Reinforced Frame Structure

Abstract

A frame structure, in its expanded configuration forms a top portion having an elongated top ridge member and four downwardly-angled ridge members. Each end of the top ridge member is connected to an inner end of two ridge members, while the outer ends of each ridge member are connected to legs. The top ridge member and ridge members are composed of various trusses and connector/cap members that allow the ridge members to pivot or not pivot, in various directions, allowing the frame structure to be folded to its collapsed configuration and unfolded to its expanded position.

1 . A portable shelter comprising:
 a frame structure foldable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; said frame structure comprising:
 a first and second cap member, each pivotally connected to a free end of an elongated ridge member; 
 a first and second angled ridge member, each pivotally connected to said first cap member and oriented in a non-parallel direction relative to said elongated ridge member; 
 a third and fourth angled ridge member, each pivotally connected to said second cap member and oriented in a non-parallel direction relative to said elongated ridge member; and, 
 a plurality of legs, each connected to said first, second, third, and fourth ridge members. 
   
     
     
         2 . The shelter of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover disposed over said frame structure in said expanded position. 
     
     
         3 . The shelter of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated ridge member further comprises a first and second truss member that are pivotally connected to provide a predetermined limit to upward pivoting movement. 
     
     
         4 . The shelter of  claim 1 , wherein said first cap is configured to limit upward pivoting movement of said first and second angled ridge members beyond a first predetermined point, and limit downward pivoting movement of said elongated ridge member beyond a second predetermined point. 
     
     
         5 . The shelter of  claim 4 , wherein said elongated ridge member further comprises a first and second truss member that are pivotally connected to provide a predetermined limit to upward pivoting movement. 
     
     
         6 . The shelter of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second angled ridge member and said elongated ridge member are connected to said cap member in a Y orientation. 
     
     
         7 . The shelter of  claim 1 , wherein said expanded configuration of said frame structure forms a rectangular footprint. 
     
     
         8 . The shelter of  claim 1 , wherein said frame structure further comprises a plurality of scissor linkages disposed between said plurality of legs. 
     
     
         9 . A portable shelter comprising:
 a frame structure foldable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; said frame structure comprising:
 a first and second cap member, each pivotally connected to a free end of an elongated ridge member forming an upper peak of said frame structure in said expanded configuration; 
 a first and second angled ridge member, each pivotally connected to said first cap member and one of a plurality of leg members; 
 a third and fourth angled ridge member, each pivotally connected to said second cap member and one of said plurality of leg members; 
   wherein said elongated ridge member and said first, second, third, and fourth angled ridge member are each composed of at least two pivotally connected truss members.   
     
     
         10 . The portable shelter of  claim 9 , wherein said first cap member limits downward movement of said elongated ridge member beyond a first position and wherein said first cap member limits upward movement of said first and second angled ridge members beyond a second position. 
     
     
         11 . The portable shelter of  claim 9 , wherein said elongated ridge member is composed of a first truss member and a second truss member that are pivotally connected to bend downward to form said collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The portable shelter of  claim 11 , wherein said first, second, third, and fourth angled ridge member each comprise a third and fourth truss members that are pivotally connected to bend upwards to form said collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The portable shelter of  claim 9 , wherein said first and second cap members each include three mounting locations arranged in a Y orientation. 
     
     
         14 . The portable shelter of  claim 9 , wherein said frame structure further comprises a plurality of scissor linkages connected between said plurality of legs.