U.S. patent application number 09/909708 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-13 for quick-pitch tent.
Invention is credited to Lee, Youn Jae.
Application Number | 20010050098 09/909708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26787040 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010050098 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee, Youn Jae |
December 13, 2001 |
Quick-pitch tent
Abstract
An improved tent (10) for quick construction, including a fabric
enclosure (11) which serves as walls (28, 30, 32), roof (34) and
floor (36) of the tent (10). The tent (10) includes a frame (12),
which attaches to and supports the fabric enclosure (11). The frame
(12) includes at least two frame poles (13) having upper (20) and
lower ends (22). The frame poles (13) form at least one V-shape
(90), the lower ends (22) being positioned in close proximity to
form the tip (92) of the V-shape (90), and the upper ends (20)
spread apart forming the legs (94) of the V shape (90). The upper
ends (20) tend to fall away from each other on either side of a
bisecting vertical line (96) to the extent allowed by their
attachment to the fabric enclosure (11), thereby spreading the
fabric enclosure (11) and aiding in the quick construction of the
tent (10).
Inventors: |
Lee, Youn Jae; (Pleasanton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OPPENHEIMER WOLFE & DONNELLY, LLP
1400 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto
CA
94304
US
|
Family ID: |
26787040 |
Appl. No.: |
09/909708 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09909708 |
Jul 19, 2001 |
|
|
|
09356109 |
Jul 16, 1999 |
|
|
|
60093092 |
Jul 16, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/156 ;
135/141 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/425 20130101;
E04H 15/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/156 ;
135/141 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/42 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved tent for quick construction, comprising: a fabric
enclosure having walls, a roof and a floor, which serve as walls,
roof and floor of said tent; a frame which attaches to and supports
said fabric enclosure; said frame including at least two frame
poles, said frame poles forming at least one V-shape which is
bisected by a vertical line; and said frame poles having upper and
lower ends, said lower ends being positioned in close proximity to
form the tip of the V-shape, and the upper ends spread apart
forming the legs of the V shape, said upper ends tending to fall
away from each other on either side of said bisecting vertical line
to the extent allowed by their attachment to said fabric enclosure,
thereby spreading said fabric enclosure and aiding in the quick
construction of said tent.
2. An improved tent as in claim 1, wherein: said frame poles
include side poles and gable poles.
3. An improved tent as in claim 2, wherein: said side poles and
gable poles are connected by elbow connectors.
4. An improved tent as in claim 3, wherein: said elbow connectors
are attached in position to portions of said fabric enclosure
thereby aiding in the quick construction of said tent.
5. An improved tent as in claim 2, wherein: said side poles include
a plurality of component pieces, each component piece having a
central bore; and elastic connectors are positioned within said
central bore and said elastic connectors connect said side poles
component pieces to quickly form said side poles.
6. An improved tent as in claim 1, wherein: said four tent side
walls form two pairs of opposing tent sides; and said frame poles
form two V-shapes, each of which V-shape is positioned adjacent one
of said opposing tent sides, such that two opposing V-shapes are
configured.
7. An improved tent as in claim 6, wherein: said frame poles of
said opposing V-shapes include side poles and gable poles; and said
gable poles are joined together with peak hubs.
8. An improved tent as in claim 1, wherein: said frame poles have a
hollow portion near said lower end of said frame pole; said floor
of said fabric enclosure has a perimeter; and at least one pin ring
including at least one pin is attached to said perimeter of said
fabric enclosure, such that said pin can be inserted into said
hollow portion of said frame pole in order to quickly secure the
position of said frame pole lower end and aid in the quick
construction of said tent.
9. An improved tent as in claim 8, wherein: said hollow portion of
said frame poles is a socket.
10. An improved tent as in claim 1, wherein: said floor of said
fabric enclosure has a perimeter; and said perimeter includes
attachment points for stakes.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of prior application Ser.
No. 09/356,109 which was filed on Jul. 16, 1999. This application
also claims priority from U.S. provisional applications Ser. No.
60/093,092 filed Jul. 16, 1998, which has the same inventor as the
present application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cabin tent
structures, and more particularly to tent pole and hub systems as
well as fabric-covered structures
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] One of the earliest forms of shelter known to humankind is
the tent. Huge variety in tent design exists, but common elements
include tent fabric and tent poles which shape and support the
fabric. Most tents use multiple tent poles, often with hubs
connecting the tent poles together. It therefore becomes the
combination of poles and hubs which define many characteristics of
such tents. Examples of important characteristics include
structural shape, rigidity, ability to support the tent fabric, and
reaction to externally applied stresses such as those caused by
bumping into the tent or from wind buffeting the tent and causing
the walls to vibrate.
[0004] For purposes of the following discussion, tent poles will be
classed as side poles, gable poles, ridge poles, and horizontal
poles. In assembled tents, side poles extend in a generally
vertical orientation from the ground surface up to the beginning of
the roof region of a tent. Gable poles extend from the edge of a
tent roof upward to the peak of the tent roof, and have a sloping
orientation (i.e., generally in the range of 30 to 60 degrees
relative to horizontal). Ridge poles are generally horizontal, but
for discussion here are strictly defined as being at the peak of
the tent roof (the term tie pole is sometimes used for this).
Finally, horizontal poles are herein strictly defined as including
all generally horizontally oriented poles except ridge poles (e.g.,
they include poles typically used at the eaves or lower roof edges
of some tent designs).
[0005] Balancing tent pole system characteristics is not an easy
engineering task. Some of the already mentioned characteristics
urge contradictory engineering solutions. For example, strong rigid
shapes generally are best accomplished by framing the shape in
closed geometric shapes, such as the triangular and rectangular
members used in engineering wire-frame drawings. Unfortunately,
while framed sections are strong and rigid, they also transmit
force and vibration very well, often with undesirable results.
Further, framed sections may require more parts than other designs,
and therefore may result in increased overall tent weight and cost.
Thus, optimizing only some characteristics may conflict with
general goals for an entire tent system.
[0006] For discussion here, tent pole systems can be defined as
free standing, pre-stressed, and gravity assisted systems. In the
market today, the free standing system is used primarily for larger
tents (including yurts, and show tents); the pre-stressed
construction is used primarily in smaller, shorter type (one and
two person) portable tents; and gravity assisted systems are
primarily used for cabin tents (i.e., tents large enough to
accommodate at least a small family, and usually tall enough that
an average adult can stand fully upright in the tent center). A
good example of a free standing tent system is the teepee. It has a
very strong and rigid frame over which fabric is draped. However,
the fabric adds nothing to the strength or shape of the finished
tepee. When designing tepees the tent fabric and the tent pole
system are effectively two unrelated problems. At an opposite
extreme are pre-stressed pole systems, good examples of these can
be found today in tents using fiberglass poles which are bent into
place during assembly and held together by the tent fabric in a
spring-like manner to define the tent structure. Attempting to
assemble such a tent with only the poles and hubs (if any) would be
impossible, or at best produce a very flimsy structure. Finally, in
a category falling between the free standing and pre-stressed
systems are gravity-assisted systems. Many cabin tents in the
market today belong in this classification. In such tents the poles
do not form as strong a system as when no tent fabric is assembled
onto them, nor are the tent poles intentionally bent in the manner
of springs to assemble and tension the tent. Rather, once assembled
onto a finished tent, the fabric under the weight of gravity helps
to define and stabilize the final tent structure. In such tents the
critical components become the hubs used to connect the tent poles,
since it is in these that forces concentrate and must be
accommodated.
[0007] Various forces are applied to tent hubs, either directly, or
more commonly indirectly, through the tent poles inserted into the
hubs. One such force is fabric weight, which actually may be
variable, since rain, snow, and other substances can "weigh down"
tent fabric. External stresses form another group of forces which
also ultimately reach the hubs. Assembled tents may be bumped by
users who are either inside or outside of the tent. And when
present, wind may range from constantly pressing against the tent
from one direction to buffeting it from rapidly changing directions
at different speeds, thereby causing vibration in the tent
structure. It therefore follows that for a cabin tent design to be
acceptable the hubs which are used must successfully deal with all
of these forces.
[0008] Additional concerns for many tent designs are parts count
and overall tent weight. Reducing parts count has the obvious
advantage that fewer parts mean less loss or misplacement and
almost always reduces cost also, particularly if the eliminated
parts are tent poles made of aluminum. And, usually, reducing parts
count leads to a more intuitive assembly process, and sometimes a
simpler one as well. Further, it may strongly affect tent weight.
Generally, of the three major components used in cabin tents the
fabric is least dense, the hub has intermediate density (at least
in plastic hubs, as are preferred today), and the poles are most
dense, since they are metal or high density plastic like
fiberglass. There are, of course, also notable size differences in
these components. For example, hubs and poles are markedly
different in size. Thus, by accepting some size increase in smaller
less dense parts, to eliminate some high density large parts
entirely, an overall weight savings may be accomplished by
selective parts count reduction.
[0009] From the above discussion it should be clear that good tent
design must balance many factors.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a tent which can be assembled in very little time, and with
a minimum of separate pieces.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a tent which
has a convertible roof.
[0012] And, another object of the invention is to provide a tent
which has an exterior screen structure.
[0013] Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention
is an improved tent for quick construction, including a fabric
enclosure which serves as walls, roof and floor of the tent. The
tent also includes a frame which attaches to and supports the
fabric enclosure. The frame includes at least two frame poles
having upper and lower ends. The frame poles form at least one
V-shape, the lower ends being positioned in close proximity to form
the tip of the V-shape, and the upper ends spread apart forming the
legs of the V shape. The upper ends tend to fall away from each
other on either side of a bisecting vertical line to the extent
allowed by their attachment to the fabric enclosure, thereby
spreading the fabric enclosure and aiding in the quick construction
of the tent.
[0014] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is a
convertible tent which includes a fabric enclosure which serves as
walls, roof and floor of the tent. A frame supports the fabric
enclosure and configures the fabric enclosure into a tent. The tent
roof includes a top portion and a screen portion, the top portion
being convertible so that the screen portion is exposed.
[0015] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is a
tent with an exterior screen structure having an inner tent
structure, including an inner fabric enclosure which serve as
walls, roof and floor of the inner tent structure and an outer tent
structure including an outer fabric enclosure. A single frame
supports both inner and outer fabric enclosures.
[0016] An advantage of the present invention is that the first
preferred embodiment contains a V-shaped side support structure
which minimizes the number of pieces required for assembly of the
tent.
[0017] Another advantage of the invention is that a second
preferred embodiment contains a screened roof portion which can be
exposed to present a convertible roof.
[0018] And, another advantage of the invention is that a third
preferred embodiment includes a inner structure which is enclosed
by an outer screen structure. The space between the inner and outer
structures provides a protected living area for users.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of
the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out
the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred
embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the several
figures of the drawings.
[0020] The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction
with the appended drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the "Quick Pitch Tent"
embodiment of the present invention, including a detail view A of
the attachment site of a frame pole to a pin ring;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a peak hub of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of a three corner hub of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an "Open Roof
Convertible Tent" embodiment of the present invention, with the
roof opened;
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an "Open Roof Convertible
Tent" embodiment of the present invention, with the convertible top
in place, and also including detail view B of the attachment site
of a corner of the top to the support poles of the tent;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the screen house of
the "Tent with Exterior Screen House" embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the inner tent of the
"Tent with Exterior Screen House" embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the combined
structure of the "Tent with Exterior Screen House" embodiment of
the present invention with the inner tent shown in normal outline
and the screen house shown in dashed outline.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0029] Three preferred embodiments of improved camping tents are
described, 1) the Quick Pitch Tent, 2) the Open Roof Convertible
Tent, and 3) the Tent with Exterior Screen house. Each shall be
described in turn.
The Quick Pitch Tent
[0030] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an
improved camping tent. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a form of this
preferred embodiment of the inventive device is a pole and fabric
system of a tent depicted by the general reference character 10.
The tent 10 includes generally a fabric enclosure 11 and a frame
12.
[0031] The frame 12, in this case, includes four frame poles 13.
Each frame pole 13 includes a side pole portion 14, and a gable
pole portion 16. Connections between side pole portion 14 and gable
pole portion 16 are accomplished by means a curved elbow portion
17. Two peak hubs 19 are used to connect the gable pole portions 16
of the frame poles 13. Each side pole portion 14 has an upper end
20 and a lower end 22. Each gable pole portion 16 has an upper end
24 and a lower end 26.
[0032] The fabric enclosure 11 has a front wall 28 with a front
door 29, a rear wall 30 with a rear window 31, two side walls 32,
two roof panels 34 and a floor 36 (not visible). At the juncture of
the walls 28, 30, and 32, with the floor 36, there is a perimeter
38 with front and back side portions 40 and two side portions 42.
At the four corners of the perimeter 38 there are corner loops 44
through which stakes 45 can be driven to secure the tent 12 to the
ground. At approximately the center of each perimeter side portion
42 there are side loops 46 to each of which are attached a pin ring
48 to which are secured two pins 50, which are sized to mate with
sockets 51 on the lower ends 22 of the side poles 14. The tent also
optionally has a skirt 52 and screened windows 54 which can be
covered by flaps 56 (not visible) when required. The flaps 56 can
be secured to block the windows by peripheral zippers, ties,
velcro.TM. fasteners or any number of other conventional means.
[0033] At the juncture of front or back walls 28, 30, side wall 32
and roof panels 34, there are retaining loops 58 with plastic hooks
which serve to attach the tent fabric to the frame near the curved
elbow portion 17. At the juncture of front or back walls 28, 30,
and roof panels 34, there are peak retaining loops 60.
[0034] The frame poles 13 are made up of a number of component
pieces such as the side pole portions 14, the gable pole portions
16 and the curved elbow portions 17 which are connected together
end to end to make the final composite length, but which can be
detached for compact storage and transportation. The side pole
portions 14 and the gable pole portions 16 can themselves be
composed of smaller component pieces. The frame poles 13 are
preferably composed of hollow tubing, which encloses an elastic
connecting material which acts to urge the component pieces into
retained engagement with each other, when the pole has been
constructed. When disassembled, the component pieces are then still
connected together by the elastic connector (not visible), which
helps to keep the pieces grouped. The connectors also make it
nearly impossible to assemble the pieces incorrectly, or to mate
incompatible ends, and assembly of the tent structure is made much
quicker, since pieces need not be sorted and matched to their
mating parts. The connectors may also not be elastic along their
complete length. The portion exposed at the joins of the pieces may
be of chain links or cable while the portion that remains encased
within the hollow pole portion may be of elastic. Thus, the more
fragile elastic material is protected from cuts or abrasions.
[0035] The lower end 22 of the side pole portion 14 of frame pole
13 has a socket 51, which is sized to receive one of the pins 50 on
the pin ring 48. Detail circle A shows these elements in greater
detail. For clarity, only one pin 50 is shown attached to the pin
ring 48, although in this embodiment, there are actually two, one
for the socket 51 of each frame pole 13.
[0036] As seen in more detail in FIG. 2, the peak hubs 19 have two
tubular members 70 connected at a junction 72. Ports 74 are open at
either end of the hub 19, and are sized to accept the upper end 24
of a gable pole portion 16 of frame pole 13. The tubular members 70
are configured to form an obtuse angle 76. The hub 19 also has a
web portion 78 which serves to strengthen the hub structure and to
dampen vibrations transmitted to it by the connecting poles. The
opening 80 in the web of the peak hub 19 allows an attachment point
for one of the peak retaining loops 60 (see FIG. 1). The hubs are
thus maintained in permanent proper relation to the tent structure
even when the tent is disassembled. This also speeds construction
of the tent, as there is no hunting for parts and no need to match
them to their proper location.
[0037] The tent 10 is thus constructed roughly according to the
following sequence, although much variation in order of steps is
possible. The fabric enclosure 11 and frame poles 13 are unpacked
from the tent's carrying bag. The floor 36 is spread out to form
the perimeter 38. The frame poles 13 are unfolded and the component
pieces assembled into their final composite length by attaching
them end to end, as guided by the internal elastic connectors. The
upper ends 24 of the gable pole portions 16 of the frame poles 13
are attached to the ports 74 of the peak hubs 19. The frame poles
13 are then flexed slightly to allow the pins 50 of the side pin
rings 48 to be inserted into the sockets 51 in the lower ends 22 of
the side pole portions 14. The tension in the frame poles 13
ensures that the gable pole portion ends 24 are urged to remain in
the ports 74 of the hubs 19 and the retaining pins 50 are not
allowed to slip out of the sockets at the lower ends 22 of the side
pole portions 14. The tension in the poles also stretches the tent
fabric and ensures that the walls do not sag towards the tent's
interior.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment, there are a total of four
poles, i.e. the frame poles 13, which make up the entire rigid
structural support of the tent 10. It will of course be obvious to
one skilled in the art that the portions of the overall frame poles
13 which have been identified as the gable pole portions 16 and
side pole portions 14 could be completely separate and independent
gable poles and side poles. These separate side and gable poles
could be connected by corner hubs, similar to the peak hubs. These
corner hubs would take the place of the elbow portions 17. This
however would mean that the number of poles would be doubled from 4
to 8, and would necessitate more time to sort the poles as to
function. Assembly time would thus be slowed.
[0039] The frame 12, which results from the frame poles 13, peak
hubs 19 and retaining pins 50, produces a very sturdy, yet
light-weight structure. The frame 12 when viewed from the side is a
large "V" 90 which extends from the bottom tip 92 of the V 90 to
the peak hubs 19. The bottom tip 92 of this V 90 is located
approximately at the center point of the side perimeter 42, and is
anchored by the pin ring 48. The two side legs 94 of the V are
equal in length, and tend to fall away from each other
symmetrically with respect to a vertical center line 96 until
stopped by the extent of the tent roof fabric. This natural
tendency to spread aids in building the tent, and helps to speed
the construction. A second V (not visible) is constructed in a
similar manner on the opposing side of the tent 10.
[0040] The corner stakes 45 are then driven and the tent fabric 11
then cooperates with the frame 12 to create a sturdy structure
which is relatively impervious to shock and buffeting by wind.
Open Roof Convertible Tent
[0041] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 4. Again, it is referred to generally by the
reference number 110. Whenever the elements correspond to those
previously enumerated, the same numbers will be used, prefixed with
"1".
[0042] The tent 110 includes generally a fabric enclosure 111 and a
frame 112. The frame 112 includes 6 side poles 114 and 3 gable
poles, which may be more correctly termed horizontal poles 116. The
side poles are of two types. First, there are two extendable center
poles 102, which are each composed of an inner member 103 and an
outer member 104, which has a locking mechanism 105, and a bottom
foot 106. The second type of side pole 114 is the lateral pole 107,
of which there are two on either of the two sides of the tent for a
total of four.
[0043] The horizontal poles 116 are of two types, curvilinear poles
115 of which there are two, and a single straight ridge pole 117.
The curvilinear poles 115 are made from flexible material such as
fiberglass. In this preferred embodiment, the curvilinear poles 115
are hollow with interior elastic connector portions, as described
above. The ridge pole 117 is of rigid material such as steel tubing
which is designed not to bend. The ridge pole 117 is composed of
two shorter segments 119 having curved ends, each of which is
configured for mating connection with a central side pole 102 at
either end. Each side pole 114 has an upper end 120 and a lower end
122. The horizontal poles 116 will be spoken of as having only
first ends 124 and second ends 126.
[0044] The fabric enclosure 111 has a front wall 128 with a front
door 129, a rear wall 130 with a rear door 131, two side walls 132,
two roof panels 134 and a floor 136 (not visible). At the juncture
of the walls 128, 130, 132 with the floor 136, there is a perimeter
138 with front and back side portions 140 and two side portions
142. At the four corners of the perimeter 138 there are corner
loops 144 through which stakes 45 can be driven to secure the tent
110 to the ground. Around the perimeter 138, in the front and back
portions 140 and side portion 142 there are side loops 146 which
also serve to anchor the tent 110. The tent 110 also optionally has
a skirt 152 and screened windows 154 which can be covered by flaps
156 (not visible) when required. The flaps 156 can be secured to
block the windows 154 by peripheral zippers, ties, velcro.TM.
fasteners or any number of other conventional means.
[0045] At the juncture of front or back walls 128, 130 and roof
panels 134, there are pole sleeves 182. At the juncture of the two
roof panels 134, there is a ridge pole sleeve 184. These sleeves
182, 184 serve to retain and channel the horizontal poles 116, and
help to form the contours of the roof. The fabric enclosure 111
also has retaining loops 158 which are attached to the corner hubs
118 and which serve to maintain them in the proper proximity to the
pole sleeves 182 and the horizontal poles 116. Four corner hubs 118
are configured to receive the upper end 120 of a side pole 114 and
a first 124 or second end 126 of a curvilinear pole 115. The
diameter of the side poles 114 and the curvilinear poles 115 in the
preferred embodiment are different, with the curvilinear poles 115
being of a lesser diameter than the rigid side poles 114. The
corner hubs 118 which receive the ends of these two poles thus
necessarily have a larger diameter port 174, and a smaller diameter
port 175 to receive these two different sized pole ends. The
retaining loops 158 serve to keep the corner hub oriented correctly
with the smaller sized port 175 facing the end 124, 126 of the
curvilinear pole 115, and the larger port 174 toward the upper end
120 of the side pole 107. The retaining loop thus speeds assembly
by dispensing with the step of orienting the corner hub 118
properly. It is of course possible that both poles could be made
with the same diameter, in which case, the matching of the port
size to the pole size is unnecessary.
[0046] Construction of the tent 110 is done by inserting the
curvilinear poles 115 into the pole sleeves 182, and the ridge pole
117 into the ridge pole sleeve 184. The first ends 124 of the
curvilinear poles are inserted into the smaller ports 175 of one
set of the corner hubs 118. Axial force is applied to the poles
115, bending them slightly to allow them to be inserted into the
second set of corner hubs 118. The retaining loops 158 that
restrain the corner hubs 118 from moving then cooperate to maintain
tension in the poles 115. The sleeves 182 define the allowed shape
of the bow of the poles 115, and define the resulting curvilinear
shape of the roof portion near the corner. The upper ends 120 of
the side poles 114 are then inserted into the larger ports 174 of
the corner hubs 118. Each of the curved ends of the two segments
119 of the ridge pole 117 are attached to each of the upper ends of
the central side poles 102. The inner member 103 of each central
side pole 102 is inserted into a hollow outer member 104, and
allowed to slide within in a telescoping action. The end foot 106
of the central side pole 102 is placed on the ground and the inner
pole members 103 extended to raise the roof of the tent 110 to the
proper height. The retaining mechanisms 105 are then engaged, which
prevent the inner members 103 from telescoping back into the outer
members 104. In the preferred embodiment the inner member 103 is of
larger diameter than the lateral poles 107, but it is possible that
all lateral poles and the inner member poles could be the same
size.
[0047] The lateral poles 107 are then brought to the proper
positions and the stakes driven in the corner loops 144 and side
loops to secure the lower perimeter 138. The height of the central
side poles 102 may then be further extended or retracted and the
angle of placement of the lateral poles 107 adjusted.
[0048] It is asserted that the particular combination of flexible
poles for some areas and rigid poles for other purposes is novel
and a very useful improvement on standard tent architecture.
[0049] In the preferred embodiment, roof panels 134 are fitted with
fine mesh screen to form a convertible roof 190. This convertible
roof 190 is especially attractive for viewing the skies from an
insect-proof environment, during camping trips, and can be very
useful for campers with an interest in astronomy, or for cloud
watching on pleasant afternoons.
[0050] For use when rain threatens or when more protection from the
wind is desired, a convertible top 192 is provided. As seen in FIG.
5, the top 192 includes a sheet 193 of water-proof material which
covers the screened roof portals 191 (not visible in this view).
The corners of the top 192 are fitted with elastic bands 194 which
terminate in hooks 195. As seen in FIG. 5 and also in more detail
in close-up view B, the hooks 195 are inserted into holes 196 in
the side poles 107. The elastic bands 194 ensure that a secure seal
is made between the top 192 and the tent 112, which is not easily
dislodged by wind or rain. Additionally, it ensures that the sheet
193 is taut, allowing the material to conform to the curvilinear
shape defined by the poles 115. This shape aids in encouraging rain
to run off of the roof, avoiding puddles of accumulated water which
may add weight and stress to the structure. In the preferred
embodiment, the corners and side mid-points of the top 192 include
loops 197 which can encircle the poles 102, 107 and close with
velcro.TM. fasteners. These additionally anchor the top 192 to
prevent it from blowing off.
Tent with Exterior Screen House
[0051] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. The combined structure including both an
interior tent and an exterior screen house will be referred to
generally by the reference number 200. Whenever referring to the
elements in the screen house corresponding to those previously
enumerated in reference to the elements of a tent, the same numbers
will be used, prefixed by "2", and when referring to elements in
the inner tent, the prefix "3" shall be used.
[0052] The outer tent, referred to as the screen house 210,
includes generally a fabric enclosure 211 and a frame 212.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, the screen house 210 is constructed in a
dome shape, with a frame 212 constructed from side poles 214 and
gable poles 216 which support the fabric enclosure 211 material.
The corner hubs 218 which are used to connect the poles 214, 216,
are three way connectors. The screen house 210 in the preferred
embodiment has a square base with a perimeter 238 having four equal
sides 240 with a front wall 228 having a front door 229, a rear
wall 230 having a rear door 231 and two side walls 232. There is no
floor. The walls 228, 230 and 232 each have windows 254, which take
up nearly the complete area of the walls. These windows 254 are
fitted with screen mesh to keep insects and wildlife out, while
giving a feeling of openness. The portion of the walls not taken up
by the windows shall be referred to as the roof panels 234. In
addition, there are cloth eaves 235 located over the side windows
254 in order to shield them from rain runoff. There is also an
abbreviated skirt 252, which serves to protect the perimeter 238
from insect invasion or water seepage.
[0054] The tent has two sets of retaining sleeves 282 and a number
of loops 257 which serve to channel and direct the poles 214, 216.
There are loops 246 also at the four corners of the perimeter 238.
These loops are each fitted with a pin ring 248 and a pin 250.
These are essentially the same as the corresponding elements shown
in the detail A of FIG. 1.
[0055] The side poles 214 and gable poles 216 are all made from
flexible hollow tubing such as fiberglass and are composed of short
segments which are attached by an internal elastic connector, as
described above. The two gable poles 216 can be further classified
as a longitudinal pole 215, which extends from the front wall 228
to the back wall 230, and a transverse pole 217, which extends from
side wall 232 to side wall 232. The transverse pole 217 is captured
at both ends by pouches 283. The transverse 217 and longitudinal
215 poles cross at roughly right angles on the roof. The side poles
214 have upper ends 220 which have a cap 221 and lower ends 222.
The lower ends 222 each have a socket 251 which is sized to receive
one of the pins 250 on the pin ring 248.
[0056] Construction of the screen house 210 is done by assembling
the side poles 214 and gable poles 216 into their composite
lengths. The gable poles 216 are inserted into the retaining
sleeves 282. The two ends of the transverse gable pole 217 are
inserted into the retaining pouches 283 after the pole is bent
slightly. The retaining pouches 283 ensure that the transverse
gable pole 217 is kept under tension, and that it continues to
impart a curve to the upper tent portion. Referring also to FIG. 3,
the longitudinal gable pole 215 is likewise inserted into its
retaining sleeve 282 and both ends of this pole are inserted into
the rear port 274 of the two 3-way corner hubs 218. These hubs 218
are attached to the fabric enclosure 211 by loops 258 which thread
through the opening 280 in the web 278 of the hub 218. The hubs 218
are thus constrained from movement in the gable pole's 215 axial
direction, and thus tension and resulting curvature are maintained
in the longitudinal pole 215 as well.
[0057] As FIG. 3 shows, there are three ports 274 in the hub 218.
Three web portions 278 are provided to strengthen the hub 218.
There are in the preferred embodiment, two differing angles 276 and
277 between the ports. A first angle 276 is reflected bilaterally
and measures approximately 130 degrees in the preferred embodiment
between the ports that receive the longitudinal gable pole 215 and
one of the side poles 214 (FIG. 6). The second angle 277 measures
approximately 100 degrees between the ports for receiving two side
poles 214 (FIG. 6). It will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that these angles are subject to much variation; for example, it is
possible that both angles 276 and 277 may be equal, in which case
all angles would be 120 degrees. As mentioned above, an opening 280
is provided for insertion of a loop 258 to attach the hub 218 to
the screen house 210 in a fixed orientation (FIG. 6).
[0058] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 6, the side poles 214 are
inserted through the tent loops 257 and their upper ends 220
inserted into the ports 274 of the hubs 218. Axial pressure is
applied to the poles 214, causing them to bow, and the pins 250 are
inserted into the sockets 251 to constrain the poles 214 from axial
movement. The screen house 210 is thus constructed, and the
pressure in the captured poles urges the fabric enclosure 211 to
form a dome shape. The interior of the screen house 210 has a
number of interior loops 259 (not visible) attached on the ceiling
and interior perimeter, which act as attachment points for the
inner tent, to be described below.
[0059] The inner tent preferred embodiment 310 is illustrated in
FIG. 7 and 8. The fabric enclosure 311 includes a front door wall
328, a rear door wall 330 and two side walls 332, as well as roof
portion 334 and floor 336 (not visible in this figure). The front
door wall 328 and rear door wall 330 have screened window portions
354 as well as covering flaps 355 which can be fastened to block
wind from flowing through the windows 354. When not in use, the
flaps 355 can be tied back out of the way. The juncture of the
floor 336 and walls 328, 330, 332 define a perimeter 338 having
front and back portions 340 and side portions 342. At the corners
of the perimeter 338 there are elastic bands 394 with hooks 395.
Also at the juncture of the front wall 328, the rear wall 330 and
the roof portions 334 there are a series of hooks 396 which attach
to interior loops 259 (not visible) of the screen house 210. The
hooks 395 of the elastic bands 394 also attach to interior loops
259, and the inner tent 310 is thus suspended within the screen
house 210. Side loops 346 are secured to the ground by stakes 45,
which are also used to anchor some of the lower interior loops 259
to the ground. The rear hooks 395 with elastic bands 394 can be
secured by attachment to the pin rings 248 of the screen house 210,
and thus the entire perimeter 338 of the floor 336 is secured.
[0060] The inner tent 310 is especially unique in requiring no pole
structure of its own. In fact, the entire double dome structure 200
is supported by a total of only 6 light-weight poles. This provides
a great advantage in reduction of weight and number of parts.
[0061] A composite view of the relationship between the inner tent
310 and the screen house 210 is illustrated in FIG. 8. A rough
outline of the screen house 210 is shown in dashed line. The inner
tent 310 is preferably oriented so that the entire tent is offset
toward the rear door wall 230 of the screen house 210. The rear
wall 330 of the inner tent 312 abuts the rear wall 230 of the
screen house 210. The inner tent 310 has a rectangular floor area
within the larger square base of the screen house 210. This leaves
a free space between the front wall 328 of the inner tent 310 and
the front wall 228 of the screen house 210, and this space also has
a rectangular aspect. This area within the screen house 210, but
exterior to the inner tent 310 shall be referred to as the porch
area 399. The porch area 399 has no floor but is securely screened
from the environment by large mesh screen in all the windows 254.
This porch area 399 has many uses, such as an area for cleaning
boots, or other activities that would be messy if conducted in the
inner tent or other conventional tent that is completely enclosed.
In a conventional tent any debris must be swept out or carried
along with the tent when it is moved, but the porch area 399 of the
screen house 210 allows debris to remain in the environment after
the tent is removed. The porch area 399 can also provide a place
for securely storing spiked boots, or other equipment which might
otherwise threaten to puncture a tent floor but which may too
valuable to leave completely unguarded. Additionally, lawn
furniture can be thus erected in this porch area 399 which has an
agreeable feeling of openness, while still protecting the
inhabitants from insect intrusions. The screen house 210 can, of
course be used by itself without assembling the inner tent 310 to
serve as a kind of portable gazebo.
[0062] The inner tent 310 preferably has fine mesh screening which
can protect the inhabitants against very small flying pests known
as "no-see-ums". The screen house 210 adds an additional layer of
protection with its screens for added security.
[0063] In addition to the above mentioned examples, various other
modifications and alterations of the inventive improved camping
tents 10 may be made without departing from the invention.
Accordingly, the above disclosure is not to be considered as
limiting and the appended claims are to be interpreted as
encompassing the true spirit and the entire scope of the
invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0064] The present improved camping tents 10, 110, 200 are well
suited for application in outdoor camping. Each one has specific
features that make it particularly well adapted for its
purposes.
[0065] The Quick Pitch Tent 10 has a frame structure 12 which has
includes four frame poles 13 which are grouped into two pairs, each
pair being configured to be in a V-shape 90. The legs of the V tend
to fall away from each other so that they naturally spread apart
and enlarge the space enclosed by the fabric enclosure 11. This
natural spreading tendency enables the user to very quickly
assemble the tent, which can be of great benefit in bad weather, or
where insects make the need to enter a completed tent urgent. Other
features included such as the pin rings 48, the elastic connectors
inside component pieces of the frame poles 13, and the peak hubs 19
all enhance the speed with which the tent 10 can be erected.
Campers who have hiked long distances or engaged in other strenuous
activities before being faced with the task of pitching a tent,
will especially appreciate the ease and convenience of this tent,
and the minimal number of pieces with which it is constructed.
[0066] The Open Roof Convertible Tent 110 is especially useful for
those campers who appreciate a more open feeling to their tent.
Students of astronomy or cloud watchers will appreciate the chance
to observe the skies without the annoyance of insects. The
convertible top 192 is preferably water-proof, and can be easily
installed by covering the screened roof panels 134, and then
attaching the corners by elastic bands 194 which terminate in hooks
195. The hooks 195 can preferably attach to holes 196 in the side
poles 107. The top 192 is then securely anchored, so that
wind-driven rain is excluded from the tent.
[0067] The Tent with Exterior Screen House 200 provides an outer
screen house 210 which surrounds a smaller inner tent 310. The
screen house 210 has a fabric enclosure 211 and a frame 212. The
inner tent 310 has its own fabric enclosure 311, but in order to
use the smallest number of parts, the screen house frame 212
supports both the screen house fabric enclosure 211 and the inner
tent fabric enclosure 311. The area within the screen house 210 but
outside of the inner tent 310 provides a porch area 399, which can
be used for storing articles which may be too dirty to bring into
the inner tent 310 area, such as muddy boots, etc. Also articles
such as spiked boots which would tend to puncture the floor 336 of
the inner tent 310 can be stored in the porch area 399. It is also
possible to erect lawn chairs in the porch area 399, and to use it
as a sitting room which has an agreeable feeling of openness,
without exposing the users to insect attacks.
[0068] For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the
improved camping tents 10, 110, 200 of the present invention will
have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is expected
that the commercial utility of the present invention will be
extensive and long lasting.
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