WO2012035320A1

WO2012035320A1 - A collapsible habitable structure

Info

Publication number: WO2012035320A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/051684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex Shirley-Smith
Original assignee: Alex Shirley-Smith
Priority date: 2010-09-15
Filing date: 2011-09-08
Publication date: 2012-03-22
Also published as: WO2012035320A9; US20140116485A1; GB2483669A; GB2483669B; GB201015389D0

Abstract

A collapsible structure (1) adapted to accommodate and support at least one human, the structure comprising: an accommodation unit formed from a number of flexible panels including at least one lower panel (3) and at least one side wall panel (5,7); one or more elongate, flexible ground tensioning elements (14) that are connected to one or more of the panels; and two or more elongate, flexible side tensioning elements (21a, 21b, 21c) that are connected to one or more of the panels, wherein the ground tensioning elements may be attached to a ground anchoring point (20), located substantially below the accommodation unit, and the side tensioning elements may be attached to at least two side anchoring points (27a, 27b, 27c), located to the side of the accommodation unit, and tension may be applied to the ground and side tensioning elements so that the accommodation unit is pulled into a shape forming a main internal space, of sufficient size to accommodate at least one human.

Description

A collapsible habitable structure

This invention relates to a collapsible habitable structure.

Many different types of habitable structures have been previously proposed that can be collapsed to be relatively small and portable, and subsequently erected to provide a substantially enclosed space in which one or more humans can live, shelter or sleep. These previous proposals include conventional tents which rest on an area of flat ground and are secured to the ground (e.g. by a series of rigid spikes or pegs), and also canvas structures that may be hung from an elevated support point, for instance a branch of a tree.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to provide an improved collapsible habitable structure.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a collapsible structure adapted to accommodate and support at least one human, the structure comprising: an accommodation unit formed from a number of flexible panels including at least one lower panel and at least one side wall panel; one or more elongate, flexible ground tensioning elements that are connected to one or more of the panels; and two or more elongate, flexible side tensioning elements that are connected to one or more of the panels, wherein the ground tensioning elements may be attached to a ground anchoring point, located substantially below the accommodation unit, and the side tensioning elements may be attached to at least two side anchoring points, located to the side of the accommodation unit, and tension may be applied to the ground and side tensioning elements so that the

accommodation unit is pulled into a shape in which a main internal space, of sufficient size to accommodate at least one human.

Advantageously, at least one side anchoring point is provided by a first end of a rigid leg. Preferably, the rigid leg is fixed at its second end at a point substantially below the accommodation unit.

Conveniently, the tension applied to the side tensioning elements attached to the rigid leg may be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism.

Advantageously, the accommodation unit is formed from a plurality of elongate flexible elements, with the tensioning elements being fixed to the accommodation unit where the flexible elements meet one another.

Preferably, the panels extend between the flexible elements.

Conveniently, the main internal space is substantially enclosed.

Advantageously, three or more side tensioning elements are attached to a side anchoring point, and subsidiary panels extend between the three or more tensioning elements to form a side chamber.

Preferably, the side chamber is substantially enclosed.

Conveniently, the side chamber may be accessed from the main internal space.

Advantageously, two or more ground tensioning elements are provided, and the ground tensioning elements meet and are joined to one another at a ground junction, which is attached to the ground anchoring point.

Preferably, two or more side tensioning elements are attached to one of the side anchoring points, and the side tensioning elements meet and are joined to one another at a side junction, which is attached to the side anchoring point. Conveniently, the ground or side junction is attached to the ground or side anchoring point by a flexible bracing element.

Advantageously, all or part of at least one of the panels may be at least partially detached.

Preferably, the lower panel is of sufficient strength to support the weight of at least one average adult human.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, installed between a ground anchoring point and at least two side anchoring points.

Conveniently, at least three side anchoring points are provided.

Advantageously, each of the side anchoring points is above the level of the top of the uppermost panel of the accommodation unit.

Preferably, the flexible panels and the tensioning elements are of sufficient strength that the accommodation unit may be suspended fully above the ground by the tensioning elements such that it substantially retains its shape when so suspended.

Conveniently, the flexible panels and the tensioning elements are of sufficient strength that the accommodation unit may be suspended fully above the ground by the tensioning elements such that it substantially retains its shape when so suspended and when a human of average size is within, and supported by, the accommodation unit.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first collapsible structure embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a ground junction suitable for use with the embodiment of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a second collapsible structure embodying the present invention; and

Figure 4 is a close-up view of a detail of figure 4.

With reference firstly to figure 1 , a first embodiment of the invention is shown.

An accommodation unit 1 is shown in figure 1 in an erected configuration. The accommodation unit 1 is formed from a plurality of flexible panels. Upper and lower panels 2, 3 are each hexagonal and are substantially parallel with, and spaced apart from, one another. Extending upwardly and outwardly from each edge 4 of the lower panel 3 is a pentagonal lower side panel 5, and extending downwardly and outwardly from each edge 6 of the upper panel 2 is a pentagonal upper side panel 7. The lower side panels 5 and upper side panels 7 meet and are joined to one another, as will be explained below.

A first edge 8 of each of the lower side panels 5 is joined to an edge 4 of the lower panel 3. The two edges 9 of the lower side panel 5 that meet the first edge 8 are joined to corresponding edges 9 of adjacent lower side panels 5. Finally, the two remaining edges 10 of the lower side panel 5 are joined to corresponding edges of upper side panels 7.

Similarly, a first edge 11 of each of the upper side panels 7 is joined to an edge 6 of the upper panel 2. The two edges 12 of the upper side panel 7 that meet the first edge 11 are joined to corresponding edges 12 of adjacent upper side panels. The two remaining edges 13 of the upper side panel 7 are joined to corresponding edges 10 of the lower side panels 5. It will therefore be understood that the upper, lower, upper side and lower side panels 2, 3, 7, 5 are joined together to form a substantially enclosed main internal space, which is sufficiently large to accommodate one or more humans.

Each of the panels 2, 3, 7, 5 forming the accommodation unit is flexible, and in the erected configuration is held in a generally planar state.

As can be seen in figure 1 , a plurality of elongate, flexible ground tensioning elements 14 are attached to each of the corners 15 of the lower panel 3, and extend downwardly towards a ground junction 16, where the ground tensioning elements 14 meet and are joined to one another. The ground junction 16 is preferably positioned substantially directly below the centre of the lower panel 3.

Figure 2 shows a close-up view of the ground junction 16. The ground tensioning elements 14 each terminate in a sturdy connection ring 17, formed from a material such as steel. A main ring 18, which is larger than the connection rings 17, passes through each of the connection rings 17, thus joining the ground tensioning elements 14 to one another. A ground bracing element 19 is also attached to the main ring 18. The ground bracing element 19 is sturdy and elongate, and connects the main ring 18 to a ground anchoring point 20. In preferred embodiments, the ground bracing element 19 comprises a strong strap, such as a cargo strap, although in other embodiments the ground bracing element 19 may be rigid.

Any other suitable design of junction, that allows the ground tensioning elements 14 to meet and be joined to one another, may also be used.

The ground anchoring point 20 (shown schematically in figure 1) is a point that is substantially fixed with relation to the ground, and to which the ground bracing element 19 may be connected. If the accommodation unit is to be installed on relatively soft ground, then a spiral stake may be driven rotationally into the ground to provide a fixed point. Alternatively, the ground anchoring point 20 may take the form of any suitable element that is fixed to the ground or floor (such as a cargo ring), or may comprise one or more suitably heavy objects that rest on the ground.

Three series of elongate, flexible side tensioning elements 216a, 21 b, 21 c are also provided. Two elements of the first series 21 a extend from first and second adjacent corners 22 of the upper panel 2, and meet and are joined to one another at a first side junction 23a.

The first side junction 23a is preferably substantially directly opposite one edge 6 of the upper panel 2, and is slightly above the plane of the upper panel 2.

A further two elements of the first series 21 a extend from first and second adjacent corners 24 of the lower panel 3, and meet and are joined to one another at the first side junction 23a. A further five elements of the first series 21 a extend from points 25 where edges 9, 10, 12, 13 of the upper side panels 7 and lower side panels 5 meet one another, and meet and are joined at the first side junction 23a. These further five elements of the first series 21 a extend from those points 25 where there is an unobstructed line of sight to the first side junction 23a.

It will therefore be understood that there are nine side tensioning elements in the first series 21 a. At the first side junction 23a these elements are joined to one another in any suitable way, for instance by connection rings and a main ring, as shown in figure 2 in relation to the ground junction 16. A first side bracing element 26a is also joined to the first side junction 23a, and connects the first side junction 23a to a first side anchoring point 27a, which is again shown schematically in figure 1.

The first side anchoring point 27a may comprise any point that is held firmly in space, for instance a part of a tree or building. Second and third series of side tensioning elements 21 b, 21 c are also provided, connected to respective second and third side junctions 23b, 23c, which are in turn connected by second and third side bracing elements 26b, 26c to second and third side anchoring points 27b, 27c. In preferred embodiments the three side anchoring points 27a, 27b, 27c are spaced at regular intervals (i.e. 120° apart, as seen from directly above) around the accommodation unit 1 , although this is not essential.

It will be understood that the provision of four anchoring points 20, 27a, 27b, 27c and the associated tensioning elements 14, 21 a, 21 b, 21 c holds the accommodation unit 1 firmly in its erected configuration. Each of the points where the edges of the panels 2, 3, 5, 7 meet are pulled outwardly from the centre of the accommodation unit 1 , ensuring that the panels 2, 3, 5, 7 are placed under tension and remain taut and substantially planar. The provision of the side anchoring points 27a, 27b, 27c at locations which are above the level of the top panel 2 ensures that tension can be applied both upwardly and downwardly to the accommodation unit 1 . The accommodation unit 1 therefore retains a substantially enclosed shape and can be used as a living space, play space, or for any other purpose.

An entrance to the accommodation unit 1 may be provided by a flap in one of the lower side panels 5, which may be selectively opened and closed, for instance in the manner of a standard tent flap.

It is envisaged that arrangements of this type will be useful for situations where a standard tent could not simply be rested on the ground, for instance in disaster relief situations such as following floods, or where the ground is uneven or rocky, as the accommodation unit is suspended above ground level. This will also provide additional protection from earth tremors, and pests and predators such as insects and snakes. It is also expected that arrangements of this type will be popular as children's play spaces, where they can function in a similar manner to tree houses, although of course they can easily be installed in urban environments where trees may not be readily accessible.

The design of the accommodation also provides extra stability and security in high winds. Unlike a conventional tent, the underside of the accommodation unit has a larger surface area than the top surface. This means that a negative airfoil force is produced, sucking the structure to the ground rather than lifting it off.

Turning to figure 3, a further embodiment of the invention is shown. This further embodiment differs in two important ways from the embodiment shown in figure 1 .

Firstly, the first, second and third side anchoring points 27a, 27b, 27c are provided by rigid legs 28. These rigid legs 28 are mounted in a base 29 that has three sockets 30, into which lower ends of the legs 28 are inserted. In the embodiment shown in figure 3, the base 29 also functions as the ground anchoring point 20, and has an elongate anchor portion 31 which is adapted to be sunk firmly into the ground.

In preferred embodiments, the sockets 30 are offset with respect to one another, so that their longitudinal axes do not meet at a common point. This provides additional resistance to bending forces that arise during use.

Figure 4 shows a close-up view of the connection between the first side tensioning elements 21 a and the corresponding leg 28. As described above, the first side tensioning elements 21 a are joined together at the first side junction 23a to a first side bracing element 26a. A pulley 32 is provided in a recess 33 in the leg, and the first side bracing element 26a passes over the pulley 32, and out of the rear side of the leg 28. The first side bracing element 26a passes down the rear side of the leg 28 and is joined to a fixing point 34 which is joined firmly to the rear side of the leg 28. The fixing point 34 may take any suitable form, and preferably allows the first side bracing element 26a to be tightened or loosened, thus allowing the tension applied to the first side tensioning elements 21 a to be adjusted. For instance, the fixing point may include a ratchet mechanism with a handle that may be wound or "pumped" to increase the tension applied to the first side tensioning elements 21 a, and released to reduce the tension. The fixing point 34 may, for example, be tied or strapped in place, or may be screwed or nailed in position. The leg 28 may include a registering arrangement, comprising one or more projections and/or indentations, to assist a user in locating the fixing point 34 correctly, and to help hold the fixing point 34 in place during use.

It will be understood that the use of rigid legs as shown in figure 3 allows the accommodation unit to be installed without requiring three external objects that can act as side fixing points, thus greatly increasing the range of locations in which the accommodation unit can be used.

In embodiments, one or two of the side anchor points can be provided by external objects such as trees or buildings, with the remaining one or two side fixing points being provided by legs as shown in figure 3.

The second important difference shown in figure 3 will now be explained.

One pentagonal upper side panel 7 is substantially directly opposite the first side anchor point 27a. Five first side tensioning elements 21 a extend from the corners of this panel 7 to the first side anchor point 27a. Five first subsidiary panels 35a are provided between adjacent ones of these five elements 21 a, thus enclosing a first side chamber. The upper side panel 7 may be omitted, or may be replaced by a panel with a closable entrance, for instance in the manner of a standard tent entrance, to allow the first side chamber to be isolated from the main internal space. Two further side chambers are formed in similar fashion, by second and third sets of subsidiary panels 35b, 35c.

The embodiment shown in figure 3 therefore comprises a main internal space and three side chambers, which could, for example, be used as a main living space and three separate sleeping chambers.

In alternative embodiments, the main internal space could have a trampoline- style or mesh floor, thus forming a safe, enclosed main play area. Each of the side chambers could include equipment to allow a different play activity, such as a "fireman's pole" extending to the ground.

The construction of the accommodation unit preferably comprises strong, flexible elements, such as steel ropes or webbing straps, which form the edges 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13 of the panels 2, 3, 5, 7, with the panels 2, 3, 5, 7 themselves being formed from a strong, light material, such as fire retardant, UV, PU and water resistant polyester fabric, that extends between the flexible elements. The tensioning elements comprise strong ropes, cables or the like, and may comprise metal and/or multi-filament ropes or cables.

In preferred embodiments some or all of certain panels may be removable. For instance, all or a part of the top panel 2 may be detachable from the flexible elements that surround it, so that the accommodation unit 1 may have an open top in clement weather. The part of the top panel 2 that is detached may be removed completely for storage, or the part may remain attached at one edge so that it can be rolled back. Some or all of the other panels 3, 5, 7 may be made in a similar fashion.

In embodiments some of the panels 2, 3, 5, 7 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material. Upward-facing panels may be formed in this way so that occupants can benefit from sunlight, and downward-facing panels may be formed in this way so that occupants can observe events outside the accommodation unit 1 . The accommodation unit 1 is intended to be easy to transport, with most of the components being flexible. In preferred embodiments the support legs 28, if these are provided, are formed in a plurality of shorter sections which may, for example, be screwed together to form the leg 28, thus increasing the ease with which the legs 28 can be transported. The legs 28 may be formed from any suitable material, such as wood or carbon fibre.

In embodiments the lower panel 3 may be formed from a rigid material, so that the floor of the accommodation unit 1 may support heavier loads. This is expected to be of use if the accommodation unit is to be used for storage.

The design of the accommodation unit 1 described above involves hexagonal upper and lower panels, and pentagonal upper and lower side panels. It should, however, be understood that these panels need not take these forms, and any suitable combination of panel shapes may be used. One or more of the panels may be curved or otherwise deflected through one or more angles, and the panels need not be planar. The number of panels, ground and side anchoring points and tensioning elements may be varied.

It is also envisaged that larger structures may be formed, having a series of ground anchoring points to apply downward tension to different parts of the structures, and a large array of side tensioning points. For instance, a number of accommodation units of the type shown in figure 1 or 3 may be provided near one another, and connected by enclosed corridors or walkways. If the accommodation units are provided with selectably

removable panels, corridors or walkways can be installed as needed to connect the accommodation units with one another, thus allowing a structure of any required size to be built up. This is expected to be of particular use in disaster relief applications.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention provide

accommodation units that are simple to transport and assemble, and will find utility in many areas, in particular in play, leisure, disaster relief and

military/peacekeeping fields.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A collapsible structure adapted to accommodate and support at least one human, the structure comprising:

an accommodation unit formed from a number of flexible panels including at least one lower panel and at least one side wall panel;

one or more elongate, flexible ground tensioning elements that are connected to one or more of the panels; and

two or more elongate, flexible side tensioning elements that are connected to one or more of the panels,

wherein the ground tensioning elements may be attached to a ground anchoring point, located substantially below the accommodation unit, and the side tensioning elements may be attached to at least two side anchoring points, located to the side of the accommodation unit, and tension may be applied to the ground and side tensioning elements so that the

2. A collapsible structure according to claim 1 , wherein at least one side anchoring point is provided by a first end of a rigid leg.

3. A collapsible structure according to claim 2, wherein the rigid leg is fixed at its second end at a point substantially below the accommodation unit.

4. A collapsible unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tension applied to the side tensioning elements attached to the rigid leg may be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism.

5. A collapsible unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the accommodation unit is formed from a plurality of elongate flexible elements, with the tensioning elements being fixed to the accommodation unit where the flexible elements meet one another.

6. A collapsible structure according to claim 5, wherein the panels extend between the flexible elements.

7. A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the main internal space is substantially enclosed.

8. A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, wherein three or more side tensioning elements are attached to a side anchoring point, and subsidiary panels extend between the three or more tensioning elements to form a side chamber.

9. A collapsible structure according to claim 8, wherein the side chamber is substantially enclosed.

10. A collapsible structure according to claim 9, wherein the side chamber may be accessed from the main internal space.

1 1 . A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, wherein two or more ground tensioning elements are provided, and the ground tensioning elements meet and are joined to one another at a ground junction, which is attached to the ground anchoring point.

12. A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, wherein two or more side tensioning elements are attached to one of the side anchoring points, and the side tensioning elements meet and are joined to one another at a side junction, which is attached to the side anchoring point.

13. A collapsible structure according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the ground or side junction is attached to the ground or side anchoring point by a flexible bracing element.

14. A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, wherein all or part of at least one of the panels may be at least partially detached.

15. A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the lower panel is of sufficient strength to support the weight of at least one average adult human.

16. A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim, installed between a ground anchoring point and at least two side anchoring points.

17. A collapsible structure according to claim 16, wherein at least three side anchoring points are provided.

18. A collapsible structure according to claim 16 or 17, wherein each of the side anchoring points is above the level of the top of the uppermost panel of the accommodation unit.

19. A collapsible structure according to any preceding claim wherein the flexible panels, and the tensioning elements are of sufficient strength that the accommodation unit may be suspended fully above the ground by the tensioning elements such that it substantially retains its shape when so suspended.

20. A collapsible structure according to claim 19 wherein the flexible panels, and the tensioning elements are of sufficient strength that the accommodation unit may be suspended fully above the ground by the tensioning elements such that it substantially retains its shape when so suspended and when a human of average size is within, and supported by, the accommodation unit.