A portable shelter
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MARK ANDREW FRASER
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing portable shelters, such as beach shelters, are time-consuming to assemble and relocate, and difficult to reconfigure for optimal shading and wind direction changes.
A portable shelter with a collapsible canopy supported by an upright post and retractable ribs that can be easily assembled, relocated, and reconfigured, featuring an expandable frame with articulated ribs that can be independently extended and locked, allowing the canopy to flutter freely for shade and angle for changing sun and wind conditions.
The shelter can be quickly assembled and relocated, providing efficient shade and adapting to changing wind and sun positions, with a compact folding mechanism that maintains structural integrity and stability in windy conditions.
Smart Images
Figure 00000002_0000 
Figure 00000002_0001 
Figure 00000018_0000
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a portable shelter. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to beach shelters and other like outdoor shelters. BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
[0003] AU 2020100586 discloses a beach shelter suitable for windy conditions. The portable shelter includes a bridged frame, and a canopy including a fixed-end extending from the frame. A free-end of the canopy flutters freely in the breeze.
[0004] In practice, the bridged frame can be time-consuming and involved to assemble and / or relocate. The preferred embodiment provides for improved assembly and / or relocation of the shelter.
[0005] Further, in the event that the sun position or wind changes, the bridged frame is difficult to reconfigure to obtain desired shading from the shelter. The preferred embodiment provides for improved reconfiguration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter including: a support including an upright; and a canopy for being supported by the support.
[0007] Optionally, the canopy includes an expandable frame, and a sheet of material supported by the frame. Optionally, the sheet of material is supported by the frame at a fixed end and extends from the frame to a fluttering free end opposite the fixed end. 2023222994 01 Sep 2023 Optionally, the majority of the sheet is unsupported and fluttering in the breeze to provide suitable shade for at least one person.
[0008] Optionally, the frame includes retractable ribs supporting the sheet. Each rib may be articulated and / or pivotally expandable. Each rib may include a proximal member, a distal member, and at least one intermediate member located between the proximal member and the distal member. Optionally, each rib unfurls when expanded, and the sheet of material folds in on itself when each rib is collapsed. Preferably, the distal member folds up and in toward the intermediate member, and the intermediate member folds up and in toward the proximal member when collapsing the shelter.
[0009] Optionally, the ribs can be extended independently, one at a time. Optionally, the frame includes proximal support members coupled between the support and each rib. Optionally, each proximal support member is pivotally mounted between the rib and support. The proximal support members may be in a fixed location along the support. Optionally, the shelter does not include a slider for sliding along the support.
[00010] Preferably, the support extends from the ground at a single location. Optionally, the canopy includes one or more anchors at its periphery. Optionally, each anchor includes a strip terminating in a storage pocket for removably storing weight.
[00011] The frame may include two or four ribs. The shelter may further include two fixed hubs along the support to which frame members are pivotally mounted. The frame members may pivot downwards when collapsing the frame. The frame may include articulated ribs with members that pivot upwards when collapsing the ribs.
[00012] The canopy may include an over-center locking arrangement for locking ribs.
[00013] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information 2023222994 01 Sep 2023 for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
[00015] Figures 1A - 1F are upper perspective views showing the sequential assembly of a portable shelter in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[00016] Figures 2A - 2E are front views showing the frame configuration of the portable shelter in Figures 1A- 1F during the sequential assembly;
[00017] Figures 3A - 3C are upper perspective views showing the angling of the canopy of the portable shelter in Figures 1A - 1F;
[00018] Figures 4A - 4C are front views showing the angling of the canopy of the portable shelter in Figures 1A - 1F;
[00019] Figures 5A - 5C are upper perspective, side detail and perspective detail views showing the sequential deployment of a retractable foot platform of the portable shelter in Figures 1A - 1F;
[00020] Figures 6A - 6E are front views showing half the frame configuration of a portable shelter in in accordance with another embodiment during the sequential assembly;
[00021] Figures 7A - 7E are front views showing the frame configuration of a portable shelter in in accordance with another embodiment during the sequential assembly;
[00022] Figure 8A is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of Figure 7B;
[00023] Figure 8B is a top view of half the shelter of Figure 8A;
[00024] Figure 8C is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of Figure 7E;
[00025] Figure 8D is a top view of half the shelter of Figure 8C;
[00026] Figures 9A - 9E are front views showing the frame configuration of a portable shelter in in accordance with another embodiment during the sequential assembly; 2023222994 01 Sep 2023
[00027] Figure 10A is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of Figure 9B;
[00028] Figure 10B is a top view of half the shelter of Figure 10A;
[00029] Figure 10C is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of Figure 9E;
[00030] Figure 10D is a top view of half the shelter of Figure 10C;
[00031] Figure 11 is a side view of another embodiment with a line arrangement;
[00032] Figure 12 is an upper perspective view of another embodiment with expanded tri-fold ribs;
[00033] Figure 13 is a plan view of the expanded embodiment of Figure 12; and
[00034] Figure 14 is an upper perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 12 with collapsed tri-fold ribs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter 100 as shown in Figure 1. The shelter 100 has a support 102 including an upright post extending up from the ground at a single location. A collapsible canopy 104 is supported by the support 102 and includes a free-end 106 for fluttering in the breeze.
[00036] The support 102 extends from the ground at a single location which advantageously results in improved assembly with ready erection of the sole support 102. Further, the shelter 100 can be readily relocated by simply moving the support 102 to another single location.
[00037] The roof canopy 104 includes an expandable frame 108, in turn, including the upper end of the support 102. Further, the canopy 104 includes a sheet of flaccid material 110 at a fixed end which extends from the frame 108 to its fluttering free end 106 opposite the fixed end. The material sheet 110 is permanently affixed to the frame 108, and is expanded in-situ as the frame 108 expands in a single plane during shelter assembly, without the need for separate fastening of the sheet 110 which would otherwise be time-consuming. The majority of the flaccid material 110 is not supported 2023222994 01 Sep 2023 and flutters in the breeze to provide suitable shade from the canopy for at least one person.
[00038] As can best be seen in Figure 1F, the shelter 100 further includes a tether 112 for tethering to the support 102, and an anchor 114 for anchoring the tether 112. The anchor 114 includes a receptacle for receiving surrounding earth, such as sand and rock.
[00039] As can best be seen in Figure 2C, the frame 108 includes an opposed pair of uppermost articulated ribs 200, retractable on either side of the support 102, for supporting the sheet 110. The sheet 110 folds in on itself when the frame 108 is collapsed so that the wet surfaces fold together and any water is contained therebetween. Each rib 200 is pivotally expandable from the support 102 in two different directions, namely including a pair of pivotally joined rib members 202 with one rib member 202a pivoting in a clockwise direction and the other rib member 202b pivoting in an anticlockwise direction. The weight of the sheet 110 on the distal members 202b biases the ribs 200 toward an expanded configuration.
[00040] As can best be seen in Figure 2D, the frame 108 also includes a stretcher arrangement 204 for expanding the ribs 200 from the support 102. The stretcher arrangement 204 includes a pair of upper stretchers 206 pivotally coupled between an upper runner 208 for running along the support 102 and the ribs 200.
[00041] As can best be seen in Figure 2E, the stretcher arrangement 204 further includes a pair of lower stretchers 210 pivotally coupled between the upper stretchers 206 and a lower runner 212. The runners 208, 212 move toward each other, along the support 102, to expand the ribs 200.
[00042] The shelter 100 includes a lock for locking the expanded frame 108. The lock includes an over-centering arrangement for locking the frame 108 in an expanded configuration when the runners 208, 212 are moved together beyond a certain point. The lock also includes a pin for being received in the support 212 and for locking at least one of the runners 208, 212 in place.
[00043] Turning to Figures 3 and 4, the bendable support 102 includes a pair of hingedly coupled post members 400a, 400b so that the canopy 104 can be readily 2023222994 01 Sep 2023 angled, without moving the support 102 from the single location in the ground, to obtain desired shading from the shelter 100 in the event that the sun position changes. The support 102 can be rotated about its axis in the ground to accommodate changes in wind, and the expanded canopy 104 can be angled in a plane, up to about 40° in either direction from vertical.
[00044] Turning to Figures 5, the shelter 100 further includes three retractable foot platforms 500 (i.e. protrusions), extending transversely at the base of the support 102, for engaging with a foot to couple the support 102 in the ground. Each lever platform 500 includes a pair of hinged plates, with top plate fixed in position along the support 102, and radially extends transverse the support 102. The support 102 also terminates in a screw tip 502 for screwing into the ground.
[00045] A method for erecting the shelter 100 is now described.
[00046] Initially as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the support 102 is screwed into the ground which, in turn, pushes against and expands the foot platforms 500. A user can kick the edge of one of the partially expanded lever platforms 500 to further rotate and drive the support 102 into the ground, which hardens with depth, to align the folded material sheet 110 into the wind. Meanwhile, the top end of the support 102 is held for stability. The fully expanded platforms 500 also serve as a dynamic depth indicator to expand and indicate that the support is of sufficient depth in the ground. The fully expanded platforms 500 are stabilizing protrusions for engaging with the adjacent ground surface in wind gusts and stabilizing the support 102 in the ground
[00047] Figure 1A shows the erected support 102 including the upright post extending from the ground in which it is screwed. The support 102 initially supports the retracted canopy 104 so that its free-end 106 flutters in the breeze.
[00048] As shown in Figures 1B to 1E, the runners 208, 212 (see also Fig. 2) are brought together by the user to expand the canopy 104. The lock locks the runners 208, 212 along the support 102.
[00049] As the day goes by, and the wind direction and sun position changes, the support 102 can be: rotated using the platforms 500 as shown in Figure 5, and angled about the hinge as shown in Figure 4, to maintain suitable shade from the canopy 104. 2023222994 01 Sep 2023
[00050] A similar shelter 100’ according to another embodiment is shown in Figure 6.
[00051] Turning first to Figure 6C, the frame 108’ includes retractable ribs 200’ supporting the sheet 110, as before. Each uppermost rib 200’ is articulated and pivotally expandable. Each rib 200’ includes a proximal member 202a’ pivotally coupled to the top of the support 102 at a fixed hub 600, and a distal member 202b’ pivotally coupled to the proximal member 202a’. The proximal member 202a is not coupled to the end of the distal member 202b so there is overlap when the rib 200’ is fully expanded (see. Fig. 6E), making it difficult for the shelter 100’ to flip inside-out when windy and enabling the shelter 100’ to fold down to half the length of a normal shelter. During collapse, the distal member 202b’ folds in toward the proximal member 202a’, as before. The 1-D frame 108’includes two ribs 200’, although can be extended to be a 2-D frame with four evenly spaced ribs 200’ for an umbrella.
[00052] Turning to Figure 6D, a proximal end of the distal member 202b’ is pivotally coupled to a stretcher arrangement 204’ of the frame 108’. The stretcher arrangement 204’ stretches out each rib 200’ from the support 102 using three fixed length stretchers 206’, 210’, 602.
[00053] An intermediate (i.e. first) stretcher 206’ is pivotally coupled between the support 102, via a fixed hub 600, and the end of the distal member 202b’ of the rib 200’.
[00054] A lower (i.e. second) stretcher 210’ is coupled between the intermediate stretcher 206’ and a sliding runner 212’ for running along the support 102. The lower stretcher 210’ is slidably attached to the intermediate stretcher 206’, via a tubular slider 604 to which it is pivotally attached. Accordingly, the lower stretcher 210’ is pivotally coupled to the slider 604 and the runner 212’.
[00055] An upper (i.e. third) stretcher coupled between the intermediate stretcher 206’ and the support 102. The upper stretcher 602 is also slidably attached to the intermediate stretcher 206’, via a slider 604 to which it is pivotally attached. Accordingly, the upper stretcher 602 is pivotally coupled to the slider 604 and a fixed hub 600.
[00056] In use, the runner 212’ is moved upward to expand the ribs 200’ or downward to collapse them with an incredibly easy movement. In pushing the runner 212’ up, the slider 604 slides out along the intermediate stretcher 206’ and the ribs 200’ expand. The 2023222994 01 Sep 2023 upper and lower stretchers 210’, 602 converge. The shelter 100’ includes a lock for locking the expanded frame 108’ with a locking pin in the runner 212’ and support 102.
[00057] A similar shelter 100” according to another embodiment is shown in Figures 7 and 8.
[00058] Turning first to Figure 8C, the frame 108” includes retractable ribs 200’ supporting the sheet 110, as before. As before, each uppermost rib 200’ is articulated and pivotally expandable. Each rib 200’ includes a proximal member 202a’ pivotally coupled to the top of the support 102 at a fixed hub 600, and a distal member 202b’ pivotally coupled to the proximal member 202a’. The proximal member 202a is not coupled to the end of the distal member 202b so there is overlap when the rib 200’ is fully expanded (see. Fig. 8E), making it difficult for the shelter 100” to flip inside-out when windy and enabling the shelter 100” to fold down to half the length of a normal shelter. During collapse, the distal member 202b’ folds in toward the proximal member 202a’, as before. The 1-D frame 108” includes two ribs 200’, although can be extended to be a 2-D frame with four evenly spaced ribs 200’ for an umbrella.
[00059] Turning to Figure 7D, a proximal end of the distal member 202b’ is pivotally coupled to a stretcher arrangement 204” of the frame 108”. The stretcher arrangement 204” stretches out each rib 200’ from the support 102 using two fixed length stretchers 206”, 210”, both pivotally mounted at both ends. The stretchers 206”, 210’ can be coupled together with a slider 604.
[00060] In use, the runner 212’ is moved upward to expand the ribs 200’ or downward to collapse them with an incredibly easy movement. In pushing the runner 212’ up, the slider 604 the stretchers 206” stretch out the ribs 200’.
[00061] As can best be seen in Figure 8D, the proximal member 202a’ is coupled using coupler 800 to be adjacent to the distal member 202b’ in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, in the similar embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, and as best be seen in Figure 10D, the proximal member 202a’ is coupled using coupler 1000 to be adjacent (or superimposed relative) to the distal member 202b’ in a vertical plane.
[00062] Figure 11 shows a similar embodiment to that of Figures 8 or 10, for use with any portable shelter including an umbrella as before, where the stretcher 206” has been 2023222994 01 Sep 2023 replaced with lines 1100, 1102 (e.g. cables) to facilitate closing and opening of the shelter 100.
[00063] The upper line 1100 extends between the stretcher 210’ and the proximal member 202a’. The upper line 1100 is extensible and resilient, and pulls the proximal member 202a’ toward the stretcher 210’ when collapsing the shelter 100.
[00064] The lower line 1102 extends between the stretcher 210’ and the distal member 202b’. The lower line 1102 pulls the end of the distal member 202b’ toward the proximal member 202a’ when opening the shelter 100 so that the ends of the members 202a’,202b’ then come together. The lower line 1102 is rigid and inextensible, and bent at its distal end to pass around the hinge coupler when te shelter 100 is collapsed.
[00065] Advantageously, a 140cm diameter golf umbrella will fold down to around 4550cm in length. The frame members 202a,’202b’ also fold the same way an umbrella blows inside out which usually destroys the frame of a conventional umbrella, whereas in the present embodiment it will just fold closed.
[00066] A portable shelter 100 in accordance with another embodiment is shown in Figure 12. As before, the shelter 100 has a support 102 including an upright post extending up from the ground at a single location.
[00067] The collapsible canopy 104 includes an expandable frame 108, and a sheet of material 110 supported by the frame 108 as previously described. The sheet of material 110 is supported by the frame 108 at a fixed end and extends from the frame to a fluttering free end opposite the fixed end. The majority of the sheet is unsupported and fluttering in the breeze to provide suitable shade for at least one person.
[00068] The frame 108 includes two opposed retractable ribs 200 supporting the sheet. Each rib 100 is articulated and pivotally expandable. In particular, each rib 200 includes a proximal member 202a and a distal member 202b, as before. At least one intermediate member 202c is located between the proximal member 202a and the distal member 202b. Optionally, each rib 200 unfurls when expanded as shown in Figures 12 and 13, and the topmost sheet of material 110 folds in on itself when each rib 200 is collapsed as shown in Figure 14. 2023222994 01 Sep 2023
[00069] The distal member 202b folds up and in toward the intermediate member 202c, and the intermediate member 202c folds up and in toward the proximal member 202a when collapsing the shelter 100. The proximal member 202a, intermediate member 202c and distal member 202 are serially pivotally mounted together, and the intermediate member 202c can cross over the proximal member 202a for a compact fold.
[00070] The frame 108 also includes proximal support members 1200 coupled between the support 102 and each rib 200, and in a fixed location along the support 102. Each proximal support member 1200 is pivotally mounted at both ends between the rib 200 and support 102. The support member 1200 is pivotally mounted to the end of the intermediate member 202c, with the proximal member 202a and intermediate member 202c overlapping when expanded to form an over-center locking arrangement 1202 by virtue of the separated pivots on the intermediate member 202c. The lock actuates as the pivots move relative to each other in a vertical plane. In contrast, the intermediate member 202c and distal member 202b freely pivot with respect to each other.
[00071] The shelter 100 does not include a slider for sliding along the support 102. Instead, the shelter 100 further includes two fixed hubs 600 along the support 102 to which frame members 202a, 1200 are pivotally mounted. The frame members 202a, 1200 pivot downwards when collapsing the frame 108. In contrast, the articulated ribs 200 have members 202b, 202c that pivot upwards when collapsing the ribs 200. The ribs 200 can be extended independently, one at a time, which is highly advantageous in windy conditions.
[00072] The frame 108 can be expanded to include four ribs 200, with a central support extending from the ground at a single location. The shelter 100 can be a cabana style shelter as shown in AU 2015264785, which is incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, the canopy 104 includes one or more anchors at its periphery, with each anchor including a material strip terminating in a storage pocket for removably storing weight such as sand.
[00073] Advantageously, the tri-fold shelter 100 achieves a more compact fold for a greater expanse than prior art folds. 2023222994 01 Sep 2023
[00074] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.
[00075] In one embodiment, the at least one intermediate member 202c includes two or more intermediate members that can fold or pivot toward each other.
[00076] In one embodiment, the runner 208 is replaced by a static hub fixed to the support 102.
[00077] Each line 1100, 1102 may or may not be resilient (e.g. elastic).
[00078] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.
[00079] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
Claims
1. A portable shelter including:a support including an upright; anda canopy for being supported by the support.
2. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy includes an expandable frame, and a sheet of material supported by the frame.
3. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sheet of material is supported by the frame at a fixed end and extends from the frame to a fluttering free end opposite the fixed end; the majority of the sheet being unsupported and fluttering in the breeze to provide suitable shade for at least one person.
4. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame includes retractable ribs supporting the sheet.
5. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein each rib is articulated and / or pivotally expandable.
6. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein each rib includes a proximal member, a distal member, and at least one intermediate member located between the proximal member and the distal member.
7. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 6, wherein each rib unfurls when expanded, and the sheet of material folds in on itself when each rib is collapsed.
8. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 6, wherein:the distal member folds up and in toward the intermediate member, and the intermediate member folds up and in toward the proximal member when collapsing the shelter; and / orthe intermediate member can cross over the proximal member.2023222994 01 Sep 20239. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ribs can be extended independently, one at a time.
10. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the frame includes support members coupled between the support and each rib.
11. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 10, wherein each support member is pivotally mounted between the rib and support, and preferably mounted to an intermediate member of the rib.
12. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 11, wherein the support members are in a fixed location along the support.
13. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shelter does not include a slider for sliding along the support.
14. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support extends from the ground at a single location.
15. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy includes one or more anchors at its periphery.
16. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 15, wherein each anchor includes a strip terminating in a storage pocket for removably storing weight.
17. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame includes two or four ribs.
18. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, further including two fixed hubs along the support to which frame members are pivotally mounted.
19. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 18, wherein the frame members pivot downwards when collapsing the frame.2023222994 01 Sep 202320. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy includes articulated ribs with members that pivot upwards when collapsing the ribs.
21. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one intermediate member includes two or more intermediate members that can fold or pivot toward each other.
22. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy includes an overcenter locking arrangement for locking ribs.