WO2011022764A1 - Tent with external frame and components therefor - Google Patents

Tent with external frame and components therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011022764A1
WO2011022764A1 PCT/AU2010/001088 AU2010001088W WO2011022764A1 WO 2011022764 A1 WO2011022764 A1 WO 2011022764A1 AU 2010001088 W AU2010001088 W AU 2010001088W WO 2011022764 A1 WO2011022764 A1 WO 2011022764A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tent structure
frame
hinge mechanism
pivotal
roof
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2010/001088
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dean Peter Viglione
Original Assignee
Outdoor Brand Management Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2009904058A external-priority patent/AU2009904058A0/en
Application filed by Outdoor Brand Management Pty Ltd filed Critical Outdoor Brand Management Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2011022764A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011022764A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
    • E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
    • E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means

Definitions

  • This invention relates to components for a tent with an external frame.
  • this invention is described with reference to hinge components that allow erection of the tent.
  • the BlackwolfTM Turbo tent is typically used for recreational/4WD purposes as it can be rapidly erected. This is as a result of the external frame that is secured to the primary tent covering. It utilises foldable external legs, that when placed in a straightened and erected configuration, raise the sidewalls of the tent. Once these external legs are in an erected configuration, a user erecting the tent, must enter the tent and push a central hub upwardly, to raise the roof to its erected position.
  • the central hub is interconnected to the external legs, via respective external roof struts. To some extent the central hub is held in its erected configuration by the tension/force appled thereto by the tent covering.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a tent with an external frame that will be able to be erected from a collapsed configuration to an erected configuration and ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • the present invention consists of a tent structure comprising a sidewall and a roof assembly substantially made of fabric connected to a first frame, said tent structure able to be manipulated by a single user to erect same from a collapsed configuration to a fully-erect configuration, said first frame disposed substantially external of said sidewall and roof assembly when in said fully-erect configuration, said first frame comprising a central hub with four roof struts projecting therefrom, each of said roof struts being pivotally connected to a respective foldable leg, characterised in that during erection of said tent structure, said single user can carry out all of the manipulation of said tent structure from said collapsed configuration to said fully-erect configuration whilst remaining external of said tent structure.
  • the pivotal connection between each of said roof struts and its respective foldable leg is provided by a first pivotal hinge mechanism having a first pivot axis and at least one locked configuration in which the orientation of each said roof strut relative to its respective foldable leg is locked.
  • said first pivotal hinge mechanism is in said locked configuration when said tent structure is in said fully-erect configuration.
  • said first pivotal hinge mechanism may be released from said locked configuration thereby allowing pivotal movement of said roof strut relative to said foldable leg by depressing a push button disposed on said pivotal hinge mechanism in a direction substantially parallel to said first pivot axis.
  • said pivotal hinge mechanism comprises first and second members that are held together by an assembly which allows them to rotate relative to each other about said pivot axis, said assembly comprises a bias means that urges said first and second members to be placed in said locked configuration when said assembly orients a latch member associated with said second member to complementarily engage with a groove associated with said first member, said latch member able to be released from said groove by depressing said pushbutton against the action of said bias means and then rotating said first and second members away from said locked configuration.
  • said pivotal hinge mechanism further comprising a locking disc member, said groove being formed in said disc member, said disc member being rotationally keyed to said first member by means of at least one protrusion on said disc member engaging a
  • said bias means biasing said disc member towards said latch member, and said push-button being adapted to move said locking disc member away from said latch member to release said hinge mechanism from said locked configuration.
  • said latch member is integrally formed with said second member.
  • said central hub is a butterfly hinge comprising two hub members pivotally connected together about a second pivot axis.
  • each hub member receives a pair of said four roof struts pivotally connected thereto about respective third and fourth axes.
  • said hub members are similar to each other.
  • said tent structure further comprises a second frame, said second frame comprising at least one foldable leg pivotally connected to one of said foldable legs of said first frame by a second pivotal hinge mechanism.
  • said second pivotal hinge mechanism comprises two cradles pivotally connected together about a fifth pivot axis, one of said cradles being pivotally connected to said foldable leg of said first frame and the other cradle being pivotally connected said foldable leg of said second frame.
  • said second frame comprises two foldable legs, each foldable leg being pivotally connected to a respective roof strut, said roof struts being pivotally connected to a hinge member.
  • the present invention consists of a pivotal hinge mechanism comprising first and second members that are held together by an assembly which allows them to rotate relative to each other about a common axis, said assembly comprises a bias means that urges said first and second members to be placed in a locked configuration when said assembly orients a latch member associated with said second member to complementarily engage with a groove associated with said first member, said latch member able to be released from said groove by depressing a push-button in a first direction against the action of said bias means and then rotating said first and second members away from said locked configuration, wherein the direction of movement of said push-button and said latch member when said push-button is depressed, is substantially parallel to said common axis.
  • the pivotal hinge mechanism is adapted to pivotally connect tent frame members.
  • the pivotal hinge mechanism further comprises a locking disc member, said groove being formed in said disc member, said disc member being rotationally keyed to said first member by means of at least one protrusion on said disc member engaging a corresponding slot in said first member, said bias means biasing said disc member towards said latch member, and said push-button being adapted to move said locking disc member away from said latch member to release said hinge mechanism from said locked configuration.
  • said latch member is integrally formed with said second member.
  • Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a frame for a tent structure according to a first
  • Fig. 2 is a front view of the frame shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a rear view of the frame shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a first pivotal mechanism used in the frame of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view the first pivotal mechanism shown in Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the first pivotal mechanism shown in Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first pivotal mechanism shown in Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 8 is an upper perspective view of the central hub used in the frame of Fig. 1, showing only two of the four struts connected thereto.
  • Fig. 9 is a lower perspective view the central hub shown in Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of a second pivot mechanism used in the frame of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 11 is a rear-perspective view of a frame for a tent structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a fully-erect configuration.
  • Figs. 1 to 3 depict a frame 1 of a tent structure in a "fully-erect configuration".
  • the frame 1 comprises a primary frame Ia and secondary frame Ib. In the first instance this embodiment will be described with reference to primary frame Ia.
  • the tent structure has a sidewall and roof assembly (not shown) substantially made of fabric which is attached to frame 1 in a conventional manner.
  • the primary frame Ia and secondary frame Ib are external of the sidewall and roof assembly.
  • the term "fully-erect configuration" means the frames Ia and Ib, and the associated sidewall and roof assembly are in a "fully-erect” for use configuration.
  • the primary frame Ia comprises a central hub 2 with four roof struts 3a-3d projecting therefrom. Each of the roof struts 3a-3d are pivotally connected to respective foldable legs 4a- 4d, via four identical respective first pivotal hinge mechanisms (elbow hinges) 5a-5d.
  • First pivotal hinge mechanism 5a shown in enlarged detail in Figs. 4-7, has a first pivot axis 11 and a locked configuration, in which the orientation of its associated roof strut 3 relative to its associated leg 4 is locked.
  • This "locked configuration" of first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a is engaged when the tent structure (frame 1 and the sidewall and roof assembly) is in a "fully- erect configuration”.
  • First pivotal mechanisms 5b-5d are identical to mechanism 5a, and each one of them is also in a "locked configuration" when the tent structure is fully-erect. More detail of the first hinge mechanism 5a will be described later.
  • Central hub 2 is a "butterfly hinge" comprising two hub members 2a and 2b, pivotally connected to each other about a second pivot axis 12, as shown in enlarged detail in Figs. 8 and 9.
  • Hub member 2a is pivotally connected to a pair of roof struts 3a, 3c, about respective parallel and spaced apart third and fourth axes 13, 14 as shown in Fig 8.
  • the other pair of struts 3b, 3d (omitted from Fig. 8 for ease of reference) are pivotally connected to hub member 2b about respective parallel and space apart fifth and sixth axes 15, 16.
  • the secondary frame Ib comprises a hinge member 2c, two roof struts 3e, 3f, two first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5e and 5f and two foldable legs 4e and 4f.
  • the hinge member 2c is identical to hinge member 2a of central hub 2.
  • the roof struts 3e, 3f are pivotally connected to the hinge member 2c.
  • Each of first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5e and 5f are identical to first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5a-5d
  • foldable legs 4e and 4f are identical to legs 4a and 4c.
  • secondary frame Ib is used to provide an awning structure adjoining frame Ia.
  • secondary frame Ib may be the adjoining half of a "primary frame" similar to primary frame Ia.
  • foldable legs 4a and 4c are attached to footings (not shown) that are conventionally pegged to the ground.
  • footings not shown
  • second pivotal hinge mechanisms U-bend
  • Second pivotal hinge mechanism 25a comprises two cradles 26a and 26b pivotally connected to each other about a seventh pivot axis 17.
  • the bottom of leg 4b is pivotally connected to cradle 26a via an eighth pivot axis 18, whilst the bottom of leg 4e of secondary frame Ib is pivotally connected to cradle 26b via a ninth pivot axis 19.
  • second pivotal mechanism 25b which is similar to mechanism 25a allows for leg 4d of primary frame Ia to be interconnected to leg 4f of secondary frame Ib.
  • the tent structure of the present invention will be collapsed for storage/stowage purposes, like that of the prior art The BlackwolfTM Turbo tent.
  • the legs 4a-4f will be unfolded by the user, and each of the roof struts 3a-3f will be manipulated by placing them into the correct orientation, determined by orienting each strut 3 a-3f relative to its respective leg 4a-4f until its interconnecting respective first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a-5f is locked into its "locked configuration".
  • the user need not enter the tent structure during erection of same, as the manipulation of all the struts 3a-3f relative to the legs 4a-4f until the first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5a-5f are locked, ensures the tent structure, including the roof, has been placed in the "fully-erect” configuration, purely by external manipulation by the user.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that similar sized "modular" frame components can be used for longer type tents by adding additional primary frame members Ia to support a longer sidewall and roof assembly and/or an awning structure.
  • the hinge mechanism 5a comprises a first end member 30 having an elongate rectangular hollow member 31 adapted to receive a strut/leg (not shown in Figs 4-7) therein, and an opposed second end member 32 having an elongate rectangular hollow member 33 adapted to receive another strut/leg (not shown).
  • First end member 30 and opposed second end member 32 are able to rotate about first pivot axis 11 relative to each other.
  • the internal mechanism 34 comprises a locking disc member 35, a push-button 36, a spring 37, and ring member 38.
  • a threaded fastener 39 is used to keep the internal mechanism 34 and end members 30, 32 together.
  • locking disc member 35 has peripheral protrusions 42 and 43 that slidingly engage corresponding internal slots 51 within first end member 30 thereby rotationally keying disc member 35 to first end member 30 such that disc member 35 is positioned within end member 30 in only one unique orientation. This orientation is to fix a unique position of off-centre groove 44, formed in disc member 35.
  • Spring 37 is sandwiched between disc member 35 and the internal face 45 of first end member 30. When assembled, spring 37 biasedly urges disc member 35 towards second end member 32.
  • On the inner side of second end member 32 is an elongate latch member 46 integrally formed therein.
  • the elongate latch member 46 is complementary in shape to groove 44 and when aligned therewith, the bias applied by spring 37 to disc member 35 towards latch member 46 causes latch member 46 to be seated in groove 44, thereby achieving a "locked configuration".
  • the bias effect of the spring 37 means the pushbutton 36 is normally in the undepressed state as shown in Fig 4.
  • the push-button 36 is depressed its feet 40 are urged against ring member 38, which in turn moves disc member 35 in the same direction, away from second end member 32 and latch member 46, thereby allowing latch member 46 to disengage away from groove 44, and thereby allowing the end members 30, 32 to be able to be rotated relative to each other about first pivot axis 11.
  • the first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a serves as an ideal "elbow joint" for use with the frame 1 of the tent structure being a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a makes it ideal for use in a tent frame according to second embodiment as shown Fig. 11.
  • variations of first pivotal mechanism 5a namely pivotal mechanism 5g and 5h, are used on horizontal struts 7, whilst the pivotal hinge mechanisms used for the other joints of this frame are similar to that of the first embodiment previously described.
  • first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a has other applications, such as for use in folding prams, or where other elongate members must be rotated and/or folded relative to each other.
  • the terms "comprising” and “including” (and their grammatical variations) as used herein are used in an inclusive sense and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)

Abstract

A tent structure comprising a sidewall and a roof assembly substantially made of fabric connected to a frame. The frame is disposed substantially external of the sidewall and roof assembly when the tent structure is fully-erect. The frame comprises a central hub with four roof struts projecting therefrom. Each roof strut is pivotally connected to a foldable leg by a pivotal hinge mechanism having a locked configuration and a push-button release. The tent structure is able to be manipulated by a single user to erect from a collapsed configuration to a fully-erect configuration whilst the user remains external of the tent structure.

Description

TENT WITH EXTERNAL FRAME AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to components for a tent with an external frame. In particular this invention is described with reference to hinge components that allow erection of the tent.
BACKGROUND Tents which utilise external frames are known, such as that marketed under the brand
Blackwolf™ Turbo, and another shown in US4,941,499 (Pelsue et al.). The Blackwolf™ Turbo tent is typically used for recreational/4WD purposes as it can be rapidly erected. This is as a result of the external frame that is secured to the primary tent covering. It utilises foldable external legs, that when placed in a straightened and erected configuration, raise the sidewalls of the tent. Once these external legs are in an erected configuration, a user erecting the tent, must enter the tent and push a central hub upwardly, to raise the roof to its erected position. The central hub is interconnected to the external legs, via respective external roof struts. To some extent the central hub is held in its erected configuration by the tension/force appled thereto by the tent covering.
Whilst an advantage of the BlackwolFM Turbo tent is that it does not require a centrally disposed pole, a disadvantage is that a user erecting the tent, must enter the tent when the legs are erected, and raise the central hub upwardly. This is generally not a problem for adult males of average or above average height. However, it can be difficult for certain users who do not have the height or strength of an adult male.
Another disadvantage of the BlackwolFM Turbo tent is that whilst it comes in different sizes, different sized legs and other components are necessary for different frame sizes, making the manufacture of such different sized tents costly to the manufacturer.
The present invention seeks to provide a tent with an external frame that will be able to be erected from a collapsed configuration to an erected configuration and ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect, the present invention consists of a tent structure comprising a sidewall and a roof assembly substantially made of fabric connected to a first frame, said tent structure able to be manipulated by a single user to erect same from a collapsed configuration to a fully-erect configuration, said first frame disposed substantially external of said sidewall and roof assembly when in said fully-erect configuration, said first frame comprising a central hub with four roof struts projecting therefrom, each of said roof struts being pivotally connected to a respective foldable leg, characterised in that during erection of said tent structure, said single user can carry out all of the manipulation of said tent structure from said collapsed configuration to said fully-erect configuration whilst remaining external of said tent structure. Preferably, the pivotal connection between each of said roof struts and its respective foldable leg is provided by a first pivotal hinge mechanism having a first pivot axis and at least one locked configuration in which the orientation of each said roof strut relative to its respective foldable leg is locked. Preferably, said first pivotal hinge mechanism is in said locked configuration when said tent structure is in said fully-erect configuration.
Preferably, said first pivotal hinge mechanism may be released from said locked configuration thereby allowing pivotal movement of said roof strut relative to said foldable leg by depressing a push button disposed on said pivotal hinge mechanism in a direction substantially parallel to said first pivot axis.
Preferably, said pivotal hinge mechanism comprises first and second members that are held together by an assembly which allows them to rotate relative to each other about said pivot axis, said assembly comprises a bias means that urges said first and second members to be placed in said locked configuration when said assembly orients a latch member associated with said second member to complementarily engage with a groove associated with said first member, said latch member able to be released from said groove by depressing said pushbutton against the action of said bias means and then rotating said first and second members away from said locked configuration. Preferably, said pivotal hinge mechanism further comprising a locking disc member, said groove being formed in said disc member, said disc member being rotationally keyed to said first member by means of at least one protrusion on said disc member engaging a
corresponding slot in said first member, said bias means biasing said disc member towards said latch member, and said push-button being adapted to move said locking disc member away from said latch member to release said hinge mechanism from said locked configuration.
Preferably, said latch member is integrally formed with said second member.
Preferably, said central hub is a butterfly hinge comprising two hub members pivotally connected together about a second pivot axis. Preferably, each hub member receives a pair of said four roof struts pivotally connected thereto about respective third and fourth axes.
Preferably, said hub members are similar to each other.
Preferably, said tent structure further comprises a second frame, said second frame comprising at least one foldable leg pivotally connected to one of said foldable legs of said first frame by a second pivotal hinge mechanism. Preferably, said second pivotal hinge mechanism comprises two cradles pivotally connected together about a fifth pivot axis, one of said cradles being pivotally connected to said foldable leg of said first frame and the other cradle being pivotally connected said foldable leg of said second frame.
Preferably, said second frame comprises two foldable legs, each foldable leg being pivotally connected to a respective roof strut, said roof struts being pivotally connected to a hinge member.
According to a second aspect, the present invention consists of a pivotal hinge mechanism comprising first and second members that are held together by an assembly which allows them to rotate relative to each other about a common axis, said assembly comprises a bias means that urges said first and second members to be placed in a locked configuration when said assembly orients a latch member associated with said second member to complementarily engage with a groove associated with said first member, said latch member able to be released from said groove by depressing a push-button in a first direction against the action of said bias means and then rotating said first and second members away from said locked configuration, wherein the direction of movement of said push-button and said latch member when said push-button is depressed, is substantially parallel to said common axis. Preferably, the pivotal hinge mechanism is adapted to pivotally connect tent frame members.
Preferably, the pivotal hinge mechanism further comprises a locking disc member, said groove being formed in said disc member, said disc member being rotationally keyed to said first member by means of at least one protrusion on said disc member engaging a corresponding slot in said first member, said bias means biasing said disc member towards said latch member, and said push-button being adapted to move said locking disc member away from said latch member to release said hinge mechanism from said locked configuration.
Preferably, said latch member is integrally formed with said second member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a frame for a tent structure according to a first
embodiment of the present invention in a fully-erect configuration.
Fig. 2 is a front view of the frame shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a rear view of the frame shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a first pivotal mechanism used in the frame of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view the first pivotal mechanism shown in Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of the first pivotal mechanism shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view of the first pivotal mechanism shown in Fig. 4.
Fig. 8 is an upper perspective view of the central hub used in the frame of Fig. 1, showing only two of the four struts connected thereto. Fig. 9 is a lower perspective view the central hub shown in Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of a second pivot mechanism used in the frame of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a rear-perspective view of a frame for a tent structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a fully-erect configuration.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figs. 1 to 3 depict a frame 1 of a tent structure in a "fully-erect configuration". The frame 1 comprises a primary frame Ia and secondary frame Ib. In the first instance this embodiment will be described with reference to primary frame Ia.
The tent structure has a sidewall and roof assembly (not shown) substantially made of fabric which is attached to frame 1 in a conventional manner. In use, in the fully-erect configuration, the primary frame Ia and secondary frame Ib, are external of the sidewall and roof assembly. The term "fully-erect configuration" means the frames Ia and Ib, and the associated sidewall and roof assembly are in a "fully-erect" for use configuration. The primary frame Ia, comprises a central hub 2 with four roof struts 3a-3d projecting therefrom. Each of the roof struts 3a-3d are pivotally connected to respective foldable legs 4a- 4d, via four identical respective first pivotal hinge mechanisms (elbow hinges) 5a-5d. Each of the foldable legs 4a-4d has two sections pivotally foldable about a pivot point 20. First pivotal hinge mechanism 5a, shown in enlarged detail in Figs. 4-7, has a first pivot axis 11 and a locked configuration, in which the orientation of its associated roof strut 3 relative to its associated leg 4 is locked. This "locked configuration" of first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a, is engaged when the tent structure (frame 1 and the sidewall and roof assembly) is in a "fully- erect configuration". First pivotal mechanisms 5b-5d are identical to mechanism 5a, and each one of them is also in a "locked configuration" when the tent structure is fully-erect. More detail of the first hinge mechanism 5a will be described later. Central hub 2 is a "butterfly hinge" comprising two hub members 2a and 2b, pivotally connected to each other about a second pivot axis 12, as shown in enlarged detail in Figs. 8 and 9. Hub member 2a is pivotally connected to a pair of roof struts 3a, 3c, about respective parallel and spaced apart third and fourth axes 13, 14 as shown in Fig 8. The other pair of struts 3b, 3d (omitted from Fig. 8 for ease of reference) are pivotally connected to hub member 2b about respective parallel and space apart fifth and sixth axes 15, 16.
The secondary frame Ib comprises a hinge member 2c, two roof struts 3e, 3f, two first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5e and 5f and two foldable legs 4e and 4f. The hinge member 2c is identical to hinge member 2a of central hub 2. The roof struts 3e, 3f are pivotally connected to the hinge member 2c. Each of first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5e and 5f are identical to first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5a-5d, and foldable legs 4e and 4f are identical to legs 4a and 4c. In this embodiment, secondary frame Ib is used to provide an awning structure adjoining frame Ia. However, in another not shown embodiment, secondary frame Ib may be the adjoining half of a "primary frame" similar to primary frame Ia.
The lower ends of foldable legs 4a and 4c are attached to footings (not shown) that are conventionally pegged to the ground. However the lower ends of foldable legs 4b and 4d are each pivotally connected to respective second pivotal hinge mechanisms (U-bend
mechanisms) 25a and 25b.
An enlarged detail of second pivotal hinge mechanism 25a is shown in Fig 10. Second pivotal hinge mechanism 25a comprises two cradles 26a and 26b pivotally connected to each other about a seventh pivot axis 17. The bottom of leg 4b is pivotally connected to cradle 26a via an eighth pivot axis 18, whilst the bottom of leg 4e of secondary frame Ib is pivotally connected to cradle 26b via a ninth pivot axis 19. Likewise, second pivotal mechanism 25b, which is similar to mechanism 25a allows for leg 4d of primary frame Ia to be interconnected to leg 4f of secondary frame Ib. These pivotal hinge mechanisms 25a and 25b allow for some flexibility in aligning primary frame Ia and secondary frame Ib, that may be necessary as a result of uneven ground, etc. Typically, the tent structure of the present invention will be collapsed for storage/stowage purposes, like that of the prior art The Blackwolf™ Turbo tent. When the tent structure is to be erected the legs 4a-4f will be unfolded by the user, and each of the roof struts 3a-3f will be manipulated by placing them into the correct orientation, determined by orienting each strut 3 a-3f relative to its respective leg 4a-4f until its interconnecting respective first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a-5f is locked into its "locked configuration".
The user need not enter the tent structure during erection of same, as the manipulation of all the struts 3a-3f relative to the legs 4a-4f until the first pivotal hinge mechanisms 5a-5f are locked, ensures the tent structure, including the roof, has been placed in the "fully-erect" configuration, purely by external manipulation by the user.
Another advantage of the present invention is that similar sized "modular" frame components can be used for longer type tents by adding additional primary frame members Ia to support a longer sidewall and roof assembly and/or an awning structure.
Whilst the present embodiment of the invention is described for use with recreational tent structures, its use is also suitable for military and relief type tents. A more detailed description of the first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a now follows with reference to Figs. 4-7. The hinge mechanism 5a comprises a first end member 30 having an elongate rectangular hollow member 31 adapted to receive a strut/leg (not shown in Figs 4-7) therein, and an opposed second end member 32 having an elongate rectangular hollow member 33 adapted to receive another strut/leg (not shown). First end member 30 and opposed second end member 32 are able to rotate about first pivot axis 11 relative to each other. By means of an internal mechanism 34, they may be placed into the "locked configuration". The internal mechanism 34 comprises a locking disc member 35, a push-button 36, a spring 37, and ring member 38. A threaded fastener 39 is used to keep the internal mechanism 34 and end members 30, 32 together.
When assembled, the barbs on the feet 40 of push-button 36, ensure that it is held within the openings 41 of second end member 32. At the other end, locking disc member 35 has peripheral protrusions 42 and 43 that slidingly engage corresponding internal slots 51 within first end member 30 thereby rotationally keying disc member 35 to first end member 30 such that disc member 35 is positioned within end member 30 in only one unique orientation. This orientation is to fix a unique position of off-centre groove 44, formed in disc member 35. Spring 37 is sandwiched between disc member 35 and the internal face 45 of first end member 30. When assembled, spring 37 biasedly urges disc member 35 towards second end member 32. On the inner side of second end member 32 is an elongate latch member 46 integrally formed therein. The elongate latch member 46 is complementary in shape to groove 44 and when aligned therewith, the bias applied by spring 37 to disc member 35 towards latch member 46 causes latch member 46 to be seated in groove 44, thereby achieving a "locked configuration". In this locked configuration the bias effect of the spring 37 means the pushbutton 36 is normally in the undepressed state as shown in Fig 4. When the push-button 36 is depressed its feet 40 are urged against ring member 38, which in turn moves disc member 35 in the same direction, away from second end member 32 and latch member 46, thereby allowing latch member 46 to disengage away from groove 44, and thereby allowing the end members 30, 32 to be able to be rotated relative to each other about first pivot axis 11.
The first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a serves as an ideal "elbow joint" for use with the frame 1 of the tent structure being a first embodiment of the present invention. However, it should be noted that the relative ease of use of this first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a, make it ideal for use in a tent frame according to second embodiment as shown Fig. 11. In this second embodiment, variations of first pivotal mechanism 5a, namely pivotal mechanism 5g and 5h, are used on horizontal struts 7, whilst the pivotal hinge mechanisms used for the other joints of this frame are similar to that of the first embodiment previously described.
It should also be understood that the first pivotal hinge mechanism 5a has other applications, such as for use in folding prams, or where other elongate members must be rotated and/or folded relative to each other. The terms "comprising" and "including" (and their grammatical variations) as used herein are used in an inclusive sense and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of.

Claims

1. A tent structure comprising a sidewall and a roof assembly substantially made of fabric connected to a first frame, said tent structure able to be manipulated by a single user to erect same from a collapsed configuration to a fully-erect configuration, said first frame disposed substantially external of said sidewall and roof assembly when in said fully-erect configuration, said first frame comprising a central hub with four roof struts projecting therefrom, each of said roof struts being pivotally connected to a respective foldable leg, characterised in that during erection of said tent structure, said single user can carry out all of the manipulation of said tent structure from said collapsed configuration to said fully-erect configuration whilst remaining external of said tent structure.
2. A tent structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivotal connection between each of said roof struts and its respective foldable leg is provided by a first pivotal hinge mechanism having a first pivot axis and at least one locked configuration in which the orientation of each said roof strut relative to its respective foldable leg is locked.
3. A tent structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first pivotal hinge mechanism is in said locked configuration when said tent structure is in said fully-erect configuration.
4. A tent structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first pivotal hinge mechanism may be released from said locked configuration thereby allowing pivotal movement of said roof strut relative to said foldable leg by depressing a push-button disposed on said pivotal hinge mechanism in a direction substantially parallel to said first pivot axis.
5. A tent structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein said pivotal hinge mechanism comprises first and second members that are held together by an assembly which allows them to rotate relative to each other about said pivot axis, said assembly comprises a bias means that urges said first and second members to be placed in said locked configuration when said assembly orients a latch member associated with said second member to
complementarily engage with a groove associated with said first member, said latch member able to be released from said groove by depressing said push-button against the action of said bias means and then rotating said first and second members away from said locked configuration.
6. A tent structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pivotal hinge mechanism further
comprising a locking disc member, said groove being formed in said disc member, said disc member being rotationally keyed to said first member by means of at least one protrusion on said disc member engaging a corresponding slot in said first member, said bias means biasing said disc member towards said latch member, and said push-button being adapted to move said locking disc member away from said latch member to release said hinge mechanism from said locked configuration.
7. A tent structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein said latch member is integrally formed with said second member.
8. A tent structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central hub is a butterfly hinge
comprising two hub members pivotally connected together about a second pivot axis.
9. A tent structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein each hub member receives a pair of said four roof struts pivotally connected thereto about respective third and fourth axes.
10. A tent structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein said hub members are similar to each other.
11. A tent structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said tent structure further comprises a
second frame, said second frame comprising at least one foldable leg pivotally connected to one of said foldable legs of said first frame by a second pivotal hinge mechanism.
12. A tent structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second pivotal hinge mechanism
comprises two cradles pivotally connected together about a fifth pivot axis, one of said cradles being pivotally connected to said foldable leg of said first frame and the other cradle being pivotally connected said foldable leg of said second frame.
13. A tent structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second frame comprises two foldable legs, each foldable leg being pivotally connected to a respective roof strut, said roof struts being pivotally connected to a hinge member.
14. A pivotal hinge mechanism comprising first and second members that are held together by an assembly which allows them to rotate relative to each other about a common axis, said assembly comprises a bias means that urges said first and second members to be placed in a locked configuration when said assembly orients a latch member associated with said second member to complementarily engage with a groove associated with said first member, said latch member able to be released from said groove by depressing a pushbutton in a first direction against the action of said bias means and then rotating said first and second members away from said locked configuration, wherein the direction of movement of said push-button and said latch member when said push-button is depressed, is substantially parallel to said common axis.
15. A pivotal hinge mechanism as as claimed in claim 14, wherein it is adapted to pivotally connect tent frame members.
16. A pivotal hinge mechanism as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a locking disc member, said groove being formed in said disc member, said disc member being rotationally keyed to said first member by means of at least one protrusion on said disc member engaging a corresponding slot in said first member, said bias means biasing said disc member towards said latch member, and said push-button being adapted to move said locking disc member away from said latch member to release said hinge mechanism from said locked configuration.
17. A pivotal hinge mechanism as claimed in claim 14, wherein said latch member is
integrally formed with said second member.
PCT/AU2010/001088 2009-08-25 2010-08-24 Tent with external frame and components therefor WO2011022764A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2009904058 2009-08-25
AU2009904058A AU2009904058A0 (en) 2009-08-25 Tent with external frame

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US20150184417A1 (en) * 2013-12-26 2015-07-02 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Tent Frame
US20160044912A1 (en) * 2014-08-13 2016-02-18 Cheh-Kang Liu Easy Fold Layout Hunting Blind Framework Structure
US9382723B2 (en) 2012-11-29 2016-07-05 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Mechanism for folding and unfolding a tent or awning
US9574366B2 (en) 2013-05-16 2017-02-21 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Control structure for folding a shelter
US9605441B2 (en) 2014-04-02 2017-03-28 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Tent frame top connecting structure
US9637948B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2017-05-02 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Ram assembly on top of tent
US9650805B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2017-05-16 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Top connecting apparatus for a shelter frame
US9784009B2 (en) 2015-03-24 2017-10-10 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Integrated tent having multiple tent units
US9995058B2 (en) 2015-06-01 2018-06-12 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Automatically foldable tent frames and mechanisms for automatically folding and unfolding tent frames
US10012007B2 (en) 2016-04-07 2018-07-03 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Tent frame and tent with slidably coupled top poles
US10041271B2 (en) 2015-07-23 2018-08-07 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Foldable tent
US10041272B2 (en) 2014-06-27 2018-08-07 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. High-ceiling tent frame
US10113329B2 (en) 2016-11-24 2018-10-30 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame having same
US10119297B2 (en) 2016-09-19 2018-11-06 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame with integrated eave structure
US10119298B2 (en) 2016-11-21 2018-11-06 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Convenient tent
US10227792B2 (en) 2013-05-08 2019-03-12 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent having enhanced tent top
US10246898B2 (en) 2015-06-01 2019-04-02 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Centralized locking and unlocking mechanisms for tent frames and tent frames having same
US10253522B2 (en) 2013-02-05 2019-04-09 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Shelter frame with transverse member
US10309121B2 (en) 2016-09-19 2019-06-04 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame having same
US10329790B2 (en) 2017-04-21 2019-06-25 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent frame and tent with extended top
US10337204B2 (en) 2014-12-26 2019-07-02 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent top folding and unfolding structure
USD854107S1 (en) 2016-10-17 2019-07-16 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent frame with central upright pole and eaves
USD859564S1 (en) 2017-04-17 2019-09-10 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent frame with eaves
US10745934B2 (en) 2016-10-13 2020-08-18 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame having same

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Cited By (26)

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US9382723B2 (en) 2012-11-29 2016-07-05 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Mechanism for folding and unfolding a tent or awning
US9637948B2 (en) 2013-01-18 2017-05-02 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Ram assembly on top of tent
US10253522B2 (en) 2013-02-05 2019-04-09 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Shelter frame with transverse member
US10227792B2 (en) 2013-05-08 2019-03-12 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent having enhanced tent top
US9574366B2 (en) 2013-05-16 2017-02-21 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Control structure for folding a shelter
US9963903B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2018-05-08 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Top connecting apparatus for a shelter frame
US9650805B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2017-05-16 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Top connecting apparatus for a shelter frame
US20150184417A1 (en) * 2013-12-26 2015-07-02 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Tent Frame
US9605441B2 (en) 2014-04-02 2017-03-28 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co. Ltd. Tent frame top connecting structure
US10041272B2 (en) 2014-06-27 2018-08-07 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. High-ceiling tent frame
US9428930B2 (en) * 2014-08-13 2016-08-30 Cheh-Kang Liu Easy fold layout hunting blind framework structure
US20160044912A1 (en) * 2014-08-13 2016-02-18 Cheh-Kang Liu Easy Fold Layout Hunting Blind Framework Structure
US10337204B2 (en) 2014-12-26 2019-07-02 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent top folding and unfolding structure
US9784009B2 (en) 2015-03-24 2017-10-10 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Integrated tent having multiple tent units
US10246898B2 (en) 2015-06-01 2019-04-02 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Centralized locking and unlocking mechanisms for tent frames and tent frames having same
US9995058B2 (en) 2015-06-01 2018-06-12 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Automatically foldable tent frames and mechanisms for automatically folding and unfolding tent frames
US10041271B2 (en) 2015-07-23 2018-08-07 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Foldable tent
US10012007B2 (en) 2016-04-07 2018-07-03 Xiamen Innovation Metal Products Co., Ltd. Tent frame and tent with slidably coupled top poles
US10119297B2 (en) 2016-09-19 2018-11-06 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame with integrated eave structure
US10309121B2 (en) 2016-09-19 2019-06-04 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame having same
US10745934B2 (en) 2016-10-13 2020-08-18 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame having same
USD854107S1 (en) 2016-10-17 2019-07-16 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent frame with central upright pole and eaves
US10119298B2 (en) 2016-11-21 2018-11-06 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Convenient tent
US10113329B2 (en) 2016-11-24 2018-10-30 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Eave structure and tent frame having same
USD859564S1 (en) 2017-04-17 2019-09-10 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent frame with eaves
US10329790B2 (en) 2017-04-21 2019-06-25 Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. Tent frame and tent with extended top

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