U.S. patent number RE35,571 [Application Number 08/384,375] was granted by the patent office on 1997-07-29 for self-erecting structure.
Invention is credited to Eddie S. McLeese.
United States Patent |
RE35,571 |
McLeese |
July 29, 1997 |
Self-erecting structure
Abstract
A self-erecting tent structure having a first substantially
circular member of a certain dimension and providing at least a
second circular member for attachment thereto. The second circular
member is attached a points along the length of the first member by
constraining the first circular member with a tie forming the
circle into an ellipse of a desired dimension. A second circular
member is constrained also into an ellipse with the ends portions
of the circle formed into a "saddle shaped" by equally elevating
the opposite ends of the longer axis of the ellipse of the second
member; and aligning the "saddle shaped" member with the convexed
side upward over the first elliptical member so that the bottom
arcs of the saddle touch and are congruent with the opposite sides
of the shorter axis of the first elliptical member. This saddle
shaped member is then attached to the first elliptical member at
the points where the two members meet, which are substantially
equal on opposite sides of the member.
Inventors: |
McLeese; Eddie S. (Huntington
Beach, CA) |
Family
ID: |
27397282 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/384,375 |
Filed: |
February 3, 1995 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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379697 |
Mar 29, 1993 |
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747187 |
Aug 19, 1991 |
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Reissue of: |
223889 |
Jul 18, 1988 |
04858634 |
Aug 22, 1989 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/126; 135/143;
135/905 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H
15/40 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04H
15/34 (20060101); E04H 15/40 (20060101); E04H
015/40 () |
Field of
Search: |
;135/102,104,106,108,109,905,116,126,143 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Friedman; Carl D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fish & Richardson PC
Parent Case Text
.Iadd.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/379,697
filed on Mar. 29, 1993, abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser.
No. 07/747,187 filed Aug. 19, 1991, abandoned, which is a reissue
of 07/223,889 filed Jul. 18, 1988 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,634).
.Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed as invention is: .[.1. A self-erecting tent
structure, comprising:
(a) a first continuous resilient substantially closed planar loop
base support member contacting the surface upon which the tent is
resting when erected:
(b) at least a second continuous resilient closed loop support
member, secured to the closed loop base support member at at least
two points, with portions of the second closed loop support member
positioned apart from and above portions of base support member;
and
(c) a fabric membrane extending around and enclosing the base and
second continuous support members, and including an entry port, for
defining an enclosure within the fabric positioned around the first
and second support
members..].2. The structure in claim .[.1,.]. .Iadd.12
.Iaddend.wherein there is further included a third continuous
resilient closed loop support
member intermediate the first and second resilient support members.
3. The structure in claim .[.1,.]. .Iadd.12 .Iaddend.wherein the
base support member makes contact with the ground or other surface
substantially around
its entire length. 4. The structure in claim .[.1,.]. .Iadd.12
.Iaddend.wherein the continuous support members are attached
together at two points along the length of the support members, the
attachment points being substantially opposite one another mid-way
along the length of the
support members. 5. The structure in claim .[.1,.]. .Iadd.12
.Iaddend.wherein the first continuous support member is
substantially in
the shape of an ellipse. 6. The structure in claim .[.1,.].
.Iadd.12 .Iaddend.wherein the tent fabric membrane comprises a
continuous shell around the framework defined by the support
members. .[.7. A self-erecting tent, comprising:
(a) a first base closed-loop flexible support member defining a
substantially planar ellipsoid base portion, and at all points
contacting the surface upon which the tent rests;
(b) a second closed loop flexible support member attached at two
points, substantially opposite one another, to the base support
member, with portions of the second member extending a distance
upward and above portions of the base member;
(c) a third closed loop flexible support member likewise attached
to the first base support member, and at the same points as the
second support member, the ends of which extend substantially
vertical to the plane of the base support member, the first, second
and third support members defining a framework for the tent in the
erected configuration; and
(d) a fabric membrane encapsulating the base, second, and third
support members, for defining the erected tent enclosure, and
including means for entry into the enclosure through the fabric
membrane..]..[.8. The tent structure in claim 7, wherein the
support members, and the fabric membrane, may be brought together
and reconfigured to define substantially a disk when the tent is in
the stored position..]..[.9. The tent structure in claim 7, wherein
the structure moves from a first storage position to a second fully
erected position by the instantaneous unfolding of the support
members into the fully erected configuration..]..[.10. A
self-erecting tent having a framework first, comprising a ellipsoid
shaped substantially planar continuous loop base member making
contact with the ground around its entire length; a second
continuous closed loop member attached at at least two points to
the base closed loop member, portions of the second loop member
extending a distance away and upward from the base loop member for
partially defining the framework of the tent; a third closed loop
support member, likewise attached at at least two points to the
first and second closed loop members, and extending substantially
vertically from the plane of the first base member, for defining
the uppermost point of the tent framework; a fabric membrane
positioned around and enclosing the framework, for defining the
tent enclosure when the members are in the support position; the
support members, resiliently bendable from the support
configuration to a tightly formed disk configuration, for defining
the stored configuration, so that when the tent is in the stored
configuration, the first, second, and third support members can
reform instantaneously into the support configuration for defining
a tent enclosure able to house persons therein..]..[.11. A self
erecting tent structure having a fabric like tent floor and outer
wall comprising:
(a) a first continuous closed loop tent support member defining a
base support member that lies in a generally flat plane in an
unfolded position, and the perimeter of the tent floor contacting
the surface upon which the tent is resting when the tent is in
use;
(b) at least a second continuous closed loop tent support member,
secured to the first closed loop tent support member and including
raised portions that extend above the base support member when the
tent is in use; and
(c) a fabric membrane carried by the first and second support
members for defining an enclosure including a floor portion
spanning the first, closed loop tent support member so that the
floor is supported substantially
along its periphery by the first closed loop support
member..]..Iadd.12. A self-erecting tent structure, comprising:
(a) a first continuous resilient closed substantially planar loop
base support member contacting the surface upon which the tent is
resting when erected;
(b) at least a second continuous resilient closed loop support
member, secured to the closed loop base support member at at least
two points; and
(c) a fabric membrane extending around and enclosing the base and
second continuous support members with portions of the second
closed loop support member being bent to position apart from and
above the base support member, and including an entry port for
defining an enclosure within the fabric positioned around the first
and second support members. .Iaddend..Iadd.13. A self-erecting tent
structure, comprising:
(a) a first continuous resilient closed substantially planar loop
base support member contacting the surface upon which the tent is
resting when erected;
(b) at least a second continuous resilient closed loop support
member, secured to the base support member at least two points,
with portions of the second closed loop support member being bent
to a position apart from and above portions of the base support
member; and
(c) a fabric membrane extending around and enclosing the base and
second continuous support member and including an entry port for
defining an enclosure within the fabric positioned around the first
and second support members. .Iaddend..Iadd.14. A self-erecting tent
structure, comprising:
(a) a first continuous at least substantially closed substantially
planar loop base support member contacting the surface upon which
the tent is resting when erected;
(b) at least a second continuous at least substantially closed loop
support member, secured to the base support member at least two
points, with portions of the second closed loop support member
being bent to a position apart from and above portions of the base
support member and wherein the base and second continuous support
members comprise a material which possesses a memory for its
original shape such that, once bent, the material is capable of
spontaneously releasing its stored energy; and
(c) a fabric membrane extending around and enclosing the base and
second continuous support members and including an entry port for
defining an enclosure within the fabric positioned around the first
and second support members. .Iaddend..Iadd.15. A self-erecting tent
structure, comprising:
(a) a first continuous resilient at least substantially closed
substantially planar loop base support member contacting the
surface upon which the tent is resting when erected;
(b) at least a second continuous resilient at least substantially
closed loop support member; and
(c) a fabric membrane extending around and enclosing the base and
second continuous support members so as to secure the base support
member to the second continuous support member at least two points
with portions of the second closed loop support member being bent
to a position apart from and above the base support member, and
including an entry port for defining an enclosure within the fabric
positioned around the first and second support
members. .Iaddend..Iadd.16. A self-erecting tent structure,
comprising:
(a) a first continuous resilient at least substantially closed
substantially planar loop base support member contacting the
surface upon which the tent is resting when erected;
(b) at least a second continuous resilient at least substantially
closed loop support member, secured to the base support member at
least two points, with portions of the second closed loop support
member located apart from and above portions of the base support
member; and
(c) a fabric membrane attached to the base and second continuous
support member and including an entry port for defining an
enclosure within the fabric positioned around the first and second
support members, and wherein the fabric bends said second
continuous support member so as to provide a tent structure that is
self-erecting. .Iaddend..Iadd.17. A self-erecting tent structure
having a fabric like tent floor and outer wall comprising:
(a) a first continuous resilient closed loop tent support member
defining a base support member that lies in a generally flat plane
in an unfolded position, and the perimeter of the tent floor
contacting the surface upon which the tent is resting when the tent
is in use;
(b) at least a second continuous resilient closed loop tent support
member, secured to the first closed loop tent support member and
being bent so as to include raised portions that extend above the
base support member when the tent is in use; and
(c) a fabric membrane carried by the first and second support
members for defining an enclosure including a floor portion
spanning the first, closed loop tent support member so that the
floor is supported substantially along its periphery by the first
closed loop support member. .Iaddend..Iadd.18. A self erecting tent
structure having a fabric like tent floor and outer wall
comprising:
(a) a first continuous resilient at least substantially closed loop
tent support member defining a base support member that lies in a
generally flat plane in an unfolded position, and the perimeter of
the tent floor contacting the surface upon which the tent is
resting when the tent is in use;
(b) at least a second continuous resilient at least substantially
closed loop tent support member, secured to the first closed loop
tent support member and being bent so as to include raised portions
that extend above the base support member when the tent is in use;
and
(c) a fabric membrane attached to the first and second support
members for defining an enclosure including a floor portion
spanning the first, closed loop tent support member so that the
floor is supported substantially along its periphery by the first
closed loop support member. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to structures, such as tents. more
particularly, the present invention relates to a tent, including a
frame constructed of formable members, so that the tent is
instantaneously self-erecting from its stored configuration, and
can easily be restored to its storage configuration.
2. General Background
Tents and other such portable shelters are quite widespread in use,
both on a recreational level and for use in practical applications
such u the military. Due to the nature in which tents are utilized,
a tent must be lightweight, strong, and yet able to withstand the
forces of nature once it is erected. One constant problem, even
with modern day tents, is the manner in which the tent must be
erected, since the tent framework itself, even in the present state
of the art, it in most cases separate and apart from the fabric
covering of the tent, and therefore must be erected independently
so that the tent fabric may be supported by the framework. Because
of the nature of this interdependence, the erection of most tents
is a time-consuming and tedious task, which is difficult to
accomplish under certain inclement weather conditions, or during
the dark hours.
Therefore, there is a growing need for a tent structure or the like
which is quick and easy to erect, yet provides a substantial
structure which can utilized as a tent in a very short time.
Several patents have been found in a search of the art, which are
pertinent to the present invention. These patents are as
follows:
U.S. Pat. No, 3,960,161 issued to Norman, entitled "Portable
Structure", relates to a tent having a single continuous loop, in
the preferred embodiment, which is springy in nature, and can be a
flat spring steel stock and forms the shape in the open position
generally, corresponding to the periphery of a saddle. The frame is
therefore draped in the tent fabric, and may be folded up into the
closed position to form a ring formation storage. Upon unfolding,
the ring springs into the "saddle" shape, with the upper portions
of the ring serving as the ends of the tent. The tent is then
secured at the four lower corners through pegs, and serves as a
functional tent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,463 also issued to Norman, entitled "Portable
Structure", likewise teaches the use of a continuous loop of spring
steel, forming the basis of the framework or the tent, however,
with the spring steel formed in the formation of a figure "8", with
the central portion of the figure "8" serving as the apex of the
tent, and the loops of the "8" extending down to form the side base
of the tent. That closed figure "8" is then draped in tent fabric,
and like the former patent, when in the open position the figure
"8" serves as the framework supporting the tent; also four corners
of the tent are then pegged down to form the structure.
On both of these patents, it is required in each case that the
final tent product be secured to the ground at the four corners,
since neither .[.patents teach.]. .Iadd.patent teaches .Iaddend.the
use of base member for support as the base of the tent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,675,667 issued to Miller, entitled "Self Erecting
Tent", also teaches the use of a self-erecting tent which has a
closed loop, having the length of the loop traveling along the base
of the tent, and the two ends of the loop extending upward to form
the two rear and front entrances of the tent. As with the former
patents, this particular framework is a closed loop, and can be
stored away by deformation of the closed loop into circular
portions for a substantially flat storage configuration. This
particular patent, like the former two patents, likewise fails to
teach the use of a base member which is continuous around the tent
for forming the base of the tent, and yet allowing the tent to be
of a height where one can move about in the upright position.
The following list are other patents found in the search which may
be pertinent:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. INVENTOR TITLE
______________________________________ 4,605,029 Russell
"Self-Supporting Outdoor Sleeping System" 4,585,020 Masuda
"Self-Contained Tent" 4,058,133 Barr "Self-Contained Tent Assembly"
2,864,388 Oliver "Self-Erecting Tent" 2,864,390 Oliver
"Self-Erecting Tent" ______________________________________
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
What is provided is a self-erecting tent structure having a first
substantially circular member of a certain dimension which contacts
the surface upon which the tent would set at substantially all
points, and providing at least a second circular member for
attachment thereto. The second circular member is attached at at
least two points along the length of the first member by
constraining the first circular member with a tie forming the
circle into an ellipse of a desired dimension. The second circular
member is constrained also into an ellipse with the ends portions
of the circle formed into a "saddle shape" by equally elevating the
opposite ends of the longer axis of the ellipse of the second
member; and aligning the "saddle shaped" member with the
.[.convexed.]. .Iadd.convex .Iaddend.side upward over the first
elliptical member so that the bottom arcs of the saddle touch and
are congruent with the opposite sides of the shorter axis of the
first elliptical member. This saddle shaped member is then attached
to the first elliptical member at the points where the two members
meet, which are substantially equal on opposite sides of the
member.
There is then further provided a tent covering of suitable fabric,
having a floor portion and a continuous side wall portion so that
the first elliptical base member serves as the formed base for the
tent resting on the surface beneath the tent, and the saddle shaped
second elliptical member serves as the framework to support the
fabric of the tent into a formed tent upright position. The tent
fabric, of course, is then provided with a suitable opening for
ingress and egress into the tent that is formed by the framework
and the fabric.
In additional embodiments, there may be provided at least a third
elliptical member which likewise is formed at the same attachment
points as the base member, but rises up a distance at its longest
axis point above the first member to serve as an intermediate
framework between the upper saddle shaped member and the base
member in order to provide a boarder and more dome shaped tent
structure.
The invention also includes a tent structure which may erect from
the storage configuration to the full erected configuration by the
self-reforming of the tent framework into a first base ring, and at
least a second support ring, attached at least along two points of
the base ring, and defining the framework for supporting the tent
fabric thereupon for accommodating a person therewithin.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to
provide a self-erecting tent structure which is erectable from the
storage configuration to the full erected configuration in a matter
of seconds through instantaneously reformation of the frame
member.[.;.]..Iadd.. .Iaddend.
It is a further principal object of the present invention to
provide a self-erecting tent structure which may be stored in a
compact ring configuration, and through reformation of the frame
would achieve instantaneously erection, including a base portion, a
support portion, and a fabric tent covering including a entry port
thereinto.[.;.]..Iadd.. .Iaddend.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
self-erecting tent made of at least two elliptical bendable closed
loop ring members attached to at least two points, the first ring
member forming the base tent, the second ring member forming
substantially the upright support portion of the tent
framework.[.;.]..Iadd.. .Iaddend.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
self-erecting tent structure which can be easily folded from the
fully erected state to a closed circular compact storage state
efficiently and easily, for storage.[.;.]..Iadd.. .Iaddend.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a design
structure for a tent which provides a portable, utilitarian,
structurally elegant, reusable, .[.selferecting.].
.Iadd.self-erecting .Iaddend.tent for shelter which can be easily
and quickly collapsed into portable compact and lightweight
configuration.[.;.]..Iadd.. .Iaddend.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
structure which may serve as a shelter substantially
instantaneously from the storage configuration to the full upright
erected configuration when needed.
These and other objects of this invention will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and
claims which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the
present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals,
and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a three closed loop ring framework configuration
of the preferred embodiment of the self-erecting tent of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 represents a side view of the preferred embodiment framework
of the apparatus of the present invention with a tent fabric
covering thereupon;
FIG. 3 represents an end view of the preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention illustrating a side entry
view;
FIG. 4 represents an end view of the preferred embodiment
illustrating a front entry view;
FIG. 5 represents an overall perspective view of an erected tent in
the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
with tent grommets for securing the base ring of the tent;
FIG. 6 represents a bottom view of the tent structure in FIG.
5;
FIG. 7 represents an isolated view of the connection between the
three ring members in the framework of the present invention;
FIG. 7A illustrates the manner of attachment between the rings of
the framework and the tent fabric in the present invention;
FIGS. 8-15 illustrate the method of storing the tent from the
erected position of the present invention;
FIGS. 16-20 illustrate representational views in the steps of
reconfiguring the frame of the present invention from the erected
position to the stored position; and
FIGS. 21 and 22 represent alternate embodiments of the framework
structure in the self-erecting tent of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1-7 illustrate various views of the preferred embodiment of
the self-erecting tent of the present invention. What is most
critical in the present invention is the configuration of the
skeletal framework 12, as seen in FIG. 1 which comprises the frame
for tent structure 10 ass seen in FIG, 2. As illustrated in FIG, 1,
self-erecting framework 12 includes a first closed loop base ring
14, a second "saddle shaped" tent support ring 16 and an
intermediate support ring 18, each of the upper base rings 16 and
18 secured to the base ring 14 at at least two points 20 opposite
one another along the base ring for defining the skeletal support
framework 12 of the present invention.
For purposes of material, the support rings 14, 16, and 18 would be
constructed of materials suitable for forming a framework structure
which would have high elasticity and/or resilience. Such
characteristics may also be combined with high tensile and/or
compressive strength. Examples of suitable materials are spring
steel, fiber composite such as graphite, and highly flexible
plastics.
In the layout of the frame 12, framework 12 in its design is first
constructed by laying out the base member 14, which would, in the
preferred embodiment, make contact with the surface such as the
ground substantially along its entire length, and would function to
serve as a suitable means for supporting the tent structure flat on
the ground. The circular base ring 14 would be of a desired
diameter when laid upon the ground. In attaching the intermediate
ring 18 along the points of attachment 20 as seen in FIG. 1, base
ring 14 is constrained with a temporary tie or the like by pulling
the circle into the shape of an ellipse (FIG. 1) of a desired width
22. Next, the intermediate ring 18 is then constrained likewise
into an ellipse, but unlike the base ring 14 is configured to have
the two end loops 24 and 26 extend upward a distance above the base
ring 14, and to be flush with base ring 14 only at the points of
attachment 20. Likewise, the third or upper ring 16 is attached at
attachment points 20 and is configured wherein the end loops 30 and
32 are formed in the shape of a "saddle" while likewise being
attached to base ring 14 and intermediate ring 18, so that the
loops 30 and 32 are at the highest most point 34 that the tent
structure will accommodate. Therefore, as seen in FIG, 1, the three
separate rings are configured so as to create a continuous skeletal
framework with each end 36 of base ring 14, upward to the highest
.[.most.]. point 34 at the top of the loops 30 and 32 of upper ring
16. It would be noted again that the bottom arcs of both the upper
ring, and the intermediate ring 18 contact with and are congruent
with the .[.the.]. opposite side of a shorter axis of the base ring
14, to form the attachment points and the skeletal framework. The
upper saddle shaped ring 16 and the intermediate ring 18 are
attached to the base ring at the points where the .[.congruently.].
.Iadd.congruency .Iaddend.occurs, i.e., points 20.
Following the formation of the skeletal framework 12 as seen in
FIG. 1, the tenting fabric 40 may then be applied over the
configured rings as seen in FIG. 2, including an upper continuous
layer of fabric 42 for serving as the enclosure of the tent over
the framework 12, and the base of the fabric 44 continuing around
and under base ring 14 for defining an enclosed area 46 within
fabric 40 and defining the tent itself.
As seen in the Figures, particularly FIGS. 2 and 7A, the tent
fabric 40 is attached to the ring members 14, 16, and 18 through
the use of an attachment loop 50, which serves to adhere the fabric
40 to the various rings 14, 16, and 18 respectively, so that the
fabric is permanently affixed over the skeletal framework as seen
in FIGS. 2 and 5. Further, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, tent 10 in
this particular embodiment is exemplifying a side entry port 56,
comprising .[.a.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.arcuate flat member 58 which
is zipped or attached to the tent 40 through zipping or the like,
so that it may fold down onto the ground when in the open position
and may be returned to its erected position as seen in FIGS. 2 and
5. This entry, or course, is quite standard in the present art of
tent making.
FIGS. 3 and 4 represent end views respectively of a tent of the
type as illustrated in FIG. 2, with the exception that in FIG. 3,
tent 10 is illustrating a side entry flap 60, which has a central
vertical zipper 62 so that upon unzipping a person may crawl in
through the end 60, and be present in the tent through that entry
port. FIG. 4 simply illustrates a side end view of the tent as
illustrated in FIG. 2.
In order to more properly affix tent 10 to the ground or to the
surface that it is set upon, although in its preferred embodiment
ring 14 would serve as an adequate base in support, there may be
included a plurality of tie down grommets 64 which would be spaced
along the outer perimeter of base ring 14 (FIG. 6) so that a peg or
the like may be inserted through a port 66 in grommets 64 and
maintain the tent very secure along its perimeter boarder. Again,
this means of attachment is an alternate means of attachment, and
usually the weight of tent 10 in itself as erected, as seen in FIG.
6, would be adequate to maintain a tent supported on the
ground.
One of the more novel aspects of the present invention is the
manner in which the tent may be easily configured from the erected
configuration to the storage configuration by a single individual.
This particular method is illustrated in FIGS. 8-15. However, it
should be noted that if one were to view the Figures in the
opposite manner, i.e., 15-8 one would likewise see the method in
which the tent moves from the storage state to the fully erected
state during erection. As seen in the Figures, in FIG. 8 there is
noted an individual 70 grasping the ends 72 or the bottom 68 of the
tent structure in drawing the ends 72 together as to form a claim
74 (FIG. 8). Next, the structure as seen in FIG. 9 is rotated
90.degree. in the vertical axis so as that the bridge (convexity of
the saddle shaped) 76 of the saddle shape in now perpendicular to
the ground as illustrated in FIG. 10. Grasping the bottom ends 80
of the saddle in one hand, the to member is folded down so that it
is inserted inside the margin of the bottom 82 of the bridge of the
saddle as seen in FIG. 11. Next, the structure is rotated so that
the two interlapping and overlapping ends of the bridge of the
saddle are now secured against the ground as illustrated in FIG.
12. Next, each end grasp in the hand is returned in the second step
above to a separate hand and tucking or folding one side beneath
and within the other while exerting a general downward pressure
causing the spherical configuration of the structure to collapse
into a disk as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. The disk shape
should be secured for storage by placing an elastic band, tie, or
other restraints across the diameter of a disk. In various other
designs covers for the structure may be utilized wherein the disk
may be slipped into the cover for storage.
For a more complete representational view of the folding of the
framework, reference is made to FIGS. 16 and 20 wherein there is
illustrated for example, upper ring 14 which represents the series
of rings clasp into a single "saddle shape", rotated 90.degree. so
that the lower most ends 15 are turned perpendicular to the ground,
and a first end 15 is then tucked inside of the second end portion
15 in the direction of Arrow 17. Following the tucking in of the
first end 15, as seen in FIG. 18, reference is made to FIG. 19
where the two side portions 19 and 21 then are folded downward upon
one another to form the three layered ring 23 as seen in FIG. 20.
This representational view illustrates the manner in which the tent
as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 2 can be folded into the ring
configuration and be stored away. Likewise, if one were to reverse
the sequences as illustrated in FIGS. 16-20, one could visually see
the tent unfolding from the stored configuration as seen in FIG. 20
to the full upright configuration as seen in FIG. 16, this
unfolding of the tent from FIGS. 20 through FIGS. 16 being
accomplished instantaneously, so that the tent is self-erecting
over a matter of seconds from the folded position in FIG. 20 to the
full upright and extended position as seen in FIG. 16 in
representational view and in FIG. 2 in full erected view.
For purposes of alternate embodiments, FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate
two possible configuration of the rings 14, 16, and 18 wherein if
one wanted a full side entry as illustrated in phantom view by
zipper 62, the second loop of ring 16 rather than extending outward
as seen in its first loop, would be secured and held in place
against ring 14 so that there would be no intermediate rings
extending through the outer most end of tent frame 12, and
therefore, allowing a full sipper along that wall to allow full
access into the tent. Likewise, in FIG. 22, intermediate ring could
be eliminated altogether, so that the tent would be simply
constructed of the base ring 14, the upper ring is secured at point
20 and therefore forming a basic framework for a tent, yet not
having the full extension of the sidewalls as seen in FIG. 2 which
would be kept expanded outward by intermediate range 16.
It is foreseen that the present invention constructed is quite
novel in the view that the framework and the fabric for the tent
are maintained permanently attached to one another and whether it
be in the stored configuration or the upright configuration.
Further, the desirability characteristics of the frame made from
material which possess a "memory" for its original shape once
deformed allows it to spontaneously release its stored energy
deformation when it moves into its complete erect state.
The suitable webbing, fabric or tenting may include by way of
example and without limitation waterproof fabric such as treated
cotton, nylons, etc., suitable for shelter, from the elements,
course weave fabrics, or webbings suitable for air vents or
mosquito netting, insulated materials that are suitable for extreme
cold weather climates, reflective materials that provide shelter
from intense solar radiation, and insulated and/or reflective
materials that may intercept, reflect, cancel or contain the
ignition or transmission of specific frequencies of energy.
The later is further exemplified by portable shelters for military
use that do not transmit .[.infer red.]. .Iadd.infrared .Iaddend.or
radiation or low frequency radio emissions so as to provide a
negative signature to remote sensing devices. Other military and
recreational uses may employ tinting materials bearing camouflage
patterns so is to provide blinds or escape aerial protection.
Examples of sheet materials or membranes having desirable
characteristics for use with the shelter are impermeable fabrics,
membrane or plastics for use in adverse or toxic chemical
environments, permeable membrane or permeable sheeting for the
selective ignition of gaseous or fluid constituents in the
insulated and/or reflective materials referred to above.
It is important to note that the features in the self-erecting tent
provide for a structure which can be placed in the stored position
and instantaneously form a self-erecting tent having a complete
base portion for moving into. This would be critical in instances
where one is faced with adverse weather, or darkness, or because of
a handicap or the like, would be unable to erect a tent in the
present state of the art. The manner of construction of this tent
allows instant self erection, and provides for a very easy and
simple manual steps for reconfiguring the tent to the stored
configuration.
Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within
the scope of the inventive concept herein taught, and because many
modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in
accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be
understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
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