AU2016201782A1 - Rapid deployment structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A transportable structure comprising a base and a foldable frame comprising a plurality of foldably attached sides. The sides are comprised of poles including a central pole supporting the roof of the structure and wherein the sides are folded for storage and transport within a container. 0 v

Description

Rapid deployment structure 2016201782 21 Mar 2016

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a transportable structure for military and humanitarian purposes.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Transportable buildings such as structures have widespread application for military and humanitarian purposes, for example the sheltering of people and equipment during military or emergency relief operations and for housing in refugee camps.

[0003] Transportable flatpack structures have significant advantages over traditional canvas structures: they are easier to assemble and dismantle and are compact when stowed away (thus easier to transport—an especially important feature when they are required in large numbers). They are far sturdier than their traditional counterparts, lasting significantly longer than ordinary structures. Another added bonus when being used over long periods of time: traditional structures last approximately six months when used continually, whereas some flatpack structures can last up to three years. They stand alone without requiring guy ropes and structure pegs, and are more able to withstand environmental factors that their more traditional counterparts cannot, being both windproof and rainproof. These structures are, for obvious reasons, acquiring rising popularity, particularly in refugee camps where structures become homes—sometimes for years at a time.

[0004] A feature common amongst most transportable structures is a structure having a rigid chassis as a floor or a roof or both: in the latter case these are connected by collapsible support arms which fold during disassembly, bringing the roof and floor chassis into close proximity for transportation. Other structures do not fold down into a single piece and can be divided into as many as three separate components when dissembled—again, for easy storage. Some structures come entirely in pieces within a flatpack and must be clipped together— for some models this is possible without the use of tools. Some structures have a central axis from which the arms of the structure connect pivotally; others have an elongated chassis, thus forming a rectangular shelter.

In some variations the walls are suspended from the roof frame.

[0005] It is advantageous for such structures to be transported in a folded position so that the overall surface area permits for many structures inside to be transported at once. However, offloading and constructing of these structures can be time consuming which is not suitable for a 1 time-sensitive situation as common during humanitarian or military efforts. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0006] The object of this invention is to provide a transportable structure that alleviates the above problems, or at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first aspect the invention comprises a transportable structure comprising a base; a foldable frame comprising a plurality of foldably attached sides, wherein the sides are supported by poles; a central beam supporting the roof of the structure; and wherein the sides are folded for storage and transport within a container.

[0008] In preference the base contains at least two apertures for attachment of a lifting device and wherein the device is used for storing the structure in the container or removing the structure from the container.

[0009] In preference the outer tent is attached to the frame at all times.

[0010] In preference the base includes removable legs [0011] In a further form of the invention there is proposed a method of assembling a structure comprising the steps of: unloading of the structure from a container to a desired location; lifting of the front and back sides into the upright position and locking them into place; lifting of the left and right sides into the upright position and locking them into place; securing a pole between the front and back side to form a roof; and attaching at least one roof truss to extend between the roof pole and the left and right sides.

[0012] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the 2 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shipping container with a plurality of transportable structures; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a transportable structure in a folded position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the frame of a transportable structure with one side erected; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame of a transportable structure with two sides erected; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the frame of a transportable structure with three sides erected; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the frame of a transportable structure with four sides erected; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the frame of a transportable structure with four sides erected and a centralised beam in place; and Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the frame of a transportable structure with four sides erected and a centralised beam in place. LIST OF COMPONENTS 10 storage container 11 shelves 20 transportable structure 30 base 31 feet 32 apertures 33 slats 34 floor 40 frame 3 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 50 first side 51 wall pole 52 roof pole 53 hinge 60 second side 61 wall pole 62 roof pole 63 hinge 70 back 71 wall pole 72 roof poles 73 hinge 74 roof pole tip 75 attachment 80 front 81 wall pole 82 roof poles 83 hinge 84 tip 85 attachment 86 side door poles 87 top door pole 88 further pole 90 door 95 roof beam

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0015] Turning now to the drawings there is illustrated in Figure 1 a transportable structure 20 consisting of a rectangular base 30 which will form the floor of the structure, and four sides 4 comprising foldable poles 51, and eight feet 31 at the underside of the base 30. The base 30 further includes two apertures 32 along width of the base 30. Not shown is the outer tent material which is preference covers the outer structure 20. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0016] Figure 1 illustrates the structure in a folded position wherein the poles 51 are folded down against the base 30. The folded position ensures the smallest surface area possible allowing for easy transport, as can be seen in Figure 1 where a multitude of structures 20 in the folded position are stored within a storage container 10. In preference, the structure 20 already has the outer tent material attached when the poles 51 are folded against the base 30. This eliminates the need for removal and reattachment of the tent during disassembly or construction.

[0017] In preference, the storage container 10 includes shelves 11 to ensure that the stacked structures do not impact against each other during storage and transport, and furthermore can be easily placed in and removed from the container 10 as seen in Figure 1.

[0018] Therefore, several structures 20 can be easily stored within a container 10, for example a standard 20 ft shipping container (2.35m, x 5.9m). In preference, at least six to eight structures 20 can be housed in the container 10 when in the folded position. This allows for the transport of several structures 20 in limited storage space, reducing the overall cost of transport. The invention is therefore particularly useful for military or humanitarian purposes, in that it comprises a low-cost, easy to assemble and disassemble structure 20 suitable for transport and a variety of uses. For example, housing for military personnel during training, deployment missions, or for refugee camps and temporary shelter for disaster areas.

[0019] In preference, the container 10 is of a specialised design to store and transport multiple structures, and once the structures have been unloaded the container 10 can then itself be used as a shelter.

[0020] The structure 20 contains slots (not shown) on the underside of the base 30 to accommodate the attachment and detachment of the feet 31. This allows them to be removed from the structure 20 whilst is in the folded transport and/or storage position, decreasing the overall storage area and allowing more structures to be stored in the container. In preference, the feet are adjustable in height to accommodate uneven surfaces and for user preference.

[0021] In an alternate embodiment, the feet can be attached to the base 30 via a hinge allowing them to be folded against the base 30 during transport/storage and unfolded and locked into position when required for use. 5 [0022] The structure 20 can be unloaded directly from the container 10 through attachment of a vehicle such as a forklift to the apertures 32 on the base 30. The forklift then transports the structure to the desired area of use and levelled so that it is in the correct position as illustrated in Figure 2. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0023] The feet 32 are then unfolded from the transport position down into the use position perpendicular to the base 30. This allows for the use of the structure 20 on uneven ground. Once the legs have been dropped, the forklift lowers the structure 20 to the ground for further assembly. The use of the forklift therefore allows for a minimum required personnel to attend to the placement and assembly of the structure 20 which can be very advantageous in military or disaster relief zones.

[0024] Once the structure 20 has been positioned and lowered to the ground, the walls and roof can be assembled. The walls of the structure consists of a first and second side 50 and 60 along the length of the base 30, and a front 70 and back 80 along the two ends of the base 30.

[0025] Illustrated in Figure 3 is a preferable first step, in which a first side 50 has been lifted up into an upright position from the folded position. The first side consists of two wall poles 51 and a roof pole 52, wherein the wall poles 51 are perpendicular to the length of the base 30 and the roof pole 52 is parallel to the length of the base 30. The first side 50 is made foldable against the base 30 through hinges 53 attached to each wall poles 51 and can be locked in place when in the upright position through known methods.

[0026] Illustrated in Figure 4 is a preferable second step, in which the first side 50 is upright and a second side 60 has also been lifted up into an upright position from the folded position. The second side consists of two wall poles 61 and a roof pole 62, wherein the wall poles 61 are perpendicular to the length of the base 30 and the roof pole 62 is parallel to the length of the base 30. The second side 60 is made foldable against the base 30 through hinges 63 attached to each wall poles 61 and can be locked in place when in the upright position through known methods.

[0027] Illustrated in Figure 5 is the structure 20 with both the first and second sides 50 and 60 are upright and the back 70 has also been lifted into the upright position in a preferable third step. The back 70 consists of two wall poles 71 which are perpendicular to the base 30 and triangular shaped roof poles 72. The wall poles 71 also include hinges 73 at the base 30 allowing for the back 70 to be folded against the base 30 when in the storage position and secured when the back 70 is lifted into the upright position. 6 [0028] In preference, a further pole (not shown) can extend from the tip 74 of the roof poles 72 to an additional roof pole (not shown) parallel to the base 30 for additional support. In preference, the buttresses (not shown) can also extend from the additional roof pole to the wall poles 72 for additional support. The tip 74 also contains an attachment 75 for securing the roof beam 90. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0029] Illustrated in Figure 6 is the structure 20 with the first and second sides 50 and 60 and the back 70 in the upright position, and the front 80 lifted into the upright position in a preferable forth step. The front 80 consists of two wall poles 81 and a triangular shaped roof pole 82, wherein the wall poles 81 are perpendicular to the base and the roof pole 82 forms a triangular shape with the tip 84 pointing upwards from the base 30. The tip 84 also includes an attachment 85 for securing the roof beam 90.

[0030] There is a further pole configuration with two parallel poles 86 perpendicular to the base forming the side of a door, and a further pole 87 extending between the two parallel poles 86 forming the top of a door. Alternatively, the door 90 can be formed from a single pole in a rectangular shape. In preference, the front 80 also include a further pole 88 extending from the tip 84 of the roof pole 82 to the further pole 88 of the door 90 for additional support.

[0031] In preference, the door 90 should be wide enough to accommodate a standard stretcher, being 55 centimetres for an evacuation stretcher and 1.3 metres for a full trolley stretcher. The width of the door can therefore be varied depending on the purpose of the structure 20.

[0032] The structure 20 can also contain a list ramp and hand rails (not shown) as an optional extra to accommodate use by the sick, infirm, elderly or disabled.

[0033] Illustrated in Figure 7 is the structure 20 with both sides 50 and 60 and the back 70 and front 80 all in the upright position. The preferable fifth step is to secure the roof beam 95 to the back and front attachments 75 and 85 to support the roof. During transport and construction, the roof beam is stored on the base 30 as seen in Figures 1-6, however once all of the sides of the structure 20 are erected the beam can be secured to form a pitched roof.

[0034] Illustrated in Figure 8 is the structure 20 from a lower perspective view in which the base 30 can be seen in more detail, with slats 33 extending between the long sides of the base 30 and supporting a floor 34. The feet 31 can also be seen in more detail to hold the base 30 off the ground allowing for level and secure positioning on uneven terrain. 7 [0035] In preference, the structure 20 has been transported with the outer tent material (not shown) already attached to the sides, front, back and allowing for the roof. Therefore once the structure has been erected the tent material will be pulled taut forming the enclosing walls and roof. Several structures can be placed either side by side or end on end or constructed to allow for as much housing as possible within an area. However it is to be understood that the frame can also be assembled without any tent attached and wherein a tent can be subsequently put over the structure 20 once it has been fully erected. The tent can either be one piece shrouded over the frame, two pieces wherein one end is attached with a zipper, or three pieces wherein both ends are attached with zippers. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0036] In an alternate embodiment, the structure 20 can be assembled using an alternate method as follows. The structure is comprised of a base 30 and foldably attached poles 51, 52, 61, 62, 71, 72, 81, 82 as illustrated in Figures 1-8. In this embodiment the tent (not shown) is already attached to the structure 20. The base 30 is removed from the container 10 a per the previous embodiment and the removable feet 31 attached before the structure 20 is lowered onto the ground in the desired location. The structure can be easily raised and levelled using six jacks which are attached to the base 30 either before or after construction.

[0037] Ropes can be attached to the front and back 70 and 80 to assist with assembly, and in preference these ropes are already attached during storage and transport to assist with ease of assembly at the location.

[0038] The back 70 is lifted first, moving it from the folded position into the upright position. In preference a first user pulls on the rope attached to the back 70 to lift it into position, and is assisted by a second user who manually assists with the upright movement and locking the hinges 73 into place to secure the back 70 in the upright position.

[0039] The tent contains a door openable by zipper or other known method, and as the tent is already attached to the structure 20, the door can be unzipped, rolled up and secured for easy access to the front 80. The first user then pulls on the rope attached to the front 80 to lift it into position and are assisted by a second user who manually assists with the upright movement and locking the hinges 83 into place to secure the front 80 in the upright position. The tent therefore has been lifted by the upright movement to form a space inside into which the users can access to continue with the assembly. 8 [0040] In this embodiment, the structure 20 includes at least three triangular trusses (not shown) which are not connected to the frame during transport and storage. Rather, when not assembled the trusses are lain flat against the base 30 and folded sides 50 and 60 inside the tent. These trusses are set aside to allow the users to access the sides 50 and 60 for further assembly. Either side can be raised first, however by way of example the users manually lift the first side 50 into the upright position. The trusses are then moved again to allow access to the second side 60, which is then lifted manually into the upright position. The first and second side roof poles 52 and 62 can be attached or otherwise locked or screwed into the front and back roof poles 72 and 82 to secure the frame. In preference, the attachment means is a slide locking mechanism. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0041] The first and second users then prepare to attach the roof beam 95 which in preference is pole shaped similar to that which makes up the frame. During transport and storage the beam 95 is stored along the base however is not attached to the frame. Using ladders or other steps or lifting means the users take either end of the beam 95 and lift it up to the top of the structure 20 to be held between the back and end 70 and 80 and in preference between the roof pole tips 74 and 84. The beam 95 can be attached to the roof pole tips 74 and 84 via known securement means or preferably a slide locking mechanism.

[0042] Each truss can then be attached to the beam 94 and the first and second side roof poles 52 and 62 through the lifting of each truss by a single user into the correct position. The points of each acute triangular shaped truss are crescent shaped in order to abut against and fit to the shape of the beam 94 and first and second side roof poles 52 and 62. Therefore the trusses ae held in place via natural friction. In preference three trusses are used for strength.

[0043] Thus the frame is fully completed and the outer tent forms to this shape providing a secure and enclosed structure. According to this embodiment, two users will be able to construct the structure 20 into the upright, in use position within five minutes, which is advantageous in the need to build shelters quickly and easily without the need for numerous personnel or additional equipment.

[0044] The tent can also include windows with a removable flyscreen which can be opened from the inside or outside through use of zippers or other securement means. The window flaps open downwards allowing comfortable access and the ability to control how much of the window is to be opened through ropes and clips or other securements means. In preference, the tent includes two windows on the first and second sides 50 and 60 and a window on the front 80. The front and back 70 and 80 can also be adapted to be open and closed as desired. 9 [0045] The structure 20 can be disassembled in the same manner, wherein the two users first remove the trusses and place to one side of the base 30, then remove the beam 90 and store it on the other side of the base 30. The ladders are removed from within the tent. The trusses are then moved to the other side of the base 30 and the second side 60 is lowered to rest flat against the base. The trusses are moved back to allow for the first side 50 to be lowered to rest flat against the base. The trusses are then rested flat against the base and held in position by the first and second sides 50 and 60. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0046] The back 70 and front 80 are then lowered using the ropes to rest flat against the base 30 and over the first and second sides 50 and 60. Any outer parts of the tent are then tucked into and under the back 70 and front 80 to reduce surface area and the structure has returned to the folded position and can be further secured by ropes and loaded back into the container 10. In preference, disassembly will only take four minutes.

[0047] In a further alternate embodiment of the invention, the poles are removably attached to the base allowing the structure 20 to be assembled in any order.

[0048] Two structures can be joined together or placed side by side to accommodate the maximum amount of people in the smallest amount of space as may be required due to the location. In an alternate embodiment, a second tent roof can be placed over the top of the structures and supported by a taller vertical pole that rests on the inner horizontals where the two structures meet to allow for the connection of two structures.

[0049] The reader will now appreciate the present invention which is a structure being a base to which is foldably attached sides, front and back with a centre beam which is raised once the sides and ends are raised, and being foldable for storage and easy transport, and wherein the structure can be assembled and disassembled with only two users in a short amount of time. Such an invention is advantageous for use for military or humanitarian purposes where low costs and temporary housing must be easily and quickly transported and constructed on site.

[0050] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part 10 of the common general knowledge in this field. 2016201782 21 Mar 2016 [0051] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. 11

Claims (5)

1. A structure comprising: a base; a foldable frame comprising a plurality of foldably attached sides and wherein the sides are comprised of poles; a central pole supporting the roof of the structure; at least one supporting truss; an outer tent; and wherein the sides are folded for storage and transport within a container.

2. A structure according to claim 1 wherein the base contains at least two apertures for attachment of a lifting device and wherein the device is used for storing the structure in the container or removing the structure from the container.

3. A structure according to any of the above claims wherein the outer tent is attached to the frame at all times.

4. A structure according to any of the above claims wherein the base includes removable legs

5. A method of assembling a structure comprising the steps of: unloading of the structure from a container to a desired location; lifting of the front and back sides into the upright position and locking them into place; lifting of the left and right sides into the upright position and locking them into place; securing a pole between the front and back side to form a roof; attaching at least one roof truss to extend between the roof pole and the left and right sides