WO2016024258A1

WO2016024258A1 - A tent and a method for heat insulating a tent

Info

Publication number: WO2016024258A1
Application number: PCT/IE2015/000011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Derek Daniel O'SULLIVAN
Original assignee: Thermo Tents Limited
Priority date: 2014-08-12
Filing date: 2015-08-12
Publication date: 2016-02-18
Also published as: US20180155954A1; US20170234031A1

Abstract

A tent (1 ) comprises a flysheet (4) supported on a plurality of ground engaging tent poles (7), each of which terminate in respective opposite ground engaging ends (8). A heat insulated enclosure (2) is suspended within the flysheet (4) from the ground engaging tent poles (7) by suspension straps (24). The heat insulated enclosure (2) comprises a heat insulated groundsheet (17), a heat insulated peripheral side wall (19) extending upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet (17) to a heat insulated ridge element (20), all of which include spaced apart inner and outer sheets (25, 26) of fabric material with a heat insulating material (27) such as cellucotton material of thickness typically in the range of 15mm to 40mm sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets (25, 26). The heat insulated enclosure defines an open mouth (21) which is closed by a heat insulated closure sheet (22), and the heat insulated enclosure (2) communicates with a day compartment (10) located forwardly of the heat insulated enclosure (2) within the flysheet (4).

Description

"A tent and a method for heat insulating a tent"

The present invention relates to a tent, and to a method for heat insulating a tent. Tents are commonly used in recreational camping, and in general, are used during periods where the ambient temperature is conducive to camping, which in general, includes periods from spring through summer to autumn. In general, tents are unsuitable to camping during winter or in relatively cold climates. Additionally, tents are used as emergency accommodation after a disaster has struck, such as, for example, earthquakes, flooding, tidal waves and the like. However, while tents at least provide shelter from wind and rain, in general, they tend to be unsatisfactory for use as emergency accommodating in disaster stricken areas, particularly where the ambient temperatures are relatively low, and in particular, where the night time temperature drops below freezing point. Thus, in general, in cold and freezing conditions, and also in very hot conditions, tents are used as emergency accommodation for relatively short periods only. There are many occasions where tents are required to provide accommodation for relatively extended periods, in particular, for housing refugees displaced as a result of war, and also in disaster stricken areas. Unfortunately, tents known heretofore, in general, are unsatisfactory for such use, and are also unsuitable for recreational use in extreme environments, in particular very cold or very hot conditions. There is therefore a need for a tent which addresses at least some of these problems of known tents.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a tent, and the invention is also directed towards providing a method for heat insulating a tent. According to the invention there is provided a heat insulated tent comprising a heat insulated enclosure having a heat insulated groundsheet, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall adapted to extend upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet, and substantially around the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated side wall being adapted to converge upwardly and to join adjacent a top ridge of the tent or to join a top heat insulated ridge element to close the top of the heat insulated enclosure, the peripheral side wall defining an open mouth to the enclosure. Preferably, the heat insulated enclosure is adapted for suspending from at least one ground engaging tent pole, and preferably, from a plurality of ground engaging tent poles. In one aspect of the invention a closure element is provided to close the open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure, and preferably, the closure element comprises a heat insulated closure element.

Advantageously, the closure element is releasably securable to the heat insulated enclosure.

Advantageously, the closure element comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet, with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

In another aspect of the invention the heat insulated groundsheet comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

In another aspect of the invention the heat insulated peripheral wall comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween. In a further aspect of the invention the heat insulated ridge element comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet with heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

In one aspect of the invention the heat insulated groundsheet is releasably secured to the heat insulated peripheral side wall.

Preferably, at least the inner sheet of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet and the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprises a fabric material, which may be selected from any one or more of the following material: polycotton, polyester and other such plastics based materials. In another aspect of the invention the outer sheet of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element may comprise a moisture- or water-proofed material, or alternatively, may comprise a fabric material, selected from one or more of the following materials:

polycotton, polyester and other such plastics based materials.

In a further embodiment of the invention the heat insulating material may be selected from any one of suitable plastics based heat insulating material, which preferably, are breathable. In another aspect of the invention the heat insulating material may comprise any one or more of a cellucotton insulating material, a polyester based heat insulating material, polyester wadding, hollow fibre material, goose down, duck down and cotton, and preferably, the heat insulating material is breathable. Advantageously, the thickness of the heat insulating material may be of any suitable thickness, and typically, would be in the range of 15mm to 40mm thickness, and preferably, would be in the range of 15mm to 30mm, and advantageously, in the range of 20mm to 25mm.

In another aspect of the invention a flysheet is provided, and the heat insulated enclosure is suspended within the flysheet, or from a flysheet frame. Advantageously, the flysheet comprises a waterproof material.

Advantageously, a waterproof groundsheet is provided which may or may not be secured to the flysheet, and preferably, the heat insulated groundsheet is supported on the waterproof groundsheet.

In another aspect of the invention the heat insulated enclosure is suspended from the ground engaging tent poles by a plurality of suspension elements, which preferably, are provided by suspension straps. Advantageously, the suspension straps extend between the heat insulated enclosure and one of the flysheet and the ground engaging tent poles. Advantageously, the suspension straps are secured to the heat insulated enclosure, and are releasably secured to the one of the flysheet and the ground engaging tent poles.

In a further aspect of the invention the suspension elements are secured to the peripheral wall of the heat insulated enclosure, and where provided, to the heat insulated ridge element.

In one embodiment of the invention the tent comprises a non-heat insulated day compartment, and the heat insulated enclosure is configured to communicate with the day compartment through the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure.

Preferably, the day compartment comprises a closable communicating opening adapted to provide access to the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure, and preferably, the closable communicating opening is releasably closable by a closure flap.

Preferably, a coupling means is provided for coupling the heat insulated enclosure to the day compartment with the communicating opening communicating with the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure. Advantageously, the coupling means comprises a releasable coupling means, and advantageously, the coupling means sealably couples the heat insulated enclosure to the day compartment.

In another aspect of the invention the day compartment is adapted to receive a plurality of heat insulated enclosures, and advantageously, the day compartment comprises a plurality of communicating openings configured to communicate with the respective heat insulated enclosures through the open mouths of the respective heat insulated enclosures.

In another aspect of the invention the day compartment comprises a dome-shaped day compartment.

Preferably, the day compartment comprises a flysheet. Advantageously, the day compartment comprises a groundsheet.

Preferably, the heat insulating material comprises acoustic insulating properties.

Further the invention provides a tent comprising a day compartment having a flysheet, and at least one sleeping compartment releasably secured to the day compartment, the at least one sleeping compartment comprising a heat insulated enclosure, at least one closable communicating opening located in the flysheet of the day compartment for communicating the day compartment with the corresponding at least one sleeping compartment, and a coupling means for releasably coupling the at least one sleeping compartment to the day compartment with the at least one sleeping compartment communicating with the day compartment through the communicating opening of the day compartment.

Preferably, the coupling means comprises a waterproof or at least a weatherproof sealing means for sealing the joint between the at least one sleeping compartment and the day compartment.

Advantageously, the flysheet of the day compartment comprises a plurality of closable communicating openings for communicating the day compartment with respective ones of the sleeping compartments.

Advantageously, the day compartment comprises a groundsheet, and advantageously, the heat insulated enclosure of each sleeping compartment is suspended within the sleeping compartment.

The invention also provides a method for heat insulating a tent, the method comprising providing a heat insulated enclosure having a heat insulated groundsheet, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall adapted to extend upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet, and substantially around the heat insulated groundsheet, adapting the heat insulated peripheral side wall to converge upwardly, and joining the peripheral side wall to form a top ridge or joining a top heat insulated ridge element to close the top of the heat insulated enclosure, providing the peripheral side wall to define an open mouth to the enclosure. Preferably, the heat insulated enclosure is suspended from at least one ground engaging tent pole, and preferably, from a plurality of ground engaging tent poles.

In one aspect of the invention a closure element is provided to close the open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure, and preferably, the closure element comprises a heat insulated closure element. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a heat insulated tent according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the heat insulated tent of Fig. 1 from the opposite side to that of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a front end elevational view of the heat insulated tent of Fig. 1 , Fig. 4 is a rear end elevational view of the heat insulated tent of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the heat insulated tent of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the heat insulated tent of Fig. 1 on the line Vl-Vl of Fig. 1,

Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a detail of the heat insulated^' tent of Fig. 1 , Fig. 8 is a plan view of an insulated tent according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the tent of Fig. 8,

Fig. 10 is an enlarged front elevational view of a heat insulated compartment of the tent of Fig. 8,

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a portion of the tent of Fig. 8,

Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of another portion of the tent of Fig. 8,

Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the portion of Fig. 12 of the tent of Fig. 8, Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of a detail of the tent of Fig. 8, and

Fig. 15 is a front elevational view of a tent according to another embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 7 thereof, there is illustrated a tent according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a heat insulated tent. The tent 1 comprises a heat insulated enclosure 2 which is located within a flysheet 4 and a waterproof groundsheet 5, which typically is secured to the flysheet 4. The flysheet 4 is supported on a plurality of ground engaging tent poles 7 which extend transversely across the tent 1 and are formed into an arc so that each ground engaging tent pole 7 terminates in respective opposite ground engaging ends 8. The heat insulated enclosure 2 is suspended from the ground engaging tent poles 7 and is located within the flysheet 4 as will be described below.

In this embodiment of the invention the tent 1 comprises a forward non-insulated day compartment 10, and a rearward sleeping compartment 12 within which the heat insulated enclosure 2 is located for forming the sleeping compartment 12. The day and sleeping compartments 10 and 12 are formed by the flysheet 4 and the waterproof ground engaging sheet 5, and the flysheet 4 defines a forward access opening 14 to provide access to the tent 1 which is closed by closure sheets (not shown) in a conventional manner, which will be well known to those skilled in the art. The supporting of the flysheet 4 on the tent poles 7 will also be well known to those skilled in the art.

Turning now to the sleeping compartment 12, the heat insulating enclosure 2 comprises a heat insulated groundsheet 17, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 extending upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet 17, and substantially around the heat insulated groundsheet 17. The heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 is secured to the heat insulated groundsheet 17. In this embodiment of the invention the heat insulated peripheral side walls 19 extend upwardly to a heat insulated ridge element 20 and is secured thereto. However, in some embodiments of the invention the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 may be joined adjacent its top to form a top ridge, instead of being joined to a heat insulated ridge element 20. The heat insulated groundsheet 17, and the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19, as well as the heat insulated ridge element 20 define an open mouth 21 to the heat insulated enclosure 2 to facilitate entry to the heat insulated enclosure 2 from the forward day compartment 10 and exit from the heat insulated enclosure 2 to the forward day compartment 10. A heat insulated closure element, comprising a heat insulated closure sheet 22 closes the open mouth 21. The heat insulated closure sheet 22 is secured to the heat insulated ridge element 20 and depend downwardly therefrom, and is secured to the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 adjacent respective opposite sides of the open mouth 21 by zip fasteners or strips of hooks and eyes of the type which are sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO (neither of which are shown), as will be well understood by those skilled in the art.

Suspension elements, namely, suspension straps 24 secured to the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 and the heat insulated ridge element 20 at spaced apart intervals are provided for securing the heat insulated enclosure 2 to adjacent ones of the ground engaging tent poles 7 for suspending the heat insulated enclosure 2 therefrom within the flysheet 4. The suspension straps 24 may be adapted for tying to the tent poles, or may terminate in fastener elements, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or the like for releasably securing around and to the tent poles 7.

Alternatively, the suspension straps 24 may be secured to the flysheet 4 and would be adapted for releasable securing to the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19 and the heat insulated ridge element 20. Turning now to the heat insulated material of the heat insulated enclosure 2. Each of the heat insulated groundsheet 17, the heat insulated peripheral side wall 19, the heat insulated ridge element 20 and the heat insulated closure sheet 22 comprises an inner sheet 25 and an outer sheet 26 spaced apart from the inner sheet 25. A heat insulating material 27 is sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets 25 and 26. In this embodiment of the invention the inner and outer sheets 25 and 26 are of a fabric material, for example, polycotton, polyester or any other suitable plastics or natural type fabric material. The heat insulating material 27 comprises any suitable heat insulating material, for example, polyester wadding, cellucotton material, hollow fibre material, or other suitable heat insulating materials, typically of thickness in the order of 15mm to 30mm, and preferably, of thickness of the order of 20mm to 25mm, although the thickness of the heat insulating material 27 will depend on the heat insulating characteristics of the material, and on the degree of heat insulating (R/U-value) required, and in certain cases, the thickness of the heat insulating material may be as much as 40mm, and in some cases greater than 40mm. Ideally, the heat insulating material 27 as well as the fabric materials of the inner and outer sheets 25 and 26 are a breathable material.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 14, there is illustrated a tent according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30. The tent 30 is substantially similar to the heat insulated tent 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the tent 30 and the tent 1 is that the tent 30 comprises a non-heat insulated day compartment 31 of dome-shape construction. Additionally, the day compartment 31 is configured to receive a plurality of sleeping compartments, in this embodiment of the invention four sleeping compartments 32. Each of the sleeping compartments 32 is substantially similar to the sleeping compartment 12 of the tent 1 , and each sleeping compartment 32 comprises a suspended heat insulated enclosure 2 similar to the heat insulated enclosure 2 of the sleeping compartment 12 located and suspended within the corresponding sleeping compartments 32. The day compartment 31 comprises a flysheet 33 and a groundsheet 34. Ground engaging tent poles 36 support the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31. Four connecting openings 38 are formed in the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31 for communicating the day compartment 31 with the corresponding sleeping compartment 32 through the open mouth 21 of the sleeping compartment 32. Each communicating opening 38 is releasably dosable by a closure flap 39 which is releasably coupled to the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 32 adjacent the corresponding connecting opening 38. The closure flaps 39 are typically releasably secured to the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31 by one or more zip fasteners, as will be well known to those skilled in the art, and additional sealing means may be provided for weatherproofing the zipped joints. The sleeping compartments 32 are releasably secured to the day compartment 31 by releasable securing means, which in this embodiment of the invention comprise respective zip fasteners (not shown), one portion of which zip fastener is secured to the flysheet 33 of the dome-shaped day compartment 31, and extends completely around the corresponding connecting opening 38, and the other portion of the zip fastener is secured to the flysheet 4 of the sleeping compartment 12 and extends completely around an open mouth 35 defined by the flysheet 4 and the waterproof groundsheet 5 of the sleeping compartment 12. A suitable weatherproofing sealing means is provided over the zip fasteners to weatherproof and waterproof the zip fastener joint. Typically, the weatherproofing and waterproofing of the zip fastener joint is provided by a waterproof sealing flap (not shown) secured to the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31 adjacent and extending around the corresponding connecting opening 38 of the day compartment 31 , and the waterproof sealing flap is releasably secured to the flysheet 4 of the sleeping compartment 32 adjacent the open mouth 35 by hooks and eyes sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or other suitable releasable fastening means. A vestibule 40 extends forwardly from the day compartment 31 of the tent 30 in a conventional manner. Such a vestibule will be well known to those skilled in the art.

The tent 30 may be erected with any number of sleeping compartments from one up to four. Where four sleeping compartments 32 are to be secured to the day compartment 31, the sleeping compartments 32 are secured to the day compartment 31 by securing the flysheet 4 and the groundsheet 5 of the sleeping compartments 32 to the flysheet 33 and the groundsheet 34 of the day compartment 31 by the respective zip fasteners (not shown) which secure the respective flysheets 4 and 33 and the respective groundsheets 5 and 34 of the sleeping compartment 32 and the day compartment 31. The waterproof sealing flaps are then secured over the zip fasteners.

Where less than four sleeping compartments 32 are to be secured to the day compartment 31, the closure flap 39 of each connecting opening 38 of the day compartment 31 to which a sleeping compartment 32 is not to be secured is closed by the corresponding closure flap 39 which is secured to the flysheet 33 of the day compartment 31 by the zip fastener (not shown). The waterproof sealing flap for sealably joining one of the sleeping compartments 32 to the day compartment 31 is then releasably secured to the closure flap 39 of the corresponding connecting opening 38 by the hooks and eyes sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or other suitable fastening means. With the sleeping compartments 32 secured to the day compartment 31 , the tent 30 is ready for use.

If desired, the sleeping compartments 32 may be used as stand-alone tents.

While the tent 30 has been described as comprising a day compartment in the shape of a dome, and adapted to receive four sleeping compartments, the day compartment may be of any size or shape, and may be adapted for receiving any desired number of sleeping compartments. Referring now to Fig. 15, there is illustrated a tent according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. The tent 50 according to this embodiment of the invention is a tent of the type which is commonly referred to as a giamping tent. The tent 50 comprises a support structure (not shown) which may be a permanent structure, a semi-permanent structure or a temporary structure. Such structures of giamping tents will be well known to those skilled in the art, and the structure may be a wooden structure constructed from timber upright poles which support longitudinally and transversely extending beams of timber, or the uprights and longitudinally and transversely extending beams may be of reinforced concrete, steel or the like. The construction of such structures of giamping tents will be well known to those skilled in the art. A flysheet 51 is supported on the support structure, and is secured to the ground by ropes (not shown). The flysheet may or may not extend to the ground. The securing of such flysheets will be well known to those skilled in the art.

A heat insulated enclosure 53 is suspended from the support structure and comprises a heat insulated groundsheet 54 and a heat insulated peripheral wall 55 extending upwardly from the groundsheet 54 to a heat insulated ridge-shaped top wall 56. The peripheral wall 55 in this embodiment of the invention comprises a pair of spaced apart heat insulated side walls 57 extending upwardly from the groundsheet 54 to the top wall 56, which are joined by spaced apart heat insulated front and rear gable end walls 58 which also extend upwardly from the groundsheet 54 to the top wall 56. The front gable end wall 58 only is illustrated. An open mouth 60 which provides access to the heat insulated enclosure 53 is formed in the front gable end wall 58, and is closed by a pair of heat insulated closure flaps 62. The closure flaps 62 may be secured to the front gable end wall 58 along their respective top edges 63 or along their respective outer side edges 64. If secured to the front gable end wall 58 along their respective top edges 63, the closure flaps 62 would be releasably secured along their respective outer side edge 64 by any suitable fastening means, for example, hooks and eyes of the types old under the Trade Mark VELCRO, ties or any other suitable fastening means. Alternatively, where the closure flaps 62 are secured along their outer side edges 64 to the front gable end wall 58, the closure flaps 62 would be releasably fastened along their respective top edges 63 to the front gable end wall 53 by any suitable fastening means, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO, ties or the like. In either case, the closure flaps 62 are releasably fastened to each other along their respective inner side edges 65 by any suitable fastening means, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or ties. Additionally, the closure flaps 62 are releasably fastened along their respective lower edges 66 to the groundsheet 54 also by any suitable releasable fastening means, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO or ties.

The rear gable end wall (not shown) is similar to the front gable end wall 58, with the exception that the rear gable end wall is provided without an ope^'n mouth. The heat insulated groundsheet 54, the heat insulated side walls 57, the front gable end wall 58 an the rear gable end wall and the heat insulated top wall 56 as well as the heat insulated closure flaps 62 are of similar construction to the heat insulated groundsheet 17, the heat insulated side wall 19 and the heat insulated ridge element 20 and the heat insulated closure sheets 22 described with reference to the tent 1 , each comprise an inner sheet and an outer sheet similar to the inner and outer sheets 25 and 26 described with reference to the tent 1 , and a heat insulating material similar to the heat insulating material 27 of the tent 1 which is sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets as described with reference to the tent 1.

It is also envisaged that in certain cases, the heat insulated groundsheet 54 may be provided separately to the remainder of the heat insulated enclosure 53, and in which case, the heat insulated groundsheet 54 would be releasably secured or indeed permanently secured or semi-permanently secured to the peripheral side wall 55 of the heat insulated enclosure 53. Where the heat insulated groundsheet 54 is releasably secured to the peripheral wall 25 of the heat insulated enclosure 53, it is envisaged that the heat insulated groundsheet 54 would be secured to the peripheral wall 55 by any suitable releasable fastening means, for example, hooks and eyes of the type sold under the Trade Mark VELCRO, ties or any other suitable fastening material. The heat insulated enclosure 53 is suspended from the support structure with the heat insulated groundsheet 54 resting on the ground or other suitable floor structure, or on a separate groundsheet which may be waterproof or otherwise. The advantages of the tents according to the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the tents is that by virtue of the fact that the tents comprise one or more heat insulated enclosures 2 which form one or more sleeping compartments of the tent, a person or persons sleeping in the sleeping compartments is heat insulated from the weather conditions exterior of the tents. Thus, the tents according to the invention may be used in relatively low temperature conditions, for example, in environments where the temperature drops below freezing point, and also can be used in relatively hot environments where the temperature is relatively high, for example, in excess of 50°C, since the heat insulated enclosures protect individuals within the heat insulated enclosures from the external temperatures. Needless to say, the tents may be used in temperate environments as well. While the tents have been described as comprising one or more heat insulated sleeping compartments and a non-heat insulated day compartment, it is envisaged in certain cases that both compartments may be heat insulated. Alternatively, it is envisaged that the tent may be provided without a day compartment, and would be provided with the sleeping compartment only with the heat insulated enclosure therein. While the tent 1 has been described as comprising a ridge type tent, the tent could be provided in the form of a dome-shaped tent, or indeed, it will be readily appreciated that the tent may be provided of any suitable shape or construction with the heat insulated enclosure located and suspended therein.

It is also envisaged that in many cases, the heat insulating material may also be provided with acoustic insulating properties in order to minimise noise transfer into the heat insulated enclosure.

It is also envisaged that while the tents have been described as comprising a non-heat insulated day compartment, it is envisaged that in certain cases, the entire tent may be formed by a heat insulated enclosure, which would be suspended from tent poles or a flysheet. Indeed, it is envisaged that any of the tents according to the invention may be provided to be suitable for glamping, and in which case, all of the tent may be formed by a heat insulated enclosure, which would be suspended from a permanent or a semi-permanent structure, as in the case of the tent of Fig. 15, which may also comprise an outer roof or outer structure, and the outer roof or structure may be constructed from metal based or natural materials, such as steel, wood or the like. In which case it is envisaged that the outer structure may be a permanent structure. The outer roof and/or the outer structure may comprise a plastics base or natural fabric material such as polyester, cotton or such other materials. Furthermore, it is envisaged that where any of the tents are configured for glamping, only parts of the tent may be heat insulated, for example, sleeping areas, and in which case, the sleeping area or areas would be provided by one or more heat insulated enclosures which would be suspended from the structure of the tent.

It is also envisaged that in cases where a flysheet is provided, the flysheet need not extend to the ground.

Claims

1. A tent comprising a heat insulated enclosure having a heat insulated groundsheet, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall adapted to extend upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet, and substantially around the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated side wall being adapted to converge upwardly and to join adjacent a top ridge of the tent or to join a top heat insulated ridge element to close the top of the heat insulated enclosure, the peripheral side wall defining an open mouth to the enclosure.

2. A tent as claimed in Claim 1 in which the heat insulated enclosure is adapted for suspending from at least one ground engaging tent pole.

3. A tent as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the heat insulated enclosure is adapted for suspending from a plurality of ground engaging tent poles.

4. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which a closure element is provided to close the open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure.

5. A tent as claimed in Claim 4 in which the closure element comprises a heat insulated closure element.

6. A tent as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the closure element is releasably securable to the heat insulated enclosure.

7. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6 in which the closure element comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet, with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

8. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulated groundsheet comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

9. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulated peripheral wall comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet with a heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

10. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulated ridge element comprises an inner sheet and an outer sheet spaced apart from the inner sheet with heat insulating material sandwiched therebetween.

11. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least the inner sheet of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet and the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprises a fabric material selected from any one or more of the following materials: polycotton, polyester and other such plastics based materials.

12. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the outer sheet of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprises one of a moisture-proofed or water-proofed material.

13. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the outer sheet of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprises a fabric material selected from one or more of the following materials: polycotton, polyester and other such plastics based materials.

14. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulating material of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element is selected from any one or more of suitable plastics based heat insulating materials.

15. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulating material of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprises a breathable material.

16.■ A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulating material of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element comprises any one or more of a cellucotton heat insulating material, a polyester based heat insulating material, hollow fibre material, goose down, duck down and cotton.

17. A tent as claimed in Claim 16 in which the heat insulating material comprises a breathable heat insulating material.

18. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the thickness of the heat insulating material of each of the heat insulated closure element, the heat insulated groundsheet, the heat insulated peripheral wall and the heat insulated ridge element lies in the range of 15mm to 40mm, and preferably, 15mm to 30mm.

19. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which a flysheet is provided, and the heat insulated enclosure is suspended within the flysheet.

20. A tent as claimed in Claim 19 in which the flysheet comprises a waterproof material.

21. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which a waterproof groundsheet is provided.

22. A tent as claimed in Claim 21 in which the waterproof groundsheet is secured to the flysheet.

23. A tent as claimed in Claim 21 or 22 in which the heat insulated groundsheet of the heat insulated enclosure is supported on the waterproof groundsheet.

24. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulated enclosure is suspended from the ground engaging tent poles by a plurality of suspension elements.

25. A tent as claimed in Claim 24 in which each suspension element comprises a suspension strap.

26. A tent as claimed in Claim 25 in which the suspension straps extend between the heat insulated enclosure and one of the flysheet and the ground engaging tent poles.

27. A tent as claimed in Claim 25 or 26 in which the suspension straps are secured to the heat insulated enclosure, and are releasably secured to the one of the flysheet and the ground engaging tent poles.

28. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 27 in which the suspension elements are secured to the peripheral wall of the heat insulated enclosure.

29. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 27 in which the suspension elements are secured to the heat insulated ridge element.

30. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the tent comprises a non-heat insulated day compartment, and the heat insulated enclosure is configured to communicate with the day compartment through the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure.

31. A tent as claimed in Claim 30 in which the day compartment comprises a closable

communicating opening adapted to provide access to the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure.

32. A tent as claimed in Claim 31 in which the closable communicating opening is releasably closable by a closure flap.

33. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 32 in which a coupling means is provided for coupling the heat insulated enclosure to the day compartment with the communicating opening communicating with the open mouth of the heat insulated enclosure.

34. A tent as claimed in Claim 33 in which the coupling means comprises a releasable coupling means.

35. A tent as claimed in Claim 33 or 34 in which the coupling means sealably couples the heat insulated enclosure to the day compartment.

36. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 35 in which the day compartment is adapted to receive a plurality of heat insulated enclosures.

37. A tent as claimed in Claim 36 in which the day compartment comprises a plurality of communicating openings configured to communicate with the respective heat insulated enclosures through the open mouths of the respective heat insulated enclosures.

38. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 37 in which the day compartment comprises a dome- shaped day compartment.

39. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 38 in which the day compartment comprises a flysheet.

40. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 39 in which the day compartment comprises a groundsheet.

41. A tent as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat insulating material comprises acoustic insulating properties.

42. A tent comprising a day compartment having a flysheet, and at least one sleeping compartment releasably secured to the day compartment, the at least one sleeping compartment comprising a heat insulated enclosure, at least one closable communicating opening located in the flysheet of the day compartment for communicating the day compartment with the corresponding at least one sleeping compartment, and a coupling means for releasably coupling the at least one sleeping compartment to the day compartment with the at least one sleeping compartment communicating with the day compartment through the communicating opening of the day compartment.

43. A tent as claimed in Claim 42 in which the coupling means comprises a waterproof or at least a weatherproof sealing means for sealing the joint between the at least one sleeping compartment and the day compartment.

44. A tent as claimed in Claim 42 or 43 in which the flysheet of the day compartment comprises a plurality of closable communicating openings for communicating the day compartment with respective ones of the sleeping compartments.

45. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 42 to 44 in which the day compartment comprises a groundsheet.

46. A tent as claimed in any of Claims 42 to 45 in which the heat insulated enclosure of each sleeping compartment is suspended within the sleeping compartment.

47. A method for heat insulating a tent, the method comprising providing a heat insulated enclosure having a heat insulated groundsheet, and a heat insulated peripheral side wall adapted to extend upwardly from the heat insulated groundsheet, and substantially around the heat insulated groundsheet, adapting the heat insulated peripheral side wall to converge upwardly, and joining the peripheral side wall to form a top ridge or joining a top heat insulated ridge element to close the top of the heat insulated enclosure, providing the peripheral side wall to define an open mouth to the enclosure.

48. A method as claimed in Claim 47 in which the heat insulated enclosure is suspended from at least one ground engaging tent pole, and preferably, from a plurality of ground engaging tent poles.

49. A method as claimed in Claim 47 or 48 in which a closure element is provided to close the open mouth to the heat insulated enclosure.

50. A method as claimed in Claim 49 in which the closure element comprises a heat insulated closure element.