System and method for storing, assembling and transporting a canopy

Abstract

A method for disassembling and packaging the canopy in a container, wherein the length of the container is 25% shorter than the length of each of the upright assemblies. As a result, the length of the container is significantly short as compared with prior art containers. To accommodate the shortened length, the width and/or the height of the container may be increased as necessary to still house all of the components of the canopy. Preferably, the length of the container is sufficiently short to accommodate placing the container in a traditional sedan automobile trunk.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A kit housing a shelter for storage, transport and assembly such that the kit can be easily manufactured, displayed and purchased, the kit comprising: 
 at least four vertical posts, each vertical post including a first portion operatively connectable to a second portion such that a length of the at least four vertical posts can be selectively reduced;    at least two horizontal rails, each horizontal rail including a first portion operatively connectable to a second portion such that a length of the at least two horizontal rails can be selectively reduced;    at least two cross rails;    a plurality of frame connectors for connecting the horizontal and cross rails to form a roof frame, and mounting the roof frame on the at least four vertical posts;    a covering for at least partially enclosing the shelter;    means for attaching the covering to the roof frame; and    a container for housing the vertical posts, the horizontal rails, the cross rails, the plurality of frame connectors, the covering and the means for attaching.    
   
   
       22 . A kit as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the first portions are relatively longer than the respective second portions, and the container has a length approximately equal to the first portions.  
   
   
       23 . A kit as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the cross rails include a first portion removably connectable to a second portion.  
   
   
       24 . A kit as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the cross rails are arcuate-shaped and the means is selected from the group consisting of a rope, ball bungee cords, elastic cords and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       25 . A kit as recited in  claim 21 , wherein the container is sized for transport in a car trunk.  
   
   
       26 . A kit as recited in  claim 21 , wherein: 
 the at least four vertical posts are six vertical posts;    the at least two horizontal rails are four horizontal rails; and    the at least two cross rails are six cross rails that include a first portion operatively connectable to a second portion such that a length of the at least two cross rails can be selectively reduced.    
   
   
       27 . A kit as recited in  claim 21 , wherein 
 the at least four vertical posts are eight vertical posts;    the at least two horizontal rails are six horizontal rails; and    the at least two cross rails are eight cross rails that include a first portion operatively connectable to a second portion such that a length of the at least two cross rails can be selectively reduced.    
   
   
       28 . A shelter that can be easily manufactured, stored, transported, displayed, purchased and assembled, the shelter comprising: 
 at least four vertical posts, each vertical post including a first portion operatively connectable to a second portion such that a length of the at least four vertical posts can be selectively reduced;    at least three horizontal rails, each horizontal cross rail including a first portion operatively connectable to a second portion such that a length of the at least two horizontal rails can be selectively reduced;    a plurality of connectors for connecting the horizontal rails to the vertical posts; and    a covering for at least partially enclosing the shelter.    
   
   
       29 . A shelter as recited in  claim 28 , further comprising at least four cross rails.  
   
   
       30 . A shelter as recited in  claim 28 , further comprising rope for attaching the covering to the roof frame, and a container for housing the vertical posts, the horizontal rails, the cross rails, the plurality of frame connectors, the covering and the rope.  
   
   
       31 . A shelter as recited in  claim 28 , wherein: 
 the covering is a resilient tarp;    the rope includes locking balls; and    the first portions of the vertical posts and horizontal rails have a smaller neck for insertion with the corresponding second portions and further comprising means between the first and second portions to enhance engagment,    wherein the engagement means is selected from the group consisting of: i) a push button device on the smaller neck of the corresponding first portions to engage a hole formed in the respective second portion to capture the push button device; ii) a plurality of protrusions on the smaller neck; iii) a screw; iv) a telescoping feature; v) threads; vi) a crimped section; and vii) combinations thereof.    
   
   
       32 . A method for packaging a shelter having uprights, horizontal rails and a plurality of connectors in a container, the method comprising the steps of: 
 reducing a length of the uprights;    placing at least a portion of the uprights and horizontal rails in a bottom of the container;    nesting the connectors on top of the portion such that ends thereof point towards the bottom;    placing a remaining portion of the uprights and horizontal rails on top of the connectors to form a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile; and    placing a covering for the shelter on top of the remaining portion.    
   
   
       33 . A method as recited in  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of: 
 placing a large strip below the covering to protect the covering;    placing means for attaching the covering in the container; and    sealing the container,    wherein the uprights, horizontal rails and connectors are fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, plastic, PVC, polyethelene and combinations thereof.    
   
   
       34 . A method as recited in  claim 32 , wherein the container is approximately 42×16.5×10 inches to house a 10×20×9.5 foot shelter.  
   
   
       35 . A method as recited in  claim 32 , wherein the container has a length selected of approximately 60 inches and the upright is erected to be approximately 80 inches.  
   
   
       36 . A method as recited in  claim 32 , wherein the connectors are four-way connectors nested in a line having an axis thereof offset along a length of the container and three-way connectors arranged back-to-back.  
   
   
       37 . A method as recited in  claim 32 , further comprising the steps of: reducing a length of the horizontal rails, 
 wherein the shelter further includes arch rails.    
   
   
       38 . A method as recited in  claim 32 , and further comprising the steps of: substantially forming a substantially triangular cross-sectional profile with the uprights in the bottom of the container; and placing two strips adjacent the triangular profile to help maintain the triangular profile.  
   
   
       39 . A method for packaging a shelter having upright assemblies, the method comprising the step of: 
 reducing a length of the upright assemblies for storage in a smaller container.