US20180142494A1

US20180142494A1 - Tent connector and tent including the same

Info

Publication number: US20180142494A1
Application number: US15/819,249
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeh Kun LAH
Original assignee: DONGAH ALUMINIUM CORP
Current assignee: DONGAH ALUMINIUM CORP
Priority date: 2016-11-24
Filing date: 2017-11-21
Publication date: 2018-05-24
Also published as: DE202017107114U1; KR200487940Y1; KR20180001636U

Abstract

Disclosed is a tent connector allowing easy assembling and dissembling of a band and a hook and having excellent rigidity and a tent including the tent connector. The tent connector includes: a band whose one end is rolled to form a ring; a hook having a hanging portion to be hung on a pole, hinges extending from both sides of the hanging portion so that both ends of the ring are inserted therein, and insert holes through which the hinges at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft inserted into the insert holes of the hook and the ring of the band and detachably coupled thereto.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 20-2016-0006832, filed on Nov. 24, 2016, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the contents of which in its entirety are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a connector for hanging a tent cloth to a pole, and more particularly, to a tent connector allowing easy assembling and dissembling of a band and a hook and having excellent rigidity and a tent including the tent connector.

2. Description of the Related Art

A connector used for a tent hangs a tent cloth to a pole at several points so that the tent cloth is tightly stretched.
An existing tent connector is shaped as shown in FIG. 1 and as disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2.
Referring to FIG. 1, a tent connector 10 is configured so that a band 30 wound at a ring hole 22 of a hook 20. One end of the band 30 is fixed to a tent cloth 2 by stitching or the like, so that the tent connector 10 is always attached to the tent cloth 2.
In a state where the pole is arranged out of the tent cloth 2, if the hook 20 of the tent connector 10 is hung on the pole, the tent cloth 2 is tightly pulled, and thus the tent may have an arch or dome shape.
The tent connector 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided so that the band 30 is not separated from the ring hole 22 of the hook 20. Thus, even though the hook 20 is broken or damaged during use, it is impossible to exchange the hook 20, and the stitched portion of the band 30 should be torn off and then the tent connector should be exchanged entirely.
In addition, when one side of the band 30 is stitched to the tent cloth 2, a sufficient distance d between the tent cloth 2 and the hook 20 should be secured due to the interference with a presser foot of a sewing machine, and thus the band 30 has a great length and a distance D between the tent cloth 2 and the pole is increased. If the band 30 has a great length and the distance D between the tent cloth 2 and the pole is increased, a binding force between the tent cloth 2 and the pole is decreased, and relative movements are increased. Thus, the tent is shaken severely just with little wind.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a tent connector, in which a width of a hook portion hung on a pole is enlarged, and both right and left sides of the hook are fixed by using two bands (webbing) to improve the structural rigidity. However, this tent connector has a complicated structure, and it is difficult to reduce the length of the band. Moreover, it is impossible to separate the hook from the band.
Patent Literature 2 discloses a tent connector, in which a cut portion is formed at a lower frame of a ring hole or a body portion of a hook, so that a band may be put in or taken out through the cut portion. However, the ring hole or the hook becomes fragile due to the cut portion and thus may be easily broken, and thus it is difficult to tightly pull the tent cloth.

RELATED LITERATURES

Patent Literature

(Patent Literature 1) Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0254088
(Patent Literature 2) Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0479014

SUMMARY

Thus, the present disclosure is directed to providing a providing a tent connector allowing easy assembling and dissembling of a band and a hook and having excellent rigidity, and a tent including the tent connector.
In one aspect, there is provided a tent connector, comprising: a band 110 whose one end is rolled to form a ring 112; a hook 120 having a hanging portion 122 to be hung on a pole, hinges 124 extending from both sides of the hanging portion 122 so that both ends of the ring 112 are inserted therein, and insert holes 126 through which the hinges 124 at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft 130 inserted into the insert holes 126 of the hook 120 and the ring 112 of the band 110 and detachably coupled thereto.
In the tent connector according to the present disclosure, the hinge shaft 130 may be detachably coupled by forming a jaw portion 136, hooked by the insert hole 126, and a cut groove 138 extending in an axial direction at an end of a shaft portion 134 of the hinge shaft 130, so that the jaw portion 136 passes through the insert hole 126 or is hooked by the insert hole 126 after passing through the insert hole 126 due to elastic expansion and shrinkage in a diameter direction through the cut groove 138.
In the tent connector according to the present disclosure, the shaft portion 134 of the hinge shaft 130 may include a large-diameter portion 134 a put on a first insert hole 126 a of a first hinge 124 a of the hinge 124 and the ring 112 of the band 110, and a small-diameter portion 134 b put on a second insert hole 126 b of a second hinge 124 b of the hinge 124.
In the tent connector according to the present disclosure, the band 110 may be made of cloth or an elastic material.
The tent connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of tent connectors 100, each including: a band 110 whose one end is rolled to form a ring 112; a hook 120 having a hanging portion 122 to be hung on a pole, hinges 124 extending from both sides of the hanging portion 122 so that both ends of the ring 112 are inserted therein, and insert holes 126 through which the hinges 124 at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft 130 inserted into the insert holes 126, 126 of the hook 120 and the ring 112 of the band 110 and detachably coupled thereto, wherein a side of the band 110 of the tent connector 100 opposite to the ring 112 is attached to a tent cloth 2.
The tent connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an inner tent 2 a and an outer tent 2 b, wherein a plurality of tent connectors 100, each including: a band 110 whose one end is rolled to form a ring 112; a hook 120 having a hanging portion 122 to be hung on a pole 4, hinges 124 extending from both sides of the hanging portion 122 so that both ends of the ring 112 are inserted therein, and insert holes 126 through which the hinges 124 at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft 130 inserted into the insert holes 126, 126 of the hook 120 and the ring 112 of the band 110 and detachably coupled thereto, is prepared so that a side of the band 110 opposite to the ring 112 is attached to an outer surface of the outer tent 2 b, wherein the inner tent 2 a and the outer tent 2 b are connected by means of an intermediate connector 300, and wherein the hook 120 of the tent connector 100 is hung on the pole 4 passing at the outside of the outer tent 2 b so that the outer tent 2 b and the inner tent 2 a are pulled together with the tent connector 100 and the intermediate connector 300.
In the tent according to the present disclosure, the intermediate connector 300 may include: a band 110 whose one end is rolled to form a ring 112; a hook 120 having a hanging portion 122, hinges 124 extending from both sides of the hanging portion 122 so that both ends of the ring 112 are inserted therein, and insert holes 126 through which the hinges 124 at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft 130 inserted into the insert holes 126, 126 of the hook 120 and the ring 112 of the band 110 and detachably coupled thereto, so that a side of the band 110 opposite to the ring 112 is attached to an outer surface of the inner tent 2 a, and a hanging member 200 may be attached to an inner surface of the outer tent 2 b so that the hook 120 is hung thereon.
In the tent according to the present disclosure, the intermediate connector 300 may include a hook 310, and a band 320 for connecting the hook 310 to an outer surface of the inner tent 2 a, and a hanging member 200 for hanging the hook 120 may be attached to an inner surface of the outer tent 2 b.
In the tent according to the present disclosure, one end of the intermediate connector 300 may be made of a band-type member 330 whose both ends are attached to an inner surface of the outer tent 2 b and an outer surface of the inner tent 2 a.
In the tent connector according to the present disclosure, the band and the hook are detachably coupled by using a hinge shaft and thus ensure convenient coupling and separation, and the hook or the hinge shaft may be easily exchanged when being damaged.
In addition, the length of the tent connector may be minimized, and thus the distance between the pole and the tent cloth may be reduced. Accordingly, the pole has a reduced length and enhanced rigidity, and relative movements between the pole and the tent cloth are decreased. Thus, it is possible to implement a stable tent which is not easily shaken even by strong wind.
In addition, since portions which support the load for pulling the tent cloth have no fragile point and the load is distributed and supported by the hinge shaft and the hinge, the rigidity and the load carrying capacity of the connector are enhanced.
In addition, if the tent connector according to the present disclosure is applied to a pole-outside tent, the pole has reduced length and weight and enhanced rigidity, and movements between the outer tent and the pole are reduced. Thus, it is possible to implement a tent with improved wind resistance and improved snow endurance.
In addition, if the inner tent and the outer tent are connected in advance by using an intermediate connector, when the tent is installed, the outer tent and the inner tent are pulled together by hanging the tent connector of the outer tent to the pole, and thus the tent may be easily spread and installed at once.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a general tent connector.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a tent connector according to the present disclosure, observed from the back.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the tent connector according to the present disclosure, observed from the front.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the tent connector according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectioned view showing the tent connector according to the present disclosure in an assembled state.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a tent including the tent connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a tent including the tent connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a tent including the tent connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a tent including the tent connector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a tent connector and a tent according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show a tent connector according to the present disclosure, where FIG. 2 is a perspective view, observed from the back, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view, observed from the front.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure includes a band 110 attached to a tent cloth 2, and a hook 120 detachably coupled to the band 110 by means of a hinge shaft 130.
In other words, the band 110 and the hook 120 are connected by coupling the hinge shaft 130, and the hook 120 is separated from the band 110 by releasing the hinge shaft 130.
The band 110 may be made of cloth, or, if necessary, an elastic material. An opposite side of the band 110 is attached to the tent cloth 2 by stitching or the like.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show the tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure in more detail, where FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectioned view in an assembled state.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, one end of the band 110 of the tent connector 100 is rolled to form a ring 112, and the other end of the hand 110 is attached to the tent cloth 2.
The hook 120 includes a hanging portion 122 to be hung on a pole, hinges 124 extending from both sides of the hanging portion 122, and insert holes 126 through which the hinges 124 at both sides pass.
The hinges 124 at both sides maintain a distance therebetween so that both ends of the ring 112 may be inserted therein.
The hinge shaft 130 is easily coupled by inserting into the insert hole 126 of the hinge 124 and the ring 112 of the band 110 at once and is easily separated by taking out from the ring 112 and the insert hole 126.
The band 110 may be stitched to the tent cloth 2 while pressing the ring 112 into a flat form in a state where the hook 120 is separated. Thus, the band 110 does not cause interference with a presser foot of a sewing machine, and accordingly its length drooping from the tent cloth 2 may be minimized. Since the distance between the pole and the tent cloth 2 is decreased as the band 110 has a shorter length, the pole has a reduced length and enhanced rigidity, and relative movements between the pole and the tent cloth 2 are reduced. Thus, it is possible to implement a stable tent which is not easily shaken even by strong wind.
The hinge shaft 130 has a head portion 132 and a shaft portion 134, and the shaft portion 134 is inserted into the insert hole 126 of the hinge 124 and the ring 112 of the band 110.
A jaw portion 136 hooked by the insert hole 126 is formed on the shaft portion 134 at an end of the hinge shaft 130, namely an end opposite to the head portion 132, and a cut groove 138 is formed in an axial direction. The end of the shaft portion 134 may be elastically extended or shrunk by the cut groove 138 in a diameter direction, and thus the jaw portion 136 passes through the insert hole 126 or is hooked by the insert hole 126 after passing through the insert hole 126. In other words, when the jaw portion 136 having a greater diameter than the insert hole 126 passes through the insert hole 126, the jaw portion 136 is shrunk inwards in a diameter direction by means of the cut groove 138, and after passing through the insert hole 126, the jaw portion 136 is elastically expanded and restored outwards in a diameter direction and thus is hooked by the insert hole 126.
When the hinge shaft 130 is separated, the jaw portion 136 is pressed inwards in a diameter direction by the hand or using a tool to reduce its diameter, and then the jaw portion 136 may be easily taken out from the insert hole 126.
In order to facilitate easier coupling and separation of the hinge shaft 130, the shaft portion 134 may be composed of a large-diameter portion 134 a and a small-diameter portion 134 b. The jaw portion 136 is formed at an end of the small-diameter portion 134 b.
In response, the insert holes 126 of the hinges 124 at both sides of the hook 120 have different diameters. In other words, in the hinge 124, a first insert hole 126 a of a first hinge 124 a has a large diameter so that the large-diameter portion 134 a may pass therethrough, and a second insert hole 126 b of a second hinge 124 b has a small diameter so that only the small-diameter portion 134 b may pass therethrough.
By doing so, the small-diameter portion 134 b and the jaw portion 136 of the hinge shaft 130 may freely pass through the first insert hole 126 a of the first hinge 124 a. Thus, when the hinge shaft 130 is taken out, the jaw portion 136 is pressed inwards in a diameter direction and taken out from the second insert hole 126 b, and then the jaw portion 136 may easily pass through the first insert hole 126 a even though it is not pressed again.
The large-diameter portion 134 a of the hinge shaft 130 gives a support all over the first insert hole 126 a of the first hinge 124 a and the ring 112 of the band 110, and the small-diameter portion 134 b gives a support all over the second insert hole 126 b of the second hinge 124 b.
As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the band 110 and the hook 120 are connected by means of the hinge shaft 130, if the hook 120 is hung on the pole to pull the tent cloth 2, its load is distributed and supported by the hinge shaft 130 and the hinge 124. By doing so, the load resistance is increased to enhance the supporting rigidity, compared with the existing connector depicted in FIG. 1 and disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2.
The band 110 may be made of cloth, and, if necessary, made of an elastic material. The cloth may be applied to a tent which receives a large load, and the elastic material may be applied to a tent which pulls the tent cloth 2 just by its elasticity.
Next, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a tent including the tent connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is also referred to.
Referring to FIG. 2, a tent according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of tent connectors 100 as described above, which are attached to the tent cloth 2 at intervals. An end of the band 110 of the tent connector 100 may be attached to the tent cloth 2 by stitching using a sewing machine. The hook 120 is coupled to the band 110 which is attached to the tent cloth 2 by using the hinge shaft 130.
By doing so, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a tent 2 a to which the tent connector 100 is attached is prepared.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when a tent is installed, a pole 4 is arranged at the outside of the tent 2 a, and the hook 120 of the tent connector 100 is pulled and hooked to the pole 4. If all of the plurality of tent connectors 100 are hooked to the pole 4, the tent 2 a is tightly stretched toward the pole 4. In the tent connector 100 of the present disclosure, after only the band 110 of the tent connector 100 is stitched to the tent 2 a, the hook 120 is coupled by using the hinge shaft 130. Thus, there is no interference with a presser foot of a sewing machine when the band 110 is stitched, and so it is possible to minimize the length of the tent connector 100. Accordingly, the distance between the pole 4 and the tent 2 a is decreased, and thus the pole has a decreased length and enhanced rigidity. Also, relative movements between the pole 4 and the tent 2 a are reduced, and so it is possible to implement a stable tent which is not easily shaken even by strong wind. In addition, even though the hook 120 or the hinge shaft 130 is damaged, it may be easily exchanged.
The outer tent 2 b may be provided to cover the outside of the pole 4. The outer tent 2 b may be a so-called ‘fly’. The fly gives a waterproof function in case of rain and also gives an insulating function, as well known in the art.
Next, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a tent including the tent connector 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the tent of this embodiment is a so-called ‘pole-outside tent’, in which the pole 4 is disposed at the outside of the outer tent 2 b, namely at the outside of the fly.
In the pole-outside tent, the pole 4 is installed at the outermost side, and thus the pole 4 has an increased length and weakened tent supporting rigidity, which results in deteriorated wind resistance and snow endurance.
In this embodiment, by applying the tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure to the pole-outside tent, it is possible to enhance rigidity and ensure convenient installation.
In detail, in the tent of this embodiment, the tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure is attached to an outer surface of the outer tent 2 b, and the inner tent 2 a and the outer tent 2 b are connected by means of an intermediate connector 300.
As described above, the tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure may have a short length, and the distance between the outer tent 2 b and the pole 4 may be minimized. Thus, the pole 4 have reduced length and weight and enhanced rigidity, relative movements between the outer tent 2 b and the pole 4 are reduced, and thus it is possible to implement a pole-outside tent with improved wind resistance and snow endurance.
In addition, in the tent of this embodiment, the inner tent 2 a and the outer tent 2 b are connected by means of the intermediate connector 300. If the intermediate connector 300 is connected in advance, when the tent is installed, just by hanging the tent connector 100 of the outer tent 2 b on the pole 4, the outer tent 2 b and the inner tent 2 a are pulled together, and so the tent may be easily spread and installed at once.
In the tent depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure is also applied to the intermediate connector 300. The band 110 of the tent connector 100 is attached to an outer surface of the inner tent 2 a. The hanging member 200 is attached to an inner surface of the outer tent 2 b so that the hook 120 of the tent connector 100 is hooked thereto. The hanging member 200 may have any shape without limitation and may have a rod or stick shape with the same section as the pole 4 so that the hook 120 may be hooked thereto.
By applying the tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure to the intermediate connector 300 which connects the inner tent 2 a and the outer tent 2 b, the distance between the inner tent 2 a and the outer tent 2 b may be minimized. Thus, relative movements between the outer tent 2 b and the inner tent 2 a are reduced, and the inner tent 2 a may be pulled more tightly. Thus, the wind resistance of the entire tent is improved.
The band 110 of the connector 100 applied to the intermediate connector 300 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. If the band 110 is made of an elastic material, elasticity is endowed as much as the power of pulling the inner tent 2 a, and thus the power of pulling the inner tent 2 a may be suitably set in advance.
Meanwhile, if the intermediate connector 300 is configured using the connector 100 according to the present disclosure and the hanging member 200, it is possible to install only the inner tent 2 a, without the outer tent 2 b. In other words, the hanging member 200 is separated from the hook 120 of the intermediate connector 300, the pole is installed at the outer side of the inner tent 2 a, and then the hook 120 of the connector 100 is hooked to the pole.
Next, FIG. 10 shows a pole-outside tent including the tent connector 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
The embodiment of FIG. 10 is substantially identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, except for the intermediate connector 300.
In other words, it is depicted that the intermediate connector 300 may employ any other connector, instead of the tent connector 100 according to the present disclosure.
The intermediate connector 300 depicted in FIG. 10 includes a hook 310 and a band 320 according to another embodiment. The hanging member 200 is attached to an inner surface of the outer tent 2 b so that the hook 120 is hooked thereto.
The band 320 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber.
Next, FIG. 11 shows a pole-outside tent including the tent connector 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
The embodiment of FIG. 11 is substantially identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 10, except for the intermediate connector 300.
In other words, in this embodiment, it is depicted that the intermediate connector 300 may be configured simply using a band-type member 330.
Both ends of the band-type member 330 are respectively attached to the inner surface of the outer tent 2 b and the outer surface of the inner tent 2 a by means of stitching or the like.
The band-type member 330 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber.
If the intermediate connector 300 is configured using the band-type member 330, when the inner tent 2 a and the outer tent 2 b are folded together, their volume may be reduced.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tent connector, comprising:

a band whose one end is rolled to form a ring;

a hook having a hanging portion to be hung on a pole, hinges extending from both sides of the hanging portion so that both ends of the ring are inserted therein, and insert holes through which the hinges at both sides pass; and

a hinge shaft inserted into the insert holes of the hook and the ring of the band and detachably coupled thereto.

2. The tent connector according to claim 1,

wherein the detachable coupling of the hinge shaft is made by forming a jaw portion, hooked by the insert hole, and a cut groove extending in an axial direction at an end of a shaft portion of the hinge shaft, so that the jaw portion passes through the insert hole or is hooked by the insert hole after passing through the insert hole due to elastic expansion and contraction in a diameter direction through the cut groove.

3. The tent connector according to claim 1,

wherein the shaft portion of the hinge shaft includes a large-diameter portion put on a first insert hole of a first hinge of the hinge and the ring of the band, and a small-diameter portion put on a second insert hole of a second hinge of the hinge.

4. The tent connector according to claim 1,

wherein the band is made of cloth.

5. The tent connector according to claim 1,

wherein the band is made of an elastic material.

6. A tent, comprising:

a plurality of tent connectors, each including a band whose one end is rolled to form a ring; a hook having a hanging portion to be hung on a pole, hinges extending from both sides of the hanging portion so that both ends of the ring are inserted therein, and insert holes through which the hinges at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft inserted into the insert holes of the hook and the ring of the band and detachably coupled thereto,

wherein a side of the band of the tent connector opposite to the ring is attached to a tent cloth.

7. A tent, comprising:

an inner tent and an outer tent,

wherein a plurality of tent connectors, each including a band whose one end is rolled to form a ring; a hook having a hanging portion to be hung on a pole, hinges extending from both sides of the hanging portion so that both ends of the ring are inserted therein, and insert holes through which the hinges at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft inserted into the insert holes of the hook and the ring of the band and detachably coupled thereto, is prepared so that a side of the band opposite to the ring is attached to an outer surface of the outer tent,

wherein the inner tent and the outer tent are connected by means of an intermediate connector, and

wherein the hook of the tent connector is hung on the pole passing at the outside of the outer tent so that the outer tent and the inner tent are pulled together by the tent connector and the intermediate connector.

8. The tent according to claim 7,

wherein the intermediate connector includes a band whose one end is rolled to form a ring; a hook having a hanging portion, hinges extending from both sides of the hanging portion so that both ends of the ring are inserted therein, and insert holes through which the hinges at both sides pass; and a hinge shaft inserted into the insert holes of the hook and the ring of the band and detachably coupled thereto, so that a side of the band opposite to the ring is attached to an outer surface of the inner tent, and

wherein a hanging member is attached to an inner surface of the outer tent so that the hook is hung thereon.

9. The tent according to claim 7,

wherein the intermediate connector includes a hook, and a band for connecting the hook to an outer surface of the inner tent, and

wherein a hanging member for hanging the hook is attached to an inner surface of the outer tent.

10. The tent according to claim 7,

wherein one end of the intermediate connector is made of a band-type member whose both ends are attached to an inner surface of the outer tent and an outer surface of the inner tent.