GB2598592A

GB2598592A - Access door for a shelter

Info

Publication number: GB2598592A
Application number: GB2013841.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Nash Kevin
Original assignee: Catchum 88 Ltd
Current assignee: Catchum 88 Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-03
Filing date: 2020-09-03
Publication date: 2022-03-09
Also published as: EP3964676B1; GB202013841D0; EP3964676C0; EP3964676A1

Abstract

A shelter 10, preferably a bivouac for use by anglers, comprising a front portion 24, a frame 12, a groundsheet (36, fig 3) and a canopy 18 which provides access through the front portion of the shelter. The front portion comprises a first access doorway comprising a first door panel 30 being defined between first detachable side edges (70, 71 fig 2) and a lower edge (72, fig 2) incorporating securing means to secure the lower edge to the groundsheet. A second access doorway is provided in the first door panel and comprises a second door panel 32 being defined between detachable side edges 60, 61 and an upper edge 62 and a lower edge 63. Further a cover panel 34 is provided for the second access doorway, wherein the cover panel is configurable from a first, open configuration in which the second access doorway is openable to enable access therethrough and a second, closed configuration which prevents access through the second doorway.

Description

Access Door for a Shelter

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an access door for a shelter and preferably a bivouac shelter (or bivvy) and, in particular, to a shelter and preferably a bivouac shelter for use by anglers. More specifically, the present invention relates to improved access for a bivvy and a method of improving the access for a bivvy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A bivouac shelter or bivvy is a small tent or shelter as used, in particular, by anglers. Generally, a bivvy may be exposed to wet and windy conditions and, therefore, a bivvy is more sturdy and robust compared to a leisure tent.

A bivvy for use by anglers is required to collapse compactly, for ease of transportation, and to be easy to erect, as they are often need to be deployed by a single unassisted angler. Various designs in current use set out to achieve these 20 objectives and do so with a varying degree of success.

An angler may need to carry the bivvy to remote location for fishing, for example remote lakes, reservoirs or stretches of water. It is therefore beneficial if the bivvy is lightweight. However, as mentioned above, a bivvy must be robust due to the conditions in which it is used and, therefore, using thin and weak materials may not be possible in producing a reliable bivvy.

Furthermore, the bivvy may be moved several times during an angling session and therefore it is an advantage if the bivvy can be easily and reliably erected and collapsed. Accordingly, an inner tent which may provide added protection may either need to be removed each time from the main canopy or may stay secured to the main canopy with the hope that is does not get snagged or damaged when being -2 -re-erected at the next location A bivvy may generally be used at the side or adjacent to water and allows the angler to shelter/rest whilst fishing. The bivvy may be provided primarily for use by single person although bivvies are available for two people. The bivvy is usually dimensioned to enable a user to sit upright on a chair whilst inside and also to accommodate a bed/bed-chair for night time/sleeping. Accordingly, the bivvy generally comprises a single room. The bivvy may also generally enable two anglers to sit side by side and, therefore, the front access door may be relatively large and extend across the majority of the front portion.

Bivvies are provided with a front access doorway which may be left open to enable the angler to shelter from the elements, for example rain or to provide shade from the sun. Accordingly, bivvies generally have relatively large front access doorways.

However, such an open design enables insects, mosquitoes etc. to accumulate within the bivvy. Even if the front door is zipped closed, the bottom edge of the door may provide a gap which enables insects, small animals etc. to enter the inside of the bivvy. Due to the location of the bivvy adjacent to water, problems with insects, small animals and mosquitoes are very common.

Bivvies may be provide with an internal capsule effectively providing an inner tent. This inner tent/capsule is made from a mesh to and enable the angler to see out whilst being protected from insects. This inner tent comprises complete surrounding/peripheral walls and a floor to provide an enclosed and protected environment within the main canopy of the bivvy. However, this adds to the cost in purchasing and/or manufacturing bivvies. In addition, such bivvies take longer to erect and more space to store.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION -3 -

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelter which when assembled comprises a rear portion, side portions and a front portion, the shelter comprising a frame, a groundsheet and a canopy, wherein the canopy provides access through the front portion of the shelter; the front portion comprising: a first access doorway comprising a first door panel, the first door panel being defined between first detachable side edges and a lower edge incorporating securing means to secure the lower edge to the groundsheet; a second access doorway provided in the first door panel and comprising a 10 second door panel, the second door panel being defined between detachable side edges and an upper edge and a lower edge; and a cover panel for the second access doorway, wherein the cover panel is configurable from a first, open configuration in which the second access doorway is openable to enable access therethrough and a second, closed configuration which 15 prevents access through the second access doorway.

Preferably the shelter comprises a bivouac shelter.

Preferably the second door panel comprises a first detachable edge and detachable side edges and a fixed edge. Preferably the second door panel comprises an upper detachable edge, two detachable side edges and a lower fixed edge. The second door panel may be arranged, in use, to be rolled down/gathered towards the lower fixed edge.

Preferably the lower edge of the second door panel is (permanently) fixed to the first door panel.

The two side edges may comprise linear edges. The two linear side edges may be parallel. The upper edge may extend between the upper ends of the two side edges.

The upper edge may be arcuate/curved. The two side edges and the upper edge may provide a continuous peripheral edge which extends from a first lower corner of the second access doorway to a second lower corner of the second access -4 -doorway. The two side edges and the upper edge may comprise a single (continuous) zip fastener.

Preferably the second door panel is provided by the first door panel. Preferably the second door panel is a sub-panel of the first door panel.

The second door panel may be arranged, in use, to be configured between a closed position in which the second door panel is secured around the periphery (preferably to the first door panel) within the second access doorway and an open position in which access is provided through the second access doorway and wherein the second door panel is rolled down/gathered towards the lower fixed edge from the closed position to the open position. In the open position the second access doorway provides a pathway for a person to access (enter/exit) the (bivouac) shelter and preferably enables a person to walk through the second access doorway.

Preferably the pathway extends down to a ground surface. Preferably the pathway extends down to the groundsheet.

The second door panel is integral with the first door panel and may be integral with the canopy.

The second door panel may comprise a mesh panel section. The mesh panel section may prevent and/or inhibit the passage of insects therethrough but preferably enables an angler to see through the second door panel and preferably does not significantly interfere with the view of an angler within the (bivouac) shelter through the second door panel.

The second door panel may comprise a mesh panel section and a barrier panel section. The barrier panel section may locate across a lower portion of the second door panel and the mesh panel section may extend across an upper portion of the 30 second door panel.

Preferably the (bivouac) shelter comprises a shroud which extends around an upper -5 -part of the second door panel with the second door panel in a storage configuration. Preferably the first door panel comprises a shroud which extends around an upper part of the second door panel with the second door panel in a storage configuration.

Preferably the second door panel is (substantially) rolled/gathered up to provide the storage configuration over which the shroud may extend.

The (bivouac) shelter may comprise retaining mean to retain the rolled/gathered up second door panel in the storage configuration. The retaining means may comprise a plurality of pairs of elongate retaining members (preferably elasticated loops) and corresponding toggles.

The shroud may comprise a flap assembly which is arranged to extend over an upper surface of the second panel with the second door panel in the storage configuration. The shroud may provide an unobstructed (preferably smooth surface) threshold for the (bivouac) shelter. The flap assembly may comprise a flap having a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edge may be fixed to a lower edge (preferably interior lower edge) of the first door panel and the free edge may comprise retaining means located. The retaining means may comprise hook and loop material (Velcro). A corresponding hook and loop material may be provided along an exterior lower edge of the first door panel.

The flap assembly may comprise a first flap having a fixed edge and a free edge and a second flap having a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edges may be fixed to lower edges (preferably respective interior and exterior lower edges) of the first door panel and the free edges may comprise retaining means located. The retaining means may comprise hook and loop material (Velcro).

The shroud may comprise a sleeve and preferably a sleeve with a longitudinal opening along a length thereof. The longitudinal opening may be arranged to be opened and closed and retained in a closed position by retaining means (preferably hook and loop material). -6 -

Preferably the cover panel is fixed to the first door panel. Preferably the cover panel is fixed to the first door panel along one edge of the cover panel. Preferably an upper edge of the cover panel is fixed to the first door panel.

Preferably the cover panel comprises a first detachable edge and detachable side edges and a fixed edge. Preferably the cover panel comprises a lower detachable edge, two detachable side edges and an upper fixed edge. The lower edge may comprise a free edge. The cover panel may be arranged, in use, to be rolled up/gathered towards the upper fixed edge.

Preferably the upper edge of the cover panel is (permanently) fixed to the first door panel.

The two side edges may comprise linear edges. The two linear side edges may be parallel. The lower edge may extend between the lower ends of the two side edges. The lower edge may be linear. The two side edges and the lower edge may provide a continuous peripheral edge which extends from a first upper corner of the cover panel to a second upper corner of the cover panel. The two side edges and the upper edge may comprise independent fasteners. The first side edge may comprise a (first) zip fastener, the second side edge may comprise a second zip fastener and the lower edge may comprise hook and loop material. The fastening means on the lower/free edge of the cover panel may engage with corresponding fastening means (hook and loop material) provide along a lower edge/portion of the first door panel and preferably along an exterior lower edge of the first door panel.

Preferably cover panel is provided by the first door panel. Preferably the cover panel is a sub-panel of the first door panel.

The cover panel may be arranged, in use, to be configured between a closed position in which the cover panel is secured around the periphery (preferably to the -7 -first door panel) and preferably over the second access doorway/second door panel and an open position in which access to the second access doorway/second door panel and wherein the cover panel is rolled up/gathered towards the upper fixed edge from the closed position to the open position. In the open position the cover panel exposes the second door panel/second access doorway and may provide access to the fastening means around a periphery of the second door panel and may enable a user to open and/or close the second access doorway/second door panel. Preferably the cover panel extends down to a ground surface Preferably the cover panel extends down to the groundsheet.

Preferably an outer foot print (periphery) of the cover panel (completely) encloses/encompasses an outer footprint (periphery) of the second access doorway/second door panel when both the cover panel second access doorway/second door panel) are in a closed positon.

The cover panel is integral with the first door panel and may be integral with the canopy.

The cover panel may comprise a continuous and non-see through (opaque) panel 20 section. The cover panel may comprise a weatherproof material which preferably prevents rain and wind from passing therethrough.

Preferably the cover panel is (substantially) rolled/gathered up to provide the storage configuration.

The (bivouac) shelter may comprise retaining mean to retain the rolled/gathered up cover panel in the storage configuration. The retaining means may comprise a plurality of pairs of elongate retaining members (preferably elasticated loops) and corresponding toggles.

The cover panel may comprise engaging means to engage with support members to enable the cover panel to be supported as an awning/shade and preferably -8 -extending from the front portion of the (bivouac) shelter. The engaging means may comprise eyelets to engage upper ends of support poles. The eyelets may be provided in two corners of the cover panel located at either end of the lower free edge adjacent to each side edge.

Preferably the first door panel comprises a first detachable edge and detachable side edges and a fixed edge. Preferably the first door panel comprises a lower detachable edge, two detachable side edges and an upper fixed edge. The lower edge may comprise a free edge. The first door panel may be arranged, in use, to be rolled up/gathered towards the upper fixed edge.

Preferably the upper edge of the first panel is (permanently) fixed to and integral with a main body of the canopy.

The two side edges may comprise linear edges. The two linear side edges may be parallel. The lower edge may extend between the lower ends of the two side edges. The lower edge may be linear. The two side edges and the lower edge may provide a continuous peripheral edge which extends from a first upper corner of the first door panel to a second upper corner of the first door panel. The two side edges and the upper edge may comprise independent fasteners. The first side edge may comprise a (first) zip fastener, the second side edge may comprise a second zip fastener and the lower edge may comprise hook and loop material. The fastening means on the lower/free edge of the first door panel may engage with corresponding fastening means (hook and loop material) provide along an edge/portion of the groundsheet and preferably along a front edge of the groundsheet.

Preferably the first door panel comprises two sub panels comprising the second door panel and the cover panel.

The first door panel may be arranged, in use, to be configured between a closed position in which the first door panel is secured around the periphery (preferably to a body of the canopy) within the first access doorway and an open position in which -9 -access is provided through the first access doorway and wherein the first door panel is rolled up/gathered towards the upper fixed edge from the closed position to the open position. In the open position the first access doorway provides a pathway for a person to access (enter/exit) the (bivouac) shelter and preferably enables a person to walk through the first access doorway. Preferably the pathway extends down to a ground surface. Preferably the pathway extends down to the groundsheet.

Preferably an outer foot print (periphery) of the first door panel (completely) locates around an outer footprint (periphery) of the second access doorway/second door 10 panel and preferably the cover panel when the first door panel and the cover panel/second door panel are in a closed positon.

The first door panel may comprise a weatherproof material which preferably prevents rain and wind from passing therethrough.

Preferably the first door panel is (substantially) rolled/gathered up to provide the storage configuration.

The (bivouac) shelter may comprise retaining mean to retain the rolled/gathered up 20 first door panel in the storage configuration. The retaining means may comprise a plurality of pairs of elongate retaining members (preferably elasticated loops) and corresponding toggles.

The first door panel may comprise engaging means to engage with support members to enable the first door panel to be supported as an awning/shade and preferably extending from the front portion of the (bivouac) shelter. The engaging means may comprise eyelets to engage upper ends of support poles. The eyelets may be provided in two corners of the cover panel located at either end of the lower free edge adjacent to each side edge.

The canopy may comprise a (main) body portion and the first door panel.

-10 -The first door panel is integral with the main body portion of the canopy.

The (bivouac) shelter may comprise a suspended roof panel the suspended roof panel may provide a surface to shield a central area of the (bivouac) shelter from falling condensation accumulated on an internal roof portion of the (bivouac) shelter.

The groundsheet may be secured to and suspended from the canopy to remain attached to the canopy both when the shelter (bivvy/bivouac shelter) is collapsed and when it is erected. The groundsheet may be integral with the canopy. The 10 groundsheet may be permanently fixed to the canopy.

The groundsheet may be of a waterproof fabric.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provide a method of providing access to a shelter, the shelter which when assembled comprises a rear portion, side portions and a front portion, the shelter comprising a frame, a groundsheet and a canopy, wherein the canopy provides access through the front portion of the shelter; the front portion comprising: a first access doorway comprising a first door panel, the first door panel being defined between first detachable side edges and a lower edge incorporating securing means to secure the lower edge to the groundsheet; a second access doorway provided in the first door panel and comprising a second door panel, the second door panel being defined between detachable side edges and an upper edge and a lower edge; and a cover panel for the second access doorway, wherein the cover panel is configurable from a first, open configuration in which the second access doorway is openable to enable access therethrough and a second, closed configuration which prevents access through the second access doorway; wherein the method comprises opening the second door panel to allow 30 access therethrough and closing the second door panel to prevent access therethrough and to prevent access of insects into the shelter whilst still providing a viewing portion through from the shelter with the first door panel in the closed -11 -position and the cover panel in the open position.

Preferably the shelter comprises a bivouac shelter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a bivvy in accordance with the present invention with the first and second access doors closed and the cover panel open; Figure 2 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a bivvy in accordance with the present invention with the first and second access doors closed and the cover panel closed; Figure 3 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a bivvy in accordance with the present invention with the first access door closed and the second access door and 20 cover panel open; and Figure 4 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a bivvy in accordance with the present invention with the first and second access doors open and the cover panel closed.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 to 4 show a shelter in the form of a bivouac shelter (bivvy 10) with an external frame 12 consisting a central hub 14, ground engaging frame members/ribs 16 radiating from the hub 14 and disposed at the front, back and sides of the bivvy.

The bivvy 10 comprise a canopy 18 to provide the protected environment within the bivvy 10. The canopy 18 comprises a main body and a first door panel 40 which -12 -are integral and fixed to each other as will be described below.

The canopy 18 is stretched and secured to the frame 12, and the canopy 18 thereby provides the bivvy 10 with a rear portion 20, side portions 22, 23 and a front portion 24. The front portion 24 provides the access to the internal area 26 of the bivvy 10 and the access is through the front portion 24 of the bivvy 10.

The bivvy 10 provides improved and adaptable access through the front portion 24 and results in the bivvy 10 not requiring a separate inner tent (capsule) which would usually prevent insects accumulating within the bivvy 10. In order to achieve this, the bivvy 10 provides a first access door 30 and a second access door 32. The two access doors 30, 32 are not independent access doors and both are provided on the same panel. In particular, the second access door 32 is effectively defined on panel 40 of the first access door 30.

The first access door 30 provides a standard type of entry to the bivvy 10, as shown in Figure 4 which shows the first access door 30 in an open position. The first access door 30 is therefore relatively wide and extends across the majority of the front portion 24 of the bivvy 10. This provides a wide open area for an angler (or two anglers) to sit upright within the bivvy and to freely access the bivvy 10.

However, in such a configuration, there is no protection against insects entering through the front access doorway and into the bivvy 10.

The second access door 32 enables a configuration whereby insects are prevented 25 from entering the bivvy 10 and this arrangement is achieved without having to provide an inner tent or specific insect proof capsule assembly. This configuration is shown in Figure 1.

The second access door 32 provides a mesh door which can be opened (see Figure 3) and closed (see Figure 1) to allow/prevent access to the bivvy 10. The bivvy 10 further comprises a cover 34 which locates over the (mesh) second access door 32 in order to provide a weatherproof (rain, wind etc.) cover for the mesh door, as -13 -shown in Figure 2. This cover 34 can be opened to allow an angler to use the second access door and to enable an angler to sit within the bivvy 10 and to view a bite alarm etc. through the mesh panel of the second access door 32, as shown in Figure 1. Accordingly, the bivvy 10 provides the functionality of a bivvy 10 having a dedicated and separable inner tent/insect capsule without having to provide the inner tent assembly. Accordingly, the bivvy 10 is cheaper to manufacture and also results in the bivvy 10 being lighter in weight and also avoids potential problems with the inner tent assembly being erected/collapsed frequently whilst remaining attached to the main canopy 18.

The bivvy 10 further includes a suspended protective ceiling which prevents condensation from falling into the central area of the bivvy 10. Condensation may naturally occur within a bivvy 10 due to warm air on the inside being contained within the relatively cold canopy 18 of the bivvy 10. This causes moisture to accumulate on the inside of the canopy 18 and may eventually lead to droplets being formed.

These droplets may then either fall from the inside of the main canopy 18 or run down the inside of the canopy 18 before falling down from the canopy 18.

A separate inner tent/capsule assembly prevents condensation problems since the inner tent material is spaced from the outside air/temperature such that condensation forms on the main canopy rather than on the inner tent. The inner tent therefore provides a shield below the main canopy such that droplets of condensation will fall onto the outer surface of the inner tent and prevents the main interior area and occupants from having droplets of condensation falling on to them.

The preferred embodiment of the bivvy 10 of the present invention also provides the same functionality by providing a suspended ceiling panel rather than a complete capsule to shield the central area of the bivvy 10 and any occupants/apparatus from falling droplets of condensation. The ceiling panel provides a single panel on to which any falling droplets of condensation will fall and thereby acts in a similar way to the upper portion of a separate inner tent.

-14 -The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to Figure 4 which shows a preferred embodiment of a bivvy 10 with the access door(s) in various configurations.

As shown in Figure 1, the bivvy 10 has a front access comprising a first door 30 and a second door 32. The second door includes a mesh panel through which an angler can continue to monitor a bit alarms, rod etc. whilst being in the protected environment of the bivvy 10. In this configuration, the cover 34 is rolled up and retained in a storage configuration above the second access door 32.

The cover 34 has two outer side edges 50, 51 which include zips which engage in zip portions 50a, 51a secured down the front door panel 40. In the closed position (shown in Figure 2) the lower edge 52 of the cover 34 may be secured to the front door panel 40 by Velcro or another suitable securing system. From this closed position, the zips can be unzipped from a lower position to an upper position and any lower edge securing system released. The cover 34 can then be rolled/gathered up towards an upper fixed edge 53 of the cover 34. A number of elastic loops and corresponding toggles may be provided spaced apart along a length the upper fixed edge 53 in order to retain the cover 34 in the open configuration and out of the way.

The cover 34 is weatherproof and acts to prevent rain, wind etc. from penetrating easily into the bivvy 10. The cover 34 may also shield the occupant from light, for example whilst sleeping. The cover 34 is thereby effectively a flap defined on the front panel 40 and fixed along an upper edge 53. The flap can selectively cover or reveal the second access door 32 of the bivvy 10.

The second access door 32 is also provide by the front panel 40. The second access door 34 comprises a panel 42 (or sub-panel of the panel 40) which includes a mesh area 64 and may comprise a lower complete area 65 provided by a shielding material since this area may not be require for viewing through. This area 65 may be stronger than the mesh area 64 and/or less prone to being snagged/ripped.

-15 -The second access door 32 is defined between two side edges 60, 61 an upper edge 62 and a lower edge 63. The two side edges 60, 61 and the adjoining upper edge 62 comprise a zip with the corresponding zip portions 60a, 61a, 62a also being provided on the front panel 40.

The zip provides a single continuous zip which enables the second access door 32 to be closed (see Figure 1) or fully opened (see Figure 3).

With the zip in an unzipped configuration, the panel 42 (a sub-panel of the front panel 40) of the second door 32 can be gathered and/or rolled up for storage and retained out of the way. In particular, the second panel 42 is rolled/gathered up downwardly towards a lower fixed edge 63. Again, a number of elasticated loops and corresponding toggles are used to securely retain the panel 42 in this rolled up configuration. The pairs of loops and toggles are spaced apart along the lower fixed edge 63.

A shroud 66 may then be secured over the top of the rolled up and secured panel 42. The shroud provides a flap (or two flaps) of material which locates over the top of the rolled up panel 42 and effectively forms a continuous sleeve over the panel 42. Such a shroud is more effective than leaving exposed loops and toggles since the angler(s) will be walking/stepping over this and the shroud provides a smooth surface which is unlikely to be snagged or form a significant trip hazard.

The shroud comprises a first main flap which is fixed along an edge on an inner surface of the front panel 40. This is pulled over the top of the rolled up second panel 42 and secured to a second flap fixed along an outer surface of the front panel 40. Each flap may include an elongate length of Velcro (hook and loop or another suitable securing system) to securely fix the two flaps together and to provide a continuous and unobstructed threshold for the bivvy 10.

With the cover 34 open and the second door 32 open, the bivvy 10 is open with a -16 -limited sized access doorway but does not provide complete protection from the ingress of insects.

The first (main) access doorway includes a door 30 provided by the front panel 42.

The first access door 30 is defined between two side edges 70, 71 a lower edge 72 and an upper edge 73. The two side edges 70, 71 each comprise a zip with the corresponding zip portions 70a, 71a being provided on front lateral panels 80, 82 of the bivvy 10.

In the closed position (shown in Figure 2) the lower edge 72 of the first door 30 may be secured by Velcro or another suitable securing system. In particular, an edge of a ground sheet 36 may provide sections of Velcro to which corresponding Velcro sections provided along the lower edge 72 of the first door 30 can be secured. The ground sheet is integral/built in with the bivvy 10 and thereby is secured around the complete periphery to the walls/floor of the bivvy 10.

With the first door 30 in a closed position, the two zips can be unzipped from a lower position to an upper position and any lower edge securing system released. The first door 30 can then be rolled/gathered up towards an upper fixed edge 73 of the door 30. A number of elastic loops and corresponding toggles may be provided spaced apart along a length the upper fixed edge 73 in order to retain the door 30 in the open configuration and out of the way.

The door 30 is weatherproof and acts to prevent rain, wind etc. from penetrating easily into the bivvy 10. The door 30 may also shield the occupant from light, for example whilst sleeping.

The first door 30 should generally be rolled/gathered up with the second access door 32 and the cover both in closed (i.e. not rolled/gathered up) to aid the rolling/gathering up of the first door 30 into a rolled/gathered up configuration.

The cover 34 and the first door 30 may also function as awnings.

-17 -Two eyelets may be provided in the corners of the cover 34 between the side edges 50, 51 and the lower edge 52. These eyelets are then engaged with two respective support poles extending upwardly from the ground which then retains the cover in an upper position to function as a front awning.

Similarly, two eyelets may be provided in the corners of the first door 30 between the side edges 70, 71 and the lower edge 72. These eyelets are then engaged with two respective support poles extending upwardly from the ground which then retains the cover in an upper position to function as a front awning.

As mentioned above, the bivvy 10 has an integral groundsheet. This helps to prevent and stop insects, small animals/mammals, reptiles etc. from crawling into the bivvy. The suspended ceiling portion acts as a water/moisture/droplets/vapour shield which catches and provides a barrier against falling water droplets from inside the ceiling of the main canopy 18. The provision of a suspended ceiling barrier lines the bivvy and ensures that any drips of condensation from the canopy 18 will land on, and be diverted or absorbed by, the (mesh) fabric of the barrier instead of dripping onto the occupant. Furthermore, the groundsheet 36, which may be made of waterproof material and forms an integral part of the bivvy 10, will avoid the discomfort of wet ground. The fact that the groundsheet 36 is attached/fixed/sewn to the walls of the bivvy 10 also ensures that no reptiles or insects can enter the sheltered space of the bivvy. Because the second access door 32 provides a mesh panel 64, the occupant may be able to monitor a bite alarm, rod etc. whilst still preventing insects from flying into the sheltered space.

Claims

-18 -CLAIMS1. A shelter which when assembled comprises a rear portion, side portions and a front portion, the shelter comprising a frame, a groundsheet and a canopy, wherein the canopy provides access through the front portion of the shelter; the front portion comprising: a first access doorway comprising a first door panel, the first door panel being defined between first detachable side edges and a lower edge incorporating 10 securing means to secure the lower edge to the groundsheet; a second access doorway provided in the first door panel and comprising a second door panel, the second door panel being defined between detachable side edges and an upper edge and a lower edge; and a cover panel for the second access doorway, wherein the cover panel is configurable from a first, open configuration in which the second access doorway is openable to enable access therethrough and a second, closed configuration which prevents access through the second access doorway.
2. A shelter according to Claim 1 in which the second door panel comprises an upper detachable edge, two detachable side edges and a lower fixed edge and wherein the second door panel is arranged, in use, to be gathered towards the lower fixed edge.
3. A shelter according to Claim 2 in which the two side edges comprise linear edges and the two linear edges are parallel, the upper edge extends between the upper ends of the two side edges and the upper edge is arcuate and wherein the two side edges and the upper edge provide a continuous peripheral edge which extends from a first lower corner of the second access doorway to a second lower corner of the second access doorway and in which the two side edges and the upper edge comprise a single continuous zip fastener.
4. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the second door panel is -19 -provided by the first door panel and the second door panel is a sub-panel of the first door panel.
5. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the second door panel is arranged, in use, to be configured between a closed position in which the second door panel is secured around the periphery to the first door panel within the second access doorway and an open position in which access is provided through the second access doorway and wherein the second door panel is gathered towards the lower fixed edge from the closed position to the open position and, in the open position, the second access doorway provides a pathway for a person to access the shelter and wherein the pathway extends down to the groundsheet.
6. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the second door panel is integral with the first door panel and is integral with the canopy.
7. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the second door panel comprises a mesh panel section.
B. A shelter according to any preceding Claim 7 in which the mesh panel section prevents and/or inhibits the passage of insects therethrough but enables an angler to see through the second door panel and does not significantly interfere with the view of an angler within the shelter through the second door panel.
9. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the second door panel comprises a mesh panel section and a barrier panel section wherein the barrier panel section locates across a lower portion of the second door panel and the mesh panel section extends across an upper portion of the second door panel.
10. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the shelter comprises a shroud which extends around an upper part of the second door panel with the second door panel in a storage configuration.
11. A shelter according to any preceding Claim 10 in which the second door panel is gathered up to provide the storage configuration over which the shroud extends.
12. A shelter according to any preceding Claim 10 or Claim 11 in which the shelter comprises retaining mean to retain the gathered up second door panel in the storage configuration.
13. A shelter according to any one of Claim 10 to Claim 12 in which the shroud comprises a flap assembly which is arranged to extend over an upper surface of the second panel with the second door panel in the storage configuration, in which the shroud provides an unobstructed threshold for the shelter wherein the flap assembly comprises a flap having a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edge is fixed to a lower edge of the first door panel and the free edge comprises retaining means located thereon.
14. A shelter according to Claim 13 in which the flap assembly comprises a first flap having a fixed edge and a free edge and a second flap having a fixed edge and a free edge, wherein the fixed edges are fixed to respective interior and exterior lower edges of the first door panel and the free edges comprise retaining means located.
15. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the cover panel comprises a lower detachable edge, two detachable side edges and an upper fixed 25 edge, in which the lower edge comprises a free edge and the cover panel is arranged, in use, to be gathered up towards the upper fixed edge.
16. A shelter according to Claim 15 in which the two side edges comprise linear edges and the two linear edges are parallel and the lower edge extends between the lower ends of the two side edges and the lower edge is linear and wherein the two side edges and the lower edge provide a continuous peripheral edge which extends from a first upper corner of the cover panel to a second upper corner of the -21 -cover panel and in which the two side edges and the upper edge comprise independent fasteners.
17. A shelter according to Claim 16 in which the first side edge comprises a first zip fastener, the second side edge comprises a second zip fastener and the lower edge comprises hook and loop material and in which the fastening means on the lower edge of the cover panel engages with corresponding fastening means provided along an exterior lower edge of the first door panel.
18. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the cover panel is arranged, in use, to be configured between a closed position in which the cover panel is secured around a periphery to the first door panel and over the second door panel and an open position in which access to the second door panel and wherein the cover panel is gathered up towards the upper fixed edge from the closed position to the open position, in the open position the cover panel exposes the second door panel and provides access to the fastening means around a periphery of the second door panel and enables a user to open and close the second door panel and in which the cover panel extends down to the groundsheet.
19. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the cover panel comprises engaging means to engage with support members to enable the cover panel to be supported as an awning/shade extending from the front portion of the shelter.
20. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the first door panel comprises a lower detachable edge, two detachable side edges and an upper fixed edge, in which the lower edge comprises a free edge and the first door panel is arranged, in use, to be gathered up towards the upper fixed edge.
21. A shelter according to Claim 20 in which the two side edges comprise linear edges which are parallel and the lower edge is linear and extends between the lower ends of the two side edges, wherein the two side edges and the lower edge provide -22 -a continuous peripheral edge which extends from a first upper corner of the first door panel to a second upper corner of the first door panel, in which the two side edges and the upper edge comprise independent fasteners.
22. A shelter according to Claim 21 in which the first side edge comprises a first zip fastener, the second side edge comprises a second zip fastener and the lower edge comprise hook and loop material to engage with corresponding hook and loop material provided along a front edge of the groundsheet.
23. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the first door panel is arranged, in use, to be configured between a closed position in which the first door panel is secured around the periphery to a body of the canopy within the first access doorway and an open position in which access is provided through the first access doorway and wherein the first door panel is gathered up towards the upper fixed edge from the closed position to the open position and, in the open position, the first access doorway provides a pathway for a person to access the shelter and enables a person to walk through the first access doorway and in which the pathway extends down to the groundsheet.
24. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which an outer foot print of the first door panel locates around an outer footprint of the second door panel and the cover panel when the first door panel and the cover panel and second door panel are in a closed positon.
25. A shelter according to any preceding claim in which the canopy comprises a main body portion and the first door panel and in which the first door panel is integral with the main body portion of the canopy and the groundsheet is integral with the canopy.