Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Portable shelter – Framework
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-28
2001-02-27
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Portable shelter
Framework
C135S095000, C135S116000, C005S113000, C224S154000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192909
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the temporary shelter, outdoor recreation and camping arts, and more specifically to a collapsible all-terrain shelter and frame for use in such environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, tents and similar outdoor shelters are restricted to being placed and anchored to the ground. That is, the character of the floor in such structures is dictated by the underlying ground. Although modem technology provides tents that are relatively inexpensive and lightweight compared to tents of a decade ago, these tents do not protect the occupant(s) from the discomforts of wet or rocky ground. In addition, even the most modem tents provide little comfort on sloping ground.
To be sure, a cot provides to the relief to the user regarding wet or rocky ground. However, the cot is of no aid to the user when dealing with sloping terrain. Furthermore, commercial one-camper tents are too small to comfortably enclose a cot. Similarly, two-camper tents are too small to hold two cots. Just taking the one-camper instance, even if the tent was large enough to comfortably accommodate the cot, the bulk and weight of the separate tent and cot would preclude them from being easily carried by the camper, let alone fitting into the camper's backpack.
There is, therefore, a need for an apparatus that provides the comfort and safety of a cot within a shelter. Such an inventive apparatus will be level and stable on soft, rough or sloping terrain, will have the structural design to comfortably accommodate one or more sleeping adults, will require no special training or tools to assemble and disassemble, will be well-ventilated, will provide ample storage, and will be able to be carried inside a personal backpack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These and other objects, features and technical advantages are achieved by my invention, which comprises a lightweight base frame including connectable frame members. The members are advantageously extensible. A thicker central portion of each member advantageously provides sturdiness and stability to the base frame.
After extending the frame members, the user can easily connect them by locking their ends into rounded corner brackets to assemble the base frame. A cloth is suspended taunt across the frame. Once assembled, the base frame and cloth form the floor of the shelter as well as a cot. Attachable adjustable-height legs with high-traction feet further enable the user to lie comfortably and level above grade on a wide range of ground surfaces, even on rugged or sloping terrain. In a preferred embodiment, built-in leveling bubbles in the end and side frame components help adjust the base frame to level.
A shelter primarily in the nature of a tent is then erected up from the base frame. The shelter comprises further advantageous features as will be described in detail later on.
It is therefore a technical advantage of the present invention for the inventive shelter and cot to be collapsible and portable. For easy storage and transport, the frame sides and ends advantageously extend from their centers.
A further technical advantage is that the invention is lightweight, easy to assemble, and durable. In a preferred embodiment, the shelter canopy is advantageously constructed from 70-denier ripstop nylon supported by crossed flexible hoop arches constructed from plastic or fiberglass.
Another technical advantage is that in most cases, the invention obviates the need for ground stakes and guy ropes. Except in the most severe conditions, the inventive assembly is freestanding and does not need to be stabilized by anchors to the ground. This freestanding feature frees the user from carrying tools, ground stakes and rope unless severe conditions are anticipated.
A still further technical advantage is that the invention is adaptable to alternative service. In appropriate conditions, the invention may be used as a traditional “on-the-ground” shelter. This can be accomplished by using the canopy and adjustable hoop arches without attaching them to the base frame and adjustable-height legs. Alternatively, in a medical emergency, the base frame and the unsupported canopy can be used as a stretcher.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
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Friedman Carl D.
Stephan Beth
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
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