Protective cover for frame tent fittings

Abstract

The tent frame fitting cover is a durable, self-restraining structure serving to smooth the harsh upper surfaces of the tent frame joint and protect the fabric of the tent canopy. After snapping on, the cover holds itself in place by friction fit on the tent frame and encapsulates hardware, including pins and bails, and tubing. The cover includes a central body and a plurality of projections. The projections extend in various directions from the tent fitting, tracking with the tent frame member components. Many cover embodiments are provided to accommodate many tent junction variations. By heat pressing, the projections are initially formed into arms that wrap and secure the cover structure to the tent tubing. The thermo-formed material retains the initial shape in a flexible manner to allow pressing installation and prying removal of the cover from the tent. The cover increases tent installation efficiency and extends canopy life.

Claims

1. A protective cover for a frame tent assembly to support a tent canopy, the frame tent assembly comprising a plurality of tubes and at least one frame fitting junction, the frame fitting junction comprising a plurality of tent joint fittings, the plurality of tent joint fittings configured to removably receive the plurality of tubes, the protective covering comprising: a centralized body; a plurality of arms, at least one of the plurality of arms projecting from the centralized body in a direction of one of the plurality of tent joint fittings of the frame tent assembly; at least one of a plurality of arms comprising an integral restraining structure; the integral restraining structure comprising at least one partially open compression fit tube; the protective cover sized to overlay one of the at least one frame fitting junction; and the protective cover being self-restraining over the one of the at least one frame fitting junction.

2. The protective cover of claim 1, further comprising: a smooth upper surface to interface with the tent canopy and an underside to engage the frame tent assembly.

3. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the protective cover comprising thermoplastic material.

4. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one partially open compression fit tube further comprising an installation slit.

5. The protective cover of claim 4, further comprising: a smooth upper surface to interface with the tent canopy and an underside to engage the frame tent assembly.

6. The protective cover of claim 4, wherein the protective cover comprising thermoplastic material.

7. The protective cover of claim 4, further comprising a cavity configured to receive one or more junction attachment hardware.

8. The protective cover of claim 1, further comprising a cavity configured to receive one or more junction attachment hardware.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The following drawings further describe by illustration, the advantages and objects of the present invention. Each drawing is referenced by corresponding figure reference characters within the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION” section to follow.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention installed for use on the tent canopy frame assembly.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention having an eight-way connection.

(4) FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

(6) FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another embodiment according to the present invention having a four-way connection.

(7) FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

(8) FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

(9) FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment according to the present invention having a six-way connection for use at the ridge.

(10) FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

(11) FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8.

(12) FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another embodiment according to the present invention having a six-way connection for use at a hip.

(13) FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

(14) FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11.

(15) FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of another embodiment according to the present invention having a three-way connection.

(16) FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

(17) FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

(18) FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of a conventional square frame tent with locational depictions of the present invention applied at various tent frame junctions.

(19) FIG. 18 is a schematic isometric view of a conventional rectangular frame tent with locational depictions of the present invention applied at various tent frame junctions.

(20) FIG. 19 is a side perspective of a prior art, conventional tent frame junction before a canopy is added as shown in the prior art and particularly depicting the tent frame body portions, the tent frame junction fitting, and pins joining the tent frame and the fitting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(21) Several embodiments of the cover structure of the present invention are demonstrated as installed on the frame of a conventional tent in FIG. 1. A single tent structure may require many covers since various tent frame structures intersect in various manners at joints and junctions around the tent frame. In addition to being available in various, selectable arm configurations, the present invention is strong, lightweight, low cost, and may be scaled to almost any desired size. As illustrated in FIG. 1, at least one cover is adapted for attaching to adjoining pieces of a tent and at least one piece of hardware such as those depicted in FIG. 19. The application of the cover adds a smooth upper surface to interface with a tent canopy and protect it from items such as those shown in FIG. 19.

(22) With reference to FIGS. 2-4, an eight-arm cover 1 embodiment is illustrated. The cover comprises a centralized body 11 with arms 12 reaching, in this case, in eight directions. The eight arms 12 wrap and terminate in a compression fit tube 13 having an installation slit 14 through which the tent frame components 6 pass in order to enter the opening to the compression fit tube 13. For proper installation, the tent frame hardware such as the pins must align with the various pin cavities 15 formed in the cover 1.

(23) Turning to FIGS. 5-7, a four-arm cover 2 embodiment is illustrated. The cover comprises a centralized body 21 with arms 22 reaching, in this case, in four directions. The four arms 22 wrap and terminate in a compression fit tube 23 having an installation slit 24 through which the tent frame components 6 pass in order to enter the opening to the compression fit tube 23. For proper installation, the tent frame hardware such as the pins must align with the various pin cavities 25 formed in the cover 2.

(24) In FIGS. 8-13, two six-arm cover 3, 4 embodiments are illustrated. The cover comprises a centralized body 31, 41 with arms 32, 42 reaching, in this case, in six directions. The six arms 32, 42 wrap and terminate in a compression fit tube 33, 43 having an installation slit 34, 44 through which the tent frame components 6 pass in order to enter the opening to the compression fit tube 33, 43. For proper installation, the tent frame hardware such as the pins must align with the various pin cavities 35, 45 formed in the cover 3, 4. The first, six-arm cover 3 embodiment in FIGS. 8-10 differs significantly in its shape when compared with the second, six-arm cover 4 embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-13. The cover embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10 has five arms that slope downward to match the angle at which the rafter beams and hip rafter beams connect to the ridge. Meanwhile, for the cover embodiment in FIGS. 11-13 the center arms form straight line to receive the hip rafter beams while the other four arms will slope downward slightly to receive the hip beam supports. The first, six-arm cover 3 embodiment is used at the crown or the end of the ridge of a rectangular tent while the second, six-arm cover 4 embodiment is used at the junction of multiple hip beams with multiple ridge spans. The first, six-arm cover 3 embodiment is depicted at the crown of FIG. 1, while the second, six-arm cover 4 embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1.

(25) FIGS. 14-16 depict a three-arm cover 5 embodiment. The centralized body 51 has three arms 52 extending in three directions, two of the arms may occur in the same plane as they are intended to join two spans of the wall beams and a rafter beam (see FIG. 1). The Qwik-top® product manual calls out this junction and designates the use of a tee fitting. The cover comprises a centralized body 51 with arms 52 reaching, in this case, in three directions. The three arms 52 wrap and terminate in a compression fit tube 53 having an installation slit 54 through which the tent frame components 6 pass in order to enter the opening to the compression fit tube 53. For proper installation, the tent frame hardware such as the pins must align with the various pin cavities 55 formed in the cover 5. In this embodiment, a leg cutout 56 is provided as a convenient adaptation to abut the leg, which extends downward from the covered joint. In the case of larger tents, a special tee junction may be required. In that case, a cover similar to the three-way cover in FIGS. 14-16 would be configured to add two additional arms. The five-arm cover embodiment is not shown but would serve to adjoin with the special tee fitting as could a six-arm cover embodiment.

(26) The schematic tent illustrations in FIGS. 17-18 help explain how various embodiments of the present invention cover can be used at one time on a single, framed tent. Depending on the tent, covers may be needed for fittings including but not limited to: corner, ridge intermediate, hip intermediate, three-way crown, four-way crown, six-way crown, and eight-way crown fittings. FIG. 17 illustrates a square tent. The tent in this illustration requires a three-arm cover 5 at location 65 where the perimeter joins the rafter beam support. The square tent in FIG. 17 utilizes the second, six-arm cover 4 embodiment at the intermediate hip location 64 and finally, the eight-arm cover 1 is installed at location 61, the crown of the tent. Turning to FIG. 18, a rectangular frame tent is depicted. This tent also uses the second, six-arm cover 4 embodiment, again denoted with location 64 at the hip fitting and a three-arm cover 5 at location 65 where the perimeter joins a rafter beam. The tent in FIG. 18 also requires the use of a four-arm cover 2 at location 62 where the ridge joins with two rafter beams. Finally, the tent in FIG. 18 also requires the use of a six-arm cover 3 at location 63 where the ridge connects with the hip rafter beams and rafter beams. Optionally, the tent in FIG. 18 could use an alternative five-arm or six-arm cover at location 66 if additional supports were included off of the rafter beams. Thus, according to the schematic drawing, the rectangular tent depicted would require the use of at least five but possibly more of the covers according to the present invention. While the installation of the many various covers in each location will require a bit of installation time, that installation time will be far outweighed by the amount of time saved by the installers in permitting the preassembly of the tent canopy and the avoidance of a great deal of wear and tear on the canopy if on-site assembly and disassembly had been necessary. After the covers are installed as depicted in FIGS. 17-18, the entire canopy is pulled over the top assembly and secured in place in a single step. The covers can be removed quickly during tent disassembly simply by grasping by hand one arm of the cover and pulling up until the partially open compression fit tube expands and releases the frame piece 6 through the installation slit.

(27) The cover may be configured to cover any or none of the following fitting junctions:

(28) central crown fitting (eight-way, six-way, four-way, three-way)

(29) end crown fittings (six-way) and specialized end crown fittings (eight-way)

(30) corner fittings

(31) double-hip eave fittings

(32) mid-crown fitting (four-way)

(33) end eave fittings

(34) side eave fittings

(35) hip eave fitting (five-way)

(36) ridge intermediate, or

(37) intermediate.

(38) Particularly advantageous covers include the eight-way, three different six-way covers, two different styles of four-way covers and multiple styles of three-way covers. The cover was designed to be compatible with Qwik-top® style tents from Aztec, however, the covers also fit Aztec's traditional style frame tents. The cover will also specifically fit many other manufacturers' 2″ frame tents, such as American Tent, Central Tent, Fred's Tents & Canopies, and other manufacturers who have 2″ frame tents. The covers are easily modified to fit less common tent configurations or custom tents.

(39) Each cover comprises a central body and arms to track the tent frame pieces, the central body and arms further comprise hardware-receiving indentations to enclose and protect the tent canopy from the harsh edges and materials of the hardware. The number of arms vary depending on the fitting sought to be covered. The number of hardware receiving structures vary depending on the types of tent frame and necessary relative hardware. Beyond the examples illustrated, the minimum cover embodiment comprises structures and features to enclose at least two pin and at least two frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. The minimum cover embodiment will be used infrequently as most tent junctions require the joining of at least three of any of a tent pole, leg, or beam. A second cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least two pins and at least three frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. A third cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least three pins and at least four frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. A fourth cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least four pins and at least five frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. A fifth cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least five pins and at least six frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. A sixth cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least six pins and at least seven frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. A seventh cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least seven pins and at least eight frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. An eighth cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least eight pins and at least seven frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. A ninth cover embodiment includes structures and features to enclose at least nine pins and at least ten frame pieces as well as the tent fitting adjoining those frame pieces. It is unlikely a tent frame junction would require more than ten components meeting and requiring the use of the present cover.

(40) When constructed of the preferred materials, such as Kydex® material, a plastic/poly alloy, resilient plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic, or PVC, each arm is substantially tube-shaped and hollow and is meant to snap onto the tent frame members. Each arm will include a slot running the length of the under arm, which, due to the nature of the deformable material, can expand to receive the frame and then compress or snap back so that the arm is secured in place to enclose the tent frame features. The relative strength of the cover to remain in place occurs in part due to the cooperative nature of the arms wrapping around each relative frame member. In other terms, the cover forms a sheath over the joint fitting and also includes arms with deformable engageable recesses to attach the cover to the tent frame. Surface shape adaptations are made in the sheath to create cavities to receive the tent connecting pins. The snap-insertion of the tent frame tubing into the deformable arms results in a friction fit to hold the cover onto the tent frame. Once each cover is installed at the tent joints or junctions, the canopy can be pulled over the tent roof assembly.

(41) The present invention provides a simple, low-cost, lightweight, strong, and durable joint cover for rapidly assembling, reconfiguring, or disassembling a tent canopy from a tent frame structure. The present invention joins and secures tubular members around the frame members using a cover that requires minimal manufacturing costs as it is constructed with common, off-the-shelf materials and components.

(42) The present invention includes a joint cover that may be easily scaled using any size and number of frame members, and could be easily adapted to use with any type of structure with a malleable cover and semi-rigid frame structure including frame tents, geodesic domes, trusses, yurts, slabs, 4-sided pyramids, 5-sided pyramids, and circular structures.

(43) The device can be made of any material such as flexible vinyl or acrylic alloy with sufficient strength and flexibility to wrap around the fitting, hardware, and poles of the tent while laying out a smooth surface over which the canopy can extend. Early versions of this invention were two-dimensional and required multiple, individual covering structures being attached to the tent frame by external attachment mechanisms like zip ties, snap hardware, and elastic rubber bands. While the use of these mechanisms met some of the objectives of the present invention, they were not durable, and the use of excess attachment mechanisms added points of weakness and added time-consuming steps to attach the two-dimensional soft covers. The attachment mechanisms themselves also proved to contact the tent canopy in a way that could lead to abrasions over time.

(44) The preferred embodiment of the present invention requires the use of highly durable thermoplastic alloy, such as Kydex® brand material (“Kydex® material”). The Kydex® material or similar materials are available in sheets from various commercial outlets. Kydex® material is an extremely durable, acrylic/PVC (polyvinyl chloride) alloy that offers excellent durability, resilience, chemical resistance, dimensional stability (e.g., low water absorption, relatively low coefficient of expansion), and flameretardancy. It withstands impact, scratching, gouging and general abuse. It does not crack, break, chip, or shatter and is available in a range of thicknesses (e.g., from 0.028″ to 0.250″). However, it is bendable. The outstanding formability of Kydex® material sheeting enables it to conform fully to the material over which it is cast. Once thermo-formed, it will smoothly lay over or absorb curves, sharp edges and high spots on the tent frame. It has the unique ability to retain uniform wall thickness on high spots, low spots, and sharp corners where other sheet products may “thin out.” Once thermo-formed it has memory and retains or returns to its shape after manipulation, expansion, or deformation. The material is UV resistant and has low thermal expansion. The nature of the Kydex® material permits a color palate selection that will blend with any tent canopy or pole color scheme. Most large tents are white and the preferred Kydex® material combination results in a white device that does not attract attention or interfere with the aesthetics of a white tent.

(45) The Kydex® material is cut according to a template having a central body and a plurality of projections. The cut can be based on a template made by hand, or preferably by a CNC machine. The cover is initially heat pressed to spread over the pre-selected tent fitting when combined with the tent tubing and pins, which are intentionally larger than the pins that will actually be used in the tent installation. As an alternative to using the actual tent fitting and tubing, a jig may be constructed for repeated use during the thermo-forming process. The template projections extend in various directions in order to track with any tent joint and the tubing or tent frame member components. During initial manufacturing, the projections are heat pressed over the tent tubing and folded around the two-inch pipe to establish a partially open compression fit tube for every arm of the cover. The compression fit arm creates an integral restraining mechanism as a means by which to secure the cover structure to tubing of the tent frame. The heat pressing process also allows customization for other tent components. For example, the Kydex® material rounds over the hardware of the fittings without creating a thin area in the cover. The result is that the cover snaps into place on the tent frame and is held by a friction fit caused by the interface between the exterior walls of the tent frame components and the interior walls of the thermo-formed Kydex® material. The cover desirably does not include external attachment means but is self-restraining due to the friction fit. The means of self-restraint must not include an edge or abrupt point of contact with the installed tent canopy. Alternative, embodiments may permit compression clamping of the smooth-surface covering to the fitting body itself or creating multiple pieces of the cover that snap together in a seamless or nearly seamless manner.

(46) The cover of the present invention is configured to extend over a portion of a tent pole as well as the fittings and junctions or seams therebetween. The cover necessary comprises notches giving the outward appearance of knuckles in the cover. Each notch forms a pin cavity, which allows space for the pins or hardware to be installed under and protected by the cover. In the preferred embodiment, during the thermo-formation process, each pin basket is oriented in the same direction, such as toward the interior of the tent joint. When the cover is later installed on the tent, it is necessary for the pin baskets to once again be oriented in the same direction. This results in a snug and correct fit so that the cover engages the tent frame and will not move once installed. The cover will easily snap into place over the pins and be held in place by the self-restraining means for securing the cover in a wrapped formation around the tent frame components.

(47) Instead of being formed out of an initial flat sheet of material, it may be advantageous or desirable to originally manufacture the cover of the present invention using alternative construction methods such as by 3D printing or another manufacturing system. The objectives of the present invention may be met using any material that can be configured or manipulated to create a cover formed to have the necessary shape to receive and hold fast to the fittings and neighboring hardware, pipes, or poles. Additionally, adaptations of the device could be manufactured as a permanent addition to the frame fittings or accessory to the pole tops. Additionally, the cover could be used to conform as an attachment connected to other tent accessories. If the initial material used to construct the material has an undesirable color, the cover could be painted or otherwise dyed to match or contrast with the color of the tent frame or tent canopy.

(48) Although the cover has been used with tents having 2-inch pipes and poles, the cover can easily be adapted to different pole sizes and shapes. For example, it could work with round, triangular, square, or other cross-sectional pole shapes.

(49) Tent roof installation using the present cover allows for easier installation and significant reduction in wear to the roof fabric due to repetitive installations. The cover alters the contact surface for the underside of the tent canopy and therefore acts as a buffer for the tent material from harsh and sharp surfaces of metal pipes, metal fittings, brackets, and pins. The device wraps the hard surfaces and provides a soft-sided contact point for the canopy. The gentle curvature allows the tent canopy to withstand repeated installations, endure harsh weather events, and weather long exposure to the elements.

(50) The installation of a tent using the present invention comprises the steps of: Combining or preassembling the individual canopy pieces, if present, in a clean dry location such as a shop and packing the combined canopy for transport; Traveling to the tent installation location with the tent components and the present invention; Installing the top assembly tent frame components as instructed by the manufacturer except as the tent top assembly is joined together, one or more covers of the present invention are installed at one more joints of the tent; Installation of the cover is accomplished by observing the joint and locating the coordinating cover having the correct number of arms to adjoin the junction and aligning the cover arms with the junction and snapping the arms over the tent frame components. The step of snapping the cover over the tent frame so that the cover clasps the tent arms is intended to be performed by hand; Applying a ground cover cloth at the foot of the tent to receive the preassembled canopy; Pulling the canopy over the tent frame and attaching it as instructed by the manufacturer; Installing the additional frame and securing components of the tent as instructed by the manufacturer.

(51) To uninstall a tent, the process above is reversed, with the exception that instead of snapping the arms onto the tent frame, each cover is removed by disengaging the arms from around the tent frame one by one until the entire cover releases. The step of separating the first and second or more arm members from the tent frame components will be done by hand.

(52) A significant advantage of the present invention is that it creates a smooth overlay of the tent frame joints and permits preassembly of the canopy offsite. Once on site, the canopy can be pulled over the frame with the covers in one fluid action and there is no need to assemble the canopy in pieces over the top assembly while on the job site. Depending on the next intended use, the canopy can remain assembled between jobs.

(53) The preferred embodiment for the cover will be approximately 6 inches high, 22 inches long, and 22 inches wide. Slight variations will be necessary depending on the point of application and tent components involved. It is necessary that the cover have a minimal thickness in order to maintain a low profile when installed on the tent frame. Excess thickness may create wear points in the tent canopy. In preferred embodiments, the cover thickness will taper at each terminal end of the arm projections. A smooth transition between the cover and the tubing will enhance the objectives of the present invention. The currently use Kydex® material thickness is 0.08 inches, but thinner is preferred.

(54) It is understood that when an element is referred to as being “around”, “over”, or “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “upper”, “above”, “lower”, “beneath”, “below”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another. Terms such as “higher”, “lower”, “wider”, “narrower”, and similar terms, may be used herein to describe angular relationships. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the elements or system in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

(55) Although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Further, the term “original” is often used to describe devices that were part of a frame tent system before the tent included a cover, although this should not be interpreted as the only meaning of the term.

(56) Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to view illustrations that are schematic illustrations. As such, the actual thickness of elements can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques, configurations, and/or sizes are expected. Thus, the elements illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

(57) Embodiments of the present invention can comprise types to fit many various fitting designs such as those occurring at one or more rafter beams, side eave fittings, mid crown fittings, end crown fittings, and/or other fittings described or consistent with those discussed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the covers of the present invention are supplied with the original purchase of the framed tent with the canopy. However, after-market covers may be used to retrofit various tent fittings. All or some of the attachment systems used to connect the tent can be original attachment systems, meaning the after-market cover should connect to corresponding parts in an original frame tent.

(58) Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above.

(59) While the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments shown and discussed above, numerous alternatives, modifications, and variations will occur to those who read and understand this specification. It is intended that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations be included within the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

(60) It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material, which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein, yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art, are within the scope of the present invention.