GB2240999A - Tents - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible tent (1) is generally tubular in shape, and is formed of two, spaced collapsible end frames (2) arranged to extend substantially vertically and covering sheet (3) extending between, and supported by, the two end frames (2). Each end frame (2) is formed from three elongate, telescopic, generally tubular members (12, 14) which are connected together at their ends, and may be within tubes at the end of the sheet. The apex of the sheet may be defined by a seam. The tent is completed by a base sheet (4) and end panels (120) or flaps (130). <IMAGE>

Description

It4PP'OVEMENTS IN OF RELATING TO TENTS The present invention relates to tents and to methods for their erection.

Tents generally comprise a collection of individual components, such as support poles, and a covering sheet which are assembled into a tent using clips, springs, ropes and other ancillary components.

Thus, a plurality of poles will be connected together in a predetermined arrangement to form a frame. An appropriately shaped covering sheet is then fitted over the constructed frame. The tent becomes strong and rigid only when the frame and the covering sheet are pegged to the ground and supporting poles and tensioning ropes are erected. To the inexperienced person, the assembly of a tent is both difficult and time consuming.

The present invention seeks to provide a tent which can more easily be erected and let down again.

According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible tent comprising a covering sheet as two or more collapsible frames for supporting said covering sheet, each said collapsible frame being selectively arrangeable in'a collapsed condition and in an erected condition in which said frame has sufficient strength to support said covering sheet.

In an embodiment, each said collapsible frame is comprised of a number of interconnected, elongate retractable and extensible members. For example each elongate member may be telescopic. Each such elongate member may be formed from a plurality of telescopically arranced, elongate, tubular sections.

The use of collapsible frames greatly facilitates the erection and subsequent collapse of the tent. It is possible, depending upon the size and shape of the tent, to use collapsible frames in conjunction with tent poles and other structures. However, in a preferred embodiment, all of the supporting members for the covering sheet are collapsible frames.

Preferably, the elongate members forming each collapsible frame are interconnected by connecting means enabling the elongate members to pivot relative to one another. It is possible, for said elongate members to be interconnected to define a closed figure.

For example, in one embodiment each said frame comprises three elongate members interconnected at their ends to define a substantially triangularly shaped frame. One of said elongate members is arranged to form a base member, and the other two elongate members define upright members extending upwardly from opposed ends of said base member.

Preferably, where the elonate members are telescopic, they are forked fro a plurality of substantially circular cross-section tubular sections which have progressively larger diameters so that the tubular sections can be progressively telescoped one within the other.

If preferred, each tubular section of the or each elongate member may be conical or frusto-conical to be gently tapered along its length.

The connecting means pivotally interconnecting the elongate members preferably interconnect adjacent ends of the elongate members. The elongate members may have inclined surfaces provided thereon to facilitate the pivoting movement. In addition, adjacent elongate members may be arranged to pivot into abutment one with the other, particularly in the erected condition of the frame, to provide strength and rigidity to the erected frame.

Advantageously, said covering sheet is attached to each said frame and is arranged to remain on each said frame when the frame is both collapsed and erected.

Said covering sheet may be provided with elongate tubes in which said frames extend.

It will be apparent that a tent of the invention can be kept as a single unit comprising said covering sheet and a number of frames so that the tent can be erected and collapsed with ease.

The end of each tubular section of an elongate merger which is arranged to be received within an ascent tubular section may be provided with a raDialy outwardly extending flared portion. Each said flared portion may be arranged to abut against means provided on said adjacent tubular section.

In an embodiment, each tubular section is provided with interengaging means arranged to maintain the tubular sections in their relative positions defining the extended state of the elongate member. Said interengaging means may comprise a biased fastener at or near one end of a tubular section and cooperable means on the tubular section.

Said interengaging means may comprise a spring mounted projection, such as a button, carried by one tubular section, and receivable within an aperture or recess provided by an adjacent tubular section.

The tent preferably includes securing means for securing at least one of said frames to the ground.

In a preferred embodiment, two collapsible frames, which are substantially triangular in shape in their erected condition, are provided. The two frames are spaced apart and support the covering sheet which connects, and extends between, the two frames whereby a tubular, elongate tent having a generally triangular cross-section is defined.

The present invention also extends to a method of erecting tent, which tent comprises two or more collapsible frames attached to and supporting a covering sheet, said method comprising the steps of spacing said frames apart along the ground, and erection the frames to extend upwardly and support said covering sheet above thc round.

An embodment of the present inventIon will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings; in which: Figure 1 shows an end elevation of a tent of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a detail of two telescopically arranged tubular sections of the tent of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the connection of three members of an end frame of the tent of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows part of the connection of Figure 3 in an alternative condition; Figure 5 shows the connection of two adjacent members of an end frame of the tent of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows the connection of Figure 5 in an alternative condition; Figure 7 shows schematically the commencement of the retraction of an end frame of the tent of Figure 1; and Figures 8A and 8B show two stages in the retraction of the end frame shown in Figure 7.

Figure 1 shows an end elevation of a tent 1 of the invention which generally has the configuration of a conventional tent being generally tubular in shape with a substantially triangular cross-section. The tent 1 is formed of two, spaced end frames 2 which are substantially triangular in shape and which are arranged to extend substantially vertically. A covering sheet 3 extends between. and is supported by, the two end frames 2.

The covering sheet 3 may be simply a rectangular sheet of suitable material with each of two opposed edges, preferably its shorter edges, connected to a respective end frame 2. To improve the shape of the tent, the covering sheet 3 may have a central, longitudinally extending seam to define the apex of the tent 1.

Preferably, suitable material is provided to close one or both ends of the tent 1. As illustrated, a triangular shaped end panel 120 of a suitable covering material is provided at each end and connected to a respective end frame 2. At at least one end, this end panel may be formed by two co-operating flaps 130 which abut or overlap substantially centrally of the end panel 120. Releasable fastening means (not shown), such as a zip fastener or lengths of Velcro (Trade Mark), are provided to releasably secure the two flaps 130 together.

Alternatively, the or each end panel 120 may be formed as a single piece, and have one or more of its edges releasably connected to the respective end frame 2, for example, by way of a zip fastener or lengths of Velcro (Trade Mark).

The end panels 120 and the covering sheet 3 may be formed of individual pieces of material and be individually connected to the frames 2. Alternatively, the end panels 120 and covering sheet 3 may be made out of a single sheet of material, and/or, may be connected to form a unitary structure, which is then connected to the end frames 2. However the covering sheet 3 and end panels 120 are arranged, it is preferred that elongate tubes are formed therein for receipt of the end frames 2. Such a tube (not shown) may be constructed, for example, between an edge of an end panel 120 and an adjacent, overlapping edge of the covering sheet 3.

Alternatively, an inner lining (not shown) may be provided for the covering sheet and the tubes could be defined, in known manner, between the lining and the covering sheet 3.

A base sheet, or tanking tray 4 forming the base surface of the tent 1 is provided and extends the full length and width thereof. As shown, the base sheet 4 is also arranged to extend beyond both the longitudinal and transverse edges of the tent 1. The extended areas of the base sheet 4 may be arranged to extend upwardly to define a tray having sides 6. The base sheet 4 is made of durable waterproof material. The sides 6 of the tray formed thereby may extend within or outside the covering sheet 3 and may be attached thereto.

Alternatively, releasable fastening means (not shown) may be provided to enable the base sheet 4 to be releasably connected along its edges to the covering sheet 3.

Each end frame 2 is arranged to be collapsible from its fully erected condition as shown in Figure 1 to a compact condition which facilitates storage and carriage of the tent 1. In the illustrated embodiment, each end frame 2 is formed from three elongate, generally tubular members 12, 14 which are connected together at their ends to define the triangular shape of the end frame 2. One of the tubular members 14 is arranged to lie along the ground and fon a base member, whilst the other two tubular members 12 are arranged to extend upwardly and inwardly from the ends of the base member 14 and are connected at their upper ends to define the apex of the end frame 2.

In the embodiment illustrated, each of the tubular members 12, 14 is arranged to be telescopic so that it can be extended and retracted to erect and collapse the end frame 2. In their extended condition, the two upright tubular members 12 are substantially equal in length so that the end frame 2 is in the shape of an isosceles triangle. If required, the base member 14 ma also have an extended length substantially equal to that of the tubular members 12. However, in many applications, for stability, the base member 14 may be longer.

Preferably, each tubular member 12, 14 is constructed from a plurality of elongate tubular sections 20, 20', 20", 20"' which are generally circular in cross-section and which have progressively larger internal diameters so that the tubular sections can be progressively telescoped one within the other.

Clearly, the diameter of each tubular section could remain constant along its length. However, and as is shown in Figure 2, it is preferred that there should be some reduction of the diameter of each tubular section along its length to control the final compacted size of the tubular member. In Figure 2, tubular section 20' is generally larger in diameter than tubular section 20. An end of tubular section 20 is received in one end of tubular section 20' and the tubular section 20' is gently tapered as it extends away from the one end thereof. The reduction of diameter of the tubular section 20' is such that as the end of the tubular section 20 is moved within the tubular section 20', the end will abut the tapered tubular section 20' whereby further movement to provide relative retraction of the two sections will not be possible.

When the end frame 2 is in its fully erected condition, each tubular member 12, 14 is in its fully extended position. The frame 2 supports the tent in this condition, and therefore the tubular members 12, 14 need to be engaged in their extended positions such that unwanted collapse thereof is not possible. In this respect, interengaging means 32, 36 are formed on adjacent ends of the tubular sections 20, 20', 20" to maintain the tubular sections in their relative positions defining the extended position of the tubular members 12, 14.

In the embodiment illustrated the interengaging means comprises a spring loaded, riveted steel catch or fastener 30 provided at the smaller end of each tubular section 20, 20' ...... For example, the fastener 30 comprises an elongate blade spring 34 which is connected at one end to the telescopic section 20 by way of a rivet 32. The blade spring 34 is shown extending within the section 20 by which it is carried.

At its free end, the blade spring 34 carries a button 36 extending radially outwardly through an aperture 37 in the section 20. The section 20' is provided with a through aperture 38 arranged to receive the button 36.

A second spring loaded fastener, as 30, (not shown) is provided on the tubular section 20 diametrically opposite to the one illustrated. The button of the second fastener is received in a corresponding aperture provided in the tubular section 20' diametrically opposite the first.

In an embodiment, each tubular section 20, 20'....

has a guide on its inside surface to guide the button 36 of the fastener to the associated aperture 38. This guide may be a groove (not shown) extending along the inner surface of each tubular section 20 so that the button is guided therealong. These guides also keep the tubular sections in the same relative longitudinal alignment.

The pair of fasteners 30 engage in the respective apertures 38 and thereby retain the tubular sections 20, 20' in their extended position. The fasteners can be released to enable telescoping of the sections, for example, by depressing the button 36 inwardly from the exterior of the section in which it is engaged.

Alternatively, releasing means (not shown), for example, in the form of a cable may extend within the tubular sections and be arranged to release the buttons. It would also be possible to enable their release in response to a contraction force, or preferably an extensive force, applied to the tubular members.

Generally it is preferred to limit the extensions of the tubular members 12, 14, and in particular to prevent the tubular sections from becoming separated.

This is achieved, in the embodiment illustrated, by providing a radially outwardly extending flared portion 40 at the smaller end of each tubular section 20, 20' Each such flared portion is arranged to engage with appropriate abutment means on the end of the adjacent tubular portion in which the flared portion could be provided with radially inwardly extending ri (not shown) at or adjacent its end.

In a preferred embodiment, each end frame 2 is of such a size that it can be easily carried when it is in its collapsed state. For example, in the collapsed state each tubular member 12, 14 may be arranged to retract to a length of the order of 9" (23cm).

Figures 3 to 6 show details of each end frame 2 and in particular illustrate the connection of the tubular members forming each end frame 2.

In Figure 3, the base member 14 is shown retracted and the two upright members 12 are shown extended. As can be seen, each of the upright members 12 is connected to a respective end of the base member 14 by a respective pair of connecting plates 50. In the illustrated embodiment, each connecting plate 50 is made of a flexible material, such as a plastics material.

The end of each upright member 12 is inserted between and fastened to a respective pair of connecting plates 50 such that pivoting movement of the member 12 relative to the pair of plates 50 is possible. For example, a rivet or pivot pin 52 extends through the two plates 50 and the upright member 12 to provide the connection. Similarly, the pair of connecting plates 50 receive the end of the base member 14 therebetween, and the pivotable connection is made by way of a pivot pin or rivet 54.

The ends of the upright members 12 received between the connecting plates 50 are provided with inclined surfaces 60 to facilitate pivoting movement of the upright members 12 relative to the connecting plates 50 and relative to the base member 14.

A rope loop 62 is connected to each end of the base member 14. The loops 62 are used to extend the base member 14 by pulling in the direction indicated by the arrows A. On erecting the tent 1, these rope loops 62 can also be secured to the ground, for example, to secure the base member 14 to the ground. It may be necessary to provide apertures or slots in the base sheet 4, for example, to enable the passage of the loops 62.

In Figure 4, the base member 14 is shown in its extended position and the upright member 12 is pivoted at an angle of approximately 600 to the base member 14. In this position, the inclined surface 60 abuts the base member 14 and prevents further pivoting movement of the uprights 12. The end frame 2 is, in this position, fully erected and the abutment of the upright members 12 with the base member 14 forms a strong and stable, fully erected position.

In Figure 5, the upper portion of an end frame 2 is shown in the configuration it adopts when the base member 14 is fully retracted. In this configuration, the upright members 12 are arranged to extend spaced from, and substantially parallel to one another.

At their upper ends, the two upright members 12 are connected together by a pair of connecting plates 70 which are each provided with an elongate slot 71.

The end of each upright member 12 is received between the two plates 70 and is provided with a pin or rivet 72 which projects on each side of the upright member 12 and engages in the respective slot 71. It will be appreciated that the pins 72 can be moved along the slots 71 so that the upright members 12 may move from their substantially parallel relative position shown in Figure 5, in which the base member is retracted, towards their inclined position shown in Figure 6, in which the base member is extended.

Figure 6 shows the connection at the upper ends of the upright members 12 when the base member 14 is in its fully extended state and the three tubular members 12, 14 define the triangular end frame 2 of Figure 1.

It will be seen that the upper ends of the upright members 12 are provided with inclined surfaces 80, and in the position of Figure 6 these inclined surfaces 80 provide strength and stability to the frame 2. A protective plastics material cover (not shown) may be provided around each joint between two tubular members to prevent damage to the covering sheet 3 as the configuration of the tubular members 12, 14 is changed.

Figures 7 and 8A and 8B are diagrams showing schematically one method of collapsing one of the end frames 2 from its extended condition as shown in Figure 1.

In Figure 7, the end frame 2 is completely extended. The tubular members 12, 14 are therefore fully extended, and the joints between ends of adjacent tubular members 12, 14 are as illustrated in Figures 4 and 6. The first step in collapsing the end frame 2 is to retract the base member 14. In order to achieve this, the interengaging means 36, 38 between each tubular section 20, 20' are released to enable telescoping of the tubular sections. The base member 14 is retracted thereby and the configuration illustrated in Figure 8A is obtained because the upper ends of the upright members 12 move apart as the base member retracts.

In the position of Figure 8A, the two upright members 12 extend substantially parallel to one another and can therefore be retracted simultaneously, for example, by pushing downwardly thereon once the interengaging means of adjacent tubular sections have been released.

In a preferred embodiment, the end frames extend within tubes in the covering sheet 3. As the end frames 2 are collapsed, the covering sheet becomes gathered along each collapsed tubular member. The tent can be stored by folding the end frames 2 alternatively to fold the covering sheet in concertina fashion.

In order to erect the tent 1, the covering sheet is unfolded and the end frames 2 are spaced apart on the ground on which the tent is to be erected so as to extend the covering sheet 3. The base sheet 4 is arranged to extend along, in contact with, the ground.

The upright members 12 are then fully extended so that each end frame takes the configuration of Figure 8A. As the upright members 12 become fully extended, the interengaging means 36, 38 will engage between each pair of tubular sections. The upright members 12 are therefore locked in their extended positions.

To assist in the extension, a loop of string cr rope (not shown) may be provided at the upper end of t two upright members 12, for example, and attached to the connecting plates 70. The members 12 can ten be extended by pulling this rope and the twD rope loops 62 attached to the base member 14 away fro each other.

The base member 14 of each end frame 2 is then extended by pulling apart the two rope loops 62 at either end of the base member 14 to extend it. Each end frame 2 therefore takes up the triangular configuration illustrated in Figure 1.

The tent can be erected and made rigid by securing the two rope loops 62, which are at either end of the base member 14, to the ground with pegs or the like.

The two end frames 2 are then arranged to extend upright and may be secured in position by a retaining rope (not shown) which may be attached or provided by the rope at the upper ends of the upright members 12.

The covering sheet 3 becomes taut and the tent takes its final shape. Each retaining rope will extend diagonally from its respective end frame 2 and be secured to the ground.

As will be apparent, a tent of the invention can be erected with ease.

It would be possible for the covering sheet 3 to be removably attached to the end frames 2, for example, by a fastener attached to each of the tubular sections 20, 20' .......

Each tubular member 12, 14 is preferably made of a strong, but lightweight material such as aluminium, plastics material, carbon fibre or the like. The material of the covering sheet 3 and end flaps 120 is preferably waterproof and is a material or cloth which is easily folded. Preferably both the covering sheet 3 and the end flaps 120 are made of a waterproof, lightweight polyester fabric.

Although in the above a tent having a tubular shape of substantially conventional triangular cross-section is described, the tent may of course have any shape or configuration.

Other alterations and modifications of the embodiments described above may be made within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (21)

1. A collapsible tent comprising a covering sheet and two or more collapsible frames for supporting said covering sheet, each said collapsible frame being selectively arrangeable in a collapsed condition, and in an erected condition in which said frame has sufficient strength to support said covering sheet.

2. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim I, in which each said collapsible frame is comprised of a number of interconnected, elongate retractable and extensible members.

3. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 2, wherein each said elongate member is telescopic.

4. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein each said elongate member is formed from a plurality of telescopically arranged, elongate, tubular sections.

5. A collapsible tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said covering sheet is supported only by collapsible frames.

6. A collapsible tent as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the elongate members forming each collapsible frame are interconnected by connecting means enabling the elongate members to pivot relative to one another.

7. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said elongate members are interconnected to define a closed figure.

8. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each said frame comprises three elongate members interconnected at their ends to define a substantially triangularly shaped frame.

9. A collapsible tent as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 8, wherein said elongate members are telescopic, and are each formed from a plurality of substantially circular crosssection tubular sections having progressively larger diameters so that the tubular sections can be progressively telescoped one within the other.

10. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 9, wherein each said tubular section of the or each elongate member is conical or frusto-conical to be gently tapered along its length.

11. A collapsible tent as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 10, wherein the connecting means pivotally interconnecting the elongate members are arranged to interconnect adjacent ends of the elongate members, and wherein the elongate members have inclined surfaces provided thereon to facilitate the pivoting movement.

12. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 11, wherein adjacent elongate members are arranged to pivot into abutment one with the other in the erected condition of the frame to provide strength and rigidity to the erected frame.

13. A collapsible tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said covering sheet is attached to each said frame and is arranged to remain on each said frame when the frame is both collapsed and erected.

14. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said covering sheet is provided with elongate tubes in which said frames extend.

15. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 9 or 10, wherein the end of each tubular section of an elongate member which is arranged to be received within an adjacent tubular section is provided with a radially outwardly extending flared portion arranged to abut against means provided on said adjacent tubular section.

16. A collapsible tent as claimed in Claim 15, wherein each said tubular section is provided with interengaging means arranged to maintain the tubular sections in their relative positions defining the extended state of the elongate member.

17. A collapsible tent as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising securing means for securing at least one of said frames to the ground.

18. A collapsible tent as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein two collapsible frames, which are substantially triangular in shape in their erected condition, are provided, wherein said two frames are spaced apart and support the covering sheet which connects, and extends between, the two frames whereby a tubular, elongate tent having a generally triangular cross-section is defined.

19. A method of erecting a tent, which tent comprises two or more collapsible frames attached to and supporting a covering sheet, said method comprising the steps of spacing said frames apart along the ground, and erecting the frames to extend upwardly and support said covering sheet above the ground.

20. A collapsible tent substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A method of erecting a tent substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.