AU2019253888A1

AU2019253888A1 - A frame for mounting an enclosure

Info

Publication number: AU2019253888A1
Application number: AU2019253888A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nyein Aung; Chris Mercieca
Original assignee: Oztent Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Oztent Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-23
Filing date: 2019-10-25
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-23
Also published as: US20150308146A1; AU2015202086A1; AU2019253888B2; AU2015202086B2

Abstract

Abstract A frame (1) for mounting an enclosure (2). The frame (1) having a first sub-frame (4) and a second sub-frame (4). Each said sub-frame (4, 5) having a pair of elongate side members (7) connected by an elongate cross member (8). A hinge member (12) locatable at each free end of the side members of the sub-frames and adapted to permit movement of the sub-frames with respect to each other. A foot (20) is extendible from each hinge member and adapted to be placed on a surface. A support member (30) is adapted to connect the feet to the sub-frames to provide stability to the frame.

Description

A FRAME FOR MOUNTING AN ENCLOSURE

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a frame for mounting an enclosure and in particular a frame for mounting a tent, where the frame has no base support contacting a ground surface in the front and/or rear.

Background of the Invention [0002] Enclosures are used throughout the world to protect people and goods from the elements, animals or other people. Most enclosures are fixed structures such as buildings, sheds, or the like. There is however a need for portable enclosures for temporary use. For example, portable enclosures are commonly used during music, sporting and other social events. Portable enclosures have also been used in places such as sporting fields and beaches to inhibit sun exposure. Portable enclosures are also commonly used in the form of tents or the like during camping, hiking or on expeditions.

[0003] A major disadvantage with existing portable enclosures like a tent is that they are not sufficiently compact and require a significant number of elements and time to erect. This is typically due to the frame structure used and in particular the rear base support. Though smaller enclosures exist, such as swags or the like, those smaller enclosures are not sufficient in size for most use or for multiple people. Further, most frames are limited to fit with only a simple cover limiting in use.

[0004] The problem with a swag for example is that when a swag design is enlarged it is very clumsy and difficult for one person to lay down a cover or enclosure of the same volume, insert a strong enough and yet flexible enough pole structure, whilst holding it up as a user secures everything. Most swags have a single rigid beam or rib from which the entire tent hangs, resulting in a lot of sagged areas, especially at a similar size, scale, and volume. In fact, a swag is not scalable to a similar size and volume as a conventional tent, without serious modifications. The reason being is that the weight of the canvas will increase exponentially. There is a need for a good portion of the living area to be taunt offering a superior profile for weather protection and airflow. Most swags, due to the single pole design, that is restrained by

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2019253888 25 Oct 2019 fabric, will also not allow for the addition of accessories. There is a need for a frame and tent that offer an extended section from the back and/or sides in addition, due to its frame structure, can potentially allow for multiple optional accessories such as side and front panels, allow leech structures such as Tagalong Tents or the like.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a frame that can be used for mounting various types of enclosures in a quick, easy way and where the frame is compact in travel.

Object of Invention [0006] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention [0007] There is disclosed herein a self-supporting frame for mounting an enclosure; the frame having:

a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame;

each said sub-frame having a pair of elongate side members having a first captured end and a second free end;

each said second free end connected by and spaced apart by an elongate cross member to form a generally n shape;

a pair of feet adapted to be placed on a surface in use and each having a base hinge pivotally retaining said first captured ends of said first and second sub-frames and adapted to permit movement of said first sub-frame with respect to said second sub-frame;

a pair of support members extending between said feet and said elongate side members of said second sub-frame, said frame having no support member located between said first captured ends contacting said surface, and wherein the elongate cross members include a hinge to permit folding with respect to each other and slide along said side members.

[0008] Preferably, said enclosure is a tent.

[0010] Preferably, the elongate side members are telescopically extendable elongate side members.

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2019253888 25 Oct 2019 [0011] Preferably, the elongate cross members are are telescopically extendable cross members.

[0012] Preferably, the elongate side members and feet are operatively associated with each other so that in a closed configuration each are substantially parallel to each other and in an opened configuration each are substantially spaced apart radially from said respective base hinge.

[0013] Preferably, the elongate cross members are adapted to fold into a first portion and a second portion so that each portion is substantially parallel to each other when the frame is in the closed configuration.

Brief Description of Drawings [0014] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in the closed configuration;

[0016] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 being expanded;

[0017] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 being expanded;

[0018] Figure 4 shows Figure 3 being expanded;

[0019] Figure 5 shows Figure 4 being expanded;

[0020] Figure 6 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 is a second perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and [0022] Figure 8 is a third perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

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2019253888 25 Oct 2019 [0023] There is disclosed herein a frame 1 for mounting a portable enclosure 2. In a preferred form, the frame 1 would be external of the enclosure 2 as best seen in Figure 3 where the enclosure 2 is a tent or the like. The enclosure 2 could be made of a polycotton and include a fibre reinforced PVC floor. It should however be understood that other enclosures could be utilised. The frame 1 includes a first sub-frame 4 and a second sub-frame 5 however could include any number of sub-frames 4, 5. Each sub-frame 4, 5 has a pair of side members 7 connected by atleast one cross member 8. In the preferred form the frame has no support member located between the sub frames contacting the surface in the front and/or rear. In use, the side members 7 and cross members 8 form a generally n-shape as best seen in Figure 5. The side members 7 are preferably telescopically extendable so that their longitudinal length can be varied by a user (see Figure 4). However, they equally include a hinge so that they can fold back on each other. A locking means 10 could be utilised to lock the telescopically extending side members 7 at a particular length. The side members 7 could however come in multiple folding parts. The cross members 8 could also be telescopically extendable or include one or more hinges 12 to permit portions of the cross members 8 to fold with respect to each other to be substantially parallel when the frame 1 is in the closed configuration (see Figures 1 and 2). The hinge 12 for example could be located at the corners, in the centre as shown in the figures or at any distancealong the members. For example, a hinge could be located 30cm away from a corner towards the middle of a member. The members 7, 8 can include slide mechanisms, twist and lock mechanisms, snap locks, press button locks or the like. The cross members 8 and side members 7 in the preferred form though are connected together by pivotable slidable hinges 15. The hinge 15 permits the side members 7 and cross members 8 to form a substantially right angle in the open configuration as shown in Figures 2 and 3 and in the closed configuration to be substantially parallel to each other (see Figure 1). The frame 1 further includes a pair of feet 20 adapted to be located on a surface upon which the frame 1 is to be mounted. The feet 20 extend from a base hinge 25. The base hinge 25 locates the free ends of each of the side members 7 of the sub-frames 4 and 5. The base hinge 25 permits the side members 7 and feet 20 to rotate about the base hinge 25 and move apart from each other so that in the closed configuration each of the side members 7 and feet 20 are located substantially parallel to each other (see Figure 1) and in the opened configuration each of the side members 7 and feet 20 are radially spaced apart (see Figure 5). As shown in the drawings by an acute angle. They could however be spaced apart by any suitable angle. The feet 20 do not extend away from the base hinge 25 for a longitudinal distance greater than that of the

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2019253888 25 Oct 2019 respective side members 7. That is, the feet 20 would never be longer than the travel pack size. In effect, the frame 1 has no rear base support contacting the ground surface. That is, the location opposite where the front of the tent will be located. The frame 1 further includes at least one support member 30 adapted to connect the feet 20 to at least one of the first and second sub-frames 4, 5 or both sub-frames 4, 5 as shown in the figures. Support members 30 provide additional stability to the frame 1. The support members 30 can be removably attachable to the feet 20 and side members 7, fixedly connected thereto or slidably connected, rotatable, press button, twist lock or the like as discussed above. Alternatively, the support member 30 can be clicked or snapped onto the side members 7 and feet 20 by way of clips 40 or the like. That is, the members 30 can be folded up or expanded out and locked in various configurations sliding along the side members. This could include a pivot sliding hinge that both slides up and down the side member and also permits the cross members to pivot towards each other to fold away. The frame 1 could further include numerous mounts 60 for the securing of pegs, lines or the like to provide further stability. The frame 1 could be any size due to the ability of each of the members 7, 8, 20, 30 to fold with respect to each other or be telescopic. See for example in Figure 1 how compact the frame 1 becomes. The frame 1 could mount any type of enclosure 2 either with the frame 1 being external of the enclosure 2 as shown with the tent in the figures or could be internal of the enclosure 2.

[0024] In the embodiment in Figures 6 to 8, the enclosure 2 further includes an annex 50 extending from the enclosure 2 and hanging from the frame 1 by fastening means 60 and being held at an extended position by poles 51. It should be noted that the feet 20 do not extend all the way to the rear of the enclosure 2. This advantageously keeps the tent compact and allows the tent to fold down to a much smaller package. There is also no need for a full bottom frame and cross bar at the rear base advantageously reducing pack size. Accordingly, the enclosure size is not limited and the inner enclosure dimensions can be limitless. Any number of side, front or back annexes could be added.

[0025] The frame and enclosure when folded and placed in a carry pack (not shown) should weigh less than about 20 to 25kg. The pack could be made of a ployester fabric, polycotton or the like and include two or more handles. Once the pack is opened by way of fasteners such as clips, Velcro TM, zippers or the like, the tent is unrolled by a user. Either the right or left arms are opened first. The tent can then be erected by pulling up each set of arms. The arms slide as

9953526 described above and have Velcro TM or the like securing to fasten the sliding arms to each other, the enclosure, extrusions or a combination thereof. Any extra fabric and/or annexures can be pulled out and pegged in the usual manner.

[0026] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A self-supporting frame for mounting an enclosure; the frame having:

a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame;

2. The frame according to claim 1, wherein said enclosure is a tent.

3. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the elongate side members are telescopically extendable elongate side members.

4. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the elongate cross members are telescopically extendable cross members.

5. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the elongate side members and feet are operatively associated with each other so that in a closed configuration each are substantially parallel to each other and in an opened configuration each are substantially spaced apart radially from said respective base hinge.

6. The frame according to claim 1, wherein the elongate cross members are adapted to fold into a first portion and a second portion so that each portion is substantially parallel to each other when the frame is in the closed configuration.