SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN INDOOR TENT

Abstract

An indoor tent that is configured to encompass a couch while maximizing viewing angles from inside the tent.

Description

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Field of the Disclosure

Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for an indoor tent. More particularly, embodiments relate to an indoor tent that is configured to encompass a couch or article of furniture while maximizing viewing angles and volume of a chamber inside the tent.

Background

Portable tents are well known and have been used for many different purposes. Generally outdoor tents include a floor and a series of poles to protect the user from the elements. Such tents are typically anchored to the ground, are supported by a series of poles, and are aerodynamic to limit the impacts of wind. Generally indoor tents include a series of poles that form substantially rectangular shapes to increase the ease and simplicity for construction and deconstruction.

However, situations arise where it is desirable to maximize a volume of a chamber within the tent, while also increasing viewing angles from inside the tent.

Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods for an indoor tent that includes a series of bowed out legs, a semi-circle upper support, and a pair of bisecting upper supports.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods an indoor tent that is configured to be installed around or encompass a couch, bed, or any other article of furniture. The tent may include a plurality of legs, anchors, pair of upper supports, curved support, first connectors, second connectors, and fabric.

The plurality of legs may be configured to be vertical supports for the tent. Each of the legs may be configured to bow outward, and extend from a floor surface to an upper surface of the tent. The outward bowing of the plurality of legs may create convex curves that maximize an internal volume of the tent while pulling the fabric away from a center of the tent.

The anchors may be positioned on a first end of a corresponding leg, and be configured to be positioned under the article of furniture. This may secure the lateral and longitudinal movement of the indoor tent.

The pair of upper supports may be configured to be positioned on an upper surface of the tent, outside of the fabric of the tent. The pair of upper supports may have first ends that are coupled to a first connector, and second ends that are coupled to a second connector. The pair of upper supports may be configured to bisect each other at a position that is offset from a center of the tent, such that the position of bisection may be closer to the rear of the tent than the front of the tent. Additionally, the position of bisection may be aligned with a midpoint of the lateral axis of the tent.

The curved support may be configured to be positioned on an upper surface of the tent, outside of the fabric of the tent. The curved support may be formed of a single curved rod or a plurality of curved rods. The curved support may have ends that are coupled to the first connectors, and may be configured to contact or cross the upper supports at locations between the bisection of the upper supports and the second ends of the upper supports, wherein the intersection locations may be closer to the second ends of the upper supports. In embodiments, the ends of the curved support may be positioned at an angle that is vertically and laterally offset from the portions of the curved support that contacts the upper supports. The ends of the curved supports may be positioned lower than and closer to the edges of the lateral axis of the tent than the portions of the curved support that contacts the upper supports at the intersection locations. This relative positioning may allow the apex of the curved support to raise the fabric in relation to the rear end of the fabric.

The first connectors may be positioned at a rear of the tent, and may be configured to receive the upper ends of the rear of legs, ends of the curved support, and the first ends of the upper supports. The second connectors may be positioned at a front of the tent, and may be configured to receive upper ends of the plurality of the front legs, and second ends of the upper supports.

The fabric may be formed of a stretchable fabric, such as nylon, spandex, latex, rubber, etc. The fabric may be configured to form an enclosure within the tent to cover the article of furniture. The fabric may be configured to be coupled with the upper supports, plurality of legs, and curved support through any known coupling mechanisms, such as hook and loops, straps, ties, etc. In embodiments, the fabric may have selectively closed sidewalls and rear surface, and have an open front end. The open front end of the fabric may have a wider base and a narrower upper surface with a gradual taper from the wider base to the narrower upper surface. This may allow portions of the fabric to cover the arms of the article of furniture while maximizing viewing angles for people inside the enclosure. Furthermore, the sidewalls of the fabric may be configured to be rolled up to expose the enclosure within the tent from the sides.

Additional embodiments may include a front panel that is configured to be positioned over the front surface and open front end of the tent. The front panel may be configured to be coupled with the front legs, upper supports, and curved support of the tent via hook and loop strips or any other coupling mechanisms.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 8-13 depict various views of a tent which may have different front paneling for aesthetic purposes, according to embodiments

FIGS. 14-22 depict a tent, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 depicts a tent, according to an embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a tent 100, according to an embodiment. Tent 100 may be configured to be operated indoor and be configured to encompass an article of furniture 110, such as a couch, chair, table, bed, etc. Tent 100 may include a plurality of legs 120, anchors 130, upper supports 140, curved support 150, first connectors 160, second connectors 170, and fabric 180.

Plurality of legs 120 may be poles, rods, shafts, etc. configured to form an external frame for tent 100. The plurality of legs 120 may define the outer bounds of tent 100, wherein a lateral axis of tent 100 may extend from the plurality of legs 120 positioned on the right side of tent 100 to the plurality of legs 120 positioned on the left side of tent 100. The longitudinal axis of tent 100 may extend from the rear plurality of legs 120 to the front plurality of legs 120. Each of the plurality of legs 120 may bow outward, and extend from a floor surface to the upper surface of tent 100. The curvature of legs 120 may be configured to pull fabric 180 away from a center of tent 100, which may maximize the volume and viewing angles provided from within tent 100. Lower ends of each of plurality of legs 120 may be coupled with a corresponding anchor 130, upper ends of the plurality of legs 120 positioned at the rear of tent 100 may be coupled to first connectors 160 and, upper ends of the plurality of legs 120 positioned at the front of tent 100 may be coupled to second connectors 170.

Anchors 130 may be positioned on lower ends legs 120, and be configured to be positioned under the article of furniture 110. This may secure the lateral and longitudinal movement of the tent 100. In embodiments, anchors 130 may be configured to receive downward forces from article of furniture 100.

Upper supports 140 may be a pair of bisecting poles, rods, shafts, etc. positioned on an upper and outer surface of fabric 180. Upper supports 140 may be configured to form an upper portion of the frame defining tent 100. Upper supports 140 may have first ends that are coupled with first connectors 160, and second ends that are coupled with second connectors 170. The pair of upper supports 140 may be configured to bisect each other at a position 145 that is offset from a center of tent 100, such that position 145 is closer to the rear of tent 100 than the front of tent 100 while being positioned at a midpoint of the lateral axis of tent 100. Furthermore, the angles of bisecting upper supports 140 aligned with the longitudinal axis may be greater than the angles of upper supports aligned with the lateral axis of tent 100. Upper supports 140 may be configured to be coupled with tent 100 via coupling mechanism 147. Coupling mechanisms 147 may be hooks and straps, sleeves that are configured to connect upper supports 140 with fabric 180.

Curved support 150 may be a pole, rod, etc. be positioned on an upper surface of tent 100, outside of the fabric 180 of tent 100. Curved support 150 may be formed of a single curved rod forming a semi-circle, or a plurality of curved rods. Curved support 150 may have ends that are coupled to first connectors 160 at a rear of tent 100, and may be configured to contact or cross the upper supports 140 at a location 153 between the bisection 145 of the upper supports and the second ends of upper supports 140. Location 153 may be positioned closer to the second ends of the upper supports 140 than bisection 145. An apex 155 of curved support 150 may be configured to be positioned at a most forward point of tent 100 to form an outward projection lip on the upper surface of tent 100 that extends past a front surface of the article of furniture 110. Furthermore, the apex 155 of curved support 150 may be configured to be coupled with fabric 180 to vertically and longitudinally stretch fabric 180, which may maximize a volume of the enclosure within tent 110. The ends of curved support 140 coupled to first connectors 160 may be positioned at an angle that is vertically and laterally offset from the location 153, wherein curved support 140 and upper supports 140 may be coupled to fabric 180 via coupling mechanisms at location 153. The ends of the curved support 150 coupled to first connectors 160 may be positioned lower than and closer to the outer ends of the lateral axis of the tent than the portions of the curved support at location 153. This curvature and elevation may allow the apex 155 to be raised in relation to the rear end of the fabric 180.

First connectors 160 may be positioned at a rear of tent 160, and may be configured to receive the upper ends of the rear of legs 120, ends of the curved support 150, and the first ends of the upper supports 140. Second connectors 170 may be positioned at a front of tent 100, and may be configured to receive upper ends of the plurality of the front legs 120, and second ends of upper supports 160.

Fabric 180 may be formed of a stretchable fabric, such as nylon, spandex, latex, rubber, etc. Fabric 180 may be configured to form an enclosure within tent 100 to selectively cover article of furniture 110. In embodiments, Fabric 180 may have selectively closed sidewalls and rear surface, and have an open front end. The open front end of fabric 180 may have a wider base and a narrower upper surface with a gradual taper from the wider base to the narrower upper surface. This may allow portions of fabric 180 to cover the arms of the article of furniture while maximizing viewing angles for people inside the enclosure. Furthermore, the sidewalls 182 of fabric 180 may be configured to be rolled up to expose the enclosure within tent 100 from the sides.

FIG. 2 depicts tent 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 2 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 2, tent 100 may include a front panel 200. Front panel 200 may be configured to stretch over the front opening of tent 100. Front panel 200 may be configured to be coupled to legs 120 and curved support 150 via coupling mechanisms, such as hook and loop strips. In embodiments, front panel 200 may include a bottom strip 207 that extends across a bottom surface, wherein the bottom strip 207 may be elevated from a floor surface.

Front panel 200 may include a selective opening 210 that is configured to be covered and uncovered by a flap 205. In different embodiments, front panel 200 may be a cosmetic accessory with different themes, such as castles, rocket ships, etc.

FIG. 3 depicts tent 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 3 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the curved support 150 in tent 100 may include a first portion 310, second portion 320, and third portion 330. First portion 310 and second portion 320 may be configured to be exposed on the outer edges of tent 100, whereas third portion 330 may be covered by fabric 180. In embodiments, third portion 330 may be configured to pass through a slot in fabric 180 or front panel 200. This may allow third portion 330 to exert forces towards the front of tent 100 to create a permanent overhang for tent 100. Furthermore, because the entirety of curved support 150 may be curved at an upward angle, a height of the front of tent 100 may be larger than the height of the rear of tent 100, wherein the rear of the tent does not include an opening while the front does.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of tent 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 4 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 4, apex 155 of tent may project away from the front of tent 100, while the curvature of curved support 150 may allow front panel 200 to be curved. This may maximize viewing angles and volume within tent 100.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of tent 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 5 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 5, front panel 200 of tent 100 may be angled away from a body of tent 100, such that apex 155 is positioned in front of anchors 130.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of tent 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 6 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of tent 100, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIG. 7 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 7, each of the anchors 130 may be coupled with an end of a tension support 710 or 720. Tension supports 710, 720 may be fabric or any other material configured to apply a tension force against anchors 130 towards a center of tent 100. In embodiments, a first end of tension support 710 may be coupled to an anchor 130 at the front of tent 130 on a first side, and a second end of tension support 710 may be coupled to an anchor 130 at a rear of tent 130 on a second side. In embodiments, a first end of tension support 720 may be coupled to an anchor 130 at the front of tent 130 on a second side, and a second end of tension support 720 may be coupled to an anchor 130 at a rear of tent 130 on a first side. As such, tension support 710 and 720 may bisect at a location 730 proximate to a center of tent 100, which may be longitudinally and vertically offset from bisection location 145. This may increase the support and structural rigidity of tent.

Furthermore, tension supports 710, 720 may be configured to apply a force towards a center of tent 100. This may allow anchors 130 to be held in place at a location to accommodate furniture of different sizes.

FIGS. 8-13 depict various views of tent 100, which may have different front paneling for aesthetic purposes. Elements depicted in FIGS. 8-13 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

FIGS. 14-22 depict a second embodiment of a tent 1400. Elements depicted in FIGS. 14-22 may be described above, and for the sake of brevity a further description of these elements may be omitted.

As depicted in FIG. 14 tent 1400 may support a chair, such as a gaming chair 1420, which may be occupied by a single person. Attached to each of the anchors 130 may be a base. The base 1430 may be configured to apply tension towards the center of tent 1400, while also providing a flat surface for chair 1420.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Claims

1. An indoor tent comprising:

a first upper support;

a second upper support, wherein the first upper support and second upper support are configured to bisect each other at a first midpoint of a lateral axis of the indoor tent, the first midpoint being offset from a second midpoint of a longitudinal axis of the indoor tent, the second midpoint being closer to a rear of longitudinal axis than a front of the longitudinal axis;

a curved support, the curved support having a first end coupled to a first proximal end of the first upper support, a second end coupled to a second proximal end of the second upper support, wherein the curved support cross the first upper support between the first midpoint and a first distal end of the first upper support and the curved support cross the second upper support between the first midpoint and a second distal end of the second upper support.

2. The indoor tent of claim 1, further comprising:

a first front leg and a second front leg, the first front leg and the second front leg being positioned between the apex of the curved support and the second midpoint along the longitudinal axis, the first front leg being configured to be coupled with the first distal end of the first upper support, and the second front leg being configured to be coupled with the second distal end of the second upper support.

3. The indoor tent of claim 2, further comprising:

a front panel that is configured to be coupled to the first front leg, the second front leg, and the curved support, wherein a base of the front panel is positioned between the apex of the curved support and the second midpoint and a top of the front panel is coupled with the apex.

4. The indoor tent of claim 3, wherein the front panel includes an opening, and a rear of the tent does not.

5. The indoor tent of claim 2, further comprising:

anchors positioned on lower surfaces of the first front leg and the second front leg, the anchors being configured to be positioned under and contact an article of furniture.

6. The indoor tent of claim 5, wherein the article of furniture is a couch.

7. The indoor tent of claim 1, wherein a first height of the apex of the curved upper support is greater than a second height of the first end of the curved support and the second end of the curved support.

8. The indoor tent of claim 1, further comprising:

a piece of fabric that is configured to be coupled to the curved support, the first upper support, and the second upper support.

9. The indoor tent of claim 8, wherein the piece of fabric includes sidewalls, the sidewalls being configured to be rolled upward to expose a chamber within the tent.

10. The indoor tent of claim 8, wherein an opening created by the piece of fabric has a wider lower end than upper end.

11. The indoor tent of claim 1, further including:

a pair of front legs;

a pair of rear legs;

a first tension strap having a first end that is coupled to a first of the pair of front legs and a second end that is coupled to a second of the pair of rear legs;

a second tension strap having a first end that is coupled to a second of the pair of front legs and a second end that is coupled to a first of the pair of rear legs.

12. The indoor tent of claim 11, wherein an intersection point of the first tension strap and the second tension strap is offset from the bisection of the first upper support and second upper support along the longitudinal axis.