WO2019169454A1

WO2019169454A1 - Collapsible gazebo with improved wind loading resistance

Info

Publication number: WO2019169454A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050210
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Davidson; Leon Fitzpatrick; Carolyn YIP; Leo YIP; Glenn PRITCHARD
Original assignee: Srg Leisure Retail Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Srg Leisure Retail Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-09
Filing date: 2019-03-08
Publication date: 2019-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-09

Abstract

A collapsible shelter frame comprising: four upright corner supports; four side frame members extending between the upright corner supports and pivotally connected to the upright corner supports; tension straps bracing diagonally opposite upright corner supports; and a canopy support frame comprising a pair of crossed roof bows connected to the upright corner supports by flexible roof bow holders. The flexible roof bow holders and roof bows are resiliently deformable to isolate wind loading on the roof from the upright corner supports and side members, thus improving structural integrity in windy conditions. Also, a habitat formed from joining multiple collapsible shelter frames and adding a canopy and side walls.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE GAZEBO WITH IMPROVED WIND LOADING RESISTANCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The present invention relates to the field of collapsible shelters. More particularly, the invention relates to a gazebo that is simple and quick to erect but has structural integrity that provides improved wind loading resistance.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [002] There are many different types of collapsible shelters that are used for picnics in the park or days at the beach. A typical shelter has four legs connected by arms that support a roof, typically of water resistant fabric. The typical shelter collapses into a relatively small package in a bag that is easily carried. The shelter is assembled by connecting leg poles to arm poles with knuckles then throwing a roof fabric over the frame. Sometimes the leg poles may be telescopic so that the roof can be added while at a low height and then the legs extended to raise the roof. Other variations include sliding, hinged or scissored arms that provide connection between the legs without detaching.

[003] By way of example only, reference may be had to United States patent number 7168439 assigned to North Pole Limited. US 7168439 describes a collapsible gazebo with scissor frame assemblies joining upright legs. Sliding connections between the scissor frame assemblies and the upright legs allows the gazebo to fold down without disassembly. Various catches and clamps hold the gazebo frame in the erected configuration. [004] Known collapsible shelters tend to transfer wind loading on the roof fabric directly to the legs, which leads to overall instability of the structure. The typical response is to peg the legs to the ground but as the force on the roof is transferred directly to the legs, fixing the legs only increases the load on the legs so that it is not uncommon for the structure to fail. [005] Wind loading on the roof also gives rise to torsional loading on the roof frame. If the legs do not fail it is likely that the roof frame will twist or bend. Existing lightweight shelters are not able to achieve sufficient structural integrity to withstand the structural loading generated by even modest wind velocities. [006] One attempt to improve stability is found in International Patent

Publication number W01996/015336. W01996/015336 describes a tensioning system by which a rope applies tension to the legs, roof fabric and roof struts. The aim of the rope tensioning is to increase stability of the shelter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a collapsible shelter frame comprising:

four upright corner supports;

four side frame members extending between the upright corner supports and pivotally connected to the upright corner supports;

tension straps bracing diagonally opposite upright corner supports; and a canopy support frame comprising a pair of crossed roof bows connected to the upright corner supports by flexible roof bow holders.

[008] The shelter may also comprise upright side supports.

[009] The upright supports suitably include a ground engaging foot at one end and side frame member supports at an opposite end. The upright supports may be telescopically collapsible or may be foldable.

[0010] The side frame members are suitably foldable at a mid point of the side frame member.

[0011 ] The tension straps suitably connect at each end to a knuckle joining the upright corner supports to the side frame members. The tension straps are suitably tensioned by a rotating ratchet tensioner that tensions equally in all directions.

[0012] The roof bows of the canopy support frame are preferably flexible. [0013] Suitably the flexible roof bow holders comprise a polymer block with an aperture for receiving a reduced shank portion of a roof bow. The flexible roof bow holder is resiliently deformable to at least partially isolate loading on the roof bows from the remainder of the collapsible shelter frame. [0014] The invention may also reside in a gazebo comprising, in combination, the collapsible shelter frame described above and a fabric cover.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG 1 is a sketch of a gazebo according to the present invention;

[0018] FIG 2 is a sketch of the gazebo of FIG 1 showing elements of the collapsible shelter frame;

[0019] FIG 3 shows more detail of one corner of the gazebo of FIG 1 ;

[0020] FIG 4 shows a bracing mechanism;

[0021 ] FIG 5 shows a flexible roof bow holder;

[0022] FIG 6 shows a sliding lock;

[0023] FIG 7 shows optional side walls;

[0024] FIG 8 shows an assembly procedure; and

[0025] FIG 9 shows assembly with side walls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a collapsible shelter frame and a gazebo incorporating the collapsible shelter frame. Accordingly, the elements have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for

understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0027] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Words such as“comprises” or“includes” are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0028] Referring to FIG 1 there is a shown a collapsible shelter or gazebo 10. The gazebo 10 comprises four upright supports or legs 11 and a roof 12. Each leg 11 includes a ground engaging foot 13 and in the preferred embodiment is telescopically collapsible by loosening or tightening collared lock 14. Alternative locking arrangements, such as a catch or pin would also be suitable, although the collared lock has the benefit of continuous independent leg adjustment to account for uneven ground. In some embodiments there may be more than one adjustment mechanism on each leg so that the leg telescopes to a smaller size.

[0029] It will be appreciated that the legs 11 need not be telescopically collapsible but instead could be hinged to fold. Another alternative is to form the legs 11 in multiple pieces that assemble using a post and socket connection.

[0030] The roof 12 includes a cover 16 which is suitably hooked onto the legs at a connection point 15. The connection point is suitably a hook or catch that snares a loop formed in a corner of the cover 16. The cover 16 is supported by crossed flexible roof bows 51 (described later) which form a canopy support frame.

[0031 ] Referring now to FIG 2, the frame 20 between the legs 11 is visible.

The frame 20 comprises four side frame members 21 that are connected to the legs 11 by a knuckle 30 (shown in FIG 3). The knuckle 30 is suitably fixed to the leg 11 by bolts 31 but could otherwise be fixed in place by equivalent means such as welding or adhesive. The side frame members 21 are pivotally connected 32 to the knuckle 30 so as to facilitate collapsing of the shelter frame 20. A pair of bracing arms 33 is provided to hold the side frame members 21 in position. A sliding lock 34 (shown most clearly in FIG 6) clips into place on the leg 11 to lock the bracing arms 33 in place. For disassembly the button 35 is depressed and the sliding lock 34 is slid down the leg 11 , thus lowering the bracing arms 33 and folding the side frame members 21. Erection is the opposite of the collapsing procedure.

[0032] For larger structures it may be appropriate to provide intermediate legs (not shown) to support the sides. An intermediate leg may be positioned mid way along the side and held in place by an intermediate leg sliding lock similar to the sliding lock 34 described above. In this embodiment the side frame members 21 pivot in the sliding lock 34 and also in the intermediate leg sliding lock.

[0033] Also shown in FIG 2, tension straps 36 bracing diagonally opposite legs 11. The tension straps 36 connect to holding points 37 on the knuckles 30.

Tensioning of the tension straps 36 provides bracing between the legs 11 and provides rigidity to the collapsible shelter frame 20. As shown more clearly in FIG 4, the preferred arrangement for tensioning the tension straps 36 is a ratchet mechanism 40. The ratchet mechanism 40 comprises a reel 41 that is rotated to retract the tension straps 36. A ratchet (not shown) within the mechanism 40 prevents release of the tension. The tension on the tension straps 36 can be released by pushing the knob 42 on the ratchet mechanism 40 to release the ratchet. The ratchet mechanism 40 tensions all four of the tension straps 36 simultaneously and equally. Tensioning improves stability of the shelter.

[0034] As a non-preferred alternative, the tension straps could be elastic and thereby provide bracing by virtue of the elasticity. As another alternative the ratchet mechanism 40 could be replaced by a four-way joint and tensioning could be performed by turn-buckles.

[0035] The knuckle 30 also includes a tie down point 38 for connection of a guy rope.

[0036] Atop each leg 11 is a flexible roof bow holder 50, seen most clearly in FIG 5. The flexible roof bow holder 50 captures roof bows 51 in aperture 52.

Each roof bow 51 has a reduced diameter end 53 compared to the main part of the bow 54. The step between the main part of the bow 54 and the reduced diameter end 53 forms a stop at the aperture 52. The flexible roof bow holder 50 is formed from a polymer material that is resiliently deformable so able to bend and flex, thus providing a degree of isolation of legs 11 from the movement of the roof bow 51. Thus, during loading of the roof 12, such as caused by wind, the load is not transferred directly to the legs 11 or side frame members 21. As a result the collapsible shelter frame 10 maintains structural integrity under greater loading than would otherwise be the case.

[0037] As an alternate arrangement the apertures 52 may be blind holes that receive an end of a bow 51. An advantage of this embodiment is that the end 53 does not extend beyond the flexible roof bow holder 50 thus allowing adjacent gazebos to abut. In this embodiment there is no need for the roof bow to have a change in diameter. Other arrangements for holding the bows into the roof bow holder 50 will be evident, such as clamps.

[0038] The legs 11 and the frame 20 are suitably made from tubular metal, such as aluminium, steel or an alloy. The bows 51 are suitably made from fiberglass or a similar resiliently deformable flexible rod having the required strength. To reduce weight the various knuckles, catches and fittings are made from plastic or lightweight metals.

[0039] Side walls 70 suitable for fitting to the gazebo 10 are shown in FIG 7. The side walls may take various forms but in the embodiment shown the side walls are primarily made of mesh 71 with a removable wind break 72. In FIG 7 the removable wind break 72 is shown as slidable but alternate arrangements, such as zips or clips, are also suitable. The side walls attach to the legs 11 and side frame members 21 , but are isolated from the roof 12.

[0040] In some instances it may be desirable to join two or three gazebos together to form a habitat. One gazebo may be used as a kitchen, another as a play area and another as a sleeping area. With prior art collapsible shelters forming a habitat is risky due to the increased loading transferred to the whole structure. With the instant invention the problem is greatly reduced since each roof is substantially isolated and loading is not transferred across the structure. To facilitate joining of gazebos into a habitat a number of clips (not shown) may be provided on the side frame members 21 to facilitate locking of side frame members together.

[0041 ] FIG 8 shows briefly the process for erecting the gazebo 10. The gazebo 10 is packaged in a bag that is easily carried so that it is compact as shown in FIG 8a. The side frame members 21 are raised into position and locked in place by the sliding lock 34 and bracing arms 33 as shown in FIG 8b. Suitably there is a positive engagement 80 at the folding point of each side frame member. In the embodiment shown the positive engagement is a tube that slides over the joint but other arrangements, such as a pin through an aperture or a spring-loaded catch are also suitable.

[0042] Next the tension straps 36 are connected to the holding points 37 and the tension straps are tensioned by ratchet mechanism 40. The roof bows 51 are flexed and the ends slid into apertures 52 of the flexible roof bow holders 50. The cover 12 is then placed over the roof bows 51 , as shown in FIG 8c, and hooked onto connection points 15. Finally the legs 11 are extended to raise the roof to the desired height.

[0043] If side walls 70 are employed they are hooked onto the side frame members 21 by hooks 90 and secured to the legs 11 , such as by hook and loop fastening strap 91 , as shown in FIG 9. The frame is assembled as described above and the side walls 70 are hooked in place and the roof 12 is positioned before the legs 11 are extended. Flooks 90 are only one option for connecting the side walls. One alternative is to use clips that clip together abutting side wall members 21 and legs 11.

[0044] As mentioned previously it may be desirable to make the collapsed shelter as small as possible. To achieve this it may be appropriate for each side wall 70 to be formed in parts that are connected together either horizontally or vertically.

[0045] The collapsible shelter described herein has the advantage of substantially decoupling wind loading on the roof from the supporting frame. This improves safety and versatile.

[0046] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1. A collapsible shelter frame comprising:

four upright corner supports;

2. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the flexible roof bow holders are resiliently deformable.

3. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the flexible roof bow holders have an aperture for receiving a portion of the roof bow.

4. The collapsible shelter of claim 3 portion of the roof bow has a reduced shank.

5. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the flexible roof bow holders comprise a polymer block.

6. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein each upright corner support is telescopically collapsible.

7. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the side frame members are each foldable at a mid-point of the side frame member.

8. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the tension straps connect at each end to a knuckle joining the upright corner supports to the side frame members.

9. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the tension straps are tensioned by a rotating ratchet tensioner that tensions equally in all directions.

10. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the tension straps are elastic.

11. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 wherein the crossed roof bows are resiliently deformable.

12. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 further comprising bracing arms between each upright corner support and each side frame member.

13. The collapsible shelter of claim 1 further comprising one or more intermediate upright supports positioned between upright corner supports.

14. In combination, the collapsible shelter frame of claim 1 and a fabric canopy.

15. The collapsible shelter frame and canopy of claim 14 wherein the upright corner supports include a connection point that snares a loop on the canopy.

16. The collapsible shelter frame and canopy of claim 14 further comprising side walls hooked or clipped onto the side frame members and secured to the upright corner supports.

17. In combination, two or more collapsible shelter frames of claim 1 joined together to form a habitat.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein the two or more collapsible shelter frames are joined together by clips on the upright corner posts and side frame members.