Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FOLDABLE TENT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a foldable or collapsible tent, and
more particularly to a
large tent that can be easily erected to form a secure enclosed area, and
easily collapsed and
folded to a compact configuration for convenient storage and transport.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] For novice campers and camping families, among others, foldable tents
are a popular
alternative to conventional assemble-to-use tents. The cover and frame
assembly of foldable
tents are permanently attached to each other, i.e., preassembled, and are
typically sold with a
central hub and a plurality of poles pivotally attached to the hub. These
tents are commonly
referred to as "instant tents," "one-touch tents" or "pop-up tents," and
erecting and collapsing the
tent is easy and less time consuming than conventional assemble-to-use tents.
Instant tents are
particularly advantageous for smaller tents because a minimal number of poles,
typically four,
are required and thus erecting and collapsing the instant tent is quite
simple. However, with
larger tents, instant tents pose several problems.
[0005] For example, more poles as well as a larger cover are required to
support larger instant
tents and thus erecting, collapsing and folding the instant tent could be
challenging to the user.
Specifically, the increased number of poles and pole sections requires extra
steps to erect and
collapse the tent. Moreover, the only method in which the larger instant tents
can be folded is by
surrounding the larger cover around the entire collapsed frame assembly.
Because there is no
systematic method of folding larger instant tents, it is difficult to
consistently fold the tent into a
tight, compact bundle.
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[0006] As another example, larger components and an increased variety of parts
are required to
manufacture larger instant tents. For instance, larger parts are required to
manufacture the
central hub to accommodate the increased number of poles and poles of
different lengths must be
used to accommodate for the increased length of larger tents. Therefore, the
instant tent is
bulkier, and for the manufacturer material costs are increased significantly
and increased
manpower is necessary to assemble the variety of parts.
[0007] As a final example, the use of a central hub limits the overall
configuration of the instant
tent because the overall length of the tent is limited by the length of the
poles which can securely
extend from the hub. Therefore, a tent with a more elongated configuration
cannot be achieved.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is intended to overcome at least the above-
described disadvantages
and to provide a viable alternative to instant tents in the prior art. The
objects and advantages of
the present invention, more specifically, are to provide a foldable tent that
can be manufactured
at a relatively low cost and that is also capable of having a more elongated
configuration, while
maintaining ease in erecting, collapsing and folding the foldable tent as a
whole.
[00091 For achieving the above-mentioned objects, the present invention
provides a foldable tent
having a frame assembly and a cover fixed to the frame assembly such that an
enclosed area is
provided when the tent is erected in an open configuration, and the frame
assembly and cover are
collectively compactly collapsed and folded together in a collapsed
configuration of the tent.
The frame assembly includes a plurality of independent frame members detached
from each
other, each frame member having an upper frame member and a pair of side frame
members.
Each upper and side frame members have first and second sections, and each
first and second
section have an inner end and an outer end. The inner ends of the first and
second sections of
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each upper frame member are pivotally coupled together by a lockable first
pivotal coupling
member. Each outer end of the first and second sections of each upper frame
member is
pivotally coupled to an outer end of a corresponding side frame member first
section by a second
pivotal coupling member. The first and second sections of each side frame
member are slidingly
coupled together. The cover includes a plurality of adjoining cover members
fixedly coupled
together to form an enclosure having an inner surface and an outer surface.
The cover has a top
section, a plurality of side sections and a bottom section, and the adjoining
cover members form
a plurality of seams.
[00101 The present invention also provides a connector device for retaining a
pair of pivotally
connected tent poles. The connector device includes male and female components
coupled to
one another so as to permit positioning of the poles in a substantially
aligned configuration or in
a substantially parallel configuration with respect to each pole. The male
component includes an
outer section having a first cavity for securely receiving an end of one of
the poles and an
opposing inner section having an inner projection. The inner projection
includes an elongated
slot having a first end and a second end. The elongated slot extends through
the inner projection
and an engaging extension extends axially from a center portion of the
projection. The female
component includes an outer section having a second cavity for securely
receiving an end of the
other one of the poles and an opposing inner section having a housing for
receiving the inner
projection of the male component. The housing has an upper portion and two
opposing side
portions extending downward from the upper portion. The male and female
components are
pivotally connected together by a fastener extending through the elongated
slot of the male
component and fixedly coupled to the opposing side portions of the housing of
the female
component. An upper portion of the housing has an opening for receiving a
movable engaging
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member. A lower section of the engaging member includes a pair of spaced apart
extensions
thereby forming a channel therebetween. In a locked state the engaging
extension of the male
component is fixedly secured within the channel of the engaging member of the
female
component such that the male and female components are maintained in the
substantially aligned
configuration, and in an unlocked state the engaging extension of the male
component
disengages the engaging member of the female component to permit displacement
and pivoting
up to 180 degrees of the male component relative to the female component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS
[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the foldable tent of the present
invention in an open
configuration;
[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable tent of Fig. I with the
frame assembly in a
partially collapsed configuration;
[0013] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the foldable tent of Fig. 1 in a first
partially folded
configuration;
[0014] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the foldable tent of Fig. 1 in a second
partially folded
configuration;
[0015] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the foldable tent of Fig. I in a third
partially folded
configuration;
[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the foldable tent of Fig. 1 in a fully
folded configuration;
[0017] Fig. 7 is a side view of a frame member of the foldable tent of Fig. 1
in an open
configuration as also shown in Fig. 1;
[0018] Fig. 8 is a side view of the frame member of Fig. 7 with the side frame
members in a
retracted position;
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[0019] Fig. 9 is a side view of the frame member of Fig. 7 in the partially
collapsed
configuration shown in Fig. 2;
[0020] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the frame member of Fig. 7 in a fully
collapsed
configuration as in Figs. 3-6;
[0021] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a frame
member of the
present invention;
[0022] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a third pivotal
coupling member of the
frame member of Fig. 11;
[0023] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a third pivotal
coupling member
of the frame member of Fig. 11;
[0024] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a second pivotal coupling member of
the present
invention;
[0025] Fig. 15A is a side view of an embodiment of a first pivotal coupling
member of the
present invention in a locked state;
[0026] Fig. 15B is a side view of the first pivotal coupling member of Fig.
15A in an unlocked
and partially folded state;
[0027] Fig. 16A is an inverted cross-sectional view of the first pivotal
coupling member of Fig.
15A;
[0028] Fig. 16B is an inverted cross-sectional view of the first pivotal
coupling member of Fig.
15A in an unlocked state;
[0029] Fig. 16C is an inverted cross-sectional view of the first pivotal
coupling member of Fig.
15A in an unlocked and partially folded state;
[0030] Fig. 16D is an inverted cross-sectional view of the first pivotal
coupling member of Fig.
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15A in an unlocked and fully folded state;
[0031] Fig. 17 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a first pivotal
coupling member of
the present invention in a locked state;
[0032] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the first pivotal coupling member
of Fig. 17;
[0033] Fig. 19 is a top view of the first pivotal coupling member of Fig. 17;
[0034] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the first pivotal coupling member
of Fig. 19;
[0035] Fig. 21 is a side view of the first pivotal coupling member of Fig. 17
in an unlocked state;
[0036] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the first pivotal coupling member
of Fig. 21;
[0037] Fig. 23 is a top view of the first pivotal coupling member of Fig. 21;
[0038] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the first pivotal coupling member
of Fig. 23;
[0039] Fig. 25 is a side view of the male component of the first pivotal
coupling member of Fig.
17;
[0040] Fig. 26 is a side view of the female component of the first pivotal
coupling member of
Fig. 17; and
[0041] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a coupling extension fixed to a bottom
section of the
cover of the foldable tent of the present invention.
[0042] To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference
numerals have been
used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are
common to the
figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures
are not drawn to
scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Referring to Fig. 1, a foldable tent 1 of the present invention is
shown in a fully open
configuration. The foldable tent 1 generally includes a frame assembly 3 and a
cover 5 attached
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to the frame assembly 3. In the preferred embodiment, the frame assembly 3
includes three
substantially identical frame members 7, 9, 11 - one inner frame member 9 and
two outer frame
members 7, 11 - and each frame member 7, 9, 11 is independent and detached
from each other.
Manufacturing costs are reduced due to the conformity of parts required for
the frame members
7, 9, 11. In the preferred embodiment, each outer frame member 7, 11 is
equidistant from the
inner frame member 9. The inner frame member 9 is substantially upright while
each outer
frame member 7, 11 rests at an angle such that the apex of the inner frame
member 9 is higher
than the apex of the outer frame members 7, 11. The height difference between
the inner frame
member 9 and the outer frame members 7, 11 forms a decline on a top section of
the cover 6,
which facilitates a downward run off, thus preventing any accumulation of
water or debris on the
top section of the cover 6.
[00441 One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more than three
frame members could
be included in the frame assembly without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present
invention. Furthermore, the distance separating the frame members 7, 9, 11 as
well as the height
difference between the frame members 7, 9, 11 could vary.
[00451 Referring to Figs. 7-10, each frame member 7, 9, 11 includes an upper
frame member 21
and a pair of side frame members 31. The upper frame member 21 includes a
first pole section
23 and a second pole section 25, and each pole section 23, 25 has an inner end
27 and an outer
end 29. In the preferred embodiment, each section 23, 25 is a substantially
hollow, tubular pole
constructed of reinforced fiberglass for increased flexibility while
maintaining strength, but other
flexible high-strength materials could be used. The inner ends 27 of the upper
frame member
first and second sections 23, 25 are pivotally connected together by a
lockable first pivotal
coupling member or connector device 41.
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[0046] Figs. 15A-B and 16A-D show an embodiment of the first pivotal coupling
member 41.
This embodiment of the first pivotal coupling member 41 is described in detail
in U.S. Patent
No. 7,942,159 B2 (issued May 17, 2011), which is incorporated herein by
reference in its
entirety. The first pivotal coupling member 41 includes a female component BI
and a male
component B2. The female and male components B1, B2 are preferably formed of a
tough,
molded plastic but can also be constructed with other high-strength, light-
weight materials and
by other methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0047] Referring to Figs. 15A-B and 16A-D, an outer section 44 of the male
component B2
includes a cavity (not shown) for receiving an inner end 27 of the upper frame
member first
section 23, which can be fixedly secured within the cavity by an adhesive, a
fastener, form fit or
any combination thereof An opposing inner section 42 of the male component B2
includes an
inner projection B21 having an elongated slot B22 having a first end 22 and a
second end 24.
The elongated slot B22 extends through the width of the inner projection B21.
The height of the
elongated slot B22 increases slightly along the length of the elongated slot
B22 from the second
end 24 to the first end 22. The inner projection B21 further includes an
engaging extension B24
extending outward towards the female component B 1. Referring to Fig. 15B, the
male
component B2 includes a protrusion or outer projection 45 on each outer side
surface between
the outer section 44 and the inner section 42. The male component also
includes a hook 49 to
provide a means for attaching the cover 5 to the upper frame members 21.
[0048] Referring again to 15A-B and 16A-D, an outer section 48 of the female
component B1
includes a cavity (not shown) for fixedly receiving an inner end 27 of the
upper frame member
second section 25, which can be fixedly secured within the cavity by an
adhesive, a fastener,
form fit or any combination thereof. An opposing inner section 46 of the
female component B 1
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includes a housing B 13 having an upper portion 2 and two opposing side
portions 4 extending
downward from the upper portion 2 to form an opening B11 for receiving the
inner projection
B21 of the male component B2. The housing B 13 also includes an inner ridge B
14 extending
from a back wall of the inner section 43 toward the male component B2, to form
an engagement
area between the inner ridge B 14 and the housing upper portion 2. Referring
to Fig. 16D, the
inner section of the female component 46 also includes an outer ridge B15
which provides an
engaging surface B16 for securely engaging the outer projection of the male
component 45 when
the first pivotal coupling member 41 is in a locked configuration as shown in
Fig. 15A. The
female and male components B1, B2 are pivotally coupled together by a fastener
47, such as a
screw, metal pin, rivet or the like, which extends from each housing side
portion 4 and through
the elongated slot B22. The diameter of the fastener 47 is substantially
similar to the height of
the elongated slot B22 at the second end 24 of the elongated slot B22. One
skilled in the art will
also recognize that the female and male components B 1, B2 are interchangeable
such that the
male component B2 could connect with the second section 25 and the female
component 131
could connect with the first section 23.
[00491 Referring to Figs. 15A and 16A, in the locked state, the first and
second sections of each
upper frame member 23, 25 are substantially aligned and the female and male
components B1,
B2 of the first coupling member 41 are engaged and pushed toward each other.
The male
component B2 is shifted toward the female component B 1 such that the position
of the fastener
47 within the elongated slot B22 is toward the second end 24 or the outer
section of the male
component 44 where the height of the elongated slot B22 is substantially
similar to the diameter
of the fastener 47, thereby forming a frictional engagement. The male engaging
extension B24
engages the back wall of the female component inner section 43 between the
inner ridge B 14 and
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the housing upper portion 2 and is also secured by frictional engagement. The
male outer
projection 45 also engages the female engaging surface B 16 between the outer
ridge B 15 and the
housing upper portion 2 and is further secured by frictional engagement.
[0050] Referring to Figs. 15B and 16B-D, the female and male components Bl, B2
are unlocked
by pulling the upper frame first and second sections 23, 25 away from each
other. The
engagement points described above are disengaged and the male component B2 is
shifted away
from the female component B 1 such that the position of the fastener 47 within
the elongated slot
B22 is toward the first end 22 or the inner section of the male component 42,
as shown in Fig.
16B, where the height of the slot B22 is slightly larger than that of the
width at the second end
24 of the slot B22. The upper frame member first section 23 (simultaneously
with the male
component B2) is then pivoted inward (toward the cover 5) 180 degrees until
the female and
male components B1, B2 and first and second sections 23, 25 are substantially
parallel to each
other as shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 16D.
[0051] Referring to Figs. 17-26, an alternative, preferred embodiment of the
lockable first
pivotal coupling member or connector device 141 is shown. The connector device
141 includes
a female component Al and a male component A2. The female and male components
Al, A2
are preferably formed of a tough, molded plastic but can also be constructed
with other light-
weight high-strength materials and by other methods without departing from the
spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0052] Referring to Figs. 17-25, an outer section 144 of the male component A2
includes a
cavity (not shown) for receiving an inner end 27 of the upper frame member
first section 23,
which is fixedly secured within the cavity by a fastener 147 but other means
such as an adhesive,
form fit or any combination thereof could be used. An opposing inner section
142 of the male
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component A2 includes an inner projection A21 having an elongated slot A22
having a first end
22 and a second end 24. The elongated slot A22 extends through the width of
the inner
projection A21. The height of the elongated slot A22 is constant throughout
the length of the
slot A22 and is substantially similar to the diameter of the fastener 47. The
inner projection A21
further includes an engaging extension A24 having a cammed outer surface
extending axially
from a center portion of the inner projection A22 towards the female component
Al as shown in
Fig. 25. The male component A2 also includes a protrusion or outer projection
145 on each
outer side surface between the outer section 144 and the inner section 142.
[0053] Referring to 17-24 and 26, an outer section 148 of the female component
Al includes a
cavity (not shown) for fixedly receiving an inner end 27 of the upper frame
member second
section 25, which is fixedly secured within the cavity by a fastener 147 but
other means such as
an adhesive, form fit or any combination thereof could be used. An opposing
inner section 146
of the female component Al includes a housing A13 having an upper portion 102
and two
opposing side portions 104 extending downward from the upper portion 102 to
form an opening
All for receiving the inner projection A21 of the male component A2. The
female component
inner section 146 also includes an outer ridge A15 on outer sides of a distal
end of the inner
section 146 which provides an engaging surface A16, as shown in Figs. 17, 21
and 26. The
profile of the engaging surface A 16 is substantially similar to the profile
of the male component
outer projection 145 such that when the connector device 141 is in a locked
state, the outer
projections 145 and engaging surface A16 are securely frictionally engaged as
shown in Fig. 17.
The housing upper portion 102 also includes an opening (not shown) for
receiving a movable
engaging member or push button assembly 10.
[0054] Referring to Figs. 18 and 22, the push button assembly 10 includes a
push button portion
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12 and a pair of spaced apart extensions 14 extending downward from each side
of the push
button portion 12. The spaced apart extensions 14 form a channel 18 having a
width
substantially similar to the width of the engaging extension A24 of the male
component A2. A
lower portion of each extension 14 includes a detent 16 extending from outer
sides of the
extensions 14. Referring to Figs. 20 and 24, a lower edge of each extension 14
is formed at an
angle corresponding to the angle of the outer edge of the male component inner
projection A21
to provide smooth engagement when the push button portion 12 is engaged to
lock and unlock
the female and male components Al, A2, as described below.
[0055] Referring to Figs. 20 and 24, the female and male components Al, A2 are
pivotally
coupled by a fastener 47, such as a screw, metal pin, rivet or the like, which
extends from each
housing side portion 104 and the elongated slot A22. One skilled in the art
will also recognize
that the female and male components Al, A2 are interchangeable such that the
male component
A2 could connect with the second section 25 and the female component Al could
connect with
the first section 23.
[0056] In operation, referring to Figs. 17-20, in the locked state, the first
and second sections of
each upper frame member 23, 25 are substantially aligned and the female and
male components
Al, A2 of the connector device 141 are engaged and pushed toward each other.
The male
component A2 is shifted toward the female component Al such that the position
of the fastener
47 within the elongated slot A22 is at a second end 24 closer to the outer
section of the male
component 144. Referring to Fig. 18, the male engaging extension A24 extends
through the
push button assembly channel 18 and engages the extensions of the push button
assembly 14,
thereby forming a secure frictional engagement. The upward movement of the
push button
assembly 10 is limited by the detents 16 which engage an inner surface of the
housing top
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portion 102. The male outer projection 145 also engages the female engaging
surface A16
between the outer ridge A15 and the housing upper portion 102 and is further
secured by
frictional engagement, as shown in Fig. 17.
[0057] Referring to Figs. 21-24, the female and male components Al, A2 are
unlocked by
pulling the upper frame first and second sections 23, 25 away from each other
or by pressing
down on the push button portion of the push button assembly 12. The engagement
points
described above are disengaged and the male component A2 is shifted away from
the female
component Al such that the position of the fastener 47 within the elongated
slot A22 is at the
first end 22 or toward the inner section of the male component 142 as shown in
Fig. 24. The
upper frame first section 23, along with the male component A2 is then pivoted
inward (toward
the cover 5) 180 degrees until the female and male components Al, A2 and first
and second
sections 23, 25 are substantially parallel to each other as shown, for
example, in Figs. 9, 10 and
16D.
[00581 One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modifications
could be made to the
first pivotal coupling members 41, 141. For example, the coupling members 41,
141 could
include additional hooks or an aperture extending through the coupling members
41, 141 to
provide a means for attaching the cover 5 or other accessories.
[0059] Referring to Figs. 7-10, each side frame member 31 includes a first
pole section 33 and a
second pole section 35, and each section 33, 35 has an inner end 37 and an
outer end 39. In the
preferred embodiment, each section 33, 35 is a substantially hollow, tubular
pole constructed of
steel but other materials such as reinforced fiberglass or any high-strength,
light-weight material
could be used. The first section outer end 39 of each side frame member 31 is
pivotally
connected to a corresponding outer end 29 of the upper frame member 21 by a
second pivotal
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coupling member 51.
10060] Referring to Fig. 14, in the preferred embodiment, the second pivotal
coupling member
51 includes a U-shaped casing 53 having an opening (not shown) along an outer
side 56 for
receiving an outer end 29 of each section 23, 25 of the upper frame member 21
on one end and
an outer end 39 of each first section 33 of the side frame member 31 on
another end. The width
of the opening of the casing 53 is constant throughout the opening and is
substantially similar to
the diameter of the side frame member first section 33. In the preferred
embodiment, a cap 55
having a protrusion 57 on opposing sides is fixedly attached to the upper
frame member outer
end 29 to accommodate for the smaller diameter of fiberglass poles of the
upper frame member
first and second sections 23, 25. The outer diameter of the cap 55 measured
from the outer
surfaces of the protrusions 57 is substantially similar to the width of the
opening of the casing
53. Material costs are reduced by utilizing protrusions 57 to increase the
diameter of the upper
frame member outer ends 29, instead of using a cap having a constant larger
diameter throughout
the cap. The cap 55 and the outer end of each upper frame member section 29
are attached by
form fit and adhesive but other means such as a fastener could be used for the
attachment. The
cap 55 of the upper frame member first section outer end 29 and the side frame
member first
section outer end 39 are attached to the casing 53 by a fastener 59 for
pivotal engagement. The
casing 53 and cap 55 are preferably formed of a tough, molded plastic but can
also be
constructed with other light-weight, high-strength materials and by other
methods without
departing from the scope of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, the
fastener 59 is a
metal screw but other types of fasteners such as a metal pin or rivet could be
used. The casing
53 further includes a hook 52 extending longitudinally from each end of the
casing 53 along an
inner side 54. The hook 52 faces inward towards the cover 5 and is used as an
attaching means
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for the cover 5. The casing inner side 54 could also include an aperture
extending through the
casing 53 for attaching the cover 5. In operation, in the open configuration
of the tent 1, the
outer ends 29 (with cap 55) and 39 of each corresponding section 23 (or 25)
and 33, respectively,
is disposed within the opening of the casing 53 and is secured by frictional
engagement between
the protrusions 57 and an inner side surfaces of the casing 53, and the side
frame member first
section outer end 39 and the inner side surfaces of the casing 53. In the
collapsed configuration,
the outer ends 29 (with cap 55) and 39 are disengaged from the casing 53 and
the corresponding
sections 23 (or 25), 33 are pivoted outwardly through the opening of the
casing 53 to a
substantially parallel configuration as best shown in Fig. 10.
[00611 Referring again to Figs. 7-10, the first and second sections 33, 35 of
each side frame
member 31 are slidingly coupled together. In the preferred embodiment, the
inner diameter of
the second section 35 is substantially similar to the outer diameter of the
first section 33 such
that the first section 33 is telescopically slidable within the second section
35. The inner end of
the first section 33 is provided with a locking member 32. Each telescoping
second section 35
includes a spring loaded detent pin (not shown) for indexing in apertures (not
shown) provided
in each corresponding first section 33 for locking the sections 33, 35 in an
extended position as
shown in Fig. 7, and depressing the detent pin to disengage the apertures to
unlock and retract
the second section 35 as shown in Figs. 8-10. It is preferred that the length
of the second section
33 is substantially similar to the length of the first section 33 such that
when retracted
substantially all of the first section 33 is stored within the second section
35. Each outer end 39
of the side frame second section 35 may also include an end cap 34 for
engagement with a
coupling extension 81 which is described in more detail below.
[00621 One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that multiple spring
loaded detent pin-
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aperture combinations could be included in each side frame member section 33,
35 such that the
sections 33, 35 could be adjusted to different lengths. It will also be
recognized that any other
conventional means for connecting the side frame member sections 33, 35 could
be used,
including but not limited to other slidable and pivotal connections.
[0063] Referring to Fig. 11, an alternative embodiment of the outer frame
members 7, 11 is
shown. In this embodiment, the outer frame members 7, 11 are provided with a
pair of auxiliary
poles 131 for additional support to the overall structure of the foldable tent
1. Each auxiliary
pole 131 is configured substantially similarly to the side frame members 31 as
described above.
That is, each auxiliary pole 131 includes first and second pole sections 133,
135 each having an
inner end 137 and an outer end 139. The first and second sections 133, 135 are
telescopically
connected, and the outer ends 139 of each first section 133 are pivotally
connected to each outer
frame member 7, 11 at or near each corresponding side frame member first
section 33 outer end
39. In the open configuration of the tent 1, each auxiliary pole 131 extends
along a corner seam
13 bridging two side walls 8 and each second section 135 outer end 139 is
coupled to a coupling
extension 81 (described below) located at corresponding corners of the cover
bottom section 28.
To collapse the auxiliary poles 131, the auxiliary poles 131 are disengaged
from the coupling
extensions 81, each auxiliary pole 131 is collapsed as described above with
respect to the side
frame members 31 and are pivoted inwardly and aligned with corresponding side
frame members
31.
[0064] Referring to Fig. 12, to couple the auxiliary poles 131 to the outer
frame members 7, 11,
in one embodiment, a side portion of the second pivotal coupling member 51
includes a third
pivotal coupling member or U-shaped connector 90 having a rear wall 91 and a
pair of spaced
apart side walls 93 extending outwardly to form a recess (not shown) for
receiving the outer end
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139 of the auxiliary pole first section 133. The U-shaped connector 90 is
integral to the second
pivotal coupling member 51 and is preferably formed of a tough, molded plastic
but can also be
constructed with other high-strength, light-weight materials and by other
methods without
departing from the scope of the invention. The outer end 139 of each auxiliary
pole first section
133 is pivotally connected to the U-shaped connector 90 by a fastener 95 which
extends through
the auxiliary pole first section 133 and through each side wall 93. In the
preferred embodiment,
the fastener 95 is a metal screw but other types of fasteners such as a metal
pin or a rivet could
be used.
[00651 Referring to Fig. 13, in another embodiment of a third pivotal coupling
member, the
outer end 139 of each auxiliary pole first section 133 is pivotally connected
to the side frame
member first section 33 by an independent connector assembly 92. In this
embodiment, the
connector assembly 92 is substantially U-shaped and includes a curved rear
wall 91 and a pair of
spaced apart side walls 93 extending outwardly therefrom to form a recess (not
shown) for
receiving the outer end 39 of the side frame member first section 33 as well
as the outer end 139
of the auxiliary pole first section 133. The connector assembly 92 is
preferably formed of a
tough, molded plastic but can also be constructed with other high-strength,
light-weight materials
and by other methods without departing from the scope of the invention. The
outer end 39 of the
side frame member first section 33 is disposed against the curved rear wall 91
and adjoining side
wall portions 93, and is fixedly attached thereto by a fastener 95 which
extends through the side
frame member first section 33 and through each side wall 93. The outer end 139
of each
auxiliary pole first section 133 is pivotally connected to the connector
assembly 92 by a fastener
95 which extends through the auxiliary pole first section 133 and through each
side wall 93. In
the preferred embodiment, the fastener 95 is a metal screw but other types of
fasteners such as a
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metal pin or a rivet could be used.
(00661 One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the number of
frame members, the
number of sections of each frame member, as well as the folding methods of the
frame members
could vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is
also possible to add
further extensions and additional auxiliary poles to the frame members to
provide more stability
to the overall structure of the foldable tent.
[00671 Referring to Figs. 1-6, the cover 5 of the foldable tent 1 includes a
plurality of cover
members fixedly attached together by conventional sewing methods, to form an
enclosed shelter
having a top section 6, bottom section 28 and plurality of side sections 8.
The side sections 8
include a plurality of vinyl and/or mesh windows and doors. The cover 5
includes an inner
surface (not shown) and an outer surface 15. In the preferred embodiment, the
cover 5 is water
and flame resistant, and is a fabric constructed from materials such as
cotton, polyester or nylon,
or any combination thereof. Some or all of the cover 5 can also be constructed
with heat
reflecting material and other materials could be used for the cover 5, such as
mesh fabric,
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the preferred
embodiment, the
bottom section of the cover 28 extends further outward than the top section of
the cover 6 such
that the side sections of the cover 8 are formed on an incline. The incline
ensures that any water
or debris will not accumulate on the cover 5 and instead will travel toward
the bottom of the tent
1 to the surface. The adjoining cover members form seams 13 throughout the
cover 5 and
additional seams 13 are formed from adjoining sections that form the windows
and doors. A
continuous flexible adhesive tape (not shown) is applied to the seams 13 on
the inner surface of
the cover 5 to prevent rain water, other liquids or debris from penetrating
the cover 5 through the
seams 13 from the outer surface 15. In the preferred embodiment, frame members
7, 9, 11 are
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generally aligned with the vertical seams 13 of the side sections of the cover
8 and the horizontal
seams 13 of the top section of the cover 6. In the preferred embodiment, the
top section of the
cover 5 is attached to the upper frame members 21 by a plurality of sleeves 17
which are
attached at the horizontal seams 13 of the top section of the cover 6 by
conventional sewing
methods. The sleeves 17 extend along the entire length of each upper frame
member 21 except
where the first pivotal coupling member 41, 141 is located. One of ordinary
skill in the art will
recognize that the sleeves could be replace by a plurality of hooks or other
attachment means
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Other portions
of the cover 5 could
be attached to the frame assembly 3 by additional hooks or other attachment
means as well. The
cover 5 could also be provided with a plurality of attachment means, e.g., a
string made of high-
strength material, to attach to hooks or apertures provided on the first
pivotal coupling member.
In the preferred embodiment, the cover 5 also includes a door mat extension 99
shown in Fig. 3.
One of ordinary skill will recognize that other components or accessories,
such as a rain fly or
any other modification to the inner and outer surfaces of the cover could be
added to the foldable
tent 1 of the present invention.
[00681 Referring to Fig. 27, the bottom portion of the cover 28 includes a
plurality of coupling
extensions 81 for further securing the frame assembly 3 to the cover S. The
bottom portion of
the cover 28 is constructed of a tough, water resistant polyethylene material.
The coupling
extension 81 includes a housing portion 83, formed of a tough, molded plastic,
having a
substantially cylindrical extension or pole receiving member 84 extending
upwardly for
receiving the side frame member second section 35 outer end 39. The
cylindrical extension 84
includes an aperture 86 for receiving a fastener for fixedly attaching the
side frame member
second section 35 outer end 39 to the coupling extension 81 directly or via
the cap 34 of the
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second section outer end 39. The housing portion 83 also includes a pair
spaced apart of slots
(not shown) at an inner end of the housing portion 85, as well as a slot (not
shown) at an outer
end of the housing portion 87. An outer strap 89 formed of a woven nylon
material is attached to
the single slot at the outer end of the housing portion 85 to accommodate for
stakes (not shown)
to secure the tent 1 to a surface. An inner strap or connector 82 is coupled
to each slot at the
inner end of the housing portion 85 and is further coupled to the bottom
portion of the cover 5 by
conventional sewing methods. The multiple inner straps 82 prevent the coupling
extension 81
from rotating during storage and transport, thereby eliminating any
adjustments that may have to
be made when erecting the tent 1. Referring to Fig. 1-6, each corner of the
cover 19 also
includes a strap 89 extending from the cover bottom portion 28 to accommodate
for stakes (not
shown) to secure the tent 1 to a surface. The corner straps 89 could be
replaced by coupling
extensions 81 to receive the auxiliary poles 131, if they are used with the
outer frame members 7,
11 as shown in Fig. 11.
100691 In operation, referring to Figs. 1-10, the foldable tent 1 is erected
by unfolding the cover
and frame assembly 3 as shown in Figs. 2-6. Each corner of the cover 19 is
extended until the
cover bottom section 28 is fully expanded and taut, and stakes are applied to
the straps 89 of
each corner of the cover 19 to secure the cover 5 to a surface. Stakes can
also be applied to the
straps 89 of each coupling extension 81. Each frame member 7, 9, 11 is
positioned in a
substantially upright position as shown in Figs. 2 and 8. The side frame
member first section 33
is extended from the side frame member second section 35 and the two sections
33, 35 are
locked in an extended configuration as shown in Fig. 7. The upper frame member
first and
second sections 23, 25 are aligned and pushed toward each other to lock the
first pivotal coupling
member 41 or 141 of the upper frame member 21 into a locked state as shown in
Fig. 7, 15A, 17.
CA 02779782 2012-06-13
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Once the frame members 7, 9, 11 are extended and locked the top and side
sections of the cover
6, 8 become taut due to the geometrical constraints of the overall
configuration of the tent 1 as
shown in Fig. 1. The cover 5 exerts a generally downward and inward force on
the frame
assembly 3 which aides in maintaining the tent 1 in the open configuration.
Referring to Fig. 1,
in the open configuration, the first pivotal coupling members 41 are aligned
along a common
first x-y plane and the second pivotal coupling members 51 on each side of the
tent 1 are also
aligned in common second and third x-y planes, respectively.
[0070] Referring to again to Figs. 1-10, the tent I is folded in reverse order
as described above
culminating in a compact folded configuration as shown in Fig. 6. That is, the
frame members 7,
9, 11 are collapsed and the cover 5 is folded in half along a central
longitudinal axis as shown in
Fig. 3, as each frame member 7, 9, 11 is collapsed to a fully collapsed state
as shown in Fig. 10.
At this time, each collapsed frame member 7, 9, 11 extends across the width of
the outer surface
of the cover 15. The cover 5 is then folded along axes formed by the collapsed
outer frame
members 7, 11 as shown in Fig. 4, and folded again along an axis formed by the
collapsed inner
frame member 9 as shown in Fig. 5. The cover is then rolled into a compact
bundle as shown in
Fig. 6. These systematic folding steps allow the tent 1 to be consistently
folded into a tight,
compact bundle to minimize storage space.
[0071] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from
its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all
respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention
is, therefore, indicated
by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes
which come within
the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within
their scope.
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