Recreational Collapsible Tent

A tent comprises a fabric portion, a hub, pole assemblies, and slip members. The pole assemblies can be adjusted between fully extended and collapsed configurations. The upper end of each pole assembly is connected to the hub and the lower end is configured and adapted to releasably connect to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion. Each of the slip members is connected to the fabric portion and slideably connected to a respective one of the pole assemblies. Each of the pole assemblies is configured and adapted such that the slip member can slide only along a portion of the pole assembly. The slip members and the pole assemblies are configured and adapted to spread the corners of the fabric portion apart from each other as the pole assemblies are being adjusted from the collapsed configuration to the fully extended configuration.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 to the priority of Chinese patent application No. 201420495979.X, filed Aug. 29, 2014, and entitled Tent, the disclosure of which is incorporated into this specification and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to the field of outdoor goods, and more particularly, to recreational tents.

2. General Background

As outdoor recreation has become popular with a majority of people, the outdoor recreation industry experiences a rapid growth year to year. Spring outings are a popular form of outdoor recreation. Tents are often utilized during lengthy outdoor outings.

Typically, tents are folded up by users themselves after use. There are two main types of tents on the market. One type is the kind where the tent poles are detached from the pliable tent fabric at some point during the process of opening up and packing up the tent. With such tents, it is often necessary to pass the tent poles through sleeves and/or hang hooks attached to the tent fabric from the poles. Thus, the open-up and pack-up time of such tents is relatively long and involves cumbersome steps. However, such tents are relatively stable and low in cost. The other main type of tents is referred to as a fast-open tent. The tent poles of fast-open tents remain attached to the tent fabric throughout the process of opening up and packing up the tent. Thus, comparatively, the opening up and packing up of fast-open tents involves far fewer steps, and is therefore much quicker and simpler. However, fast-open tents typically comprise many articulating parts such as extension tubes and hinges that allow the tent poles and tent fabric to be conveniently folded without detaching the poles from the tent fabric. As a result, fast-open tents generally cost more to produce than do most non-fast-open tents.

In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that there is a need in the industry for a low cost fast-open tent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a fast-open tent that is relatively cheaper to produce compared to prior art fast-open tents.

In one aspect of the invention, a tent comprises a pliable fabric portion, an upper pole hub, a plurality of adjustable tent pole assemblies, and a plurality of slip members. The fabric portion comprises a base having corners. The tent pole assemblies can be adjusted between fully extended and collapsed configurations. Each of the pole assemblies has an upper end connected to the pole hub and a lower end that is configured and adapted to releasably connect to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion. The pole assemblies and the pole hub collectively are configured and adapted to suspend the fabric portion therefrom when the lower ends of the pole assemblies are connected to the corners of the fabric portion. Each of the slip members is connected to the fabric portion and slideably connected to a respective one of the pole assemblies. Each of the pole assemblies is configured and adapted such that the slip member can slide only along a portion of the pole assembly. The slip members and the pole assemblies are configured and adapted to spread the corners of the fabric portion apart from each other as the pole assemblies are being adjusted from the collapsed configuration to the fully extended configuration.

In another aspect of the invention, a tent comprises a pliable fabric portion, an upper pole hub, a plurality of adjustable tent pole assemblies, and a plurality of connection mechanisms. The fabric portion comprises a base having corners. The pole assemblies can be adjusted between fully extended and collapsed configurations. Each of the pole assemblies has an upper end connected to the pole hub and a lower end that is configured and adapted to releasably connect to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion. The pole assemblies and the pole hub collectively are configured and adapted to suspend the fabric portion therefrom when the lower ends of the pole assemblies are connected to the corners of the fabric portion. Each of the connection mechanisms comprises a pole end cap and a capture member. The capture member comprises a keyhole opening having a large portion and a slotted portion that collectively form the keyhole opening. The pole end caps are configured to be adapted to pass at least partially into the keyhole opening through the large portion of the keyhole opening and to thereafter pass into the slotted portion of the keyhole opening in a manner such that the pole cap cannot be removed from the capture member without first passing the pole cap from the slotted portion of the keyhole opening and back into the large portion of the keyhole opening. Each of the pole caps is fixed to the lower end of a respective one of the pole assemblies. Each of the capture members is fixed to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion. Each of the pole assemblies is releasably connectable to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion by a respective one of the pole caps and a respective one of the capture members.

Preferably, each of the pole assemblies comprises multiple pole segments that are foldable relative to each other. A lowermost one of the pole segments of each pole assembly forms the lower end of the respective pole assembly. The tent comprises a plurality of slip members. Each of the slip members is connected to the fabric portion and slideably connected to a respective one of the pole assemblies. Each of the pole assemblies is configured and adapted such that the slip member can slide only along the lower pole segment of a respective one of the pole assemblies. And, the slip members and the pole assemblies are configured and adapted to spread the corners of the fabric portion apart from each other as the pole assemblies are being adjusted from the collapsed configuration to the fully extended configuration.

Optionally, the pole segments of each of the pole assemblies are connected to each other and foldable relative to each other via a shock cord.

Alternatively, the pole segments of each of the pole assemblies are connected to each other and foldable relative to each other via a fixed-plane hinge between each adjacent pair of the pole segments.

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the operation of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings depict various embodiments of the invention and portions thereof. However, it should be appreciate by those skilled in the art that the present invention is applicable to various other tent embodiments and portions thereof.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tent in accordance with the invention, and shows said tent in its open configuration.

FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the tent shown in FIG. 1, and shows said tent laid flat during the process of transitioning the tent between its packed and open configuration.

FIG. 3 is yet another schematic diagram of the tent shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and shows said tent between its configuration shown in FIG. 2 and its packed configuration.

FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of the tent shown in FIGS. 1-3, and shows said tent between its configuration shown in FIG. 3 and its packed configuration.

FIG. 5 is another schematic diagram of the tent shown in FIGS. 1-4 and shows said tent in its packed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lowermost connection mechanism provided at one corner of the base of a tent in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tent in accordance with the invention, which comprises two upper pole hubs.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lowermost connection mechanism provided at one corner of the base of a tent in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shock cord type of hinge connecting tent pole segments.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fixed-plane type of hinge connecting tent pole segments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of a connection mechanism provided at one corner of the base of a tent in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the pole end cap of the connection mechanism shown in FIG. 11.

Reference numerals in the written specification and in the drawing figures indicate corresponding items.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As is show in the figures, a tent 20 in accordance with the invention comprises a pliable fabric portion 22, at least one upper pole hub 24 oriented above the fabric portion, and a plurality of collapsible tent pole assemblies 26. The collapsible tent pole assemblies 26 are connected to the fabric portion 22 and extend radially from the upper pole hub(s) 24. At least some of the tent pole assemblies 26 extend down and have bottom ends 28 that are releasably connectable to the lower corners of the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20. A tent 20 may comprise just one pole hub 24 (as shown in FIGS. 1-5) or a tent may comprise multiple pole hubs (as shown in FIG. 7), with said multiple pole hubs being connected to each other by one or more poles or pole assemblies. Regardless, the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20 is supported upright by the pole assemblies 26 and pole hub(s) 24 when the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies are connected to the lower corners of the fabric portion. The tent 20 preferably comprises a slip member 30 that is slideably connected to each pole assembly 26 and that is also fixed to the fabric portion 22 near the respective lower corner of the fabric portion. As explained below, the slip connections allow the lower corners of the fabric portion 22 to slide up and down their respective pole assemblies 26 when packing or unpacking the tent 20. The slip members 30 can be of various forms including, but not limited to rings, G-hooks, and fabric sleeves.

When the tent 20 is in its packed configuration, the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies 26 are detached from bottom corners of the fabric portion 22. In the packed configuration, the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20 is flooded in over itself around the folded pole assemblies 26 and pole hub(s) 24 as shown in FIG. 5.

In order to adjust the tent 20 from its packed configuration to its open configuration, the fabric portion 22 is unfolded and the pole assemblies 26 are straightened out over the unfolded fabric portion, as shown in stages from FIGS. 4 to 2. As is shown in FIG. 2, when the pole assemblies 26 have been fully straightened out over the fabric portion 22, the slip members 30 ensure that the fabric portion spreads out properly and yet allow the pole assemblies to extend beyond the corners of the fabric portion (which they obviously need to do when laid flat). The tent 20 is then propped up by propping up the pole assemblies 26 and attaching the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies to the bottom corners of the fabric portion via easy-to-operate connection mechanisms 32 (explained in greater detail below). Thus, although simple in construction, the tent 20 can be unpacked and opened very quickly and with minimal effort. Furthermore, the tent 20 avoids the use of locking extension tubes, which some campers have difficulty understanding and operating.

Furthermore, it also avoids the problem in the prior art that users may feel unsmooth due to adoption of extension tubes of mutual friction.

As mentioned above, the tent 20 comprises a connection mechanism 32 for releasably connecting the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies 26 to the lower corners of the fabric portion 22 of the tent. The connection mechanism 32 preferably comprises a pole end-cap 34 at the bottom end of the pole assembly 26 and a capture member 36 attached to the respective lower corner of the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20. Of course, other connection mechanisms 32 for releasably connecting the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies 26 to the lower corners of the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20 could be used. As shown in FIG. 6, the pole end-cap 34 may comprise a necked portion 40 adapted to fit through a circular capture hole 42 of the capture member 36. In that embodiment, the diameter of the lower pole or some portion of the end-cap 34 of the pole assembly 26 is larger than the capture hole 42. As such, it should be appreciated that the pole assembly 26 can quickly and easily be attached to and detached from the respective lower corner of the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20 by inserting and withdrawing the necked portion 40 of the end-cap 34 into and out of the capture hole 42 of the capture member 36.

More preferably than shown in FIG. 6, the connection mechanism 32 may comprise a pole end-cap 34 at the bottom end of the pole assembly 26 and a capture member 36 attached to the respective lower corner of the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20 configured as shown in FIGS. 8, 11, and 12 (with the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 being an improvement over the similar embodiment of FIG. 8). In such embodiments, the end-cap 34 preferably has cylindrical recesses 44 configured to receive the end of the lower pole of a pole assembly 26. The opposite end of the pole end-cap 34 preferably comprises both a necked portion 40 and a nub portion 46. The capture member 36 comprises a keyhole opening 48 passing therethrough. The keyhole opening 48 has a generally round portion 50 and a connected narrower slotted portion 52. The round portion 50 of the keyhole opening 48 is large enough to allow the nub portion 46 of the end-cap 34 to pass therethrough. However, the slotted portion 52 of the keyhole opening 48 only permits the necked portion 40 of the end-cap 34 to pass therethrough. Thus, a pole assembly 26 can be attached to the capture member 36 by inserting the nub portion 46 of the end-cap 34 through the round portion 50 of the keyhole opening 48 and thereafter allowing the spring force of the pole assembly to drive the neck portion 40 of the end-cap into the slotted portion 52 of the capture member. Once in the slotted portion 52, the end-cap 34, and therefore the pole assembly 26 too, cannot be separated simply by pulling upward on the pole assembly relative to the capture member 36. Instead, the end-cap 34 first has to be forced back into the round portion 50 of the keyhole opening 48 of the capture member 36.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the capture member 36 preferably comprises tie slots 54 for attaching pliable straps 56 to the opposite ends of the capture member. The strap 56 farthest from the slotted portion 52 of the keyhole opening 48 is also attached to the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20, thereby attaching the capture member 36 to the fabric portion. The other strap 56 is configured to be attached to a tent stake (not shown) to hold down the corners of the tent 20. Preferably there are two tie slots 54 (as shown in FIG. 11) for the stake strap 56 to allow the stake strap to be tightened. The capture member 36 also preferably comprises a wire clip 58 (as shown in FIG. 11) for attaching a tie-down for an optional tent fly (not shown). Still further, as shown in FIG. 11, the capture member 36 is preferably configured such that the top of the slotted portion 52 of the keyhole opening 48 lies on a sloped surface 60 that oriented perpendicular to the angle of the bottom end 28 of the pole assembly 26 it secures. Additionally, the end of the capture member 36 closest to the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20 is preferably angled upwards slightly where the tent strap 56 is attached.

Each of the pole assemblies 26 of the tent 20 preferably comprise pole segments 62 that are selectively and foldably connected to each other via hinges 64. The pole segments 62 are preferably fiberglass or carbon fiber pole segments, but could also be made from other lightweight materials such as aluminum. The hinges 64 may be simple shock cord hinge connections 66 of the type shown in FIG. 9. The operation of such shock cord hinge connections 66 is well known in the camping industry and therefore is not described herein in further detail. The hinges 64 may also be 180 degree fixed-plane hinges 68, like the hinges shown in FIG. 10 (which are also well known in the art). Fixed-plane hinges 68 are preferable since they ensure that the pole segments 62 can only be folded in the proper direction. Preferably, each pole assembly 26 comprises only three pole segments 62 connected to each other via two hinges 64. The uppermost pole segment 62 of each pole assembly 26 is also foldably attached to the, or one of the, upper pole hub(s) 24 of the tent 20 such that it is able to pivot at least ninety degrees relative to the pole hub.

With fixed-plane hinges 68, all the hinges 64 and the upper pole hub(s) 24 can be configured such that the pole segments can only be folded over each other in the direction shown in the figures. When the tent 20 is in its open configuration, the fabric portion 22 of the tent will bend the pole assemblies 26 and pole segments 62 in the opposite direction. As such, the fixed-plane hinges 68 need not be lockable in an open position since they will be held open by the bending force. Thus, such a tent 20 can only be folded and packed after the bending forces have been relieved by detaching the pole assemblies from the lower connection members 32.

The pole assemblies 26 can also be configured to fold in the opposite direction from that described above. However, it should be appreciated that the hinges 64 of tent 20 in that case would have to be lockable open in some manner so that they do not fold when the fabric portion 22 acts to cause the pole assemblies 26 to bend. Shock cord hinge connections 66 are one example of such lockable hinges 64 since they prevent folding in any direction unless the pole segments 62 are first pulled apart.

The lowermost hinge 64 of each pole assembly 26 is preferably configured to limit the upward slip of the respective slip member 30 along the pole assembly. During the process of collapsing and packing the tent 20, limiting the slip members 30 from sliding beyond the lowermost hinges 64 ensures that fabric portion 22 of the tent does not simply retract into a disheveled pile. In other words, as the pole assemblies 26 are laid flat, the slip members 30 will still pull the corner portions of the fabric portion 22 of the tent 20 such that the fabric portion spreads out flat. The slip members 30 and their limited slip travel also ensure that the fabric portion 22 will fold about the pole. assemblies when the pole segments 62 are being folded (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Thus, the slip members 30 make collapsing and packing the tent 20 simple and easy.

Like the lowermost hinges 64, the pole caps 34 or bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies 26 are also configured to limit the slip of the slip members 30, but in an opposite direction. This prevents any slip member 30 from sliding off of its respective pole assembly 26.

A tent 20 in accordance with the invention also preferably comprises a plurality of clasps 70 attached to the fabric portion 22 that are releasably attachable to the pole assemblies 26 and that hold the fabric portion 22 up when the tent is open. The clasps 70 are attached to the pole assemblies 26 when the tent 20 is being opened after the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies 26 have been attached to the fabric portion 22 via the connection mechanisms 32. Conversely, the clasps 70 are preferably detached from the pole assemblies 26 when the tent 20 is being collapsed prior to detaching the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies 26 from the fabric portion 22. However, the clasps 70 could also be non-releasably attached to the pole assemblies 26 and the fabric portion 22.

Regardless of whether the clasps 70 are detached from the pole assemblies 26 during the process of collapsing the tent 20, the process of folding the tent preferably begins by first detaching the bottom ends 28 of the pole assemblies 26 from the fabric portion 22 of the tent via the connection mechanisms 32. That allows the pole assemblies 26 to lay flat, as shown in FIG. 2. Next, the lowermost pole segments 62 of each of the pole assemblies 26 are folded over and against the middle pole segment of the respective pole assembly, as shown in FIG. 3. Then, the middle and lowermost pole segments 62 are folded over the uppermost pole segments, as shown in FIG. 4. Finally, all the pole segments 62 are pivoted upward relative to the pole hub(s) 24 until they are generally parallel to each other, thereby completed the packing process as shown in FIG. 5. As discussed above, during this whole process, the slip members 30 ensure that the fabric portion 22 folds with and about the pole assemblies when the pole segments 62 are being folded.

In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the invention has several advantages over the prior art.

As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

It should also be understood that when introducing elements of the present invention in the claims or in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, the term “portion” should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies. Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position or time sequence between limitations. Still further, the order in which the steps of any method claim that follows are presented should not be construed in a manner limiting the order in which such steps must be performed, unless such an order is inherent.

Claims

1. A tent comprising:

a pliable fabric portion, the fabric portion comprising a base having corners;
an upper pole hub;
a plurality of adjustable tent pole assemblies that can be adjusted between fully extended and collapsed configurations, each of the pole assemblies having an upper end connected to the pole hub and a lower end that is configured and adapted to releasably connect to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion, the pole assemblies and the pole hub collectively being configured and adapted to suspend the fabric portion therefrom when the lower ends of the pole assemblies are connected to the corners of the fabric portion; and
a plurality of slip members, each of the slip members being connected to the fabric portion and slideably connected to a respective one of the pole assemblies, each of the pole assemblies being configured and adapted such that the slip member can slide only along a portion of the pole assembly, the slip members and the pole assemblies being configured and adapted to spread the corners of the fabric portion apart from each other as the pole assemblies are being adjusted from the collapsed configuration to the fully extended configuration.

2. A tent in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tent comprises a plurality of connection mechanisms, each of the connection mechanisms comprises a pole end cap and a capture member, the capture member comprises a keyhole opening having a large portion and a slotted portion that collectively form the keyhole opening, the pole end cap is configured to be adapted to pass at least partially into the keyhole opening through the large portion of the keyhole opening and to thereafter pass into the slotted portion of the keyhole opening in a manner such that the pole cap cannot be removed from the capture member without first passing the pole cap from the slotted portion of the keyhole opening and back into the large portion of the keyhole opening, each of the pole caps is fixed to the lower end of a respective one of the pole assemblies, each of the capture members is fixed to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion, and each of the pole assemblies is releasably connected to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion by a respective one of the pole caps and a respective one of the capture members.

3. A tent in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of the pole assemblies comprises multiple pole segments that are foldable relative to each other, a lowermost one of the pole segments of each pole assembly forms the lower end of the respective pole assembly, and the tent is configured such that each of the slip members can slide only along the lower pole segment of a respective one of the pole assemblies.

4. A tent in accordance with claim 3 wherein the pole segments of each of the pole assemblies are connected to each other and foldable relative to each other via a shock cord.

5. A tent in accordance with claim 3 wherein the pole segments of each of the pole assemblies are connected to each other and foldable relative to each other via a fixed-plane hinge between each adjacent pair of the pole segments.

6. A tent in accordance with claim 5 wherein each of the fixed-plane hinges is oriented to fold in a direction away from the fabric portion of the tent.

7. A tent comprising:

a pliable fabric portion, the fabric portion comprising a base having corners;
an upper pole hub;
a plurality of adjustable tent pole assemblies that can be adjusted between fully extended and collapsed configurations, each of the pole assemblies having an upper end connected to the pole hub and a lower end that is configured and adapted to releasably connect to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion, the pole assemblies and the pole hub collectively being configured and adapted to suspend the fabric portion therefrom when the lower ends of the pole assemblies are connected to the corners of the fabric portion; and
a plurality of connection mechanisms, each of the connection mechanisms comprising a pole end cap and a capture member, the capture member comprising a keyhole opening having a large portion and a slotted portion that collectively form the keyhole opening, the pole end cap being configured to be adapted to pass at least partially into the keyhole opening through the large portion of the keyhole opening and to thereafter pass into the slotted portion of the keyhole opening in a manner such that the pole cap cannot be removed from the capture member without first passing the pole cap from the slotted portion of the keyhole opening and back into the large portion of the keyhole opening, each of the pole caps being fixed to the lower end of a respective one of the pole assemblies, each of the capture members being fixed to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion, each of the pole assemblies being releasably connectable to a respective one of the corners of the fabric portion by a respective one of the pole caps and a respective one of the capture members.

8. A tent in accordance with claim 7 wherein the each of the pole assemblies comprises multiple pole segments that are foldable relative to each other, a lowermost one of the pole segments of each pole assembly forms the lower end of the respective pole assembly, the tent comprises a plurality of slip members, each of the slip members is connected to the fabric portion and slideably connected to a respective one of the pole assemblies, each of the pole assemblies is configured and adapted such that the slip member can slide only along the lower pole segment of a respective one of the pole assemblies, and the slip members and the pole assemblies are configured and adapted to spread the corners of the fabric portion apart from each other as the pole assemblies are being adjusted from the collapsed configuration to the fully extended configuration.

9. A tent in accordance with claim 8 wherein the pole segments of each of the pole assemblies are connected to each other and foldable relative to each other via a shock cord.

10. A tent in accordance with claim 9 wherein the pole segments of each of the pole assemblies are connected to each other and foldable relative to each other via a fixed-plane hinge between each adjacent pair of the pole segments.

11. A tent in accordance with claim 10 wherein each of the fixed-plane hinges is oriented to fold in a direction away from the fabric portion of the tent.

Patent History
Publication number: 20160060897
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 9, 2015
Publication Date: Mar 3, 2016
Inventor: Yang Baoqing (Hangzhou)
Application Number: 14/641,686
Classifications
International Classification: E04H 15/40 (20060101); E04H 15/42 (20060101); E04H 15/56 (20060101); E04H 15/48 (20060101); E04H 15/60 (20060101); E04H 15/54 (20060101);