IMPROVEMENTS IN PORTABLE TENTS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Gamble, of No. 13, Well Street, Falcon Square, in
the City of London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PORTABLE
TENTS."
Sealed the 30th May 1876, and dated the 6th March 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Gamble at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 6th March 1876.
ROBERT GAMBLE, of No. 13ª, Well Street, Falcon Square, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PORTABLE TENTS."
Portable tents as at present constructed are encumbered with a centre pole and a
number of pegs and cords and other fittings, making them both cumbrous and
expensive.
Now my Invention consists of a portable tent composed of six or more poles
struck in the earth by means of plug and mallet; these poles are placed in equal
distance in parallel lines, and are connected to each other at the top by laths
furnished with rings, which rings are made to drop over the top end of each pole
forming the frame, the centre pole in each line being about a foot, more or less, above
the others. By this construction and arrangement the centre pole, cords, and plugs
as at present in use are entirely dispensed with, and it is obvious there being no
centre pole the whole of the space can be utilized.
The frame is covered with a shower proof material or any other material now
ordinarily used for tent coverings; the covering is secured by tapes which are tied
to the poles both at the top and bottom inside the tent. The top of the tent inclines
from centre, back and front, to end poles. I do not limit myself to this shape in
particular, as I may in some cases adopt an arched-shaped roof. This tent will be
found very light, it is easily and quickly pitched or struck, and is very inexpensive,
and forms a strong, light, and simple shelter from rain and sun.
If it is desired one of these tents can be divided into two compartments by
suspending from the top of one or other of the poles calico, canvas, or other suitable
material, which is tied or buttoned to the top and bottom of the poles.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Robert Gamble in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th September
1876.
ROBERT GAMBLE, of No. 13, Well Street, Falcon Square, in the City of London.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PORTABLE TENTS."
Portable tents as at present constructed are encumbered with a centre pole and a
number of pegs and cords and other fittings, making them both cumbrous and
expensive.
Now my Invention consists of a portable tent composed of 6 or more poles
struck in the earth by means of plug and mallet; these poles are placed in cqual
distance in parallel lines, and are connected to each other at the top by laths
furnished with rings, which rings are made to drop over the top end of each pole,
forming the frame, the centre pole in each line being about a foot above the others
if preferred. By this construction and arrangement the centre pole, cords, and plugs
as at present in use or entirely dispensed with, and it is obvious, there being no
centre pole, the whole of the space can be utilised. The poles may be made in parts,
and jointed if desired.
The frame is covered with a waterproof material or any other material now
ordinarily used for tent coverings; the covering is secured by tapes, which are tied
to the poles, both at the top and bottom, inside the tent. The top of the tent
inclines from centre, back and front, to end poles. I do not intend to limit myself to
this shape in particular as I may in some cases adopt an arched-shaped roof or other
convenient shape. This tent will be found very light, it is easily and quickly
pitched or struck, and is very inexpensive, and forms a strong, light, and simple
shelter from rain, wind, and sun.
If it is desired one of these tents can be divided into two compartments by
suspending from the top of one or other of the poles calico, canvas, or other suitable
material, which is tied or buttoned to the top and bottom of the poles.
And in order that my said Invention may be readily understood and carried into
effect I will proceed to describe the same. With reference to the annexed Drawings
the same letters of reference refer to similar parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved portable tent with the front
curtain withdrawn.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tent, shewn in Fig. 1, with the water-
proof material, canvas, linen, or other material ordinarily used for tent covering
removed, and shews the naked framing. a, a, are the poles, the lower ends of which
are driven in the ground; b, b, are the flat bars or laths connecting the upper ends
of the poles a together. This connection is made between the poles a and the flat
bars or lathes b by the rings c, c, in the ends of the flat bars, which rings pass over
the ends of the poles. There are cross pins d, d, in the poles a for keeping the bars
or lathes in their proper position by preventing the rings c in the ends of the bars b
from slipping down the poles; e are rings for securing the covering materials to the
framing; frepresents a joint where pole made in two parts.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tent with front curtain extended. There is
a pole at each of the outer corners of curtain with a flat bar or lath between them
to support the curtain, as shown.
Figure 4 shews an elevation and plan of one of the poles and joint f.
Figure 5 shews a side and edge view of one of the flat bars or laths 6 which
connect the poles altogether.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tent with the modification of a narrow
entrance or an entrance less than the full width of the side of tent; the portion of
canvas for closing the same is shewn rolled up.
Having thus described the nature and object of my said Invention, I declare that
what I claim and desire to be secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is, the general arrangement and construction of the improved

page_text: portable tent without any centre pole, substantially as herein-before described and
as illustrated on the Drawings, or any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Gamble, have hereunto set my hand and
seal, this Fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six.
ROBERT GAMBLE. (L.S.)