AU2008202917A1 - Suspendable tent - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Live Life Outdoors International Limited Invention Title: Suspendable tent The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P7827.AU PaLUtLj!ng AppIcaco4 2008-7-2.6c (M) -2- SUSPENDABLE TENT The present invention relates to a suspendable (Ni tent.

In the area of children's play dens and tree houses, new versions are constantly sought to provide (1 new and interesting features for their users.

00 010 A way of ameliorating this problem has been sought.

According to the present invention there is provided a suspendable tent comprising a tent body and a support for connecting the tent body to a point from which the tent body can be suspended. By providing a tent which can be suspended, for example above the ground in a garden, an alternative to a tree house can be made available which is easy to assemble and take apart. There is no need for a flat surface such as that required for normal tents. In addition, large, bulky and heavy components, such as those used in tree house construction, are not generally required. In use, the suspendable tent can act as a swing, play pen or tree house.

In certain embodiments, the tent body may comprise a base comprising a rigid frame. This can provide a stronger tent body. In some embodiments, the rigid frame may be provided at a perimeter of the base.

In certain embodiments, the base and the rigid frame may be square. In some embodiments, the square rigid frame may comprise a supporting frame member that connects two opposite sides of the square rigid frame such that the square rigid frame defines two areas.

This can make it possible for two people to lie next to each other on the base on either side of the supporting N NMcibournekClses\Pllen1177800-79kP792UGH specidoc 2/07/08 I7 00 -3- 00 O frame member without rolling into each other.

In some embodiments, the base and the rigid frame Smay be circular.

In certain embodiments, the support may comprise at least one flexible linkage connected at a first end to (1 the tent body and at a second end releasably connected C- to the point from which the tent body can be suspended.

00 10 In some embodiments, the tent body may comprise a base Scomprising a rigid frame and the at least one flexible linkage is connected at its first end to the rigid frame.

In certain embodiments, the at least one flexible linkage may comprise at least one strap. In some embodiments, the at least one flexible linkage may comprise two straps, each strap being connected at each of its ends to the base such that they form two loops.

In certain embodiments, the support comprises a releasable connector that connects the two loops to the point from which the tent body can be suspended. In some embodiments, the releasable connector may be a carabiner.

In certain embodiments, one or more guy lines may be attached to the tent body. In some embodiments, the one or more guy lines may be attached to the base.

In certain embodiments, the base has a trampolinestyle floor.

The Treepee (trademarked) hanging tent. To be hung from a tree or other suitable support (see Figures 2 and 3).

N %Mcibournc\Cll c\\atnt6AUNSpei.\P78276.AU GH spccidoc 2107108 00 -4- 0 O The Treepee comes with either a round or a square trampoline style base (see Figures 5, 6 and A fabric, polyester tent is secured with high tensile C straps to the metal base frame, the straps are double sewn into the fabric tent and secured to a carabiner at the top for suspension. (see Figures 4 and 8).

C(N Common problems encountered when trying to Cq construct/assemble a hand built or pre-manufactured

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S 10 tree house or children's play den as well as traditional tents are: 1. That a large space is often required.

2. Complicated assembly/construction is required, normally by an experienced adult.

3. The structure cannot be easily disassembled for storage when not in use.

4. Price is often prohibitive to many potential customers.

5. A flat and level surface is required, particularly in tent usage.

6. Large, bulky, heavy components are normally used, particularly in tree house building.

7. Wooden constructions, particularly in tree house building, require regular maintenance to sustain the safety and functionality.

Features of the Treepee that aim to resolve these problems are: 1. The Treepee comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 0.5m diameter for the 'Twigwam' (trademarked) to 2.0m diameter for the 'Giant Treepee'.

And being suspended does not require a larger space than the size of the product.

2. The Treepee is ready to use, it is supplied folded into four sections, for ease of N elbournc\ClscsPatent\790000- 8999P78 CH speci.doc 2/07J09 00 5 0 O transport/storage and can be easily assembled by an unqualified adult or older child.

3. The Treepee can easily be folded back into C four sections for easy storage when not in use.

4. The simple, cost effective design allows a more affordable price bracket.

Because the Treepee is hung off the floor, it C1 can be suspended above any quality or gradient of C- terrain.

6. The Treepee is supplied in an easy to carry box that can easily be lifted by a single adult.

7. Being constructed of steel tubing and 600x600D polyester with fire retardant, UV, PU and water resistant coating, the Treepee requires little or no maintenance to sustain its safety and functionality.

It is constructed to include, if required, a 'scramble net' for easy access (see Figure 7).

A bag on a rope with pulley system allows goods to be pulled up from ground level through the window (see sheet Figure 7).

The windows are covered in bug mesh with roll-up clear plastic to the outside to allow air to circulate (see Figure 7).

The 2.0m 'Giant Treepee' has a central base frame support (see Figure 1) to allow two people to sleep next to each other without rolling to the centre.

A zip up, drop down 'bag' is included on the 'Giant Treepee' for storage (see Figure 1).

All fabric used is fire retardant, UV coated and water resistant.

N AMebonn\Cas Paent\7800078999P78276. AUSpecis\P7S276AU GH spccidoc 2/07/08 0 -6- 00 O The Treepee supports a maximum weight of 150kg.

There are tethers connected to each of the four Cq corners for extra support (see Figure 4) Pockets on the inside provide storage areas (see Figure 7) The Treepee is a hanging tent that can be suspended 00 10 in a tree or similar support (see Figures 2 and It has either a circular or square base of trampoline material with a fabric 'tent' fixed to the solid metal base frame. High tensile straps are sewn into the fabric tent section, then secured to the metal base.

The straps combine at the top, connected by a carabiner for aerial suspension.

In an alternative embodiment, the invention relates to a construction whereby a solid steel rimmed base (see Figures 5, 6 and 9) either square or round (see Figures 5, 6 and 9) supporting a trampoline style fabric 'floor' connected by a series of double stitched loops through which the steel frame is inserted (see Figures 5, 6 and This steel rim with trampoline 'floor' is connected by 4 high strength straps with continual loop around the corner of the steel frame.

The high strength straps combine at the top to form a triangular 'tent' frame and are connected to a carabina for aerial suspension (see Figure 9) 600x600D polyester fabric with fire retardant, UV, PU and water resistant coating is double stitched to the high strength straps to create an enclosed 'tent' with zipped entrance.

In some embodiments, the zipped entrance has a double skin, one of 600x600D polyester as claimed in N %Mlbourn( CCIscs Patent)780-7999P78276PH spci-doc 2/07/0 00 -7- 00 O claim 1, and one of the bug gauze, also zipped.

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In certain embodiments, the only solid element of (Ni the construction exists as the steel frame as claimed in claim i. The construction contains no rigid components above the steel rim level.

(1 In some embodiments, bug gauze panels are fitted to all or some of the 'window' openings.

00 SIn certain embodiments, square or round clear plastic canvas 'windows' connected at the top section (see Figure 7) secured by Velcro fastenings to the sides, can be rolled up and tied to allow air to circulate.

In some embodiments, a small polyester bag may be connected to a rope, threaded through a pulley mechanism inside one or more windows to allow goods to be pulled up from ground level.

In certain embodiments, high strength tethers are connected by means of an adjustable loop fastening to the corners, or spaced appropriately around the steel rim (see Figure 2) In some embodiments, the steel rim frame can be folded into four corner sections for easy transportation and storage.

The present invention will be further described in greater detail by reference to the following Figures of the accompanying drawings which are not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed, in which: Figure 1 shows a suspendable tent according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

N %MlbourncCssc\Patct%7800.7899%P7876.AUH spci.-doc 2/07/08 00 -8- 0 Figure 2 shows a view of the suspendable tent of -s Figure 1 when suspended from a structure.

Figure 3 shows a view of the suspendable tent of Figure 1 when suspended from a tree.

CI Figure 4 shows a view of the suspendable tent of eC Figure 1 when the door is closed.

00 D O Figure 5 shows the base of the suspendable tent of Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows an alternative view of the base of Figure Figure 7 shows a suspendable tent according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a suspendable tent according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 shows the base of the suspendable tent of Figure 8.

Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 depict a suspendable tent 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tent body 2 of suspendable tent 1 comprises four walls 5 (only two of which are visible in Figures 2, 3 and 4) and square base 10. The tent body 2 tapers from square base 10 to square hole 20 in the top of suspendable tent 1.

Square base 10 has four corners 80, only three of which are shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. Tent body 2 is suspended by a support 4 comprising flexible linkages 8 in the form of two high tensile strength N:\Mclbournc\Cseal\Patent\78000-78999\P78276,AU\Spccis\P78276.AU GH spcci.doc 2/07/08 00 OO -9oO O straps which are each connected, at each of their ends, to different adjacent corners 80 of square base Each strap therefore forms a loop 15. The two loops of the support 4 extend from the corners 80 of square base 10 through square hole 20 in the top of tent body 2 where they are engaged by carabiner 25 of the support.

C One of the walls 5 of tent body 2 comprises door 00 10 opening 30. Door opening 30 is edged with a zip (not Sshown) to allow it to be opened and closed.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, another one of the walls 5 of tent body 2 comprises window opening Window opening 35 is covered in mesh 40 (see Figures 1 and 4) for keeping insects out of the tent body 2.

In addition, window opening 35 comprises clear plastic sheet 45 which is connect to the top of window opening 35 and covers mesh 40. In this way, clear plastic sheet 45 can inhibit the ingress of water into the tent body 2. In Figures 1 and 4 the clear plastic sheet 45 is shown in a position in which it is rolledup above window opening 35 and mesh 40 is visible. In Figure 2 the clear plastic sheet 45 is unrolled such that it covers mesh As shown in Figure 1, square base 10 of tent body 2 comprises square frame 50. Square frame 50 is substantially square and is provided at the perimeter 51 of square base 10 where square base 10 meets walls Square frame 50 also optionally includes supporting frame member 55 that connects two opposing sides of square frame 50 at approximately half way along their length such that square frame 50 defines two areas 52,53. During use, this can make it possible for two people to lie next to each other on the base on either N:\Mclbournc\Ciscs\PIcnt\B000-78999\P78276.AU\Sp s\P78276AU GH spci.doc 2/07/08 00 O side of the supporting frame member 55 without rolling into each other. Alternatively, if the square base -s is intended to be used as a trampoline, supporting C frame member 55 can be omitted.

Also shown in Figure 1 is storage bag 60 which is connected to the edges of square base 10. Storage bag C1 60 hangs down from square base 10 during use. When C- suspendable tent 1 is not in use, it can be folded up

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0 10 inside storage bag Figure 2 shows the suspendable tent 1 of Figure 1 where the point from which tent body 2 is suspended is hook 65 on structure 70. Carabiner 25 of the support 4 is releasably connected to hook 65. As shown in Figure 2 and 4, guy lines 75 provided at the four corners (only three of the guy lines 75 being visible in Figures 2 and 4) of square base 10 are connected to the four legs 85 of structure 70. The guy lines 75 are provided in order to inhibit the movement of the tent body 2 when it is suspended.

Figure 3 shows the suspendable tent 1 of Figure 1 where the point from which tent body 2 is suspended is a tree 90. Carabiner 25 of the support 4 is releasably connected to hook 65 on branch Figure 5 depicts the square base 10 of the suspendable tent 1 of Figure 1. Square base comprises square fabric floor 100 connected along its edges to square frame 50 by elastic loops 105. In this way, a trampoline-style floor is provided to tent body 2. The supporting frame member 55 has been removed in Figure Figure 6 shows the square base 10 of Figure 5 where the two loops 15 of the support 4 are each connected to N: W el bOuelC a en t%7000.7 999%P7 2 76H tpecidoc 2/07108 00 -11- 0 0 two adjacent corners 80 of square base 10. Loops are engaged above the square base 10 by carabiner 25 of the support.

Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of suspendable tent 200 according to the invention. Like features to the first embodiment are indicated with like reference CI numerals.

00 0 10 As depicted in Figure 7, the suspendable tent 200 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that tent body 205 comprises net 101 which is attached to square base 10 by supporting bar 106 which is parallel to one of the edges of square base 10. The net 101 hangs down from square base when tent body 205 is suspended. The net 101 can assist the user when climbing into the tent body 2 when it is suspended.

The suspendable tent 200 of the second embodiment also differs from that of the first embodiment in that it comprises bag 110 attached to one end of rope 115.

The other end of rope 115 is attached to a wall 5 of tent body 205. This allows the user pull the bag, and any contents, up to the tent body 205 when suspended.

A pulley system (not shown) may be provided inside the tent body 205 in order to assist the user in pulling up the bag.

A further difference between the suspendable tent 1 of the first embodiment and the suspendable tent 200 of the second embodiment is that pockets 120 are provided on an inner surface 125 of one of the walls 5 of tent body 205. The pockets 120 can assist the user when storing items in the tent body 205.

Figures 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of N \Mlbourn\Csc\Patcn%78000-78999\P78276 AUSpccis\P78276 AU GH spcca doc 2/07108 00 -12oo O suspendable tent 300 according to the invention. Like features to the first embodiment are indicated with like reference numerals.

The suspendable tent 300 of the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that tent body 305 comprises a circular base 130 instead of a C square base 10. Thus, as shown in Figure 8, instead of C having four walls 5, the tent body 305 of the third 00 10 embodiment has a one cone-shaped wall 135 that tapers from circular base 130 to circular hole 155 in the top of the tent body 305.

In addition, guy lines 75 are provided at the edge of circular base 130 in order to inhibit the movement of the tent body 305 when it is suspended.

Figure 9 depicts the round base 130 of the suspendable tent 300 of Figure 8. Circular base 130 comprises circular fabric floor 140 connected along its edges to circular frame 145 by elastic loops 150. In this way, a trampoline-style floor is provided to the tent body 305.

Circular frame 135 is formed at the perimeter 310 of circular base 130 where circular base 130 meets cone-shaped wall 135.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

N. McibourncCass Pacnt\7000-8999\7827.AUN8ecH spcidoc 2107/08 00 -13- 00 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

-00 0 00 N \Melbrn s\Pa\7S000p78999\P pcis\P7S276AU GH specitdoc 2107/08

Claims (11)

1. A suspendable tent comprising a tent body and a C support for connecting the tent body to a point from which the tent body can be suspended.

2. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 1, wherein CI the tent body comprises a base comprising a rigid C frame. 00 0D S3. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rigid frame is provided at a perimeter of the base.

4. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base and the rigid frame are square. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 4, wherein the square rigid frame comprises a supporting frame member that connects two opposite sides of the square rigid frame such that the square rigid frame defines two areas.

6. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base and the rigid frame are circular.

7. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support comprises at least one flexible linkage connected at a first end to the tent body and at a second end releasably connected to the point from which the tent body can be suspended.

8. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 7, wherein the tent body comprises a base comprising a rigid frame and the at least one flexible linkage is connected at its first end to the rigid frame.

9. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 8, wherein N %Mlbournel\asskIacnt%8000c899IP7826 AUGH xpcsmdoc 2107/0 00 00 O the at least one flexible linkage comprises at least one strap. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one flexible linkage comprises two straps, each strap being connected at each of its ends to the base such that they form two loops.

11. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 10, wherein OO 0 10 the support comprises a releasable connector that Sconnects the two loops to the point from which the tent body can be suspended.

12. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more guy lines are attached to the tent body.

13. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 2, wherein one or more guy lines are attached to the base.

14. A suspendable tent as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base has a trampoline-style floor. NMelbourne en\7000-78999P7 AUSpisP78276 AU G speidoc 2107108