Patent Publication Number: US-10787837-B2

Title: Structural components for lightweight tents

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the priority benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/684,110, filed Jun. 12, 2018, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments herein relate to the field of camping gear, and more specifically, to various structural apparatuses and improvements to lightweight tents. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When selecting gear for outdoor travel and recreation, such as hiking and camping, gear weight can be an important factor. Reducing gear weight can allow a person to carry more gear and/or reduce fatigue, especially when the person is tackling challenging hikes or treks. A tent is a fundamental piece of camping gear that is commonly carried any time a person undertakes an overnight hike or camping trip. A tent is typically constructed from a canopy and a fly (unless specifically designed to be a “single wall” tent) constructed from a weather-resistant fabric that is held in shape by a rigid yet flexible frame. The frame may be manufactured from a variety of materials, such as composites, fiberglass, or aluminum, and may attach to the canopy by various methods, such as a series of pockets, fasteners, or a combination of the same. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a first tip for a tent frame member and cooperating attachments, according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a second tip for a tent frame member and cooperating attachments, according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate a third tip for a tent frame member and cooperating attachments, according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a fourth tip for a tent frame member and cooperating attachments, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a coupler for attaching tent components, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a first configuration for securing the coupler of  FIG. 5  to a tent frame component, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a second configuration for securing the coupler of  FIG. 5  to a tent frame component, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a third configuration for securing the coupler of  FIG. 5  to a tent frame component, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a fourth configuration for securing the coupler of  FIG. 5  to a tent frame component, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a fifth configuration for securing the coupler of  FIG. 5  to a tent frame component, according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate two possible alternative configurations for the coupler of  FIG. 5 , according to various embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an alternative configuration for the coupler of  FIG. 5  including a retention flange, according to various embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13A to 13D  illustrate a coupler configured in a hub and spoke fashion with a removable hook, according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. 
     The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments. 
     The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. 
     For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “(A)B” means (B) or (AB) that is, A is an optional element. 
     The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). 
     With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     A typical tent includes a series of poles for the frame, with each pole comprised of collapsible sections that are connected together via an elastic cord that runs through the center of each section. The cord is secured to the tips of each end section. The tent may be erected by snapping the sections of each pole together, then attaching the poles to the tent canopy. In some examples, each pole may be run through a corresponding channel or tunnel sewn into the canopy. In other examples, the canopy may be fitted with a series of fasteners, such as a hook, snap, clip, loop, or hook and loop material, which may allow the canopy to attach to each tent pole. 
     The ends of each pole may be secured to the canopy by various means. For example, some tents include a receiving pocket on the canopy, into which a tent pole end may be inserted. Other examples may include a grommet or similar fixture, into which the tent pole end may insert or otherwise be secured. The grommet and/or pole tip may be manufactured from metal which, while durable, may add undesirable weight. Further poles may be used to erect and attach the rain fly and/or tent brow. 
     The materials used to construct the tent can be selected to be lightweight, such as a thin, lightweight, yet durable fabric for the canopy and rain fly, and materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum for the tent poles. To obtain further weight savings, various structural components for attaching the canopy and/or fly to the poles are disclosed. The structural components allow for replacing the channels or tunnels, which take up unnecessary weight due to additional fabric being required. Moreover, fabric can be prone to ripping, and, in implementations where the structural components pass through a fabric tunnel, can be cumbersome to deploy, requiring the poles to be threaded through their respective tunnels. Instead, a series of discrete connectors are disclosed to hold the canopy to the frame, using cords and associated stoppers. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein include apparatuses for both improving the speed of a tent deployment, as well as potentially reducing weight and/or improving durability. Split tip ends, manufactured from engineering plastic in some embodiments, can speed attachment and subsequent removal of various bungee cords needed to tension a tent canopy. Various hooks, affixed to tent pole segments, enable erecting a canopy without the need to pass a tent pole through a fabric channel, instead allowing the canopy to be suspended at various points by simply hooking a loop, tie, bungee, or similar cord or rope around its corresponding hook. 
     Split Tips 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a first embodiment of a split tip  100  for a tent pole. Split tip  100  may be configured with a first half  102  and a second half  104 . The halves  102  and  104  together define a slot  106 , which may end in an opening  108  distal from the end of tent pole  114 . First half  102  and second half  104  each may have part of a first recess  110  and a second recess  112 , which can be seen to surround slot  106 . First and second recesses  110  and  112  may be sized to receive stoppers  118  and  120 . Each stopper may include a portion  116  that may be sized to fit within one of the first or second recesses  110 ,  112 . The stoppers may receive cords extending from a tent canopy or rain fly, to allow the canopy or fly to be removably connected to the tent pole  114 . 
       FIG. 1B  shows split tip  100  in use. Also referring to  FIG. 1A , cords pass through stoppers such as stoppers  118  and  120 , and the portions  116  of each stopper are disposed within corresponding first and second recesses  110 ,  112 . Each cord passing from each stopper may be passed through opening  108  and into slot  106 . The portion  116  of each stopper may then be fitted into a corresponding recess  110  or  112 . In a tent, each pole may be flexed into an arcuate shape, and so provide an outward-directed force that tensions an attached tent canopy. The first and second recesses  110  and  112  may be positioned to face away from the canopy, so that when the pole is flexed and under tension, the stoppers  118  and  120  are tensioned away from the canopy. This tension acts to pull each portion  116  into its corresponding recess  110 ,  112 , thereby removably securing the stoppers into each split tip  100 . The recesses  110  and  112  help to keep stoppers  118  and  120  secured to split tip  100 , to prevent a corresponding tent canopy from becoming detached from its frame. The cords attached to stoppers  118  and  120  are likewise placed under tension, which transfers to the tent canopy to help keep the canopy in operating shape and erect. 
     In other embodiments, first and second recesses  110  and  112  may be located on both lateral sides of slot  106 , e.g. the sides through which the cords pass. Such a configuration may provide some weight savings and increase ease of tent erection by reducing the need for the user to orient the tent pole  114  to locate the recesses. Further, split tip  100  may, depending upon tent configuration, have more or fewer than two recesses, potentially to accommodate the number of stoppers presented by a given tent design. Still further, slot  106  may, in embodiments, be configured with a narrowing in one or more places that is slightly less than the normal diameter of the cord, to act as a block to resist the cord from slipping out of slot  106 . 
     Split tip  100  and stoppers  118  and  120  may be made from any suitable material that is sufficiently strong and durable while also lightweight. Materials found to be suitable include 6061 aluminum alloy, acetal (POM/delrin), or polycarbonate. Other materials such as nylon/polyamide, glass filled nylon, or another composite or similar material may also be used. Material selection considerations may include the anticipated use of the tent, desired weight savings targets, longevity/durability of the various tent components, and designed component lifespan. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A , a second embodiment of a tip, split tip  200 , is depicted, attached to an end of a tent pole  212 . Split tip  200  includes first half  202  and second half  204 , which define slot  206  that opens to opening  208 . In contrast to split tip  100 , split tip  200  includes a flat  210 , as opposed to one or more recesses, that may be configured to accept a conical-shaped stopper  214  with a corresponding flat end  216 . Flat  210  may terminate in a ridge or protrusion  218  at the end of each half  202  and  204 , to assist in retention of the cord. Similar to slot  106 , slot  206  may, in embodiments, be configured with a second narrowing or protrusion in one or more places intermediate within slot  206  that is slightly less than the normal diameter of the cord, to act as a block to resist one or more cords from slipping out of slot  206 . 
       FIG. 2B  depicts split tip  200  in use, with two stoppers  220  and  222  attached to split tip  200  via cords connected to a tent canopy and/or fly. As with split tip  100 , the cord attached to each stopper may be passed through opening  208  into slot  206 . The flat end  216  of each stopper  220 ,  222  may mate with flat  210  of split tip  200 . Depending upon the configuration of the tent canopy, the flat  210  cooperating with flat end  216  may help ensure that the tent canopy does not inadvertently detach from the frame. This may be further assisted by protrusion  218 , to prevent a stopper held fast to split tip  200  by tension from the tent pole from slipping down to where the cord could become free through opening  208 . 
     As with the recesses  110 ,  112  of slot  106 , flat  210  may be configured on one or both sides of slot  206  of split tip  200 , and further may be made longer or shorter depending on an anticipated number of stoppers that split tip  200  may need to accommodate. Split tip  200  and/or stopper  214  may be manufactured from similar materials as split tip  100 , as described above. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3A , a third embodiment of a split tip, split tip  300 , is depicted attached to a tent pole  312 . Split tip  300  includes a first half  302  and second half  304 , which together define slot  306 , which ends in opening  308 . Split tip  300  includes a recess  310 , similar to recesses  110  and  112  of split tip  100 . Split tip  300  is similar to an embodiment of split tip  100 , except possessing only a single recess. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , split tip  300  may be configured to accept a stopper with a matching portion similar to portion  116  of stoppers  118  and  120 , as well as a plain loop  314  (shown in  FIG. 3A ) without a stopper. Such an arrangement may be useful where split tip  300  is to accept a stopper attached to a tent canopy cord, and a simple loop  314  that may be attached to a rain fly or tent brow, and so result in a more vertical tension against the tent pole. The simple loop  314 , without a stopper, need only rest in the slot  306  without requiring a corresponding recess  310  or protrusion. Split tip  300  and any associated stoppers may be manufactured from any suitable materials as described above with respect to split tip  100 . In some embodiments, opening  308  may include one or more protrusions that narrow to a width less than the cord diameter. The narrowing protrusions would cause the cord to compress slightly in passing, thus creating a resistance that must be overcome to move a cord out of the opening  308 , thus aiding in retaining the cord. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts a fourth embodiment, split tip  400 , attached to tent pole  410 . Split tip  400  includes an opening  402  into a slot  408 , defined by a first half  404  and second half  406 . Unlike split tips  100 ,  200 , and  300 , split tip  400  includes a simple slot  408 , without a flat or recess. Each half  404  and  406  may include a protrusion  412 , positioned just after the mouth of opening  402 , oriented to the interior of slot  408 . As with the protrusions described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A to 3B , the protrusion may create a narrowing that is less than the diameter of an inserted cord, requiring resistance to pass and thus aiding to retain cords inserted into slot  408 . 
       FIG. 4B  show split tip  400  with simple loops  414  and  416  inserted into slot  408 . As discussed above, protrusion(s)  412  may cooperate to help retain loops  414  and  416  into split tip  400 . Slot  408  may be configured to any suitable length to accommodate an anticipated number of loops. Split tip  400  may be manufactured from any suitable materials as described above with respect to split tip  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that other embodiments of split tips may be possible, depending upon the nature of the cords and stoppers (if any) that are used. For example, if the cords used are in the nature of flat straps, a split tip with a substantially narrower slot configured to accept a strap on its edge may be configured. Alternatively or additionally, the slot may be configured to accept two cords in a side-by-side fashion, rather than stacking along the longitudinal axis of the tent pole. Such embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. 
     Each of split tip  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400  may be attached to the end of its corresponding tent pole via any suitable method. Such methods may include a press fit, threaded fit/screw-in, crimping or dimpling in one or more locations of the tent pole, adhesives, welding, mechanical fastening, or any other suitable fashion, either permanent or removable. 
     Couplers 
       FIGS. 5-12  depict various embodiments of a coupler that may be used, for example, to attach or couple cords or portions of a tent canopy to a tent pole. As discussed above, some example tents may employ one or more fasteners affixed to the canopy, which in turn may attach to each tent pole. These fasteners may be prone to sliding or moving about each tent pole, which may complicate tent erection and decrease stability of the erected tent. In contrast, the coupler may be affixed to a tent pole section  502  via a collar  504 , from which a coupling portion  506  extends. The coupler may thereby provide a relatively stationary mounting point on the pole by which a tent canopy may attach to the tent pole frame, such as via one or more loops  508 . Tent pole  502  may be equipped with multiple couplers for various canopy attachments. By using multiple couplers, the implementation of one or more tunnels or channels sewn into a tent canopy may be eliminated in favor of a series of loops  508 . The combination of loops  508  and corresponding couplers may offer a lighter weight alternative to a series of channels sewn across the length or width of a tent canopy. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a first possible embodiment for coupler  500  is a G hook, so named because its profile shape resembles the lowercase letter “g”. Coupling portion  506  is thus depicted as a hook protrusion that opens in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of section  502 . In other embodiments, coupling portion  506  may be implemented as a snap, clasp, buckle, loop, hook or loop material, or any other suitable mechanism for removably securing a point on a tent canopy to the tent pole, or such other scenarios where coupler  500  may be deployed. 
     Coupler  500 , and more particularly, collar  504 , may be manufactured from a variety of materials, similar to those that may be used to manufacture a split tip  100 ,  200 ,  300  or  400 . Coupler  500  may be manufactured from polyamide/nylon 6 with 20% glass fiber fill for reinforcement (PA6-GF20), acetal (POM/delrin), or 6061 aluminum alloy, in a machined fashion. Other suitable materials, including plastics such as polycarbonate or composites, metals, wood, or another similar material or materials may be employed. Depending upon how coupling portion  506  is implemented, collar  504  may be manufactured from the same or a different material than collar  504 . 
       FIGS. 6 through 10  depict various configurations by which a coupler  500  may be secured in various locations to a section of tent pole  502 . Each configuration shows how coupler  500 , by way of collar  504 , may be secured proximate to where two sections of tent pole  502  may be connected. Tent pole sections may connect in a nesting fashion, with one end having a slightly larger diameter to accept a portion of an adjoining section. Alternatively, each tent pole section may attach to a ferrule  606 . The ferrule  606  may be configured with an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of each hollow tent pole section, so that each tent pole section may slide over a portion of the ferrule  606  with minimal play. As will be seen in each of the following  FIGS. 6 through 10 , only one tent pole is depicted, with the a remaining portion of ferrule  606  visible. In various embodiments, ferrule  606  may be a part of the adjoining tent pole, as discussed above, that is configured with a smaller outer diameter than inner diameter of the joining tent pole. In some embodiments, one portion of ferrule  606  may be permanently affixed into an end of a tent pole, so that it is prevented from sliding within or being removed from the tent pole. 
     The length of tent pole sections may be selected with respect to a desired spacing of attachment points for a tent canopy. Alternatively or additionally, collar  504  may only be placed at a subset of joints between tent pole sections, as needed. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a coupler  500  secured between sections, which is retained using a retaining ring  604 . The larger diameter section may provide a flange  602 , against which collar  504  may abut. The larger diameter section may either be formed as a step in an end portion of a tent pole section, or from the end of the tent pole section where ferrule  606  protrudes. The retaining ring  604 , placed against the opposite side of collar  504 , may be secured in place via a corresponding groove positioned in the smaller diameter section or ferrule  606  (depending upon the particular embodiment). Alternatively, the retaining ring  604  may be press-fit onto the section/ferrule  606 , or attached by another suitable means, such as welding, soldering, or adhesives. The retaining ring  604  may be manufactured from metal, plastic, or another suitable material. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a variation of  FIG. 6 ; the retaining ring  702  is manufactured from machined metal or plastic, and is of a wider width than the retaining ring in  FIG. 6 . The retaining ring in  FIG. 7  may be mounted and secured similar to the retaining ring of  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, retaining ring  702  may be formed as a part of and integral with ferrule  606 , or, in embodiments, a narrower end portion of the tent pole section. An adjoining tent pole section may abut retaining ring  702 , or may be configured with a slightly larger inner diameter for a short portion from its end to accommodate retaining ring  702 , as will be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art. In still other embodiments, the adjacent tent pole section may act as the retaining ring. In such embodiments, the coupler  500  may have a body that is hollow with a constant inner diameter that is just larger than the diameter of ferrule  606 , but smaller than either tent pole section. Coupler  500 , in such embodiments, is slipped over the ferrule and retained by each tent pole section that abuts either side of the coupler  500 .  FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a possible external appearance of such a configuration. 
       FIG. 8  (which also depicts the nesting configuration of the tent pole sections or use of a ferrule  606 ), depicts coupler  500  retained using a retaining lock ring  802 , which may be manufactured of metal, rubber, plastic, or another suitable material, that abuts and possibly is overlapped by collar  504  of coupler  500 . As shown, collar  504  may further have a recess to accommodate the lock ring  802 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , rather than have collar  504  of coupler  500  abut the larger diameter tent pole section, coupler  500  is secured by a sleeve  902  that surrounds the tent pole section, over which collar  504  of coupler  500  is placed. The sleeve  902 , depending on how sized, may allow coupler  500  to be positioned mid-span on a tent pole section, rather than proximate to where two sections connect. The sleeve may be configured with a groove into which the collar  504  of coupler  500  may rest, to assist in its retention. Alternatively, the sleeve may be straight or smooth-sided, with no groove, and collar  504  may be sized to slip or press-fit over the sleeve. As will be understood, alternatively a tent pole section may fit over the section end/ferrule  606 , and abut the opposite end of sleeve  902 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts a coupler  500  that includes a ridge  1002  in the internal surface of collar  504 , to interface with a corresponding groove in a tent pole section/ferrule  606 . Collar  504  may be manufactured from plastic in such an embodiment to facilitate placing coupler  500  onto the tent pole section/ferrule  606 , or another suitable material that can be (slightly) stretched for placement into the groove. Alternatively, collar  504  may be manufactured with metal and placed into the tent pole section groove using heat expansion. Although collar  504  is depicted as abutting the larger diameter tent pole section, collar  504  (and thus coupler  500 ) may be retained anywhere along the tent pole section that the groove may be placed. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  each depict an alternative implementation of the coupler. In  FIG. 11A , coupler  1100  is similar in configuration to the G hook configuration of coupler  500 , however, the coupling portion is created 90 degrees from coupling portion  506 . As a result, the hook defines a plane substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the tent pole. In  FIG. 11B , coupler  1150  has a second coupling portion  1154  that opens 180 degrees from the first coupling portion  1152 , effectively creating a mirror half compared to the hooked coupling portion  506  of coupler  500 . Such a configuration may be useful where cords from a tent canopy may approach from opposing directions. 
       FIG. 12  depicts another possible embodiment of the G hook coupler configuration. In the depicted embodiment, coupler  1200  includes a coupling portion  1202 , configured as a hook with a profile that resembles the letter “g”, similar to coupler  500 . As with coupler  500 , coupling portion  1202  may be implemented as a snap, clasp, buckle, loop, hook or loop material, or any other suitable mechanism for removably securing a point on a tent canopy to the tent pole. The coupling portion  1202  extends from a hollow tubular body  1206 , which includes at one end a flange  1204  that extends radially inward into the hollow center of body  1206 . Flange  1204  allows coupler  1200  to be secured to one or more tent pole sections, such as sections  1210  and  1212 . 
     In the example configuration depicted in  FIG. 12 , a ferrule  1208  couples section  1210  to section  1212 . As seen, the ferrule  1208  is of an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of each pole section  1210  and  1212 . The outer diameter of ferrule  1208  can allow each pole section  1210  and  1212  to slide over a portion of ferrule  1208 , while providing a relatively close fit between the pole sections  1210  and  1212  and ferrule  1208  with minimal play when assembled. Where a pole section  1210  may have a different inner diameter of pole section  121 , ferrule  1208  may be stepped to accommodate the different pole section sizes. 
     Prior to fitting one or both pole sections  1210  and/or  1212  over ferrule  1208 , in the depicted embodiment coupler  1200  is fit over an end of either pole section  1210  or  1212 . Body  1206  has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of either pole section  1210  or  1212 , such that coupler  1200  will slide over the end of pole section  1210  or  1212  but with a minimal amount of play. As discussed above, flange  1204  protrudes radially inward from the inner surface of coupler  1200 . Flange  1204  extend radially inward to an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of pole section  1210  or  1212 , and so acts as a stop that prevents coupler  1200  from sliding past the end of either pole section  1210  or  1212 . However, the inner diameter of flange  1204  is larger than the outer diameter of ferrule  1208 , so that ferrule  1208  can slide unimpeded into the pole section  1210  or  1212  over which coupler  1200  has been placed. In some embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG. 12 , the inner diameter of flange  1204  is approximately the same as the inner diameter of either pole section  1210  or  1212 . It should be understood that coupler  1200  need only be configured to slide over one of pole section  1210  or  1212 ; the remaining pole section can be of a different size than can snugly accept coupler  1200 , such as in embodiments where ferrule  1208  is configured to join tent poles of different sizes. 
     Following fitting of coupler  1200  over one of the ends of either pole section  1210  or  1212 , a portion of ferrule  1208  is passed through flange  1204  and inserted into the pole section, with the remaining exposed portion of ferrule  1208  inserted into the other pole section, resulting in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 12 . As can be seen, flange  1204  is effectively sandwiched between pole section  1210  and  1212 , and supported by ferrule  1208 , thus retaining coupler  1200 . 
     Coupler  1200  may be manufactured from the same or similar materials as coupler  500 , discussed above. Ferrule  1208 , similar to the various ferrules  606  depicted in  FIGS. 5-10  above, may be manufactured from plastics, composites, metals such as aluminum, or another suitably durable and potentially lightweight material, depending upon the requirements of a specific implementation. 
       FIGS. 13A-D  depict an example coupler  1300  configured to accept two or more tent poles, as well as an insertable G hook. Referring first to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , coupler  1300  includes a roughly circular body  1302  that, as seen in  FIGS. 13C  and  13 D, is hollow in its center, effectively forming a ring. Into this hollow center is inserted a hook attachment  1304 . As with coupler  500 , hook attachment  1304  may be implemented as a snap, clasp, buckle, loop, hook or loop material, or any other suitable mechanism for removably securing a point on a tent canopy to the tent pole. An end of each of a plurality of tent poles  1306  are inserted into the circular body  1302  about its outer circumference, such that body  1302  acts as a hub, with each pole corresponding to a spoke on a wheel. The number of poles  1306  that insert into body  1302  depends upon the specifics of a given embodiment; as depicted, three poles  1306  inserted into body  1302 . 
     In one possible embodiment, each pole  1306  may insert into body  1302  into a corresponding recess formed in the outer circumference of body  1302 . In such a configuration, each recess is sized to have an inner diameter that is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the pole  1306  it receives, such that each pole inserts with a minimal amount of play. In another possible embodiment, body  1302  may have a plurality of protrusions that each correspond to one of the poles  1306 . Each protrusion may extend radially outward from the side of body  1302 , and be sized with an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of each pole  1306 , so that each pole  1306  is retained by sliding over each corresponding protrusion. Each pole  1306  is then retained to body  1302  with a minimal amount of play. This later embodiment is depicted in  FIG. 13D , where an end  1312  of a pole can be inserted onto a protrusion  1314 . As these are examples, a given body  1302  may employ another method of retaining each pole  1306  as appropriate to a given implementation. In some embodiments, body  1302  may be configured with a mix of retention means, including both recesses and protrusions. 
       FIGS. 13C and 13D  provide a view of hook attachment  1304 , and how it inserts into body  1302 . As seen in  FIG. 13C , hook attachment  1304  protrudes through an opening from one side of the hollow center of body  1302 . Hook attachment  1304 , in embodiments, is retained via a flange, protrusion, or other physical block that holds hook attachment  1304  in place in the hollow center of body  1302 , and allows a load placed upon hook attachment  1304  to be transferred to the tent poles  1306  retained to body  1302 .  FIG. 13D  provides an exploded view, demonstrating how hook attachment  1304  may be inserted into body  1302 . Hook attachment  1304  includes a roughly disc-shaped and flattened base  1310 . Base  1310  includes an outer circumference that is sized smaller than the inner diameter of at least a portion of body  1302 , such that base  1310  can insert into the hollow center of body  1302 . Another portion of body  1302 , however, has an inner diameter or other obstruction that prevents base  1310  from passing completely through body  1302 , thereby allowing base  1310  to be retained within body  1302 . It will be recognized that, in such a configuration, base  1310  may only be insertable into body  1302  from one side. In other configurations that rely upon a removable protrusion, such as a set screw, base  1310  may be able to pass completely through body  1302 , and is retained by insertion of the screw, a pin, or a similar sort of protrusion. 
     In some embodiments, such as depicted in  FIGS. 13C and 13D , body  1302  is open on opposing sides. One of the sides may be equipped with a flange that extends radially inward from the interior surface of body  1302  to a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of base  1310 , but large enough to allow hook attachment  1304  to pass through. Thus, base  1310  rests upon the flange, with hook attachment  1304  protruding past the flange. In other embodiments, the interior of body  1302  may be tapered with a narrowing inner diameter, such that base  1310  may not pass completely through body  1302 . In still other embodiments, a mechanical means of retention such as a set screw or one or more protrusions that extend radially inward from the inner wall of body  1302  may retain base  1310 . In some embodiments, one or more of the tent poles  1306  may pass completely through the side of body  1302  and into the hollow center, and may either abut base  1310 , or overlap base  1310 , effectively locking it into position in body  1302 . In other embodiments, base  1310  may at all times be able to be removed from body  1302 , and is retained in position during use by tension from an object attached to the hook attachment  1304 , which biases it against the flange or narrowed portion of body  1302 . 
     As with coupler  1200 , coupler  1300 , possibly including hook attachment  1304  (and base  1310 ), may be manufactured from the same materials as coupler  500 , described above. Coupler  1300  and hook attachment  1304  may be manufactured from the same or different materials. 
     The following are potential example embodiments: 
     Example 1 includes a split tip for attaching to a pole end, comprising a first end that attaches to the pole end; and first and second halves extending from the first end, spaced apart to define a slot, the slot ending in an opening sized to allow a cord to be received into the slot. 
     Example 2 includes the subject matter of example 1, or some other example herein, wherein the first and second halves further define a recessed portion through which the slot runs, the recessed portion retains the cord by retaining a stopper attached to the cord. 
     Example 3 includes the subject matter of example 1, or some other example herein, wherein the split tip comprises a body that is cylindrical in configuration, and the first and second halves further define a flat surface in the cylindrical body configured to abut with a corresponding flat surface on a stopper attached to the cord. 
     Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of examples 1-3, or some other example herein, wherein the slot is sized to accommodate a plurality of cords. 
     Example 5 includes the subject matter of example 4, or some other example herein, where each of the plurality of cords is equipped with a stopper. 
     Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of examples 1-5, or some other example herein, wherein the slot includes a protrusion that narrows the slot to a width less than the diameter of the cord. 
     Example 7 includes a method for mounting a coupler upon a tent pole section, comprising providing a coupler with a coupling portion and a collar portion, the collar portion sized to receive a sleeve; and securing the coupler to the tent pole section by fitting the sleeve over the tent pole section, and fitting the collar portion over the sleeve. 
     Example 8 includes a method for mounting a coupler upon a tent pole section, comprising providing a coupler with a hook portion and a collar portion, the collar portion sized to receive a tent pole and including an interior ridge; and securing the coupler to the tent pole section by sliding the collar portion over the tent pole section until the interior ridge engages with a corresponding groove in the tent pole section. 
     Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. Moreover, the embodiments described in the various figures may be mixed and matched as appropriate for an intended purpose without departing from the scope. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.