TENT

Abstract: A tent construction includes an outer tent (1), an inner tent (4) with a first bottom part (42) and a body work (21-24) arranged to support the outer tent and the inner tent. The body work is arranged to be fastened to a second, separate bottom part (3). Thereby a flexible structure is provided, at which the inner tent and the outer tent can be put up in an optional order. Further, either the inner tent or the outer tent can be optionally excluded from an erected tent.

Description: TENT FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates generally to tent constructions and then more particularly to a tent construction of the dome-type. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Several different tent constructions are known to the art. The most usual constructions at present are the dome and tunnel tent constructions. Both of these general types are, however, encumbered with certain drawbacks, which will be described in the following. So-called dome tents are comprised of two or more arches, which are threaded into channels in an inner tent. The inner tent is then pitched, whereby a self-supporting construction is achieved by virtue of the arches threaded in the inner tent cross one another. When the inner tent has been pitched in this way, a water-impermeable outer tent is placed over the inner tent and fastened thereto in some suitable manner. Almost optimal utilisation of the volume which is achieved with this construction, and the resultant tent is also wind- stable. However, if it rains as the tent is being erected, the inner tent will become wet because the water-repelling outer tent is fitted after the inner tent has been pitched. Furthermore, the secondary spaces or the so-called apses between inner tent and outer tent are small and only the inner tent is self-supporting. In the case of the other dominating tent construction, the tunnel tent, arches are threaded into channels in the outer tent, either on the inside or outside thereof. The inner tent is then hung from the arch construction. Alternatively, the inner tent is already sewn to the outer tent. The inner tent is therewith always protected, i.e. not exposed to rain, during erection of the tent construction. Moreover, the construction is comparatively wind-stable, although less so than in the case of a dome construction. When desired, the inner tent of a tunnel tent construction can be removed and solely the outer tent used, although the construction will then have no floor, which protects against ground moisture. This construction, however, is also encumbered with drawbacks. For instance, there is no floor along the apses. Neither is the construction self-supporting and the configuration prevents the volume from being utilised optimally. A further drawback which is common to both of the aforesaid constructions is that a user is unable to choose between the use of solely the inner tent (in fine weather conditions) and the outer tent (for instance as protection against wind and rain) or using both inner and outer tents. Tent constructions are described in Patent Publications U.S. 5,421,355 A, DE 33 32 160 Al and DE 43 10 218 Al, for example. However, none of these documents describe a tent construction in which double floors avoid the aforesaid drawbacks . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to provide a tent construction in which at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks with known tent constructions have been eliminated. The invention provides a tent construction of the kind defined in the accompanying Claim 1. Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent Claims . As before mentioned, the invention provides a tent construc- tion in which several of the aforesaid drawbacks have been eliminated. Because of its double floor construction, the inventive tent provides complete flexibility with respect to the use of the inner and the outer tents . This is combined with a construction that is self-supporting, regardless of whether both the inner and the outer tents are used or solely one of said tents. Another advantage is that the tent construction is wind-stable and enables the inner tent to be protected against rain when erecting or pitching the tent, in other words a user can choose between initially pitching either the inner tent or the outer tent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 illustrates an inventive tent when pitched; Fig. 2 illustrates a framework construction erected on a bottom part in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 3 illustrates the framework construction of Fig. 2 together with an inner tent. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS An inventive tent construction will now be described in detail, first with reference to Fig. 1, which shows an erected tent. The tent shown in Fig. 1 is a dome tent, wherewith an outer tent, or fly, generally referenced 1 rests on a framework consisting of four arched braces, which will be more clearly apparent from Fig. 2. The outer tent consists of an arched upper part 11 and a bottom snow mat 12. The snow mat can be used to anchor down the tent, for instance by placing earth, stones or snow on said mat subsequent to having erected the tent. The outer tent also includes a door 13 that can be opened and closed in a known fashion, e.g. through the medium of a zip fastener arrangement or a touch-and-close fastener arrangement. The framework consisting of arched supports will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the tent is intended to accommodate from two to three persons and includes four arched supports 21-24. Each arched support is preferably divided into several straight, springy sections that can be fastened to each other prior to pitching the tent and which are bent to their arched state when pitching the tent. This means that the tent, when dismantled, will require a relatively small place for transportation. As shown in Fig. 2, there is also included a bottom part 3. This part is comprised of a water-impervious material whose shape corresponds essentially to the outer shape of the tent, with the exception of a cut-out 35 which, when the tent is erected, is positioned at the door 13. When erecting the tent, the ends of the four arches are placed into their respective holes 31a,b, 32a,b, 33a,b and 34a,b in the perimeter of the bottom part 3. The first and the second arched supports 21 and 22 are placed inclined and, if so desired, joined together at their points of intersection with the aid of plastic cross fasteners (not shown) which are snapped onto the different arched supports so as to hold them together. The third and the fourth arched supports 23 and 24 are placed transversely to the first and the second supports 21, 22 and are fastened together by means of cross fasteners (not shown) . The third and the fourth arched supports 23 and 24 are fastened together by means of a corresponding cross fastener (not shown) at the point at which said supports 23 and 24 meet, at the highest point of the tent. This results in a fully self-supporting construction, irrespective of whether solely the inner tent or the outer tent is used. This enables the construction to be moved to a desired site within the area in which it is intended to pitch the tent. Another advantage is that the tent can be used without needing to drive tent pegs into the ground, which is, of course, highly beneficial when the surrounding terrain is rocky. The various arched supports are preferably colour coded and placed in corresponding colour coded holes in the bottom part. Subsequent to having assembled the framework with the arched supports 21-24 and the bottom part 3, a choice can be made as to whether to pitch an inner tent, generally referenced 4, see Fig. 3, or the outer tent 1. Since the inner tent offers no protection against water, the inner tent will only be used initially in fine weather, i.e. when it neither rains nor snows . Fig. 3 shows an arch construction on which an inner tent has been erected. The inner tent 4 which is comprised of a water-permeable wall/ceiling part 41 and a water-impervious floor part 42, includes a number of hook-shaped fastener elements 43 which are intended to be hooked on the arched supports 21-24. The tapes belonging to these hooks will preferably be colour coded so that it will easily be seen in which arched supports respective hooks shall be fastened. The inner tent is provided at the junction between wall/- ceiling part 41 and the floor part 42 with snap fastener devices 44a, 44b, and so on, which are intended to be fastened to co-acting parts (not shown) on the bottom part 3. As will be seen from Fig. 3, the inner tent includes a door 45, which is placed in front of the cut-out 35. Part 36 of the bottom part 3 is not covered by the inner tent and forms a floor in a so-called apse intended for storing backpacks, etc. The construction shown in Fig. 3 can be used when weather conditions so permit. This is highly beneficial in com- parison with known tents in which the inner tent cannot be used per se but requires an outer tent or fly to be pitched. The final step in completing pitching of the inventive tent construction resides in placing the outer tent 1 over the frame structure and the inner tent 4. The outer tent is then fastened to the arched supports 21-24 by means of touch-and- close fasteners or hooks. The outer tent 1 is anchored to the ground with the aid of tent pegs (not shown) intended for this end. Stones, snow, etc., may then optionally be placed on the snow mat 12, to further anchor the tent. In the aforegoing, a tent pitching or erecting procedure has been described in which the inner tent is pitched first and then the outer tent. It will be understood, however, that the reverse procedure may be undertaken, i.e. a procedure in which the outer tent is pitched first and then the inner tent. As before mentioned, this latter procedure is particularly beneficial in the case of rain and snow conditions . Subsequent to having constructed the frame structure including the bottom part 3 and the arched supports 21-24, the outer tent 1 is placed over said supports and fastened thereto with the aid of said touch-and-close fasteners and secured to the ground with the aid of tent pegs . The inner tent 4 is then taken-up and hung on the arched supports 21-24. As earlier mentioned, this latter step of pitching the inner tent can be excluded, for instance when the tent is solely intended as a wind guard. Naturally, the space available is increased when no inner tent is used, so that four or even more persons can be accommodated in a tent which is normally intended for only two to three persons . Thus, the invention provides a flexible construction which enables solely the inner tent, solely the outer tent or both the inner tent and outer tent to be used. Regardless of the option chosen, the inventive tent is still self-supporting and its volume utilised optimally. It is also wind-stable and the inner tent can be protected against rain during its erection. The construction also provides purposeful so- called apses. Although a preferred embodiment of an inventive tent construction has been described, the person skilled in this particular art will realise that variations can be made within the scope of the accompanying Claims. For example, although a construction that includes four arched supports has been described, the construction may, of course, include fewer or more such supports , depending on requirements . A tent that includes only one entrance has been shown. In the case of larger tents, it is often expedient to include at least two entrances, preferably located at diagonally opposite corners of the tent. Preferred methods of fastening the inner and outer tents to the arched supports have been described. Any other appropriate method may, of course, be used, such as tie-joints, etc.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A tent construction comprising an outer tent (1), an inner tent (4) that includes a first bottom part (42), a body work (21-24) adapted to carry the outer tent and the inner tent, characterised by a second, separate bottom part (3), wherein said body work (21-24) is adapted to be fastened to said second, separate part (3), and wherein either the outer tent ( 1 ) or the inner tent ( 4 ) can be optionally excluded from an erected tent. 2. A tent construction according to Claim 1, in which said body work includes at least two arched supports (21, 22). 3. A tent construction according to Claim 2, in which said body work includes four arched supports (21-24). 4. A tent construction according to any one of Claims 1-3, in which said bottom part (3) is impervious to water. 5. A tent construction according to any one of Claims 2-4, in which the end of said arched supports are intended to be fastened in corresponding holes (31a, b, 32a,b, 33a,b, 34a,b) in said second bottom part (3). 6. A tent construction according to any one of the preceding Claims, in which said outer tent (1) and said inner tent (4) are adapted to be fastened to said body work (21-24) in an optional order. 7. A tent construction according to any one of the preceding Claims, in which the outer tent (1) is adapted to be fastened to said body work (21-24) by means of touch-and- close fasteners or hook fasteners.

Inventors: BENGTSSON ANDREAS, SVENSSON LENNART, BENGTSSON, ANDREAS, SVENSSON, LENNART
Applicants: BENGTSSON ANDREAS, HAGLOEFS SCANDINAVIA AB, SVENSSON LENNART, BENGTSSON, ANDREAS, SVENSSON, LENNART
Application year: 2001
Main classification: E04H15
IPC codes: E04H15