EP0889180B1 - Connecting device for tent arches - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector has two components (4,5) which fit one into the other forming a knee joint which can be opened out to erect the tent and be folded down. The male component (4) has disc shaped section (4a) with a tubular section (4b) which fits into the end of the upper segment (1a). At the other end it has a long arm (4c) with two extending fingers (4d) which fit into the second component. There are two other fingers (4e) close to the disc which lock the male component in position. The female component (5) has a disc section (5a) and a device which allows it to be fixed to a sleeve (6) which takes the end of the lower segment. It has a V-shaped section with an inner oblong groove forming a V to guide the fingers of the male component.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of tent poles and in particular dome tents with built-in poles.

It is known to produce arches in the form of hollow segments internally and fitting into each other by their ends. To allow a link between the segments and facilitate their storage, it is common practice to insert inside the segments near their ends, elastic means assembly and return type spring, one end of which is fixed to one of the segments and the other to the adjacent segment. Due to the elasticity of the return means, we can very easily define the constituent segments of the arch, that is to say fold them against each other for storage or insertion in a bag storage. This simple assembly nevertheless has drawbacks which are inherent in the nature of the materials constituting the arch segments. These are either fiberglass or aluminum.

If the arch made of fiberglass offers certain advantages including a price of very competitive manufacturing, it has certain drawbacks linked first of all to the fragility of each of these segments because the inner hole creates a primer rupture and the stresses and efforts are important. It is also necessary to use metal connectors of said segments resulting in costs high assembly.

For aluminum poles, their advantages are their lightness, their finish, and their good sliding in the sheath of the fabric of the tent canvas, because no allowance or junction does not appear. The assembly is also quick. The major drawback remains essentially its cost price.

A device having all the characteristics of the preamble of the claim 1 is described in document DE 3631381 A.

The aim sought after according to the request was to design a new connection of the hoop segments between them which can combine the characteristics and advantages of each of the known techniques while allowing assembly fast.

Another object sought after according to the invention was to provide a connector device allowing rapid assembly of the pole segments in tents camping made of a polyamide or polyester or cotton canvas stretched over semi-circular arches allowing rapid and immediate tensioning of the tent during assembly and allowing, during disassembly, a gathering of hoop segments without risk of loss.

According to a first characteristic, the connector device is remarkable in that it comprises two components which are capable of coupling one into the other in a configuration and link in the form of a toggle joint allowing positioning of said components either in a plane vertical or in extension corresponding to the mounting and tensioning of the arch segments, either by being tilted corresponding to a folding position of said segments,
and in that the male component has on either side of its median part a part receiving the end of the upper segment and, on the other hand, a very long arm arranged with means allowing its articulation on the second component and its locking in position,
and in that the female component has on either side of a median part on one side of the means allowing the fixing of a lower segment and on the other a screed shape having a V configuration with internally a oblong light having a V-shaped configuration and allowing positioning, the displacement travel of the arm of the first component and its pivoting.

These characteristics and others will become clear from the rest of the description.

• La figure 1 est une vue à caractère schématique illustrant une tente dôme incluant des arceaux selon l'invention, avec leur dispositif de connection.
• La figure 2 est une vue à grande échelle avant montage illustrant le dispositif connecteur dans une première variante de réalisation.
• La figure 3 est une vue en plan illustrant le dispositif connecteur après montage dans une position d'assemblage.
• La figure 4 est une vue montrant le désengagement d'un segment pour le démontage de l'arceau après basculement.
• La figure 5 est une vue des segments repliés.
• La figure 6 est une vue en variante de la réalisation selon la figure 5 en position avant montage.
• La figure 7 est une vue selon la figure 6 en position après montage.
• La figure 8 est une vue à grande échelle en perspective illustrant séparément les deux éléments du dispositif connecteur selon l'invention, dans une variante de réalisation.
• La figure 9 est une vue de face illustrant les deux éléments du connecteur en position désaccouplée de stockage.
• La figure 10 est une vue de face illustrant les deux éléments du connecteur en cours de positionnement.
• La figure 11 est une vue de face en coupe partielle illustrant les deux éléments du connecteur en position de montage et de verrouillage.
• La figure 12 est une vue en coupe considérée suivant la ligne 12-12 de la figure 11, montrant le guidage en verrouillage des deux éléments.
• La figure 13 est une vue en coupe considérée suivant la ligne 13-13 de la figure 12, illustrant le profil particulier en section des segments et de leur logement dans les éléments du connecteur.

To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where:

• Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating a dome tent including poles according to the invention, with their connection device.
• Figure 2 is a large-scale view before mounting illustrating the connector device in a first embodiment.
• Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating the connector device after mounting in an assembly position.
• Figure 4 is a view showing the disengagement of a segment for disassembly of the arch after tilting.
• Figure 5 is a view of the folded segments.
• Figure 6 is an alternative view of the embodiment according to Figure 5 in the position before mounting.
• Figure 7 is a view according to Figure 6 in position after mounting.
• FIG. 8 is a large-scale perspective view illustrating the two elements of the connector device according to the invention separately, in an alternative embodiment.
• Figure 9 is a front view illustrating the two elements of the connector in the uncoupled storage position.
• Figure 10 is a front view illustrating the two elements of the connector being positioned.
• Figure 11 is a partial sectional front view illustrating the two elements of the connector in the mounting and locking position.
• Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 of Figure 11, showing the locking guide of the two elements.
• Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 12, illustrating the particular profile in section of the segments and their housing in the connector elements.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described with a non-limiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The poles are referenced as a whole by (1) and are made in all material, glass fibers or aluminum or others, and have the function of ensuring the tensioning and development of a tent (2) in the form of an igloo or tunnel by example. These arches (1) comprise a plurality of segments (1a) capable of to mate with each other using a connector device referenced as a whole by (3), while allowing angular orientation radial of the upper segment with respect to the lower segment.

This connector device (3) is produced according to the invention with two components (4 - 5) which are likely to mate one inside the other allowing a positioning of said components either in a vertical plane or in extension corresponding to the mounting and tensioning of the arch segments, either by being tilted corresponding to a folding position of said segments, one (5) of components receiving a means (6) free in rotation allowing to adapt the angular orientations of said segments with respect to each other.

Said components (4 - 5) are coupled in a configuration and connection in form of toggle allowing the aforementioned functions. These two components are preferably made of injection molded plastic. These components are arranged with particular shapes allowing respectively the assembly of the ends of the segments of arcs to be joined, their articulation and their locking in position.

A first component (4) has, in its middle part, a disc shape (4a) with, on one side, a tubular part (4b), hollow internally, susceptible to receive the end (1a1) of the upper segment (1a). In contrast, this component (4) has a very long arm (4c) disposed axially in the plane longitudinal median of the component, and arranged at its free end (4cl) with two fingers (4d) projecting perpendicular to the plane of said arm. These fingers (4d) have a cylindrical conformation for example. At the base of said arm are provided two other fingers (4th) of similar shape which have the function of ensuring a locking in position on the other component (5). These projecting fingers (4th) are slightly offset from the central disc with a support platform (4f) at oblique sections. The lower part of the arm has the shape of a boat keel (4g) avoiding blockage of the two components during unfolding.

The second component (5) of the connector device is arranged and profiled for allow, on the one hand, the insertion and locking of the first component (4) and the articulation of the latter and, on the other hand, to allow positioning and the insertion of a pivot sleeve (6) capable of constituting the receiving base from the end (1a2) of the segment (1a) consecutive of the arch. More specifically, the component (5) comprises a disc-shaped base (Sa) extended on one side by a profiled form forming a yoke (5b) with two flanges (5b1) defining between them an interval (5c) for positioning and penetration of the arm (4c) of the first component (4). The orientation of said flanges is established in a V-shaped configuration, said flanges having a light internally oblong (5i) following the same profile as said flanges and thus defining the travel movement of the arm (4c) of the first component. The base (5d) of the yoke part is located in the longitudinal axial extension of said component or at an angle of 2 to 5 ° of said component (Figures 3 and 5) followed by a oblique orientation at an angle which can be of the order of 40 to 60 approximately degrees relative to the longitudinal median axis of the component (5). Through elsewhere, it is shaped in the extension of the base a form complementary (Se) forming a housing capable of receiving the fingers (4th) established on the first component. This form (5th) in housing is established by different ways and for example with a collar (5f) allowing a fixing by clipping of the first component. The exit from the accommodation (5th) is established with oblique sections capable of constituting support surfaces of the forms with sides corresponding and complementary obliques established on the other component.

Said lights (5i) allow the passage and movement of the fingers (4d) established at the end of the aforementioned arm (4c), so as to tilt the position first component.

On the other side of its disc part, the second component (5) is arranged with forms in tongues (5g) of extension after a boss (5h) or similar which protrudes from the middle disc. The boss and its tabs are likely to engage in a sleeve or pivot (6). This pivot (6) has internally a collar (6a) with an internal grooving (6b) allowing the positioning and fixing the finger ends (5g1) of said tongues. Said flange (6a) is set back from an internal bore (6c) which comes over the boss part (5h) of the second component, thus allowing the rotation of said pivot sleeve (6) relative to the second component (5). Through elsewhere, said pivot sleeve has, opposite the first bore, another inner chamber (6d) capable of receiving the end (1a1) of the segment (1a) of the roll bar. Projecting stop means (6th) are established in said second chamber with which the end of the segment abuts.

Thus, with reference to the drawings and in particular to Figures 3, 4 and 5, the device connector is implemented as follows:

In the initial phase, the first component (4) is introduced by its arm (4c) and its fingers (4d) front in the gap formed between the flanges of the second component (5) so as to be able to slide through the aforementioned lights. The configuration of the yoke flanges is such as to constitute a knee pad. When this first component (4) is thus positioned, it is then tilted at the bottom of the lights, that is to say towards the middle zone of the second component (5) then causing an orientation of the first component (4) in a substantially axial alignment plane to each other. Fingers formed on the arm near of the disc forming area then fit into the notches established on the second component by clipping for example, and ensuring a locking in position. In its lower part, the second component (5) receives the pivot sleeve (6) which is held in turn by clipping the tabs (5g) in said pivot sleeve. The lower arch segment is then positioned in said pivot sleeve and thus a fixed structure is obtained allowing the realization of the desired arch. Several connector devices of the aforementioned type can thus be arranged for the constitution of the arch while respecting the volumetric dimensions of the tent.

In the event of disassembly, the operator need only provide for the unlocking of the first component of the first segment, so as to rotate the second component in the manner of a kneepad to allow a juxtaposition in parallel and joined hoop segments as shown for example in the figure 6.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, the mounting of the first component (4) on the second component (5) can be done in a significantly different way but equivalent, without particular locking. In this case, the reception area of the fingers of the first component is shaped into a cylindrical shape (5m) without strangulation. The bottom of the flange receiving yoke is likely to receiving an elastic return means (8), one end (8a) of which is fixed or embedded in the thickness of the median disc. In this configuration, setting place of the first component (4) is carried out as described above with the only difference that the fingers (4c) come into elastic support in compressing the spring (8), while the fingers (4th) are inserted into the housing (5m) corresponding above. There is tension in the upper segment following the various successive assemblies of the hoop segments. During the unlocking, removing the upper segment releases the tension springs of the first component which switches under the conditions described previously.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 to 13 relating to another variant.

The connection between the segments (1a) and the elements of the connector device takes place by tight fitting between the end (1a1) of the segment and a bore (9-10) produced in a generally cylindrical bearing surface (9-10) of each element connector (9-10);

In order to increase the rigidity of the hoops while retaining their ability to elastic deformation, provision is made for indexing the segments in rotation relative to their housing, this by a section profile of the two rooms having at least one flat, and preferably two opposite flat (9c-10c).

The flat (s) (9c-10c) are intended to increase the torsional strength of the arch, and therefore, cause automatic positioning of the connectors in a vertical plane. They are established parallel to the fictitious axis of flexion of the segments.

The male element (9) has the opposite of the cylindrical surface (9b) and beyond a central flange (9d), a stepped seat (9e) whose lower end receives at two diametrically opposite points pawns (9f) which, in relation to oriented guide lights (10d) established on the wings of a yoke (10e), constitute the toggle joint allowing a 180 ° pivoting of the two elements between them, between an aligned position (figure 11) for the pitching the tent with the segments, and a folded down position (Figure 9) for storage in a small footprint, without disassembly.

The stepped seat (9e) has a semi-circular section profile (9e1) on the bottom side (10e1) of the yoke (10th) of the same profile and a flat profile (9e2) on the opposite side to engage by its stepped end (9e3) in a recess (10f) formed by the bottom (10e1) of the yoke and a tongue (10g) opposite, this in order to increase guidance and therefore rigidity.

For the same purpose of increasing the rigidity and the guiding of the assembly, the element male (9) immediately below the middle flange (9d) two projections profiled and opposite (9g), advantageously trapezoidal intended for cooperate, during assembly, with two recesses of complementary shape (10h) established on the internal walls of the screed (10th).

On the other hand, the collar (9d) has, in alignment with the flat (9e2), a flat (9d1) so that in the assembly and locking position, the flange and the flat (9d1) are embedded in a notch (10i) of the yoke constituting thus following the abutment faces (10j) during the bending of the segments.

Finally, the locking in position is advantageously obtained at the end of the stroke by arrangement of the lower part of the lights (10d) in the form of at least a projection (10d1) allowing the passage of the articulation pins (9f) then their restraint at the bottom of the lights.

Thus, by the combination of locking the pins (9f) in the lights, the guiding the cylindro-flat surface (9e) in the recess (10f) and the position set back from the flat (9d1) of the flange against the stops (10j), a maximum rigidity of the assembly, with a beam effect of the whole.

On the other hand, the guiding of the connector elements in the tent sheath is improved due to alignment of parts and compact, rounded shapes connector elements. Finally, the erection or dismantling of the tent is quick and easy.

The invention has many advantages. It allows to use segments poles made of plastic fiberglass type, without harming the fragility of these. The segments can be made of other materials such as aluminum, optionally.

• un montage très rapide des arceaux de la tente avec un gain de légèreté suivant le type de matériaux des segments ;
• une résistance à l'écrasement et au pliage, supérieure suivant le type de matériaux des segments ;
• un remplacement très facile des éléments cassés (connecteurs ou segments).

The invention makes it possible to obtain:

• very quick erection of the tent poles with a gain in lightness depending on the type of material of the segments;
• higher crushing and folding resistance depending on the type of material of the segments;
• very easy replacement of broken elements (connectors or segments).

The connector device offers other advantages. Considering the segments pre-positioned poles in the tent lining, automatic nesting different segments in the aforementioned connector device allows, with a appropriate tension, straightening the tent. The removal of tension on the hoop segments causes the automatic unstacking of said segments in the lining thus allowing the global and fast folding of the tent in avoiding the manual operation of dismantling the tubes.

Claims (11)

1. Connecting device for tent poles comprising two components (4-5), (9-10) which are capable of fitting into each other in a knuckle joint shaped configuration allowing said components to be positioned either in a vertical plane or as an extension corresponding to assembly and tensioning of the pole segments or to be swivelled, corresponding to a position in which said segments are folded,
      the male component (4-9) having, on one side of its middle part, a part which accommodates the end of the upper segment and, on the other side of its middle part, a long arm designed with means allowing it to be articulated on the female component (5-10) and locked into position,
      and the female component (5-10) having, on one side of the middle part, means making it possible to fix a lower segment, characterised in that the female component has, at the other end of its middle part, a fork joint shape (5b-10d) having a V shape with an internal oblong slot having a V shape making it possible to position, move and swivel the arm of the first component.
2. Connecting device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the middle part of the first component (4) has a disc shape (4a) with, on one side, an internally hollow tubular part (4b) which accommodates end (1a1) of upper segment (1a), said component having, on the other side, a long arm (4c) designed with its free end having two protruding fingers (4d) which fit onto the lower part of component (5) and protruding fingers (4e) in front of the central disc in order to ensure articulation on the second component and locking in position.
3. Connecting device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the second component (5) comprises a central disc (5a) with, on one side, means making it possible to fit and rotatably fix a swivelling sleeve (6) which accommodates the end (1a2) of consecutive segment (1a) of the pole and, on the other side, a profiled fork joint shape (5b) allowing arm (4c) of component (4) to be guided, swivelled and positioned, said fork joint being designed with a recess making it possible to position and lock fingers (4e) of component (4).
4. Connecting device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the base (5d) of the fork joint is in line with said component or at an angle of 2° to 5° relative to said component with an extension in the form of a recess (5e) allowing the locking of the fingers (4e) of component (4).
5. Connecting device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the bottom of the fork joint is capable of accommodating an elastic return means (8), one end of which (8a) is joined to the middle disc and, the other end of which is in contact with fingers (4e) of component (4), the recess that accommodates fingers (4e) being smooth and making it possible to tension the upper segment of the pole.
6. Connecting device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the female component (5) accommodates a freely rotating means making it possible to adapt the angular orientation of said segments relative to each other, said means being a swivelling sleeve (6) having an internal collar (6a) with grooving (6b) making it possible to position and fix the ends of finger shaped tabs arranged as an extension of a bump (5h) on the component (5) used to centre said swivelling sleeve, limit stop means being provided on an internal chamber (6d) of the swivelling sleeve in order to support the end (1a1) of the consecutive segment of the pole.
7. Connecting device as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the lower part of the arm has a boat keel shape (4g) which prevents the components jamming when they are unfolded.
8. Tent pole connecting device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that:

   the male element (9) and female element (10) are designed to swivel relative to each other through roughly 180° thanks to angled slots (10d) and articulation studs (9f), one component having profiled projections (9g) on each side of its middle part, the other component having matching openings (10h) on the internal walls of a fork joint (10e) which has angled slots (10d) in order to guide and align the connector elements;

   the elements lock into each other when they are in alignment at the end of their travel by the articulation studs (9f) snapping into the slots (10d);

   the male element (9) and the female element (10) are controlled by the pole segments (1a) with angular indexing.
9. Tent pole connecting device as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the angular linkage between the tent pole segments (1a) and the connector elements (9 and 10) is obtained by one end bearing surface (1a1) of the segment having a cross-section with at least one and preferably two flats (1a2) being pushed into a bore (9a-10a) of the connector elements which also have at least one and preferably two flats (9c-10c) (one on either side); the purpose of the flat of flats (9c-10c) being to increase the tent pole's torsional strength, hence producing automatic positioning of the connectors in a vertical plane and the flats being parallel to the theoretical bending axis of the segments.
10. Connecting device as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that snap-in locking together of the connector elements is obtained by at least one protrusion (10d1) on the lower part of the angled slots (10d) allowing articulation studs (9f) to be forced in and then retained at the bottom of the slots.
11. Connecting device as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that the male element (9) has, on the other side of a cylindrical bearing surface (9b), a shouldered bearing surface (9e) of semi-circular cross section (9e1) at the bottom end (10e1) of fork joint (10e) and a flat shape (9e2) at the opposite end, whose shouldered end (9e3) fits into an opening (10) formed by the bottom (10e1) of the fork joint and opposite-facing tab (10g).

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