WO2006080750A1

WO2006080750A1 - The tent and frame for one touch type tent

Info

Publication number: WO2006080750A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/003387
Authority: WO
Inventors: Soo-Hwan Kim
Original assignee: Soo-Hwan Kim
Priority date: 2004-10-12
Filing date: 2005-10-12
Publication date: 2006-08-03
Also published as: KR20060032550A; KR100643157B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a one touch type tent frame and a one touch type tent using the frame. This invention simplifies the construction of the tent frame, thus improving productivity, reducing production cost, weight and volume of the one touch type tent, thereby allowing a user to easily carry the one touch type tent. This one touch type tent frame includes: a rib holder having: cover coupling holes formed on the upper surface of the rib holder, coil spring seats formed between the cover coupling holes, and insert holes formed in each of the coil spring seats; a coil spring having symmetric coil bodies seated on each of the coil spring seats, a horizontal bent part which couples the coil bodies to each other, vertical bent parts extending from respective ends of the coil bodies and inserted into the insert holes of each of the coil spring seats; an upper support rib secured to the horizontal bent part of the coil spring and rotated along with the horizontal bent part; and a cover mounted to the upper end of the rib holder and preventing the coil spring from being removed from the rib holder. This invention simplifies the entire construction of the one touch type tent frame.

Description

Description THE TENT AND FRAME FOR ONE TOUCH TYPE TENT

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to one touch type tent frames and one touch type tents using the frame and, more particularly, to a one touch type tent frame and a one touch type tent using the frame, in which the frame of the one touch type tent or "automatic tent" is simplified in its construction, thus improving productivity of the one touch type tent, reducing production cost, weight and volume of the one touch type tent, thereby allowing a user to easily carry the one touch type tent and minimizing damage to the canopy of the tent due to the simple construction. Background Art

[2] Generally, so-called "canopy tents", among a variety of conventional tents used for outdoor activities, such as camping, are specifically designed one touch type tents of a new idea, which are configured to be easily and quickly pitched or closed, thus being convenient to users.

[3] The canopy tents are also called "automatic tents" because the canopy tents can be automatically and quickly pitched or closed if the tent frames are expanded or collapsed by users at desired places, thus contributing to the convenience of users.

[4] An example of conventional canopy tents that are one touch type tents is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 223717 ', entitled "automatic umbrella style canopy tent". This automatic umbrella style canopy tent is configured such that the collapsible tent frame is automatically operated by a spring to easily and quickly pitch or close the tent. However, in the collapsible frame of the automatic umbrella style canopy tent, a plurality of upper canopy support ribs (herein below, referred to simply as "upper support ribs"), to which a canopy is attached and supported, must be provided with collapsible spreaders which are very important elements of the tent frame. Thus, the automatic umbrella style canopy tent suffers from increased production cost, reduced productivity and, furthermore, increased volume and weight thereof, so that it is difficult to carry the tent. Furthermore, while the automatic umbrella style canopy tent is packed and carried by a user, the canopy is squeezed between the upper support ribs and the spreaders, thus becoming undesirably damaged.

[5] Furthermore, as an example of conventional one touch type tents having constructions different from that of the above-mentioned automatic umbrella style canopy tent, Korean Patent Registration No. 0300340 discloses a one touch type tent which is configured such that a tent fly can be easily and simply integrated with or separated from the tent and, furthermore, a protective cover is wound around the joint of each upper support rib to reduce damage to the canopy. However, like the collapsible frame of the above-mentioned automatic umbrella style canopy tent, the upper support ribs, to which a canopy is attached and supported, must be provided with collapsible spreaders which are very important elements of the tent frame. Thus, this tent frame also has the same problems as those of the collapsible frame of the above-mentioned automatic umbrella style canopy tent.

[6] Furthermore, a variety of conventional one touch type tents, in addition to the above-mentioned tents, have been proposed and used widely, however, most conventional one touch type tents are configured such that the collapsible spreaders are coupled to the upper support ribs and cause problems occurring in the above- mentioned one touch type tents.

[7] A one touch type tent, which has a construction different from the construction of the above-mentioned one touch type tents, is proposed in Korean Patent Registration No. 0431410, entitled "one touch type folding tent", which removes umbrella style sub-ribs or the collapsible spreaders from the tent frame. However, in this one touch type tent, the structure of a rib holder, which holds the upper support ribs, is too complex, thus reducing work efficiency while producing and assembling the tents and thereby reducing productivity of the tents. Furthermore, the elasticity of a tension rope or a pulling rope made of a rubber rope is gradually reduced by the repeated pitching and closing motion of the tent frame, so the ropes must be frequently checked and/or replaced with new ones.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problem occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a one touch type tent frame and a one touch type tent using the frame, which are configured to support a canopy using only a plurality of upper support ribs and simplify the coupling construction between the upper support ribs and a rib holder, thus simplifying the entire construction of the frame of the one touch type tent, thereby improving productivity, reducing production cost of the one touch type tent and, furthermore, reducing weight and volume of the one touch type tent, thus allowing a user to easily and simply carry the tent and minimizing damage to the canopy of the tent due to the simple construction of the tent frame.

[9] Another object of the present invention is to provide a one touch type tent frame and a one touch type tent using the frame, which have collapsible spreaders used as a locking device to lock the upper support ribs, so that the spreaders can stably lock the tent frame in a desired state and can securely maintain the pitched state of the tent frame even if significant outside force is applied to the tent. Technical Solution

[10] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame for a one touch type tent, which is simultaneously opened in radial directions to form a desired shape of the tent while pitching the tent and is simultaneously folded in radial directions while closing the tent, comprising:

[11] a rib holder comprising: a plurality of cover coupling holes formed on the upper surface of the rib holder; a plurality of coil spring seats formed between the cover coupling holes; and insert holes formed in each of the coil spring seats;

[12] a coil spring comprising: symmetric coil bodies seated in each of the coil spring seats; a horizontal bent part which couples the coil bodies to each other; and vertical bent parts extending from respective ends of the coil bodies and being inserted into the insert holes of the coil spring seats;

[13] an upper support rib securely coupled to the horizontal bent part of the coil spring and rotated along with the horizontal bent part; and

[14] a cover mounted to the upper end of the rib holder and preventing the coil spring from being removed from the rib holder.

[15] Thus, the present invention simplifies the construction of the one touch type tent frame, thereby improving productivity of the one touch type tent, reducing production cost, weight and volume of the one touch type tent, thereby allowing a user to easily carry the one touch type tent and minimizing damage to the canopy of the tent due to the simple construction.

[16] Furthermore, in the one touch type tent frame according to the present invention, the rib holder may include a through hole formed at the center of the rib holder, with internal threads formed around the inner surface of the through hole; and a hook may be integrally provided on the center of the lower surface of the cover to be placed in the through hole, with a tension rope extending from the hook to the center of a tent canopy, thus preventing the center of the tent canopy from sagging.

[17] Furthermore, the one touch type tent frame may further comprise: a locking shaft coupled to the through hole formed at the center of the rib holder, the locking shaft comprising both a stopper coupling part and a tension rope coupling hook at a lower end thereof; a spreader holder fitted over the locking shaft; a stopper coupled to the stopper coupling part formed at the lower end of the locking shaft; and a spreader coupled to both the spreader holder and the upper support rib at both ends thereof by hinges to form an inverted V-shaped appearance, so that the spreader can stably lock the tent frame in a desired state and can securely maintain the pitched state of the tent frame even if significant outside force is applied to the tent. [18] Furthermore, the one touch type tent frame may further comprise: a locking shaft coupled to the through hole formed at the center of the rib holder, the locking shaft comprising both a stopper coupling part and a tension rope coupling hook at a lower end thereof; a spreader holder fitted over the locking shaft; a stopper coupled to the stopper coupling part formed at the lower end of the locking shaft; and a spreader coupled to both the spreader holder and the upper support rib at both ends thereof by hinges to form a V-shaped appearance, so that the spreader can stably lock the tent frame in a desired state and can securely maintain the pitched state of the tent frame even if significant outside force is applied to the tent.

[19] Furthermore, the one touch type tent frame according to the present invention, which is simultaneously opened in radial directions to form a desired shape of the tent while pitching the tent and is simultaneously folded in radial directions while closing the tent, may comprise:

[20] a rib holder comprising a plurality of spring seats symmetrically formed in the rib holder at positions around the center of the rib holder, with a downward inclined surface formed on each of the spring seats;

[21] a spring secured to the rib holder at a first end thereof such that, when an external force is applied thereto, the spring is folded downwards along an associated spring seat, and when the external force is removed, the spring restores its upper position;

[22] an upper support rib secured to a second end of the spring at a first end thereof; and

[23] a cover mounted to the upper end of the rib holder and preventing the spring from being removed from the rib holder.

[24] Furthermore, the present invention may provide a one touch type tent comprising the above-mentioned frame.

Advantageous Effects

[25] The one touch type tent frame and the one touch type tent using the frame according to the present invention are configured to support the canopy using only the upper support ribs and simplify the coupling construction between the upper support ribs and the rib holder, thus simplifying the entire construction of the frame of the one touch type tent, thereby improving productivity, reducing production cost of the one touch type tent and, furthermore, reducing weight and volume of the one touch type tent, thus allowing a user to easily and simply carry the tent and minimizing damage to the canopy of the tent due to the simple construction of the tent frame.

[26] Furthermore, the one touch type tent frame and the one touch type tent using the frame according to the present invention may have collapsible spreaders used as the locking device to lock the upper support ribs, so that the spreaders can stably lock the tent frame in a desired state and can securely maintain the pitched state of the tent frame even if significant outside force is applied to the tent. Brief Description of the Drawings

[27] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a one touch type tent frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [28] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [29] FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a pitched state of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention which pitches a tent; [30] FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a closed state of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention which closes the tent; [31] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a one touch type tent frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [32] FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [33] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a pitched state of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention which pitches a tent; [34] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a closed state of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention which closes the tent; [35] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a one touch type tent frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [36] FIG. 10 is an assembled perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [37] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a pitched state of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention which pitches a tent; and [38] FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a closed state of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention which closes the tent.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [39] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following descriptions of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it is deemed that they make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear. [40] Herein below, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [41] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a one touch type tent frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawings, the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is simultaneously opened in radial directions to form a desired shape of a tent while pitching the tent, and is simultaneously folded in radial directions while closing the tent, includes:

[42] a rib holder 10 including: a through hole 12 formed at a center of the rib holder, with internal threads 12a formed around the inner surface of the through hole; a plurality of cover coupling holes 14 symmetrically formed in the rib holder at positions around the through hole 12; and a plurality of coil spring seats 16 formed between the cover coupling holes 14;

[43] a coil spring 20 seated on each of the coil spring seats 16 of the rib holder 10;

[44] an upper support rib 30 secured to the coil spring 20 and rotated around the rib holder 10 used as a support shaft; and

[45] a cover 40 having a plurality of locking means through holes 42 corresponding to the cover coupling holes 14 of the rib holder 10, thus being mounted to the upper end of the rib holder 10 using locking means 45.

[46] Herein below, the one touch type tent frame having the above-mentioned construction according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[47] First, the coil spring 20 is a two arm-type torsion spring having a symmetrical structure, which comprises two coil bodies 22, a horizontal bent part 24 coupling the two coil bodies 22 to each other, and vertical bent parts 26 extending from respective ends of the two coil bodies 22.

[48] Each of the coil spring seats 16 of the rib holder 10 is provided with two insert holes 16a to receive the two vertical bent parts 26 of the coil spring 20. The outside end 16b of each of the coil spring seats 16 is tapered to form an inclined end surface which reduces the surface area of the upper surface of each coil spring seat 16 so that, when the horizontal bent part 24 of the coil spring 20 is biased downwards, the horizontal bent part 24 can be prevented from interfering with the spring seat 16. Furthermore, to prevent the coil bodies 22 of the coil spring 20 from projecting upwards outside the upper surface of the rib holder 10, each of the coil spring seats 16 is formed by depressing the upper surface of the rib holder 10 to a depth not lower than the height of the coil bodies 22 of the coil spring 20.

[49] In addition, the horizontal bent part 24 of the coil spring 20 is secured to an end of the upper support rib 30 using a plastic molding member 32 which is formed through insert injection molding. When the horizontal bent part 24 of the coil spring 20 is secured to the molding member 32 of the upper support rib 30, the end of the horizontal bent part 24 of the coil spring 20 is rounded so that the horizontal bent part 24 can be closely secured to the end surface of the upper support rib 30. Thus, the coupling strength between the horizontal bent part 24 and the upper support rib 30 can be increased.

[50] Herein below, the parts of the above-mentioned one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be assembled as follows.

[51] The two vertical bent parts 26 of each coil spring 20, the horizontal bent part 24 of which is secured to the end of the upper support rib 30 using the molding member 32, are inserted into the insert holes 16a formed in each of the coil spring seats 16 of the rib holder 10. Thus, the upper support ribs 30 can be coupled to the rib holder 10 through the coil springs 20.

[52] After all the upper support ribs 30 have been coupled in radial directions to the rib holder 10 using the coil springs 20 as described above, the locking means through holes 42 of the cover 40 are aligned with the respective cover coupling holes 14 of the rib holder 10 and, thereafter, a locking means 45 is fastened through each of the locking means through holes 42 aligned with an associated cover coupling hole 14, thus locking the cover 40 to the upper surface of the rib holder 10. Therefore, the coil springs 20 can be prevented from being undesirably removed from the coil spring seats 16 of the rib holder 10.

[53] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the lower end of each of the upper support ribs 30 according to the present invention is coupled by a hinge 62 to a lower support rib 60, like a conventional one touch type tent. Each of the upper support ribs 30, along with an associated lower support rib 60, is inserted into a plurality of rib insert flaps 52 which is sewn to the outer surface of the tent canopy 50. A support ring 64 is sewn to the lower end of the tent canopy 50 so that the lower end of the lower support rib 60 is inserted into the support ring 64. In the above state, the hinge 62 is well known to those skilled in the art as disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 172539, entitled "hinge locking device for portable tent" and further explanation is thus not deemed necessary.

[54] The operation of the one touch type tent frame having the above-mentioned construction and assembled state according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[55] FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a pitched state of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention which pitches the tent. FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a closed state of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention which closes the tent.

[56] First, the operation of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention when it is desired to pitch the tent will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[57] To pitch the closed tent, the lower support ribs 60, which have been folded to the upper support ribs 30 through the hinges 62, are laid on a support surface (see FIG. 4) and, thereafter, a user moves the upper support ribs 30 upwards. Thus, the upper support ribs 30, which are coupled to the rib holder 10 through the coil springs 20 and have been folded to the rib holder 10, can be automatically opened by the restoring force of the coil springs 20. In other words, the horizontal bent part 24 of each of the coil springs 20, which has been folded to the vertical bent part 26 of the spring 20, is elastically restored to its original state due to its restoring force. Therefore, the upper support ribs 30 can be opened to automatically pitch the one touch type tent frame of the present invention.

[58] To prevent the center of the ceiling of the tent canopy 50 from sagging while the one touch type tent frame of the present invention is in the pitched state, the center of the tent canopy 50 is preferably suspended from the cover 40 by means of a tension rope 48. In other words, a hook 47 is integrally formed on the center of the lower surface of the cover 40 such that the hook 47 can be placed in the through hole 12 of the rib holder 10, with the tension rope 48 extending from the hook 47 to the center of the ceiling of the tent canopy 50.

[59] Thereafter, the operation of the one touch type tent frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention when it is desired to close the tent will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[60] To close the pitched tent, the user holds the lower support ribs 60, which have been stretched from the upper support ribs 30 through the hinges 62, and presses the lower support ribs 60 around the hinges 62, thus causing the lower support ribs 60 to be placed parallel to the support surface.

[61] Thereafter, the user holds the upper support ribs 30 of the pitched tent frame and forcibly pushes the upper support ribs 30 inwards in radial directions, so that the horizontal bent part 24 of each of the coil springs 20 can be folded toward the vertical bent parts 26 (see FIG. 3) of the spring 20. In the above state, the lower support ribs 60 are folded around the hinges 62 to come into contact with the upper support ribs 30, thus completely closing the one touch type tent frame according to the present invention.

[62] Herein below, the second and third embodiments according to the present invention will be sequentially described.

[63] Each of the second and third embodiments of the present invention further includes a subsidiary device which is used as a locking device to lock the upper support ribs 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [64] First, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[65] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawings, like the first embodiment of the present invention, the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises:

[66] a rib holder 10, which has a through hole 12 with internal threads 12a formed around the inner surface of the through hole 12, a plurality of cover coupling holes 14 symmetrically formed around the through hole 12, and a plurality of coil spring seats 16 formed between the cover coupling holes 14;

[67] a coil spring 20 seated in each of the coil spring seats 16 of the rib holder 10;

[68] an upper support rib 30 coupled to the coil spring 20 and rotated around the rib holder 10; and

[69] a cover 40 having a plurality of locking means through holes 42 corresponding to the cover coupling holes 14 of the rib holder 10 so that the cover 40 is locked to the upper end of the rib holder 10 using a locking means 45.

[70] In the above-mentioned one touch type tent frame, a locking shaft 1 having an external threaded bolt shape is fastened to the internal threads 12a formed in the through hole 12 of the rib holder 10. A spreader holder 3, to which a plurality of spreaders 7 are coupled by hinges, is fitted over the locking shaft 1 to move upwards and downwards.

[71] Furthermore, a stopper coupling part Ia is integrally formed at the lower end of the locking shaft 1, with a stopper 5 fastened to the stopper coupling part Ia. Thus, the spreader holder 3 can be prevented from being undesirably removed from the locking shaft 1. In addition, a tension rope coupling hook Ib is integrally formed at the lower end of the stopper coupling part Ia so that a tension rope 48 suspends the center of the ceiling of a tent canopy 50 from the tension rope coupling hook Ib as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

[72] Furthermore, the second end of each of the spreaders 7, the first end of which is coupled by a hinge to the spreader holder 3, is coupled by a hinge to a hinge coupling piece 34 of each of the upper support ribs 30, thus supporting the upper support ribs 30.

[73] Each of the spreaders 7 having the above-mentioned function is coupled by a hinge to each of the upper support ribs 30 using a hinge coupling piece 34 and, at the same time, is coupled by a hinge to the spreader holder 3. In the above state, when the tent frame is closed, the spreaders 7 form an inverted V-shaped appearance as shown in FIG. 8.

[74] The operation of the one touch type tent frame having the above-mentioned construction and assembled state according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[75] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a pitched state of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention which pitches a tent. FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a closed state of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention which closes the tent.

[76] First, the operation of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention when it is desired to pitch the tent will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[77] To pitch the closed tent, the lower support ribs 60, which have been folded to the upper support ribs 30 through the hinges 62, are laid on a support surface (see FIG. 8) and, thereafter, a user moves the upper support ribs 30 upwards. Thus, the upper support ribs 30, which are coupled to the rib holder 10 through the coil springs 20 and have been folded to the rib holder 10, can be automatically opened by the restoring force of the coil springs 20. In other words, the horizontal bent part 24 of each of the coil springs 20, which has been folded to the vertical bent part 26 of the spring 20, is elastically restored to its original state due to its restoring force. Therefore, the upper support ribs 30 can be opened to automatically pitch the one touch type tent frame of the present invention. The above-mentioned operation of the second embodiment remains the same as that described for the first embodiment.

[78] While the upper support ribs 30 are opened as described above, the spreaders 7, which have been coupled to the upper support ribs 30 in an inverted V-shaped appearance, expand in radial directions along with the upper support ribs 30. Thus, the spreader holder 3, which has been placed around the upper part of the locking shaft 1, moves downwards along the locking shaft 1 while biasing the spreaders 7, thereby firmly supporting the opened state of the upper support ribs 30.

[79] If the user presses the spreader holder 3 by imposing pressure on the spreader holder 3 after pitching the tent, the spreader holder 3 is further moved downwards along the locking shaft 1. Thus, the spreaders 7 function as a locking device for the upper support ribs 30. In other words, the spreaders 7 serve as a locking device for the upper support ribs 30, so that the spreaders 7 can stably lock the tent frame in a desired state and can securely maintain the pitched state of the tent frame even if significant outside force is applied to the tent.

[80] Thereafter, the operation of the one touch type tent frame according to the second embodiment of the present invention when it is desired to close the tent will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[81] To close the pitched tent, the user holds the lower support ribs 60, which have been stretched from the upper support ribs 30 through the hinges 62, and presses the lower support ribs 60 around the hinges 62, thus causing the lower support ribs 60 to be placed parallel to the support surface.

[82] Thereafter, the user holds the upper support ribs 30 of the pitched tent frame and forcibly pushes the upper support ribs 30 inwards in radial directions, so that the spreader holder 3, which has been placed around the lower part of the locking shaft 1, can move upwards along the locking shaft 1 and pulls the spreaders 7, thus quickly folding the upper support ribs 30.

[83] After the upper support ribs 30 have been folded as described above, the lower support ribs 60 are folded around the hinges 62 to come into contact with the upper support ribs 30, thus completely closing the one touch type tent frame according to the present invention.

[84] Finally, the third embodiment according to the present invention will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[85] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an assembled perspective view of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawings, the general shape of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention remains the same as that of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[86] However, the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the spreaders 7, which support the upper support ribs 30, are coupled by the hinge coupling pieces 34 to the upper support ribs 30 and, at the same time, coupled by hinges to the spreader holder 3 in a V-shaped appearance, as shown in FIG. 12 which illustrates a closed state of the tent frame according to the third embodiment, unlike the inverted V-shaped appearance according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The above-mentioned difference between the second and third embodiments is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The spreaders 7 according to the second and third embodiments have the same shape, but the lengths of the spreaders 7 of those embodiments are different from each other. Therefore, the positions, at which the spreaders 7 are jointed by hinges to the upper support ribs 30, are different from each other between the second and third embodiments and cause the above-mentioned difference in the coupled appearance of the spreaders 7.

[87] Even if the spreaders 7 according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention are different from each other in their lengths and coupled positions relative to the upper support ribs 30, the spreaders 7 of the two embodiments have the same shape and the same coupled relationship. Thus, the spreaders 7 of the second and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numeral, and the spreaders 7 according to the third embodiment will be described herein below, based on both the difference in the coupled appearance of the spreaders 7 between the second and third embodiments, that is, the inverted V-shaped appearance and the V-shaped appearance, and the difference in the operation of the two embodiments caused by the difference of the coupled appearance.

[88] The one touch type tent frame having the above-mentioned construction and assembled relationship according to the third embodiment of the present invention is operated in the same manner as that described for the second embodiment, but the spreader holder 3 is operated in a manner opposed to the second embodiment.

[89] The above-mentioned operation of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[90] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a pitched state of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention which pitches the tent. FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a closed state of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention which closes the tent.

[91] First, the operation of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of this when it is desired to pitch the tent will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[92] To pitch the closed tent, the lower support ribs 60, which have been folded to the upper support ribs 30 through the hinges 62, are laid on a support surface (see FIG. 12) and, thereafter, a user moves the upper support ribs 30 upwards. Thus, the upper support ribs 30, which are coupled to the rib holder 10 through the coil springs 20 and have been folded to the rib holder 10, can be automatically opened by the restoring force of the coil springs 20. In other words, the horizontal bent part 24 of each of the coil springs 20, which has been folded to the vertical bent part 26 of the spring 20, is elastically restored to its original state due to its restoring force. Therefore, the upper support ribs 30 can be opened to automatically pitch the one touch type tent frame of the present invention. The above-mentioned operation of the third embodiment remains the same as that described for the first and second embodiments.

[93] While the upper support ribs 30 are opened as described above, the spreaders 7, which have been coupled to the upper support ribs 30 in a V-shaped appearance, expand in radial directions along with the upper support ribs 30. Thus, the spreader holder 3, which has been placed around the lower part of the locking shaft 1, moves upwards along the locking shaft 1 while biasing the spreaders 7, thereby firmly supporting the opened state of the upper support ribs 30. [94] If the user pushes the spreader holder 3 upwards by imposing pressure on the spreader holder 3 after pitching the tent, the spreader holder 3 is further moved upwards along the locking shaft 1. Thus, the spreaders 7 function as a locking device for the upper support ribs 30. In other words, the spreaders 7 serve as a locking device for the upper support ribs 30, so that the spreaders 7 can stably lock the tent frame in a desired state and can securely maintain the pitched state of the tent frame even if significant outside force is applied to the tent.

[95] Thereafter, the operation of the one touch type tent frame according to the third embodiment of the present invention when it is desired to close the tent will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[96] To close the pitched tent, the user holds the lower support ribs 60, which have been stretched from the upper support ribs 30 through the hinges 62, and presses the lower support ribs 60 around the hinges 62, thus causing the lower support ribs 60 to be placed parallel to the support surface in the same manner as that described for the second and third embodiments.

[97] Thereafter, the user holds the upper support ribs 30 of the pitched tent frame and forcibly pushes the upper support ribs 30 inwards in radial directions, so that the spreader holder 3, which has been placed around the upper part of the locking shaft 1, can move downwards along the locking shaft 1 and pulls the spreaders 7, thus quickly folding the upper support ribs 30.

[98] After the upper support ribs 30 have been folded as described above, the lower support ribs 60 are folded around the hinges 62 to come into contact with the upper support ribs 30, thus completely closing the one touch type tent frame according to the present invention.

[99] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claim.

Claims

[1] A frame for a one touch type tent, which is simultaneously opened in radial directions to form a desired shape of the tent while pitching the tent and is simultaneously folded in radial directions while closing the tent, comprising: a rib holder (10) comprising: a plurality of cover coupling holes (14) formed on an upper surface of the rib holder; a plurality of coil spring seats (16) formed between the cover coupling holes (14); and insert holes (16a) formed in each of the coil spring seats (16); a coil spring (20) comprising: symmetric coil bodies (22) seated in each of the coil spring seats (16); a horizontal bent part (24) which couples the coil bodies (22) to each other; and vertical bent parts (26) extending from respective ends of the coil bodies (22) and being inserted into the insert holes (16a) of the coil spring seats (16); an upper support rib (30) securely coupled to the horizontal bent part (24) of the coil spring (20) and rotated along with the horizontal bent part (24); and a cover (40) mounted to an upper end of the rib holder (10) and preventing the coil spring (20) from being removed from the rib holder (10).

[2] A frame for a one touch type tent, which is simultaneously opened in radial directions to form a desired shape of the tent while pitching the tent and is simultaneously folded in radial directions while closing the tent, comprising: a rib holder (10) comprising: a through hole (12) formed at a center of the rib holder, with internal threads (12a) formed around an inner surface of the through hole; a plurality of cover coupling holes (14) formed in the rib holder at positions around the through hole (12); a plurality of coil spring seats (16) formed between the cover coupling holes (14); and insert holes (16a) formed in each of the coil spring seats (16); a coil spring (20) comprising: symmetric coil bodies (22) seated in each of the coil spring seats (16); a horizontal bent part (24) which couples the coil bodies (22) to each other; and vertical bent parts (26) extending from respective ends of the coil bodies (22) and being inserted into the insert holes (16a) of the coil spring seats (16); an upper support rib (30) securely coupled to the horizontal bent part (24) of the coil spring (20) and rotated along with the horizontal bent part (24); and a cover (40) mounted to an upper end of the rib holder (10) and preventing the coil spring (20) from being removed from the rib holder (10).

[3] The frame for the one touch type tent according to claim 2, further comprising: a hook (47) integrally provided on a center of a lower surface of the cover (40) to be placed in the through hole (12), with a tension rope (48) extending from the hook (47) to a center of a tent canopy (50), thus preventing the center of the tent canopy (50) from sagging.

[4] The frame for the one touch type tent according to claim 2, further comprising: a locking shaft (1) coupled to the through hole (12) formed at the center of the rib holder (10), the locking shaft comprising both a stopper coupling part (Ia) and a tension rope coupling hook (Ib) at a lower end thereof; a spreader holder (3) fitted over the locking shaft (1); a stopper (5) coupled to the stopper coupling part (Ia) formed at the lower end of the locking shaft; and a spreader (7) coupled to both the spreader holder (3) and the upper support rib (30) at both ends thereof by hinges to form an inverted V-shaped appearance, wherein a tension rope (48) extends from the tension rope coupling hook (Ib) to a center of a tent canopy (50).

[5] The frame for the one touch type tent according to claim 2, further comprising: a locking shaft (1) coupled to the through hole (12) formed at the center of the rib holder (10), the locking shaft comprising both a stopper coupling part (Ia) and a tension rope coupling hook (Ib) at a lower end thereof; a spreader holder (3) fitted over the locking shaft (1); a stopper (5) coupled to the stopper coupling part (Ia) formed at the lower end of the locking shaft; and a spreader (7) coupled to both the spreader holder (3) and the upper support rib (30) at both ends thereof by hinges to form a V-shaped appearance, wherein a tension rope (48) extends from the tension rope coupling hook (Ib) to a center of a tent canopy (50).

[6] A frame for a one touch type tent, which is simultaneously opened in radial directions to form a desired shape of the tent while pitching the tent and is simultaneously folded in radial directions while closing the tent, comprising: a rib holder comprising a plurality of spring seats symmetrically formed in the rib holder at positions around a center of the rib holder, with a downward inclined surface formed on each of the spring seats; a spring secured to the rib holder at a first end thereof such that, when an external force is applied thereto, the spring is folded downwards along an associated spring seat, and when the external force is removed, the spring restores an upper position thereof; an upper support rib secured to a second end of the spring at a first end thereof; and a cover mounted to an upper end of the rib holder and preventing the spring from being removed from the rib holder.

[7] A one touch type tent comprising the frame of any one of claims 1, 2 and 6.