Patent Publication Number: US-8113224-B2

Title: Moisture diversion system for a collapsible structure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/504,233, filed Aug. 14, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,746, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application 200520086591.5 entitled “Non-Water Pocket Tent,” filed in the State Intellectual Property Office of China on Aug. 25, 2005, and Chinese Patent Application 200520088599.5 entitled “Improved Non-Water Pocket Tent,” filed in the State Intellectual Property Office of China on Nov. 2, 2005, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to collapsible structures, such as tents and gazebos, and, more particularly, to a moisture diversion system for a collapsible structure for diverting moisture, such as rain water, from a fabric covering of the collapsible structure and channeling the moisture away from the collapsible structure. 
     Camping and social activities are becoming increasingly popular. With people&#39;s current living standards improving, so are the demands for simplified and user-friendly camping and/or social activity structures. For example, tents are becoming a favored necessity for camping activities. However, during inclement weather, the tent is exposed to harsh environmental conditions. For example, during a rain storm, rain water may collect on the outer fabric structure of the tent and form a puddle of standing rain water, which may cause damage to the tent and/or undesirable leakage through the fabric structure and into the living and/or sleeping area defined within the tent. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a moisture diversion system is provided for a collapsible structure including a collapsible frame assembly and an outer structure coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The moisture diversion system includes a guide strip coupled at each of a first edge and an opposing second edge to the outer structure. The guide strip defines a channel between the first edge and the second edge for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer structure. 
     In another aspect, a moisture diversion system is provided for a collapsible structure including a collapsible frame assembly and a main structure coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The main structure is configured to at least partially define an interior space. The moisture diversion system includes an outer cover coupled to the collapsible frame assembly and configured to cover at least a portion of the main structure. A guide strip is sealingly coupled to the outer cover. The guide strip defines a channel for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer cover. 
     In another aspect, a moisture diversion system is provided for a collapsible structure including a collapsible frame assembly. The moisture diversion system includes an outer cover coupled to the collapsible frame assembly and configured to at least partially define an interior space. The outer cover includes a first panel. A first side edge is coupled to the first panel along a first seam. A first void is at least partially defined within the first panel. A second void is at least partially defined within the first side edge. The second void is in fluid communication with the first void, and collectively the first and second void define a channel for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer cover. 
     In another aspect, a tent is provided. The tent includes a collapsible frame assembly. A main tent structure is coupled to the collapsible frame assembly and configured to at least partially define an interior space. An outer cover is coupled to the collapsible frame assembly and configured to cover at least a portion of the main tent structure. A moisture diversion system is operatively coupled to the outer cover. The moisture diversion system includes a guide strip sealingly coupled to the outer cover. The guide strip defines a channel for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer cover. 
     In another aspect, a gazebo is provided. The gazebo includes a collapsible frame assembly. An outer cover is coupled to the collapsible frame assembly and configured to at least partially define an interior space. The outer cover includes a first panel. A first side edge is coupled to the first panel along a first seam. A moisture diversion system includes a first void at least partially defined by the first panel and a second void at least partially defined by the first side edge. The second void is in fluid communication with the first void, and collectively the first void and the second void at least partially define a channel for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer cover. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary collapsible structure including an exemplary moisture diversion system; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a portion of an outer cover for the collapsible structure shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of a portion of the outer cover shown in  FIG. 2  along sectional line A-A; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary collapsible structure including an exemplary moisture diversion system; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary collapsible structure including an exemplary moisture diversion system; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary collapsible structure including an exemplary moisture diversion system; 
         FIG. 7  is plan view of a portion of the collapsible structure shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is plan view of an outer surface of the collapsible structure shown in  FIG. 6 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is plan view of an inner surface of the collapsible structure shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a moisture diversion system for a collapsible structure, such as a tent, a canopy or a gazebo, including a collapsible frame assembly and an outer cover or roof structure coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. In one embodiment, the moisture diversion system includes a guide strip operatively coupled to the outer cover or roof structure. The guide strip defines a channel for facilitating diverting moisture, such as snow, sleet, rain and/or dew, from the outer cover or roof structure. In a particular embodiment, the moisture diversion system includes a mesh cover that is coupled to the guide strip and configured to at least partially cover the channel. 
     The present invention is described below in reference to its application in connection with and operation of a moisture diversion system for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer cover or roof structure of a collapsible structure, such as a tent, a canopy or a gazebo. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that the invention is likewise applicable to any suitable collapsible and/or permanent structure for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer cover or roof structure. 
       FIGS. 1-5  show an exemplary collapsible structure  10 . In one embodiment, collapsible structure  10  is a tent  12  that includes a main tent structure  14  formed of a suitable fabric material. Tent structure  14  is coupled to a collapsible frame assembly  16  to form a plurality of walls  18 . A floor  20  is coupled to each wall  18  to form tent structure  14  and define an interior space  22  therein. Interior space  22  is large enough to comfortably accommodate one or more people. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that tent  12  may include any suitable number of walls having any suitable size and/or shape. In one embodiment, at least one wall  18  forms a door  24  that is configured to provide access to interior space  22  through an opening  25  defined within wall  18 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Further, in this embodiment tent structure  14  includes at least one window  26 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , formed in at least one wall  18  and configured to provide ventilation within interior space  22 . 
     Collapsible frame assembly  16  includes a plurality of flexible poles fabricated from a suitable flexible material, such as a metal, alloy, composite and/or plastic material. The flexible poles are removably coupled together to form a frame assembly having sufficient strength to shape tent structure  14  and maintain tent structure  14  in an assembled configuration. In one embodiment, the flexible poles are fabricated from a fiberglass material. Such frame assemblies are known in the art and a further detailed description of frame assembly  16  is not required to allow one of ordinary skill in the art guided by the teaching herein provided to practice the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , tent  12  includes an outer cover or rain fly  30  coupled to collapsible frame assembly  16  and configured to cover at least a portion of tent structure  14 . In one embodiment, outer cover  30  is coupled with respect to tent structure  14  to provide further protection from harsh environmental elements, including rain, sleet and/or snow for example. Outer cover  30  is coupled to collapsible frame assembly  16  using a suitable coupler, such as a guy wire, a strap and/or a clip. Outer cover  30  is fabricated of a suitable fabric material, such as a fabric material similar to the fabric material from which tent structure  14  is fabricated. In one embodiment, a space is defined between outer cover  30  and tent structure  14  for facilitating air circulation through tent  12  to provide ventilation to interior space  22  and/or to prevent or limit moisture collecting on an outer surface of tent structure  14  and/or on outer cover  30 . In one embodiment, outer cover  30  includes a first panel  32  and a second panel  34  coupled to first panel  32  along a seam  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 . Seam  36  forms at least a portion of a ridge  38  of outer cover  30  that is supported by frame assembly  16 . In a particular embodiment, first panel  32  is substantially similar to second panel  34 . 
     In one embodiment, an awning frame assembly  40  is coupled to or integrated with frame assembly  16 . Awning frame assembly  40  is configured to support a portion of outer cover  30  to form an awning  42  above door  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , and/or an awning  42  above a window  26 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, awning  42  includes first panel  32  coupled to second panel  34  at seam  36 . Awning  42  is supported by awning frame assembly  40  along seam  36  to form ridge  38 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 1-5 , tent  12  includes a moisture diversion system  50  operatively coupled to outer cover  30 . In one embodiment, moisture diversion system  50  includes at least one guide strip  52  that is sealingly coupled to outer cover  30 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , guide strip  52  includes a first edge  54  and an opposing second edge  56  that define a channel  58  for facilitating diverting moisture from outer cover  30 . In one embodiment, first edge  54  is sealingly coupled to a first portion  60  of first panel  32  and second edge  56  is sealingly coupled to a second portion  62  of first panel  32 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Channel  58  is defined between first edge  54  and second edge  56 . In a particular embodiment, a mesh cover  70 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , is coupled between first edge  54  and second edge  56  to at least partially cover channel  58 . Mesh cover  70  is configured to maintain channel  58  in a suitable configuration to direct moisture, such as rain water, away from outer cover  30  and/or prevent debris, such as leaves and/or small twigs, from landing in channel  58  and blocking or disrupting fluid flow through channel  58 . 
     In one embodiment, moisture diversion system  50  includes a plurality of guide strips  52  operatively coupled to outer cover  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In a particular embodiment, each guide strip  52  is substantially parallel to ridge  38 . In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , first edge  54  or second edge  56  forms a seam edge  72  of outer cover  30 . 
       FIGS. 6-9  show an alternative exemplary collapsible structure  110 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , collapsible structure  110  is a gazebo  112  that includes an outer cover or roof structure  114  formed of a suitable fabric material. Roof structure  114  is coupled to a collapsible frame assembly  116  to form a first roof panel  118 , an opposing second roof panel  120 , opposing gables  122 ,  124 , and a plurality of side edges  126 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In one embodiment, gazebo  112  includes a plurality of walls  128  coupled to corresponding side edges  126  and/or collapsible frame assembly  116 . In a particular embodiment, walls  128  are removable, if desired. In an assembled configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 , gazebo  112  defines an interior space  129  therein. Interior space  129  is large enough to comfortably accommodate one or more people. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that gazebo  112  may include any suitable number of side edges  126  and/or walls  128  having any suitable size and/or shape. Further, gazebo  112  may have any suitable frame assembly  116  and corresponding roof structure  114 . Gazebo  112  is movable from the assembled configuration, as shown in  FIG. 6 , to a collapsed or disassembled configuration for facilitating transporting and/or storing gazebo  112 . 
     Referring further to  FIG. 6 , collapsible frame assembly  116  includes a plurality of posts  130  fabricated of a suitable material, such as a metal, alloy, composite and/or plastic material, sufficiently strong to provide adequate support to gazebo  112 . In one embodiment, post  130  is fabricated of a fiberglass material. Each post  130  is coupled to adjacent posts  130  with a corresponding link member assembly  132 . Such frame assemblies are known in the art and a further detailed description of frame assembly  116  is not required to allow one of ordinary skill in the art guided by the teaching herein provided to practice the present invention. 
     Gazebo  112  includes a roof support assembly  134  coupled to frame assembly  116  and configured to support roof structure  114 . In one embodiment, a pole or support link assembly  136  is coupled between a corresponding post  130  and a roof support member  138 . Roof support member  138  spans a length of gazebo  112  and defines a ridge  140 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , roof structure  114  includes first panel  118  and opposing second panel  120 . A first or top edge  142  of first panel  118  is coupled to a first or top edge  144  of second panel  120  along a ridge seam  146  generally aligned with ridge  140  and supported by roof support assembly  134 . First panel  118  is coupled at an opposing second or bottom edge  148  to a corresponding first side edge  126  along a first seam  152  substantially parallel to ridge seam  146 . Similarly, second panel  120  is coupled at an opposing second or bottom edge to a corresponding second side edge along a second seam substantially parallel to ridge seam  146 . 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 7-9 , gazebo  112  includes a moisture diversion system  160  operatively coupled to roof structure  114 . In one embodiment, moisture diversion system  160  includes at least one void  162  at least partially defined by first panel  118  and at least one void  164  at least partially defined by corresponding first side edge  126 . Second void  164  is in fluid communication with first void  162 . Collectively, first void  162  and second void  164  define a channel  166  for facilitating diverting moisture from roof structure  114 . In one embodiment, a mesh cover  170  is coupled to first panel  118  and first side edge  126  and configured to cover channel  166 . Mesh cover  170  is configured to maintain channel  166  in a suitable configuration to direct moisture, such as rain water, away from roof structure  114  and/or prevent debris, such as leaves and/or small twigs, from landing in channel  166  and blocking or disrupting fluid flow through channel  166 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment a strap  172  extends along at least a portion of first seam  152  and defines a portion of first void  162  and a portion of second void  164 . Strap  172  is configured to at least partially support channel  166  and maintain channel  166 , as well as moisture diversion system  160 , properly configured with respect to roof structure  114 . In one embodiment, a back panel  174  is coupled to an interior surface of first panel  118  and first side edge  126 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Back panel  174  is configured to at least partially define channel  166 . Back panel  172  is fabricated of a suitable moisture-resistant or moisture-impermeable material to limit or prevent moisture leakage and/or seepage through roof structure  114  into interior space  129  of gazebo  112 . 
     It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that moisture diversion system  160  may include any suitable number of channels  166  defined along first seam  152  to prevent or limit accumulation of moisture, such as snow, sleet, rain and/or dew on roof structure  114  and/or for facilitating diverting moisture from roof structure  114  to prevent collection of moisture thereon, which may result in damage to roof structure  114  and/or the development of leaks through roof structure  114 . Further, opposing second panel  120  of roof structure  114  is coupled to a side edge similar to side edge  126  along a second seam substantially parallel to ridge seam  146 . In this embodiment, moisture diversion system  160  includes at least one first void at least partially defined by second panel  120  and at least one second void at least partially defined by the second side edge. Each second void is in fluid communication with a corresponding first void and, collectively, the first void and corresponding second void define a channel for facilitating diverting moisture from said outer cover. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided that gazebo  112  may have any suitable roof support assembly  134  and corresponding roof structure  114 . 
     The above-described system facilitates diverting moisture, such as rain water, from an outer cover of a collapsible structure, such as a tent or a gazebo. More specifically, the system channels rain water from the outer cover to prevent or limit an undesirable collection of rain water on the outer cover, which may result in damage to the collapsible structure and/or leakage through the outer cover and into the interior space of the collapsible structure. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a system for facilitating diverting moisture, such as rain water, from an outer cover of a collapsible structure is described above in detail. The system is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the system may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. Further, the described system components can also be defined in, or used in combination with, other systems and/or apparatus, and are not limited to practice with only the system as described herein. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.