초록 ▼

A mobile shelter comprising a vehicle, a post pivotally attached to the vehicle at one end, and releasably attached at the other end to an umbrella-like collapsible marquee. The marquee comprises a frame, whereby the marquee is attached to the post, a number of articulated brace assemblies pivotally

A mobile shelter comprising a vehicle, a post pivotally attached to the vehicle at one end, and releasably attached at the other end to an umbrella-like collapsible marquee. The marquee comprises a frame, whereby the marquee is attached to the post, a number of articulated brace assemblies pivotally connected to the frame, each brace assembly comprising a number of pivotally interconnected braces. The brace assemblies define a ground-resting end, and a pivot joint pivotally attached to a spreader ring, which in turn slidably engages the post. Upon sliding the spreader ring up and down about the post, the brace assemblies can be shifted between: a storage position, in which the brace assemblies are collapsed against the post and the ground-resting ends of the brace assemblies are located at the vicinity of the post; and a deployed position, in which the brace assemblies are deployed away from the post, the ground-resting ends of the brace assemblies are spaced-apart from the post and rest on the ground, and in which the spreader ring is releasably attached to the frame. To install the marquee, the post is pivoted away from the vehicle into a vertical stance, and the spreader ring is slid upwardly about the post, in order to shift the brace assemblies from their storage position to their deployed position, similarly to an umbrella. Then, once the brace assemblies are in their deployed position, the post can be released from the marquee's frame, and the vehicle can be driven away from the marquee with the post.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A mobile shelter comprising: a vehicle movable over ground; a post defining opposite first and second end portions; a post attachment base pivotally attached to said vehicle and pivotable relative thereto about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis, said post atta

The invention claimed is: 1. A mobile shelter comprising: a vehicle movable over ground; a post defining opposite first and second end portions; a post attachment base pivotally attached to said vehicle and pivotable relative thereto about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis, said post attachment base carrying said post second end portion and spacing said post away from said base pivot axis, with said post perpendicular to said base pivot axis, wherein said post can pivot between a stored position in which said post lies above said vehicle in a transport condition and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located spacedly above ground, and a deployment position in which said post is erected and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located close to the ground; and a collapsible marquee comprising: a frame, releasably attachable to said post first end portion, a number of articulated brace assemblies attached to said frame, and defining a ground-resting end, said articulated brace assemblies being movable relative to said frame between a storage position in which said brace assemblies are collapsed against said post, and a deployed position in which said brace assemblies are deployed away from said post to define a canvas-sheltered usable area and in which said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies are destined to rest on the ground to support said marquee; and a canvas carried by said brace assemblies; wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post first end portion can he released from said frame, and said vehicle can be moved away from said marquee with said post to clear said canvas-sheltered usable area. 2. The shelter as defined in claim 1, wherein said post attachment base comprises at least one elongated flange, pivotally attached at a first end to said vehicle and carrying said post second end portion at a second end, said flange spacing said post away from said base pivot axis. 3. The shelter as defined in claim 2, wherein said post attachment base comprises a post lifting mechanism including a socket attached to said flange second end, said post second end portion slidably engaging said socket, whereby said post lifting mechanism can be selectively activated to allow said post second end portion to be moved along and within said socket between inner and outer limit positions. 4. The shelter as defined in claim 2, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said storage position and said post is in said deployment position, said ground resting ends of said brace assemblies are positioned spacedly over ground, and during movement of said brace assemblies from said storage position to said deployed position, said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies will describe a pseudo-parabolic trajectory in order for said ground-resting ends to move over and avoid said vehicle in a first trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory and for said ground-resting ends to move downwardly towards to the ground in a second downward trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory. 5. The shelter as defined in claim 2, wherein said brace assemblies each define a first pivot joint pivotally attached to said marquee frame, and a second pivot joint pivotally attached to a spreader member, said spreader member movably engaging and being guided along said post to move said brace assemblies between said storage position and said deployed position. 6. The shelter as defined in claim 5, wherein each said brace assembly comprises: a frame connecting brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said marquee frame and a second end opposite said first end; a spreader brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said spreader member, and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said frame connecting brace being pivotally attached to said spreader member intermediate said spreader brace first and second ends; a ground-resting brace having a first end destined to rest on the ground in said deployed position of said brace assembly and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said spreader brace being pivotally attached to said ground-resting brace intermediate said ground-resting brace first and second ends; and an intermediate brace having a first end pivotally connected to said frame connecting brace first and second ends, and a second end opposite said first end and pivotally connected to said ground-resting brace second end. 7. The shelter as defined in claim 5, wherein an actuator is provided on said shelter, which can be activated to forcibly drive said spreader member along said post. 8. The shelter as defined in claim 7, wherein said actuator comprises a hoisting system carried by said post, and a pushing member operatively connected to said hoisting system and slidably engaging said post; and wherein said spreader member is located intermediate said pushing member and said frame when said spreader member engages said post, and wherein upon activation of said hoisting system, said pushing member will be forcibly driven along said post to slidably carry said spreader member. 9. The shelter as defined in claim 8, wherein when said spreader member engages said post, said spreader member is releasably coupled to said pushing member. 10. The shelter as defined in claim 9, wherein said spreader member comprises a spreader ring having at least one attachment aperture made thereon, and said pushing member comprises a push-ring pivotally carrying at least one attachment finger, wherein said attachment finger of said push-ring can be selectively pivoted to engage said attachment aperture of said spreader ring in order for said push-ring and said spreader ring to be releasably coupled. 11. The shelter as defined in claim 5, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said spreader member is releasably attached to said marquee frame and clears said post. 12. A mobile shelter comprising: a vehicle movable over ground; a post comprising, at opposite ends, first and second coupling members; a post attachment base pivotally attached to said vehicle and pivotable relative thereto about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis, said post attachment base carrying said post second coupling member and spacing said post away from said base pivot axis, with said post perpendicular to said base pivot axis, wherein said post can pivot between a stored position in which said post lies above said vehicle in a transport condition and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located spacedly above ground, and a deployment position in which said post is erected and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located close to the ground; and a collapsible marquee comprising: a frame, attached to said post through the instrumentality of said first coupling member, a number of articulated brace assemblies attached to said frame, and defining a ground-rusting end, said articulated brace assemblies being movable relative to said frame between a storage position in which said brace assemblies are collapsed against said post, and a deployed position in which said brace assemblies are deployed away from said post to define a canvas-sheltered usable area and in which said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies are destined to rest on the ground to support said marquee; and a canvas carried by said brace assemblies; wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post first end portion can he released from said frame, and said vehicle can be moved away from said marquee with said post to clear said canvas-sheltered usable area. 13. The shelter as defined in claim 12, wherein said post attachment base comprises at least one elongated flange, pivotally attached at a first end to said vehicle and carrying said post second coupling member at a second end, said flange spacing said post away from said base pivot axis. 14. The shelter as defined in claim 13, wherein said post second coupling member is releasable, said post being thereby releasably attached to said post attachment base, and wherein said first coupling member is pivotable, said post being thereby pivotally attached to said frame; wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post can be released from said post attachment base, said vehicle can be driven away from said marquee, and said post can be pivoted about said first post coupling member into a stored position adjacent at least one of said brace assemblies to clear said canvas-sheltered usable area. 15. The shelter as defined in claim 13, wherein said post first coupling member is releasable, said post being thereby releasably attached to said frame; and wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post can be released from said frame, and said vehicle can be driven away with said post from said marquee to clear said canvas-sheltered usable area. 16. The shelter as defined in claim 15, wherein said post attachment base comprises a post lifting mechanism including a socket attached to said flange second end, said post slidably engaging said socket, whereby said post lifting mechanism can be selectively activated to allow said post to be moved along and within said socket between inner and outer limit positions. 17. The shelter as defined in claim 15, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said storage position and said post is in said deployment position, said ground resting ends of said brace assemblies are positioned spacedly over ground, and during movement of said brace assemblies from said storage position to said deployed position, said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies will describe a pseudo-parabolic trajectory in order for said ground-resting ends to move over and avoid said vehicle in a first trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory and for said ground-resting ends to move downwardly towards to the ground in a second downward trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory. 18. The shelter as defined in claim 15, wherein said brace assemblies each define a first pivot joint pivotally attached to said marquee frame, and a second pivot joint pivotally attached to a spreader member, said spreader member movably engaging and being guided along said post to move said brace assemblies between said storage position and said deployed position. 19. The shelter as defined in claim 18, wherein each said brace assembly comprises: a frame connecting brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said marquee frame and a second end opposite said first end; a spreader brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said spreader member, and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said frame connecting brace being pivotally attached to said spreader member intermediate said spreader brace first and second ends; a ground-resting brace having a first end destined to rest on the ground in said deployed position of said brace assembly and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said spreader brace being pivotally attached to said ground-resting brace intermediate said ground-resting brace first and second ends; and an intermediate brace having a first end pivotally connected to said frame connecting brace first and second ends, and a second end opposite said first end and pivotally connected to said ground-resting brace second end. 20. The shelter as defined in claim 18, wherein an actuator is provided on said shelter, which can be activated to forcibly drive said spreader member along said post. 21. The shelter as defined in claim 20, wherein said actuator comprises a hoisting system carried by said post, and a pushing member operatively connected to said hoisting system and slidably engaging said post; and wherein said spreader member is located intermediate said pushing member and said frame when said spreader member engages said post, and wherein upon activation of said hoisting system, said pushing member will be forcibly driven along said post to slidably carry said spreader member. 22. The shelter as defined in claim 21, wherein when said spreader member engages said post, said spreader member is releasably coupled to said pushing member. 23. The shelter as defined in claim 22, wherein said spreader member comprises a spreader ring having at least one attachment aperture made thereon, and said pushing member comprises a push-ring pivotally carrying at least one attachment finger, wherein said attachment finger of said push-ring can be selectively pivoted to engage said attachment aperture of said spreader ring in order for said push-ring and said, spreader ring to be releasably coupled. 24. The shelter as defined in claim 18, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said spreader member is releasably attached to said marquee frame and clears said post. 25. A mobile shelter comprising: a vehicle movable over ground; a post defining opposite first and second end portions; a post attachment base pivotally attaching said post second end portion to said vehicle so as to allow said post to pivot relative to said vehicle about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis perpendicular to said post and spaced from said post by said post attachment base so as to allow said post to pivot between a stored position in which said post lies above said vehicle in a transport condition and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located spacedly above ground, and a deployment position in which said post is erected and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located close to the ground; and a collapsible marquee comprising: a frame, releasably attachable to said post first end portion, a number of articulated brace assemblies attached to said frame, and defining a ground-resting end, said articulated brace assemblies being movable relative to said frame between a storage position in which said brace assemblies are collapsed against said post, and a deployed position in which said brace assemblies are deployed away from said post to define a canvas-sheltered usable area and in which said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies are destined to rest on the ground to support said marquee; and a canvas carried by said brace assemblies; wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post first end portion can be released from said frame, and said vehicle can be moved away from said marquee with said post to clear said canvas-sheltered usable area; wherein said post attachment base comprises at least one elongated flange, pivotally attached at a first end to said vehicle and carrying said post second end portion at a second end, said flange spacing said post away from said base pivot axis. 26. The shelter as defined in claim 25, wherein said post attachment base comprises a post lifting mechanism including a socket attached to said flange second end, said post second end portion slidably engaging said socket, whereby said post lifting mechanism can be selectively activated to allow said post second end portion to be moved along and within said socket between inner and outer limit positions. 27. The shelter as defined in claim 25, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said storage position and said post is in said deployment position, said ground resting ends of said brace assemblies are positioned spacedly over ground, and during movement of said brace assemblies from said storage position to said deployed position, said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies will describe a pseudo-parabolic trajectory in order for said ground-resting ends to move over and avoid said vehicle in a first trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory and for said ground-resting ends to move downwardly towards to the ground in a second downward trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory. 28. The shelter as defined in claim 25, wherein said brace assemblies each define a first pivot joint pivotally attached to said marquee frame, and a second pivot joint pivotally attached to a spreader member, said spreader member movably engaging and being guided along said post to move said brace assemblies between said storage position and said deployed position. 29. The shelter as defined in claim 28, wherein each said brace assembly comprises: a frame connecting brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said marquee frame and a second end opposite said first end; a spreader brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said spreader member, and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said frame connecting brace being pivotally attached to said spreader member intermediate said spreader brace first and second ends; a ground-resting brace having a first end destined to rest on the ground in said deployed position of said brace assembly and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said spreader brace being pivotally attached to said ground-resting brace intermediate said ground-resting brace first and second ends; and an intermediate brace having a first end pivotally connected to said frame connecting brace first and second ends, and a second end opposite said first end and pivotally connected to said ground-resting brace second end. 30. The shelter as defined in claim 28, wherein an actuator is provided on said shelter, which can be activated to forcibly drive said spreader member along said post. 31. The shelter as defined in claim 30, wherein said actuator comprises a hoisting system carried by said post, and a pushing member operatively connected to said hoisting system and slidably engaging said post; and wherein said spreader member is located intermediate said pushing member and said frame when said spreader member engages said post, and wherein upon activation of said hoisting system, said pushing member will be forcibly driven along said post to slidably carry said spreader member. 32. The shelter as defined in claim 31, wherein when said spreader member engages said post, said spreader member is releasably coupled to said pushing member. 33. The shelter as defined in claim 32, wherein said spreader member comprises a spreader ring having at least one attachment aperture made thereon, and said pushing member comprises a push-ring pivotally carrying at least one attachment finger, wherein said attaebment finger of said push-ring can be selectively pivoted to engage said attachment aperture of said spreader ring in order for said push-ring and said spreader ring to be releasably coupled. 34. The shelter as defined in claim 28, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said spreader member is releasably attached to said marquee frame and clears said post. 35. A mobile shelter comprising: a vehicle movable over ground; a post comprising, at opposite ends, first and second coupling members; a post attachment base pivotally attaching said post second coupling member to said vehicle so as to allow said post to pivot relative to said vehicle about a substantially horizontal base pivot axis perpendicular to said post and spaced from said post by said post attachment base so as to allow said post to pivot between a stored position in which said post lies above said vehicle in a transport condition and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located spacedly above ground, and a deployment position in which said post is erected and in which said post second end portion is destined to be located close to the ground; and a collapsible marquee comprising: a frame, attached to said post through the instrumentality of said first coupling member, a number of articulated brace assemblies attached to said frame, and defining a ground-resting end, said articulated brace assemblies being movable relative to said frame between a storage position in which said brace assemblies are collapsed against said post, and a deployed position in which said brace assemblies are deployed away from said post to define a canvas-sheltered usable area and in which said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies are destined to rest on the ground to support said marquee; and a canvas carried by said brace assemblies; wherein at least one of said first and second coupling members is a releasable attachment joint and wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post can be moved away from said canvas-sheltered usable area. and wherein said post attachment base comprises at least one elongated flange, pivotally attached at a first end to said vehicle and carrying said post second coupling member at a second end, said flange spacing said post away from said base pivot axis. 36. The shelter as defined in claim 35, wherein said post second coupling member is releasable, said post being thereby releasably attached to said post attachment base, and wherein said first coupling member is pivotable, said post being thereby pivotally attached to said frame; wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post can be released from said post attachment base, said vehicle can be driven away from said marquee, and said post can be pivoted about said first post coupling member into a stored position adjacent at least one of said brace assemblies to clear said canvas-sheltered usable area. 37. The shelter as defined in claim 35, wherein said post first coupling member is releasable, said post being thereby releasably attached to said frame; and wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said post can be released from said frame, and said vehicle can be driven away with said post from said marquee to clear said canvas-sheltered usable area. 38. The shelter as defined in claim 37, wherein said post attachment base comprises a post lifting mechanism including a socket attached to said flange second end, said post slidably engaging said socket, whereby said post lifting mechanism can be selectively activated to allow said post to be moved along and within said socket between inner and outer limit positions. 39. The shelter as defined in claim 37, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said storage position and said post is in said deployment position, said ground resting ends of said brace assemblies are positioned spacedly over ground, and during movement of said brace assemblies from said storage position to said deployed position, said ground-resting ends of said brace assemblies will describe a pseudo-parabolic trajectory in order for said ground-resting ends to move over and avoid said vehicle in a first trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory and for said ground-resting ends to move downwardly towards to the ground in a second downward trajectory portion of said pseudo-parabolic trajectory. 40. The shelter as defined in claim 37, wherein said brace assemblies each define a first pivot joint pivotally attached to said marquee frame, and a second pivot joint pivotally attached to a spreader member, said spreader member movably engaging and being guided along said post to move said brace assemblies between said storage position and said deployed position. 41. The shelter as defined in claim 40, wherein each said brace assembly comprises: a frame connecting brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said marquee frame and a second end opposite said first end; a spreader brace defining a first end pivotally connected to said spreader member, and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said frame connecting brace being pivotally attached to said spreader member intermediate said spreader brace first and second ends; a ground-resting brace having a first end destined to rest on the ground in said deployed position of said brace assembly and a second end opposite said first end, with said second end of said spreader brace being pivotally attached to said ground-resting brace intermediate said ground-resting brace first and second ends; and an intermediate brace having a first end pivotally connected to said frame connecting brace first and second ends, and a second end opposite said first end and pivotally connected to said ground-resting brace second end. 42. The shelter as defined in claim 40, wherein an actuator is provided on said shelter, which can be activated to forcibly drive said spreader member along said post. 43. The shelter as defined in claim 42, wherein said actuator comprises a hoisting system carried by said post, and a pushing member operatively connected to said hoisting system and slidably engaging said post; and wherein said spreader member is located intermediate said pushing member and said frame when said spreader member engages said post, and wherein upon activation of said hoisting system, said pushing member will be thereby driven along said post to slidably carry said spreader member. 44. The shelter as defined in claim 43, wherein when said spreader member engages said post, said spreader member is releasably coupled to said pushing member. 45. The shelter as defined in claim 44, wherein said spreader member comprises a spreader ring having at least one attachment aperture made thereon, and said pushing member comprises a push-ring pivotally carrying at least one attachment finger, wherein said attachment finger of said push-ring can be selectively pivoted to engage said attachment aperture of said spreader ring in order for said push-ring and said spreader ring to be releasably coupled. 46. The shelter as defined in claim 40, wherein when said brace assemblies are in said deployed position, said spreader member is releasably attached to said marquee frame and clears said post.