GB2275278A

GB2275278A - Combination rucksack and tent

Info

Publication number: GB2275278A
Application number: GB9401172A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Robert Bain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-02-23
Filing date: 1994-01-21
Publication date: 1994-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2014-01-21
Also published as: GB9303577D0; GB9401172D0; GB2275278B

Abstract

A combination rucksack and tent is arranged so that when the tent is erected the rucksack still acts as such, and is accessible from inside the tent; the tent, when folded, occupies space normally occupied by the back padding, and may have an integral sleeping bag and groundsheet. The side pockets of the rucksack may be removed and fastend together side-by-side to make a day bag. <IMAGE>

Description

RUCKSACK/TENT This invention relates to a rucksack which can be converted into a tent. The rucksack is similar to the traditional design, however, it has an integral tent built into it.

It frequently occurs that because of adverse weather conditions, accidents, becoming lost or disorientated, persons such as hillwalkers, ramblers etc., are required to make camp in exposed locations. It is not uncommon for such persons to be without shelter or with minimal means of shelter from extreme weather.

This invention should provide its user with a lightweight, waterproof, uncumbersome, easily erected, reliable form of shelter of particular value for such inclement conditions.

Being more compact and less heavy to carry then the combined traditional camping equipment (comprising separate tent, rucksack and sleeping bag), the invention would be advantageous for long distance walking, trekking, backpacking etc.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE A: depicts the rucksack (No 1) in traditional usage mode with the location of the tent (No 2) outlined by the dotted line, housed within its compartment and, the detachable side pockets (No 3).

FIGURE B: illustrates the separation of the detachable side pockets.

FIGURE C: shows the method of attaching the two side pockets (Nos 3) together to form the day-bag (No 4).

FIGURE D: depicts the zip fastener opening (No 5) on the rear edge of the rucksack (No 1), from which the tent will be extracted.

FIGURE E: Illustrates the removal of the tent (No 6) in its folded format, from the compartment in the rucksack. (no 1).

FIGURE F: shows the tent (No 6) and integral groundsheet (No 7) being erected around the rucksack (No 1) with the position of the rucksack within the erected tent being depicted in the cut-away view of the tent.

FIGURE G: depicts the erected tent (No 7), displaying: i) the location of the two sets of tent poles (Nos 8) ii) the guy ropes (Nos 9) iii) the tent pegs (Nos 10) iv) mosquito net (No 11) v) front door flap (No 12) METHOD OF OPERATION FIGURES B and C refer: To detach the side pockets (Fig B), undo the zip fasteners (Nos 3A), thereby separating the sidepockets (Nos 3) from the rucksack (No 1).

Assemble the day bag by joining the two side pockets (Nos 3) together by the zip fasteners (Nos 3A).

The day bag (No 4), is thereby formed. Straps (Nos 4A), which are secured to each of the side pockets will, when the daybag is formed, constitute the shoulder straps of it.

FIGURES D and E refer: To remove the tent (No 6) from the rucksack (No 1), undo the zip fastener (No 5) and extract the tent (No 6) which at this stage, remains in its folded format.

FIGURE F refers: To erect the tent, open it from the pleated format and pass the open tent door (No 12) around the rucksack (No 1), the tent (No 6) passing over the top and both sides of the rucksack, the integral groundsheet (No 7), passing underneath the bottom of the rucksack.

Secure the tent poles, guy ropes and tent pegs, thereby erecting the tent (as depicted in Figure G).

FIGURE G refers: Once the tent is erected, the rucksack (No 1), is located inside the tent, forming the back wall of the tent ie, the end of the tent opposite the tent door. The rucksack is facing forwards into the tent, thereby allowing access to its contents without leaving the shelter of the tent.

The tent remains attached to the rucksack at all times by means of seams joining the bottom edge of the rucksack with the tent.

The groundsheet of the tent features a sewn-in sleeping bag made from a lightweight material with heat preserving properties (eg Astroblanket).

The guy ropes will be attached to the tent during manufacture and will remains so, being stored inside the tent compartment with the tent when it is not in use.

The tent is of the semi-cylindrical shape, taller and broader at its mouth, tapering in height and width to the rear of the tent. The tent poles (Nos 8) are located along the front and rear edges, sewn into the interior of the tent, around the circumference of its semi-cylindrical shape. When erecting the tent, these poles must be extended and their bottom ends secured into the ground as in the pitching of a traditional tent. The guy ropes will be secured by the tent pegs in the traditional fashion.

To dismantle the tent, the following procedure applies: 1. Dismantle the tent poles.

2. Remove all tent pegs except those securing the front of the tent.

3. Draw the rucksack forward, out through the doorway of the tent. This procedure results in the tent being inverted ready for storage within the rucksack.

4. Remove all remaining tent pegs.

5. Refold the tent into its original pleats and return to its storage compartment within the rucksack.

6. Secure the tent compartment by means of the zip fastener.

7. Separate the two side pockets (forming the day-bag if in use). Secure them again in position otlthe rucksack by means of the zip fasteners.

8. Replace the tent pegs (and tent poles if appropriate) in the side pockets of the rucksack The novelty of this invention lies in the shape and configuration of the article as shown on the attached representations and as detailed and described on this and the three preceding pages of typescript.

Claims

CLAIMS:

The key features of the rucksack are as follows: a. The rucksack has the carrying capacity of a conventional rucksack. Access to the rucksack is gained in the usual manner. The tent is housed in the areas of the rucksack normally used for the padding at the back of the bag.

b. The tent is contained within the back panel of the rucksack. Access to it is gained by a zip fastening opening which is located on the rear edge across the bottom of the rucksack.

c. The tent will be made of lightweight waterproof material (eg Gortex). When housed within the rear of the rucksack, it is folded flat in pleat fashion. It remains attached to the rucksack when erected.

d. When erected, the tent will encompass the rucksack, giving its user access to the contents of the rucksack without leaving the shelter of the tent.

e. The tent will be secured by means of expanding or sectional poles made from carbon fibres or other lightweight material. Tent poles and guy ropes will be supplied with the tent as required.

f. The rucksack will have two detachable side pockets which are attached to the bag by means of zip fasteners. When detached from the rucksack, the side pockets can be fastened together, providing a 'day-sack' for its user. This enables the user to leave the erected tent in-situ and use the day-bag for intermediate expeditions.