GB2451651A

GB2451651A - Pop up structure

Info

Publication number: GB2451651A
Application number: GB0715339A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Anthony Thompson
Original assignee: Finecard International Ltd
Current assignee: Finecard International Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-04
Filing date: 2007-08-04
Publication date: 2009-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-04
Also published as: GB2451651B; GB0715339D0

Abstract

A collapsible structure, for example a travel cot for a baby, comprises a first frame 10 with at least one flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop and a second frame 20 with at least one flexible rod formed into a second continuous saddle shaped loop above the ground loop. A fabric covering 50 is configured to fit over the first and second frames 10, 20 with at least a major part of the flexible rods fitting through fabric sleeves provided on the covering. First and second bent or arcuate flexible rods 30, 40 are positioned between the first and second frames 10, 20 without extending across them. These additional rods 30, 40 serve to hold open the ends of the fabric covering 50 in the erect condition of the pop-up structure, ensuring that the fabric is held away from the face or body of a child inside the cot. In an alternative structure, the first and second frames 10, 20 may be replaced by a single flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop and into a second continuous saddle shaped loop thereabove. The frames may pass through a fabric sleeve 22 which holds them in position, the sleeve may accommodate both frames together where they run alongside each other. The structure may collapse down and be stored or transported in a bag (Figures 8/9).

Description

1 2451651 Pop up structure, primarily for use as a travel cot The present invention is concerned with a self erecting structure having an integral frame with an attached fabric covering. It is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with the design of such as structure for use as a travel cot.

In the recent past a new type of tent, generally referred to as a pop-up tent, has come on to the market. The pop-up tent is folded into a relatively small package of minimal size using lightweight materials which allows for easy transport. The unique feature of the pop-up tent is that when it is removed from its fabric container and thrown up into the air, the springiness of the integral frame triggers a self-erecting action which stretches the tent fabric into the tent's final configuration and by the time the tent reaches the ground it is fully formed. All that remains is for the tent to be located in a desired location and staked to the ground for immediate use. Typically, the pop-up tent folds into a storage configuration almost as easily as it is erected and thus it can be folded away in a very brief period of time.

The first generation of the pop-up tent utilised a plurality of wire loops with each loop being a separate frame component and fitting within a sewn-in sleeve in the tent fabric at an appropriate location, US 4,858,634 disclosed a tent of this type having an elliptical planar base frame and one or more separate saddle shaped frames clipped together to provide the tent enclosure.

A more recent generation of pop-up tent comprises a single continuous frame which is again attached to the tent fabric within sewn- in sleeves with the single frame forming two loops, one loop comprising the loop which fits flat against the ground when the tent is erected, the second loop having a saddle-like configuration above the ground loop and thereby forming the wall and roof structure of the tent. The respective loops need not be of the same length nor symmetrical, and more than two loops may be provided. Such tents are disclosed in many prior patents including US 3,960,161 and US 3,990,463, US 5,163,461, US 5,385, 165, US 5,396,917, US 5,645,096, 5,601,105 and 5,676,168. The frames are formed of rods or armatures of spring steel or fibre composite or highly flexible plastics material and these may be formed into a continuous loop by connectors joining their respective ends or permanently by welding or adhesive bonding.

Because of the convenience and self-erecting nature of the pop-up tent, they have enjoyed quick acceptance among the camping public. Indeed, such tents have also been used for hunting purposes as well as cabana purposes providing shade on the

beach or in the field.

According to a first aspect of the present invention a pop up structure comprises a first frame comprising at least one flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop, a second frame comprising at least one flexible rod formed into a second continuous saddle shaped loop above the ground loop, and a fabric covering configured to fit over the first and second frames with at least a major part of the flexible rods fitting through fabric sleeves provided on the covering, and further comprises at least first and second flexible rods of bent or arcuate open ended configuration which are positioned between the first and second loops and extend generally co-extensive with a section of either the first or second loops without extending across or beyond either the first or second loops.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a pop up structure in which a continuous frame provides both first and second loops, comprises at least one flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop and into a second continuous saddle shaped loop above the ground loop, and a fabric covering configured to fit over the first and second loops with at least a major part of the flexible rod or rods fitting through fabric sleeves provided on the covering, and further comprises at least first and second flexible rods of bent or arcuate open ended configuration which are positioned between the first and second loops and extend generally co-extensive with a section of either the first or second loops without extending across or beyond either the first or second loops.

The open ended rods, in either aspect of the invention (i.e. in a structure with a frame of either type), may extend in a plane or planes which are generally parallel to and above the ground loop. They may be positioned symmetrically at opposite ends of the structure, but they need not be. They could both be at the same end, but at different levels or inclinations, and no such open ended rod at the other end. They could be differently positioned at the respective ends. There could be more than two such open ended rods. Note, however, that they do not serve to connect the first and second frames or loops of the frame The structure according to either first or second aspects of the invention is envisaged for use as a travel cot.

The first and second frames or loops, respectively, may advantageously extend through a common section of fabric sleeve where they run alongside each other at each side of the erect structure.

The additional open ended rods preferably also extend through respective sleeves of fabric provided on the covering.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred practical embodiment of a travel cot pop up structure in accordance with the invention, when fully erect; Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1 with the access flap partially undone to reveal the interior of the structure; Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed view of one region where the first and second frames of the structure lie adjacent each other; Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed view of one region where a free end of an arcuate rod lies adjacent the second frame; Figures 5 to 8 illustrate how the travel cot pop-up structure is folded down to a compact size with the first and second frames and the arcuate rods taking up a coHed configuration; and Figure 9 shows how the resulting compact folded structure can be stowed into a bag for storage and transport.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, a preferred practical embodiment of a pop up structure of the invention, specifically designed for use as a travel cot, comprises separate first and second frames 10, 20, first and second flexible rods 30, 40 of open ended U -shaped configuration and a fabric covering 50 configured to fit over these to provide the base web, sides and roof of the structure.

The first frame 10 comprises at least one flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop. The second frame 20 also comprises at least one flexible rod formed into a second continuous loop, but this is a saddle shaped loop positioned above the ground loop to support that part of the fabric covering 50 which forms the side walls and roof of the structure. The flexible rods forming the first and second frames 10, 20 extend through fabric sleeves 12, 22 which are provided on the covering 50 at appropriate locations for the erect condition of the structure. The first and second frames lie alongside each other at each side of the erect structure, as is evident in figures 1 and 2, and in this region the respective frames 10, 20 may suitably extend through a common section of fabric sleeve 52, as shown in figure 3.

The U-shaped rods 30, 40 are positioned between the first and second frames 10, 20 at each end of the structure and extend in a plane which is generally parallel to and above the ground loop 10. These rods 30, 40 also extend through respective sleeves 32, 42 of fabric provided on the covering 50. These rods 30, 40 have free ends which in each case the lie closely adjacent relevant locations on the second frame 20, as illustrated in figure 4.

Figures 5 to 8, as already mentioned, illustrate how the travel cot pop-up structure is folded down to a compact size with the first and second frames 10, 20 and the U-shaped rods 30, 40 taking up a coiled configuration. When folded down, the compact, relatively flattened, bundle may be placed into a bag 60, as shown in figure 9 for transport and storage. The travel cot has an integral base web 54 as part of the fabric covering 50. A mattress may be provided in conjunction with the above described pop-up structure for insertion into the interior, upon the base web 54, when the structure has been erected and is ready for use.

As shown, the fabric covering 50 has a curved opening 56 provided closely adjacent the sleeve 22 for the second frame 20 at one side of the structure. This opening 56 may suitably be closable by a sliding clasp fastener in conventional manner.

The U-shaped rods 30, 40 serve a particularly useful purpose in holding open the ends of the fabric covering 50 in the erect condition of the structure, thereby holding the fabric covering 15 reliably away from the body, and particularly the face, of a baby or child placed therein.

The foregoing is illustrative and not limitative of the scope of the invention. Many variations in detail are possible. The additional open ended rods may be of different curvature to U-shaped or may be bent more angularly. Each of these rods and also the frame loops may be formed from more than one rod connected together. Furthermore, more than one arcuate rod may be provided at each end of the structure. These may be arranged at a spacing one above the other, still generally parallel to the ground loop.

The arcuate rods at the respective ends need not be at the same level. Other possible alternative arrangements of these additional open ended rods have been mentioned earlier in this description. Yet another possibility is that the frame may be formed of a single continuous loop in known alternative manner for pop-up structures. Many other variations in detail are possible.

Claims

1. A pop up structure comprising a first frame comprising at least one flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop, a second frame comprising at least one flexible rod formed into a second continuous saddle shaped loop above the ground loop, and a fabric covering configured to fit over the first and second frames with at least a major part of the flexible rods fitting through fabric sleeves provided on the covering, and further comprising at least first and second flexible rods of bent or arcuate open ended configuration which are positioned between the first and second loops and extend generally co-extensive with a section of either the first or second loops without extending across or beyond either the first or second loops.

2. A pop up structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second open ended rods extend in a plane or planes which are generally parallel to and above the ground loop.

3. A pop up structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the first and second frames extend through a common section of fabric sleeve where they run alongside each other at each side of the erect structure.

4. A pop up structure having a frame comprising at least one flexible rod formed into a first continuous substantially planar ground loop and into a second continuous saddle shaped loop above the ground loop, and a fabric covering configured to fit over the first and second loops with at least a major part of the flexible rod or rods fitting through fabric sleeves provided on the covering, and further comprising at least first and second flexible rods of arcuate or bent open ended configuration which are positioned between the first and second loops and extend generally co-extensive with a section of either the first or second loops without extending across or beyond either the first or second loops.

5. A pop up structure as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first and second open ended rods extend in a plane or planes which are generally parallel to and above the ground loop.

6. A pop up structure as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the first and second loops extend through a common section of fabric sleeve where they run alongside each other at each side of the erect structure.

7. A pop up structure as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the open ended rods also extend through respective sleeves of fabric provided on the covering.

8. A travel cot pop up structure as claimed in any preceding claim.

9. A travel cot pop up structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.