GB2584444A - A base component for a temporary structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The base component comprises a centre 2, first, second and third support members 3, 4, 5 facing away from the centre, and a plate 6, the second support member being normal to the first in a first plane, the third support member being normal to the first in a second plane normal to the first plane, the plate extending between the second and third support members in a third plane normal to the first and second planes. The plate may be triangular. The support members may each comprise a first annular socket 15 facing away from the centre and having a bottom surface spaced from the centre. The first support member may have an elongate hermaphroditic connector 30. A first wall 18 may extend between the first and second support members. A second wall 19 may extend between the first and third support members. An outer side of the first wall may have a pair of parallel elongate bosses 27 for connection with a pair of parallel slots 29 on the outer side of the second wall. The plate can be located underneath the corner of a mattress, with the support members supporting poles to form a tent or gazebo.

Description

A Base Component For a Temporary Structure The present invention relates to a base component for a temporary structure, for use particularly, but not exclusively for supporting the poles of a bed tent.

Bed tents for children are known, and comprise a light weight tent structure which is dimensioned to fit onto a child's bed. The tent structure can be any of the known kinds of tent structure, including those comprising a plurality of flexible poles which support a fabric enclosure. In such tent structures the flexible poles are bent into position to form a framework, with their ends retained by straps to maintain them in the bent position. The straps are usually integral with the fabric enclosure. Bed tents of this kind can simply be placed on a child's bed, or they can be held in place thereon by some kind of retention mechanism.

Known bed tents suffer from a number of drawbacks. The first is that if they are not retained in place they can be displaced very easily. If they are provided with a retention mechanism it is either insufficient to prevent displacement of the bed tent, or they are overly complex, for example straps which are intended to be threaded around a part of the bed.

Another problem with known bed tents is that they are simplex and cannot readily form a part of a larger structure. As such, the scope for play building by a child is limited. This drawback is also true of regular tents intended for outdoor use.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above described problems.

Therefore, according to the present invention a base component for a temporary structure comprises a centre, first, second and third support members facing away from said centre, and a plate, in which said second support member is substantially normal to said first support member in a first plane, in which said third support member is substantially normal to said first support member in a second plane substantially normal to said first plane, and in which said plate extends between said second support member and said third support member in a third plane substantially normal to both said first plane and said second plane.

Thus, in its simplest form the present invention provides a base component which can provide support in three directions, and with a plate which can be used as a means to retain it in a particular position and/or orientation. In particular, the base component can be arranged at the corner of a mattress with which it is used, with the first support member facing upwards, the second support member facing down one side of the mattress, the third support member facing down the adjacent side of the mattress, and with the plate positioned underneath the corner of the mattress. An end of a pole forming a part of a tent structure can be supported by the first support member, and the ends of other poles forming further parts of a tent structure can be supported by the second support member and the third support member. The weight of the mattress is utilised to orient and secure the base component in place.

The technical shape of the base component is defined herein by reference to parts of the base component, or planes in which they are situated, being substantially normal to one another. The word substantially is used in order to include a degree of variance from a strict interpretation of the term normal, so as to cover versions of the invention in which parts of the base component, or the planes in which they are situated, are a few degrees less or more than exactly 90 degrees to one another, to such an extent that it makes no material difference to the functionality of the base component, which is explained in greater detail below.

The plate can be any shape, such as a square with the second support member and the third support member at adjacent sides. However, preferably the plate can be triangular, with a first corner adjacent to the centre, a second corner adjacent to an outer end of the second support member and a third corner adjacent to an outer end of the third support member. This structure keeps the size of the plate small, but still sufficient to achieve the required technical effect. It also allows for the base component to be used in a second orientation, as described further below.

The first, second and third support members can be any shape which is capable of supporting a part with which the base component is used, such as a tent pole or the like. This could be a male part of a connection mechanism, however, in a preferred construction the first, second and third support members can each comprise a first annular socket facing away from the centre. The first annular sockets can have a diameter suitable for use with a pre-determined width of tent pole or other structural component.

Each of the first annular sockets can extend from the centre of the base component, but in one embodiment each first annular socket can comprise a bottom surface which is spaced from the centre. Following on from this, the first, second and third support members can each be spaced from the centre, and can each comprise a second annular socket facing towards the centre.

Therefore, the base component can comprise six annular sockets, three facing away from the centre, and three facing in the opposite directions towards the centre. It will be appreciated that only one tent pole or the like can be supported by one of the second annular sockets at one time, because the tent pole in question will then pass through the centre, blocking the entry to the other two second annular sockets. However, the second annular sockets provide an additional level of usability to the base component. In particular, it can be mounted between two structural pole components, placed in opposing first and second annular sockets of one of the first, second or third support members, and then another structural pole component can be placed in the first annular socket of one of the other of the first, second or third support members. This allows for a modular tunnel structure to be built using a plurality of the base components.

It will be appreciated that in this version of the invention the centre of the base component is a point in space rather than a point within the material of the base component. However, the centre is still a functional point in reference to which the parts of the base component can be meaningfully defined. Further, the centre is a point which is within the planar boundaries of the base component.

In a preferred construction a first wall can extend between the first support member and the second support member in, or parallel to, the first plane, and a second wall can extend between the first support member and the third support member in, or parallel to, the second plane. The first wall can comprise a first leading edge extending from an outer end of the first support member to the outer end of the second support member, and the second wall can comprise a second leading edge extending from the outer end of the first support member to the outer end of the third support member. The first leading edge and the second leading edge can be coplanar.

The co-planar first and second leading edges allow the base component to be used in a second orientation, generally opposite to a first orientation in which the base component rests on the plate. It is placed on the first and second leading edges, which advantageously exposes the second annular socket of the first support member for use in supporting a structural component.

The first and second leading edges can be parallel to the second and third support members, in which case when the base component is placed in the second orientation the second socket of the first support member will be arranged normal to the first and second leading edges, allowing a structural component to be supported vertically. This would allow certain temporary box-like structures to be created, such a gazebo or the like.

However, in a preferred construction the first and second leading edges are arranged at an oblique angle to the first support member. As such, when the base component is placed in the second orientation the second annular socket of the first support member will be arranged at a corresponding oblique angle to the first and second leading edges, allowing a structural component to be supported at that oblique angle. This would allow certain pyramidal-like structures to be created, such as further styles of play tent.

Preferably the first and second leading edges are co-planar with a leading edge of the plate which extends between the second corner and the third corner thereof. As such, when the base component is placed in the second orientation it rests on three surfaces, making it much more stable.

In one version of the invention each of the first leading edge and the second leading edge comprise a first portion arranged at a first oblique angle to the first support member and a second portion arranged at a second oblique angle to the first support member. The first portions can be co-planar and the second portions can be co-planar. This allows the base component to assume two different angular positions in the second orientation, which allows structural components to be supported at two such angles. It will be appreciated that the leading edge of the plate can be co-planar with only one of the first portions or second portions, meaning that in only one of the two different angular positions is the base component stabilised by the leading edge of the plate. However, the base component is still stable enough in the other of the two positions.

It will be appreciated that any square or rectangular floorplan temporary structure can be created using a plurality of base components. One can be placed at each corner of the floorplan, to support an upstanding structural component like a tent pole. This can be done with the base component in the first orientation, in which case the first socket of the first support member can support such a tent pole vertically. This would be the case if a base component were arranged at each corner of a mattress, with the plate located underneath, such that a bed tent could be made which advantageously utilised the weight of the mattress to secure it in position. It is also possible to do this on any flat surface, such as the floor of a room, or outside. If so, a tent or other structure like a gazebo can be created using appropriate frame and enclosure parts. With the base components in the first orientation adjacent base components can support further structural parts between facing second and/or third support members. This allows for rails or boarders to be supported by the base components along the bottom edge of the temporary structure. This can be done to improve stability, fixture, or to prevent escape or ingress of a substance.

Furthermore, additional base components can be used to increase the length or width of the temporary structure. If modular parts are used, for example poles of a given length, then parallel sides of the temporary structure can be increased in length by axially arranging two such poles and supporting their opposite ends in the first and second annular sockets of the second support member or third support member. As each base component also comprises a first support member, further upstanding structural components can be supported from that location. This allows for larger structures to be created, such as play tunnels.

Alternatively, any square or rectangular floor plan temporary structure can be created with base components in the second orientation, in which case the second annular socket of the first support member of each base component can support a tent pole or the like at an oblique angle to vertical.

However, in a preferred embodiment the base component is provided with additional technical features to further increase the possible structures which can be created. In particular, in one embodiment an outer side of the first wall can comprise a first part of a first connection mechanism, and an outer side of the second wall can comprise a second part of the first connection mechanism. This first connection mechanism can be any known mechanism which would allow the first wall of one base component to be securely connected to the second wall of another. However, preferably the first part of the first connection mechanism can comprise a pair of parallel elongate bosses formed on the first wall, and the second part of the first connection mechanism can comprise a pair of parallel slots formed in the second wall, for releasable sliding connection with the pair of parallel bosses.

What these features allow for is for two or more base components to be connected to one another to provide enhanced support capabilities. In particular, a simple square floorplan tent could be created using four initial base components, and then another simple square floorplan tent could be created using four further base components, two of which are connected by the first connection mechanism to two of the base components of the initial base components. This would create a temporary structure comprising two tents connected together along one edge. It will be appreciated that such a structure could be added to in the same way along any exposed side of one square floorplan, to create any number of modular connected tent pods.

In addition to this functionality, two or more base components can be connected to one another to establish super base components made up of up to four base components. For example, if four were connected together a super base component would be created with four first support members in a close square formation, and two parallel second and/or third support members facing in each of four right-angular directions. If two base components were connected together a super base component would be created with two first support members, two parallel second or third support members facing in one direction, and single second and third support members facing in directions normal thereto. Such super base components can be used to create numerous different temporary structures as required, which need multiple supporting functions at one location.

The base component can be further enhanced with additional methods of connection. In a preferred construction the first support member can comprise an elongate hermaphroditic connector with an axis of connection at substantially 135 degrees to the first plane. This feature allows two base components to be connected to one another rear corner to rear corner, which allows yet another kind of super base component to be created which comprises just two base components, but which provides two back to back first support members, and a second or third support member facing in each of four right-angular directions. This allows for modular temporary structures to be created using fewer base components. For example, in a structure in which corners of four square or rectangular floorplans are arranged in the same location, only two base components can provide for this rather than four. Furthermore, the hermaphroditic connectors also allow for floorplans to be linked together at the corner only. For example, a simple square floorplan tent could be created using four initial base components, and then another simple square floorplan tent could be created using four further base components, one of which is connected by the hermaphroditic connecter to the same feature of one of the base components of the initial base components. This would create a temporary structure comprising two tents connected together at one corner. It will be appreciated that such a structure could be added to in the same way along any exposed corner of one square floorplan, to create any number of modular connected tent pods.

The first and second sockets can have a pre-determined diameter intended to support a tent pole or other structural component. However, in a preferred embodiment the base component can comprise at least one removable adaptor which can be removably locatable in any of the first annular sockets or the second annular sockets, and which can comprise a cylinder with a third annular socket of a smaller diameter than the first annular socket. This allows for the base component to easily support two different diameters of structural component. In particular, the diameter of the first and second annular sockets can be chosen to support rigid rods which can be used as upright stanchions or vertical rails or boarders. Such components would be used to create gazebo like structures. However, rods which can provide a suitable level of rigidity and strength when made from an economic material need to be somewhat greater in diameter than known flexible tent poles. Therefore, the diameter of the third annular socket can be chosen to support such known flexible tent poles. It will be appreciated that the base component can comprise a plurality of removable adaptors, as they can be fitted into any of the first and second annular sockets as required.

The first annular sockets and the second annular sockets can comprise a radially extending slot, and the removable adaptor can comprise a radially extending boss for releasable sliding connection with the radially extending slots. This feature prevents unnecessary rotation of the removable adaptor in any of the first or second annular sockets in use.

As referred to above, the primary design reason for the plate is to allow the base component to be held in place at the corner of a bed by a mattress. However, since it has been found that the base component has multiple different applications, including as a base component to be used outdoors, the plate provides a suitable anchoring structure. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention the plate can comprise a plurality of holes for securing it in the ground. The holes can be of such a size as to allow known tent pegs or the like to be passed through them and into the ground, thereby to anchor the base component.

In order to allow for a fabric enclosure of a tent or gazebo or the like to be held in place on any temporary structure formed using the base component of the invention, the first wall can comprise a first aperture with a first retention tab extending towards the second support member for retaining a material. Further, the second wall can comprise a second aperture with a second retention tab extending towards the third support member for retaining a material. The shape and configuration of the first and second retention tabs can be any shape which is capable of providing an anchoring for a corner, edge, loop or strap of a fabric enclosure. However, in a preferred construction the first and second retention tabs can be T-shaped.

As referred to above, the base component can be arranged in a second orientation, in which case the first and second apertures would not be in the optimum orientation to support the fabric enclosure. Therefore, the first wall can comprise a third aperture with a third retention tab extending towards the first leading edge for retaining a material, and the second wall can comprise a fourth aperture with a fourth retention tab extending towards the second leading edge for retaining a material. Once again, the third and fourth retention tabs can be any shape, but preferably they are T-shaped.

In some temporary structures it may be advantageous to connect two or more base components together with fabric straps. For example, four base components placed at the corners of a square floorplan with rigid poles or rails mounted between them, could be drawn together to secure the floorplan structure with one or more straps extending around the circumference. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment the first wall and the second wall can each comprise at least one elongate slot formed therein for receiving a strap.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base component for a temporary structure according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the base component as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the base component as shown in Figure 1 in a second orientation; Figure 4 is a side view of the base component as shown in Figure 1 in a second orientation; Figure 5 is a bottom view of the base component as shown in Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a removable adaptor part of the base component as shown in Figure 1.

As shown in the Figures a base component for a temporary structure 1 comprises a centre 2, first, second and third support members 3, 4 and 5 facing away from the centre 2, and a plate 6. The second support member 4 is substantially normal to the first support member 3 in a first plane, indicate by hashed box 7, and the third support member 5 is substantially normal to the first support member 3 in a second plane, indicated by hashed box 8, which is substantially normal to the first plane 7. The plate 6 extends between the second support member 4 and the third support member 5 in a third plane, indicated by hashed triangle 9, substantially normal to both the first plane 7 and the second plane 8.

The base component 1 is made from a rigid plastics material moulded into the shape shown in the Figures. As such, each of the part of the base component 1 is integrally formed therein. However, due to the particular shape of the base component 1 the centre 2 is a point in space within its planar boundaries, rather than a point within the material itself. The centre 2 is a functional point in reference to which the parts of the base component 1 are meaningfully defined herein.

The plate 6 is triangular, with a first corner 10 adjacent to the centre 2, a second corner 11 adjacent to an outer end 12 of the second support member 4 and a third corner 13 adjacent to an outer end 14 of the third support member 5. This structure keeps the size of the plate 6 small, but still sufficient to allow it to be retained by the edge of a mattress, as explained further below. It also allows for the base component 1 to be used in a second orientation, as described further below.

The first, second and third support members 3, 4 and 5 each comprise a first annular socket 15 facing away from the centre 2. The first annular sockets 15 have a diameter suitable for use with a pre-determined width of support rod (not shown). They also each comprise a bottom surface 16 which is spaced from the centre 2.

The first, second and third support members 3, 4, and 5 are also each spaced from the centre 2, and each comprises a second annular socket 17 facing towards the centre 2. The second annular sockets 17 of the first, second and third support members 3, 4, and 5 are most clearly visible in Figures 5, 2 and 3 respectively.

Therefore, the base component 1 comprises six annular sockets, three facing away from the centre 2, and three facing in the opposite directions towards the centre 2. These allow the base component 1 to be used in multiple different ways, as described further below.

A first wall 18 extends between the first support member 3 and the second support member 4 parallel to the first plane 7. A second wall 19 extends between the first support member 3 and the third support member 5 parallel to the second plane 8. The first wall 18 comprises a first leading edge 20 extending from an outer end 21 of the first support member 3 to the outer end 12 of the second support member 4, and the second wall 19 comprises a second leading edge 22 extending from the outer end 21 of the first support member 3 to the outer end 14 of the third support member 5.

The first and second leading edges 20 and 22 allow the base component 1 to be used in a second orientation, as shown in Figure 3, generally opposite to a first orientation as shown in Figure 1 in which the base component 1 rests on the plate 6. In the second orientation the base component 1 is placed on the first and second leading edges 20 and 22, which advantageously exposes the second socket 17 of the first support member 3 for use in supporting a support rod (not shown).

As is clear from the Figures, each of the first leading edge 20 and the second leading edge 22 comprises a first portion 23 arranged at a first oblique angle to the first support member 3 and a second portion 24 arranged at a second oblique angle to the first support member 3. The first portions 23 are co-planar with one another, and the second portions 24 are also co-planar with one another. This is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, in which the base component 1 is arranged in the two possible second orientations, with the first portions 23 resting on a planar surface 45, and the second portions 24 resting thereon respectively.

These features allow the base component 1 to assume two different angular positions in the second orientation, which allows a support rod (not shown) to be supported at two such angles. This allows certain pyramidal-like structures to be created, as described further below.

The first portions 23 are co-planar with a leading edge 25 of the plate 6 which extends between the second corner 11 and the third corner 13 thereof. As such, when the base component 1 is placed in the second orientation as shown in Figure 3, the first portions 23 and the leading edge 25 rest on the planar surface 45, which makes the base component 1 much more stable.

Referring to Figure 3, an outer side 26 of the first wall 18 comprises a pair of parallel elongate bosses 27. Referring to Figure 2, an outer side 28 of the second wall 19 comprises a pair of parallel slots 29, for releasable sliding connection with the pair of elongate bosses 27. This allows for two or more base components 1 to be connected to one another via adjacent first and second walls 18 and 19, to provide enhanced support capabilities, as described further below.

The first support member 3 comprises an elongate hermaphroditic connector 30 with an axis of connection at substantially 135 degrees to the first plane 3. The hermaphroditic connector 30 is best viewed in Figure 5, and is a substantially C-shaped formation comprising corresponding socket and boss parts which interlink with the corresponding parts of another such hermaphroditic connector 30. This feature allows two base components 1 to be connected to one another rear corner to rear corner, which allows for further support arrangements, as described further below.

The plate 6 comprises three holes 31 for securing it in the ground, for use outdoors. The holes 31 are of such a size as to allow known tent pegs or the like (not shown) to be passed through them and into the ground, thereby to anchor the base component 1.

Referring to Figure 3 the first wall 18 comprises a first aperture 32 with a first retention tab 33 extending towards the second support member 4 for retaining a material. Referring to Figure 2 the second wall 19 comprises a second aperture 34 with a second retention tab 35 extending towards the third support member 5 for retaining a material. The first and second retention tabs 33 and 35 are T-shaped, and allow for a fabric enclosure of a tent or gazebo or the like to be held in place on a temporary structure formed using base components 1.

As referred to above, the base component 1 can be arranged in a second orientation, in which case the first and second apertures 32 and 34 would not be in the optimum orientation to support a part of a fabric enclosure. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3 the first wall 18 also comprises a third aperture 36 with a third retention tab 37 extending towards the first leading edge 20 for retaining a material, and referring to Figure 2 the second wall 19 comprises a fourth aperture 38 with a fourth retention tab 39 extending towards the second leading edge 22 for retaining a material. Once again, the third and fourth retention tabs 37 and 39 are T-shaped, and they allow for a fabric enclosure to be held in place when the base component 1 is arranged in the second orientation as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

In some temporary structures it may be advantageous to connect two or more base components 1 together with fabric straps. Therefore the first wall 18 and the second wall 19 each comprise an elongate slot 40 formed therein for receiving a strap (not shown). The plate 6 also comprises an elongate slot 41 for receiving a strap (not shown).

As stated above, the first and second annular sockets 15 and 17 have a diameter intended to support a pre-determined width of support rod (not shown). Such a support rod has a greater diameter than known flexible tent poles. Therefore, the base component 1 comprises any number of removable adaptors 42, one of which is shown in Figure 6, which are removably locatable in any of the first annular sockets 15 or the second annular sockets 17. The adaptor 42 comprises a cylinder 43 with a third annular socket 44 of a smaller diameter than the first annular sockets 15, which is intended to support a pre-determined width of tent pole (not shown).

In use the base component 1 can be used in multiple ways as part of various possible temporary structures. It will be appreciated that a plurality of base components 1 will be needed to form such structures, and that each one provides three support members 3, 4, and 5 for use at a corner, along a side, or within the area of a chosen floorplan, as well as a plate 6 to retain it in place.

In a first use the four base components 1 are used to facilitate a bed tent. Each one is arranged at the corner of a mattress (not shown), in the first orientation as shown in Figure 1, with the first support member 3 facing upwards, the second support member 4 facing down one side of the mattress, the third support member 5 facing down the adjacent side of the mattress, and with the plate 6 positioned underneath the corner of the mattress. A removable adaptor 42 is placed in the first annular socket 15 of the first support member 3 of each of the four base components 1. The ends of flexible tent poles (not shown) are mounted in the third annular sockets 44, either between base components 1 at opposite corners of the mattress so as to form a dome, or between base components 1 at opposite ends of a side of the mattress, so as to form the ends of a tunnel like structure.

The weight of the mattress helps to secure the base components 1 in position. If the mattress is located on a bed comprising a perimeter wall then the base components 1 will also be retained thereby. However, if not, in order to help secure the base components 1 in place a strap or straps (not shown) can be threaded through the elongate slots 40 in the first and second walls 18 and 19 of adjacent base components 1, so as to draw them together about the mattress. Alternatively, or in addition, a strap or straps (not shown) can be threaded through the elongate slots 41 in the plates 6, so as to also draw adjacent base components 1 together under the mattress.

Further, rods (not show) can be supported between opposing second and third support members 4 and 5 of adjacent base components 1, so as to form an additional structural component of the bed tent. Such rods are placed directly into the first annular sockets 15 of the opposing second and third support members 4 and 5 of base components 1 at adjacent corners of the mattress.

Once the frame of the bed tent is created a tent enclosure can be supported thereby. This can be any of the known kinds of tent enclosure. At the corners of such an enclosure are provided anchoring straps or loops, which can be affixed to the base components 1 by means of the first and/or second retention tabs 33 and 35 of each base component 1 as appropriate.

Instead of a bed tent a gazebo like structure can be created on a bed. The same arrangement of base components 1 is created as described above, except that rods (not show) are placed directly into the first annular sockets 15 of the first support members 3. A gazebo like enclosure can then be supported by the upright rods. Such enclosures can comprise leg parts which extend down from a top thereof, and if so they can be provided with anchoring straps or loops. These can be affixed to the base components 1 by means of the first and/or second retention tabs 33 and 35 of each base component 1 as appropriate.

Play tent, tunnel or gazebo like structures can also be created as described above on any planar surface independently of a mattress. To ensure that such temporary structures were stable it would be necessary to secure the four base components 1 in place either by weighting them down with something placed on the plate 6, and/or by using straps threaded through the slots 40 and/or 41 to draw the base components 1 together.

Play tent, tunnel or gazebo like structures can also be created using more than four base components 1. For example, if rods (not shown) of a standard length are used, then two parallel sides of a floorplan can be doubled in length by axially arranging two such poles and connecting their opposite ends together in the first annular socket 15 and second annular socket 17 of the second support member 4 or the third support member 5. If so, the first support member 3 of the base component 1 used will also provide the means to support an upstanding structural component at that location. This allows for larger structures to be created, such as longer play tunnels or the like. In addition, the vacant second support member 4 or third support member 5 of the base component 1 used also provides the means to support laterally extending rods at that location, allowing for L-shaped, T-shaped, or more complex floorplans for temporary structures to be created.

Furthermore, any square, rectangular or more complex floorplan for a temporary structure can be created with base components in either of the second orientations shown in Figures 3 and 4, in which case the second annular socket 17 of the first support member 3 of each base component 1 used can support a tent pole or rod at either of the oblique angles shown. In a first of the second orientations as shown in Figure 3, the base component 1 is placed on a planar surface 45 resting on the first portions 23 of the first and second leading edges 20 and 22, as well as on the leading edge 25 of the plate 6. The first portions 23 are at 45 degrees to the plate 6, and as such the second annular socket 17 of the first support member 3 is arranged at 45 degrees to the planar surface 45. An end of a tent pole or rod (not shown) is placed in the second annular socket 17 of the first support member 3 of each base component 1 so as to form a tepee like structure. As described above, any number of floorplan shapes can be created with the base components 1 in this orientation, and the base components 1 can be held together with straps threaded through the elongate slots 40 and/or 41.

Once a frame is created in this way a tent enclosure or the like can be supported thereby. At the corners of such an enclosure there may be provided anchoring straps or loops, which can be affixed to the base components 1 by means of the third and/or fourth retention tabs 37 and 39 of each base component 1 as appropriate, as these are now in the appropriate orientation to retain such straps or loops.

In the second of the second orientations as shown in Figure 4 the base component 1 is again placed on a planar surface 45, but this time resting on the second portions 24 of the first and second leading edges 20 and 22. The second portions 24 are at 15 degrees to the plate 6, and as such the second annular socket 17 of the first support member 3 is arranged at 15 degrees to the planar surface 45. An end of a tent pole or rod (not shown) is placed in the second annular socket 17 of the first support member 3 of each base component 1 so as to form a tepee like structure. As described above, any number of floorplan shapes can be created with the base components 1 in this orientation, and the base components 1 can be held together with straps threaded through the elongate slots 40 and/or 41.

In addition, two or more base components 1 can be connected to each other directly to form super base components (not shown). In particular the first wall 18 of one base component 1 can be connected to the second wall 19 of a second base component by sliding the elongate bosses 27 into the slots 29. This allows for temporary structures with floorplans like those described above to be connected to each other. For example a square floorplan tent could be created using four initial base components1, and then another square floorplan tent could be created using four further base components 1, two of which are connected by the bosses 27 and slots 29 to two of the four initial base components. This creates a temporary structure comprising two tents connected together along one edge. It will be appreciated that such a structure could be added to in the same way along any exposed side of one square floorplan, to create any number of modular connected tent pods.

When two base components 1 are connected together in this way they form a super base component with two first support members 3, a pair of parallel second and third support members 4 and 5 facing in one direction, and single second and third support members 4 and 5 facing in directions normal thereto. Such super base components can be used to create numerous different temporary structures as required, which need multiple supporting functions at one location.

In addition to this functionality, three or four base components 1 can be connected to one another in the same way to establish more complex super base components (not shown). For example, four base components 1 can be connected together in a square formation with adjacent first walls 18 and second walls 19 connected by the corresponding bosses 27 and slots 29. This creates a super base component with four first support members 3 in a close square formation, and two parallel second support members 4 and/or third support members 5 facing in each of four right-angular directions. Once again, such super base components can be used to create all kinds of different temporary structures as required, which need multiple supporting functions at one location. For example, if a gazebo like temporary structure were created from four square floorplans combined to form a large square floorplan, a super base component made up of four base components 1 would be located at the centre, and it could be used to support a central upstanding support part made up of four adjacent rods.

Yet another kind of super base component can be created by connecting two base components 1 to each other using the hermaphroditic connectors 30. This creates a super base component (not shown) comprising two back to back first support members 3, and a second support member 4 or third support member 5 facing in each of four right-angular directions. This allows for modular temporary structures to be created using fewer base components 1. For example, in a structure in which corners of four square or rectangular floorplans are arranged in the same location, only two base components can provide for this, rather than four. Furthermore, the hermaphroditic connectors 30 also allow for floorplans to be linked together at the corner only. For example, a square floorplan tent could be created using four initial base components 1, and then another square floorplan tent could be created using four further base components 1, one of which is connected by the hermaphroditic connecter 30 to the same feature of one of the four initial base components 1. This would create a temporary structure comprising two tents connected together at one corner. It will be appreciated that such a structure could be added to in the same way along any exposed corner of one square floorplan, to create any number of modular connected tent pods. It will also be appreciated that complex temporary structures can be created using both the hermaphroditic connectors 30 and the bosses 27 and slots 29 as required, to connect corners or sides of modular parts together.

The base component 1 can also be used outdoors to create actual tents or gazebo like structures like those described above, rather than play or indoor ones. If so, the base components 1 can be anchored to the ground with tent pegs or the like (not shown) passed through the holes 31 in the plate 6.

The present invention can be altered without departing from the scope of claim 1. For example, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) the first and second leading edges are parallel to the second and third support members, such that when the base component is placed in the second orientation the second socket of the first support member is arranged normal to the first and second leading edges, allowing a structural component to be supported vertically.

In a further alternative embodiment (not shown) the first annular sockets and the second annular sockets comprise the first part of a releasable connection means, so they can be releasably connected to structural components with which they are used, which comprise the second part of the releasable connection means. This allows for structural components to be fixed to the base component, to provide additional structural security to any temporary structures which are created.

Therefore, the present invention provides a multi-purpose base component which can be used to make bed tents which are more secure and stable than known constructions, as well as numerous different play structures of different floorplan shapes as described above, including play structures with angled sides, such as tepees. In addition, all these structures can also be created in actual form outdoors, including tents, modular groups of tents, tepees and gazebos and the like.

Claims (18)

1. Claims 1. A base component for a temporary structure comprising a centre, first, second and third support members facing away from said centre, and a plate, in which said second support member is substantially normal to said first support member in a first plane, in which said third support member is substantially normal to said first support member in a second plane substantially normal to said first plane, and in which said plate extends between said second support member and said third support member in a third plane substantially normal to both said first plane and said second plane.
2. 2. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said plate is triangular, with a first corner adjacent to said centre, a second corner adjacent an outer end of said second support member and a third corner adjacent an outer end of said third support member.
3. 3. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 2 in which said first, second and third support members each comprise a first annular socket facing away from said centre.
4. 4. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 3 in which each first annular socket comprises a bottom surface which is spaced from said centre.
5. 5. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 4 in which said first, second and third support members are each spaced from said centre, and each comprise a second annular socket facing towards said centre.
6. 6. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 5 in which a first wall extends between said first support member and said second support member in, or parallel to, said first plane, in which a second wall extends between said first support member and said third support member in, or parallel to, said second plane, in which said first wall comprises a first leading edge extending from an outer end of said first support member to said outer end of said second support member, in which said second wall comprises a second leading edge extending from said outer end of said first support member to said outer end of said third support member, and in which said first leading edge and second leading edge are coplanar.
7. 7. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 6 in which said first leading edge and said second leading edge are arranged at an oblique angle to said first support member.
8. 8. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 7 in which said first leading edge and said second leading edge are co-planar with a leading edge of the plate which extends between said second corner and said third corner thereof.
9. 9. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 8 in which each of said first leading edge and said second leading edge comprise a first portion arranged at a first oblique angle to said first support member and a second portion arranged at a second oblique angle to said first support member, in which said first portions are co-planar, and in which said second portions are co-planar.
10. 10. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 6 in which an outer side of said first wall comprises a first part of a first connection mechanism, and in which an outer side of said second wall comprises a second part of said first connection mechanism.
11. 11. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 10 in which said first part of said first connection mechanism comprises a pair of parallel elongate bosses formed on said first wall, and in which said second part of said first connection mechanism comprises a pair of parallel slots formed in said second wall, for releasable sliding connection with said pair of parallel elongate bosses.
12. 12. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said first support member comprises an elongate hermaphroditic connector with an axis of connection at substantially 135 degrees to said first plane.
13. 13. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 5 in which said base component for a temporary structure comprises at least one removable adaptor which is removably locatable in any of said first annular sockets or said second annular sockets, which removable adaptor comprises a cylinder with a third annular socket of a smaller diameter than said first annular socket.
14. 14. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 13 in which each of said first annular sockets and said second annular sockets comprises a radially extending slot, and in which said removable adaptor comprises a radially extending boss for releasable sliding connection with said radially extending slots.
15. 15. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said plate comprises a plurality of holes for securing it in the ground.
16. 16. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 6 in which said first wall comprises a first aperture, in which said first aperture comprises a first retention tab extending towards said second support member for retaining a material, in which said second wall comprises a second aperture, in which said second aperture comprises a second retention tab extending towards said third support member for retaining a material.
17. 17. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 16 in which said first wall comprises a third aperture, in which said third aperture comprises a third retention tab extending towards said first leading edge for retaining a material, in which said second wall comprises a fourth aperture, in which said fourth aperture comprise a fourth retention tab extending towards said second leading edge for retaining a material.
18. 18. A base component for a temporary structure as claimed in claim 6 in which said first wall and said second wall each comprise at least one elongate slot formed therein for receiving a strap.