, compact, easy to transport shelters designed to tolerate disparate temperatures and weather conditions. A transportable shelter is desired that is easily customizable, allowing for installation in areas where disparate designs create more stable, better-suited habitation for prolonged installation. Shelters produced in this fashion are designed for use adjacent to buildings, to extend the covered area when combined with an ISO container, or to withstand wind, snow, temperature, or seismic conditions upon request.
Transportable shelters used by the military must meet certain requirements. For example, the shelter must be designed to be transportable by a cargo plane. Accordingly, a transportable shelter that is capable of being stored and transported in a reduced amount of space is desired. In addition, transportable shelters used by the military need to be able to withstand weather conditions of areas in which the transportable shelters are being used. Therefore, a transportable shelter that can be customized to withstand any of a various number of weather conditions is desired.
The present application is directed to a frame for a structure in which the frame has a system of interlocking panels, and in which the panels may be interlocked in various ways based on the needs of the proposed structure. That is, the various ways of interlocking the panels makes the structure customizable. Customizations include, for example, the shape of the structure (e.g., hoop-shaped, Quonset hut-shaped, etc.), situation specific designs for support beams of the structure (e.g., strengthening of a corner and/or shoulder haunch, thickness of the beams specified for advanced stability in wind, etc.), and beam connection methods to facilitate ease of installation and construction security of the structure.
In addition, the present application is directed to a structure that can be easily stored and transported. For example, in certain embodiments, the frame includes several members that are mechanically connected together to create the frame. The mechanical connections can be made using hinge assemblies that allow the members to fold over each other to reduce the space required for storing and transporting the frame.
The frame described in the present application has several advantages over current frames. For example, frames that utilize several members that are mechanically connected together allows for frames to be manufactured to the specific requirements of the user. That is, the several members of the frame can be manufactured separately from each other, and, subsequently, the members of the frame can be mechanically connected. For example, Computer Numerical Control (“CNC”) cutting (e.g., plasma cutting, laser cutting, water jet cutting, etc.) can be used to pre-cut the various members of the frame to a desired size and/or shape, and these pre-cut members can be mechanically connected to each other. This manufacturing process makes it easy to manufacture a frame to the specifications desired by a user. Comparatively, current frames are manufactured using hard tooling to bend beams, and members of the frames are welded together to create the frame. This manufacturing process is time consuming and does not lend itself useful for manufacturing customizable frames because the entire manufacturing process must be altered to change the design of the frame. In addition, the use of mechanical connections (as described in the frames disclosed in the present application) is advantageous, as compared to the current use of welded connections, because welded connections can structurally weaken the frame.
The general inventive concepts of the present application will now be described by referencing the following exemplary embodiments. The description with reference to the following exemplary embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning.
Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a frame 100 for a transportable shelter includes a first base member 102, a second base member 104, a plurality of structural members 106a-g, and a plurality of purlins 108. A first end 205 (FIG. 2) of each structural member 106a-g is connected to the first base member 102, and a second end 207 (FIG. 2) of each structural member 106a-g is connected to the second base member 104. The purlins 108 attach a structural member 106a-g to an adjacent structural member and provide support to maintain the frame 100 in an upright position. The first base member 102 and the second base member 104 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel, aluminum, etc. The structural members 106a-g may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel, aluminum, etc. The purlins 108 may be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel, aluminum, etc. The frame 100 includes a width X and a length Y. In one exemplary embodiment, the width X is about 30 feet and the length Y is about 50 feet. However, the width X and the length Y may be any suitable distances based on the desired specifications of the user. That is, the frame 100 can be constructed to include the proper amount of structural members and purlins that are required to make the size of the frame 100 meet the desired specifications of the user.
The frame 100 includes a plurality of bays 110a-f, in which each bay 110 includes an adjacent pair of the structural members 106a-g that are attached by the first base member 102, the second base member 104, and a plurality of purlins 108. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the frame 100 includes six bays 110a-f. However, the frame 100 may be configured to include any of a various numbers of bays, such as, for example, between two bays and ten bays, such as between three bays and nine bays, such as between four bays and 8 bays, such as between about five bays and seven bays, such as six bays. In certain embodiments, the frame 100 may include more than ten bays. The number of bays 110a-f depends on the size of the frame 100 and the number of structural members 106a-g required to make the frame. Referring he size of the bays 110a-f depends on the length Z of the purlins 108 and the width X of the structural members. The length Z of the purlins 108 may be any suitable length based on the desired characteristics of the frame 100.
Referring to FIG. 2, the bay 110a for the frame 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. While the following description refers to bay 110a, it should be understood that the description also applies to bays 110b-f. In the illustrated embodiment, the bay 110a includes the structural member 106a and the structural member 106b, in which the structural members 106a,b are connected by the first base member 102, the second base member 104, and five purlins 108. In alternative embodiments, the structural member 106a and the structural member 106b may be connected by any suitable number of purlins 108 that maintains the bay 110 in an upright position, such as, for example, three purlins, four purlins, five purlins, six purlins, etc.
Still referring to FIG. 2, each structural member 106a,b includes six interconnecting members 212a-f. The interconnecting member 212a of each structural member connects to the first base member 102 at connection point A and the adjacent interconnecting member 212b at connection point B. The interconnecting member 212c connects to adjacent interconnecting member 212b at connection point C and to another adjacent interconnecting member 212d at connection point D. The interconnecting member 212e connects to adjacent interconnecting member 212d at connection point E and to another adjacent interconnecting member 212f at connection point F. The interconnecting member 212f connects to the second base member 104 at connection point G. In various embodiments, the connection between interconnecting members 212a-f at connection points B-F are adjustable between a pivotal connection and a fixed connection, such as, for example by connections using hinge assembly 1300 (FIG. 13). In certain embodiments, the connection between interconnecting members 212a,f and the first base member 102 or the second base member 104 is adjustable between a pivotal connection and a fixed connection, such as, for example, by a connection using hinge assembly 2200 (FIG. 22). The connection between the interconnecting portions 212a-f and adjacent interconnecting portions 212a-f, the first base member 102, or the second base member 104 is described in more detail below. Pivotal connections between the interconnection portions 212a-f allow for each structural member 106a-g to be folded over each other, which allows for a reduction in space for storing and/or transporting the structural members.
In alternative embodiments, each structural member 106a-g may be constructed of a single member or any various number of interconnecting members 212. For example, each structural member 106a-g may include two interconnecting members, three interconnecting members, four interconnecting members, five interconnecting members, six interconnecting members, seven interconnecting members, etc. The number of interconnecting members 212 may depend on the size of the frame 100. That is, the number of interconnecting members 212a-f may depend on the width X and the height H of the frame 100. A frame 100 that utilizes structural members 106 made from interconnecting members 212 is advantageous because it allows a frame to be customizable to a user's preferences. That is, the width X and the height H of the frame 100 can be easily customized based on the number of interconnecting members 212a-f that are used to create the structural members 106a-g. Comparatively, as described above, current frames for transportable shelters are made using hard tooling to bend beams, which makes it difficult to manufacture customizable frames.
Still referring to FIG. 2, each purlin 108 connects the structural member 106a to structural member 106b. In the illustrated embodiment, a purlin 108 is connecting the structural members 106a,b at each of the connection points B-F. In alternative embodiments, the connections between the purlins 108 and the structural members 106a-g are located at connection points that are different than the connection points B-F between the interconnecting members 212a-f. The connections between the purlins 108 and the structural members 106a-g is described in more detail below.
In an exemplary embodiment, each structural member 106a-g is made of a first portion and a second portion, in which both the first portion and the second portion includes one or more of the interconnecting members 212a-f. In one embodiment, the first portion includes interconnecting portions 212a-c, and the second portion includes interconnecting portions 212d-f. In this embodiment, interconnecting member 212c of the first portion is connected to interconnecting member 212d of the second portion at connection point D. In alternative embodiments, the structural members 106a-g may include more than two portions that each include one or more interconnecting members 212a-f. Structural members that include multiple portions that are connectable to each other to create the structural member are advantageous because separating the structural member into multiple portions allows for a reduction in space when storing and/or transporting frame. That is, the multiple portions can be transported in an unconnected state, and, then, the portions can be connected during installation of the frame.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structural members 106a-g are in the form of an arch (i.e., a curved shape). However, in an alternative embodiment, the structural members 106a-g may be in the form of a polygonal shape. Additional embodiments of the shape of the structural members 106a-g are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Referring to FIG. 3B, the inner portion 318 of the structural member 106 has a polygonal shape, and the outer portion 319 of the structural member has a curved shape. Referring to FIG. 3A, the inner portion 320 of the structural member 106 has a curved shape, and the outer portion 321 of the structural member has a polygonal shape. In some embodiments, the structural members 106a-g may have a rectangular shape. The structural members 106a-g may take any form such that the frame 100 is capable of supporting a fabric cover (not shown) of the transportable shelter. The customizable shape of the frame 100 is advantageous because it allows the frame to be made to a user's preferences. The use of CNC cutting to create multiple members having different shapes that are configured to be mechanically connected allow for easy manufacturing of structural members having different shapes. Comparatively, the use of hard tooling to bend beams to create different shapes is difficult and time consuming.
Referring to FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the frame 100 may include purlins 108 that have a curved shape. That is, the purlins 108 that connect the structural members 106 to an adjacent structural member can have a curved shape. Curved purlins are advantageous for pushing snow or water to the curved areas to drain, which reduces the amount of snow build-up and/or water pocketing that can lead to shelter failure or roof collapse. The purlins 108 may be made in a concave or convex configuration. The use of CNC cutting allows for easy manufacturing of purlins 108 having a curved shape (or any other suitable shape).
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, an exemplary embodiment of an beam 500 is shown that can be used to make the structural members 106a-g. The beam 500 includes a first flange 502, a second flange 504, and a web 506. In one embodiment, after the frame 100 is assembled, the first flange 502 will be positioned toward an exterior of the frame, and the second flange 504 will be positioned toward an interior of the frame. However, the structural members 106a-g of the frame 100 may be situated such that the beam 500 may be positioned in any suitable manner that allows the frame to support a fabric cover (not shown) of the transportable shelter.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the web 506 of the beam 500 may take various forms. The form of the web 506 depends on the shape of the structural member 106a-g. That is, as described above, the structural members 106a-g may take several different shapes, and, accordingly, the web 506 of the beam is capable of taking various shapes. For example, the web 506 may take any of the forms 610-615 shown in FIG. 6, or any combination thereon. The web 506 may take a curved form, a polygonal form, forms having varying widths, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the web 506 may take the form shown in FIG. 5. That is, the web 506 may include opening(s) 510, which is advantageous because it reduces the amount of material needed to make the web. In addition, the different forms 610-615 shown for the web 506 in FIG. 6 may also have openings to make the web out of less material. The web 506 may take any suitable form that is capable of making any form of the structural members 106a-g (FIGS. 1 and 2) described in the present application. As described above, the use of CNC cutting makes it easy to manufacture beams 500 having different shapes.
Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, an exemplary embodiment of the connection between a flange 502 (or flange 504 shown in FIG. 5) and the web 506 is made using a barrel fastener 708 and a bolt 710. Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of a barrel fastener 708 includes a threaded opening 712. Referring again to FIGS. 7 through 9, the barrel fastener 708 is attached to the web 506 such that an opening 704 in the flange 502 is aligned with the threaded opening 712 in the barrel fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the web 506 has an opening 706 that is configured to receive the barrel fastener 708. In certain embodiments, retaining rings (not shown) are used to secure the barrel fastener 708 to the web 506. However, the barrel fastener 708 may be secured to the web 506 in any suitable manner that allows the treaded opening 712 of the barrel fastener to be aligned with the opening 704 of the flange 502. The bolt 710 is placed through the opening 704 in the flange 502 and threaded into the threaded opening 712 of the barrel fastener 708 to secure the flange 502 to the web 506.
In certain embodiments, the bolt 710 is permanently connected to the barrel fastener 708. In alternative embodiments, the bolt 710 is semi-permanently connected to the barrel fastener 708. Whether the bolt 710 is permanently connected or semi-permanently connected depends upon the needs of the user. In embodiments in which the bolt 710 is semi-permanently connected, the semi-permanent connection allows individual member pieces (e.g., flange 504, web 506, etc.) to be removed and replaced, which is advantageous in situations in which a member piece requires replacement. In certain embodiments, during the assembly process, a liquid thread lock can be applied to the threads (not shown) in the opening 712 of the barrel fastener to make the connection between the bolt 710 and the barrel fastener 708 permanent. In alternative embodiments, the threaded connection between the bolt 710 and the barrel fastener 708 may be made permanent by mechanically altering the thread pitch of the threaded opening 712 of the barrel fastener. That is, the mechanical altering of the thread pitch of the threaded opening 712 can cause friction lock between the threaded hole 712 and the bolt 710 (which would have a standard pitch thread).
In addition to securing the flange 502 to the web 506, a barrel fastener 708 and bolt 710 can be used to secure any member piece to another member piece. For example, the barrel fastener 708 may be used to connect a beam (e.g., beam 500 shown in FIG. 5, beam 1100 shown in FIG. 11, or any other embodiment of a beam) to one or more reinforcement components, one or more accessory components, etc.
In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel fastener 708 has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape of the barrel fastener 708 allows for the barrel fastener to be rotated, which is advantageous in aligning the barrel fastener in the hole 706 of the web 506. The cylindrical shape of the barrel fastener 708 also increases the amount of surface area afforded to the barrel connection, which allows force to be evenly distributed across the surface area of the barrel fastener 708 and hole 706.
Referring to FIG. 10, another exemplary embodiment of the connection between a flange (e.g., flange 502 or flange 504 shown in FIG. 5) and the web 506 is made using T-slot and nut fastener 1008, which includes a nut 1009 and bolt 1010. The nut 1009 is secured in a slot 1007 in the flange 506. The fastener 1008 is attached to the web 506 such that an opening (not shown) in the flange is aligned with a threaded opening in the nut 1009 of the fastener 1008. The bolt 1010 is placed through the opening in the flange and threaded into the threaded opening of the nut 1009 to secure the flange to the web 506.
The web 506 may be secured to the flanges 502, 504 in any suitable manner. For example, in addition to the connections shown in FIGS. 7-10, the web 506 can be secured to the flanges 502, 504 by saddle fasteners, angle bar fasteners, a rivet connection, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11-12, another exemplary embodiment of a beam 1100 is shown that can be used to make structural members 106a-g. The beam 1100 includes a first member 1102, a second member 1104, a third member 1106, and a fourth member 1108. While the illustrated embodiment shows four members (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108), it should be understood that less than four members or more than four members may be used. Each of the members (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108) include teeth 1125 and notches 1126. In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 1125 and notches 1126 of the members (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108) are aligned with the teeth and notches of the adjacent members. In addition, a fastener 1110 is placed through opening(s) 1112 of a parallel pair of the members (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108), and another fastener 1114 is placed through opening(s) 1116 of the other parallel pair of the members and the fastener 1110 to connect the members and create the beam 1100. The beam 1100 may be used in any of the embodiments described herein regarding the structural members 106a-g.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13-21, the interconnecting portions 212a-f of the structural members 106a-g are connected to adjacent interconnecting portions at connection points B-F. In an exemplary embodiment, the interconnecting portions 212a-f are connected by a hinge assembly 1300. FIG. 13 illustrates interconnecting member 212d connected to interconnecting member 212e at connection point E. The hinge assembly 1300 includes a connection portion 1302 and a receiving portion 1304. The receiving portion 1304 is configured to receive the connection portion 1302, and the receiving portion is connectable to the connection portion such that the connection between the portions can be a pivotable connection or a fixed connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 1302 of the hinge assembly 1300 is attached to interconnecting member 212d and the connection portion 1304 of the hinge assembly 1300 is attached to interconnecting member 212e. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting portion 1304 can be attached to interconnecting member 212d, and the receiving portion can be attached to interconnecting member 212e. At each connection point between interconnecting members 212a-f (e.g., connection points B-F in FIG. 2), in which hinge assembly 1300 is utilized, one of the interconnecting members is attached to the connection portion 1302 and the other interconnecting member is attached to the receiving portion 1304. While the hinge assembly 1300 is described with reference to connection point E, it should be understood that hinge assembly 1300 can be used to connect any interconnecting member 212a-f to an adjacent interconnection portion.
Referring to FIGS. 13-21, an exemplary embodiment of the hinge assembly 1300 includes a connection portion 1302 and a receiving portion 1304. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 14A-14C, the connection portion 1302 includes multiple spacer plates 1406 and multiple hinge plates 1408. The spacer plates 1406 and the hinge plates 1408 are situated between flanges 502, 504 of a beam 500 (FIG. 5) for a structural member 106a-g (FIGS. 1-2), such that the spacer plates 1406 and the hinge plates 1408 are disposed in an alternating arrangement. The hinge plates 1408 of the connection portion 1302 extend past the spacer plates 1406 and the flanges 502, 504, such that an opening 1422 is formed between each of the hinge plates. In addition, the hinge plates 1408 include a pair of apertures 1410, 1412 for receiving a fastener (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the apertures 1410, 1412 are disposed on a portion of the hinge plates 1408 that extend past the flanges 502, 504, such that a fastener does not need to be inserted through the flanges to be placed into the apertures 1410, 1412. In some embodiments, the spacer plates 1406 include apertures 1411, and the hinge plates 1408 include apertures 1413. The apertures 1411 of the spacer plates 1406 are aligned with the apertures 1413 of the hinge plates 1408 such that a fastener (not shown) can be placed through the apertures 1411, 1413 to secure the connection portion 1302 of the hinge assembly 1300 to the flanges 502, 504. While the illustrated embodiment shows the spacer plates 1406 and the hinge plates 1408 each having four apertures 1411, 1413, it should be understood that any number of apertures can be used to secure the connection portion 1302 to the flanges 502, 504. In certain embodiments, both the spacer plates 1406 and the hinge plates 1408 have a slot 1415 configured to receive the web 506 (FIG. 5) of the beam 500 (FIG. 5) when the connection portion 1302 of the hinge assembly 1300 is secured to the beam. While the illustrated embodiment shows the connection portion 1302 having three spacer plates 1406 and four hinge plates 1408, it should be understood that any suitable number of spacer plates and hinge plates may be used.
Referring to FIGS. 15 and 15A-15C, the receiving portion 1304 includes multiple spacer plates 1514 and multiple hinge plates 1516. The spacer plates 1514 and the hinge plates 1516 are situated between flanges 502, 504 of a beam 500 (FIG. 5) for a structural member 106a-g (FIGS. 1-2), such that the spacer plates 1514 and the hinge plates 1516 are disposed in an alternating arrangement. The hinge plates 1516 of the receiving portion 1304 extend past the spacer plates 1514 and the flanges 502, 504, such that an opening 1528 is formed between each of the hinge plates. In addition, the hinge plates 1516 include a pair of apertures 1518, 1520 for receiving a fastener (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the apertures 1518, 1520 are disposed on a portion of the hinge plates 1516 that extend past the flanges 502, 504, such that a fastener does not need to be inserted through the flanges to be placed into the apertures 1518, 1520. In some embodiments, the spacer plates 1514 include apertures 1531, and the hinge plates 1516 include apertures 1533. The apertures 1531 of the spacer plates 1514 are aligned with the apertures 1533 of the hinge plates 1516 such that a fastener (not shown) can be placed through the apertures 1531, 1533 to secure the receiving portion 1304 of the hinge assembly 1300 to the flanges 502, 504. While the illustrated embodiment shows the spacer plates 1514 and the hinge plates 1516 each having four apertures 1531, 1533, it should be understood that any number of apertures can be used to secure the receiving portion 1304 to the flanges 502, 504. In certain embodiments, both the spacer plates 1514 and the hinge plates 1516 have a slot 1535 configured to receive the web 506 (FIG. 5) of the beam 500 (FIG. 5) when the receiving portion 1304 of the hinge assembly 1300 is secured to the beam. While the illustrated embodiment shows the receiving portion 1304 having three spacer plates 1514 and five hinge plates 1516, it should be understood that any suitable number of spacer plates and hinge plates may be used.
The hinge assembly 1300 is configured such that, when the connection portion 1302 is attached to the receiving portion 1304, the hinge plates 1408 of the connection portion extend into the openings 1528 of the receiving portion, and the hinge plates 1516 of the receiving portion extend into the openings 1422 of the connection portion. In addition, when the connection portion 1302 is attached to the receiving portion 1304, the apertures 1410 of the hinge plates 1408 of the connection portion are aligned with the apertures 1518 of the hinge plates 1516 of the receiving portion, and the apertures 1412 of the hinge plates 1408 of the connection portion are aligned with the apertures 1520 of the hinge plates 1516 of the receiving portion.
In certain embodiments, the receiving portion 1304 of the hinge assembly 1300 includes a slots 1530, 1532 for receiving a connector 2134 of a purlin 108 (e.g., the purlins shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 13, and 21A-21B) that connects a structural member 106a-g (FIGS. 1 and 2) to adjacent structural member(s) 106a-g. The slots 1530, 1532 extend through both the spacer plates 1514 and the hinge plates 1516. Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, an exemplary purlin 108 includes a connector 2134 at each end 2136, 2138 of the purlin. The connectors 2134 are configured to be received by the slots 1530, 1532 of the hinge assembly 1300. The connectors 2134 and slots 1530, 1532 may take any suitable form that allows the purlins 108 to be connected to the hinge assembly 1300. In one exemplary embodiment, the slots 1530, 1532 have a first portion 1544 and a second portion 1546 that align with the connector 2134 and the purlin beam 2170. In alternative embodiments, the connectors 2134 and the slots 1530, 1532 may take any suitable form that allows the purlins 108 to be connected to the hinge assembly 1300. In yet additional embodiments, the purlins 108 may connect to the structural members 106a-g (FIGS. 1 and 2) at locations separate from the connection points B-F (FIGS. 1 and 2).
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the hinge assembly 1300 is movable between a pivotal connection 1600 and a fixed connection 1700. Referring to FIG. 16, the pivotal connection 1600 is created by placing a fastener through the apertures 1410, 1518 of the hinge plates 1408, 1516, but not placing a fastener through the apertures 1412, 1520 of the hinge plates, or vice versa. Referring to FIG. 17, fixed connection 1700 is created by placing a fastener through apertures 1410, 1518 and through apertures 1412, 1520 of the hinge plates 1408, 1516. Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 13-17, the capability of moving the connections between interconnecting members 212a-f of structural members 106a-g between pivotal connections 1600 and fixed connections 1700 is advantageous because a fixed connection 1700 can be utilized when the structural members are in a standing position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), but the pivotal connections 1600 can be utilized to fold the interconnecting members over each other to reduce their size when the structural members are in storage or being transported.
While the connection between interconnecting portions 212a-f of structural members 106a-g at connection points B-F is shown using hinge assembly 1300, it should be understood that the interconnecting portions 212a-f may be connected in various ways, such as, for example, by slip-joint plate connectors, by solid bolting connections, etc. In addition, while the above-mentioned connections are described with reference to connection points B-F shown in FIG. 2, it should be understood that the above-mentioned connections may be utilized at any connection point between interconnecting members, and the number of connection points depends upon the number of interconnecting members.
Referring to FIGS. 42A-42D, an alternative embodiment of hinge portion 4200 is shown that has the same function of the connection portion 1302 and receiving portion 1304 of hinge assembly 1300, but is made of a single member rather than from multiple hinge plates 1408, 1516 and spacer plates 1406, 1514. The hinge portion 4200 includes a main body 4201, four hinge protrusions 4202 that extend from the main body 4201, and three slots 4204 disposed between the hinge protrusions 4202. However, the hinge portion 4200 can include any number of hinge protrusions 4202 and slots 4204. In addition, the hinge portion 4200 includes a pair of apertures 4210, 4218 for receiving a fastener (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the apertures 4210, 4218 extend through the hinge protrusions 4202. In some embodiments, the main body has one or more apertures 4212. A fastener is placed through the flange (e.g., flanges 502, 504 shown in FIG. 5) of a beam (e.g., beam 500 shown in FIG. 5) and through the apertures 4212 of the hinge portion 4200 to secure the hinge portion 4200 to the beam. While the illustrated embodiment shows the hinge portion 4200 having four apertures 4212 for securing the hinge portion 4200 to the beam, it should be understood that any number of apertures can be used to secure the hinge portion 4200 to the beam.
In certain embodiments, the hinge portion 4200 has a slot 4215 configured to receive the web of the beam when the hinge portion 4200 is secured to the beam. In some embodiments, the main body 4201 has connection channels 4213 to secure the hinge portion 4200 to the web of the beam. The connection channels 4213 intersect the apertures 4212 (as shown in FIG. 42C). In addition, a fastening member 4220 (FIG. 42D) is configured to be inserted into the connection channels 4213. The fastening member 4220 includes a pair of apertures 4216 that align with the apertures 4212 of the main body 4201 when the fastening members 4220 are inserted into the connection channels 4213. In this embodiment, when the web of the beam is placed in the slot 4215 of the main body 4201, the fastening members 4220 are inserted into the connection channels 4213 of the main body 4201 such that the fastening members extend through an opening (not shown) in the web. Subsequently, a fastener (not shown) is inserted through the apertures 4212 of the main body 4201 and the apertures 4216 of the fastening members 4220 to secure the hinge portion 4200 to the beam.
Still referring to FIG. 42A, the hinge portion 4200 is created by extruding a single piece of material 4230 having the apertures 4210, 4218, 4212, the slot 4215. In the illustrated embodiment, the single piece of material 4230 has the shape shown in FIG. 42C (which is the same shape of the hinge plates 1408 of the connection portion 1302 shown in FIG. 14). However, the single piece of material 4230 may have any suitable shape for making a hinge portion for a hinge assembly. Referring to FIG. 42B, after the single piece of material 4230 is extruded, the hinge portion 4200 is created by machining the single piece of material to include the slots 4204 and drilling the single piece of material to include the connection channels 4213. It is advantageous to create hinge assemblies using the hinge portion 4200 because the extrusion of the single member 4230 makes it easy to make hinge portions having various lengths, as well as various amounts of hinge protrusions 4202 and slots 4204.
In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge portion 4200 can be machined to take a similar form to the connection portion 1302 of hinge assembly 1300, and another hinge portion 4200 can be machined to take a similar form to the receiving portion 1304 of the hinge assembly 1300. In this embodiment, the hinge protrusions 4202 of a first hinge portion (i.e., the connection portion 1302) will be configured to be inserted in the slots 4204 of a second hinge portion (i.e., the receiving portion), and the hinge protrusions 4202 of the second hinge portion will be configured to be inserted into the slots 4204 of the first hinge portion.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 18-20, an exemplary embodiment of a center arch hinge assembly 1800 is shown that can be used at a center connection point D (FIG. 2) of each structural member 102a-g (FIGS. 1 and 2). That is, the center arch hinge assembly 1800 can be used to connect interconnecting portion 212c (FIG. 2) to interconnecting portion 212d (FIG. 2). Referring to FIGS. 18-20, the center-arch hinge assembly 1800 has multiple layers, which include two or more first assembly layers 1900 (FIG. 19) and two or more second assembly layers 2000 (FIG. 20). The first assembly layer 1900 has a hinge plate 1908 and two spacer plates. The second assembly layer 2000 has a hinge plate 2016 and two spacer plates 2014. A first portion of the hinge assembly 1800 is attached to the interconnecting portion 212c, and a second portion of the hinge assembly is attached to the interconnecting portion 212d. The first portion of the hinge assembly 1800 includes hinge plate 1908 of layer 1900 and the pair of spacer plates 2014 of layer 2000. The hinge plate 1908 and the spacer plates 2014 are disposed in an alternating arrangement and have apertures 1926 that are aligned such that a fastener can be inserted into the apertures to secure the first portion of the hinge assembly 1800 to the interconnecting portion 212c. The second portion of the hinge assembly 1800 includes hinge plate 2016 of layer 2000 and the pair of spacer plates 1906 of layer 1900. The hinge plate 2016 and the spacer plates 1906 are disposed in an alternating arrangement and have apertures 2028 that are aligned such that a fastener can be inserted into the apertures to secure the second portion of the hinge assembly to the interconnecting portion 212d. The hinge plates 1908, 2016 of both the first and second portions of the hinge assembly 1800 have securing apertures 1930. The securing apertures 1930 of the first and second hinge portions are aligned and a fastener is inserted into the securing apertures to secure the first portion of the hinge assembly to the second portion of the hinge assembly. The hinge plates 1908, 2016 of both the first and second portions of the hinge assembly 1800 have web slots 1915 that are configured to receive a web of a beam (e.g., web 506 of beam 500 shown in FIG. 5) when the first and second portions of the hinge assembly are attached to the interconnecting portion 212c, 212d.
The hinge plates 1908, 2016 of both the first and second portions of the hinge assembly 1800 have slots 1932, 1934 that are configured to receive a connector of a purlin (e.g., connector 2134 of purlin 108 shown in FIG. 21. The slots 1932, 1934 of the first and second portions of the hinge assembly 1800 are aligned when the first portion is connected to the second portion. The connector of the purlin is placed in the slots 1930, 1932 to secure a structural member 106a-f (FIGS. 1 and 2) to an adjacent structural member. The slots 1930, 1932 are aligned at a center point (i.e., connection point D in FIG. 2) of the structural members 106a-f so that a purlins are connected to the center point of the structural members.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 22-27, the interconnecting portion 212a of the structural members 106a-g is connected to the first base member 102 at connection point A, and the interconnecting portion 212f of the structural members 106a-g is connected to the second base member 104 at a connection point G. In an exemplary embodiment, the interconnecting portions 212a,f are connected by a hinge assembly 2200. FIG. 22 illustrates interconnecting member 212f connected to the second base member 104 at connection point G. The hinge assembly 2200 includes a base portion 2202 and a structural member portion 2204. The base portion 2202 is configured to receive the structural member portion 2204, and the base portion is connectable to the structural member portion such that the connection between the portions can be a pivotable connection or a fixed connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 2202 of the hinge assembly 2200 is attached to base member 104, and the structural member portion 2204 of the hinge assembly 2200 is attached to interconnecting member 212f. While the hinge assembly 2200 is described with reference to connection point G, it should be understood that hinge assembly 2200 can be used to connect interconnecting member 212a to the first base member 102.
Referring to FIGS. 23 and 23A-23C, the structural member portion 2204 of the hinge assembly 2200 includes multiple spacer plates 2314 and multiple hinge plates 2316. The spacer plates 2314 and the hinge plates 2316 are situated between flanges 502, 504 of a beam 500 (FIG. 5) for a structural member 106a-g (FIGS. 1-2), such that the spacer plates 2314 and the hinge plates 2316 are disposed in an alternating arrangement. The hinge plates 2316 of the structural member portion 2204 extend past the spacer plates 2314 and the flanges 502, 504, such that an opening 2328 is formed between each of the hinge plates. In addition, the hinge plates 2316 include a pair of apertures 2318, 2320 for receiving a fastener (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the apertures 2318, 2320 are disposed on a portion of the hinge plates 2316 that extends past the flanges 502, 504, such that a fastener does not need to be inserted through the flanges to be placed into the apertures 2318, 2320. In some embodiments, the spacer plates 2314 include apertures 2331, and the hinge plates 2316 include apertures 2333. The apertures 2331 of the spacer plates 2314 are aligned with the apertures 2333 of the hinge plates 2316 such that a fastener (not shown) can be placed through the apertures 2331, 2333 to secure the structural member portion 2204 of the hinge assembly 2200 to the flanges 502, 504. While the illustrated embodiment shows the spacer plates 2314 and the hinge plates 2316 each having four apertures 2331, 2333, it should be understood that any number of apertures can be used to secure the structural member portion 2204 to the flanges 502, 504. In certain embodiments, both the spacer plates 2314 and the hinge plates 2316 have a slot 2330 configured to receive the web 506 (FIG. 5) of the beam 500 (FIG. 5) when the structural member portion 2204 of the hinge assembly 2200 is secured to the beam. While the illustrated embodiment shows the structural member portion 2204 having three spacer plates 2314 and four hinge plates 2316, it should be understood that any suitable number of spacer plates and hinge plates may be used.
In certain embodiments, the structural member portion 2204 of the hinge assembly 2200 may be created from a single piece of material, rather than from multiple hinge plates 2316 and pacer plates 2314. That is, the structural member portion 2204 may take the form of the hinge portion 4200 shown in FIGS. 42A-42D.
Referring to FIGS. 24 and 24A-24C, the base portion 2202 of the hinge assembly 2200 includes multiple spacer plates 2406 and multiple hinge plates 2408. The spacer plates 2406 and the hinge plates 2408 are disposed in an alternating arrangement. The hinge plates 2408 extend past the spacer plates 2406, such that an opening 2422 is formed between each of the hinge plates. In addition, the hinge plates 2408 include a pair of apertures 2410, 2412 for receiving a fastener (not shown). While the illustrated embodiment shows the base portion 2202 having two spacer plates 2406 and three hinge plates 2408, it should be understood that any suitable number of spacer plates and hinge plates may be used.
In certain embodiments, the base portion 2202 of the hinge assembly 2200 may be created from a single piece of material, rather than from multiple hinge plates 2408 and spacer plates 2406. That is, the base portion 2202 may take the form of the hinge portion 4200 shown in FIGS. 42A-42D.
Referring to FIGS. 22 and 24-25A, the hinge assembly 2200 is configured to connect to the base plate 2201 (FIGS. 25 and 25A). Referring to FIGS. 24-25A, in one exemplary embodiment, the spacer plates 2406 and the hinge plates 2408 of the hinge assembly 2200 are connected to the base plate 2201. For example, the spacer plates 2406 and the hinge plates 2408 can be connected to the base plate 2201 by one or more connectors 2503. The hinge plates 2408 include one or more tabs 2430, and the base plate 2201 has opening(s) 2531 configured to receive the tabs 2430 of the hinge plates 2408. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate has 6 openings 2531 configured to receive the 6 tabs 2430 of the three hinge plates 2408. However, it should be understood that the hinge plates 2408 may have any suitable number of tabs 2430, and the base plate 2201 may have any suitable number of openings 2531 to receive the tabs 2430. In some embodiments, the plates 2406, 2408 include connector apertures 2432 configured to receive the connectors 2503. The base plate 2201 includes holes 2507, and the connectors include threaded holes 2505. After the tabs 2430 of the hinge plates 2408 are inserted in the openings 2531 of the base plate 2201, the connectors 2503 are inserted in the connector apertures 2432 such that the threaded holes 2505 are aligned with the holes 2507 of the base plate 2201. A fastener (not shown) is inserted through the holes 2507 of the base plate 2201 and the threaded holes 2505 of the connectors 2503 to secure the base portion 2202 of the hinge assembly 2200 to the base plate 2201. In certain embodiments, the base plate 2201 includes one or more stake holes 2534 for securing the base plates 2201 to a ground surface.
While the illustrated embodiment shows the base portion 2202 of the hinge assembly 2200 connecting to one end of the base plate 2201, it should be understood that the base portion 2202 can be attached to any portion of the base plate 2201, or may be attached in any orientation to the base plate 2201, such that adequate stability for the frame of the transportable shelter is achieved.
Referring to FIGS. 23-25, the hinge assembly 2200 is configured such that, when the base portion 2202 is attached to the structural member portion 2204, the hinge plates 2408 of the base portion extend into the openings 2328 of the structural member portion, and the hinge plates 2316 of the structural member portion extend into the openings 2422 of the base portion. In addition, when the base portion 2202 is attached to the structural member portion 2204, the apertures 2410 of the hinge plates 2408 of the base portion are aligned with the apertures 2318 of the hinge plates 2316 of the structural member portion, and the apertures 2412 of the hinge plates 2408 of the base portion are aligned with the apertures 2320 of the hinge plates 2316 of the structural member portion.
Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the hinge assembly 2200 is movable between a pivotal connection 2600 and a fixed connection 2700. Referring to FIG. 26, the pivotal connection 2600 is created by inserting a fastener through the apertures 2410, 2318 of the hinge plates 2408, 2316, but not placing a fastener through the apertures 2412, 2318 of the hinge plates, or vice versa. Referring to FIG. 27, the fixed connection 2700 is created by placing a fastener through apertures 2410, 2318 and through apertures 2412, 2320 of the hinge plates 2408, 2316.
The hinge assembly 2200 is configured such that, when the hinge assembly has a pivotal connection 2600, the structural members 106a-g (FIGS. 1 and 2) are prevented from tipping over center. That is, referring to FIG. 27, when the hinge assembly 2200 is has a fixed connection 2700, a vertical axis 2701 runs through the structural member 106a-g that is substantially perpendicular to a ground surface (not shown), and the hinge assembly 2200 is configured such that the apertures 2410, 2412, 2318, 2320 are prevented from moving across the vertical axis 2701 when the hinge assembly 2200 has a pivotal connection 2600. For example, in certain embodiments, the hinge plates 2316 of the structural member portion 2204 are configured such that the hinge plates 2316 will engage the spacer plates 2406 of the base portion 2202 when the structural member 106a-g is tipping. The engagement between the hinge plates 2316 of the structural member portion 2204 and the spacer plates 2406 of the base portion 2202 occurs prior to structural members 106a-g tipping over center and prevents the structural members from tipping over center. In additional embodiments, the hinge plates 2408 of the base portion 2202 are configured such that the hinge plates 2408 will engage the spacer plates 2314 of the structural member portion 2204 when the structural member 106a-g is tipping. The engagement between the hinge plates 2408 of the base portion 2202 and the spacer plates 2314 of the structural member portion 2204 occurs prior to structural members 106a-g tipping over center and prevents the structural members from tipping over center. Similarly, the hinge assembly 1300 (FIGS. 13-17) can be configured such that the interconnecting members 212a-f are prevented from tipping over center. That is, the hinge assembly 1300 can be configured such that the hinge plates 1408 of the connection portion 1302 engage with the spacer plates 1514 of the receiving portion 1304 to prevent the interconnecting member from tipping over center, and the hinge plates 1516 of the receiving portion 1304 engage with the spacer plates 1306 of the connection portion 1302 to prevent the interconnecting member from tipping over center.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 23-27, the capability of moving the connections between interconnecting members 212a-f of structural members 106a-g between pivotal connections 2600 and fixed connections 2700 is advantageous because a pivotal connection allows for the structural members 106a-g to move more freely during installation of the frame 100, and a fixed connection secures the structural members in a standing position once the frame is installed.
While the connection between interconnecting portions 212a,f of structural members 106a-g and base members 102, 104 at connection points A, F is shown using hinge assembly 2200, it should be understood that the interconnection portions 212a,f and/or the structural members 106a-g may be connected to the base members 102, 104 in various ways, such as, for example, by solid bolting connections or alternative mounts for similarly designed hinge portions.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 28-29, another exemplary embodiment of connecting the structural members 106a-g to a base plate 2800 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, structural members 106a-g are attached to a connection member 2900, and the connection member 2900 is configured to be attached to the base plate 2800. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection member 2900 includes a channel 2902 that is configured to receive a web 506 (FIG. 5) of a beam 500 (FIG. 5). After the web 506 is placed in the channel 2902, a fastener (not shown) is inserted through aperture 2915 and an aligned hole (not shown) in the web of the beam to secure the beam 500 to the connection member 2900. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection member 2900 includes holes 2916. When the connection member 2900 is installed on a beam 500, holes (not shown) in the first flange 502 (FIG. 5) and the second flange 504 (FIG. 5) are aligned with the holes 2916. A fastener (not shown) is inserted through the holes 2916 of the connection member 2900 and the aligned holes in the flanges 502, 504 of the beam to further secure the connection member 2900 to the beam. The fastener may be, for example, a bolt, a screw, a pin, etc. In embodiments in which the structural members 106a-g are not in the form of an I-beam, the structural members are connected to the connection member 2900 by any suitable manner. The connection member 2900 also includes an opening 2914, and the connection member 2900 is inserted in the base plate 2800 such that the opening 2914 of the connection member is aligned with the openings 2811 of the base plate 2800. After the opening 2914 of the connection member 2900 is aligned with the openings 2811 of the base plate 2800, a fastener (not shown) is inserted through the openings 2914, 2811 to secure the connection member 2900 (and the structural member 106a-g attached to the connection member) to the base plate 2802. In various embodiments, the base plate 2800 includes a stake opening 2806. A fastener (not shown) is inserted into the stake opening 2806 and a ground surface below the stake opening to secure the base plate 2800 to the ground surface.
Referring to FIG. 30, a structural member 3000 for a frame of a transportable shelter is shown with exemplary embodiments of connectors 3002 attaching accessories 3004 to the structural member. The structural member 3000 may take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. The connectors 3002 are configured to connect to the structural member 3000. The connectors 3002 may attach to the structural member 3000 in any suitable manner that is capable of attaching one or more accessories 3004 to the structural member.
Referring to FIGS. 31 and 31A, a structural member 3100 for a frame of a transportable shelter is shown with an exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly 3102 attached to the structural member. The structural member 3100 may take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural member 3100 is an I-beam having a first flange 3104, a second flange 3106, and a web 3108 extending between the first flange and the second flange. In addition, the web 3108 is configured such that multiple openings 3110 exist in the web. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector assembly 3102 includes a first connector 3103 and a second connector 3105. The first connector 3103 and the second connector 3105 can be triangular connectors, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 31A. The first connector 3103 and the second connector 3105 each have one or more apertures 3107 and a connection tab 3116. The connection tab 3116 of each connector 3103, 3015 is configured to attach to secure an accessory, such that when the connector assembly 3102 is connected to the structural member 3100, the accessory is attached to the structural member. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection tab 3116 includes an aperture 3117, and an accessory can be attached to the aperture 3117. The connection tab 3116 may take any other suitable form that is capable of connecting an accessory to the connection assembly 3102.
The first connector 3103 is secured to the structural member 3100 by aligning a body 3109 of the first connector 3103 on a first side of the web, placing the connection tab 3116 through an aperture (not shown) in one of the flanges 3104, 3106, and positioning the one or more apertures 3107 in the openings 3110 of the flange 3108. Subsequently, the second connector 3105 is secured to the structural member 3100 by aligning a body 3109 of the second connector 3105 on an opposite side of the web, placing the connection tab 3116 through an aperture (not shown) in one of the flanges 3104, 3106, and aligning the one or more apertures 3107 of the second connector 3105 with the one or more apertures 3107 of the first connector 3103. A fastener 3111 is inserted through the aligned apertures 3107 of both the first connector 3103 and the second connector 3105 to secure the connector assembly 3102 to the structural member 3100. The fastener may be, for example, a nut and bolt assembly, a pin, etc. In certain embodiments, each connector 3103, 3105 of the connector assembly 3102 may have multiple apertures that align with each other, as well as with multiple openings of the web 3108, such that multiple fasteners may be used to secure a connector assembly 3102. The connector assembly 3102, however, may be connected to the structural member 3100 by any suitable manner that allows the connection tab 3116 to attach an accessory to the frame. While the illustrated embodiment shows a single connector assembly 3102 connected to the second flange 3106 of the structural member 3100, the structural member 3100 may be configured such that multiple connector assemblies may be attached to both the first flange 3104 and the second flange 3106 at various locations, such that one or more accessories may be attached to both an inner side of the frame and an outer side of the frame.
Referring to FIGS. 32-33, a structural member 3200 for a frame of a transportable shelter is shown with exemplary embodiments of connectors 3202 attaching accessories 3304 to the structural member. The structural member 3200 may take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. The connectors 3202 are configured to connect to the structural member 3200. In an exemplary embodiment, the connectors 3202 are E-track connectors, and the structural member 3200 has slots 3206 that are configured to receive the E-track connectors.
Referring to FIGS. 30-33, various exemplary embodiments of connectors configured to be attached to a structural member of a frame for a transportable shelter are shown. The connectors are configured to attach one or more accessories to the structural members. The accessories may be, for example, internal fabric wall dividers, attachment assemblies for electronics, framework for an external apparatus (e.g., satellite dishes, antennae), etc.
Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35A-35B, an exemplary base member 3400 for the frame of a transportable shelter is shown. The base member 3400 may take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application (e.g., the same form as base members 102, 104 described in FIGS. 1 and 2). In certain embodiments, the base member 3400 may include a latch plate 3402 that is positioned on an exterior side of the frame. The latch plate 3402 is configured to attach straps, structure fabrics, or the like to the frame. Referring to FIG. 35B, a fabric 3606 is attached to a connector 3608. The fabric 3606 may be configured to cover the frame in order to create the transportable structure. In an exemplary embodiment, a base plate 3400 is disposed on each side of the frame, and the fabric is placed over the frame, and the connectors 3608 are attached to the latch plates 3402 on each side of the frame, such that the fabric 3606 is tensioned on both sides of the frame. That is, the fabric 3606 is connected to the frame by latch plates 3402 on both sides of the frame such that the fabric is in a taut state.
In addition, the base member 3400 may include a slot 3404 positioned on an interior side of the frame for connecting interior shelter material 3510 (e.g., flooring, etc.) to the frame. A connector 3508 may be connected to the interior shelter material 3510, and the connector is configured to connect to the slot 3404. In certain embodiments, the slot 3404 is a keder track, and the connector 3508 is a keder connector. The interior shelter material 3510, however, may be connected to the base member 3400 in any suitable manner. For example, the interior shelter material 3510 may be connected to the base member 3400 by hook and loop fasteners, tensioning straps, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 36 and 36A, an exemplary embodiment of an attachment member 3602 is shown. The attachment member 3602 is configured to attach one or more accessories (e.g., a fabric) to a base member 3600. The base member 3600 may take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. The attachment member 3602 includes a main plate 3616, a first attachment portion 3617, a second attachment portion 3618, and a channel 3610. The channel 3610 that is configured to receive a flange 3604 (e.g. flanges 502, 504 of beam 500 in FIG. 5) of the base member 3600 to secure the attachment member 3602 to the base member 3600. In certain embodiments, during manufacturing, the channel 3610 of the attachment member 3602 can be slid onto the flange 3604 of the base member 3600 to secure the attachment member 3602 to the base member 3600. The attachment member 3602 can be slid onto the flange 3606 before the flange is secured to the web 3612 of the base member 3600 or after the flange is secured to the web of the base member. In certain embodiments, apertures (not shown) can be disposed on the main plate 3606 of the attachment member 3202 to allow for the flange 3604 to be secured to the web 3612 of the base member 3600 after the attachment member is secured to the flange. That is, the fasteners used to attach the flange 3604 can also be placed through the apertures in the main plate 3616 of the attachment member 3602 to secure the attachment member 3602 and the flange 3604 to the web 3612 of the base member 3600.
The first attachment portion 3617 and the second attachment portion 3618 extend from the main plate 3616 of the attachment member 3602. In certain embodiments, the attachment portions 3617, 3618 are keder tracks that are configured to receive a keder connector (e.g. connector 3508 shown in FIG. 35A). In certain embodiments, the first and second attachment portions 3617, 3618 can be used to connect a shelter fabric to the frame. That is, the shelter fabric can be connected to a connector (e.g., a keder connector), and the connector can be secured to the first attachment portion 3617, the second attachment portion 3618, or both attachment portions. While the illustrated embodiment shows the attachment member 3602 having two attachment portions 3617, 3618, it should be understood that the attachment member 3602 may have any suitable number of attachment portions.
Referring to FIGS. 37-38, an exemplary embodiment of a tensioning system 3700 for connecting a fabric (not shown) to an exterior of the frame (e.g., any frame described in the present application, such as frame 100 shown in FIG. 1). This system includes a tightening fastener 3704 (e.g., an acme screw) attached to each of the structural members 3702 (e.g., structural members 106a-g shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), in which one tightening fastener is placed at each location where the structural member attaches to a base member 3706 (e.g., first base member 102 and second base member 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). That is, the structural members 3702 attach to a base member 3706 at each end of the structural members, and a tightening fastener 3704 is placed at each of these locations (e.g., connection points A, G for each of the structural members 106a-g shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The tensioning system 3700 includes a pressure portion 3708 that is configured to engage with the tightening fasteners 3704. The base member 3706 is attachable to the fabric of the transportable shelter, and after the fabric is attached to the base member, and the pressure portion 3708 is placed in engagement with the tightening screw 3704, the tightening screw is tightened on each side of the frame to make the fabric taut over the frame.
Referring to FIGS. 39-41, an exemplary embodiment of a transportable shelter 3900 includes a frame 3902, a fabric 4104 disposed over the frame, and a fly 3906 disposed over the fabric. The frame 3902 may take any suitable form, such as, for example, any form described in the present application. In an exemplary embodiment, the fly 3906 includes a plurality of wire coils 4108 that are connected to an inner portion of the fly. When the fly 3906 is disposed over the shelter 3900, the wire coils 4108 create an air layer that allows for the fly to optimally function. In certain embodiments the height H of the wire coils 4108 are between about 2 inches and about 8 inches, such as between about 4 inches and about 6 inches, such as about 5 inches. In certain embodiments, the fly 3906 includes one or more grommets 4012 along the sides 4014 of the fly, and lines 4016 (or ropes) are connected to the grommets, such that the fly can be pulled in either direction toward the sides 4014 of the fly, which is advantageous in placing the fly over the frame 3902. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of coils 4108 are aligned parallel over the length L of the shelter 3900.
Referring to FIGS. 43A-43C, an exemplary embodiment of paneling 4300 that can be attached to a beam 4301 is shown. The beam 4301 may be, for example, a beam of the structural members 106a-g shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Referring to FIG. 43A, the beam 4301 can have a beam keyhole 4302 that includes a main opening 4312 and a keyhole slot 4314. Referring to FIG. 43B, the paneling 4300 can have a panel keyhole 4303 that includes a main opening 4318 and a keyhole slot 4316. Referring to FIG. 43C, an exemplary embodiment of a fastening member 4304 that can be used to connect the paneling 4300 to the beam 4301 includes a first end 4306, a second end 4307, a beam channel 4310, and a panel channel 4308. The first end 4306 of the fastening member 4304 is configured to be inserted into the main opening 4312 of the beam keyhole 4302. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 4306 of the fastening member 4304 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the main opening 4312 of the beam keyhole 4302 has a circular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first end 4306 of the fastening member 4304 and the shape of main opening 4312 of the beam keyhole 4302, however, may take any suitable form that allows the first end 4306 of the fastening member 4304 to be inserted into the main opening 4312 of the beam keyhole 4302. The beam channel 4310 of the fastening member 4304 is configured such that the fastening member 4304 can be inserted into the keyhole slot 4314 of the beam keyhole 4302. The second end 4307 of the fastening member 4304 is configured to be inserted into the main opening 4318 of the panel keyhole 4303. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 4307 of the fastening member 4304 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the main opening 4318 of the panel keyhole 4303 has a circular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second end 4307 of the fastening member 4304 and the shape of main opening 4318 of the panel keyhole 4303, however, may take any suitable form that allows the second end 4307 of the fastening member 4304 to be inserted into the main opening 4318 of the panel keyhole 4303. The panel channel 4308 of the fastening member 4304 is configured such that the fastening member 4304 can be inserted into the keyhole slot 4316 of the panel keyhole 4303.
Referring to FIGS. 43A-43C, the paneling 4300 is connected to the beam 4301 by placing the first end 4306 of the fastening member 4304 through the main opening 4312 of the beam keyhole 4302 and aligning the beam channel 4310 with the keyhole slot 4314 of the beam keyhole 4302. Subsequently, the fastening member 4304 is inserted into the keyhole slot 4314 of the beam keyhole 4302 to secure the fastening member 4303 to the beam 4301. When the fastening member 4304 is secured to the beam 4301, the panel channel 4308 and the second end 4307 of the fastening member 4304 extend outward from the beam 4301. The ballistic paneling is secured to the fastening member 4304 by placing the main opening 4318 of the panel keyhole of the ballistic paneling 4300 over the second end 4307 of the fastening member 4304 and aligning the keyhole slot 4316 of the panel 4300 with the panel channel 4308 of the fastening member 4304. Subsequently, the keyhole slot 4316 of the panel 4300 is inserted into the panel channel 4308 of the fastening member 4304 to secure the panel 4300 to the fastening member 4304. In certain embodiments, the width W of the beam channel 4310 is narrow than the width H of the panel channel 4308. In some embodiments, the width H of the panel channel 4308 is wide enough to allow multiple panels 4300 (e.g., two panels, three panels, etc.) to be installed at once.
Paneling 4300 can be made of any suitable material for providing a desired use to a transportable shelter. For example, the paneling can be made out of metal plating, compressed polyethylene, rubber, etc. In embodiments of transportable shelters that include paneling 4300, the shelter fabric can be attached in various ways, including but not limited to, a hanging configuration using the connector assembly 3102 shown in FIGS. 31 and 31A. The shelter fabric can be pulled over the paneling 4300. In an alternative embodiment, the shelter fabric can be configured to allow the fastening member 4304 to protrude through the shelter fabric such that the paneling 4300 can be added to the shelter's exterior.
Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, an exemplary embodiment of a strengthening member 4400 is shown that is used to strengthen the a beam member 4501, such as the beam members of the structural members 106a-g (FIGS. 1 and 2). The strengthening member 4400 has four brace arms 4402 and a center support 4420. Each brace arm 4402 is configured such that an anchoring line 4510 is connectable to the brace arm. The anchoring lines 4510 can be, for example, ropes, fabric straps, cables, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, each brace arm 4402 includes an anchoring line connection fixture 4424 that includes an inner slot 4406 and an outer slot 4408. The anchoring line connection fixture 4424 is configured such that the anchoring line 4510 can be connected to the brace arm 4402 and such that the tension provided by the anchoring line 4510 can be adjusted. Referring to FIG. 45, in the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring line 4510 is inserted through both the inner slot 4406 and the outer slot 4408 of the anchoring line connection fixture 4424, and end 4511 of the anchoring line is attached to the beam 4501. Referring to FIG. 45, a connector 4512 is connected to each of the ends 4511 of the anchoring line, and the connectors 4512 are used to connect the anchoring lines to the beam 4501. The connectors 4512 can be, for example, carabiners, s-hooks, e-tracks, clips, etc. While the anchoring line connection fixture 4424 is shown having an inner slot 4406 and an outer slot 4408, in alternative embodiments, the anchoring line connection fixture 4424 may take any suitable form that is capable of attaching an anchoring line to the brace arms 4402 of the strengthening member 4400.
Each of the brace arms 4402 extends from a vertical axis 4404 at an angle α. In certain embodiments, the angle α is between about 30° and about 60°. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle α is about 45°. The angle α can made to accommodate the weight and strength requirements of the transportable shelter. That is, the angle α is configured so that the strengthening member 4400 provides the highest amount of structural support for the beam members. While the illustrated embodiment, shows the angle α between each brace arm 4402 and the vertical axis 4404 being identical, in alternative embodiments, the angle between each of the brace arms 4402 and the vertical axis 4404 are not identical. The strengthening member 4400 can be made using laser cutting, water jet cutting, plasma cutting, etc. In certain embodiments, the strengthening member is an x-brace. However, the strengthening member 4400 may take any suitable form that is capable of strengthening a beam member of a transportable shelter.
In certain embodiments, the strengthening member 4400 has a indication arrow 4422 to show the desired manner in which the strengthening member 4400 should be aligned with the beam members of the transportable shelter. An indication arrow 4422 is advantageous if the angle α between each of the brace arms 4402 and the vertical axis 4404 are not identical. That is, the indication arrow 4422 indicates the proper alignment of the strengthening member 4400.
In some embodiments, the strengthening member 4400 includes one or more gaps 4428 between the brace arms 4402 and the center tabs 4416 along the center support 4420. The one or more gaps 4428 are configured such that free end anchoring lines 4514 can be wrapped around the center support 4420 during storage of the strengthening member 4400.
Referring to FIG. 46, an exemplary embodiment of an installation sheet 4600 is shown that can be used during installation of the frame (e.g., any frame disclosed in the present application, such as frame 100 shown in FIG. 1). That is, during installation of the frame, the installation sheet 4600 is placed in the location where the frame is to be installed. The installation sheet 4600 includes a first base member area 4602 that shows the location of the first base member (e.g., the first base member 102 shown in FIG. 1) and a second base member area 4604 that shows the location of the second base member (e.g., the first base member 102 shown in FIG. 1) of the frame. In addition, the installation sheet 4600 includes a structural member area 4606 for each location where a structural member (e.g., structural members 106a-g shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) is assembled prior to installation. In certain embodiments, the structural member area 4606 also shows where the base members are staked to the ground surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the location of the stakes is marked on the installation sheet 4600, and the stakes may be placed through the installation sheet at those locations. In various embodiments, the installation sheet includes instructions 4608 for installing the frame. In some embodiments, the installation sheet includes one or more locations 4610 for placing the multiple members of the frame during installation to keep all of the members organized.
Referring to FIG. 47, an exemplary method 4700 for manufacturing a frame for a transportable shelter includes determining a customized design for the frame (as shown by reference character 4702). In certain embodiments, the customized design is based off of information received from a customer. For example, the customized design can be based off of a desired size for the transportable shelter that is requested by a customer, by temperature requirements based on the desired locations in which the transportable shelter will be used, or by any other information that affects the design of the transportable shelter. The exemplary method 4700 also includes creating base members (e.g., base members 102, 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) for the frame of the transportable shelter (as shown by reference character 4704), in which the base members are created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design of the frame. CNC cutting (e.g., plasma cutting, laser cutting, water jet cutting, etc.) can be used to create the base members. The exemplary method 4700 also includes creating structural members (e.g., structural members 106a-g in FIGS. 1 and 2) for the frame of the transportable shelter (as shown by reference character 4706), in which the structural members are created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design of the frame. In certain embodiments, the structural members are created from two or more interconnecting members (e.g., interconnecting members 212a-f shown in FIG. 2). That is, the method 4700 can include creating two or more interconnecting members that are able to be connected to create the structural members, and the two are more interconnecting members are created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design. CNC cutting can be used to create the structural members. The method 4700 further includes creating a plurality of purlins (e.g., purlins 108 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that are used to connect adjacent structural members to each other (as shown by reference character 4708). The purlins are created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design of the frame. In certain embodiments, the purlins are created to have a curved shape. In certain embodiments, the exemplary method 4700 includes packing the created base members, the created structural members, and the created purlins for shipping (as shown by reference character 4710). In some embodiments, the created structural members are packed such that the two or more interconnecting members of the structural members are assembled to create each assembled structural member. In alternative embodiments, the two or more interconnecting members of each structural member are packed in an unassembled form. In some embodiments, the method 4700 further includes creating a fabric shelter covering that is configured to be disposed over a fully assembled frame. The fabric shelter is created to have a desired size and shape based on the determined customized design of the frame. In certain embodiments, the creation of the base members, the structural members, and/or the purlins is based from a basic design for the frame, and adjustments are made to the basic design for the frame in creating the base members, structural members, and/or purlins for the determined customized design of the frame.
FIG. 48 illustrates an exemplary method 4800 of installing a frame for a transportable shelter, in which the frame includes base members, a plurality of structural members having two or more interconnecting members, and a plurality of purlins that connect the structural members to an adjacent structural member. The method 4800 includes placing the base members in a desired location and staking the base members to the ground surface (as shown by reference character 4804). In certain embodiments, the base members are attached to base plates, and the base plates are staked to the ground surface. In addition, the method 4800 includes connecting the two or more interconnecting portions of each structural member to create the plurality of structural members (as shown by reference character 4806). The method 4800 further includes connecting each structural member to the base members (as shown by reference character 4808). Moreover, the method 4800 includes connecting each structural member to at least one adjacent structural member by one or more purlins (as shown by reference character 4810). In certain embodiments, the method 4800 includes placing an installation sheet in the desired location for placing the frame; placing the base members, the structural members and the purlins on marked locations on the installation sheet; and building the frame on the installation sheet (as shown by reference character 4802).
While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions, even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein.
Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure; however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated.
While various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.
