JP2007523275A - Rain gutter and drain pipe system for tent or shelter - Google Patents

Abstract

It relates to rain gutters and drainage systems that can be used with tents, shelters, or other fabric structures. The gutter is positioned along the edge of the rainfly and directs the rainwater away from the tent door or window. The rainwater is separated from the tent door and / or window by an appropriate distance, and then falls from the rain fly to the ground or is guided to the ground through a water pipe. The gutter is made of a flexible material and stitched to a rainfly or canopy. The drain includes, for example, a long waterproof fabric tube and a flexible ring coupled to the top thereof. The end of the tube is placed and oriented at the desired location.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates generally to tents and shelters, and more particularly to tent and shelter structures.

  Camping is a popular leisure activity and is enjoyed by many people. Some people camp to enjoy the outdoors, while others camp as a cheaper alternative to staying at a hotel.

  In general, campers sleep in tents when camping. A tent is a portable shelter, made of lightweight, often waterproof fabric. In general, the fabric is stretched onto and held by the frame. Tents are used for camping outdoors or as temporary structures and come in many shapes and sizes. The most common shape is a dome shape, ie a free standing model. This model is easy to install and does not require tree branches or other support structures.

  Another structure often used during camping is a shelter. In general, a shelter is a structure having a cover or canopy that blocks rain, insects, and / or sunlight, typically a frame with a pole. For camping purposes, shelters are generally made of fabric and foldable poles so that they can be folded into a compact configuration during transport or storage. The shelter may have a wall such as a screen wall. The shelter is, for example, installed in a picnic area, used adjacent to a tent as a storage area, functions as a rain guard, or is used as a shielded area for insect repellent.

  With the development of new waterproof materials, it is possible to prevent rain leaks in tents and shelter canopies. That is, rainflies and shelter canopies generally have an excellent function of protecting the underlying tent or other item. However, when such a cover is used, there is a problem that the drainage from the rain fly or the shelter canopy falls into an undesired area such as a tent door or a tent window. Furthermore, in the case of heavy rain, a large amount of water may flow down from the cover and splash a large amount of water. This is especially true for canopies that are more distant from the ground than tent rain flights.

  The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key and essential elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Some embodiments of the invention are merely intended to be presented in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

  In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a gutter and downspout system is provided that can be used with tents, shelters, or other fabric structures. As an example, a gutter is positioned along the edge of a rainfly and directs water away from a tent door or tent window. Rainwater falls from the rainfly to the ground after being separated from the tent door and / or window by a suitable distance. Alternatively, according to one aspect of the present invention, rainwater may be guided to the ground via a drain pipe. This prevents water from dripping into the camper when the camper enters and exits the tent from the tent door. Furthermore, even if the window is partially opened during rain, the rainwater that falls does not flow into the tent from the opened window. In addition, rainwater flowing from the shelter can be controlled and / or directed.

  In one aspect of the invention, the gutter is formed from a flexible material and sewn to a rainfly or canopy. According to another aspect of the invention, the flexible material is located inside a rainfly or canopy trim fabric. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the flexible material has sufficient flexibility to compactly pack a rainfly or canopy when not in use. The flexible material is formed, for example, from closed cell polyethylene or other flexible tube extrusion material. The gutter is positioned along the edge of the rainfly or shelter canopy. Alternatively, even if a short gutter is used, the short gutter is sufficient to avoid the tent doors and / or windows and allow the rain water to flow down. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gutter material may be located other than the edge of the rainfly or shelter canopy.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a drain pipe (downspout) for improving drainage drainage control is provided. The drain includes, for example, a long waterproof fabric tube and a flexible ring coupled to the top thereof. The end of the tube is placed and oriented at the desired location. The attachment of the drain pipe to the rain fly or the shelter canopy may be permanent or detachable. The drain pipe directs the rainwater so that the drainage of the rainwater is completely away from the tent or shelter area so that water does not collect under or around the tent.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

  Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are disclosed in order to provide an overall understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the described embodiments.

  Next, a description will be given with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components. FIG. 1 is a tent 20 incorporating an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated tent 20 is a simplified sample, and the poles and details of the tent 20 are not shown. However, since the general configuration and manufacture of tents are known, the detailed configuration is omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the description of the embodiments of the invention.

  The tent 20 has a rain fly 22 that covers the top of the tent 20. The tent 20 has a door 24 and windows 26 and 28 on the side of the tent 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the rain fly 22 extends outward beyond the door 24 and windows 26, 28. However, embodiments of the present invention also apply to tents having different structures.

  The illustrated rain fly 22 has an upper portion 30 and side edges 32, 34 and 36. In the drawing, the side edge 32 is located on the right side of the drawing, the side edge 34 is located on the front side, and the side edge 36 is located on the left side.

  In one embodiment of the invention, one or more gutters are provided on the rainfly 22 or other tent rainfly. While embodiments of the present invention will be described using a rain fly 22 for a tent 20, it can be applied to any cover where it is desired to direct rainwater drainage. Examples include, but are not limited to, canopies, shelters, and waterproof sheets.

  In the illustrated embodiment, no gutter is provided on the right side edge 32 of the rainfly 22. However, the full gutter 40 extends along the entire longitudinal direction of the front side edge 34. The partial gutter 42 extends in a part of the left side edge 36 in the longitudinal direction. The full gutter 40 turns the water coming toward the front side edge 34 toward the corners 46 and 48 of the rain fly 22. Partial gutter 42 avoids window 26 and directs water, but does not extend to corner 48 or opposite corner 50, so partial gutter 42 only partially redirects water from left side edge 36. It is.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the full gutter 40. The example shown in FIG. 3 is only one embodiment of a type of gutter that can be used in accordance with the present invention. In general, the gutter of the present invention has a structure that is attached to the top surface of the rain fly 22 or other cover and is configured to dam the water flow. Examples of the structure include a bead, a protrusion, or a sewing structure formed on the upper surface 52 of the rain fly 22. Further, as the structure for the gutter, the structure of the rain fly 22 may be bent to form the structure as described above. That is, the gutter structure (for example, the full gutter 40) may be attached to the lower surface 54 of the rain fly 22 and project upward through the rain fly. However, for the full gutter 40 shown in FIG. 3, the structure is attached to the upper surface 52 of the rainfly 22.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the full gutter 40 is formed as part of the appendage of the trim material 56. As is known, trim material (eg, trim material 56) is often added to rainfly, canopy or other structures to reinforce the outer edge of the fabric cover. In general, the trim material is provided over the edge, and stitches itself to provide a reinforcement for the outer edge of the cover. However, as used herein, the “trim material” may be any strip of fabric that is attached to the rain fly 22 or other cover.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the trim material 56 includes a bead 58 therein that is covered by the trim material 56. As described below, the gutter function is provided by the bead 58 and the trim material 56.

  The trim material 56 is positioned along the upper surface 52 of the rainfly 22 with the upper end 60 as the starting end. The trim material 56 surrounds the bead 58 and extends into a loop 62 and overlies the upper end 60 at an overlap portion 64. The trim material 56 then wraps below the lower surface 54 of the rainfly 22 and terminates at the lower end 66.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the trim material 56 can be attached to the upper surface 52 and / or the lower surface 54 of the rainfly 22 by gluing, stitching, or other methods. In one embodiment of the present invention, the trim material 56 is attached with the overlap portion 64 fixed relative to the upper end 60 such that a bend 68 occurs between the attachment portion of the overlap portion 64 and the loop 62. It is done. The refracting portion 68 is an attachment end position of the overlap portion 64 with respect to the upper end 60. The upper end 60 of the trim material 56 is attached to the same refracting portion 68 with respect to the upper surface 52 of the rain fly 22.

  That is, in the present embodiment of the present invention, the loop 62 is not attached to the rain fly 22, and the loop 62 can be moved to the position shown in FIG. 4. Due to this feature, the water W that has flowed down the upper surface 52 of the rainfly 22 is pressurized between the loop 62 and the upper surface 52 of the rainfly 22, and pushes the loop 62 and the bead 58 outward and upward, thereby causing the refracting portion Rotate around 68. The attachment of the upper end 60 to the upper surface 52 of the rainfly 22 prevents the loop 62 and the bead 58 from further rotating about the refracting portion 68, and preferably the back surface of the loop 62 causes the rainfly 22 to The rotation is stopped so that a wall substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 52 is formed. Thereby, the water W (FIG. 4) is trapped on the back surface of the full gutter 40 and is prevented from overflowing from the full gutter 40. The water W flows downward along the full gutter 40 due to gravity and moves to each corner 46 or 48.

  If necessary, the trim material 56 may be attached to locations other than the edges of the rain fly 22. For example, in the tent 70 of FIG. 2, the gutters 72 and 74 are disposed on the rainfly 76 at a position away from the edges 78 and 79 of the rainfly 76. Gutters 72 and 74 can be used to control most or part of the drainage of rainwater. Or, preferably, it can be used to control the flow direction of some water in a special rain fly or other cover structure.

  The gutters 72 and 74 can be attached by the same method as the gutter 40 shown in FIGS. However, in this embodiment, a trim material similar to the trim material 56 is used, but it is clear that the trim material does not overlap the bottom surface of the rainfly 76. Instead, it is terminated, for example, with a bend 89 of the trim material 56 of FIG.

  Next, the bead 58 will be described. The bead 58 is preferably a flexible material so that the rain fly 22 can be compactly packed when not in use. For example, the bead 58 can be a closed cell polyethylene foam extrusion with a circular cross-section or other suitable cross-sectional shape. The bead 58 may be a flexible polyvinyl chloride extruded tube. In the example of the gutter 80 of FIG. 5, the bead 82 is hollow. In another example gutter 86 shown in FIG. 6, the bead 88 has a square cross section. Other suitable cross-sectional shapes may be used.

  As described above, the gutter system of the present invention provides a gutter shape that prevents and dams water that flows down a rainfly (e.g., rainfly 22). This damming effect provides resistance to stop the flow of water that attempts to exceed the gutter, such as at the edge of a rainfly. Then, parallel to the gutter, the water is directed toward the end of the gutter, for example, the corner 46 or 48. Or when the partial gutter 42 is used, you may make it guide water toward the edge part of the gutter located around the outer edge of the window 26, for example. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 2, gutters such as gutters 72 or 74 may be provided at other portions than the edges of the rain fly or other cover. By using this gutter system, it becomes possible to selectively control the drainage of rainwater, which can be an advantage over specially shaped covers.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, drainage pipe 100 (eg, FIGS. 1 and 2) can be provided at a corner of rainfly 22 or other cover or other suitable location. In one embodiment of the present invention, the drain tube 100 has a flexible bead 102 similar to the flexible bead 58 that is annularly connected to the top thereof by stitching or other means. The flexible bead 102 maintains the upper end of the drain pipe 100 in an open state so that the drain pipe 100 can receive water. The other part of the drainage pipe 100 extends downward from the flexible bead 102, and is preferably formed of a water-resistant material having flexibility, and is formed in a tube shape. The end 104 of the flexible tube is oriented in the desired direction.

  In use, water flows down the rain fly 22 and the water flows into the drainpipe 100. The water is guided as described above by, for example, the full gutter 40. The water guided to the drain pipe 100 flows into the opening formed by the flexible bead 102 and is discharged from the end 104.

  The flexible bead 102 provides the advantage that water can easily flow into the gutter 100. If necessary, the drain pipe may be configured without the flexible bead as described above. However, with the configuration including the flexible bead 102, water can be easily collected from the drain pipe 100. Furthermore, by using a flexible material for the flexible bead 102, the drain pipe 100 can be folded into a compact configuration during storage or transportation.

  The drain 100 can be attached to the rainfly 22 by any suitable means, such as stitching, gluing, or other permanent attachment methods. Alternatively, the drain pipe 100 may be detachably attached to the rain fly 22. For example, the drainage pipe 100 may be attached by hook and loop fasteners (not shown, but known in the art).

  Although the drain pipe 100 is attached to the corners 46 and 48, it may be applied to other places. For example, the drain pipe 100 may be attached to both ends of the partial gutter 42 for the rain fly 22. The drainage pipe 100 can have its end 104 oriented in a direction along the rainfly 22 or in a suitable direction towards the ground if the drainage pipe 100 is sufficiently long.

  The end 104 of the drain 100 can be directed so that rainwater drains away from the base of the tent 20 or, in the case of a shelter, away from the shelter. This feature allows the tent 20 to be kept dry and further free from puddles in the tent or shelter area.

  In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for controlling and directing rainwater drainage from a rainfly (e.g., rainfly 22), shelter or other cover. According to the gutter system of the present invention, drainage of rainwater is guided downward along the gutter, for example, along the edge of the rain fly, toward the end of the gutter. The ends of the gutter can be located at the corners of the rain fly or other parts. Water directed to a corner or other site can fall toward the ground or can be directed to flow into the drain 100. When the drainage pipe 100 is used, it is possible to drain toward the place by directing the end thereof to an appropriate place.

  Other modified examples are also included in the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the invention may encompass various modifications and other arrangements, specific embodiments have been shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. However, it is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary is intended to include all modifications, other configurations, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Should be understood.

  All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are instructed to be incorporated individually and as specific references, and are fully disclosed herein. The range equal to is incorporated as a reference.

  In the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the claims), the terms “a”, “above” and like reference terms, unless expressly stated otherwise in the present invention, or without obvious contradiction. For example to be interpreted as including both singular and plural. The terms “comprised”, “having”, “including” and “including” are to be interpreted as non-limiting words (eg, meaning “including but not limited to”). The term “coupled” is interpreted to be partially or wholly contained, attached, or coupled to each other, even if something is involved. The recitation of numerical ranges herein is intended as a simplified way to independently cite separate values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein. Separate values are incorporated herein as listed independently herein. All methods described herein are suitable in any order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Any or all of the exemplary uses provided herein or the exemplary language (eg, “etc.”), unless otherwise noted, are merely to better modify embodiments of the invention, It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

  Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these preferred embodiments upon reading the above description. The inventors expect those skilled in the art to make such modifications appropriately. The inventors also intend that the present invention be implemented by methods other than those specifically described herein. That is, the present invention encompasses all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as entitled by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

It is a side perspective view of a tent incorporating one embodiment of the present invention. It is a top perspective view of a tent incorporating one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing the gutter of FIG. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3, and shows the modification of a gutter. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 3, and shows the further another modification of a gutter.

Explanation of symbols

20, 70 Tent 22, 76 Tent fly 24 Tent door 26 Tent window 32, 34, 36 Side edge 40 Full gutter 42 Partial gutter 46, 48 Corner 56 Trim material 58 Flexible bead 62 Loop 100 Drain pipe 102 Flexible bead ( ring)

Claims (40)

  A fabric cover comprising an upper surface and a structure that extends above the upper surface and guides drainage.   The fabric cover according to claim 1, wherein the fabric cover is made of a tent fabric fly.   The fabric cover according to claim 1, wherein the fabric cover is made of a shelter canopy.   The fabric cover according to claim 1, wherein the structure includes a long protrusion configured to extend above the upper surface.   The fabric cover of claim 4, wherein the long protrusion comprises a flexible bead attached to the top surface.   The fabric cover according to claim 5, wherein the flexible bead is attached to the upper surface by a strip-like fabric.   The fabric cover according to claim 6, wherein a loop is formed by the belt-like fabric, and the flexible bead is located in the loop.   The fabric cover according to claim 7, wherein the belt-shaped fabric covers the flexible bead to form a loop, and both end portions of the fabric tape adjacent to the loop are positioned with respect to each other and attached to the upper surface.   The belt-like fabric and the flexible bead are arranged so that the loop and the flexible bead can be rotated with respect to the attachment position of the belt-like fabric with respect to the upper surface. Fabric cover.   When the flexible bead is rotated upward with respect to the attachment position of the belt-like fabric, a wall extending upward from the upper surface is formed by the back portion of the loop, and the wall extends with respect to the flexible bead and the upper surface. The fabric cover according to claim 9, supported by attachment of the fabric tape.   The fabric cover according to claim 10, wherein the wall extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface.   The fabric cover according to claim 1, further comprising a fabric drain pipe that receives water flowing along the structure at a first end and guides the water toward a second end.   The fabric cover according to claim 12, wherein the fabric drain pipe is constituted by a fabric tube.   13. The fabric cover of claim 12, wherein the fabric drain pipe includes a ring at the first end that maintains the first end open to receive the water.   The fabric cover according to claim 12, wherein the fabric drain pipe is detachably attached to the fabric cover.   The fabric cover according to claim 1, wherein the structure extends along an edge of the fabric cover.   The fabric cover according to claim 16, wherein the structure extends over the entire length of the edge of the fabric cover.   A shelter comprising the fabric cover according to claim 1 as a canopy.   A tent having a rain fly comprising an upper surface and a structure that extends above the upper surface and guides drainage.   The tent of claim 19, wherein the structure comprises a long protrusion configured to extend above the top surface.   21. A tent according to claim 20, wherein the long protrusion comprises a flexible bead attached to the top surface.   The tent according to claim 21, wherein the flexible bead is attached to the upper surface by a belt-like fabric.   23. A tent according to claim 22, wherein the strip of fabric forms a loop and the flexible bead is located within the loop.   24. The tent according to claim 23, wherein a loop is formed by covering the flexible bead with the belt-like fabric, and both end portions of the fabric tape adjacent to the loop are positioned with respect to each other and attached to the upper surface.   25. The belt-like fabric and the flexible bead are arranged so that the loop and the flexible bead are rotatable with respect to the attachment position of the belt-like fabric with respect to the upper surface. tent.   When the flexible bead is rotated upward with respect to the attachment position of the belt-like fabric, a wall extending upward from the upper surface is formed by the back portion of the loop, and the wall extends with respect to the flexible bead and the upper surface. 26. A tent according to claim 25, supported by attachment of the fabric tape.   27. A tent according to claim 26, wherein the wall extends substantially perpendicular to the top surface.   The tent of claim 19, further comprising a fabric drain pipe that receives water flowing along the gutter at a first end and directs the water toward a second end.   The tent according to claim 28, wherein the fabric drain pipe is constituted by a fabric tube.   29. A tent according to claim 28, wherein the fabric drainage pipe comprises a ring at the first end that maintains the first end open to receive the water.   The tent according to claim 28, wherein the fabric drain pipe is detachably attached to the rain fly.   The tent of claim 19, wherein the structure extends along an edge of the rainfly.   33. A tent according to claim 32, wherein the structure extends over the entire length of the edge of the rainfly.   The tent of claim 32, wherein the structure extends above a tent window.   The tent of claim 32, wherein the structure extends above a tent door.   A fabric cover comprising a fabric drain pipe that receives water flowing along a gutter at a first end and directs the water toward a second end.   The fabric cover according to claim 36, wherein the fabric drain pipe is constituted by a fabric tube.   37. The fabric cover of claim 36, wherein the fabric drain tube comprises a ring at the first end that maintains the first end open to receive the water.   The cloth cover according to claim 36, wherein the cloth drain pipe is detachably attached to a rain fly.   A tent comprising the fabric cover according to claim 36.

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