FOLDABLE TENT COMPRISING TWO UMBRELLA STRUCTURES

Abstract

A foldable tent is disclosed. The foldable tent comprises a roof having a tent canvas, a first mastless umbrella structure, a second mastless umbrella structure, and at least a first junction configured to connect in a hinged manner the distal end of a first rib of the first umbrella structure and the distal end of a first rib of the second umbrella structure, the foldable tent being able to assume a deployed position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the open position and a folded position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the closed position.

Claims

1. A foldable tent comprising a roof having: a tent canvas; a first mastless umbrella structure including a first upper hub, a first lower hub, a plurality of ribs connected in a hinged manner to the first upper hub and cooperating with the tent canvas, and a plurality of counter-ribs, each counter-rib of the first umbrella structure having a first end part connected in a hinged manner to one of the ribs of said first umbrella structure and a second end part connected in a hinged manner to the first lower hub, the ribs and counter-ribs of the first umbrella structure being arranged such that the first lower hub is movable relative to the first upper hub along a first direction of movement, said first umbrella structure being able to assume an open position and a closed position; a second mastless umbrella structure including a second upper hub, a second lower hub, a plurality of ribs connected in a hinged manner to the second upper hub and cooperating with the tent canvas, and a plurality of counter-ribs, each counter-rib of the second umbrella structure having a first end part connected in a hinged manner to one of the ribs of said second umbrella structure and a second end part connected in a hinged manner to the second lower hub, the ribs and counter-ribs of the second umbrella structure being arranged such that the second lower hub is movable relative to the second upper hub along a second direction of movement, said second umbrella structure being able to assume an open position and a closed position; and at least a first junction configured to connect in a hinged manner the distal end of a first rib of the first umbrella structure and the distal end of a first rib of the second umbrella structure, the tent being able to assume a deployed position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the open position and a folded position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the closed position.

2. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the second direction of movement is inclined with respect to the first direction of movement when the foldable tent is placed in the deployed position.

3. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the first and second umbrella structures extend on either side of a vertical plane passing through the first junction, when the foldable tent is placed in the deployed position and rests on the ground.

4. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the first junction comprises a first sheath configured to receive the distal ends of the first ribs of the first and second umbrella structures.

5. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the first rib of the first umbrella structure comprises a first rib portion, a second rib portion and a hinge connecting said first and second rib portions pivotally about an axis transverse to said first and second rib portions, said first umbrella structure being configured to bring the second rib portion into an unfolded position, when the first umbrella structure is brought into the deployed position, and to bring the second rib portion in a folded down position, when the first umbrella structure is brought into the folded position.

6. The foldable tent according to claim 5, wherein said hinge is configured to limit the pivoting of the second rib portion relative to the first rib portion when said second rib portion is unfolded.

7. The foldable tent according to claim 5, comprising an interior volume defined by the first and second umbrella structures, when placed in the deployed position, and wherein said hinge is configured to move towards the interior volume when the first umbrella structure is brought from its open position towards its closed position.

8. The foldable tent according to claim 5, wherein the tent canvas is connected to said hinge.

9. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the roof comprises at least a second junction configured to connect in a hinged manner the distal end of a second rib of the first structure umbrella and the distal end of a second rib of the second umbrella structure.

10. The foldable tent according to claim 9, wherein the first and second umbrella structures each comprise third and fourth ribs each having a distal end configured to rest on the ground when the foldable tent is placed in the deployed position.

11. The foldable tent according to claim 10, wherein the first umbrella structure comprises a fifth rib having a distal end cooperating with a cooperation portion of the tent canvas, the fifth rib having a length smaller than the length of the third and fourth ribs of the first umbrella structure and extending between said third and fourth ribs.

12. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the ribs of the first umbrella structure each have a distal end, the tent canvas cooperating with said distal ends.

13. The foldable tent according to claim 12, wherein the first and second umbrella structures each comprise third and fourth ribs each having a distal end configured to rest on the ground when the foldable tent is placed in the deployed position, and wherein the tent canvas has a peripheral edge, and wherein said peripheral edge is connected to the distal ends of said third and fourth ribs of the first umbrella structure.

14. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the first lower hub has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first upper hub.

15. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the first upper hub has a through orifice, wherein the first umbrella structure further includes an actuating element fastened to the first lower hub and passing through the orifice, whereby the first umbrella structure is brought into the open position by exerting traction on the actuating element from the outside of the foldable tent, so as to bring the first lower hub closer to the first upper hub in order to cause deployment of the ribs.

16. The foldable tent according to claim 1, wherein the first rib of the first umbrella structure comprises a first rib portion, a second rib portion and a hinge connecting said first and second rib portions pivotally about an axis transverse to said first and second rib portions, said first umbrella structure being configured to bring the second rib portion into an unfolded position, when the first umbrella structure is brought into the deployed position, and to bring the second rib portion in a folded down position, when the first umbrella structure is brought into the folded position, wherein the first rib of the second umbrella structure comprises a first rib portion, a second rib portion and a hinge pivotally connecting said first and second rib portions, wherein the first and second umbrella structures each comprise third and fourth ribs each having a distal end configured to rest on the ground when the foldable tent is placed in the deployed position, and wherein the roof of the foldable tent is shaped such that a tension line is formed on the tent canvas between the distal end of the third rib of the first umbrella structure and said hinge, when the first umbrella structure is open.

17. A foldable tent comprising a roof having: a tent canvas; a first umbrella structure including a first upper hub, a first lower hub, a plurality of ribs connected in a hinged manner to the first upper hub and cooperating with the tent canvas, and a plurality of counter-ribs, each counter-rib of the first umbrella structure having a first end part connected in a hinged manner to one of the ribs of said first umbrella structure and a second end part connected in a hinged manner to the first lower hub, the ribs and counter-ribs of the first umbrella structure being arranged such that the first lower hub is movable relative to the first upper hub along a first direction of movement, said first umbrella structure being able to assume an open position and a closed position; a second umbrella structure including a second upper hub, a second lower hub, a plurality of ribs connected in a hinged manner to the second upper hub and cooperating with the tent canvas, and a plurality of counter-ribs, each counter-rib of the second umbrella structure having a first end part connected in a hinged manner to one of the ribs of said second umbrella structure and a second end part connected in a hinged manner to the second lower hub, the ribs and counter-ribs of the second umbrella structure being arranged such that the second lower hub is movable relative to the second upper hub along a second direction of movement, said second umbrella structure being able to assume an open position and a closed position; and at least a first junction configured to connect in a hinged manner the distal end of a first rib of the first umbrella structure and the distal end of a first rib of the second umbrella structure.

18. The foldable tent according to claim 17, the tent being able to assume a deployed position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the open position and a folded position in which the first and second umbrella structures are in the closed position.

19. The foldable tent according to claim 17, wherein the first junction comprises a first sheath configured to receive the distal ends of the first ribs of the first and second umbrella structures.

20. The foldable tent according to claim 17, wherein the roof comprises at least a second junction configured to connect in a hinged manner the distal end of a second rib of the first structure umbrella and the distal end of a second rib of the second umbrella structure.

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] The disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following description of one embodiment of the disclosure given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates a foldable tent according to the disclosure, in the folded position;

[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates the foldable tent of FIG. 1, in side view, the second rib portions being unfolded;

[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates the foldable tent of FIG. 2, wherein the first umbrella structure is in an intermediate position;

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates the foldable tent of FIG. 3, wherein the first umbrella structure is in the open position;

[0083] FIG. 5 illustrates the foldable tent of FIG. 4 in the deployed position,

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates the deployed foldable tent of FIG. 5 in side view;

[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates the foldable tent of FIG. 6 in top view; and

[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates the foldable tent of FIG. 5, in which the tent canvas is visible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] The disclosure relates to a foldable tent comprising two umbrella structures and able to assume a folded position corresponding to a storage position, and a deployed position corresponding to a use position.

[0088] FIG. 1 illustrates a foldable tent 10 according to the present disclosure, placed in the folded position.

[0089] The foldable tent 10 comprises a roof 12 which consists of a tent canvas 14, of a first umbrella structure 16 and of a second umbrella structure 16. For reasons of readability, the tent canvas 14 is not represented in FIG. 1 but is visible in FIG. 8.

[0090] As can be seen in this FIG. 1, the first umbrella structure 16 comprises a first upper hub 18, a first lower hub 20 and a plurality of ribs connected in a hinged manner to the first upper hub 18. More specifically, the first umbrella structure 16 comprises first 21, second 22, third 23, fourth 24 and fifth 25 ribs. In this non-limiting example, these ribs are pivotally mounted relative to the first upper hub 18.

[0091] The first umbrella structure 16 further comprises first 26, second 27, third 28, fourth 29 and fifth 30 counter-ribs. Each of these counter-ribs comprises a first end part 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a, 30a and a second end part 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b, 30b, opposite to the first end part. The first end parts of the first 26, second 27, third 28, fort 29 and fifth 30 counter-ribs are connected in a hinged manner respectively to the first 21, second 22, third 23, fourth 24 and fifth 25 ribs by means of joints 32. The second end parts of the First, second, third, fourth and fifth counter-ribs are connected in a hinged manner to the first lower hub 20. In this non-limiting example, the counter-ribs 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 are pivotally connected to the first lower hub 20 and to the ribs.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the ribs and counter-ribs of the first umbrella structure are arranged so that the first lower hub 20 is movable in translation relative to the first upper hub 18 in a first direction of movement Y1. The first umbrella structure 16 forms a mastless umbrella structure.

[0093] The first 21, second 22, third 23 and fourth 24 ribs of the first umbrella structure 16 each include a first rib portion 34, a second rib portion 36 and a hinge 38 pivotally connecting said first and second rib portions. The hinges 38 are configured so that the second rib portions 36 pivot relative to the first rib portions 34 along axes transverse to said first and second rib portions. The second rib portions 36 can assume an unfolded position in which they extend in continuity with the first rib portions 34, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The second rib portions 36 can also assume a folded down position in which they form an angle with the first rib portions 34, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0094] Said hinges 38 are configured to limit the pivoting of the second rib portions 36 relative to the first rib portions 34, when said second rib portions are brought into the unfolded position. The angular displacement of the second rib portions 36 is of about 180 between the folded down position and the unfolded position.

[0095] In the folded position of the foldable tent 10, illustrated in FIG. 1, said second rib portions 36 are in the folded down position.

[0096] The fifth rib 25 of the first umbrella structure comprises a first rib portion 34 but no second rib portion. Also, the fifth rib 25 has a length smaller than that of the other ribs 21, 22, 23, 24. The fifth rib 25 extends between the third and fourth ribs 23, 24 of the first umbrella structure 16.

[0097] In FIG. 2, it will be noted that the first upper hub 18 has a diameter D1 greater than the diameter D2 of the first lower hub 20 and that the first upper 18 and lower 20 hubs are coaxial.

[0098] In FIG. 2, in which the second rib portions 36 have been unfolded, it can be seen that the first lower hub 20 has an elongated portion 40. The first lower hub 20 further includes an end forming a bearing portion 42 disposed at the top of the elongate portion 40. The first upper hub 18 also includes a through orifice 44 which opens axially on either side of the first upper hub 18.

[0099] In order to allow its opening, the first umbrella structure 16 further includes a cord 46, forming an actuating element, which is fastened to the first lower hub 20 and which passes through the through orifice 44. The cord 46 is fastened to the bearing portion 42 of the first lower hub 20, passes through the first upper hub 44, and has an end provided with a first gripping ring 48.

[0100] The first umbrella structure 16 can be placed in an open position and in a closed position. In the folded position of the tent, illustrated in FIG. 1, the first umbrella structure 16 is placed in the closed position.

[0101] The second umbrella structure 16 is identical to the first umbrella structure 16 so that it comprises a second lower hub 20, a second upper hub 18, and a plurality of ribs and counter-ribs. More precisely, the second umbrella structure 16 comprises first 21, second 22, third 23, fourth 24 and fifth 25 ribs and first 26, second 27, third 28, fourth 29 and fifth 30 counter-ribs. The counter-ribs are connected to the second lower hub 20 and to the ribs by means of joints 32. The second lower hub 20 is movable in translation relative to the second upper hub 18 along a second direction of movement Y2. The first, second, third and fourth ribs of the second umbrella structure 16 each comprise a first rib portion 34 and a second rib portion 36 connected in a hinged manner by means of a hinge 38. The second lower hub comprises a bearing portion 42. The second umbrella structure 16 further comprises a second cord 46 provided with a second gripping ring 48 and connected to the second lower hub 20. The second umbrella structure 16 can also be opened or closed.

[0102] In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the foldable tent 10 is in the folded position and the first and second umbrella structures 16, 16 are in the closed position. The second rib portions 36, 36 of the two umbrella structures 16, 16 are in the folded down position so that the set of the first 34, 34 and second 36, 36 rib portions extend substantially together and parallel to the first and second directions of movement Y1, Y2.

[0103] The first rib 21 of the first umbrella structure 16 has a distal end 21a opposite to the first upper hub 20. Similarly, the first rib 21 of the second umbrella structure 16 has a distal end 21a opposite to the second upper hub 20. Said distal ends 21a, 21a of the first ribs 21, 21 of the first 16 and second 16 umbrella structures are engaged in a first sheath 50 sewn to the tent canvas 12. This first sheath 50 allows connecting and hinging said first ribs 21, 21 together, allowing in particular these first ribs to pivot relative to each other. Also, the first sheath 50 forms a first junction 51. In addition, thanks to this first sheath 50, said first ribs 21, 21 carry the tent canvas 14.

[0104] Similarly, the second ribs 22, 22 of the first and second umbrella structures 16, 16 each have a distal end 22a, 22a. These distal ends 22a, 22a are engaged in a second sheath 52. The second ribs can therefore pivot relative to each other and also carry the tent canvas 14 so that they cooperate with the tent canvas. The second sheath 52 forms a second junction 53.

[0105] The tent canvas 14 is connected to the first and second umbrella structures 16, 16 at the first and second upper hubs 18, 18, the joints 32, 32 and the distal ends of the first 21, 21, second 22, 22, third 23, 23 and fourth 24, 24 ribs of each of the two umbrella structures 16, 16.

[0106] FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate the placing of the foldable tent 10 in the deployed position. To do this, the first and second umbrella structures 16, 16 are brought successively from their closed position to their open position.

[0107] In this non-limiting example, the first umbrella structure 16 is first brought into the open position and the second umbrella structure 16 after that. First, the user stands next to the foldable tent 10 placed in the folded position and pulls the first cord 46 towards him, using the first gripping ring 48. This traction allows moving the first lower hub 20 along the first direction of movement Y1 and bringing it closer to the first upper hub 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0108] The counter-ribs 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 of the first umbrella structure 16 guide the movement of the first lower hub 20. Parallel to the movement of the first lower hub 20, the counter-ribs exert a force on the first rib portions 34 of the ribs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 of the first umbrella structure 16, tending to move them apart from each other. Said first rib portions 34, as well as the hinges 38 connecting them to the second rib portions 36, move apart from each other and pivot outwardly of the first umbrella structure 16.

[0109] Insofar as the diameter D1 of the first upper hub 18 is greater than the diameter D2 of the first lower umbrella 20, moving the ribs apart from each other and moving the first lower hub towards the first upper hub is facilitated.

[0110] As illustrated by the passage of FIG. 3 to FIG. 4, the counter-ribs jointly cross together a plane P passing through the joints 32 between the ribs and the counter-ribs and which is perpendicular to the first direction of movement Y1. The crossing of this plane P by the counter-ribs is also called the crossing of the hard point. The first lower hub 20 is brought into contact with the first upper hub 18 in a stable position, insofar as the first lower hub 20 cannot cross the plane P without effort operated by the user. The elongate portion 40 of the first lower hub 20 passes through the orifice 44 of the first upper hub 18 and the bearing portion 42 of the first lower hub 20 protrudes out of the foldable tent 10.

[0111] Insofar as the tent canvas 12 is connected to the first upper hub 18, to each of the hinges 38 and to the distal ends of the first 21, second 22, third 23 and fourth 24 ribs, the tent canvas is tensioned during the opening of the first umbrella structure 16. In addition, the tent canvas exerts a tension on said ribs between the first upper hub 18 and said distal ends of each of the ribs.

[0112] As a result, the second rib portions 36 are automatically pivoted towards their unfolded positions. The hinges 38 limit this pivoting when the second rib portions 36 are positioned in continuity of the first rib portions 34, as illustrated by the passage from FIG. 3 to FIG. 4. In addition, the tent canvas 14 exerts a force on the second rib portions 36 preventing them from folding down inadvertently. The second rib portions 36 are therefore brought into the unfolded position automatically during the opening of the first umbrella structure 16 and held in this unfolded position by the tension exerted by the tent canvas 14 on the ribs.

[0113] In addition, the tensioning of the tent canvas 14 allows keeping the ribs of the first umbrella structure 16 curved. The first umbrella structure 16 deployed has therefore a convex shape considered from the inside of the foldable tent 10.

[0114] The first umbrella structure 16 is then placed in the open position in which its ribs are completely moved apart from each other. Therefore, the foldable tent 10 is placed in an intermediate position illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the first umbrella structure 16 is open while the second umbrella structure 16 is always closed.

[0115] The operator can then open the second umbrella structure 16. To do so, it is appropriate to stand on the other side of the foldable tent 10, facing the second upper hub 18 and to pull the second cord 46 of the second umbrella structure.

[0116] The opening of the second umbrella structure 16 is similar to the opening of the first umbrella structure 16. Particularly, the first and second sheaths 50, 52 connecting in a hinged manner the first 21, 21 and second 22, 22 ribs allow the relative pivoting of the first 21 and second 22 ribs of the first umbrella structure 16 relative to the first 21 and second 22 ribs of the second umbrella structure 16. This allows the positioning of the first and second umbrella structures relative to each other, in order to shape the foldable tent 10.

[0117] Furthermore, the tent canvas 14 is also connected to the second upper hub 18 as well as to the hinges 32 and to the distal ends of the ribs of the second umbrella structure 16. In addition, the tent canvas 14 is shaped such that the tension lines 56 are formed on the tent canvas between the hinges 38 of the first and second ribs 21, 22 of the second umbrella structure 16 and respectively the distal ends 23a, 24a of the third 23 and fourth 24 ribs of the first umbrella structure 16. These tension lines allow, in this intermediate position of the foldable tent 10, maintaining the first umbrella structure and the plane P inclined with respect to the ground. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the third and fourth ribs 23, 24 of the first umbrella structure rest on the ground while the first 21 and second 22 ribs of the first umbrella structure do not touch the ground.

[0118] By virtue of this configuration, when the second umbrella structure 16 is brought into the open position, as illustrated by the passage from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5, the first 21 and second 22 ribs of the second umbrella structure exert a pushing force oriented upwards on the first 21 and second 22 ribs of the first umbrella structure 16. This force tends to further pivot the first umbrella structure, in order to automatically bring it towards a final inclination allowing the automatic shaping of the foldable tent 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In addition, the first umbrella structure 16 supports the second umbrella structure 16 and vice versa. The foldable tent 10 is then deployed.

[0119] Without departing from the scope of the disclosure, the second umbrella structure 16 could be open before the first umbrella structure 16.

[0120] In the deployed position of the foldable tent 10, the tent canvas 14 defines an interior volume V. The plane P passing through the joints of the first umbrella structure is inclined with respect to the ground by an angle approximately equal to 45. It is seen that the first and second directions of movement Y1, Y2 are inclined with respect to the ground by an angle approximately equal to 45. They are further inclined with respect to each other by an angle approximately equal to 90. The foldable tent 10 then has a dome shape that can accommodate a camper.

[0121] The foldable tent further comprises an inner chamber (not represented) disposed under the tent canvas and mounted on the first and second umbrella structures 16, 16. Said inner chamber is configured to accommodate the user.

[0122] FIG. 6 is a side view of the foldable tent 10 according to the disclosure, wherein the tent canvas 14 is visible. It can be seen that the tent canvas comprises a peripheral edge 14a operating with the distal ends 23a, 23a, 24a, 24a of the third 23, 23 and fourth 24, 24 ribs of the first and second umbrella structures 16, 16. In addition, the distal ends 25a, 25a of the fifth ribs 25, 25 of the first and second umbrella structures 16, 16 cooperate each with a cooperation portion 15, 15 of the tent canvas 14, distinct from said peripheral edge 14a of said tent canvas. Also, the fifth ribs move apart said tent canvas and increase the internal volume V. Vertical triangular panels 54, 54 are formed on the tent canvas 14. The fifth ribs 25, 25 prevent the tent canvas from coming into contact with the head or feet of a user lying in the tent and thus improve his comfort.

[0123] According to the disclosure, the foldable tent 10 can be placed in the deployed position very quickly, only by opening the first and second umbrella structures.

[0124] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the tension line 56 formed on the tent canvas 14 between the distal end 23a of the third rib 23 of the first umbrella structure 16 and the hinge 38 of the first rib 21 of the second umbrella structure 16 include distinct first, second and third segments 56a, 56b, 56c. These three segments are arranged so that an opening, for example for a door, can be formed in the tent canvas 14 without the tension line 56 intersecting said door. More specifically, the first segment 56a and the third segment 56c are substantially parallel while the second segment 56b extends substantially horizontally. Another tension line is also formed between the distal end 23a of the third rib 23 of the second umbrella structure 16 and the hinge 38 of the first rib 21 of the first umbrella structure 16.

[0125] FIG. 7 is a top view of the foldable tent.

[0126] FIG. 8 illustrates the foldable tent 10 in the deployed position, the tent canvas 14 being visible. The third 23, 23 and fourth 24, 24 ribs of the first and second umbrella structures rest on the ground.

[0127] In order to fold the foldable tent 10, the user must successively place the first 16 and second 16 umbrella structures in the closed position. To do so, it is necessary to actuate the bearing portions 42, 42 of the first and second lower hubs 20, 20. Said bearing portions 42, 42 pass through the tent canvas 14 so that they are accessible from the outside of the foldable tent 10.

[0128] When the user exerts a pressure on the bearing portion 42 of the first lower hub 20 from the outside of the foldable tent 10, this pressure is directed along the first direction of movement Y1. The first lower hub 20 is then moved apart from the first upper hub 18 and passes beyond the plane P. The ribs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 of the first umbrella structure 16 are brought closer to each together. Under their own weight, and under the weight of the first umbrella structure, the hinges 38 of the ribs of said first umbrella structure are moved towards the interior volume V of the foldable tent, while the second rib portions 36 are pivoted outwardly of the foldable tent and towards the first upper hub 18. The second rib portions 36 are therefore automatically folded down upon closing of the first umbrella structure. The first umbrella structure 16 is brought into the closed position.

[0129] In parallel, the second umbrella structure 16 pivots so that the distal ends of its first 21 and second 22 ribs are brought closer to the ground.

[0130] The same operation is repeated for the second umbrella structure 16 which is also brought into the closed position. The foldable tent is then in the folded position, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and forms a bundle. The foldable tent can then be easily stored in a storage bag.

[0131] Without departing from the scope of the disclosure, the second umbrella structure 16 could be closed before the first umbrella structure 16.