Improvements in Tents.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Oct., 1894-Accepted, 12th Jan., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Tents.
I, JAMES JOSHUA RINN, of San Francisco in the County of San Francisco and
State of California, at present residing at 215 East Thirteenth Street, New York,
in the United States of America, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My said invention relates more particularly to the flaps which form the entrance
to a tent, and it is designed to facilitate the opening and closing, to render the
fastening more secure, close the entrance-more effectually, and-generally-to-improve-
the appearance and convenience of such tents. My invention also':includes
ventilating devices. The details of construction are all shown in the accompanying
drawings, in which-
Figure 1 is an end elevation.
Figure 2 is a similar elevation with both flaps pulled aside and the upper flap
raised.
Figure 3 is a vertical section of the tent pole and the outer strip intended to be
locked together by a padlock.
Figure 4 is a front elevation of tent pole showing hasp out of use.
Figure
5 is a portion of pole with flap hooked around it.
Figure 6 is a rear elevation of front plate of main lock.
Figure 7 is a front elevation of same.
:P
Figure 8 is a side elevation and partial section of the pole and strip when locked
with the main lock.
Figure 9 is a cross section of strip, showing a top plan of the locking bolt shown
in Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a front elevation of locking bolt and strip.
Figure 11 is a side elevation partially in section of the swinging joint between
the tent pole and the strip in the edge of the closing flap.
Figure 12 is a front view of the same.
:
Figure 13 is a cross section of the lock at - Figure 6.‹‹. .
Figure 14 is a front elevation of lock on side of pole.
Figure 15 is a rear elevation of saine. .
Figure 16 is a side elevation in section of side strip locked to pole.
Figure 17 is a front elevation of strip and locking bolt shown in Figure 16.
Figure 18 is a side elevation partly in section of the swing joint between the
tent pole and the strip that is fastened to the side of the pole.
Figure 19 is a rear elevation of same.
66
11.
T
Figure. 20 is an elevation of a cone tent commonly known as a Sibley" tent. 1
Figure 21 is a like view of same tent with entrance flap in another position.
Figure 22 is a perspective view of a squire tent with vertical walls and sliding
instead of folding entrance flaps.
Figure 23 is a detail section of a':suspension device for sliding the flap shown
in Figure 22 showing the method of fastening it to the cord and ring in roof.
Figure 24 is a section of one of the tubular stiffening pieces C shown in
Figure 20, that is, a jointed piece adapted to a cone tent having a wall, as shown
in that figure.
Figure 25 is a similar view of the meeting tube Pain the other flap.
1.

page_text: Figure 26 is a section of the tube of Figure 24, but at right angles to the
latter.
:
Figure 27 is a similar section relatively to Figure 25.
Figure 28 represents the action of the knee joint when the tube is folded for
transportation.
Figure 29 is a bottom view of the two tubes locked together at the bottom.
Figure 30 shows one of the tubes with the canvas secured around it at the
bottom, and
Figure 31 is a similar view of the other tube.
Figures 32 and 33 are cross sections of 30 and 31 respectively.
The invention as thus illustrated, consists first-in combining with the edge of
the entrance flap a stiffening strip which is flexibly connected at the upper end. It
consists further, in combining with this stiffening strip a lock or catch for securing
the strip to the pole or some equivalent standard. It consists further in making
the hinged end of these strips detachable; and it further consists in various details
of construction partly relating to the application of the invention to other
forms of tent, and partly to the subordinate devices for connecting or locking the
Haps.
For purpose of illustration I have shown a tent A, in all other respects excepting
the details hereinafter described and claimed, the same as an ordinary wall tent.
On the edges of the flaps D and E, are formed pockets adapted to receive stiff
strips 1 and 2, made preferably of wood; the flap E is that one most used for
entrance and. exit.
The joint of the flap at the upper end on which the strip swings in opening an
closing may be formed entirely by the fabric of the tent, but since the expansion
and contraction of the canvas on exposure to the atmosphere interferes with the
locking device, I have provided a universal metal joint as shown more clearly in
the detailed Figures 11 and 12. To the pole or its equivalent is secured a plate 3,
in which is pivoted a plate 4, having a divided hook 5, there being a thin web of
metal between the hooks. On the upper end of the strip 2 is fixed a channel piece
having two lugs 6, which fit into the books and leave a clear space between the lugs
through which the web 7 passes. The lugs serving as a pivot on which the
strip swings, and this pivot together with the pivot of the plate 4, forms the
universal joint for the strip. A depression in the back of the channel piece
receives a strap 8 which is brought over the end of the said piece and secured to
the canvas on the outer side to hold the canvas up on the strip, and when the
strip is drawn out of the pocket the strap passes through the space between the lugs.
For the purpose of enlarging the opening in the front of the tent, I slit the
canvas of the end horizontally at the upper end of the flaps and by detaching the
strips from the universal joints 1 can throw the flaps outward from a point near
the top and thus make a wide opening as shown in Figure 2.
A lock suitable to secure the flap E to the tent pole is shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9,
10 and 13. It is designed to permit the flap to be opened either from the outside
or inside with no projecting or removable parts liable to be knocked off or lost.
I also provide means for securing the lock so that it may be withdrawn from the
inside only.
Referring first to Figure 8, the tent pole B is shown in side elevation, and the
outer strip 2 as locked to it on the front (all the canvas being removed for clearness).
To the front of the tent pole is secured the lock plate 9, which covers the front
and one side of the pole, and is shown as broken away to permit a section of the
pole to be seen. The lock plate is formed with a thimble 10, which fits in an open
Socket 11 in the pole, in which the bolt 12 slides. This bolt is firmly secured to
the outer strip 2 (Fig. 9), and when such outer strip is to be fastened, the bolt
enters the thimble 10 and is held there by the latch 13. The latch is best shown
in Figs. 6 and 8 taken together. Fig. 6 is a rear view of the lock plate as removed
from the tent pole. The latch 13 is pivoted to this plate at 14, and a spring 15
tends to force it into engagement with the notch 16 of the bolt. The bolt has a

page_text: rounded or conical head to permit it to shde past the edge of the laten until the
notch engages.
In a socket just under the bolt 12 works a pin 17 constantly pressed outward by
the yielding spring 18, tending to separate the pole and strip.
The latch is positively released by a push button 19 working in the side of the
lock plate (Fig. 6) and which is preferably a part of the latch itself projecting
through a hole where it can be pressed. If this button be moved inward, the latch
turns upon its pivot, releasing the bolt, which is withdrawn by the pressure of
spring pin 17 tending to separate pole and strip and unlock the flap.
This spring pin might be dispensed with by bending the outer strip slightly and
putting the concave surfaces to the pole and springing it in to latch it and it would
spring out when unlatched.
The push button is of course always easily accessible from the interior of the
tent, by virtue of its position in the side of the pole; but. as I wish to be able to
press it from the outside, I form in the canvas of the flap E a hole 20, covered by
an inner flap 21, sewed down on three sides, and through which access may be had
to the button. The flap may thus be locked or unlocked either from the inside or
outside, which makes a very convenient construction in cases where it is desired
to leave the tent locked and still have the lock easily accessible upon return.
Supposing the tent to have been locked in the manner described, it can be
unlocked by the means provided, either from the outside or inside; but it is
desirable that the occupant of the tent should be able to secure himself by rendering
the lock inoperative from the outside through the hole 20. This is accomplished
by the pin 22 (Fig. 8), which enters a hole bored in the inner or rear face of the
tent pole and then engages with the latch 13, by a hole 23, formed in it.
pin 22 is preferably secured to leather straps or holders 24 as shown. By pushing
this pin in and engaging it with the latch the occupant of the tent makes it impossible"
to move the push button from the outside. The hole or passage for the pin 22 is
preferably drilled or bored from the front through the lock plate after the lock has
been put on. This will insure a coincidence or alignment of the passage in the tent
pole and the hole through the latch, which it might otherwise be difficult to have.
The pin when not in use remains in place slightly drawn back, being prevented by
its strap from coming entirely out.
.
The
The tent can also be locked when left by the tenant, so that it cannot be opened
from the outside. This is accomplished by the means shown in Figs. 3 and 4, in
which the tent pole is formed with a pocket or recess 25, in which is pivoted a
hasp 26.
A hole 27 is made in the strip 2 through which the hasp is passed, and
then a padlock secures the hasp in place. When not in use, the hasp drops
down into its socket in the pole and remains there out of the way until it is
needed.
When the slitted flaps are used as shown in Fig. 2, I prefer to cover the slits
by the triangular flaps 28, 29, which drop below them and exclude wind and rain
from the interior, and also protect the universal joint. These flaps can be drawn
aside and up by the convenient arrangement of a cord 30, working in eyes 31, 32, 33,
as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. By pulling upon the slack part of the cord (Fig. 1),
the flaps will be pulled upwardly and outwardly (Fig. 2) and the cord secured by
winding it upon a button 34. By pulling upon the taut part of the cord (Fig. 1)
the flap will close, and enough of the slack of the cord can be wound around the
button 35 to keep the flaps down and in place.
When the door of the tent is closed the triangular flaps 28 and 29 may be
raised and thus secure good ventilation through the opening in the rear thereof.
I make the vertical diameter of the hole in plate and socket greater then the
diameter of the bolt, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, to allow for any expansion or
contraction in the pole and strip or any inaccuracy in setting the 'upper plate 3,
shown in Fig! 11. -
•
The edges of the upper plate 3, and the lock plate extend slightly around the
põle, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, for additional strength to plate and pole. Also

page_text: the clamps or washers on the outer strip 2 extend partly around the same to keep
it from splitting, as shown in Figs. 9 and 12.
To secure a hold to close the entrance flaps when on the inside, the canvas forming
the pocket is left unstitched for a short space on the inner side at the latching bolt,
thus allowing the fingers to pass between the outer canvas and the front of
the strip for the purpose of pressing the strip against the pole in order to lock
or latch it.
The strip 1 in the flap D is connected as before by universal joint to the tent
pole. I design, however in this construction to lock the strip to the pole by means
of a longitudinally sliding motion in which the universal joint takes part; that is to
say the operation of locking the strip and plate together is performed by sliding
the strip on the pole downward, instead of bringing the strip and pole together in
direct line as on the front.
The universal joint Fig. 18, in this case is so constructed as to have a sliding
motion, the plate 36. has an elongated slot 37, in which the shank of the rotary
plate 38 moves downward when the strip is latched to the pole.
In pulling down the strip the spring 39 yields and the plate 40 moves down far
enough to permit the main lock to be fastened. The plate 40 is loose on the shank
of the rotary plate of joint and does not turn with it when the strip is swung
sideways.
The main lock is shown at L (Figure 2), representing the plate attached to the
tent pole having an elongated slot 41 (Fig. 14), for the latching bolt 42 on the
rigid strip. This bolt. is best shown in Figs. 16 and 17. It is firmly secured to
the rigid strip and consists of an outwardly projecting lug or hook and fitted to
enter the slot 41, and when pressed down, to lodge behind the plate at the lower
edge of the slot. Near the lower end of the strip is a similar lug which engages
a similar plate on the pole at N Fig. 2. The same downward movement engages
both plates. The lower plate is a plain plate with an oblong slot having no latching
device as shown in Figure 16. The lug 42 on entering the slot 41 pushes back the
spring dog 43 which returning when the lug is down, cuts over the top of the lug
and locks it in place. The dog is removed to open the tent, by means of spring
push bolt 44 in the strip which by pushing the dog backward releases the lug when
it is drawn up to its normal position by the spring 39 at the top. (Fig. 19). I have
also provided a bolt 45 in the pole operated from the inside and arranged to shoot
through into a socket 46 in the strip, the socket registering with the bolt when the
strip is latched. This bolt cau be withdrawn froin the inside only and thus the
tent is secured from outside access when the bolt is in place. The bolt is preferably
attached to a strip 47 to hold it in place. Thus the lock is made effective simply
by pressing the strip so as to cause the lugs to enter the slots in plates, and when
fully entered pressing it down until the dog 43 catches over the upper lug as shown
(Fig. 16), when it is fastened.
The object of this construction is that by using one or more of the fastenings
(as at the bottom) it is possible to use a very light strip in the flap because it is
supported in so many different places. The locking device weakens the pole very
little as there is no cutting across the front of the pole only a vertical narrow.
strip in the middle for the lug and dog..
If preferred the strip in flap D may be dispensed with and, the flap fastened
around the pole by hooks and rings as shown in Fig. 5, this arrangement, is best
when it is desirable to make the load as light as possible. To expose the lock on
the front of the pole a piece of canvas must be removed.
For transportation, strips and 2 are taken from the pockets and latched to
the pole as when the tent is closed and the push pin in the back of the pole is
pushed in. It is thus easily arranged and substantially secured. To remove the
strips unbuckle the small strap at the bottom which is fastened to the inside of the
pocket passing under the end of strip and buckled on the front as shown when
the strip can readily be withdrawn.
Another part or modification of my invention is shown in its adaptation to what

page_text: is known as the Sibley style of tent as it is now made with vertical walls but the
It is also
invention is applicable to this form of tent without vertical walls.
adapted to all forms of tents constructed or set up without end poles, and I have
shown in the accompanying drawings two different styles in which I employ it.
One is a cone-shaped tent made either with or without walls, and the other a square
tent having a side opening and sliding entrance flaps. In both cases I have shown
a common feature that the flaps are provided with rigid strips preferably tubes,
secured at or within the edges of such flaps, and provided with means by which
they can be locked together instead of to an end pole.
Referring first to Figs. 20 and 21, T represents a tent of the "Sibley" style,
having a general cone shape, and made either with or without walls H. The
construction with walls is however generally employed, and I have therefore
specially adapted my invention to it. F is the entrance flap, which opens and
closes the entrance of the tent. In Figs. 20 and 21 it acts in the manner of a
door, and is slitted at O to widen the opening at the top (Fig. 20). The edges of
the canvas adjoining the opening are formed into pockets to receive stiffening
pieces, which, as the construction I prefer to use, are here shown as metal tubes C
and P, and which extend from the top to the bottom at each edge of the opening.
Referring first to Figs. 24 and 26, which give two views of the tube C, it will be
seen that in the upper end of the tube is a cylindrical locking device 48, firmly
secured. Working in slot 49 is a bolt 50, which by means of a spring 51 is
A button 53 is
normally pushed upward partly into the transverse passage 52.
secured to the bolt by means of which it can be pressed down. This construction
forms one part of the top fastening for the two tubes, the other and interlocking
The tube P has fixed
part being secured to the other tube P (Figs. 25 and 27).
in its upper end a plug 54, slotted longitudinally so as to admit and hold a pivoted
latch 55 having a beveled or rounded end 56 and a notch 57. The latch (Fig. 25)
is adapted to enter the hole or passage 52, until the latch engages with the bolt 50
and locks the parts securely together until the button 53 is pressed down. It will
therefore be understood that Fig. 20 shows the tent with the lock disengaged, so as
to make as wide an opening as possible while Fig. 21 shows the lock in engagement,
as it may perhaps be more customary to use it. The pivoting of the latch 55
makes the joint sufficiently universal to enable the flap to be drawn aside at the
bottom or raised vertically without disengaging the joint at the top.
In the case of tents made with walls, like most Sibleys, it is necessary to make
each tube in two parts jointed at the intersection of the straight wall and the cone.
In tents with straight walls extending the full height of the opening, as in Fig. 22,
I may use single tubes without joints as indicated; but where the tubes must carry
the canvas down at the opening to conform to the shape, I use the construction
shown in Figs. 24 to 28 inclusive. Here the two sections which form each
tube Cor P are open, and in them are secured plugs 58 and 59. These plugs have
projecting ears 60, 61, which engage and are secured by. a pin 62, so as to form a
hinge or knee joint. The plug in the upper tube consists of two parts 60 and 58;
the part 58 consists of a short piece of smaller thick tubing through which the
part 60 passes and turns therein. The part 60 has a shoulder which bears against
the outer end of the short tube 58, and a shank which passes through the piece 58
with a head 63 to hold it there. The short piece of thick tubing 58 is permanently
secured by rivets or screws to the main tube C, allowing the other part 60 to turn
on it.
It will be seen from this construction that the hinge has a universal motion;
first by turning in tube C and also around or upon the pin 62. The construction is
substantially the same for both tubes C and P as will be understood by comparing
Figs. 24 and 26 with Figs 25 and 27. Fig. 20 illustrates clearly how this joint
operates. 1 can then utilize the plug 59 to hold an intermediate locking device
of the same character as that described at the top of the tubes. Thus 63' is a
spring bolt and 64 the button for moving it, which in this case is at the side of the
tube, instead of the front, so as to be accessible from the inside; and from the
outside by means of a hole 65 in the. canvas close to the tube and button; 66 is.

page_text: the transverse passage and 67 is the latch secured to the part of the hinge in the
tube P Fig. 25, which in this-case need not be hinged as at the top. Fig. 28 shows
one of the tubes as P, bent upon itself by means of the joint so as to render it more
convenient in transportation by shortening its length.
The means used for fastening the tubes together at the bottom are shown at the
lower end of Figs. 24, 25, 26, 27, also at Fig. 29. Figs. 30, 31, 32 and 33 show the
manner of fastening the canvas of the tent to the lower end of those tubes.
In the tube C is a simple slot or opening 68. At the base of the tube P is a
clip 69, having a plug 70 which fits the tube and is held within by a removable
pin 71, preferably a spring cotter pin. The clip 69 has formed with it a guide
plate 72, also a hook or projection 73, which enters the slot 68 and thus brings the
latch 67 to the right height to enter the hole 66. When those are locked together,
the lower end cannot rise and is very securely. fastened.
On clip 69 is also formed a plate 74 which is permanently fastened to the canvas.
This manner of securing the canvas to the tube P is better shown in Figs. 31
and 33, where the pocket in which the tube is held is shown as terminating just
above the clip, while the double thickness of canvas below is firmly secured to the
plate 74. By taking out the pin 71 the tube can be withdrawn from the pocket,
the clip remaining attached to the canvas. At the lower end of tube C, the
bottom of the canvas is held by a clip 75 Fig. 30, which encircles the tube and
surrounding canvas, and is secured by a bolt or thumb screw 76. Of course
openings must be made in the clip 75 and in the canvas to register with the slot 68
in tube C and admit the hook 73.
The clip 75 is used to keep the canvas at the end of tube C off the ground and
from wearing; and for furnishing a metallic surface for the guide-plate 72 to slide
on. It also clamps the canvas so that it cannot slide around to cover the slot 68
in the tube. By loosening the bolt or thumb-screw 76, the clip releases. its hold on
the tube and canvas and the former may be withdrawn, leaving the clip attached to
the canvas by the bolt.
It will have been understood that the tent shown in Fig. 22 differs from the
others mainly in being a square wall tent with a pyramidal instead of a conical
roof. The entrance flaps are provided with single rigid tubes in their edges. The
flaps containing the tubes are hung from the cord 77 by snap hooks as shown at 78.
I can then attach stationary rings 79 to the roof of the tent and can engage the
snap hooks with them so as to hold the flap or wall and the roof of the tent
together when it is closed, if the weather requires it: The roof is provided
rdinarily with a depending Hap 80 which conceals the cord, rings and hooks.
Fig. 23 will aid in making this portion of Fig. 22 clear and intelligible.
In this tent, the tubes are fastened at the top in the same way as in the other.
The locking device near the middle is the same as at the knee joint, except that
the projecting latch folds in, the same as at the top, to permit the tube to be
withdrawn from the pocket.
In going in or out of the tent, ordinarily only the middle latch is released, thus
allowing the tube to swing to one side by the upper joint; but when the weather
is pleasant, and it is desired to have much light and ventilation, I can release the
suap hooks from the stationary rings 79 in the roof, so that the hooks may be slid
along the cord, thus allowing the whole front of the tent to be thrown open.
The tubes in this tent are preferably put in at the top of the pockets, leaving the
laottom closed. For transportation, the tubes may be latched together as when
the tent is closed, and tied to one of the centre poles to prevent getting bent in
transportation.
To close the Sibley. tent when in the position shown in Fig. 20, I latch the top
ends of the tubes and P together by the means shown in Figs. 24 and 25, that
is, by inserting the latch 55 in the opening 52 and latching it. Then 1 slide the
guide plate 72, which is on tube P on the front side of tube C. The hook 73
readily enters the opening 68 near the bottom of tube C, connecting the tubes
together at the top and bottom but leaving them sufficiently apart at the middle.

page_text: (because of the universal joints there and at the top) to allow a person to go in
and out.
Then by bringing the tubes together at the knee joints the latch 67 enters the
hole 66, as the hook resting in the opening 68 holds it just the right height to
enter; the latch at the top holds it just the right distance the other way, so that
it.strikes the opening 66 exactly, forcing them together, until they latch, when
both tubes are very securely fastened. The tent is readily opened from the inside
or outside by pressing downward on the button 64, which is in the side of the tube
where the wall canvas joins it, and a small opening is left. The knee-joints
furnish a good hold to press the tubes together from the outside, and on the
inside the canvas forming the pockets for the tubes is not stitched for a short
distance on the inside, thus allowing the fingers to clasp the tubes to bring them
together.
To remove the tubes to pack them for transportation, I open the tent as shown
in Fig. 20, take out the cotter pin 71 thus releasing the tube from the clip 69, fold
in the latch 55 at the top of the tube, then fold the knee-joint back as in Fig. 28,
until the two pockets are parallel to each other, then by taking hold of the joint
and pulling, the tubes can readily be withdrawn from the pockets. On the other
tube, I loosen the clamp 75 and withdraw the tube in same manner.
The tubes are
put in in the same manner but in the reverse order. To arrange for transportation,
they are locked together at the top and at the knee-joint as when in use; then
folded back as in Fig. 28, when all four tubes are side by side in a very compact
manner with no projecting parts.
The locks shown in Fig. 24 at the top and at the knee-joint are put into the
tube from the end. To render this possible, the press buttons 53 and 64. are
screwed into the bolts after the lock is secured in the tube. This is done through
the oblong slots in which they move in the sides of the tube.
In this construction any shaped tubes may be used, round, square or triangular.
By using the triangular shape and putting two flat sides together a good joint
would be formed to shed the rain, but locks would not be so easily fitted as in the
round form which I have shown and described in this case.
I consider this arrangement of tubes with locking devices enclosed in them, a
very superior, convenient and substantial way of closing the entrance flaps of tents
where there is no tent pole to fasten to.
While I have shown preferred form of details, I wish it understood that these
may be changed without departing from the spirit of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inveu-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what 1.
claim is :-
1. In a tent, a flap having a stiffened edge combined with latching or locking
devices, substantially as described.
2. In a tent, a flap having a pocket on its edge, and an inserted strip combined
with latching or locking devices whereby it is connected to the pole or other part
of the tent, substantially as described.
3. The rigid strip on the edge of the flap, combined with a universal joint on the
pole or rigid part of the tent, substantially as described.
4. The sliding universal joint combined with a rigid strip, and with latching
or locking devices arranged to engage by sliding movement, substantially as
described.
5. The stiffened flaps slitted around horizontally at the top either with or
without ventilating flaps, substantially as described.
6. The locking or latching devices within the tent pole or other equivalent
part with an entering stud on the flap and releasing devices, substantially as
described.
7. The tubes combined with the flaps, the latching. or locking devices within
the tubes, substantially as described.

page_text: 8. In combination with the stiffening strip, a detachable hook connection with a
universal joint, on the pole or equivalent part, substantially as described.
Dated this 29th day of October 1894.
SLOAN & LLOYD BARNES,
Castle Chambers, 26, Castle Street, Liverpool,
Agents for the Applicant.