Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
`-` 2096048 ~ i;
TENT HOOK, EYELET AND CAP ASSEMBLY -~
:: .. :~,
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION .
Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to devices for use when pitching
tents. In particular, this invention pertains to assemblies
comprising hooks, eyelets, caps and fasteners for attaching tent
shells to tent frames and for attaching tent liners to tent
shells.
Description of Related Prior Art
External tent frames generally include poles. The poles
are commonly attached to the tent shell by spring loaded U-shaped i;
wire hooks which are attached to webbing sewn into a seam of the
tent shell. ;
Tent liners commonly have machined splits in their seams.
Such liners are commonly attached to the inside of the tent shell
by toggles sewn into the tent shell, in a manner similar to
fastening a button through a button-hole. Alternatively, some
tent liners have cords along their perimeters for engagement to
the interior of the tent shell.
- . - ..;- :,-~
-~20 Such webbing, wire hooks and toggles complicate the
fabrication of the tent shell and the repair of the hardware for
engaging theiliner and frame. They also create stress points in
the tent shell and increase the wear and tear on the tent. ~`
Moreover, because of the intricate manipulations of splits and
toggles, they make pitching a tent difficult in extreme weather
: ~ . - . .
conditions such as low temperatures. It is therefore desirable to
- 1 - ' ' .,
";, "
20960~8
ease fabrication of the tent shell and repair of the hardware, ;
decrease tent shell stress and expedite tent pitching. Those
objectives may be met by making hardware that can be separate
from the shell until the tent is to be pitched.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for
attaching a tent shell to a tent frame, said device comprising
a first, generally C-shaped, member defining a first
opening to flexibly slide into engagement with said tent frame
and
a second member, attached to said first member and
dimensioned to contain first attachment means selectively
operable to receive second attachment means, said first and
second attachment means being operable to secure a tent shell
therebetween.
Also according to the present invention there is provided
a device for suspending a tent liner, said device comprising
a first, generally C-shaped, member defining a first
opening to engage said tent liner and
a second member, attached to said first member and
dimensioned to contain first attachment means selectively
operable to receive second attachment means, said first and
second attachment means being operable to secure a tent shell
therebetween. -
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings illustrating embodiments of the
invention,
- 2 -
20960~8
Figure lA is a perspective view to show schematically a
first device for attaching a tent shell to a tent frame in use
and coupled to a second device for suspending a tent liner,
Figure lB is also a perspective view to show :
schematically the Figure lA first device in use and coupled to a
third device for capping said first device,
Figure lC is a perspective view to show schematically the
Figure lA second device in use and coupled to the Figure lB third . :- .
device, ~.
Figure 2 is an front elevation view of an embodiment of
the first device according to the present invention,
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the Figure 2
embodiment, along the line 3-3 in Figure 2,
Figure 4 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of
the second device according to the present invention,.
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the Figure 4
:-.,. ,; ..
embodiment,
Figure 6 is a top plan view of the Figure 4 ambodiment, .- :
Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the Figure 4 :~
embodiment,
Figure 8 is a side view of the third device according to :~
the present invention, for use in combination with the Figure 2
and Figure 3 embodiments,
Figure 9 is a top plan view of the Figure 8 embodiment, : -
Figure 10 is bottom plan view of the Figure 8 embodiment
and
2096048
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line 11-11
in Figure 9.
.. . . -
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figure lA, a first device 100 engages a tent
pole 101. The tent pole 101 is part of an external tent frame ~`
comprised of a plurality of interconnected tentpoles disposed
vertically, horizontally or anywhere therebetween. From a second
device 200 a tent liner 201 is suspended by a cord 203 attached
to the liner 201 near an edge of the liner 201. Tent shell 103
is interposed between the first device 100 and the second device - ~
200. The first device 100 and second device 200 are coupled by a -
fastener (not shown), securing tent shell 103 therebetween.
Referring to Figure lB, the first device 100 engages a
tent pole 101. Tent shell 103 is interposed between the first
device 100 and a third device 300. The third device 300 attaches
to and caps the first device 100. The first device lO0 is ~ -
coupled by a fastener (not shown) to the third device 300 ~ ~
. ~-':
securing tent shell 103 therebetween.
Referring to Figure lC, from the second device 200 the
Iiner 201 is suspended by a cord 203 attached to the liner 201
along an edge thereof. Tent shell 103 is interposed between the
second device 200 and a third device 300. The third device 300
attaches to and caps the second device 200. The second device
,:
200 is coupled by a fastener (not shown) to the third device 300
securing tent shell 103 therebetween. ~
~'' ' , . ':
- 4 - ~
, ~:
'' .: ' ':
2~96048
Referring to Figure 2, in one preferred embodiment of the
invention there is provided a device 100 for attaching a tent
shell (shown as 103 in Figures lA, lB and lC) to an external tent
pole 101. The device 100 comprises a generally C-shaped,
flexible hook portion 102 and a body portion 104 having a
generally planar base 106. ~ -
Referring to Figure 3, the hook 102 of first device 100 -
. ~
is of substantially C-shaped cross-section and forms an opening ;
108. In use, the device 100 is slipped via opening 108 over the
tent pole 101 so that the hook 102 clampingly engages the pole
101, such that the axis of the pole 101 is substantially
coincident with the axis of the C-shaped hook 102. The hook 102 - -
also has a protrusion 112, on its outer face 102' near its free
end 110. The protrusion 112 forms an eye with opening 114 to ~ -
permit the passage of cord (not shown) through that opening 114.
The axis of opening 114 extends generally parallel to the tent
pole 101 when device 100 is supported from the tent pole.
The body portion 104 is of substantially triangular ;-
cross-section and tapers toward a base portion 116 of the hook ~-
102, to which it is integrally attached. In practice these are
typically moulded as one piece. The body portion 104 has a
generally flat surface 118 that faces the free end 110 of hook
102l. The base 106 defines a substantially flat bottom surface
120 which with surface 118 encloses an angle of about 50 degrees.
The base 106 is formed with an opening 122 therein to
detachably receive a complementally formed part of an other
fastening device according to the present invention, by which to
- 5 -
2096048
support a tent shell or tent liner ( as shown in Figures lA, lB
and lC) from the tent pole 101. The opening 122 is orthogonal to
the axis of the hook 102 and includes a counter-bore 124. As
used in this specification the expression "counter-bore" not only :~
means a strictly parallel, coaxial, machined enlargement at the
.... .
open end of an opening, but also includes any radial outward
enlargement within an opening, the opening and the enlargement
being produced by any process. .
: . .
Referring to Figure 4, in another preferred embodiment of ~ :
the invention there is provided a device 200 for attaching a tent :
liner to the interior of a tent shell (shown as 201 in Figures lA : :~
and lC). The device 200 comprises a hook 202, base 204 and -~
eyelet 206.
Referring to Figure 5 to supplement Figures lA, lC and 4,
the hook 202 is laminar and of substantially C-shaped profile and
. .
is offset from, and parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the
base 204. In use, the longitudinal axis of the base 204 extends
generally orthogonally of the cord along the perimeter of the
tent liner (Figures lA and lC). The location and orientation of
the hook 202 allow the device 200 to be attached to a tent shell
by fasteners (not shown) attached to the base 204 through the
eyelet 206. - .
i The C-shaped hook 202 comprises an arm 208, and shank .
210, extending from an edge 212 of the base 204. Another arm
214, of substantially C-shaped profile, extends from the shank : ......... ... ~ :
210 back toward the free end of arm 208 and with it defines a ~ ~ .
slot 215 which opens into a cavity 218 defined by arms 208 and
- 6 -
,, , ., .~, ", , . ", ~ . ., .. ... . ..... . ' '
'~96048
214 with shank 210. The free ends of the arms 208 and 214 face
one another and are smoothly rounded. In the plane of the hook
202, an outer edge surface 216 of the arm 208 is angled at 5
degrees towards the shank 210 and is approximately half as wide ~ ~;
as the shank 210 and arm 214. The width of the arm 208 is
constant, such that the cavity 218 widens toward the base 204.
The orientation and size of the arm 208, relative to the rest of
the device 200, facilitate easily inserting tent line~ cord
(shown in Figures lA and lC) into the cavity 218 without
intricate manipulations of splits and toggles.
Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the base 204 comprises a
flat top 220, a flat bottom 222 parallel thereto and a flat side -
224 bevelled to 15 degrees from the plane of the hook 202. The
side 224 extends between the top 220 and the bottom 222.
Bevelling of the side 224 allows the device 200 to be attached
close to the junction between a tent shell ceiling and a tent
shell wall without unduly deforming the tent shell.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the eyelet 206 comprises a
circular opening 226 in a flat surfaced protrusion 228 on the top
220. Protrusion 228 is generally square in shape. The material
between the protrusion 228 and the opening 226 forms a lip 230.
The opening 226 extends through to the bottom 222 (coaxially
about the longitudinal axis) of the base 204. The opening 226
may be threaded to engage similarly threaded screw-type fasteners
(not shown) to fasten the device 200 to the tent shell (as shown
in Figure lC).
` 2096048
Referring to Figures 8-11, a preferred embodiment of a
cap device 3C0 is of use in improving the seal between the tent
shell (see Figures lB and lC~ and device 100 or device 200. The
cap device 300 comprises a planar base 302, an opening 304
extending coaxially through the base 302, a coaxial counter-bore
306 of the opening 304 on one face of base 302, and a protruding
lip 308 centred about the opening 304 on the face of the base 302 -~ -
opposite the counter-bore 306. In this instance, opening 304 is ~ ~ ;
circular in cross section for ease of making, while counter-bore
-.
306 is of a square cross-section to inhibit rotational movement ~ ~
when secured to a tent shell. ~ i
Preferably, the devices 100, 200 and 300 are made of a ~ -
polymeric material, such as by injection moulding polyethylene or
other appropriate plastic material, that provides the hooks with -
flexibility and memory and that provides the bodies with
structural strength. The material should be capable of -~-
performing during and after exposure to the temperature ranges in ; ;
. :
which the respective devices are typically to be used; it should
also preferably be stabilized against light, particularly u.v.
light.
Relationships between, and assembly of, the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, will now be described. ;~
I It is preferred that the device 100 and the device 200 -~
may be combined, that the device 100 and the device 300 may be
combined and that the device 200 and the device 300 may be
combined. Consequently, the counter-bore 124 in device 100 is -
: ,. .
shaped and configured to receive tent shell interposed between - ~-
- 8 -
2096048
the eyelet 206 of device 200 and the counter-bore 124.
Similarly, the counter-bore 124 is shaped and configured to
conformably receive tent shell interposed between lip 308 of
capping device 300 and the counter-bore 124. For the same
reason, the counter-bore 306 in capping device 300 is shaped and
configured to conformably receive tent shell interposed between
the protrusion 228 of device 200 and the counter-bore 306. Other
configurations between the devices 100, 200 and 300 are possible,
such as a lip (not shown) on the base of the device 100
corresponding to a counter-bore (not shown) on the top of the
device 200, provided the respective devices are shaped and
configured to receive tent shell interposed between them.
The devices 100, 200 and 300 are preferably installed by
being fastened to the tent shell with screw-type fasteners (not
shown). However, the devices 100, 200 and 300 may be formed with
different radially dimensioned portions to permit biased
fasteners, such as those with spring loaded balls or biased
retaining flanges, to be used. When screw-type fasteners are
used they are inserted through the seams of the tent shell (not
shown). When the device 100 is combined with the device 200,
typically a number 8 x 3/4 inch screw is inserted from the inside
of the tent shell, beginning at the opening 226 in the bottom
222. When the device 100 is combined with the capping device
300, typically a number 10 x 1/2 inch screw is inserted from the
inside of the tent shell, beginning at the counter-bore 306.
When the device 200 is combined with the device 300, for example,
_ 9 _ ~
~ 20960~8 :
a number 8 x 1/2 inch screw is inserted from the outside of the
tent shell, beginning at the lip 308. -~
Following the installation of the device 100 alone, or
the devices 100 and 300 in combination, the surface 118 can serve
to guide a tent pole 101 toward the opening 108 and onto the
inner face 102" of the hook 102, as will now be described.
The hook 102 is resiliently flexible. The shortest
distance between the free end 110 and the surface 118 is slightly
less than the diameter of the pole 101. As the pole 101 is
: . . .~ . . -
guided along the surface 118 towards the opening 108, the pole
101 pushes the free end 110 away from the surface 118. Once ;
.:.,:, -. .
enough of the cross-section of the pole 101 has entered the
opening 108 the free end 110 moves towards the surface 118 and ;
the inner face 102" of the hook 102 releasably and lockably
engages the pole 101. To remove the pole 101 from the hook 102, -~
the size of the opening 108 can be increased by grasping and -
pulling the protrusion 112 away from the surface 118.
Alternatively, the pole 101 can be pulled out through the opening
108 such that once enough of the cross-section of the pole 101 ~-~
~: .
has left the opening 108, the inner face 102" disengages the pole
101. ;,-.
Installing the device 200 alone, or the devices 200 and
300iin combination, facilitates hanging a tent liner inside the
:. ~
tent shell.
Installing the devices 100 and 200 in combination
facilitates pitching a tent by facilitating the attachment of a
tent shell to an external tent frame and the hanging of a tent
10 -
. : ~:', ~,~
20960~8 ~ ~
liner inside the tent shell. To replace a device 100, 200 or
300, or to disassemble the tent, the corresponding screws can
simply be unscrewed.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art that the present invention is not restricted thereto
but instead may be varied within the scope of the following
claims. For example, although the devices 100, 200 and 300 have
been depicted and described herein as having components that are
generally orthogonal and rectilinear, non-orthogonal and
curvilinear components are included within the present invention.
- 11 - ,;
