US20050092355A1

US20050092355A1 - Tent with skylight

Info

Publication number: US20050092355A1
Application number: US10/795,225
Authority: US
Inventors: Nien-Piao Hsu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-11
Filing date: 2004-03-09
Publication date: 2005-05-05
Also published as: TW200420817A; TWI304108B

Abstract

The present invention provides a tent comprising a canopy, a pair of parallel, arcuate main poles fastened at the canopy to form a space thereon, a pair of arcuate auxiliary poles fastened at the canopy between the main poles wherein two ends of each auxiliary pole are fastened at different main poles so that both sides of each main pole is supported and the tent is stably put up on a ground, an opening formed on the canopy above the space, and a flap formed in covering relation to the opening wherein a peripheral edge of the flap is releasably coupled to a peripheral edge of the opening by a first zipper so that a sliding of the first zipper can open the opening and then a pulling up of the flap can form a skylight of the tent.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tents and more particularly to an improved tent with skylight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tents are usually put up by, for example, vacationers for enjoying outdoor life. A conventional tent is shown in FIG. 1 in which the tent comprises a canopy assembly 11 and a pair of arcuate poles 12. The canopy assembly 11 comprises an inner canopy and an outer canopy. The inner canopy is formed of loosely-woven cloth for ventilation. Otherwise, a person staying in the tent may be unable to breath freely due to little or no stirring of air. The outer canopy is in covering relation to the inner canopy and is formed of closely-woven cloth so as to be windproof, rainproof, etc. The arcuate poles 12 are in a cross relation each other and each passes two spaced grommets 13 on the outer canopy. The canopy assembly 11 is supported by the arcuate poles 12 so as to be stably held. In such a manner, vacationers can put up the well known tents in suitable places and thus can enjoy outdoor life in camping.
However, the prior art suffered from a couple of disadvantages. For example, the arcuate poles 12 are crossed on the outer canopy (i.e., at a vertex of the outer canopy) with no provision of skylight in the outer canopy. Thus, persons staying in the tent cannot see sky (or stars) at night through the skylight. Further, fresh air can be brought into the tent only through the door 14 and the inner canopy. Hence, the ventilation is poor. Thus, it is desirable among leisure (particularly camping) equipment manufacturers to provide a novel tent with skylight in order to overcome the above drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a tent with a skylight so that persons staying therein can see sky (or stars) at night through the skylight. Further, fresh air can be brought into the tent through the inner canopy in addition to the door. Hence, a good ventilation can be carried out.
To achieve the above and other objects, the present invention provides a tent comprising a canopy, a pair of parallel, arcuate main poles fastened at the canopy to form a space thereon, a pair of arcuate auxiliary poles fastened at the canopy between the main poles wherein two ends of each auxiliary pole are fastened at different main poles so that both sides of each main pole is supported and the tent is stably put up on a ground, an opening formed on the canopy above the space, and a flap formed in covering relation to the opening wherein a peripheral edge of the flap is releasably coupled to a peripheral edge of the opening by a first zipper so that a sliding of the first zipper can open the opening and then a pulling up of the flap can form a skylight of the tent.
In one aspect of the present invention, further comprises a plurality of oyster shell-like fastening members formed at joined positions of the main poles and the auxiliary poles, each of the fastening members including a first snapping section and a second snapping section wherein one end of the first snapping section is hingedly coupled to a corresponding end of the second snapping section so that the first snapping section is able to pivot to close onto the second snapping section or open from the second snapping section; the second snapping section includes a slot on one side; the first snapping section includes a corresponding tab on one side, the tab being insertable into the slot for fastening when the first snapping section is closed onto the second snapping section so as to secure the first and the second snapping sections together, a lengthwise first groove having a section of half-circle proximate one side of the first snapping section, one half of the main pole in the first snapping section being adapted to install in the first groove, the first groove being extended from a top end to a bottom end of the first snapping section, and an elongated, bent second groove having a section of half-circle proximate the other side of the first snapping section, one half of the auxiliary pole in the first snapping section being adapted to install in the second groove; and the second snapping section further includes a lengthwise third groove having a section of half-circle proximate one side, the other half of the main pole in the second snapping section being adapted to install in the third groove, the third groove being extended from a top end to a bottom end of the second snapping section, and an elongated, bent fourth groove having a section of half-circle proximate the other side of the second snapping section, the other half of the auxiliary pole in the second snapping section being adapted to install in the fourth groove, whereby placing one end portion of the auxiliary pole in the second groove, placing a portion of the main pole in the first groove, closing the first snapping section onto the second snapping section, and inserting the tab into the slot will fasten one end of each auxiliary pole and a portion of each main pole together at the fastening member at one side of each main pole.
In another aspect of the present invention, further comprises a plurality of parallel, annular first projections formed on inner walls of the first and the third grooves in the fastening member, the first projections being adapted to urge against a surface of the main pole for fastening when the main pole is installed in the first and the third grooves.
In a further aspect of the present invention, further comprises a plurality of parallel, annular second projections formed on inner walls of the second and the fourth grooves in the fastening member, the second projections being adapted to urge against a surface of the auxiliary pole for fastening when the auxiliary pole is installed in the second and the fourth grooves.
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional tent;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of tent according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the tent in FIG. 2 with only fastening members, main poles, and auxiliary poles being shown;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fastening member shown in FIG. 2 in a closed position;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fastening member shown in FIG. 4 in an open position;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of tent according to the invention; and
FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the tent in FIG. 6 with only fastening members, main poles, and auxiliary poles being shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a tent 20 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. The tent 20 comprises a pair of arcuate main poles 21, a pair of arcuate auxiliary poles 22, and a canopy assembly 23. The main poles 21 are parallel and each passes a plurality of spaced first grommets 231 (two are shown in FIG. 2) on the canopy assembly 23. Thus, a space is formed between the main poles 21 (i.e., on the canopy assembly 23). Each auxiliary pole 22 passes a plurality of spaced second grommets 233 (two are shown in FIG. 2) on the canopy assembly 23 between the main poles 21. Two ends of each auxiliary pole 22 are fastened at different main poles 21 so that both sides of each main pole 21 can be well supported and the tent 20 is thus stably put up on a ground. Further, an opening 232 is formed on the canopy assembly 23 above the space. A flap 24 is formed in covering relation to the opening 232. A peripheral edge of the flap 24 is releasably coupled to a peripheral edge of the opening 232 by a zipper 25. That is, a sliding of the zipper 25 can either join or separate two rows of interlocking tabs on the flap 24 and the opening 232 respectively for closing or opening the opening 232.
By configuring as above, a person sitting in or lying on an article within the tent 20 he/she can slide the zipper 25 to open the opening 232 and then pull up the flap 24 so as to form a skylight (i.e., in the opening 232) of the tent 20. Thereafter, the person can see sky (or stars) at night through the skylight. Further, fresh air can be brought into the tent 20 through the skylight by convection. Hence, good ventilation can be carried out. To the contrary, the person can slide the zipper 25 in an opposite direction to close the opening 232 and then pull down the flap 24 for closing the skylight (i.e., the opening 232) and thus preventing objects (e.g., rain, leaves, birds' excrement, etc.) in the air from falling into the tent 20.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, an oyster shell-like fastening member 31 is formed at each one of four joined positions of the main poles 21 and the auxiliary poles 22. The fastening member 31 comprises a first snapping section 32 and a second snapping section 33. One end of the first snapping section 32 is hingedly coupled to a corresponding end of the second snapping section 33. Hence, the first snapping section 32 is able to pivot to close onto the second snapping section 33 or open from the second snapping section 33. A tab 34 is formed on one side of the first snapping section 32. Correspondingly, a slot 35 is formed on one side of the second snapping section 33. The tab 34 is adapted to insert into the slot 35 for fastening when the first snapping section 32 is closed onto the second snapping section 33. As a result, the first and second snapping sections 32 and 33 are fastened together. Also, a lengthwise first groove 36 having a section of half-circle is provided in the first snapping section 32 proximate one side. Half of the main pole 21 in the first snapping section 32 is adapted to install in the first groove 36. The first groove 36 is extended from top end to bottom end of the first snapping section 32. Further, an elongated second groove 37 having a section of half-circle is provided in the first snapping section 32 proximate the other side. Half of the auxiliary pole 22 in the first snapping section 32 is adapted to install in the second groove 37. The second groove 37 is bent slightly. Correspondingly, a lengthwise third groove 38 having a section of half-circle is provided in the second snapping section 33 proximate one side. The other half of the main pole 21 in the second snapping section 33 is adapted to install in the third groove 38. The third groove 38 is extended from top end to bottom end of the second snapping section 33. Further, an elongated fourth groove 39 having a section of half-circle is provided in the second snapping section 33 proximate the other side. The other half of the auxiliary pole 22 in the second snapping section 33 is adapted to install in the fourth groove 39. The fourth groove 39 is bent slightly. A fastening of the main pole 21 and the auxiliary pole 22 in the fastening member 31 will now be described in detail below. First, place one end portion of the auxiliary pole 22 in the second groove 37 (or the fourth groove 39). Next, place a portion of the main pole 21 in the first groove 36 (or the third groove 38). Next, close the first snapping section 32 onto the second snapping section 33 and insert the tab 34 into the slot 35 for fastening. As an end, one end of each auxiliary pole 22 and a portion of the main pole 21 are fastened together at the fastening member 31 at one side of each main pole 21.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 again, in the invention a plurality of parallel, annular first projections 361 are formed on inner walls of the first and the third grooves 36 and 38 in the fastening member 31. The first projections 361 are adapted to urge against a surface of the main pole 21 when the main pole 21 is installed in the first and the third grooves 36 and 38. As an end, the main pole 21 is prevented from sliding (i.e., fastened).
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 again, in the invention a plurality of parallel, annular second projections 371 are formed on inner walls of the second and the fourth grooves 37 and 39 in the fastening member 31. The second projections 371 are adapted to urge against a surface of the auxiliary pole 22 when the auxiliary pole 22 is installed in the second and the fourth grooves 37 and 39. As an end, the auxiliary pole 22 is prevented from sliding (i.e., fastened).
Referring to FIG. 2 again, in the invention the canopy assembly 23 comprises an inner canopy and an outer canopy. The inner canopy is formed of loosely-woven cloth for ventilation. Otherwise, a person staying in the tent 20 may be unable to breath freely due to little or no stirring of air. The outer canopy is in covering relation to the inner canopy and is formed of closely-woven cloth so as to be windproof, rainproof, etc.
Referring to FIG. 2 again, in the invention a screen 26 is formed in the inner canopy of the canopy assembly 23 on the opening 232. The screen 26 is adapted to keep insects (e.g., mosquitoes) from entering into the tent 20 after pulling up the flap 24. Otherwise, mosquitoes may bite persons staying in the tent 20. Further, a peripheral edge of the screen 26 is releasably coupled to a peripheral edge of the inner canopy by a zipper. Hence, a sliding of the zipper can detach the screen 26 from the tent 20.
Referring to FIG. 2 again, in the invention the flap 24 formed of transparent plastic cloth is provided in covering relation to the screen 26 in the inner canopy of the canopy assembly 23. In a case of a person sat in or lay on an article within the tent 20 he/she can pull up the flap 24 to form a skylight to see sky (or stars) at night. To the contrary, the person can pull down the flap 24 to close the skylight and thus prevent objects (e.g., rain, leaves, birds' excrement, etc.) in the air from falling into the tent 20.
Referring to FIG. 2 again, in the invention a person, sat in or lay on an article within the tent 20, can see sky (or stars) at night through the flap 24 without pulling up the flap 24 since as stated above, the flap 24 is formed of transparent plastic. Also, in a closed position the flap 24 is adapted to prevent objects (e.g., rain, leaves, birds' excrement, etc.) in the air from falling into the tent 20. Moreover, the flap 24 may be not as transparent as a new one after a predetermined period of time of use due to deterioration. For the purpose of maintaining the transparency of the flap 24, a user may replace the flap 24 with a new one (not shown) if such need arises.
Referring to FIG. 2 again, in the invention a door 27 is formed on a side surface of the canopy assembly 23. Another flap 271 is provided on the door 27. A peripheral edge of the door flap 271 is releasably coupled to a peripheral edge of the door 27 on the canopy assembly 23 by another zipper 272. That is, a sliding of the zipper 272 in one direction can close the door 27 for preventing animals and/or insects (e.g., snakes, mice, spiders, centipedes, etc.) from entering into the tent 20. To the contrary, a sliding of the zipper 272 in an opposite direction can open the door 27 so that a person can enter or leave the tent 20 by passing the door 27.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a tent 20 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. The differences between the first and the second preferred embodiments, i.e., the characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are detailed below. A tie flap 28 is formed on a top edge of the door 27 of the tent 20. The tie flap 28 comprises an arcuate bar 281 having both ends fastened at two fastening members 31 at bottom ends of one main pole 21. A piece of waterproof cloth 282 is formed between a top portion of the tent 20 and the bar 281. The tie flap 28 is adapted to prevent rain from entering into the tent 20 through the door 27.
While the invention has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A tent, comprising:

a canopy including a plurality of spaced first grommets and a plurality of spaced second grommets;

a pair of parallel, arcuate main poles each passed the first grommets of the canopy so as to form a space on the canopy;

a pair of arcuate auxiliary poles each passed the second grommets of the canopy between the main poles wherein two ends of each auxiliary pole are fastened at different main poles so that both sides of each main pole is supported and the tent is stably put up on a ground;

an opening formed on the canopy above the space; and

a flap formed in covering relation to the opening wherein a peripheral edge of the flap is releasably coupled to a peripheral edge of the opening by a first zipper so that a sliding of the first zipper can either join or separate two rows of interlocking tabs on the flap and the opening respectively for closing or opening the opening,

wherein a person sitting in or lying on an article within the tent is able to slide the first zipper to open the opening and pull up the flap to form a skylight of the tent so that the person is able to see sky at night through the skylight and fresh air is adapted to bring into the tent through the skylight by convection.

2. The tent of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of oyster shell-like fastening members formed at joined positions of the main poles and the auxiliary poles, each of the fastening members including a first snapping section and a second snapping section wherein

one end of the first snapping section is hingedly coupled to a corresponding end of the second snapping section so that the first snapping section is able to pivot to close onto the second snapping section or open from the second snapping section;

the second snapping section includes a slot on one side;

the first snapping section includes a corresponding tab on one side, the tab being insertable into the slot for fastening when the first snapping section is closed onto the second snapping section so as to secure the first and the second snapping sections together, a lengthwise first groove having a section of half-circle proximate one side of the first snapping section, one half of the main pole in the first snapping section being adapted to install in the first groove, the first groove being extended from a top end to a bottom end of the first snapping section, and an elongated, bent second groove having a section of half-circle proximate the other side of the first snapping section, one half of the auxiliary pole in the first snapping section being adapted to install in the second groove; and

the second snapping section further includes a lengthwise third groove having a section of half-circle proximate one side, the other half of the main pole in the second snapping section being adapted to install in the third groove, the third groove being extended from a top end to a bottom end of the second snapping section, and an elongated, bent fourth groove having a section of half-circle proximate the other side of the second snapping section, the other half of the auxiliary pole in the second snapping section being adapted to install in the fourth groove,

whereby placing one end portion of the auxiliary pole in the second groove, placing a portion of the main pole in the first groove, closing the first snapping section onto the second snapping section, and inserting the tab into the slot will fasten one end of each auxiliary pole and a portion of each main pole together at the fastening member at one side of each main pole.

3. The tent of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of parallel, annular first projections formed on inner walls of the first and the third grooves in the fastening member, the first projections being adapted to urge against a surface of the main pole for fastening when the main pole is installed in the first and the third grooves.

4. The tent of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of parallel, annular second projections formed on inner walls of the second and the fourth grooves in the fastening member, the second projections being adapted to urge against a surface of the auxiliary pole for fastening when the auxiliary pole is installed in the second and the fourth grooves.

5. The tent of claim 1, further comprising a screen formed in the canopy on the opening and under the flap, the screen being adapted to keep insects including mosquitoes from entering into the tent after pulling up the flap.

6. The tent of claim 5, further comprising a second zipper releasably coupled to a peripheral edge of the screen and a peripheral edge of the canopy wherein a sliding of the zipper in one direction is adapted to detach the screen from the tent.

7. The tent of claim 1, wherein the flap is formed of transparent plastic cloth.