GB2228500A - Tent using bicycle and pump as frame members - Google Patents

Abstract

When not in use, the tent (1) can remain stored on bicycle inside a container suspended from crossbar on man's bike, or from seat tube and handlebar stem in the case of an open-framed woman's bicycle. In use, the tent (1) utilises the bicycle (10) structure and bicycle pump (11) to form part of the structure and form a stable tent without poles. The tent is formed having two areas (8, 9) suspended either side of the bicycle. One (9) specifically used for storage and the other area (8) with sewn in groundsheet and zipped side access, used for sleeping purposes for one or two persons. <IMAGE>

Description

Portable Shelter This invention relates to a portable shelter.

There are many portable shelters on the market which are used for protection out-of-doors. Larger tents and awnings are available for attachment to caravans, trailers and the like, and a wide variety of more portable tents, which can be packed for use with rucksacks or bicycles, is also available. However, although lightweight materials are used in these shelters the apparatus required to erect the tent as a stable upstanding unit is often cumbersome and awkward to pack and carry.

According to the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter comprising one or more pieces of flexible material shaped such that the material may be positioned on a bicycle, acting as a means of support, to form a tent.

Preferably, an auxiliary means of support is provided, which may suitably comprise a bicycle pump.

Preferably, said piece of material is continuous.

Preferably, a groundsheet is included. The groundsheet may be continuous with the tent material or secured to the material, e.g. by sewing. Alternatively it may be a separate piece. The groundsheet may be made from the same or different material as the tent.

Preferably, the material is shaped so as to enclose two separate compartments within the tent once it is erect.

Preferably, said compartments have means of access to one another, e.g. a flap in the material with sealable means.

Preferably, said piece or pieces of material are able to form a compact pack when not in use.

Preferably, means of attaching said compact pack to the bicycle is provided, e.g. by the provision of a shaped box which fits below the crossbar.

Preferably, means of securing said collapsible tent in position are provided.

Preferably, an entrance is provided in the material for access to the tent when erected. The entrance may be sealable, e.g. by using a zip or "Velcro" (Trade Mark).

Preferably, the material used is lightweight, compactable and waterproof.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of the material shaped for use in a portable shelter with dimensions (in inches), and of the round sheet; Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a portable shelter in use over a bicycle; Figs. 3 and 4 are end views of the portable shelter of Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 shows the portable shelter in position for transport on a bicycle.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a portable shelter 1, comprising material 2, shaped into pieces 3,4,5, and a ground sheet 6. Fig. 2 shows the portable shelter 1 in the form of a tent, enclosing spaces 7,8,9, a bicycle 10, a bicycle pump 11 and an entrance flap 12.

In use, the material 2 is draped over the bicycle 10, bicycle pump 11 and ground sheet 6, and forms folds along lines 13, so that pieces 3,4 and 6 enclose spaces 7,8 and 9 respectively. The adjacent edges of the pieces 3,4 and 5 may be sewn together or be secured together by laces or other fasteners. Further pieces 14,15 of material hang down between the bicycle and the spaces 8 and 9, so completely separating the space 9 which may be used for storage, from the space 8 which is used as sleeping quarters. Flaps (not shown) may be provided in the material for access from space 8 to space 9, and may be closed and opened using zips or "Velcro" (Trade Mark).

The tent may be made more secure by the inclusion of guy ropes and pegs to anchor it; alternatively pegs alone may suffice.

The groundsheet 6 may cover only the ground below the space 8 (Fig. 2), or may be continued to cover the ground below the space 9. Alternatively, a separate groundsheet may be included for the storage space 9.

When not in use, the portable shelter 1 may be folded compactly (Fig. 5) and attached to the bicycle 10, using a triangular box 16 which fits under the crossbar.

The material for the portable shelter may be any suitable lightweight, easily compacted material, which is preferably waterproof, e.g. "Goretex" (Trade Mark) would be suitable for the tent and PVC for the groundsheet.

The invention thus provides a simple and effective shelter that can be carried upon a bicycle without taking up valuable space, and which may be erected using the minimum number of props by ingenious use of the bicycle.

The shelter does away with the need for rigid poles which are space consuming and unwieldy, so reducing the load on the bicycle. It provides shelter for one or two people, plus storage space.

Modifications and improvements may be added without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. "Portable Shelter" application No.8903686.7 Patent Assignee : George A. Epsworth Priority : 17/2/89 1. The "Portable Shelter" also known as the "Bike Tent", was first conceived in 1981 and has been developed over the years.

   A new concept in terms of light weight cycle camping, the bike tent offers new horizonz in terms of convenience and facilities.
2. 2. Made in breathable fabric and built to exacting standards, this product offers facilities unavailable until now : Light weight Easily erected Can be left permanently on the bicycle Easily transpbrted Utilises the bicycle pump as part of the structure.

   Once the outside container is removed, the tent unfolds. By simple pegging out the base, the structure is secure and ready
3. 3. for use in a matter of seconds. Storage space is more than adequate for all the camper's needs and is easily accessible.

   Access to the main sleeping area for one or two persons is via a large ventilated zipped entry on the side of the tent. Despite
4. 4. offering ample accommodation, the bike tent folds into a remarkably small container designed to remain on the bicycle and weighs less than 31bs complete.

   By utilising the bicycle pump, the bike tent does not need
5. 5. tent poles and by incorporating the bicycle, is stable even in the most adverse conditions.

   There are many lightweight tents on the market; many of them specifically designed for the use of the cycle camper. However
6. 6. they all require the excess weight and bulk of poles and are all carried in panniers or carriers attached to the bicycle.

   CLAIM 1 The inventive concept of the "Portable shelter" is that it is a tent which utilises the bicycle and bicycle pump as an
7. 7. integral part and is designed to be carried on the bicycle, suspended from the crossbar, or between the seat tube and handlebar stem in the case of open framed ladies bicycles.

   CLAIM 1(A) The "Portable Shelter" is designed to drape over bicycle
8. 8. crossbar and form two separate areas. One is a storage space and the other, a sleeping compartment for one or two persons. The bicycle forms a rigid support for the structure and is an integral part.

   CLAIM 1(B)
9. 9. Unlike any other tent, the "Portable Shelter" uses the bicycle pump as part of the support structure along with the bicycle.

   By the provision of a spacer and location top; any bicycle pump can be made to fit the "Portable Shelter".
10. 10. The pump supports the structure inside the sleeping compartment and along with the pegs inserted at ground level,tensions the structure.

    CLAIM 1(C) The "Portable Shelter" unlike any other is designed to remain
11. 11. on the bicycle, ready for use at any second. Until it is opened out, the Portable Shelter is located on the bicycle suspended in a container located between the front tube, down tube and crossbar. By simply removing this container and
12. 12. pegging out the groundsheet and storage space, and inserting the bicycle pump, the structure is ready for use in seconds.