US20150330098A1

US20150330098A1 - Portable tensegrity structure

Info

Publication number: US20150330098A1
Application number: US14/712,288
Authority: US
Inventors: Chase C. Schofield
Original assignee: American Recreation Products LLC
Current assignee: Exxel Outdoors LLC
Priority date: 2014-05-16
Filing date: 2015-05-14
Publication date: 2015-11-19

Abstract

A portable structure configured for erection with first and second front struts. The structure has a shell with front and rear edges. The shell has first and second strut couplers positioned adjacent the front edge that are configured to be coupled to first and second front struts, respectively. The shell has first and second tension members extending in a longitudinal direction away from the front and rear edges, respectively, when the shell is in an erect position. The first and second tension members are configured to be coupled to a ground surface or an external structure to tension the shell in the longitudinal direction when the shell is in the erect position. A rear strut is coupled to the shell when the shell is in the erect position. The portable structure is preferably a tent. The front struts may be provided separately from the tent.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/994,342, filed on May 16, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The field of this disclosure relates generally to portable structures and, more particularly, to a portable structure utilizing the principle of “tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) to provide a light weight, easy-to-use, stable structure.
2. Description of Related Art
Portable structures, such as tents, are typically used by backpackers, hikers, mountaineers, hunters, and others as temporary shelters. Since these portable structures are often carried by the user they should be light and compact making them easy for the user to carry. Additionally, the portable structures need to be structurally stable during use and erection of the structure should be relatively easy and quick.
There remains a need for portable structures, such as tents, that are lightweight, easy-to-use, and structurally stable even in harsh weather conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a portable structure configured for erection with a first front strut and a second front strut. The structure has a shell that is moveable between a stowed position and an erect position. A longitudinal direction of the shell extends between a front edge and a rear edge of the shell. The shell has a first strut coupler that is positioned adjacent the front edge and that is configured to be coupled to a first front strut. The shell has a second strut coupler that is positioned adjacent the front edge and that is configured to be coupled to a second front strut. The shell has a first tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away from the front edge when the shell is in the erect position, and the shell has a second tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away from the rear edge when the shell is in the erect position. The first tension member and the second tension member are each configured to be coupled to at least one of a ground surface or an external structure to tension the shell in the longitudinal direction when the shell is in the erect position. The structure includes a rear strut that is coupled to the shell adjacent the rear edge when the shell is in the erect position.
The shell preferably includes a roof, a front wall coupled with the roof, and a rear wall coupled with the roof. The first and second strut couplers are preferably pockets each positioned adjacent an upper edge and a side edge of the front wall. The first and second tension members may be guylines or sheets with tie downs extending outward from the front wall and rear wall, respectively. The structure preferably has a side wall including a door. No portion of the structure preferably extends outward in a lateral direction in front of the door to provide unobstructed access to the door. The first and second front struts may be trekking poles provided separately from the structure or tent poles. The structure preferably includes a third strut coupler that is configured to be coupled with the first front strut and that is spaced from the first strut coupler in a lateral direction, and a fourth strut coupler that is configured to be coupled with the second front strut and that is spaced from the second strut coupler in a lateral direction. The configuration of the structure allows it to be lightweight, portable, and relatively easy to erect and take down. Further, the configuration provides substantial volume inside the structure adjacent the front wall for a person's head and shoulders.
Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages and novel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of one suitable embodiment of a portable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a foot end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a head end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 1 with a front portion of a roof not shown.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tent of FIG. 1 showing the direction of forces exerted on the shell and struts.

FIG. 7 is a detail view showing one suitable embodiment of a strut securing assembly for the tent of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another suitable embodiment of a portable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a foot end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the tent of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a front and side wall of the tent of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of yet another suitable embodiment of a portable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a foot end elevational view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a top view illustrating another suitable embodiment of a strut securing assembly for the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a side view of an embodiment of a tensegrity support assembly suitable for use in the tent of FIG. 13.

FIG. 21 is a head end perspective view of the tensegrity support assembly of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one suitable embodiment of a portable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent, indicated generally at 10. It is understood, however, that the portable structure of the present disclosure can have other suitable forms besides the illustrated tent 10 (e.g., a canopy or sunshade) without departing from some aspects of this disclosure. The tent 10 is selectively moveable between an erect, use position 11 as seen in FIGS. 1-6 and a collapsed, stowed position (not shown). In the erect position, the tent 10 is adapted to provide shelter to one or more users (occupants). The illustrated tent 10, for example, is adapted to provide shelter for two occupants. In the stowed position, the tent 10, which in one suitable embodiment is relatively lightweight, can be readily transported and/or stowed.
In the embodiment of the portable structure illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the tent 10 includes an elongate shell, generally designated at 12, a rear strut 50, and front struts 52 a-b, which in combination form a “tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) support assembly 14. As seen in FIGS. 1-5, the shell 12 of the illustrated embodiment includes a roof 16, a pair of side walls 18, a front wall 20, a rear wall 22, and a floor 24. A longitudinal direction of shell 12 extends between the front and rear walls 20 and 22, and a lateral direction of shell 12 extends between the side walls 18 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The roof 16, side walls 18, front wall 20, rear wall 22, and floor 24 cooperatively define an interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. Roof 16, side walls 18, front wall 20, rear wall 22, and floor 24 are each preferably substantially formed of at least one sheet of lightweight fabric. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior chamber 27 is sized and shaped to accommodate two adult occupants. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates two conventional sleeping bags 29 being disposed in the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. It is understood, however, the interior chamber 27 can have any suitable size and shape without departing from some aspects of this invention. In other suitable embodiments, for example, the interior chamber can be sized and shaped for accommodating one adult occupant or more than two (e.g., three, four) adult occupants. In the erect position, the tent 10, and more specifically the combination of the shell 12, rear strut 50, and front struts 52 a-b, is configured to provide a stable structure even during harsh conditions.
As shown in FIG. 4, roof 16 includes a front portion 25, a middle portion 26, and a rear portion 28. With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion 25 of the roof 16 is forward the front wall 20 of the shell 12 and inclines generally from or adjacent to a ground surface 65 upon which the tent 10 is placed and an upper edge 20 a (FIG. 1) of the front wall 20. In one suitable embodiment, the front portion 25 of the roof 16 includes a sheet of material and one or more tie downs 30 a-b (two tie downs being seen in FIG. 2) for securing the forward end of the front portion 25 to the ground surface 65. The tie downs 30 a-b can be secured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 30 a-b can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the front portion 25 of the roof 16 in the desired position. Front portion 25 may consist of one or more tie downs 30 a-b, guylines, or tension member(s) extending outward from the upper edge 20 a of the front wall 20 and coupled to the ground surface 65 or structure for tensioning middle portion 26, in which case the sheet of material of the front portion 25 would be omitted.
As seen in FIG. 2, the front portion 25 of the roof 16 in cooperation with the front wall 20 of the shell 12 defines a covered area 32 suitable for storage of gear or other items outside the interior chamber 27. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion 25 is configured to provide protection to the front wall 20 of the shell 12 and covered area 32 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun). In the illustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the front portion 25 is generally a trapezoid having an upper edge 25 a where the front portion 25 meets the middle portion 26 and an upper edge 20 a (FIG. 5) of front wall 20. A lower edge 25 b extends adjacent the ground surface 65 generally parallel to the upper edge 20 a. A pair of tapered side edges 25 c-d extend between and connect the upper and lower edges 25 a, 25 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower edge 25 b is longer than the upper edge 25 a to facilitate forming covered area 32. The lower edge 25 b of the illustrated embodiment is approximately 106 inches and the upper edge 25 a is approximately 74 inches. The distance from lower edge 25 b to front wall 20 along the ground surface 65 is preferably approximately 20 inches. The length and distancing at the lower edge 25 b facilitate forming covered area 32 while maintaining structure and rigidity of front portion 25. It is contemplated, however, that the front portion 25 of the roof 16 can have any suitable size and shape.
With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the middle portion 26 of the roof 16 extends downward from upper edge 20 a of front wall 20 and upper edge 25 a of front portion 25 to adjacent the top of the rear wall 22. In other words, the middle portion 26 of the roof 16 extends between the front and rear walls 20, 22 of the shell 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle portion 26 transitions from a generally planar surface 26 a near the front wall 20 to a rounded surface 26 b near the rear wall 22. In the illustrated embodiment as seen in FIG. 3, the middle portion 26 of the roof 16 is arcuate and, more specifically semi-circular, adjacent the rear wall 22. Moreover and with reference to FIG. 4, the middle portion 26 tapers longitudinally inward as it extends between the front wall 20 and the rear wall 22 of the shell 12. As a result, the lateral extent of the middle portion 26 is greater adjacent the front wall 20 than adjacent the rear wall 22. Middle portion 26 is joined to an upper edge of side wall 18 along a seam 31 (FIG. 1). Middle portion 26 has an awning 26 c (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) extending laterally outward from seam 31, side wall 18 and floor 24. Middle portion 26 has a similar awning 26 d (FIGS. 3 and 4) on its opposite side. Middle portion 26 has a front edge 26 e and a rear edge 26 f, which can be considered front and rear edges of the entire shell 12 because front and rear portions 25 and 28 may be substantially omitted from the shell 12.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear portion 28 of the roof 16 is rearward of the rear wall 22 of the shell 12 and declines generally from or adjacent to a top of the rear wall 22 to adjacent the ground surface 65 upon which the tent 10 is placed. In one suitable embodiment, the rear portion 28 of the roof 16 includes a sheet of material and one or more tie downs 33 (one tie down being illustrated in FIG. 1) for securing the rearward end of the rear portion 28 to the ground surface 65. The tie down 33 can be secured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 33 can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the rear portion 28 of the roof 16 in the desired position. As seen in FIG. 1, the rear portion 28 of the roof 16 is configured to provide protection to the rear wall 22 of the shell 12 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun). Rear portion 28 may consist of just one or more tie downs 33, guylines, or tension member(s) extending outward from the upper edge of rear wall 22 and coupled to the ground surface 65 or structure for tensioning middle portion 26, in which case the sheet of material of the rear portion 28 would be omitted.
With reference now to FIG. 2, each of the side walls 18 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 10 is generally triangular in shape. While only the right side wall 18 is shown in FIG. 2 and described in detail below, the left side wall has substantially the same structure. Side wall 18 defines an acute triangle with an upper edge joined to roof 16, a front edge joined to front wall 20, and a lower edge joined to floor 24. As a result of the generally triangular side walls 18, the interior chamber 27 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 10 has a substantially greater volume in a head end of the tent adjacent front wall 20 as compared to the volume in a foot end of the tent adjacent rear wall 22. It is understood, however, that the side walls 18 can have any suitable shape including, e.g., any suitable quadrilateral without departing from some aspects of this invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, side wall 18 comprises an upper panel 34 and a lower panel 36. Upper panel 34 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) 38 to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. In one suitable embodiment, upper panel 34 includes a closure panel 40 selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material 38 and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. Closure panel 40 is illustrated in the opened position in FIGS. 1 and 2. Closure panel 40 can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps). The mesh material 38 of at least one side wall 18 is selectively moveable between an opened position for allowing users of the tent 10 ingress to and egress from the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12, and a closed position, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the mesh material 38 forms a door of the tent 10 in side wall 18.
The front wall 20, which can be seen in FIG. 5, is generally an isosceles trapezoid having the upper edge 20 a, a lower edge 20 b, and two side edges 20 c-d extending between and connecting the upper and lower edges 20 a, 20 b. Upper edge 20 a is joined to upper edge 25 a of front portion 25 of roof 16, lower edge 20 b is joined to floor 24, side edge 20 c is joined to one side wall 18, and side edge 20 d is joined to the opposite side wall 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge 20 a is longer (i.e., has a greater length) than the lower edge 20 b. Thus, the side edges 20 c-d taper inward as they extend from the longer upper edge 20 a to the shorter lower edge 20 b. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the upper edge 20 a has a length of approximately 74 inches and the lower edge 20 b has a length of approximately 50 inches. It is contemplated, however, that the front wall 20 can have any suitable size and shape. The longer upper edge 20 a provides more volume for a person's head and shoulders when sitting within tent 10 adjacent front wall 20.
As explained above, the upper edge 25 a (FIG. 4) of the front portion 25 of the roof 16, which is aligned with the upper edge 20 a (FIG. 5) of the front wall 20, also has a length of approximately 74 inches generally at the front wall 20. As a result, the roof 16 (more specifically awnings 26 c and 26 d) extends laterally beyond the lower edge 20 b of the front wall 20, which is aligned with the forward edge of the floor 24, to define a drip line DL (FIGS. 4-5). As shown in FIG. 5, the drip line DL on each side of the illustrated tent 10 is approximately 12 inches. It is understood that the drip line DL can be any suitable distance from the shell 12 without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the front wall 20 includes a pair of pockets 42 a-b. Pocket 42 a is disposed adjacent the intersection of upper edge 20 a and side edge 20 d, and pocket 42 b is disposed adjacent the intersection of upper edge 20 a and the opposite side edge 20 c. As described in more detail below, each of the pockets 42 a-b is sized and shaped for receiving and thereby capturing first and second struts 52 a-b such as, for example only, a handle of a conventional trekking pole or any other suitable pole (e.g., a conventional tent pole). It is contemplated that other suitable strut coupling means for coupling front wall 20 to first and second front struts 52 a-b can be used besides pockets 42 a-b without departing from some aspects of this disclosure. Alternatively, the strut coupling means or pockets 42 a-b could also be formed in roof 16.
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the front wall 20 includes a central panel 44 and a peripheral panel 46 surrounding the central panel 44 and defining the outer edges of the front wall 20. The central panel 44 of the illustrated front wall 20 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. In one suitable embodiment, the central panel 44 includes a closure panel (not shown but similar to the closure panels 40 of the side walls 18) selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps).
With reference now to FIG. 3, the rear wall 22 of the illustrated shell 12 includes a generally semi-circular panel. Rear wall 22 has a semi-circular, upper edge joined to the portion of roof 16 where middle portion 26 and rear portion 28 are joined. A lower edge of rear wall 22 is joined to floor 24. In one suitable embodiment, the rear wall 22 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 27 of the shell 12. In such an embodiment, the rear wall 22 suitably includes a closure panel (not shown but similar to the closure panels 40 of the side walls 18) selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps). It is contemplated that the rear wall 22 can have any suitable size and shape. Rear wall 22 includes a sleeve 47 formed along the majority of its semi-circular, upper edge for receiving rear strut 50 as described in more detail below. Sleeve 47 could also be formed in roof 16.
The floor 24, which is best seen in FIG. 4, is adapted to lie in face-to-face engagement with the ground surface 65 when the tent 10 is in the erect position. In one suitable embodiment, the floor 24 includes a generally rectangular floor panel 48 and a peripheral side wall 49 (FIG. 1) that extends upward a suitable distance (e.g., six inches) from the floor panel 48. The floor 24 is attached, such as by stitching, to the side walls 18, the front wall 20, and the rear wall 22 along an upper edge of the side wall 49. As a result, any seams or stitch lines formed by attaching the floor 24 to the side walls 18, the front wall 20, and the rear wall 22 are spaced from the ground surface 65. Straps 51 a-d (FIG. 4) are attached to floor 24 and include tie downs extending outward from the floor 24 for staking floor 24 to the ground surface 65. Floor 24 has a length of preferably approximately 88 inches and a width of preferably approximately 46 inches. Alternatively, the floor 24 can include any dimensioning to enable the shell 12 to function as described herein.
In the illustrated embodiment and as seen in FIG. 4, the roof 16 is wider than the floor 24 along a significant portion of its length. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 16 is wider than the floor 24 along almost its entire length. The width of the illustrated roof 16, however, is tapered and does approach the width of the floor 24 adjacent the rear panel 22 of the shell 12. Moreover, the roof 16 is substantially longer than the floor 24. Thus, in one suitable embodiment, the roof 16 has a projected surface area that is substantially greater than the projected surface area of the floor 24.
In one suitable embodiment, the tensegrity support assembly 14 comprises shell 12 and a three strut tensegrity prism including the rear strut 50 and the pair of front struts 52 a-b. Each of the three struts 50, 52 a-b is under compression when the tent 10 is erected and is independent of the other two struts. That is, the struts 50, 52 a-b are not directly connected to each other. Rather, the struts 50, 52 a-b are indirectly connected by shell 12, which is under tension in the erect position. Front struts 52 a-b may be provided separately from tent 10.
When at least a portion of shell 12 is under substantially tensional stress and each strut 50, 52 a-b is under substantially compressive stress, the tensile and compressive stresses cooperate to enhance the mechanical stability of the support assembly 14 and thus the tent 10. That is, the shell 12 will remain under tension and the struts 50, 52 a-b will remain under compression as stress to the tensegrity support assembly 14 increases. For example, an external force applied to either the shell 12 or one of the struts 50, 52 a-b of the tensegrity support assembly 14 is opposed by at least one of the remaining shell and struts.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the rear strut 50 is a semicircular hoop that is partially received by the sleeve 47 of shell 12. Ends of rear strut 50 are received by grommets (not shown) in straps 51 c-d. When rear strut 50 is inserted within sleeve 47 and the grommets of straps 51 c-d, rear strut 50 tensions rear wall 22, which in turn places rear strut 50 in compression. In order to position the ends of rear strut 50 within the grommets of straps 51 c-d, the ends of rear strut 50 are flexed toward each other such that when the rear strut 50 is positioned within the grommets, the rear strut 50 places the rear wall 22 in tension along the line 53 a shown in FIG. 6 between points E and F. Rear strut 50 is also sized such that when inserted within sleeve 47, the rear strut 50 tensions rear wall 22 in radial directions from a midpoint of the lower edge of rear wall 22 outward to the upper, semi-circular edge of rear wall 22, such as along the line 53 b shown in FIG. 6. It is contemplated that the rear strut 50 can have any suitable size and/or shape. For example, in the embodiment of tent shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the rear strut 250 is a straight rod. It is further contemplated that in some suitable embodiments, the single rear strut 50 described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings can be replaced with a plurality of rear struts. In one such embodiment, for example, the support assembly 14 can comprise a pair of independent, rear struts, which may be similar to front struts 52 a-b.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 and as seen in FIG. 5, each of the front struts 52 a-b is a conventional trekking pole. It is understood, however, that any suitable pole including conventional tent poles can define the front struts 52 a-b. In one suitable embodiment, the front struts 52 a-b are conventional, selectively adjustable trekking poles, such as the Upslope 2.0 trekking poles or the Range 2.0 trekking poles available from Kelty of Boulder, Colo., U.S.A. As such, the length (or height) of the front struts 52 a-b (i.e., the adjustable trekking poles) can be selectively adjusted to the desired length.
In another suitable embodiment, the conventional trekking poles can be fixed length poles. That is, the trekking poles are not adjustable. The fixed length trekking poles can have any suitable fixed length including, for example, any one of 100 cm, 105 cm, 110 cm, 115 cm, 120 cm, 125 cm, 130 cm, 145 cm, and 155 cm so long as the length of the trekking pole is greater than the height of the front wall 20 of the shell 12. The trekking poles need to have a sufficient length to extend from the ground surface 65 to one of the pockets 42 a-b on the front wall 20 of the shell 12. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates trekking poles 52 a-b having a length of 120 cm and each having one end received in one of pockets 42 a-b on the front wall 20 of the shell 12 and extending to another end adjacent the ground surface 65. Alternate trekking poles 52′ and 52″ are shown in dashed lines and preferably have lengths of 130 cm and 145 cm, respectively. As seen in FIG. 5, the longer trekking pole 52″ (145 cm) is angled more, relative to the ground surface 65, than the shorter trekking poles 52 a-b and 52′ (120 cm and 130 cm) to accommodate the additional length. Each front strut 52 a-b forms an acute angle with respect to the ground surface 65, one of which is shown as A in FIG. 5. Angle A is greater for a shorter strut 52 a-b than for a longer strut 52 a-b. Front struts 52 a-b are configured to form any angle relative to the ground surface 65.
The trekking pole (or other suitable pole, e.g., conventional tent poles, used for the front struts 52 a-b) can be secured to the ground surface 65 or adjacent the ground surface 65 using any suitable means. In one embodiment, tips of the trekking poles are penetrated into the ground surface 65. In another embodiment, such as illustrated in FIG. 7, a suitable strut securing assembly, indicated generally at 60, can be used in addition to or instead of the tip of the trekking pole 52 a being penetrated into the ground surface 65. The strut securing assembly 60 includes a strip 62 secured (e.g., stitched) to the floor panel 48 of floor 24. Strip 62 has a plurality of spaced-apart slots 64. A strap 66 having a catch 68 at one end and a circular grommet 70 for capturing the end of one of the front struts 52 a-b adjacent the other is selectively attachable to the strip 62 by inserting the catch 68 into one of the slots 64 in the strip 62. The strap 66 can be readily moved along the length of the strip 62 to accommodate struts 52 a-b (e.g., trekking poles) having various lengths by inserting the catch 68 into the desired slot 64. While only one strap 66 is illustrated in FIG. 7, it is readily understood that two straps 66 can be provided—one strap 66 for each of the front struts 52 a-b. Tent 10 may also use the strut securing assembly 260 shown in FIG. 19. Strut securing assembly 60 may be coupled to struts 52 a-b with another type of strut coupler besides grommet 70.
When front struts 52 a-b are inserted within pockets 42 a-b and the grommets 70 of straps 66, the front struts 52 a-b tension front wall 20 thereby placing the front struts 52 a-b in compression along the lines 55 a-b shown in FIG. 6. Front struts 52 a-b tension front wall 20 with forces directed in the opposite directions as the lines 55 a-b. Front struts 52 a-b also tension front wall 20 and roof 16 in a direction along the line 53 c in FIG. 6 between points C and D. As shown in FIG. 5, the grommet 70 coupled to first strut 52 a is spaced in a lateral direction from first pocket 42 a, and the grommet 70 coupled to second strut 52 b is spaced in a lateral direction from second pocket 42 b. Laterally spacing the grommets 70 and pockets 42 a-b creates the acute angle A between the first and second struts 52 a-b and the ground surface 65.
Tie downs 30 a-b and 33 are secured to the ground surface 65 such that roof 16 is in tension in a longitudinal direction of the tent 10 substantially along the lines 53 d-f shown in FIG. 6. Placing roof 16 in tension via tie downs 30 a-b and 33 lifts side walls 18, front wall 20, and rear wall 22 to position them substantially vertically as shown in FIGS. 1-6 (as shown in FIG. 2, front and rear walls 20 and 22 are slightly inclined toward each other). Middle portion 26 of roof 16 is in tension in the directions 53 d and 53 f because of tie downs 30 a-b and 33 and front struts 52 a-b. Middle portion 26 of roof 16 is also in tension in the direction 53 a because middle portion 26 is joined to the upper edge of rear wall 22. Middle portion 26 of roof 16 is in tension in the direction 53 c because middle portion 26 is joined to the upper edge 20 a of front wall 20. Front portion 25 of roof 16 is in tension along the direction 53 e because of tie downs 30 a-b and 33 and front struts 52 a-b. Front portion 25 of roof 16 is also in tension along the line 53 c because front portion 25 is joined to the upper edge 20 a of front wall 20. Roof 16 is placed in tension substantially along a longitudinal direction of tent 10 extending from front wall 20 to rear wall 22.
Advantageously, the tensegrity support assembly 14 of the present disclosure eliminates the need for guylines extending laterally outward from tent 10 in a direction generally perpendicular to side walls 18. In contrast, tie downs 30 a-b and 33 extend generally longitudinally outward from tent 10 in a direction extending outward from front and rear walls 20 and 22. A guyline, as used herein, is a rope or cable located on the exterior of the tent and under tension that is used to anchor the tent to the ground surface 65 (e.g., with a tent stake). As a result, guylines apply a pulling force on the tent. The tent 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is free of guylines extending laterally outward from the tent 10. Specifically, there are no guylines or other portions of the tent extending laterally outward in front of either side wall 18 that would hinder access to the side wall 18 from the exterior of the tent 10. As mentioned above, a user can enter and exit the tent 10 through the mesh material 38 of the side walls 18 that is selectively moveable between an opened and a closed position. Since the tent 10 does not have any guylines extending laterally outward from the tent 10, access to the tent entrance/exit is uninhibited by guylines.
Alternatively, shell 12 may include cables, wires, or ropes (not shown), such as the cables 354 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 and described in more detail below with respect to tent 210. For example, front struts 52 a-b may be connected by cables extending between points A, B, C, and D shown in FIG. 6. The rear strut 50 may be connected to the pair of front struts 52 a-b by cables extending between point G and points C, D through point H. The rear strut 50 may be further connected to the pair of front struts 52 a-b by cables extending between point G and points A, B, C, D through points E, F. The pair of front struts 52 a-b and the rear strut 50 are connected to the ground surface 65 through the respective tie downs 30 a-b, 33 at points I, J. The cables connecting the three struts 50, 52 a-b are under tension during use and are configured to supply a substantially compressive stress to each of the struts 50, 52 a-b. In such a configuration, the cables may be loosely connected to the sheet(s) of fabric material making up the remainder of shell 12. Alternatively, the cables may be removably coupled to the shell 12 or integrally coupled to the shell 12.
In one suitable embodiment, the tent 10 is lightweight. Suitably, the tent 10 is less than 7 pounds, more suitably less than 5 pounds and even more suitably less than 3 pounds. It is understood, however, that in other suitable embodiments, the tent 10 can weigh more than 7 pounds (i.e., not be a lightweight tent) without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.
Tent 10 may be set up in alternate configurations than those shown in FIGS. 1-6. For example, roof 16 may include a pair guylines (not shown) each extending substantially adjacent from one of pockets 42 a-b outward to where one of the tie downs 30 a-b is positioned. The guylines can be staked to the ground to tension tent 10 in a substantially similar manner as the front portion 25 of roof 16. In such a configuration, the front portion 25 of roof 16 can be rolled up along the upper edge of front wall 20 providing more visibility through the front wall 20. The guylines may also replace the front portion 25 of roof 16 such that front portion 25 is omitted from the tent 10. Further, instead of being rolled up, the front portion 25 of roof 16 can be positioned so that it is generally horizontal extending outward from the upper edge of front wall 20. In this position, a pair of poles (not shown) supports the corners of front portion 25 along lower edge 25 b, and a pair of guylines (not shown) extend from these corners to the ground surface 65 to tension the front portion 25.
FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another suitable embodiment of a portable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent, indicated generally at 110. Tent 110 is substantially similar to the tent 10 described above with the exception that tent 110 is designed for one person. To the extent that tent 110 is not described in detail below, it may have the same configuration and structure as described above with respect to tent 10. The tent 110 is selectively moveable between an erect, use position as seen in FIGS. 8-12 and a collapsed, stowed position (not shown). In the use position, the tent 110 is adapted to provide shelter to one or more users (occupants). The illustrated tent 110, for example, is adapted to provide shelter for a single occupant. In the stowed position, the tent 110, which in one suitable embodiment is relatively lightweight, can be readily transported and/or stowed.
In the embodiment of the portable structure illustrated in FIGS. 8-12, the tent 110 comprises an elongate shell, generally designated at 112, rear strut 150, and front struts 152 a-b, which in combination form a “tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) support assembly. The tensegrity support assembly of this embodiment is similar to the tensegrity support assembly 14 of tent 10 and therefore will not be described in detail. As seen in FIGS. 8-12, the shell 112 of the illustrated embodiment includes a roof 116, a pair of side walls 118, a front wall 120, a rear wall 122 and a floor 124. The roof 116, side walls 118, front wall 120, rear wall 122, and floor 124 cooperatively define an interior chamber 127 of the shell 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior chamber 127 is sized and shaped to accommodate a single adult occupant. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates one conventional sleeping bag 129 disposed in the interior chamber 127 of the shell 112 such that interior chamber 127 is formed to allow a single user to lie down within it. It is understood, however, the interior chamber 127 can have any suitable size and shape without departing from some aspects of this invention. In other suitable embodiments, for example, the interior chamber 127 can be sized and shaped for accommodating more than one (e.g., two (as seen in FIG. 4) three, or four) adult occupant. In the erect position, the tent 110, and more specifically the combination of the shell 112 and struts 150 and 152 a-b, is configured to provide a stable structure even during harsh conditions.
In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 116 includes a front portion 125, a middle portion 126 and a rear portion 128. With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the front portion 125 of the roof 116 is forward the front wall 120 of the shell 112 and inclines generally from or adjacent to the ground surface 65 upon which the tent 110 is placed and a top of the front wall 120. In one suitable embodiment, the front portion 125 of the roof 116 includes one or more tie downs 130 a-b (two tie downs being seen in FIG. 9) for securing the forward end of the front portion 125 to the ground surface 65. The tie downs 130 a-b can be secured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 130 a-b can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the front portion 125 of the roof 116 in the desired position.
As seen in FIG. 9, the front portion 125 of the roof 116 in cooperation with the front wall 120 of the shell 112 defines a covered area 132 suitable for storage of gear or other items outside the interior chamber 127. The front portion 125 is configured to provide protection to the front wall 120 of the shell 112 and covered area 132 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun). In the illustrated embodiment as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the front portion 125 is generally a trapezoid having an upper edge 125 a where the front portion 125 meets the middle portion 126, a longer lower edge 125 b that extends adjacent the ground surface 65 and generally parallel to the upper edge 125 a, and a pair of tapered side edges 125 c-d that extend between and connect the upper and lower edges 125 a-b (FIG. 11). As mentioned, the lower edge 125 b is longer than the upper edge 125 a. The lower edge 125 b of the illustrated embodiment is approximately 85 inches and the upper edge 125 a is approximately 54 inches. The distance from lower edge 125 b to front wall 120 is preferably approximately 20 inches. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower edge 125 b is longer than the upper edge 125 a to facilitate forming the covered area 132. It is contemplated, however, that the front portion 125 of the roof 116 can have any suitable size and shape.
With reference again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the middle portion 126 of the roof 116 extends downward from the top of the front wall 120 of the shell 112 to adjacent the top of the rear wall 122. In other words, the middle portion 126 of the roof 116 extends between the front and rear walls 120, 122 of the shell 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle portion 126 transitions from a generally planar surface 126 a near the front wall 120 to a rounded surface 126 b near the rear wall 122. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment and as best seen in FIG. 10, the middle portion 126 of the roof 116 is arcuate and, more specifically semi-circular, adjacent the rear wall 122. Moreover and with reference to FIG. 11, the middle portion 126 tapers longitudinally inward as it extends between the front wall 120 and the rear wall 122 of the shell 112. As a result, the lateral extent of the middle portion 126 is greater adjacent the front wall 120 than adjacent the rear wall 122.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the rear portion 128 of the roof 116 is rearward of the rear wall 122 of the shell 112 and declines generally from or adjacent to a top of the rear wall 122 to the ground surface 65 upon which the tent 110 is placed. In one suitable embodiment, the rear portion 128 of the roof 116 includes one or more tie downs 133 (one tie down being illustrated in FIG. 8) for securing the rearward end of the rear portion 122 to the ground surface 65. The tie down 133 can be secured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 133 can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the rear portion 128 of the roof 116 in the desired position. As seen in FIG. 8, the rear portion 128 of the roof 116 is configured to provide protection to the rear wall 122 of the shell 112 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun).
With reference now to FIG. 9, each of the side walls 118 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 110 is generally triangular in shape. Specifically, each of the illustrated side walls 118 defines an acute triangle. As a result of the generally triangular side walls 118, the interior chamber 127 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 110 has a substantially greater volume in a head end of the tent 110 as compared to the volume in a foot end of the tent 110. It is understood, however, that the side walls 118 can have any suitable shape including, e.g., any suitable quadrilateral without departing from some aspects of this invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side walls 118 comprises an upper panel 134 and a lower panel 136. The upper panels 134 of the illustrated side walls 118 are made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) 138 to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 127 of the shell 112. In one suitable embodiment, the upper panel 134 of each of the side walls 118 includes a closure panel 140 selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel 140 overlies the mesh material 138 and an opened position wherein the closure panel 140 is spaced from the mesh material 138. The closure panels 140 of the upper panels 134 of each side wall 118 are illustrated in the opened position in FIGS. 8 and 9 and closed position in FIG. 12. The closure panels 140 can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps). The mesh material 138 of at least one of the illustrated side walls 118 is selectively moveable between an opened position for allowing users of the tent 110 ingress to and egress from the interior chamber 127 of the shell 112, and a closed position, which is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
The front wall 120, which can be seen in FIG. 12, is generally an isosceles trapezoid having an upper edge 120 a, a lower edge 120 b, and two side edges 120 c-d extending between and connecting the upper and lower edges 120 a-b. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge 120 a is longer (i.e., has a greater length) than the lower edge 120 b. Thus, the side edges 120 c-d taper inward as they extend from the longer upper edge 120 a to the shorter lower edge 120 b. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the upper edge 120 a of the front wall 120 has a length of approximately 54 inches and the lower edge 120 b of the front wall 120 has a length of approximately 26 inches. It is contemplated, however, that the front wall 120 can have any suitable size and shape.
As explained above, the upper edge 125 a (FIG. 11) of the front portion 125 of the roof 116, which is aligned with the upper edge 120 a (FIG. 12) of the front wall 120, also has a length of approximately 54 inches generally at the front wall 120. As a result, the roof 116 extends laterally beyond the lower edge of the front wall 120, which is aligned with the forward edge of the floor 124, to define a drip line DL (FIG. 11). The drip line DL on each side of the illustrated tent 110 is approximately 12 inches. It is understood, that the drip line DL can be any suitable distance without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.
The front wall 120 includes a pair of pockets 142 a-b. One of the pockets 142 a-b is disposed adjacent the intersection of the upper edge 120 a and one of the side edges 120 c-d, and the other pocket is disposed adjacent the intersection of the upper edge 120 a and the opposite side edge 120 c-d. As described in more detail below, each of the pockets 142 a-b is sized and shaped for receiving and thereby capturing a handle of a conventional trekking pole or other suitable pole.
Referring now to FIG. 12, the front wall 120 includes a central panel 144 and a peripheral panel 146 surrounding the central panel 144 and defining the outer edges of the front wall 120. The central panel 144 of the illustrated front wall 120 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 127 of the shell 112. In one suitable embodiment, the central panel 144 includes a closure panel (not shown but similar to the closure panels 140 of the side walls 118) selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps).
With reference to FIG. 10, the rear wall 122 of the illustrated shell 112 includes a generally semi-circular panel. In one suitable embodiment, the rear wall 122 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 127 of the shell 112. In such an embodiment, the rear wall 122 suitably includes a closure panel (not shown but similar to the closure panels 140 of the side walls 118) selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps). It is contemplated that the rear wall 122 can have any suitable size and shape.
The floor 124, which is best seen in FIG. 11, is adapted to lie in face-to-face engagement with the ground surface 65 when the tent 110 is in the erect position. In one suitable embodiment, the floor 124 includes a generally rectangular floor panel 148 (FIG. 8) and a peripheral side wall 149 that extends upward a suitable distance (e.g., six inches) from the floor panel 148. The floor 124 is attached, such as by stitching, to the side walls 118, the front wall 120, and the rear wall 122 along an upper edge of the side wall 149. As a result, any seams or stitch lines formed by attaching the floor 124 to the side walls 118, the front wall 120, and the rear wall 122 are spaced from the ground surface 65. Floor 124 has a length of preferably approximately 88 inches and a width of preferably approximately 26 inches.
In one suitable embodiment, the tent 110 is lightweight. Suitably, the tent 110 is less than 7 pounds, more suitably less than 5 pounds and even more suitably less than 3 pounds. In one preferable embodiment, the tent 110 is less than 2 pounds. It is understood, however, that in other suitable embodiments, the tent 110 can weigh more than 7 pounds (i.e., not be a lightweight tent) without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.
FIGS. 13-19 illustrate yet another suitable embodiment of a portable structure of the present disclosure in the form of a tent, indicated generally at 210. Similar to the tents 10, 110 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the tent 210 comprises an elongate shell, rear strut 250, and front struts 252 a-b, which in combination form a “tensegrity” (or tensional integrity) support assembly. The support assembly of this embodiment is similar to the tensegrity support assembly 14 described above and illustrated in FIG. 6. As a result, the tensegrity support assembly 14 of this embodiment will not be described in detail.
As seen in FIGS. 13-15, the shell 212 of the illustrated embodiment includes a roof 216, a pair of side walls 218, a front wall 220, a rear wall 222 and a floor 224. The roof 216, side walls 218, front wall 220, rear wall 222, and floor 224 cooperatively define an interior chamber 227 of the shell 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior chamber 227 is sized and shaped to accommodate one adult occupant. It is understood, however, the interior chamber 227 can have any suitable size and shape without departing from some aspects of this invention. In other suitable embodiments, for example, the interior chamber 227 can be sized and shaped for accommodating more than one (e.g., two, three, or four) adult occupant. In the use position, the tent 210, and more specifically the combination of the shell 212, rear strut 250, and front struts 252 a-b, is configured to provide a stable structure even during harsh conditions.
In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 216 includes a front portion 225, a middle portion 226 and a rear portion 228. With reference now to FIGS. 14-16, the front portion 225 of the roof 216 is forward the front wall 220 of the shell 212 and inclines upward to a top of the front wall 220. In this embodiment, the forward end of the front portion 225 is spaced a substantial distance from the ground surface 65. In one suitable embodiment, the front portion 225 of the roof 216 includes one or more tie downs 230 a-b (two tie downs being seen in FIG. 14) for securing the forward end of the front portion 225 to the ground surface 65. The tie downs 230 a-b can be secured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 230 a-b can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the front portion 225 of the roof 216 in the desired position.
As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the front portion 225 of the roof 216 in cooperation with the front wall 220 of the shell 212 defines a covered area 232 suitable for storage of gear or other items outside the interior chamber 227. Thus, the front portion 225 is configured to provide protection to the front wall 220 of the shell 212 and covered area 232 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the front portion 225 is generally a trapezoid having an upper edge 225 a where the front portion meets the middle portion 226, a shorter lower edge 225 b that is spaced closer to the ground surface 65 than the upper edge 225 a and generally parallel to the upper edge 225 a, and a pair of tapered side edges 225 c-d that extend between and connect the upper and lower edges 225 a-b. As mentioned, the lower edge 225 b of this embodiment is shorter than the upper edge 225 a. It is contemplated, however, that the front portion 225 of the roof 216 can have any suitable size and shape.
With reference now to FIGS. 16-18, the middle portion 226 of the roof 216 extends downward from the top of the front wall 220 of the shell 212 to adjacent the top of the rear wall 222. In other words, the middle portion 226 of the roof 216 extends between the front and rear walls 220, 222 of the shell 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the middle portion 226 transitions from a generally planar surface near the front wall 220 to a sloped surface near the rear wall 222. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment and as best seen in FIG. 17, the middle portion 226 of the roof 216 is generally triangular in cross-section adjacent the rear wall 222. Middle portion 226 is shaped to include three triangular panels 226 a-c that make up its generally planar surface and two triangular panels 226 d-e that make up its sloped surface. Moreover and with reference to FIG. 16, the middle portion 226 tapers longitudinally inward as it extends between the front wall 220 and the rear wall 222 of the shell 212. As a result, the lateral extent of the middle portion 226 is greater adjacent the front wall 220 than adjacent the rear wall 222.
As illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the rear portion 228 of the roof 216 is rearward of the rear wall 222 of the shell 212 and declines generally from or adjacent to a top of the rear wall 222 toward the ground surface 65 upon which the tent 210 is placed. In one suitable embodiment, the rear portion 228 of the roof 216 includes one or more tie downs 233 for securing the rearward end of the rear portion 228 to the ground surface 65. The tie down 233 can be secured to the ground surface 65, for example, using a conventional tent stake, sand bags, or otherwise (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to the ground surface 65. It is also contemplated that the tie downs 233 can be secured (e.g., tied) to any suitable structure (not shown) capable of holding the rear portion 228 of the roof 216 in the desired position. The rear portion 228 of the roof 216 is configured to provide protection to the rear wall 222 of the shell 212 from the elements (e.g., precipitation, wind, and/or sun).
With reference now to FIGS. 15 and 18, each of the side walls 218 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 210 is generally triangular in shape. Specifically, each of the illustrated side walls 218 defines an acute triangle. As a result of the generally triangular side walls 218, the interior chamber 227 of the illustrated embodiment of the tent 210 has a substantially greater volume in a head end of the tent 210 as compared to the volume in a foot end of the tent 210. It is understood, however, that the side walls 218 can have any suitable shape including, e.g., any suitable quadrilateral without departing from some aspects of this invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the side walls 218 comprises an upper panel 234 and a lower panel 236. The upper panels 234 of the illustrated side walls 218 are made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) 238 to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 227 of the shell 212. In one suitable embodiment, the upper panel 234 of each of the side walls 218 includes a closure panel (not seen in this embodiment) selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material 238 and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The mesh material 238 of at least one of the illustrated side walls 218 is selectively moveable between an opened position for allowing users of the tent 210 ingress to and egress from the interior chamber 227 of the shell 212, and a closed position.
The front wall 220, which can be seen in FIG. 14, is generally an isosceles trapezoid having an upper edge 220 a, a lower edge 220 b, and two side edges 220 c-d extending between and connecting the upper and lower edges 220 a, 220 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge 220 a is longer (i.e., has a greater length) than the lower edge 220 b. Thus, the side edges 220 c-d taper inward as they extend from the longer upper edge 220 a to the shorter lower edge 220 b. It is contemplated, however, that the front wall 220 can have any suitable size and shape.
As in the previously described embodiments, the roof 216 extends laterally beyond the lower edge of the front wall 220, which is aligned with the forward edge of the floor 224, to define a drip line DL (FIG. 16). In one suitable embodiment, the drip line DL on each side of the illustrated tent 210 is approximately 6.5 inches. It is understood, that the drip line DL can be any suitable distance without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, the front wall 220 includes a pair of pockets 242 a-b. One of the pockets 242 a-b is disposed adjacent the intersection of the upper edge 220 a and one of the side edges 220 c-d, and the other pocket is disposed adjacent the intersection of the upper edge 220 a and the opposite side edge 220 c-d. As described in more detail below, each of the pockets 242 a-b is sized and shaped for receiving and thereby capturing a handle of a conventional trekking pole or any other suitable pole (e.g., a conventional tent pole).
Referring now to FIG. 14, the front wall 220 includes a generally triangular panel 244 and a peripheral panel 246 surrounding the triangular panel 244 and defining the outer edges of the front wall 220. The triangular panel 244 of the illustrated front wall 220 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 227 of the shell 212. In one suitable embodiment, the triangular panel 244 includes a closure panel (not shown) selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps).
With reference to FIG. 17, the rear wall 222 of the illustrated shell 212 includes a generally triangular panel. In one suitable embodiment, the rear wall 222 is made at least in part of a suitable mesh material (or screen) to provide ventilation and openness to the interior chamber 227 of the shell 212. In such an embodiment, the rear wall 222 suitably includes a closure panel (not shown) selectively moveable between a closed position wherein the closure panel overlies the mesh material and an opened position wherein the closure panel is spaced from the mesh material. The closure panel can be held in the closed position using any suitable fastener (e.g., a slide fastener, peg and loop, hook and loop, buttons, and/or snaps). It is contemplated that the rear wall 222 can have any suitable size and shape.
The floor 224 is adapted to lie in face-to-face engagement with the ground surface 65 when the tent 210 is in the erect position. In one suitable embodiment, the floor 224 includes a generally rectangular floor panel 248, which is best seen in FIG. 16, and a peripheral side wall 249 (FIG. 14) that extends upward a suitable distance (e.g., six inches) from the floor panel 224. The floor 224 is attached, such as by stitching, to the side walls 218, the front wall 220, and the rear wall 222 along an upper edge of the side wall 249 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14). As a result, any seams or stitch lines formed by attaching the floor 224 to the side walls 218, the front wall 220, and the rear wall 222 are spaced from the ground surface 65.
In the illustrated embodiment and as seen in FIG. 14, each of the front struts 252 a-b is a conventional trekking pole. In this embodiment, the trekking poles 252 a-b cross each other along their respective lengths as they extend from the pockets 242 a-b to the ground surface 65. However, the poles 252 a-b are not directly coupled to each other. Thus, each of the trekking poles is free to move relative to the other trekking pole. In one suitable embodiment, the trekking poles (or other suitable pole used for the front struts 252 a-b) can be secured to the ground surface 65 or adjacent the ground surface 65 using any suitable means. In one embodiment, tips of the trekking poles 252 a-b are penetrated into the ground surface 65. In another embodiment, the strut securing assembly 60 illustrated in FIG. 7 can be used in addition to or instead of the tip of the trekking pole being penetrated into the ground surface 65. In the illustrated embodiment, the trekking poles 252 a-b are secured to or adjacent the ground surface 65 using another suitable embodiment, a strut securing assembly, indicated generally at 260. In this embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the securing assembly 260 comprises a strip 262 having a plurality of circular grommets 270 secured (e.g., stitched) to the floor panel 248 of floor 224. The grommets 270 are provided for capturing the ends of the front struts 252 a-b (e.g., the tip end of the trekking poles in the illustrated embodiment) simply by inserting the end into a desired one of the grommets in the strip 262 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 19. The ends of the front struts 252 a-b can be readily moved along the length of the strip 262 to accommodate struts (e.g., trekking poles) having various lengths by inserting the end into the desired grommet 270.
In one suitable embodiment, the tent 210 is lightweight. Suitably, the tent 210 is less than 7 pounds, more suitably less than 5 pounds and even more suitably less than 3 pounds. It is understood, however, that in other suitable embodiments, the tent 210 can weigh more than 7 pounds (i.e., not be a lightweight tent) without departing from some aspects of this disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 16-18, width W1 is preferably approximately 26 inches, width W2 is preferably approximately 48 inches, length L1 is preferably approximately 40 inches, length L2 is preferably approximately 47 inches, length L3 is preferably approximately 23 inches, length L4 is preferably approximately 78 inches, length L5 is preferably approximately 47 inches, length L6 is preferably approximately 84 inches, length L7 is preferably approximately 88 inches, height H1 is preferably approximately 15 inches, height H2 is preferably approximately 24 inches, height H3 is preferably approximately 42 inches, angle X1 is preferably approximately 111 degrees, and angle X2 is preferably approximately 98 degrees. It is within the scope of the invention for tent 210 to have other suitable dimensions.
Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, an alternative embodiment of tensegrity support assembly for use with tent 210 is identified generally as 310. Support assembly 310 includes a rear strut 350 and front struts 352 a-b, which are substantially similar as the rear strut 250 and front struts 252 a-b described above. Support assembly 310 also includes a cable or cables 354 extending between the points A-J. Cable(s) 354 are secured to the ground or another suitable structure at points I and J in a similar manner as described above with respect to tent 210. Cable(s) 354 are in tension and struts 350 and 352 a-b are in compression. Front struts 352 a-b are connected by cables 354 extending between points A, B, C, and D. Rear strut 350 is connected to the pair of front struts 352 a-b by cables 354 extending between point G and points C, D through point H. Rear strut 350 is further connected to the pair of front struts 352 a-b by cables 354 extending between point G and points A, B, C, D through points E, F. The pair of front struts 352 a-b and the rear strut 350 are connected to the ground surface 65 through the respective tie downs at points I, J. The cables 354 may be part of a shell including sheets of fabric material connected to the cables to provide a covering as shown in FIGS. 13-19 with respect to tent 210.
Referring to at least FIGS. 1-7, in operation, tent 10 is erected in accordance with the following steps. First, floor 24 is laid out over the ground surface 65 and straps 51 a-d are staked to the ground surface 65. One end of each front strut 52 a-b is then inserted into one of pockets 42 a-b, and the other end of each front strut 52 a-b is inserted into grommet 70 (FIG. 7) and/or the ground, which tensions front wall 20. The front portion 25 of roof 16 is then loosely staked to the ground via a tie down (not shown) provided at the midpoint of lower edge 25 b in order to ensure that the front portion 25 is centered with respect to front wall 20. One of tie downs 30 a-b is then pulled to tension front portion 25 of roof 16, and the tie down 30 a-b is staked to the ground. Next, the other of tie downs 30 a-b is pulled to tension front portion 25 of roof 16, and the tie down 30 a-b is staked to the ground. The stake may then be removed from the tie down (not shown) at the midpoint of lower edge 25 b. Rear strut 50 is inserted into sleeve 47, and the ends of rear strut 50 are inserted into the grommets (not shown) in straps 51 c-d thereby tensioning rear wall 22. Tie down 33 is then pulled to tension the rear portion 28 of roof 16, and tie down 33 is staked to the ground. Tie downs 30 a-b are pulled and restaked if necessary in order to ensure that front portion 25 is centered with respect to front wall 20. Tents 110 and 210 are erected in a similar manner.
When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Moreover, the use of “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “below” and variations of these terms is made for convenience, and does not require any particular orientation of the components.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth, together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the invention.
Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.
While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, various modifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. A portable structure configured for erection with a first front strut and a second front strut, comprising:

a shell moveable between a stowed position and an erect position, wherein a longitudinal direction of the shell extends between a front edge and a rear edge of the shell, and wherein the shell comprises:

a first strut coupler that is positioned adjacent the front edge and that is configured to be coupled to a first front strut;

a second strut coupler that is positioned adjacent the front edge and that is configured to be coupled to a second front strut;

a first tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away from the front edge when the shell is in the erect position; and

a second tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away from the rear edge when the shell is in the erect position, and wherein the first tension member and the second tension member are each configured to be coupled to at least one of a ground surface and an external structure to tension the shell in the longitudinal direction when the shell is in the erect position; and

a rear strut coupled to the shell adjacent the rear edge when the shell is in the erect position.

2. The portable structure of claim 1, wherein the shell further comprises a roof, a front wall coupled to the roof, and a rear wall coupled to the roof.

3. The portable structure of claim 2, wherein the front wall comprises an upper edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and a lower edge, wherein the first strut coupler comprises a first pocket positioned adjacent the upper edge and the first side edge, and wherein the second strut coupler comprises a second pocket positioned adjacent the upper edge and the second side edge.

4. The portable structure of claim 3, wherein the upper edge of the front wall is longer than the lower edge of the front wall.

5. The portable structure of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises a pair of side walls each coupled to the front wall and the roof, and wherein the shell comprises a floor that is coupled to at least one of the front wall, each of the side walls, and the rear wall.

6. The portable structure of claim 5, wherein at least one of the side walls comprises a door.

7. The portable structure of claim 6, wherein a lateral direction of the shell is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein no portion of the structure extends outward in the lateral direction in front of the side wall comprising the door to provide unobstructed access to the door.

8. The portable structure of claim 5, wherein the floor has a first width and the roof has a second width adjacent the front wall that is greater than the first width.

9. The portable structure of claim 1, wherein the first tension member comprises a first guyline, and the second tension member comprises a second guyline.

10. The portable structure of claim 1, wherein the first tension member comprises a sheet coupled to the front edge, wherein the sheet comprises a tie down that is configured to be coupled to at least one of a ground surface and an external structure.

11. The portable structure of claim 1, further comprising a first front strut comprising a first end coupled to the first strut coupler and a second end adjacent a ground surface, and a second front strut comprising a first end coupled to the second strut coupler and a second end adjacent a ground surface.

12. The portable structure of claim 11, wherein, when the shell is in the erect position, the first front strut forms a first acute angle with respect to a ground surface and the second front strut forms a second acute angle with respect to a ground surface.

13. The portable structure of claim 1, wherein the rear strut is one of a straight rod or a semicircular hoop.

14. The portable structure of claim 1, further comprising a strut securing assembly coupled to the shell, wherein the strut securing assembly comprises a third strut coupler that is configured to be coupled to a first front strut, and a fourth strut coupler that is configured to be coupled to a second front strut.

15. The portable structure of claim 14, wherein a lateral direction of the shell is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the third strut coupler is spaced from the first strut coupler in the lateral direction, and wherein the fourth strut coupler is spaced from the second strut coupler in the lateral direction.

16. A portable structure comprising:

a shell comprising a roof, a pair of sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a floor, wherein the roof, the pair of sidewalls, the front wall, the rear wall, and the floor are configured to cooperatively define an interior chamber of the shell; and

a tensegrity support assembly coupled to the shell and configured to support the shell, the tensegrity support assembly comprising a first strut, a second strut, a rear strut, and a plurality of tension members coupled to and extending between at least two of the first strut, the second strut, and the rear strut.

17. The portable structure of claim 16, wherein the roof comprises an awning laterally extending outward therefrom and beyond the pair of sidewalls.

18. The portable structure of claim 16, further comprising a first strut coupler coupled to the shell and removably coupled to the first strut and a second strut coupler coupled to the shell and removably coupled to the second strut.

19. The portable structure of claim 16, further comprising a first strut coupler coupled to the shell and configured to reciprocally receive the first strut and a second strut coupler coupled to the shell and configured to reciprocally receive the second strut.

20. A portable structure configured for erection with a first front strut and a second front strut, comprising:

a shell moveable between a stowed position and an erect position, wherein the shell comprises a roof, a front wall coupled to the roof, a rear wall coupled to the roof, a pair of side walls each coupled to the front wall and the roof, and a floor coupled to the front wall, the rear wall, and each of the side walls, wherein a longitudinal direction of the shell extends between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the front wall comprises an upper edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, and a lower edge, wherein the front wall comprises a first strut coupler positioned adjacent the upper edge and the first side edge, wherein the first strut coupler is configured to be coupled to a first front strut, wherein the front wall comprises a second strut coupler positioned adjacent the upper edge and the second side edge, wherein the second strut coupler is configured to be coupled to a second front strut, wherein the roof comprises a first tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away from the front wall when the shell is in the erect position, wherein the roof comprises a second tension member extending in the longitudinal direction away from the rear wall when the shell is in the erect position.