WO2015031618A1 - Convertible shelter and tent structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable structure includes a collapsible frame and a separate canopy component which is removably attachable over the frame and a separate tent component which is removably attachable under the frame wherein the structure may be configured in three different configurations comprising the frame and canopy component only, the frame and tent component only, or a combination of the frame, canopy component and tent component.

Description

CONVERTIBLE SHELTER AND TENT STRUCTURE

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application

No. 61/871,943, filed on August 30, 2013, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002} Portable shelters are popular and useful for a variety of activities such as day trips, picnicing, tail-gaiting, sporting events and the like. Portable shelters are known in the industry both in a conventional type utilizing multiple poles as well as an "instant" type wherein the poles are connected together and allow for deployment of the shelter in a rapid and easy manner.

Sometimes, users of portable shelters may want additional protection from rain, sun or other elements and would prefer a conventional tent comprising walls, a roof and a floor. The different advantages and uses of a shelter and a tent would logically lead a user to want the opotion of both types of structures. Unfortunately, the cost and storage space required for a user to own both may be prohibitive. In addition, a user may not know ahead of time which stmcture would be the most beneficial for a particular outing or event. A convertible shelter and tent structure allows a user to purchase a single frame, store a single frame and transport a single frame, yet offers the ability to use the frame as an open shelter or a tent with minimal effort and time required to change the configuration of the device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. [0004] An embodiment for a portable structure comprises a freestanding frame having at least one frame member defining the general shape of the structure, a separate canopy that is sized and shaped to fit over the frame and is attachable by a first attachment means including clips, a hook and loop fastener, toggles, snaps, ties, buckles and straps, quick release buckles and buttons, and a separate tent that is sized and shaped to fit under the frame and is attachable by a second attachment means including clips, a hook and loop fastener, toggles, snaps, ties, buckles and straps, quick release buckles and buttons.

[0005] In embodiments described herein, the portable structure is capable of being configured into multiple configurations when the structure is in a fully expanded state, a first configuration consisting of said canopy attached to said frame, a second configuration consisting of said tent attached to said frame, and a third configuration consisting of said canopy attached to said frame and said tent attached to said frame.

[0006] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shelter and tent structure, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the shelter-only configuration of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the tent component of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a shelter and tent structure, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the shelter-only configuration of FIG. 4.

[0012] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the tent component of FIG. 4.

[0013] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the center support members of the frame of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4.

[0014] FIG. 8 shows a partially exploded view of the center and side support members of the frame of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. [0015] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the connection of a center support member and a side support member of the frame of FIG. 8.

[0016] FIG. 10 shows the fully deployed frame of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary center hub connector for the center support members of the frame of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 12 shows a partially deployed frame with the tent component attached.

[0019] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary attachment means for connecting the tent component of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 to the frame.

[0020] FIG. 14 shows a cut-away side view of the attachments means of FIG.13 secured around a frame support member.

[0021] FIG. 15 shows an alternate attachment means for attaching the tent component of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 to the frame.

[0022] FIG. 16 shows an attachment means for connecting the shelter canopy of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 to the frame. [0023] FIG. 17 shows a frame base foot and shelter canopy securing means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

[0012] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 each show a shelter and tent structure 10 of the present invention. Structure 10 includes frame component 12, canopy component 20 and tent component 30. [0026] The figures depict a conventional frame comprising multiple frame members, or poles, which must be assembled together. Frame component 20 comprises the standard elements of a conventional shelter or tent frame such as members, joints and feet. Preferably, frame 20 comprises center support members 22 and center hub connector 24 as shown in FIG. 7. Frame 20 preferably comprises four center support members 22, a first end of each center support member fitting snugly into a receiving slot of center hub connector 24 as shown in FIG. 11. Side support members 26 and side joints 28 of frame 12 are shown in FIG. 8. A pair of side support members forms each side arc as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10. Side joints 28 are preferably "T" shaped connectors. A second end of each center support member 22 is received into the single perpendicular-oriented receiving slot, as shown in FIG. 9, while a first end of each pair of side support members 26 is received in each of the directly opposed receiving slots of the "T" shaped connector. Variations of the conventional frame described are within the scope of the present invention. Frame 20, for instance may comprise telescopic or shock-corded poles as is known in the industry. Similarly, more or fewer poles and connectors than are described herein may be utilized to create the desired structure shape and size for the canopy and tent. Additionally, other shapes and types of joints and connectors known in the tent and shelter industry may be used.

[0027] It is also within the scope of the present invention for the frame to alternatively comprise the more recent "instant" type frame versus the conventional frame described above. The "instant" type frame comprises frame members (poles) which connected to each other during manufacture such that the entire frame can be deployed from the collapsed configuration to a fully expanded configuration quickly and easily without the need to connect poles via joints, hubs or other connectors. This frame structure is known in the industry. As such, a detailed description is not provided herein.

[0028] Frame members 22 and 26 may be of ferrous or non-ferrous material as both are known and commonly used in the tent and shelter industry. As noted above, the members may be pivoting or telescoping, but could also include connecting joints or be shock-corded. There could be a plurality of joints or telescoping aspects to allow the product to fold down for storage, transport and reduced shelf space as well as ease of use for the consumer. The frame may or may not include a locking feature to prevent unintended folding or collapse. [0029] FIGS. 2 and 5 depict the canopy component 20 of structure 10. Canopy 20 is made of fabric commonly used in the tent and shelter industry which is preferably durable and water- resistant. Canopy 20 includes attachment means 27 (shown in FIG. 16) for attachment to frame 12. As shown, attachment means 27 preferably comprises a strip of hook and loop fastener which is attached to the underside of canopy 20 in a location such that the fastener can be wrapped around frame members 22 and 26 at various intervals and secured to itself. While a strip of hook and loop fastener is preferred, other fastening means known in the tent and shelter industry such as toggles, ties, snaps, buckles and the like may be used. The canopy may be permanently attached to the frame, but is preferably removable. Frame 12 can be deployed with canopy 20 already attached or the canopy 20 can be attached to the frame after the frame is fully or partially deployed. The canopy is preferably attached on the top side of the frame as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, but could be attached from the underside (not shown) if the tent component 30 were not simultaneously attached,

[0030] FIGS. 3, 6, and 12 depict the tent component 30. Tent 30 is of a conventional structure as known in the tent industry and includes side walls 34, top wall 36 and bottom wall 38 and is preferably made of fabric as is known in the industry. Tent component 30 also includes removable attachment means 32. Side walls, top wall and bottom wall are of a conventional and known structure for tents except that the overall shape of the tent 30 is shaped and sized to be received under frame 12 and canopy 20. While the tent preferably has four side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, it is within the scope of the present invention for the tent to comprise a single side wall which also acts as a top wall ~ e.g. a dome - and then to also have a bottom wall.

Provided the tent is shaped and sized to be received under frame 12, various tent constructions may be utilized and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, tent 30 is removably connected to frame 12 by clips 34 which are attached to the tent at various intervals by connectors 33. Attachment means 32 are located along the path of frame members 22 and 26 to allow for connection of clips 34 over frame members as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

FIG.12 depicts the tent component 30 connected to the frame component 12 via attachment means 32. Alternate attachment means of a buckle 35 and strap 36 is depicted in FIG. 15 for attaching tent 30 to frame 12. Although a clip 34 and a buckle 35 have been specifically shown in the accompanying figures, it is within the scope of the present invention to utilize other attachment means known in the industry such as quick release buckles, hook and loop strips, toggles, snaps, ties, buttons and the like. The attachment means 32 may allow for adjustment of the distance between the tent and the frame or may comprise a set size or distance.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, tent 30 may fill virtually the entire space under fi-ame 12 and canopy 20 or it may fill only part of the space under frame 12 and canopy 20 (as shown in FIG. 2). If only part of the space under frame 12 and canopy 20 is utilized by tent 30, the remaining space will provide a sheltered area immediately upon exiting the tent and allow for a covered area out of the rain and sun while enjoying the outdoors. Although not depicted, it would also be within the scope of the present invention to utilize more than one smaller tent and connect both tents to a single frame 12 as described above.

[0032] The structure 10 of the present invention provides a single frame component 12 which when combined with canopy component 20 and/or tent component 30, provides at least 3 different usable configurations. The first confirguration is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 and comprises frame 12 and canopy 20. The second configuration is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 and comprises frame 12 and tent 30. The third configuration is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and comprises frame 12, canopy 20 and tent 30, all of which may be virtually any shape and size provided they are all shaped and sized to compliment the shape and size of the other components such that they all fit together in a single structure.

[0033] Other standard details for shelters and tents currently available and known in the industry can also be included such as stakes for the comers of the frame, weights for the frame legs, guylines for the canopy or tent, taped seams, windows, hinged doors, vents for the tent or canopy, pockets, integral lighting, reinforced tent floors, and the like.

[0034] In use, the user determines whether it is desired to deploy the canopy 20, the tent 30 or the combination of the two. The user then deploys the frame 12, whether it be an "instant" type frame or a more conventional frame, If the user is planning to use the canopy configuration, the canopy 20 may be attached to the fi-ame prior to deployment or after full or partial deployment of the frame. Similarly, the tent component may be attached to the frame prior to deployment or after full or partial deployment of the frame. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the canopy component to be attached at a later time to an already-deployed frame and tent structure or for the tent component to be attached at a later time to an already-deployed frame and canopy structure if the user later decides that both the canopy and tent are desired. [0013] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0014] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred

embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0016] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: L A portable structure comprising:

A frame comprising at least one frame member defining the general shape of the structure;

A canopy comprising at least a single sheet of fabric, sized and shaped to fit over said frame, said canopy attachable to said frame by first attachment means.

A ten comprising at least one side wall and a bottom wall connected to said at least one side wall, sized and shaped to fit under said frame, said tent attachable to said frame by second attachment means. 2. The portable structure of claim 1 , wherein said structure is capable of being configured into multiple configurations when the structure is in a fully expanded state, a first configuration consisting of said canopy attached to said frame, a second configuration consisting of said tent attached to said frame, and a third configuration consisting of said canopy attached to said frame and said tent attached to said frame. 3. The portable structure of claim 2, wherein said first attachment means is selected from the group of clips, a hook and loop fastener, toggles, snaps, ties, buckles and straps, quick release buckles and buttons. 4. The portable structure of claim 3, wherein said second attachment means is selected from the group of clips, a hook and loop fastener, toggles, snaps, ties, buckles and straps, quick release buckles and buttons.