U.S. patent application number 11/685402 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for tent with window having an internal shelf.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Coleman Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy M. Holub, Ryan J. O'Donnell.
Application Number | 20070151589 11/685402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34435919 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070151589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holub; Timothy M. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2007 |
TENT WITH WINDOW HAVING AN INTERNAL SHELF
Abstract
A tent having window shelf that extends into a tent from the
bottom of a window opening. The shelf may be formed, for example,
by an inner covering of the window. The inner covering may include
an outer support such as a pole so that it may maintain its
configuration when folded down, and a fabric strip or other
structure for maintaining the inner covering in a horizontal
position so that it may serve as a shelf. A clasp or a plurality of
clasps may be provided for attaching an inner covering of a tent
window and permitting the inner covering to drape over the opening
for the window without completely closing the opening.
Inventors: |
Holub; Timothy M.; (Cheney,
KS) ; O'Donnell; Ryan J.; (Madison, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG, VOIT & MAYER, LTD.;(SEATTLE OFFICE)
TWO PRUDENTIAL PLAZA
SUITE 4900
CHICAGO
IL
60601-6731
US
|
Assignee: |
The Coleman Company, Inc.
3600 N. Hydraulic
Wichita
KS
67219
|
Family ID: |
34435919 |
Appl. No.: |
11/685402 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10794845 |
Mar 5, 2004 |
7191788 |
|
|
11685402 |
Mar 13, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/93 ;
135/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/32 20130101;
E04H 15/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/093 ;
135/117 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/14 20060101
E04H015/14 |
Claims
1. A tent, comprising: a window opening having a perimeter; an
inner covering; a closure mechanism for closing the inner covering
over at least part of the window opening; and at least one clasp
arranged and configured to support and space a portion of the inner
covering from a portion of the perimeter of the window opening.
2. The tent of claim 1, wherein said at least one clasp comprises:
a toggle mounted on one of the inner covering and a position on the
tent adjacent the window opening; and a loop mounted on the other
of the inner covering and the position, the loop being configured
to fit over the toggle.
3. The tent of claim 1, wherein said at least one clasp comprises
at least three toggles, each mounted on one of the inner covering
or adjacent the window opening, and at least three loops, each
mounted on the other of the inner covering and adjacent the window
opening and being configured to fit over a respective toggle.
4. The tent of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a
zipper.
5. A tent, comprising: a window opening; an inner covering; a first
closure mechanism for closing the inner covering over at least a
portion of the window opening; and a second closure mechanism
configured and arranged to support and space a portion of the inner
covering from a portion of the perimeter of the window opening so
that the inner covering may serve as a drape for at least a portion
of the window opening.
6. The tent of claim 5, wherein the second closure mechanism
comprises: a toggle mounted on one of the inner covering and a
position on the tent adjacent the window opening; and a loop
mounted on the other of the inner covering and the position, the
loop being configured to fit over the toggle.
7. The tent of claim 5, wherein the second closure mechanism
comprises at least three toggles, each mounted on one of the inner
covering and adjacent the window opening, and at least three loops,
each mounted on the other of the inner covering and adjacent the
window opening and being configured to fit over a respective
toggle.
8. The tent of claim 5, wherein the first closure mechanism
comprises a zipper.
9. A tent, comprising: a window opening; an inner covering; a
closure mechanism for closing the inner covering over the window
opening; and at least one clasp arranged and configured to drape
the inner covering over at least a portion of the window
opening.
10. The tent of claim 9, wherein said at least one clasp comprises:
a toggle mounted on one of the inner covering and a position on the
tent adjacent the window opening; and a loop mounted on the other
of the inner covering and the position, the loop being configured
to fit over the toggle.
11. The tent of claim 9, wherein said at least one clasp comprises
at least three toggles, each mounted on one of the inner covering
or adjacent the window opening, and at least three loops, each
mounted on the other of the inner covering and adjacent the window
opening and being configured to fit over a respective toggle.
12. The tent of claim 9, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a
zipper.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/794,845, filed Mar. 5, 2004, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Tents are portable shelters made of lightweight, often
waterproof, fabrics. Typically, a tent is a collapsible shelter of
canvas or other material stretched over and sustained by a frame.
Tents are used for camping outdoors, or as temporary structures.
Tents come in a variety of shapes, including dome and cabin
tents.
[0003] One problem with contemporary tents is that they very often
lack storage. For the most part, a tent includes walls and a floor,
and anything stored in the tent must be kept on the floor. Placing
items on the floor can create clutter, and may result in damage if
a user steps on or kicks an item on the floor.
[0004] Some tents have pouches or pockets mounted on the inside of
the walls for the tent. In addition, some family or cabin style
tents include a grommet or another attachment structure to which a
hanging organizer may be attached. Although these prior are
solutions provide some storage options, there exists a need for
additional storage in a tent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, a clasp or a plurality of
clasps are provided for attaching an inner covering of a tent
window and permitting the inner covering to drape over the opening
for the window without completely closing the opening. This feature
permits the inner covering to block a large portion of the window,
restricting the ability of anyone outside the tent to see into the
tent, but still allows the window to provide ventilation.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment, the inner covering is
connected by toggle and loop fasteners. However, other clasps or
connection mechanisms may be used. If desired, a screen may also be
provided for the window opening and the inner covering may
partially cover the screen.
[0008] Other features of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a tent incorporating an
embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an inside of a window
for the tent of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the window of FIG. 2,
with the window partially opened;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the window of FIGS. 2
and 3, with the window fully opened to a shelf configuration;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the window of FIG. 4,
with a screen for the window unzipped; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side cut-away view of the window shown in FIG.
5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0016] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows a tent 20 embodying the present invention. The tent 20 shown
in the drawings is a "dome" style tent, although features of the
invention may be used in different models of tents, whether dome,
free standing, cabin, or other models. Thus, although described
with reference to the tent 20, the invention may be utilized with
many different tent structures and could be used in fabric
structures other than tents, such as shelters.
[0017] The tent 20 includes a door 22 and a window opening 24.
Briefly, in accordance with an embodiment, the window opening 24 is
configured and arranged so that it may be altered between a closed
window position, shown in FIG. 2, to a shelf position, shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5. Also, in accordance with another embodiment, clasps
are provided that may hold the window 24 in a partially open
configuration, as shown in FIG. 3. Each of these embodiments is
further described below.
[0018] The window opening 24 in the drawings is shaped like a
semi-circle, but other configurations of a window may be used. The
window opening 24 includes an outer window covering 26, as can be
seen in FIG. 1. The outer window covering 26 is attached to the
tent 20 by a zipper 28, in the embodiment shown having two zipper
pulls 30, 32. A flap 33 extends over the zipper 28 to provide rain
protection.
[0019] As can be see in FIG. 2, the window opening 24 is also
covered by an inner covering 34. The inner covering 34 is attached
to the tent 20 by a zipper 36 having a zipper pull 38.
[0020] Turning now to FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment,
clasps 40 are provided for holding the inner covering 34 in a
partially opened position. In the embodiment shown, the clasps 40
include toggles 42 attached above the window opening 24 and loops
44 attached at the upper edge of the inner covering 34. Other
clasps may be used, for example, ties, hook and loop fasteners,
buttons, snaps, clips, clamps, or other devices that can be used to
connect and space a portion of the inner covering 34 from a portion
of the perimeter of the window opening 24.
[0021] In the embodiment shown, three clasps 40 are used. However,
any number from one to more than three may be used to connect and
space a portion of the inner covering 34 from a portion of the
perimeter of the window opening 24.
[0022] The clasps, such as the clasps 40, may be utilized to
provide partial ventilation through the window opening 24 but still
position the inner covering 34 so that most views through the
window opening 24 are blocked. For many prior art tents, if an
individual desires to be inside the tent for any purpose, such as
changing clothes or resting, and doesn't want people outside the
tent to see into the tent, an inner covering 34 or other window
cover must be zipped closed. This closing of the window opening 24
blocks air ventilation through the window opening 24. However, the
clasps 40 of the present invention, because they keep the inner
covering 34 attached yet separated from the perimeter of the window
opening 24, still provide ventilation around and over the perimeter
of the inner covering 34 but also permit the inner covering 34 to
restrict viewing into the tent.
[0023] The clasps 40 may be used with any window having a covering.
As an example, a window may have a screen and an inner covering
(such as, but not limited to, the inner covering 34) with clasps,
such as the clasps 40. In general, however, the clasps are useful
when another mechanism is used to close the inner covering, such as
a zipper. In this manner, the clasps serve as an alternate for
supporting the inner covering. However, in accordance with an
alternate embodiment, the zipper or other primary closure mechanism
may be utilized in conjunction with the clasps, for example by
attaching the clasps to the zipper.
[0024] In accordance with an embodiment, the inner covering 34 may
be folded down to the position shown in FIG. 4 so that the inner
covering 34 acts as a shelf. To assure a stable surface, a
structure may be provided that maintains the shape of the inner
covering 34 when the inner covering 34 is folded down to the
position of FIG. 4. In the embodiment shown, a semi-circular pole
46 is mounted along an outer edge of the inner covering 34. As
further described below, the pole 46 is preferably mounted after
setting up the tent 20 so that the pole 46 does not interfere with
folding and storage of the tent 20. The pole 46 extends through a
sleeve 48 on the top edge of the inner covering 34, and is seated
in fabric sockets 50, 52 at the outer edges of the base of the
inner covering 34. Another suitable structure may be provided for
attaching the pole 46. In addition, other structures may be
arranged to provide structure for the inner covering 34, such as
additional or alternate poles. As an example, a series of poles may
extend radially to provide support for the inner covering 34. In
addition, a series of poles may extend vertically along the back of
the inner covering 34.
[0025] In an embodiment, screens 54, 56 extend between the upper
edge of the window opening 24 and the upper edge of the inner
covering 34 and a centrally-located fabric strip 58 when the inner
covering 34 is in the lowered position shown in FIG. 4. The screens
54, 56 provide protection from bugs and other insects, and are
attached along the fabric strip 58 by zippers 60 and along the
outer edge of the inner covering 34 by additional zippers 62.
Zipper pulls 64, 66 are provided for each of the zippers 60, 62,
respectively. During operation, a user may grasp the zipper pulls
64, 66 and unzip the zippers 60, 62 so that the screens 54, 56 are
detached from the fabric strip 58 and the inner covering 34. The
screens 54, 56 may then be tied back, for example by straps 70
(FIG. 5).
[0026] The fabric strip 58 extends from a top of the window opening
24 to an outer edge of the inner covering 34, and provides support
for the inner covering 34 when in the position of FIGS. 4 and 5.
That is, the fabric strip 58 is in tension and is supported at its
upper end by its attachment to the upper edge of the window opening
24. When the inner covering 34 is in the lowered position shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, the fabric strip 58 is in tension, and prevents
further rotation downward of the outer portion of the inner
covering 34. In this manner, the fabric strip 58 and the inner
covering 34 provide a supported shelf that extends horizontally. If
desired, other structures may be used for supporting the inner
covering 34 in the horizontal configuration. However, the
particular embodiment described is convenient in that the fabric
strip 58 may be folded between the inner covering 34 and the outer
window covering 26 when the inner covering 34 is completely closed,
as can be see in phantom in FIG. 2. In addition, the fabric strip
34, because it is made of fabric, is easily folded with the rest of
the tent 20 for storage or transportation.
[0027] In accordance with an embodiment, the outer window covering
26 includes additional zipper pulls 76, 78 (FIG. 5) for unzipping
the zipper 28 and that are accessible from the inside of the tent
20. These zipper pulls 76, 78 may be reached, for example, when the
screens 54, 56 are in the folded configurations shown in FIG.
5.
[0028] In practice, a user sets up the tent 20. If the user
previously closed the inner covering 34 on the last use, the inner
covering 34 will be in the configuration shown in FIG. 2. The user
may then unzip the zipper 36 and lower the inner covering 34 to the
position shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the inner covering 34 will
not have significant structural support. The pole 46 may be
inserted to provide this support. For example, the pole 46 may be
inserted through the sleeve 48, and into a first one of the fabric
sockets 50, 52, and then may be tensioned and inserted into the
second of the fabric sockets 50, 52. Thus, the pole 46 is placed in
tension, and holds the outer portion of the inner covering 34 into
position.
[0029] As described above, the fabric strip 58 prevents further
rotation downward of the inner covering 34, and thus the pole 46,
the inner covering 34, and the fabric strip 58 provide a
horizontally positioned shelf within the tent 20. A user inside the
tent 20 may access the shelf by unzipping the zippers 60, 62 on the
screens 54, 56. Unzipping the screens 54, 56 exposes the shelf as
is shown in FIG. 5. A user also then has access to the zipper pulls
76, 78, which the user may use to open the outer window covering
26. The outer window covering 26 may be laid flat against the top
of the inner covering 34, as is shown in FIG. 6, or may be rolled
downward and out of the way. After the outer window covering 26 has
been opened, the user may again close the screens 54, 56, to
provide insect protection for the inside of the tent 20. As such,
ventilation for the tent 20 is provided through the window opening
24.
[0030] When the outer window covering 26 is opened, a user has
access to the shelf provided by the inner covering 34 from outside
the tent 20. The user may place an item on the shelf so that it may
later be grabbed by the user while in the tent 20, or may be
grabbed by another user already in the tent. If the outer window
covering 26 is closed, the user outside the tent may grab the
zipper pulls 30, 32 and open it so as to gain access to the
shelf.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment, pouches 80, 82, 84 are
provided on the outer surface of the inner covering 34. These
pouches provide storage for items, such as watches and other small,
valuable items. The pouches are arranged in an upright manner when
the inner covering 34 is in the position shown in FIG. 2, and in a
horizontal manner, under the inner covering 34, when the inner
covering 34 is in the position shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.
[0032] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
[0033] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0034] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *