GB2122554A - Folding tents and trailer tents - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding light-weight canopy comprises an outer covering fabric attached to flexible support members 2, 3 of an arched configuration which are secured at their respective ends to horizontal boards by means of a hinge clip. The canopy may be free standing, braced internally by means of floor struts, or, as shown, mounted on box- trailer folding bunks 4 which are attached by hinge 5 to the trailer and which can open through 180 DEG outboard of the trailer. The canopy may be folded without necessity of having to dismantle the flexible support members, as in Fig. 3 <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Flexible folding canopy This invention relates to and is a modification or development of the invention described in my earlier patent application under number 8207058 dated 11th March 1982. The invention relates to a canopy or protective shelter and is particularly although not exclusively concerned with means for providing temporary accomodation or shelter.

Temporary or pertable accomodation is known to be provided by tents and prefabricated and collapsable buildings, structures which consist of one or more rigid components which may support a flexible outer skin or fabric; the whole or part of which may be braced, in addition, by means of load bearing struts or guy lines. This type of structure can be both light and durable but is subject to the following inherrent disadvantages: Virtual impossibility to assemble by one person alone in adverse weather conditions e.g., high winds, snow or sand storm; Liability to break, topple over or blow away in high winds; In the case of pre-fabricated shelters they are not generally designed to be easily portable; In the case of tents they cannot be anchored in to hard ground or paved/tarmacadamed areas; Liability to break if subjected to adverse loads.The present invention is not subject to these disadvantages; It can be erected speedily by one person even in adverse weather conditions with only the use of one hand; The flexible support members are calculated to bend under pressure of adverse winds and therefore effecting an angled surface to oncoming winds by means of which the full force of the pressure will be deflected and, when the pressure load is relieved, the structure will regain its original shape. Because the supporting members are flexible they are resiliant and will break under adverse-pressure.

The base boards secured to the support members act as an anchor when the canopy is free-standing and ensure that the structure can be erected on any relatively flat surface.

The canopy is lightweight and can be folded intact and is easily portable.

More generally, according to one aspect of the present invention, a flexible structure in the form of a flexible folding canopy is intended to be used in conjunction with existing box trailers. The said flexible folding canopy is designed such that it may be easily removed or fitted to said box trailer and either used with or independently of said box trailer.

Moreover, modifications made to said existing box trailers such that same may be used in conjunction with the present invention, extend the usefulness of same existing box trailers as utility load-carrying units. Preferably, but not exclusively, said box trailer is designed to be used in conjunction with said flexible folding canopy.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings and sketches.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means comprising a preferred embodiment of the invention. The said flexible folding canopy is erect.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means, folded for purpose of transit or storage and protected from damage by means of a cover (1).

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means. Said flexible folding canopy is visible and folded, the protective cover has been removed.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means. Depicted are two flexible poles, one situated at each end of said flexible folding canopy; (2), (3), which have been lifted to and are positioned at right angles to (approximately) the said box trailer support means.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means. One of the folding bunks (4), namely the one on the left of the said trailer box, has been pivoted about the hinges of same (5)one only depicted-to a position outboard of said trailer box.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means. Both folding bunks have been positioned outboard of said trailer box, and the said flexible folding canopy may be additionally secured by reason of internal or external means. Preferably, but not exclusively, said flexible folding canopy may be secured by means such as struts or guy lines.

Preferably, but not exclusively, said flexible folding canopy is braced from within by means of three intermediate struts, the ends of same locating on said flexible poles by means of clips or similar securing devices or fasteners or the like. One preferred intermediate strut is depicted (6).

Figure 7 is a perspective cut-away of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means. Said flexible folding canopy is erect and fitted with accessories.

Depicted are detachable awning means (7), which is preferably but not exclusively secured to said flexible folding canopy by means of a zip (8), and further supported and held taut by a seperate support means. Preferably said seperate support means comprises of flexible pole or poles (9), sectional and or complete; and or guy lines (10) and or intermediate strut support means (11). Also depicted in Fig. 7 is tailgate kitchen cooking equipment and facilities (12) and storage racks and or seat facilities (1 3).

Figure 8 is a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means, folded for purposes of storage and protected by cover (1). The support brackets afixed to the sides of said box trailer allow same to be stored on side of same without damage. Said box trailer support means may also be stored on side of same when said flexible folding canopy has been removed.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy mounted on said box trailer support means, the flexible folding canopy being folded for purposes of removing same from said box trailer support means.

Carrying handles (14), one of which is depicted, are secured to both folding bunks by means of screws, wing nuts or similar alterna- tive or comparable fastening devices or the like; such that the folding bunks are in some way or fashion connected and or secured each to the other. Preferably, but not exclusively, the said folding bunks are connected by two components or links which also serve as carrying handles but which in addition hold secure the folding bunks each to the other when the flexible folding canopy is to be used without said box trailer support means. Hinge pin (15), one of at least four, secures said folding bunks to the box trailer support means. Preferably, but not exclusively, four hinges of the type shown secure said folding bunks to the box trailer support means; the hinge pins of same being quickly and easily removed.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of said box trailer support means, the flexible folding canopy having been removed from same. Depicted is one of four preferred, but not exclusive, hinges (5) and two three preferred but not exclusive removable panels (17). Also shown in one of four preferred, but not exclusive, pole clips (16).

Figure 11 is a perspective view of said flexible folding canopy as removed from said box trailer support means and erected independently of same. Link pieces (18) connect and secure adjacent folding bunk hinges, so that carrying handles (14)-if separate and distinct from links (1 8)can be removed.

Preferably, but not exclusively, carrying handles and link pieces may be one and the same component or accessory. Said component could perform both carrying and linking tasks as and when required, since these two requirements are unlikely to be required at one and the same time in general use.

Figure 12 is a perspective view showing flexible folding shelter folded, and removable panels, removed from and placed next to said box trailer support means.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a known trailer chassis configuration (20) and one of two folding bunk support brackets (19). Preferably, said trailer chassis is constructed from angle section material. Preferably, but not exclusively, this type of chassis is employed as a support for said trailer box support means. Preferably, said folding bunk support brackets are permanent fixtures constructed from hollow box section material and afixed to said box trailer support means by means of brackets shown. Preferably, said folding bunk support brackets are permanent fixtures, but not exclusively, since operating conditions and or user requirement may dictate that they be removable in their entirety or hinged to fold flat against the sides of said box trailer support means.Preferably but not exclusively, said folding bunk support brackets may follow or resemble the design of said folding bunk support brackets as depicted (19).

The proceedure for erecting the flexible folding canopy on said box trailer support means will now be explained and discussed, with reference being made to the appropriate diagram.

Fig. 1 depicts said flexible folding canopy, which essentially comprises two flexible poles, each constructed of a suitable material and sleeved through the fabric of said flexible folding canopy such that said poles when held at their ends would curve to form an arched or tunnel-shaped tent or canopy. The flexible poles may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as glass reinforced plastic or the like, the nature of the cross-section of said poles'being compatable with the properties of the material in use.

To erect said flexible folding canopy as mounted on box trailer support means, the protective cover (1) is first removed, and the said flexible poles (shown coiled and lying flat on folding bunk support means-Fig. 3) are then lifted to a position approximately perpendiculr and at right angles to said folding bunk support means, such that the poles pivot in the clips which secure the ends of same to the said folding bunks. From this position (Fig. 4) the poles (2, 3) may be uncoiled such that they extend to form an arch which spans the width of the canopy as erected (Figs. 5, 6).

The clips which secure the ends of the flexible poles (Fig. 9) (16) to the said folding bunks allow the flexible poles to swivel or revolve in and on an axis concentric to the said clips. In addition, the said clips are free to pivot about an axis concentric with and on that of a securing pin which secures each clip to a folding bunk. Preferably, said securing pin has means by which said clip can grip said flexible pole and said folding bunk by varying degrees. Preferably, said clip is secured to said folding bunk by means of a threaded pin or bolt and self locking nut. Preferably, but by no means exclusively, said clip takes a form similar to or resembling the clip depicted in Fig. 9 and is constructed from nylon, plastic or alternative malleable and non-corrosive material.

As the said flexible poles uncoil and the said canopy unfolds, said clips rotate about their respective securing pins and through an angle of approximately 90 . More clearly, said clips move from a position in which the ends of said flexible poles lie approximately parallel to the said folding bunk support means (viewed from either end of said folding bunks), to a position in which the ends of said flexible poles are at an angle of approximately 90 to said folding bunk support means.

More clearly, it is this change of angle which enables the said flexible poles to pivot inwards and towards the said folding bunk support means when coiled, yet prevents same when extended. Since the fabric of the canopy is sleeved around the said flexible poles, the poles extend and lift the said folding canopy at one and the same time.

Other than by means of the said pole and clips, the fabric canopy is attached to the folding bunk support means along the outer edges of the said folding bunks, seen when the said bunks lie outboard of the said box trailer support means. Preferably, but not exclusively, said fabric canopy is attached to outer edges of said folding bunks by means of fastenings which allow speedy removal of said canopy from said folding bunk support means, such as for purposes of cleaning and or repair. Preferably, such said fasteners are of lift-the-dot or turnbuckle variety or the like.

Once erect, the said flexible folding canopy may be braced from within by reason of one or more intermediate struts and or from without by reason of one or more guy lines.

Preferably, but not exclusively, said flexible folding canopy is freestanding and braced internally by reason of three intermediate struts spaced between the said flexible poles.

One of the prefered struts is depicted in Fig. 6 (6).

More generally, and by way of summary, all that is required to erect said flexible folding canopy on any suitable support base means is simply to raise and then extend the said flexible poles. On the present invention this action can be achieved by raising the said flexible poles and then unfolding the bunks.

Advantageous features of the present invention over other known various types of temporary or portable folding shelter are as follows.

1/ The flexible folding canopy folds down onto the reverse side of the folding bunks, and on top of the trailer box. This means that the said canopy can be packed wet or dirty without contaminating the interior of the trailer box an any equipment carried therein.

It also assists tent drying and repair since the coiled flexible poles can be lifted perpendicular to the folding bunk support means (not extended) and afford access to all parts of the said canopy exterior. In addition, full use can be made of the said trailer box for the stowage of accessories and equipment, and access to same can be achieved either by rapid removal of the flexible folding canopy from the said box trailer support means, or by erecting said flexible folding canopy; and to a more limited extent, by opening or removing the tailgate of said box trailer. Should the box trailer be fitted with tailgate cooking equipment and facilities (Fig. 7) (12), this can be used without necessitating unpacking, erecting or removal of the flexible folding canopy.

2/ The shape and construction of the canopy is simple and straight forward to produce with minimal wastage. It would require less material and labour than other known various types of canopy, and the shape of same affords an efficient ratio of volume per unit area of material.

3/ The flexible poles by their nature assume the required shape of the said canopy, and no preliminary working by shaping, welding or riveting, jointing, jigging (other than that required to manufacture the said flexible pole) is required.

4/ The said flexible folding canopy, by virtue of its shape and construction, is aerodynamically stable and virtually indestructible under most operating conditions. The structure of the said flexible folding canopy is designed to withstand adverse operating conditions by deflecting and bending to a marked degree rather than by breaking.

Modifications which differentiate said box trailer support means from various existing known types of box trailer, and which would enable said flexible folding canopy to be used in conjuction with same, are as follows.

1/Said box trailer support means has, preferably at each of the uppermost four corners of same, means by which said folding bunks are attached and can be hinged to rest on top of or outboard of said box trailer support means.

Preferably, said hinges can be quickly dismantled such that said folding bunks can be removed from said box trailer support- means.

Preferably, but not exclusively, said hinges allow said folding bunks to pivot from a position on top of and flush with the sides of said box trailer support means to a position outboard of and flush with the top of said box trailer support means, such that the removable panels (if fitted) effectively increase the width of said folding bunks by an amount equal to the width of said removable panels.

2/Said box trailer support means has some means of supporting said folding bunks in outboard position. This may take the form of telescopic or extending support legs, or of fixed or removable brackets which are located on the sides of said box trailer support means (Fig. 1 3) (1 9). Preferably, but not exclusively, said brackets are permanent fixtures which perform functions other than as a folding bunk support means. Preferably, said brackets enable the said box trailer to be stored on side of same without damage, allow convenient and easy manhandling of said trailer, and constitute a means by which large and extravenous objects may be secured to the said box trailer, all of which may be performed with or without the said flexible folding canopy attached to said box trailer support means.

3/ Preferably, said box trailer has means to accept and can be fitted with removable panels (Fig. 10) (17) (Fig. 12). When the said folding bunks are positioned outboard of said box trailer support means, said removable panels are positioned inboard of said trailer sides and effectively extend the useful width of said folding bunks by an amount corresponding to the width of said removable panels. When said box trailer is intended to be used solely as a general purpose load carrying unit only and without said folding canopy, said removable panels might restrict the usefulness of said box trailer if left in place, since same would effectively reduce the interior dimensions of said box trailer support means.Said removable panels may also include a hinged or detachable panel which may be used to bridge other said removable panels (Fig. 10) (17) and perform and function as a table or similar support surface.

4/ Said box trailer may also be provided with a tailgate which may perform a secondary function as a table or similar surface and which may in addition support or contain kitchen or cooking equipment and facilities.

Preferably, but not exclusively, a tailgate is provided which can also function as a tailgate, and which has means to accept said kitchen or cooking equipment and facilities.

5/ Said box trailer is provided with means by which it can maintain a stable attitude on soft or uneven or sloping terrain such as to provide a firm and reasonably level base support means for said folding canopy. Preferably, but not exclusively, box trailer is fitted or provided with corner jacks or supports of the like depicted in the drawings.

Removal of said flexible folding canopy from said box trailer support means such that said box trailer may be used for general purpose load carrying duties only is as follows: 1) With the flexible folding canopy folded as in Fig. 3, carrying handles (14) or prefered alternative accessory or device (see page 3 lines 23-30) are secured to said folding bunks such that the said bunks are secured each to the other (Fig. 9).

2) The hinge pins (15) which locate the said folding bunks to the said box trailer support means are now removed from the hinges.

Preferably, but not exclusively, said hinge pins screw and or pull out, the same being retained by R clips and or a screw thread.

3) The said folding bunk support means and flexible folding canopy may now be lifted off said box trailer (Fig. 10).

4) Said removable panels (17) may be removed if required.

The said box trailer is now ready for general purpose load carrying. Attachment of said flexible folding canopy to said box trailer follows a reversal of this proceedure.

To erect the said flexible folding canopy on an alternative base support means other than that of said box trailer, the proceedure is as follows: 1 ) Transport the folded flexible canopy to the desired base site, by means of said box trailer suppqrt means if desired.

2) Remove said folded canopy from said box trailer support means (if need be).

3) Place folded flexible canopy on desired site, and locate and secure adjacent hinges on the folding bunks by means of connecting links (Fig. 11) (18) or preferred alternative accessory or device (page 3, lines 23-30); using the hinge pins (15) if required.

4) Erect the flexible folding canopy as before (more generally, page 6, lines 22-26)

Claims (3)

1. A canopy comprising cover material attached to lightweight flexible support members, facilitating easy assembly and fold away, without necessity of removing members, secured by hinge attachment to base boards.

2. Flexible support folding canopy according to claim 1 which may be free standing or adapted for mounting on box trailer unit or similar support means or on a vehicle.

3. Flexible support folding canopy substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.