Portable shelter assemblies

Abstract

A portable shelter framework is formed by a series of end-interconnected modules, each defining a separate arch portion of the framework extending in different directions relative to each other. Each module is formed of elongate struts capable of being expanded into arched three dimensional form and collapsed into bundled form.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,968,808; 4,026,313; 4,290,244; and 4,437,275 various portable shelters are disclosed. In my U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,808, a generally semi-spherical framework made of elongate struts and hub means is disclosed which is movable between a collapsed, bundled condition in which the struts are closely bunched and in generally parallel relation and an expanded condition of three dimensional form. As disclosed, such structural frameworks are self-supporting by virtue of self-locking action, particularly with relation to the modules thereof. This self-locking action is achieved, within a module, by an asymmetrical disposition of those struts which extend inwardly from the crossed pairs of struts defining the peripheral sides of the module. In addition to this asymmetry to achieve the self-locking action, the necessary and sufficient condition for the capability for collapsing as well as expanding is that the sum of the distances from one of a pair of corresponding hub means along a strut to its pivotal connection with a crossing strut and back along the crossing strut to the other of the hub means is a constant value for all pairs of pivotally crossing or scissored struts connected to each pair of inner and outer hub means.

In the U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,808, domes, cylinders and modules are disclosed and in the dome structures, the framework is based upon a spherical icosahedron as defined by Buckminster Fuller and one face of which is illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 27 of that patent. By causing a zone of sliding connections in the framework, as for example as indicated at 110 in FIG. 1, three forms of maximum, though incomplete, possible triangular packing within an icosahedron face are disclosed in FIGS. 25 and 27. The incomplete triangular packing is self evident in FIG. 25 whereas in FIG. 27, either the crossed pair of struts 344 or the two crossed pairs of struts 340 and 342 are left out in order to attain the expandable/collapsible framework with the aforesaid zone 110 of sliding connections between crossed struts.

In my U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,313, the full triangular packing of each icosahedron face is made possible by providing alternate zones 18 and 20 of sliding and pivoted connections as shown in FIG. 1 of that patent. For a cylindrical framework, the alternate zones are shown at 62 and 64 in FIG. 2. FIGS. 10-12A illustrate rectangular modules of the general type which may be employed in this invention. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,290,244 and 4,437,275 are divisions of U.S. Pat. No. 4,026,313 and are directed to modules per se and/or to a module or an assembly of modules in the form of a panel thereof, respectively. Modules such as these may be employed in this invention, although as will be pointed out hereinafter, any module format which is capable of expanding to three dimensional form and collapsing into a bundle is usable in this invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic sequence similar to FIG. 10 but illustrating other pattern changes.4,280,251e the expanded condition or to the collapsed condition. The arch portions defined by the modules 28 and 20 and by the modules 24 and 32 are flattened in comparison with their positions in FIGS. 1-3. Furthermore, all of the modules throughout the framework are in partially collapsed condition. Thus, the depth of each module is greater than its depth in the fully expanded condition, as will be readily evicent evident from comparison between FIGS. 3 and 4. The position of FIG. 4 is attained by moving all of the arch portions outwardly aw as previously described. Thus, with reference to FIG. 2, the arch portion defined by the modules 20 and 28 and the arch portion defined by the module 24 and the module 32 are moved away from each other whereas the arch portion defined by the module 18 and the module 26 and the arch portion defined by the module 22 and the module 30 are moved away from each other. This should be done in as uniform and simultaneous fashion as is reasonably possible. When it is done manually, as is feasible when the weight of the framework and its covering is such that no difficulty is had for four persons to lift the entire assembly off the supporting surface, one person is positioned at each of the four arch portions and the respective four modules 28, 30, 32 and 26 are grasped and the assembly lifted. Then the persons involved move their respective modules as aforesaid until the position of FIG. 4 is reached. At this time, all of the modules of the framework are partially collapsed and they will tend to collapse further under the weight of the framework, exerting inward pulling forces which are readily perceived by the persons holding the framework. If, as described at this time, the framework is being moved from expanded condition to collapsed condition, the persons involved merely respond to the inward pulling forces and move their modules inwardly as is indicated in FIG. 5. Finally, the modules are pushed inwardly until the bundled, collapsed condition is reached.

Starting from the collapsed condition, the four persons involved again grasp their respective modules 28, 30, 32 and 26 and after lifting the framework assembly, they move their respective modules outwardly until the FIG. 4 position is reached. Now, in order to manipulate the framework assembly to the expanded condition, it is necessary not only to move the grasped modules inwardly, but also to urge the framework assembly simultaneously toward the expanded condition. This may be done in any way which is convenient. Perhaps the easiest way is for four persons each to manipulate the module they are holding towards its expanded condition as such module is being moved inwardly. Other and different techniques may of course be used as, for example, a fifth person could push upwardly on the framework from the interior, etc.

The particular technique employed may depend in large part upon the type of framework involved. For example, if the framework assembly is of the self-locking module type illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the transition toward the expanded condition from the FIG. 4 condition is more difficult than is the case for the modified form of the framework, without the self-locking modules, of FIGS. 4 and 5. In fact, for the framework type as in FIGS. 4 and 5, very little effort is required to urge the assembly toward the expanded condition as the modules are moved inwardly from the FIG. 4 position.

Once the framework assembly has been moved to the expanded condition, it will self-lock in the expanded condition if the modules, or some of the modules are of the self-locking type. If no self-locking of the framework modules is employed, extraneous locking is normally desirable. However, it should be noted that the flexible covering material as disclosed in my prior patents will aid in holding the framework assembly is expanded condition. That is, in moving the FIG. 4 condition to the expanded condition, the covering material will become taut as the modules reach a maximum of expansion, and it will thus limit the expanded condition of each module. In some cases, this is sufficient to reatain the framework assembly in the expanded condition, bearing in mind also that with the modules 28, 30, 32 and 26 resting in contact with the supporting surface, a substantial degree of stability is derived therefrom.

However, it is also to be noted that extraneous locking means may also be employed as may be necessary and that such extraneous locking means may take any desired form such as is described in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,986; the Derus U.S. Pat. No. Re. 31,641; the Alphonse et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,479,340 or the like. In fact, any extraneous locking, holding or anchoring means may be employed, as is desired.

For maximum rigidity and strength, however, the preferred configuration resides in the provision of self-locking module configurations and these are easily implemented in accord with the teachings of my prior patents. Thus, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, each flat module means may employ the central strut structure therein and which will now be described.

Although FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the particular flat module 28, it will be understood that any and all flat modules within the framework may take this form. As illustrated, the outer and inner hub means 140 and 140' are provided. The blades at the inner ends of the struts 142, 144, 146 and 148 are pivotally connected with the ring of the hub means 140 (see my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,521) whereas the blades at the inner ends of the struts 150, 152, 154 and 156 are pivotally connected with the ring of the hub means 140'. Likewise, the blades at the outer ends of the struts 142, 144, 146 and 148 are connected pivotally with the rings of the respective hub means 60', 124', 116' and 62'. The set of struts 142, 144, 146 and 148 are of the same length but are longer than the struts of the set 150, 152, 154 and 156. It will be noted that pairs of struts of the two sets are in crossed, pivoted relation, i.e., they constitute scissored pairs of struts. Thus, the pair of struts 142 and 150 is pivotally connected by the pivot means 160; the pair of struts 144 and 152 is pivotally connected by the pivot means 162; the pair of struts 146 and 154 is pivotally connected by the pivot means 164; and the pair of struts 148 and 156 is pivotally connected by the pivot means 166. The lengths of the struts of the two sets are chosen so that two conditions are met. First, the previously described necessary and sufficient condition for movement between the collapsed condition and expanded condition must be followed. That is, for each pair of inner and outer hub means such as the hubs 62 and 62', the distance along the strut 156 from its pivotal connection with the hub means 62 to the pivot point at 166 plus the distance along the strut 148 from the pivot point at 166 back to its pivotal connection with the hub means 62' is the previously described constant which is equal to the length of a circumscribing strut between its end pivotal points. Second, the necessary and sufficient condition for self-locking must be followed. This necessary and sufficient condition is that a plane passing through the pivot means 160, 162, 164 and 166 must be offset from the plane passing through the pivot means 100, 130, 122 and 144. This is evident from FIG. 7. If these two planes are coincidental, i.e., are one and the same plane, a "neutral" condition prevails and no self-locking action is attained. On the other hand, the more the plane passing through the pivot means 160, 162, 164 and 166 is offset from the plane passing through the pivot means 100, 130, 122 and 114 toward the ultimate position in which such plane also passes through the set of hub means such as the hub means 60, 62, 116 and 124, the stronger the self-locking action becomes. Because the forces of self-locking generated become larger as the ultimate position is approached, it is preferred to soften the self-locking action to some degree by choosing the lengths of the struts of the two sets such that the struts 150, 152, 154 and 156 each lie at a small angle (in the order of 3°-7°) to the plane passing through the hub means 60, 62, 124 and 116.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the same general principles for self-locking as described above for FIGS. 6 and 7 prevails. The central struts in this case are the set of struts 170, 172, 174 and 176 and the set of struts 180, 182, 184 and 186. The central outer and inner hub means are 178 and 178'. The scissored crossing point are at the pivot means 190, 192, 194 and 196. As noted before, the length of each circumscribing strut such as the strut 52 is of the same length as that of all the other circumscribing struts of all other modules, i.e., the length of the strut 52 in FIGS. 8 and 9 is the same as the length of the strut 98 in FIGS. 6 and 7. Similarly, it is the case that the length of each strut such as the strut 154 in FIGS. 6 and 7 is the same as the length of each strut such as the strut strut 184 of FIGS. 8 and 9. Likewise, the length of each strut such as the strut 146 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is the same as the length of each strut such as the strut 174 of FIGS. 8 and 9. Thus, only three different length struts need be used throughout the entire framework assembly, thus greatly simplifying fabrication. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate FIG. 10 illustrates how different patterns of modules may be employed to achieve an infinite variety of framework configurations with indepence among height, width and length.

In FIG. 10, a basic rhombicuboctahedron is indicated at 200. From the perspective angle of the Figure, only seven faces of the rhombicuboctahedron are seen. However, there are in reality twenty six faces to this body. What is illustrated are the faces which will be termed herein as the top central face 202, the two transition faces 204 and 206, the girthwise faces 208, 210 and 212, and the triangular (equilateral) face 214. Girthwise of the rhombicuboctahedron, there are five more faces in addition to the three faces 208, 210 and 212 illustrated; in the transition region there are two more transition faces in addition to the transition faces 204 and 206 illustrated and three more triangular faces in addition to the triangular face 214 illustrated. The four transition faces plus the four triangular faces and the top central face constitute the top pyramid of the body. On the bottom pyramid which is not seen, there is a bottom central face corresponding to the face 202 and all of the faces corresponding with the top pyramid transition faces and the top pyramid triangular faces, a total of twenty six faces in all, eight girthwise faces, two central region faces, eight transition faces and eight triangular faces. From the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, it will be seen that the expanded module 30 defines the girthwise face 208, the expanded module 28 defines the girthwise face 212, the expanded module 14 defines the top central face 202, the expanded module 22 defines the transition face 204 and the expanded module 20 defines the transition face 206. Further, it will be seen that the expanded module 32 defines the girthwise face opposite the girthwise face 212, the expanded module 26 defines the girthwise face opposite the girthwise face 208, the expanded module 24 defines the transition face opposite the transition face 206 and the expanded module 18 defines the transition face opposite the transition face 204.

It will also be evident from FIGS. 1-3 that all of four of the girthwise faces corresponding to the girthwise face 210 in FIG. 10 are left open as entrances for the shelter assembly. Similarly, none of the four triangular transition faces corresponding with the triangular transition face 214 of FIG. 10 is defined by any modules in FIGS. 1-3. In addition, the entire bottom pyramid is not used.

At this time, however, it should be noted that other and different configurations than is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 may be employed for the basic rhombicuboctahedron. Before discussing these possibilities in detail, it should be pointed out that whereas the basic rhombicuboctahedron is a regular solid having eighteen square faces and eight triangular faces, the frameworks of this invention involve modules which define only four girthwise square faces and no transition faces which are either square or of equilateral form. To illustrate, the four modules 26, 28, 30 and 32 all define when expanded four square girthwise faces. However, if the framework also includes a module which corresponds, say, with the girthwise face 210 of FIG. 10 such module will be a transition module such as that illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 (i.e., a module such as 20) but which has been rotated 90° as expanded in more detail hereinafter. Thus, such a girthwise transition module will define a rectangular girthwise face rather than a square girthwise face as illustrated at 210 in FIG. 10.

The use of such a further girthwise module is indeed desirable because it not only defines a girthwise face which is at an angle to any falt flat module adjacent to it and which defines another girthwise face, but it also cooperates with other modules in the framework assembly to complete the triangular face at the corresponding corner of the top central face or region. This lends greater rigidity to the framework when expanded. Indeed, when all four girthwise faces such as 210 are employed, an extremely rigid structure is formed because the top central region is bounded and circumscribed completely by transition modules so that in any vertical section, a deep truss-like structure is present.

Thus, one possibility of modifying the basic rhombicuboctahedron from the form illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is to omit, say, the two girthwise modules 26 and 30 and add four girthwise transition modules. Such a configuration, referring to FIG. 1 at this time, would omit all of the central or self-locking struts 220 as well as the scissored pairs of struts 221, 226 and 228 and the hub means 222 and 224 as well as their corresponding inner hub means as indicated in FIG. 1 but would retain the two pairs of hub means 68, 68' and 70, 70' as well as the scissored pair of struts 219. A transition module such as the module illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 could be added as follows. The two hub means 44 and 44' of FIG. 8 would lie adjacent the positions of the hub means 68,68'of FIG. 1 with the pair of scissored struts 52 and 54 of FIG. 8 extending vertically and the hub means 42 and 42' of FIG. 8 lying adjacent the positions of the removed hub means 222 and its corresponding inner hub means of FIG. 1 with the two struts 82 and 84 of FIG. 8 extending to the hub means 116 and 116' (i.e., the hub means 62,62' of FIG. 8 become the hub means 116,116' of FIG. 1) and the hub means 60,60' of FIG. 8 become the hub means 62,62' of FIG. 1 and the two struts 96 and 98 of FIG. 8 becoming the struts 110 and 112 of FIG. 1.

Of course, the three remaining transition modules to be added would be similarly arranged in the pattern of modules. It is to be noted that a transition triangular face would be defined at each corner of the top central module or region 14 to provide the complete bounding or circumscribing of this top central region to provide the truss-like relationship previously described. Although not essential, the added transition modules may be manually joined to a corner of an adjacent transition module for increased rigidity. That is, with relation to the added transition module described above, the hub means 44,44' of FIG. 8 may be manually joined to the hub means 68,68' of FIG. 1. Since the framework must be separate or separable from the base of the framework upwardly to the top central region, and especially to the corners of the top central region, if manual joining of the hub means is employed, such joining must be removed before the framework is collapsed.

Such joining is especially important in lending rigidity to the framework if the modules are not of the self-locking type and omit the central struts, employing only the circumscribing pairs of struts. With such a configuration, with four added transition modules as above, the manual joining in and of itself is sufficient not only to lock the framework in expanded condition but also lends such increased rigidity thereto as does not require any further locking, especially since the fabric itself leads stability to the structure.

It will be apparent that additional configurations may be made as, for example, by omitting only one of the girthwise modules in FIG. 1.

Returning to FIG. 10, on the right-hand side thereof as indicated by the arrow, an infinite variation of the module patterns may be made. The seven faces illustrated at the left-hand side of FIG. 10 are identified in the right-based side as well and it will be seen that addition of transition modules may be made in any one or a combination of orthogonal directions from the triangular face 214. Thus, one or more transition modules 204', 206' or 210' may be added independently to increase the length, width or height of the shelter structure. Obviously, when a transition module 206' is added, the area of the top central region is correspondingly increased as noted by the additions 214'. Similarly, as transition modules 204' are added, the area of the top central region is increased as noted by the additions 214". As transition modules 210 are added, as noted by the module 210', corresponding girthwise modules 208' and 212' must be added. Thus, to increase the shelter length, transition modules 206' are added with corresponding increase in the area of the top central as at 214'. To increase the shelter width, transition modules 204' are added with corresponding increase in the area of the top central region as at 214". Lastly, to increase the height of the structure, transition modules 210' are added with corresponding additions of the girthwise modules 208' and 212'. Therefore, width, height and length may be controlled independently or in concert. Further, girthwise modules including not only the modules 208 and 210 but also the modules 210 may be omitted from the pattern as desired. The top central region need not be filled in with module structures as such addition of structure leads minimal additional rigidity and principally serves only to add weight to the structure, a feature not usually desirable. FIG. 11 illustrates another possibility for controlling the shape or dimensions of the structure. In this case, however, the central portion of the Figure as indicated by the first arrow illustrates the simultaneous additions of all three transition modules 204, 206 and 210. The original faces 208 and 212 are preserved in this technique, as is the original top central region 202.

As indicated by the second arrow in the FIG. 11, a combination of the two techniques of FIG. 10 and the central portion of FIG. 11 yields still another possibility. It will be appreciated that the technique of FIG. 10 tends toward a cubic or rectangular polyhedral form whereas the technique of the central portion of FIG. 11 tend toward an octahedral form and, lastly, the technique of the right-hand side of FIG. 11 tends toward enlargement of the rhombicuboctahedral form.

The covering material made be made of one piece and may include flaps with zipper or similar edge connections means for covering any openings or the like. Preferably, the covering material is attached to the framework at the hub means in the manner disclosed in any one of my prior patents and in order to allow the arch portions of the framework to separate for expansion or collapsing, the covering is also provided for such separation, even through it may be zipped up to effect the proper covering function when the framework is expanded.

Claims

1. In a portable shelter framework formed of elongated struts and which is capable of being expanded into arched three dimensional form and collapsed into bundled form, the combination of a plurality of series of end-interconnected module each defining a separate arch portion of the framework said portions at least one arch portion extending in a different, directions non-parallel and non-coplanar direction relative to each other, to a second arch portion, said modules, when expanded, comprising sides and ends defined by crossed, pivotally connected pairs of said elongated struts.

2. In a portable shelter framework as defined in claim 1 wherein two of said arch portions extend in opposite directions relative to each other.

3. In a portable shelter framework as defined in claim 2 wherein a third said second arch portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the two of said arch portions.

4. In a portable shelter framework as defined in claim 3 wherein a fourth arch portion extends in a direction opposite to said third second arch portion.

5. In a A portable shelter framework comprised of comprising:

(a) a plurality of expanded, three dimensional modules distributed throughout the framework, each module including crossed pairs of elongated struts and pivot means pivotally joining said struts for allowing said modules to be manipulated between expanded, three dimensional form and strut-bundled form,

(b) a first and second arch portion of the framework, each said arch portion comprised of a the combination of a plurality of series end-interconnected expanded modules defining at least a first and second end of said arch portion each defining an arch portion of the framework, the modules of each arch portion being bounded on opposite sides of the arch portion by crossed, pivotally connected pairs of struts, and

(c) each said arch portion including at least one transition module which, when expanded, defines rectilinear corners for polygonal inner and outer faces of the arch portion transition module in which the polygonal inner face is of lesser area than that of said rectilinear polygonal outer face,

(d) the arch portions connected to each other at their first ends and extending in different, non-parallel and non-coplanar directions such that the second ends of the arch portions can be moved outwardly in different, non-parallel, non-coplanar directions to collapse the framework.

6. In a portable shelter framework as defined in claim 5 wherein each at least one arch portion also includes a substantially vertically disposed end module forming a support for the framework.

7. In a A portable shelter framework comprising:

(a) elongated struts arranged into modules such that said framework is capable of being expanded into three dimensional form and collapsed into bundled form in which said struts are disposed in closely spaced generally parallel relation,

(b) a series of said modules end-interconnected to define, when expanded at least one arch portion of the framework,

(c) said series of said modules comprising,

(1) a first module which, when expanded, defines inner and outer faces of the first module which are of the same area,

(2) a second module, which, when expanded, defines inner and outer faces of second module which are of areas of different from each other.

(d) said one module of said series of said modules further comprising a module being substantially vertically disposed to present an end thereof disposed in a definite supporting position relative to the expand framework, and,

(e) a first one of said arch portions in a non-parallel non-coplanar relationship with a second one of said arch portions,

(f) said modules including pairs of crossed, pivotally connected struts and hub means pivotally joining ends of said pairs of struts for allowing collapse and expansion of said framework by extending said one module vertically disposed module of said series of said modules outwardly beyond said supporting position thereof its substantially vertical disposition.

8. In a portable shelter framework formed of elongated struts and which is capable of being expanded into three dimensional form and collapsed into bundled form in which struts are disposed in closely spaced, generally parallel relation, the combination of a series of end-interconnected modules defining an arch portion of the framework, the modules comprising said series of modules including at least one first module which when expanded defines inner and outer faces of the arch portion first module which are of the same rectangular area and at least one second module which when expanded defines inner and outer rectangular faces of the arch second module which are of areas different from each other, said first module defining inner and outer faces of said arch portion first module which are square.

9. In a portable shelter framework as defined in claim 8 wherein said first and second modules are circumscribed by crossed, pivotally connected struts of equal lengths.

10. In a portable shelter framework as defined in claim 9 wherein said first and second modules also includes include asymmetrically crossed, pivoted further pairs of struts extending inwardly from the hub means of each module, the inner ends of said further pairs of struts being joined by further hub means and serving to render each module self-locking in the expanded condition thereof.

11. In a portable shelter framework formed of elongated struts and which is capable of being expanded into three dimensional form and collapsed into bundled form in which struts are disposed in closely spaced, generally parallel relation, the combination of a series of end-interconnected modules defining an arch portion of the framework, the modules comprising said series of modules including at least one first module which when expanded defines inner and outer faces of the arch portion first module which are of the same rectangular area and at least one second module which, when expanded, defines inner and outer rectangular faces of the arch second module which are areas different from each other, said first and second modules are circumscribed by pairs of crossed, pivotally connected struts.

12. In a portable shelter framework as defined in claim 11 wherein the struts of said pairs are of the same length.

13. A framework for a portable shelter, said framework comprising:

(a) a plurality of pivotally interconnected elongate struts capable of relative movement between an expanded condition defining a three dimensional framework and a collapsed condition defining bundled struts,

(b) said struts forming a plurality of strings of modules defining an at least a first and second arch portion of the framework,

(c) each arch portion defining a first and second end,

(d) said second ends of said first and second arch portions each having a foot adapted to rest upon a support surface upon which said three dimensional framework may stand,

(e) said feet beingsaid arch portions connected at said first ends and disposed in different, non-parallel, non-coplanar directions positions in peripherally spaced relation to each other to define a supporting base periphery of the three dimensional framework,

(f) said feet capable of being extended beyond said base periphery to collapse the three dimensional framework,

(g) each said module modules being of three dimensional form when the framework is expanded and each module including said modules comprising at least;

(1) opposite module ends each formed by a pair of crossed, pivotally connected struts,

(2) and opposite module sides each formed by a pair of crossed, pivotally connected struts, and

(3) hub means pivotally joining adjacent ends of each pairs of struts.

14. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 13 wherein modules of a first set of said modules are bounded by opposite sides and opposite ends in which the crossed, pivoted pairs of struts defining such sides and ends are symmetrically crossed and pivoted and modules of a second set of said modules are bounded by opposite sides and opposite ends in which the opposite sides of the modules of said second set are defined by pairs of struts which are asymmetrically crossed and pivoted and in which the opposite ends of the modules of said second set are defined by pairs of struts which are symmetrically crossed and pivoted, each arch portion being formed of a mixture of modules of said first and second sets thereof.

15. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 14 wherein all of said struts are of the same length.

16. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 15 wherein said framework when expanded includes a stop top central region to which said strings of modules are joined, said top central region being bonded by symmetrically crossed and pivoted pairs of said struts.

17. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 16 wherein said top central region is bounded on all sides by arch portions.

18. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 17 wherein said top central region is of square shape.

19. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 14 wherein said framework when expanded includes a top central region to which said strings of modules are joined, said top central region being bounded by symmetrically crossed and pivoted pairs of said struts.

20. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 19 wherein said top central region is bounded on all sides by arch portions.

21. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 20 wherein said top central region is of square shape.

22. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 13 wherein said framework when expanded includes a top central region to which said strings of modules are joined, said top central region being bounded by symmetrically crossed and pivoted pairs of said struts.

23. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 22 wherein said top central region is bounded on all sides by arch portions.

24. A framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 23 wherein said top central region is of square shape.

25. An expandable/collapsible framework for a portable shelter, said framework comprising a plurality of pairs of crossed, pivotally connected elongate struts and hub means pivotally connecting said pairs of struts in orthogonally patterned end-to-end relation to define a plurality of modules each expandable to three dimensional form and collapsible into a bundle of generally parallel struts, each module being bounded by opposite parallel sides and opposite ends in which a pair of said crossed, pivotally connected struts defines each of said opposite ends and each of said opposite sides, said framework when expanded having a base adapted to rest upon a supporting surface, an elevated top portion and a plurality of independently movable arch portions joined only to said top portion and extending archwise downwardly therefrom to define a plurality of independently movable archs terminating in supporting leg modules disposed in supporting leg positions in peripherally spaced relation around said base of the expanded framework, each arch portion comprising at least a string of said modules sharing common ends and corresponding common hub means and said strings being disposed such that the respective opposite sides of the modules of each string are disposed in planes which intersect the planes in which the opposite sides of the modules of the respective other strings lie whereby the framework is moveable between its collapsed and expanded conditions by moving said supporting leg modules outwardly beyond their supporting leg positions and then back to their supporting leg positions, and means for holding said framework in expanded condition.

26. An expandable/collapsible framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 25 wherein modules of a first set of said modules are bounded by opposite sides and opposite ends in which the crossed, pivoted pairs of struts defining such sides and ends are symmetrically crossed and pivoted and modules of a second set of said modules are bounded by opposite sides and opposite ends in which the opposite sides of the modules of said second set are defined by pairs of struts which are asymmetrically crossed and pivoted and which the opposite ends of the modules of said second are defined by pairs of struts which are symmetrically crossed and pivoted, each arch portion being formed of a mixture of modules of said first and second sets thereof.

27. An expandable/collapsible framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 26 wherein all of said struts are of the same length.

28. In a collapsible/expandable framework comprised of a plurality of joined modules and having a base and a rectangular top region in the expanded condition, the combination of module means modules defining a plurality of separations from said base to corners of said top region, said separations defining an angle of less than 180° and greater than 0°.

29. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 28 including flexible material joined to said framework in covering relation thereto.

30. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 28 wherein said modules are of rectangular form.

31. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 30 wherein said modules are circumscribed by scissored pairs of struts.

32. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 31 wherein all struts of said scissored pairs of struts are of the same length.

33. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 32 wherein certain of said modules when expanded present inner and outer faces which are square and other of said modules when expanded present inner and outer faces which are of different areas.

34. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 28 wherein said module means modules comprise arch portions of the expanded framework, at least one of said arch portions being defined by a first sequence of said modules arching downwardly from said top region adjacent a corner thereof and a further sequence of said modules joined along a vertically extending edge of said first sequence of modules in alignment with a corner of said top region.

35. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 34 wherein another of said arch portions is defined by a third sequence of said modules arching downwardly from said top region adjacent said corner thereof, and means separably joining said third sequence to said further sequence in side-by-side relation.

36. In a collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 28 wherein at least one arch portion is located in bridging relation to one corner of the rectangular top region to define a triangular module at such corner, and including means for separably joining an apex of said triangular module to an adjacent module.

37. An expandable/collapsible framework for a portable shelter, said framework comprising a plurality of modules each expandable to three dimensional form and collapsible into a bundle;

each module comprising pairs of crossed, elongate struts, pivot means for pivotally connecting the struts of each crossed pair thereof in scissors-like fashion, and hub means pivotally connecting the opposite ends of each strut of each pair thereof to corresponding ends of individual struts of adjacent pairs thereof for allowing each module to be manipulated between a collapsed condition in which all of the struts of the module are in bundled, generally parallel relation and an expanded condition in which said pairs of struts are in patterned end-to-end relation;

said framework when expanded having an elevated, horizontally disposed top portion and a plurality of supporting leg portions which are joined to said top portion, extend downwardly therefrom and are spaced from each other;

said elevated, horizontally disposed top portion comprising a first plurality of said modules of the framework which share common struts and corresponding common hub means;

each supporting leg portion comprising at least a vertically extending string of a further plurality of said modules of the framework which share common ends and corresponding common hub means.

38. An expandable/collapsible framework as defined in claim 37 wherein said elevated, horizontally disposed top portion includes a continuous ring of said first plurality of modules which circumscribes the lower edge of the top portion of the framework and to which said supporting leg portions are joined.

39. An expandable/collapsible framework for a portable shelter, said framework comprising a plurality of modules each expandable to three dimensional form and collapsible into a bundle;

each module comprising four pairs of crossed, elongate struts in which all of such struts are of the same length, pivot means for pivotally connecting the struts of each crossed pair thereof in scissors-like fashion, and hub means pivotally connecting the opposite ends of each struts of each pair thereof to corresponding ends of individual struts of adjacent pairs thereof for allowing each module to be manipulated between collapsed condition in which all of the struts of the module are in bundled, generally parallel relation and expanded condition in which said four pairs of struts are in orthogonally patterned end-to-end relation with each module being bounded by opposite parallel sides and opposite ends in each of which sides and ends a pair of said crossed, pivotally connected struts defines a corresponding one of said opposite ends and of said opposite sides, a first type of said modules having those struts which bound its opposite sides and its opposite ends pivotally scissored about their mid points and a second type of said modules having those struts which bound its opposite ends pivotally scissored about their mid points and the pairs of struts which bound its opposite sides pivotally scissored in offset relation to their mid points;

said framework when expanded having an elevated, horizontally disposed top portion and a plurality of supporting leg portions joined to said top portion and extending downwardly therefrom;

said elevated, horizontally disposed top portion comprising bounded by a plurality of modules of both the first and the second types type thereof; and

each supporting leg portion comprising at least a vertically extending string of modules of both the first and second types thereof with the upper end of that module at the upper end of the string sharing commons struts and corresponding common hub means with one module of bounding said top portion.

40. An expandable/collapsible framework as defined in claim 39 wherein said elevated, horizontally disposed top portion includes a generally rectangular ring of modules circumscribing the lower edge of the top portion of the framework and to which said supporting leg portions are joined.

41. An expandable/collapsible framework as defined in claim 40 wherein said generally rectangular ring comprises four sets of modules joined in linear fashion and modules of said second type at the corners of the ring, said supporting leg portions being connected to the ring adjacent the corners thereof.

42. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 1 wherein said arch portions connect to define a top portion of the portable shelter framework. 43. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 44. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 45. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 42 wherein said top portion is square. 46. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 4 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 47. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 4 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 48. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 5 wherein at least one of the modules is self-locking. 49. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 5 wherein at least one of the modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 50. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 5 wherein said transition module, when expanded, comprises at least:

(a) first and second sides, said sides defining parallel planes, and

(b) first and second ends, said ends defining planes that intersect at a substantially perpendicular angle. 51. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 5 wherein said transition module is directly connected to at least one other transition module at one corner of its polygonal outer face and one corner of its polygonal inner face. 52. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 7 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 53. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 7 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 54. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 8 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 55. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 8 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 56. A portable framework as defined in claim 11 in which a first one of said modules comprises at least a first and second pair of said crossed, pivotally connected struts on opposite sides of said first one of said modules, said first and second pairs of crossed, pivotally connected struts of said first one of said modules defining planes that intersect at a substantially perpendicular angle. 57. A portable framework as defined in claim 11 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 58. A portable framework as defined in claim 11 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 59. A portable framework as defined in claim 56 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 60. A portable framework as defined in claim 56 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 61. A portable framework as defined in claim 14 wherein said first and second sets of modules also include asymmetrically crossed, pivotally connected further pairs of struts extending inwardly from said hub means of each module, the inner ends of said further pairs of struts being pivotally joined by further hub means and serving to render each module self-locking in the expanded condition thereof. 62. An expandable/collapsible framework for a portable shelter, said framework comprising:

(a) a plurality of pairs of crossed, pivotally connected elongate struts and hub means pivotally connecting said pairs of struts in orthogonally patterned end-to-end relation to define a plurality of modules,

(b) each of said modules expandable to three dimensional form and collapsible into a bundle of generally parallel struts, each module being bounded by opposite parallel sides and opposite ends,

(c) said framework, when expanded, defining

(1) a base,

(2) an elevated top portion,

(d) a plurality of arch portions comprised of said modules, joined only to said top portion, and extending archwise downwardly therefrom terminating in peripherally spaced relation to define said base of the expanded framework. 63. An expandable/collapsible framework for a portable shelter as defined in claim 25 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 64. A collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 28 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 65. A collapsible/expandable framework as defined in claim 28 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 66. An expandable/collapsible framework as defined in claim 37 wherein at least one of said modules is self-locking. 67. An expandable/collapsible framework as defined in claim 37 wherein at least one of said modules remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 68. A portable shelter framework comprising:

(a) A first type of module comprising at least,

(1) opposing first and second sides and first and second ends of said first type of module, said first and second sides and first and second ends of said first type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said first type of module,

(2) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defining said first and second sides of said first type of module being symmetrically crossed,

(3) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defining said first and second ends of said first type of module being symmetrically crossed,

(b) a second type of module comprising as least,

(1) opposing first and second sides and first and second ends of said second type of module, said first and second sides and first and second ends of said second type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said second type of module,

(2) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defining said first and second sides of said second type of module being asymmetrically crossed,

(3) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defining said first and second ends of said second type of module being symmetrically crossed,

(c) A string of said first type of module and said second type of module end-interconnected and arranged such that a first one of said second type of module is end-interconnected between a first one and a second one of said first type of module. 69. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 68 wherein at least one of said first type of module is self-locking. 70. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 68 wherein at least one of said second type of module is self-locking. 71. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 68 wherein at least one of said first type of module remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 72. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 68 wherein at least one of said second type of module remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that. 73. A portable shelter framework comprising:

(a) a first type of module comprising at least,

(1) a first face of said first type of module,

(2) a second face of said first type of module,

(3) opposing sides and ends of said first type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said first type of module,

(4) said first face of said first type of module having an area substantially equal to the area of said second face of said second type of module,

(b) a second type of module comprising at least,

(1) a first face of said second type of module,

(2) a second face of said second type of module,

(3) opposing sides and ends of said second type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said second type of module,

(4) said first face of said second type of module having an area greater than the area of said second face of said second type of module,

(c) a string of said first type of module and said second type of module end-interconnected and arranged such that a first one of said second type of module is end-interconnected between a first one and a second one of said first type of module,

(d) the first face of said first one of said first type of module defining a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first face of said second one of said first type of module. 74. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 73 wherein at least one of said first type of module is self-locking. 75. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 73 wherein at least one of said second type of module is self-locking.

. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 73 wherein at least one of said first type of module remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 77. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 73 wherein at least one of said second type of module remains in an expanded three dimensional configuration by virtue of the asymmetrical geometry of that module. 78. A portable shelter framework as defined in claim 68 wherein the plane defined by the first end of said first one of said second type of module is perpendicular to the plane defined by the second end of the first one of said second type of module. 79. A portable shelter framework comprising:

(a ) A first type of module comprising at least,

(1) opposing first and second sides and first and second ends of said first type of module, said first and second sides and first and second ends of said first type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said first type of module,

(2) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defined said first and second sides of said first type of module being symmetrically crossed,

(3) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defining said first and second ends of said first type of module being symmetrically crossed,

(b) a second type of module comprising at least,

(1) opposing first and second sides and first and second ends of said second type of module, said first and second sides and first and second ends of said second type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said second type of module,

(2) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defining said first and second sides of said second type of module being asymmetrically crossed,

(3) said crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts defining said first and second ends of said second type of module being symmetrically crossed,

(c) A string of said first type of module and said second type of module end-interconnected and arranged such that a first one of said first type of module is end-interconnected, between a first one and a second one of

said second type of module. 80. A portable shelter framework comprising:

(a ) a first type of module comprising at least,

(1) a first face of said first type of module,

(2) a second face of said first type of module,

(3) opposing sides and ends of said first type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said first type of module,

(4) said first face of said first type of module having an area substantially equal to the area of said second face of said second type of module,

(b) a second type of module comprising at least,

(1) a first face of said second type of module,

(2) a second face of said second type of module,

(3) opposing sides and ends of said second type of module defined by crossed pairs of pivotally interconnected struts of said second type of module,

(4) said first face of said second type of module having an area greater than the area of said second face of said second type of module,

(c) a string of said first type of module and said second type of module end-interconnected and arranged such that a first one of said first type of module is end-interconnected between a first one and a second one of said second type of module,

(d) the first face of said first one of said second type of module defining a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first face of said second one of said second type of module.