CN117365181A

CN117365181A - Tent with cover

Info

Publication number: CN117365181A
Application number: CN202210766150.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰米·汤姆森; 理查德·伊斯特伍德; 李思齐; 龚杰
Original assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
Current assignee: Dometic Sweden AB
Priority date: 2022-06-30
Filing date: 2022-06-30
Publication date: 2024-01-09
Also published as: WO2024001818A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tent comprising a frame, a canopy and a mat. The frame includes a plurality of inflatable support members for supporting the canopy in an assembled configuration. The cushion comprises an inflatable cushion comprising a valve, wherein the valve is arranged to engage the canopy in an operating configuration in use, in which the valve is accessible from the outside of the canopy and the cushion is located inside the tent. The cushion includes a plurality of retention apertures, each retention aperture enabling a portion of the inflatable support member to be positioned therethrough in an assembled configuration to stabilize the air frame and prevent a lower portion of the inflatable support member from moving toward or away from each other in the assembled configuration.

Description

Tent with cover

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a tent and a method of assembling a tent. In particular, the present invention relates to a miniature tent including an inflatable frame and an inflatable cushion and a method of assembling a miniature tent including an inflatable frame and an inflatable cushion.

Background

Tent generally includes a support frame and a canopy. Such a support frame may be inflatable such that several gas sticks combine to provide an inflatable support frame. These inflatable frames are inflated to a pressure to provide the strength and rigidity required to support the canopy, thereby providing an interior camping space. As with conventional frames, inflatable support frames may tilt and move outwardly or inwardly during use due to wind and/or inclement weather. Tent pegs may be used to provide a degree of stability and prevent the lower ends of the air bars from moving toward or away from each other.

A small tent or tent may provide a relatively small interior space that may be primarily used for sleeping purposes. These tents generally allow one or two people to sleep side by side. Such tents do not provide any living space in which a living user would be able to sit comfortably on a chair or even stand up. Camping beds or mats may be provided for each occupant and may occupy an interior space. Due to the limited interior space, camping beds are typically assembled externally, or the air mattress is inflated externally and then moved into the tent. This may introduce dirt and debris into the clean living space, especially if it is raining.

As a result of this limited space within the small tent, the air cushion or camping bed may slide and push the canopy and/or frame as the camping bed/air cushion moves within the tent. The integrity of the canopy may be compromised if the camping bed/cushion touches and/or rests against the canopy. For example, such contact may cause or at least encourage water leakage through the awning.

The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the problems associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tent comprising a frame, a canopy and a mat,

the frame comprises:

a plurality of inflatable support members for supporting the canopy in an assembled configuration,

the cushion comprises an inflatable cushion comprising a valve, wherein the valve is arranged to engage the canopy in an operational configuration in which the valve is accessible from the outside of the canopy and the cushion is located inside the tent, in use, and

wherein the cushion comprises a plurality of retention apertures, each retention aperture enabling a portion of the inflatable support members to be positioned therethrough in the assembled configuration to stabilize the air frame and prevent lower portions of the inflatable support members from moving toward or away from each other in the assembled configuration.

Preferably, the or each inflatable support member is arranged such that the lower portion thereof is positioned through the retention aperture in the assembled configuration. Preferably, the or each inflatable support member foot is arranged to be positioned through the retention aperture in the assembled configuration.

Preferably the or each inflatable support member comprises a closed lower end forming a foot of the support member. Preferably the foot is arranged to be supported on the ground in use and to have the inflatable support member protrude upwardly from the ground. The floor may comprise the interior floor sheet of a tent.

The or each inflatable support member may comprise an air bar or an air beam.

The or each inflatable support member may be linear.

The valve may comprise an inflation valve. The valve may comprise a bleed valve.

The retention apertures may be disposed adjacent corners of the cushion. A retention aperture may be provided at each corner of the cushion. The air cushion may include four retention apertures, each of which may be positioned adjacent a corner of the air cushion. The frame may comprise four inflatable support members.

The retention aperture may be provided on a non-inflatable portion of the cushion.

The cushion may include retention tabs (flaps) on which retention apertures may be provided. The cushion may include corner flaps on which the retention apertures may be disposed. The cushion may comprise four corner flaps, each providing a retention aperture.

The cushion may include a main inflatable portion and the retention tabs may protrude outwardly from the main inflatable portion.

The inflatable portion may be arranged to support the or each retention tab at a location spaced from a support surface supporting the main inflatable portion when inflated.

The main inflatable portion may include a substantially linear edge having a beveled (rounded) corner, and wherein the retention tab may extend from around the beveled corner.

The retention tabs may be integral with the primary inflatable portion.

The cushion may comprise a single component providing the primary inflatable portion and the retention tabs.

In the inflated configuration, the inner diameter of the retention aperture may generally correspond to the outer diameter of the inflatable support member.

The or each retention aperture may be arranged to grip an outer surface of the respective inflatable support member. The or each retention aperture may retain a respective inflatable support member therein by an interference fit.

The retention tabs may be located at intermediate positions around the peripheral wall of the cushion. The intermediate position may be approximately equidistant between the upper surface of the air cushion and the lower surface of the air cushion.

The cushion may be sized to substantially fill the interior floor space provided by the tent in the assembled configuration.

In the inflated condition, the cushion may have a lateral width and a longitudinal length, wherein in the assembled configuration the lateral width may generally correspond to an interior lateral width of the tent and in the assembled configuration the longitudinal length may generally correspond to an interior longitudinal length of the tent.

The cushion may include a peripheral wall that may be positioned adjacent to the inner transverse and longitudinal walls of the tent in the assembled configuration.

The tent may provide a generally rectangular interior area in the assembled configuration, and the cushion may be generally rectangular in the inflated condition.

The cushion may include a tube over which the valve is positioned. The tube may comprise a flexible tube. The tube may extend outwardly from one longitudinal end of the cushion.

The valve may be located on the lower surface of the tube.

In the assembled configuration, the tube may extend from the main inflatable portion of the pad to the wall of the tent.

The side walls of the tent may provide a valve access aperture. In the assembled configuration, the valve access aperture may enable the valve to be accessed from outside the tent.

The valve access aperture may comprise an aperture through an awning of a tent forming a wall. The valve access aperture may comprise an aperture through the canopy of the tent forming a longitudinal end wall.

The valve may include mounting means for mounting the valve to a wall of a tent. Preferably, the mounting means mounts the valve in a wall of the tent through the aperture. Preferably, the mounting means removably mounts the valve to a wall of the tent.

The valve may include a threaded portion and a corresponding threaded flange or nut. In use, a portion of the awning may be arranged to be gripped, captured or engaged between the threaded flange and a fixing flange provided on the valve. Accordingly, to mount the valve to the tent, a portion of the valve is located in an aperture provided in the wall, and from an external location outside the tent, a threaded flange is fastened to the threaded portion of the valve to grip the canopy around the aperture.

The tent may include a shield to protect the valve. The shroud may be located on an outer surface of a wall of the tent and surround an aperture provided in the wall of the tent through which the valve is accessible. The shield may comprise a flexible portion of textile material that is movable to provide access to the valve and movable to cover and protect the valve.

The cushion may comprise a self-inflating cushion.

Preferably, the cushion is inflatable by a pump located on the outside (exterior) of the tent.

The inflatable support members may all be linked to provide a single inflatable network for the frame.

The frame may comprise a valve, and preferably a single valve, wherein the valve is arranged to engage the canopy in an operational configuration in use, in which the valve is accessible from the outside of the canopy, and the frame is located inside the tent.

Preferably, the inflatable portion of the cushion is independent of the inflatable network of inflatable support members. Accordingly, the cushion may be inflated or pressurized to a first pressure and the inflatable support member may be inflated or pressurized to a second (different) pressure.

The or each inflatable support member may be located at least partially within the sleeve, and wherein the or each sleeve is provided on and may be (essentially) provided by an inner surface of the canopy. Accordingly, the inflatable support member may provide an internal support frame with a valve that is accessible from the outside of the canopy of the tent. The tent may thus have a first inflation valve for inflating the cushion and a second inflation valve for inflating the inflatable member of the frame, and wherein these valves are independent and communicate with separate inflatable volumes.

The tent may include a tent.

Drawings

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tent according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the upper side of the cushion according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the underside of the cushion according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view of a portion of the interior of a preferred embodiment of the tent, showing a portion of the air cushion engaged within the tent;

FIG. 5 is a view of a portion of the interior of a preferred embodiment of the tent, showing a portion of the air cushion engaged within the tent;

FIG. 6 is an exterior view of a portion of a preferred embodiment of the tent with a pump attached to the valve of the air cushion;

fig. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tent according to the present invention;

fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a single tent in accordance with the present invention;

fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a one-seater tent in accordance with the present invention;

fig. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a double tent according to the present invention; and

fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a double tent according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

A preferred embodiment of a tent 10 according to the present invention is shown in fig. 1-6. Fig. 7 shows a similar embodiment with different dimensions. The tent 10 includes an inflatable support structure 12 that forms the framework or skeleton of the shelter/tent. The support structure 12 includes inflatable support members in the form of four generally upright (or vertically extending) column portions 14 to support the canopy 16 in an assembled configuration. The canopy 16 provides walls of the tent 10 that may be provided with doorways and/or windows, ventilation assemblies, and the like. The support frame 12 also includes additional inflatable column portions for supporting a portion of the canopy to provide the tent 10 with a roof 18.

By inflating the support structure 12, the tent 10 may be converted from a folded or deflated configuration to an assembled (inflated) and erect configuration. The design of the tent 10 preferably makes the tent 10 as compact as possible when in the collapsed configuration, making the tent 10 suitable for storage and transport, and providing a useful multi-functional space when erected.

It should be appreciated that fig. 1 shows the tent 10 in its fully inflated and assembled configuration. The support structure 12 is preferably configured such that the resulting tent 10 provides a 1-person or 2-person tent, as will be described later. In particular, when the support structure 12 is inflated, the longitudinal length and lateral width of the tent 10 are suitable for one to two persons to lie therein. Furthermore, the height of the tent 10, or the length of each pole portion 14 of the support structure 12, is preferably such that a person cannot stand in the tent 10. Accordingly, tent 10 is a small tent that is sized to just allow one or two persons to sleep in it and does not provide any additional accommodation space or internal living area. For example, the tent 10 is not suitable for a chair, a table, or any storage unit, etc. The purpose of such a tent is to provide a small, compact and portable tent 10 that provides minimal comfort space for one or two persons, primarily for sleeping/resting/shelter purposes.

In a preferred embodiment, the support structure 12 includes a single interconnecting channel for air. The support structure 12 includes four substantially straight post portions 14. Each post portion 14 extends between a lower end or foot 15 and an upper portion. The lower end 15 of each column portion 14 is closed end and forms a lower end or foot 15 of the support structure 12 when the support structure 12 is inflated and erected. The pole sections 14 are arranged such that when inflated, the lower ends or feet 15 of the pole sections 14 form or are located at the lower corners of the tent 10. The upper end or portion of each post section 14 is connected to and forms a continuous channel with the roof structure of the support structure 12.

It can be seen that the overall tent structure is conventional in that the support frame 12 supports the canopy 16 to provide a shielded interior area. However, the present invention provides an integral cushion 20 that also reinforces the support frame 12. In particular, the integrated cushion is an air cushion 20 that engages each of the upstanding stems 14 to prevent the stems 14 from moving away from one another due to external forces such as physical movement of the canopy 16 and/or forces of wind on the walls of the tent 10. In addition, the cushion 20 also prevents the air bars 14 from moving toward each other again due to external forces. In addition, the air bar 14 also maintains the desired centering arrangement of the air cushion 20 within the tent 10 and also prevents/inhibits the air cushion 20 from undesirably moving to a position adjacent to and abutting the outer wall of the tent 10 that may promote water ingress.

As described below, the cushion 20 acts as a stiffening base that spans between the lower portions of the upright air bars 14. In addition, because the air cushion 20 is sized to span between the upright air bars 14, the air cushion 20 substantially fills the interior floor space of the tent 10. The present invention also provides an inflatable device for the cushion 20 that is accessible from the outside of the tent 10. In particular, the air cushion 20 has a valve 30 for inflating and/or deflating, which is mounted in the side wall 19 of the tent 10 formed by the awning 16. Accordingly, this enables the cushion 20 to be inflated in situ to the desired pressure, and this prevents the user from having to attempt to move the fully inflated cushion 20 into the restricted/tight floor space provided in the tent 10. This manipulation is difficult for a fully inflated cushion 20 to provide assembly stability achieved by the arrangement of the present invention, either fully engaging a portion of the cushion 20 or fully enclosing each upright air bar 14 within the engaging element or cushion 20, which further hinders this manipulation. In addition, the ability to inflate the cushion 20 with an external device (e.g., the pump 32) means that the cushion 20 does not become dirty and the pump 32 does not introduce dirt into the tent 10. In general, the present invention provides a small, compact tent 10 having an integral pad 20 that stabilizes and reinforces the air frame 12 of the tent 10. However, the cushion 20 may also be easily removed from the tent 10 in the event that the cushion 20 requires repair or replacement and damage to the cushion 20 does not result in a complete camping assembly or the tent 10 being unusable or otherwise not serviced. A replacement cushion 20 may be attached in place with the air frame 12.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, cushion 20 includes an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 24 that may provide contoured surfaces for comfort purposes and/or to provide desired support. In plan view from above or below, the cushion 20 is generally rectangular and includes four corners 26. Each corner 26 provides a gas lever engagement means such that each corner 26 is securely engaged with a respective gas lever 14. The gas stick engagement means comprises an aperture 27 extending through the gas cushion 20 to enable the gas stick 14 to extend completely through the gas cushion 20. A portion of the cushion 20 thereby completely encloses the gas sticks 14 such that the structure of the cushion 20 will inhibit and prevent the gas sticks 14 from moving away from each other and toward each other.

Each corner 26 of the cushion 20 provides an uninflated portion forming a flap 28 extending from the inflatable section of the cushion 20. These flaps 28 are non-inflatable flaps of, for example, a plastic material from which the cushion 20 is made. A circular aperture 27 is provided in the tab 28, which aperture is arranged to receive the outer periphery of the gas stick 14, in particular the foot 15 of the gas stick 14.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the air bar 14 may be located primarily within a sleeve section 17 integrally formed with the canopy 16. However, the foot portion 15 is exposed such that the foot portion 15 may be placed through the engagement aperture 27 on the corresponding tab 28. It can be seen that once the foot 15 extends through the aperture 27, accidental disengagement is prevented. Since the fins 28 extend around the middle or central position of the inflated cushion 20, the fins 28 are naturally positioned above the actual ground, i.e. the lower inflated portion of the cushion 20 extends down to the ground and lifts or holds the fins 28 above the ground. This prevents the lower surface of the foot 15 from simply sliding out of the aperture 27.

By engaging all four corner upstanding stems 14 within respective apertures 27, the cushion 20 effectively forms a reinforced base such that the spacing between the stems 14 is maintained and movement and deformation of the air frame 12 is prevented. The roof air bars similarly provide reinforcement for the roof 18 and the present invention effectively provides a complete cage structure.

The cushion 20 also includes a conduit at one longitudinal end thereof. The catheter provides an inflation (or deflation) tube 32. A valve 30 is mounted on the lower surface of the tube 32. The tube 32 is flexible and is arranged to extend from the cushion 20 and protrude upwardly such that the underside of the tube 32 is adjacent to the side wall 19 of the tent 10 provided by the canopy 16. In this position, the valve 30 is located outwardly on the tube 32.

The canopy 16 provides a mounting aperture to allow access to the valve 30 from outside the tent 10. In particular, the valve 30 is arranged to be mounted/secured within the aperture such that the valve 30 remains accessible from the outside at all times and does not need to be positioned and moved into place. For example, the valve arrangement may have two flanges which are movable towards each other. The outer flange 34 may be removable from the valve assembly, and then the valve 30 may be moved to protrude through the aperture/wall 19. In this position, the outer flange 34 may then be screwed back onto the valve arrangement to capture the awning 16 around the aperture. This in turn secures the valve 30 to the wall 19 of the tent 10.

The awning 16 may be provided with a shroud 36 to protect the valve 30. The shroud 36 includes flexible tabs, which may be of textile material. This flap may be fastened (e.g., sewn) around three sides (or a single upper curved side) with a lower free edge that provides access to the end of the valve 30. Accordingly, the valve 30 is accessible to the user from outside the tent 10, which allows for the connection of an external pump 32 and also allows for the valve 30 to be used for deflation purposes.

The externally accessible valve 30 enables the cushion 20 to be inflated to a desired pressure to stabilize the air frame 12 in place. With such pressure, the cushion 20 may be relatively rigid/stiff, which makes it problematic to introduce it into the tent 10 and engage each foot 15 of the air bar 14 for a person. Furthermore, this valve arrangement also enables a user to quickly and easily replenish and repressurize the cushion 20 if the pressure decreases over time or with use. The recharging may be performed without the need to disassemble and remove the cushion 20 and without disturbing any contents of the tent 10.

The frame 12 includes a single network provided by the gas sticks 14 (inflatable support members), wherein a single valve 42 is used to inflate and deflate the entire network. Also, for the foregoing advantageous reasons, the valve 42 is accessible from a location external to the tent 10. In addition, this valve 42 is provided with a shield 40 to protect and conceal the valve 42. The inflatable network of the frame 12 is separate and independent from the cushion 20. This allows the cushion 20 to be inflated to one pressure and the frame 12 to be inflated to another pressure. Furthermore, failure of one inflatable volume does not affect the other inflatable volume and facilitates any subsequent necessary repair and/or replacement.

Tent 10 comprises a small tent designed for one person (as shown in fig. 8 and 9) or two persons (as shown in fig. 10 and 11). These small tents 10 have one integrated mat 20, i.e., a single mat (for one person) or two mats (for two persons). Each of the four corners 26 of the pad 20 has an engagement aperture 27 for completely surrounding the foot portion 15 of the corresponding corner air bar 14 of the tent 10. The tent 10 may be provided with a main access door 50 positioned along one lateral side of the tent 10 to provide an enlarged doorway. This doorway may also provide a covering canopy. Each longitudinal end of the tent may have a window that may also provide additional ventilation to the tent.

Overall, the tent 10 is very compact and structurally sound due to the compact engagement of the cushion 20 with the structural air frame 12. Conventional tent pegs may also be used to secure the tent 10 to the ground, and guy wires or braces may be used to stabilize the upper portion of the canopy 16 and the air bars 14. Accordingly, the gas lever 14 is separately fastened at the upper portion and the lower portion.

The invention relates to integration of an air cushion and a tent. The air cushion is fastened with the tent by:

1) Tent air poles are passed through holes at four corners of the pad,

2) The connecting tube extending from the pad is secured to the tent fabric by a valve, wherein the male portion of the valve is welded within the tube.

The present invention provides a product with advantageous package size and build/package time. As mentioned above, currently camping sleeping bags rely on foam pads. This is heavy and bulky in weight and package size. By the present invention these problems will be solved and opportunities will be provided for storage and travel with a backpack, which will provide a dry and warm comfort in the worst conditions.

By integrating the mat 20 with the tent 10, it is convenient for the user to always have the mat 20 and the tent 10. However, the pad 20 is removable so that it can be easily replaced if any maintenance is required. In addition, the cushion 20 may be inflated using the same pump as the tent 10, which means less labor and less equipment for the user. In summary, the present invention is lightweight, minimizes construction and packaging time and requires minimal storage space.

Claims

1. A tent comprises a frame, a canopy and a cushion,

the frame comprises:

2. The tent of claim 1, wherein each inflatable support member includes a closed lower end that forms a foot, and the foot of each inflatable support member is arranged to be positioned through the retention aperture in the assembled configuration.

3. A tent as claimed in claim 2, wherein each foot is arranged to be supported in use on an inner floor sheet of the tent, and with each inflatable support member projecting upwardly from the inner floor sheet.

4. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve comprises an inflation and deflation valve.

5. A tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the retention apertures are provided adjacent each corner of the air cushion.

6. The tent of any preceding claim, wherein the air cushion includes four retention apertures, each positioned adjacent a corner of the air cushion, and the frame includes four inflatable support members.

7. Tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the retention apertures are provided on the non-inflatable portion of the cushion.

8. A tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the air cushion comprises retention tabs on which the retention apertures are provided.

9. The tent according to claim 8, wherein the retention tabs comprise corner tabs on which the retention apertures are disposed.

10. A tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the cushion comprises a main inflatable portion and the retention tabs project outwardly from the main inflatable portion.

11. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main inflatable portion is arranged to support each retention tab at a location spaced from a support surface supporting the main inflatable portion when inflated.

12. A tent according to any one of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the main inflatable portion comprises a substantially linear edge having sloped corners, and wherein the retention tabs extend from around the sloped corners.

13. The tent of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the retention tabs are located at intermediate positions about the peripheral wall of the cushion, and wherein the intermediate positions are approximately equidistant between the upper surface of the cushion and the lower surface of the cushion.

14. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in the inflated configuration, the inner diameter of the retention apertures generally corresponds to the outer diameter of the respective inflatable support member.

15. The tent of claim 14, wherein each retention aperture is arranged to grip an outer surface of a respective inflatable support member.

16. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the air cushion is dimensioned to substantially fill an interior floor space provided by the tent in an assembled configuration.

17. The tent of any preceding claim, wherein, in an inflated condition, the cushion has a lateral width and a longitudinal length, wherein, in an assembled configuration, the lateral width generally corresponds to an interior lateral width of the tent, and, in an assembled configuration, the longitudinal length generally corresponds to an interior longitudinal length of the tent.

18. The tent of any preceding claim, wherein the cushion comprises a peripheral wall that is positioned adjacent to an inner transverse wall and a longitudinal wall of the tent in an assembled configuration.

19. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tent provides a generally rectangular interior area in an assembled configuration, and the air cushion is generally rectangular in an inflated condition.

20. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cushion comprises a tube over which the valve is located.

21. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a side wall of the tent provides a valve access aperture which, in the assembled configuration, enables the valve to be accessed from outside the tent, and wherein the valve access aperture comprises an aperture through a canopy of the tent forming walls.

22. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tent is configured to include a shield to protect the valve, and wherein the shield is located on an outer surface of a wall of the tent and surrounds an aperture provided in the wall of the tent through which the valve is accessible.

23. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame comprises a single valve, wherein the valve is arranged to engage the canopy in use in an operating configuration in which the valve is accessible from the outside of the canopy and the frame is located inside the tent.

24. Tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the inflatable portion of the cushion is independent of the inflatable network of the inflatable support members, and wherein the cushion is arranged to be pressurized to a first pressure and the inflatable support members are arranged to be inflated to a second pressure.

25. Tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the inflatable support members provide an internal support frame with a valve that is accessible from the outside of the canopy of the tent, and wherein the tent has a first inflation valve for inflating the cushion and a second inflation valve for inflating the inflatable members of the frame, and wherein the valves are independent and communicate with separate inflatable volumes.