NL1022449C2 - Tent with umbrella type folding frame, has uprights comprising resiliently connected sections which vary in length with change in load acting in their length direction - Google Patents

Abstract

The uprights (15) each comprise two or more upright sections (16, 17) resiliently connected to each other and the length of the upright can change with a varying load acting in the upright length direction. A number of arms (12) are connected to a first coupling piece (11) and each arm comprises at least one section, of which one is a splay rod (13) connected to the coupling piece and another forms an upright when the tent frame (10) is fully unfolded and resting on the ground. A second coupling piece (21) has a number of press rods connected to it which are also connected to at least one arm section, preferably the splay rod, so that the arms are splayed out or folded up when the distance between the two coupling pieces is altered.

Description

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Tent

The invention relates to a tent (1,2) to be placed on a substantially horizontal surface (5), comprising a foldable frame (10,20), which foldable frame (10,20) comprises: - a first coupling piece ( 11) with a number of arms (12) connected thereto, which arms (12) each comprise at least one arm part (13,14,15), one of the arm parts (13,14,15) having a connection to the first coupling piece (11) spreader bar (13), and wherein one of the arm parts (13, 14, 15) forms a post (15), which post (15) is intended to at least in the fully unfolded state of the foldable tent (1,2) to rest the substrate (5); and - a second coupling piece (21) with a number of pressure rods (22) connected thereto, which pressure rods (22) are each also connected to at least one arm part (13, 14, 15), preferably the spreader bar (13), in such a way that the arms (12) at least partially expand or fold when changing the distance between the coupling pieces (11, 21).

Foldable tent frames constructed from mutually connected, hinged and / or rotating parts with respect to each other are known in many embodiments, see for example WO 02/46553, WO 00/05466, GB 2 270 935 WO 01/55535, DE 295 06 106, WO 95/12045, US 5,884,646, JP 11-62323, WO 96/03561, JP 2000-291295, EP 1 186 733, US 2002/0074032, EP 0 341 742, GB 2 321 656, US 5,797,411. The tent cloth can thereby be attached to the foldable frame so that the entire tent can be set up or folded in its entirety in a single continuous movement, for example WO 01/55535, DE 295 06 106, US 5,884,646, EP 0 341 742, GB 2 321 656.

Known foldable frames often comprise a central mast with a number of expandable arms coupled thereto. At the ends of the arms, telescopes or legs may or may not be attached, for example WO 00/05466, JP 11-62323, WO 96/03561, JP 2000-291295, EP 1 186 733, US 2002 / 0074032, GB 2 321 656, US 5,797,411. Mastless constructions are also known, for example WO 02/46553, WO 00/05466, GB 2 270 935, WO 01/55535, US 5,884,646, JP 11-62323, WO 96/03561, JP 2000-291295, EP 1 186 733, US 2002/0074032, GB 2 321 656.

All kinds of scissor constructions and / or 'umbrella-like' principles are known, for example WO 02/46553, WO 00/05466, GB 2 270 935, WO 01/55535, JP 11-62323, WO 96/03561, I JP 2000-291295, EP 1 186 733, US 2002/0074032.

H The raising and lowering can be carried out manually by means of a pulley mechanism, H 5 for example US 5,797,411, but also with the use of an electric motor, for example FR 2 799 486. The use of a spindle mechanism is also known, for example US 2002/0074032.

H A part of the known folding tents is only suitable as smaller one or 10 double tents because with larger dimensions, such as with family tents, they are insufficiently H stable and windproof. Another part of the known tents is indeed also at larger ones. dimensions are sufficiently strong and windproof, but on the other hand they are too heavy and too complex H to be able to be transported, set up and folded quickly, for example by a single person. Moreover, tensioning or guy lines are then required to make the tent 15 sufficiently stable. These tensioning or guy lines form unwanted obstacles around the tent, and it takes time, effort and skill to install and properly tension them.

It is therefore desirable to have a tent which can be folded compactly as a whole, i.e. frame and outer tent and possibly inner tent and possibly ground sheet, and which can be folded quickly and easily, without assembling loose parts and subsequently applying the tent cloth, by preferably a single person with relatively little manual power can be set up and also folded again. In addition, the tent must be stable and wind-resistant in erected condition, even without tensioning or guy lines, even with relatively large dimensions such as with a family tent. In this case, large parts can preferably be taken out of the tent cloth without affecting the stability of the tent, so that the tent can be provided with large door, window or ventilation openings.

The present invention has for its object to provide such a tent, and to that end it provides a tent (1,2) of the type mentioned in the preamble, characterized in that the upright (15) has at least two upright parts ( 16, 17) comprises which post parts (16, 17) are mutually resiliently connected and in such a way that the length of the post (15) can vary resiliently with a load of the post (15) varying in the longitudinal direction. The tent cloth (30) can thus always remain under tension in the erected condition of the tent (1,2), which is necessary for the tent (1,2) to be stable and wind-resistant, and shrinkage and elongation of the tent cloth ( 30), for example due to drying and getting wet.

The length of the upright (15) is herein preferably adjustable. In certain cases, it is necessary that the upright (15) is retracted during the assembly of the tent (1) in order to create sufficient space for the frame (10). This will become clearer later with the more detailed description with reference to the figures. In the erected condition of the tent (1,2), the tent cloth (30) is tensioned by extending the upright (15). In the folded state of the tent (1,2) the upright (15) can be retracted to minimize the dimensions.

Preferably, the tent (1,2) also comprises a first flexible casing (30) which at least partially encloses the frame (10,20), which first flexible casing (30) at a number of places, for example by means of elastic cord parts (31) and screws (32) is attached to the foldable frame (10, 20) such that the foldable frame (10, 20) and the flexible casing (30) can be folded or unfolded in one piece. Thus, the tent (1,2) as a whole, that is to say frame (10,20) and tent cloth (30), can be quickly and easily assembled without separate parts and subsequently fitting the tent cloth (30). ) are set up and folded.

The first flexible casing (30) is preferably designed such that the position of I at least a part of at least one arm part (13, 14, 15), preferably the upright (15), relative to the flexible first casing (30) At least when the tent (1,2) is fully unfolded, it is substantially determined at least in one direction. The tensioned tent cloth (30) can thus hold the arm (12) or the upright (15) in place.

Thus, the frame (10, 20), in cooperation with the outer tent (30), can form a stable and windproof whole, the forces being substantially only absorbed by the frame I (10, 20) and the portions (34) of the tent cloth. (30) in the vicinity of the arms (12) or the 30 posts (15). The remaining parts (35) of the tent cloth (30) are then relatively voltage-free, so that openings (36) such as door, window or ventilation openings can be provided in those parts (35) without the stability of the tent (1,2) to 14. This too will become clearer later with the more detailed description with reference to the figures.

The foldable frame (10, 20) is preferably designed such that the first cover (30) is attached to the foldable frame (10, 20) in such a way that the first cover (30) is at least in the fully unfolded state of the tent (1,2) does not touch at least a part of at least one of the arm parts (13, 14, 15), preferably the spreader bar (13). This is important to prevent leakage, especially at the more horizontal parts (37) of the outer tent (30).

The foldable frame (10, 20) is preferably designed in such a way and the first casing (30) is attached to the foldable frame (10, 20) in such a way that when folding the tent (1,2) between the folding arm parts (13, 14, 15) leave sufficient space for the part (33) of the first envelope 15 (30) which comes to lie between the folded arm parts (13, 14, 15). This prevents parts (33) of the outer tent (30) from getting pinched when folding the tent (1,2) which may hinder or impede folding, and where damage to the outer tent (30) or deformation of the frame (10, 20) can occur. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The tent (1,2) can also comprise a second flexible casing (40), at least partially surrounded by the frame (10, 20), which second flexible casing (40) together with the foldable frame (10, 20) can be folded in 4 or unfolded in one piece. For example, an inner tent can be integrated into the whole. However, the second covering (40) can in principle also be an outer tent falling within the frame 6 (10, 20).

7

The foldable frame (10, 20) is preferably designed in such a way and the second covering (40) is attached to the foldable frame (10, 20) in such a way that when folding the tent (1,2) sufficient space is left between the folding arm parts 10 (13, 14, 15) for the part (43) of the second envelope 11 (40) which comes to lie between the folded arm parts (13, 14, 15). This prevents parts (43) of the second covering (40) from getting pinched when folding the tent (1,2).

In a first preferred embodiment (1) of a tent according to the invention, the frame (10) is constructed such that the first coupling piece (11) is at least when the state of the tent (1) is fully unfolded further away from the base (5) than the second coupling piece (21), and the end of the spreader bar (13) remote from the first coupling piece (11) when folding the tent (1) at least a part of the time relative to the first coupling piece (11) ) moves towards the substrate (5). Putting up and folding the tent (1) then takes place in a manner at least partially comparable to opening and closing an upright umbrella or umbrella.

In a second preferred embodiment (2) of a tent according to the invention, the frame (20) is constructed such that the first coupling piece (11) is at least when the state of the tent (2) is fully unfolded closer to the base (5) then the second coupling piece (21), and the end of the spreader bar (13) remote from the first coupling piece (11), when folding the tent (2) at least a part of the time relative to the first coupling piece ( 11) moves away from the substrate (5). Putting up and folding the tent (2) then takes place in a manner at least partially comparable to opening and closing an inverted umbrella or umbrella.

The invention is explained below on the basis of two non-limiting exemplary embodiments (1,2) of a tent according to the invention. To that end: - figures la-e show perspective views on a frame (10) of a first preferred embodiment (1) of a tent according to the invention in different positions during erection, in erected state, and in folded state.

- figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tent (1,2) according to the invention in erected condition; - figures 3 a-b show a perspective view and a partly cut-away section of a part of an upright (15); - figure 4 examples of hinged connections (3, 4) between arm parts (13, 14, 15); figures 5a-d show perspective views of a frame (20) of a second preferred embodiment (2) of a tent according to the invention in different positions during erection, and in erected state; and - figure 6 shows a view of a part of a first casing (30).

O A A Q

H Figure 1 shows a frame (10) of a first preferred embodiment (1) of a tent according to the invention. The frame (10) comprises a central telescopic mast (18), a first coupling piece (11) with eight arms (12) hinged to it, each consisting of three H mutually hinged arm parts (13, 14, 15), namely a spreader bar ( 13), an intermediate part 5 (14) and a length-adjustable stand (15). The frame (10) also comprises a second H coupling piece (21) to which eight push bars (22) are hingedly mounted, which push bars (22) are also hingedly attached to the spreader bars (13) such that when the coupling pieces (11) move towards each other 21) the arms (12) or the spreader bars (13) extend according to an umbrella-like mechanism. The frame (10) can thus be unfolded from the position shown in Figure 1a, via the H intermediate positions shown in Figure 1b and Figure 1c, to the erected state shown in Figure 1d. The second coupling piece (21) can herein be pushed up by extending the telescopic central mast (18), for example manually by means of a pulley mechanism or electromotive by means of a spindle mechanism. It is noted that the central mast (18) can optionally be omitted at least partially or at least partially removed after erection to make the space in the tent obstacle-free. The arm members (13, 14, 15) have approximately the same length as the retracted uprights (15) and the retracted central mast (18) so that the frame (10) can be folded into a compact package, as shown in Figure 1 e.

The posts (15) are at least partially retracted during assembly. This is necessary because with fully extended uprights (15) the frame (10) going from the position shown in Figure 1b to the position in Figure 1d should pass through a position where the size of the frame (10) would be larger than the enveloping tent cloth (30). In the final phase of setting up, when the arms (12) are unfolded, the tent is tensioned by sliding the uprights (15) to a desired length and then securing them by means of a blocking device (19) provided for this purpose ), see figure 3a. Because the I upright parts (16, 17) are resiliently connected to each other, see figure 3b, the length of the I upright (15) in the fixed position can vary resiliently within a certain range. Thus, the tent cloth (30) always remains under tension, which is necessary for the tent (1,2) to be stable and wind-resistant, and shrinkage and elongation of the tent cloth (30), for example due to drying and getting wet. be collected.

9 o a o c: 7

Figure 2 shows a fully pitched tent (1,2) according to the invention. The tent cloth 30 is fixed on the base (5) by suitable fastening means, such as dog pins or heavy-duty pegs, for which purpose the tent cloth (30) is provided with eyelets (38) on the underside. The tent is thus sufficiently firmly anchored and stable under current weather conditions, for example wind force 7 or lower, even without tensioning or guy lines. The tent cloth (30) is mounted on the frame (10, 20) and attached to the underside of the uprights (15) by screws (32). The tent cloth (30) consists of eight cloth sections sewn together, four of which are provided with removable door openings (36). The cloth parts are cut in such a way ('false corners') and sewn together that the tent cloth (30) bulges more or less at the location of the posts (15) ('tea cozy'), see figure 6. As a result, the movement of the uprights (15) prevented in the lateral direction. The tensioned tent cloth (30) thus holds the uprights (15) securely in place. The frame (10, 20) and the tent cloth (30) now form a stable and windproof whole, the forces being substantially only absorbed by the frame (10, 20) and by the protruding portions (34) of the tent cloth (30) ) in the vicinity of the uprights (15). The remaining parts (35) of the tent cloth (30) are then relatively stress-free, so that the large door openings (36) can be provided in those parts (35) without affecting the stability of the tent (1,2). Moreover, removing and deploying the doors, for example by means of zippers, will then be simple because the fabric of the doors is under little tension.

20

Figure 4 shows examples of hinged connections (3, 4) between arm parts (13, 14, 15). The first example is a hinged connection (3) between an intermediate part (14) and a post (15). Upon unfolding, the hinge (3) will block at a certain angle, so that a more or less fixed angle is created and the frame (10, 20) at the relevant corner point is not pushed in when loaded. The second example is a hinged connection (4) between a spreader bar (13) and an intermediate part (14). The frame (20) is designed in such a way that the tent cloth (30, broken line) is free from the spreader bar (13) in the tensioned state, so that leakage is prevented. 1 λ n o o a λ u

Figure 5 shows a frame (20) of a second preferred embodiment (2) of a tent according to the invention. The frame (20) comprises a central part (18 '), again a first coupling piece (11) with eight arms (12) hinged to it, each consisting of three mutually hinged arm parts (13, 14, 15), namely a spreader bar ( 13), an intermediate part (14) and I a length-adjustable stand (15). The frame (20) also again comprises a second coupling piece (21) to which eight push bars (22) are hingedly mounted, which push bars (22) are also hingedly attached to the spreader bars (13) such that when the coupling pieces (11) move towards each other 21) the arms (12) or the spreader bars (13) again extend according to an umbrella-like mechanism. In this second embodiment (2), however, the umbrella-like mechanism is reversed so that the frame (20) is at least partially comparable to an inverted umbrella or umbrella. The frame (20) can thus be unfolded from the position shown in Figure 5a, via the intermediate positions shown in Figure 5b and Figure 5c, to the erected state shown in Figure 5d. The first coupling piece (21) is thereby pressed from the position shown in Figure 5b. In the set-up condition, Figure 5d, the central part (18 ') forms a connection between the two coupling pieces (11, 12) so that the frame (20) is stabilized in that position. A locking is preferably provided with which the two coupling pieces (11, 12) are fixed relative to each other both with respect to mutual translation and mutual rotation. The arm parts (13, 14, 15) have approximately the same length as the uprights (15) so that the frame (20) can be folded back into a compact package. With this ('upside-down umbrella') embodiment (2), with a correct design, it is not necessary for the uprights (15) to be temporarily shortened during assembly because the frame (20), going from the position shown in figure 5a to the position in figure 5d, 20 does not pass a position where the size of the frame (20) is larger than the enveloping tent cloth (30). The uprights (15) in this case therefore do not necessarily have to be adjustable in length. The uprights (15) are again designed such that their length varies resiliently within a certain range. Thus, the tent cloth (30) remains here always under tension, which, as stated earlier, is necessary for the tent (2) to be stable and wind-resistant, and to be able to absorb shrinkage and elongation of the tent cloth (30).

Applications of a tent (1,2) according to the invention are, for example, a family camping tent, market stall, beach tent, kiosk, working tent, catering tent, show tent, party tent and first aid post.

30

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown (1.2) and described, but that a number of variations are still possible within the scope of the invention.

1 Π 9 / Μ A Λ · '9

The advantages of a tent (1,2) according to the invention include the following: - can be set up quickly and easily within a few minutes without irritations; - required hand force relatively small or minimal, for example when using a cordless screwdriver and spindle mechanism in the central mast (18); 5 - fold up in its entirety, that is to say the frame (10.20) and outer tent (30.40), and possibly also together with inner tent (40) and / or ground sheet; - compact foldable to a manageable (less than 40-50 kg) package; - foldable on (clean) groundsheet so that cleaning is kept to a minimum; - beautiful symmetrical shape with lots of light, a good view and good ventilation due to the possibility of large openings (36); - doors fully and easily removable (zippers) without adjusting stability; - very stable and storm-resistant, up to, for example, wind force 8, even with larger dimensions such as that of a family camping tent, without tensioning or guy lines; - tent cloth (30) always stay well tensioned even with shrinking and stretching; - total or virtually obstacle free space around and / or in the tent (1,2); 1022449

Claims (9)

Tent (1,2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the upright (15) is adjustable. Tent (1, 2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tent (1, 2) also comprises a first, flexible enclosure (30) at least partially enclosing the frame (10, 20) which first flexible casing (30) is fixed at a number of places, for example by means of elastic cord parts (31) and screws (32), to the foldable frame (10, 20) such that the foldable frame (10, 20) ) and the flexible sheath (30) can be folded in one piece and unfolded H respectively. Tent (1,2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first flexible casing I (30) is designed such that the position of at least a part of at least one arm part (13, 14, 15) , preferably the upright (15), is substantially defined in at least 1 in one direction relative to the flexible first I casing (30) when the tent (1,2) is fully unfolded. Tent (1,2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the foldable frame (10.20) is designed in such a way and the first casing (30) is attached to the foldable frame (10,20) in such a way that at least when the tent (1,2) is fully unfolded, the first covering (30) does not have at least a part of at least one of the arm parts (13, 14, 15), preferably the spreader bar (13), touches. Tent (1, 2) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the foldable frame (10, 20) is designed in such a way that the first covering (30) is attached to the foldable frame (10) in such a way. 20) it is confirmed that when folding the tent (1,2) between the folding arm parts (13, 14, 15) sufficient space is left for the part (33) of the first covering (30) that is between the folded arm parts (13, 14, 15). Tent (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tent (1, 2) is also a second flexible enclosure (40), at least partially surrounded by the frame (10, 20) comprises which second flexible casing (40) together with the foldable frame (10, 20) can be folded or unfolded in one piece. Tent (1,2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the foldable frame (10.20) is designed in such a way that the second covering (40) is attached to the foldable frame (10.20) in such a way that when folding the tent (1,2) between the folding arm parts (13, 14, 15) sufficient space is left for the part (43) of the second covering (40) which is between the folded arm parts (13, 14) , 15). Tent (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first coupling piece (11) is at least when the tent (1) is fully unfolded further away from the base (5) than the second coupling piece (21), and the end of the spreader bar (13) remote from the first coupling piece (11) when folding up the tent (1) moves at least a part of the time with respect to the first coupling piece (11) to the substrate (5). 10. Tent (2) as claimed in any of the claims 1-8, characterized in that the first coupling piece (11) is at least when the tent (2) is fully unfolded closer to the base (5) than the second coupling piece (21), and the end of the spreader bar (13) remote from the first coupling piece (11) when folding the tent (2) at least a part of the time relative to the first coupling piece (11) of the substrate (5). \ 09? Ai9