Tent having a ventilation flap actuated from inside the tent

Abstract

The invention relates to a tent comprising: a tent fabric (20) having at least one ventilation opening; a flap (34) connected to the tent fabric, the flap being movable between a ventilation position and a closed position; an actuating device (50) for moving the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating device comprising an actuating element movable in a direction of movement, the actuating device further comprising a rod which connects the actuating element to the flap, whereby movement of the actuating element in the direction of movement moves the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of tents for camping or any outdoor activity. It relates more specifically to the problem of ventilation in such tents. Previous Technique

[0002] Several types of tents currently exist, such as "igloo" tents, which are erected by the user using metal or inflatable poles. There are also "pop-up" tents, which are self-deploying in that they expand automatically through the deployment of their frame.

[0003] A common problem with tents, whether self-deploying or not, is ventilation. Because the tent's volume is limited, ventilation is necessary to renew the air inside. Document FR2886961 proposes a tent equipped with a ventilation system operated from inside the tent. This system includes a flap connected to a flexible loop in the frame. The ventilation system has a tie attached to the flap that extends inside the tent. The user pulls on the tie to bend the flexible element and close the flap.

[0004] One drawback of this earlier tent design is that the flap must be connected to a flexible element of the tent to allow for automatic opening. This arrangement is therefore specific to the tent's structure, which must necessarily include loops, particularly a flexible upper loop connected to the flap.

[0005] KR20180013670 describes a tent equipped with a ventilation flap which is operated from outside the tent by means of two rods mounted pivoting on the outside face of the tent canvas. Description of the invention

[0006] One aim of the present invention is to provide a tent equipped with a ventilation flap that does not require a flexible element of the frame to allow its opening.

[0007] The invention achieves its objective by means of a tent according to claim 1 comprising: a frame; a tent canvas cooperating with the frame, the tent canvas having at least one ventilation opening; a flap connected to the tent canvas, the flap being movable between a ventilation position and a closed position in which the flap covers the ventilation opening; an actuation device for moving the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuation device having an actuation element movable in a direction of movement between an open position and a closed position, the actuation device further having a rod which connects the actuation element to the flap, whereby the movement of the actuation element in the direction of movement moves the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuation element being disposed inside the tent.

[0008] Thus, the flap is in the closed position when the actuating element is in the closed position, while the flap is in the ventilation position when the actuating element is in the open position. The tent according to the invention therefore does not require a flexible element of the frame to allow it to be opened. Furthermore, the flap can be opened and closed with one hand.

[0009] Preferably, the shutter is partially open when the actuation element is between the closed position and the open position.

[0010] Moving the actuating element causes the rod to move, which in turn moves the flap. The rod can be straight or curved. It is also rigid.

[0011] It is understood that the rod pulls the flap towards the tent fabric when the operating mechanism is moved to its closed position. Conversely, the rod pushes the flap away from the tent fabric when the operating mechanism is moved to its open position.

[0012] When the shutter is in the closed position, it covers the ventilation opening. Conversely, when the shutter is in the ventilation position, it is away from the ventilation opening to allow air to circulate through it.

[0013] According to the invention, the actuating element is located inside the tent to allow the user to operate the flap from inside the tent. The actuating element is preferably located inside the tent fabric.

[0014] It is understood that the actuation device according to the invention does not require a flexible element, such as a frame loop, to allow the opening of the flap, which allows the actuation device to be fitted on any type of tent.

[0015] Advantageously, the actuation element cooperates with the tent fabric. One benefit is that the actuation device is easily accessible to the user. Another benefit is that the actuation device remains attached to the tent fabric, even when it is folded.

[0016] Even better, at least part of the actuation element is integrated into the tent fabric, which contributes to its compactness.

[0017] The rod is preferably connected in an articulated manner to the actuation element, and also in an articulated manner to the flap.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuation element is a slider of a zipper.

[0019] In this embodiment, the zipper is preferably integrated into the tent fabric.

[0020] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the slider can be single or double. The zipper can also be of the non-opening type, so that it remains closed when the slider moves between its closed and open positions. Such non-opening zippers are known elsewhere, for example, for adjusting the length of ski pants.

[0021] Preferably, the rod is connected to the slider. Even more preferably, the slider is fixed to one end of the rod, while the other end of the rod, opposite the first end, is fixed to the shutter, whereby the movement of the slider causes the movement of the rod and therefore of the shutter.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuation element is located below the ventilation opening. In the zippered embodiment, the zipper is preferably located below the ventilation opening, integrated into the tent fabric.

[0023] Preferably, the direction of movement of the actuating element is substantially horizontal. By substantially horizontal, we mean a direction making an angle of plus or minus 20° with respect to the horizontal.

[0024] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the direction of movement could be substantially vertical.

[0025] Preferably, the rod connects the actuating element to a lower end portion of the flap.

[0026] Preferably, the shutter includes a stiffening element, for example a hoop or any other type of stiffening element by which the shutter maintains a substantially flat shape when in the ventilation and closing position.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the flap has an upper portion connected to the tent fabric by a connecting line, with the upper portion positioned above the ventilation opening. Preferably, the upper portion of the flap is sewn to the tent fabric. Alternatively, the flap could be a single piece with the tent fabric.

[0028] The movement of the flap, and where applicable of the stiffening element, relative to the tent canvas is a rotational movement around an axis passing through the line of connection between the flap and the tent canvas.

[0029] Advantageously, the operating mechanism also includes a retaining device to hold the flap in the closed position. This is important because it ensures the flap remains closed, especially when pulled from the outside. The retaining device thus keeps the flap closed, particularly in strong winds. It also prevents anyone from attempting to open the flap from outside the tent.

[0030] Advantageously, the holding device includes a cord that connects the actuating element to the flap, and a return element disposed in the tent and cooperating with the cord so that the cord holds the flap in the closed position when the actuating element is in the closed position.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the tent is a self-deploying tent with an inner chamber located under the tent canvas, the frame being self-deploying and cooperating with the inner chamber.

[0032] Preferably, the actuation element is located between the inner chamber and the tent canvas. The inner chamber preferably has an opening to access this space, allowing the user to access the actuation element from within the inner chamber. The user can thus operate the flap while inside the inner chamber.

[0033] The linking element is, for example, a ring through which the cord passes.

[0034] Preferably, the referring element cooperates with the inner chamber.

[0035] Preferably, the return element is located between the opening and closing positions.

[0036] Preferably, the return element is closer to the opening position than to the closing position. Description of the drawings

[0037] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 illustrates a tent according to an embodiment of the invention, equipped with a ventilation flap in the ventilation position. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a detailed view of the tent flap actuation mechanism of the figure 1 , in ventilation position; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a view of the actuation device of the figure 2 , in an intermediate position; and [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a view of the actuation device of the figure 2 in the closed position. Detailed description

[0038] With the help of figures 1 to 4 , We will describe a non-exhaustive example of how to build a tent 10 in accordance with the present invention. In this example, the tent 10 is a self-deploying tent. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the tent according to the invention could be of another type than a self-deploying tent, for example a tent that is erected manually by the user, for example a tent with metal poles or an inflatable frame.

[0039] The tent 10 includes a framework 11 which, in this example, is equipped with loops made of flexible hoops 12, 14 which are arranged, in a manner known from other sources, to geometrically form a base loop 16 and an upper loop 18 Saddle-shaped. The frame is self-deploying. The base loop 16 is intended to come into contact with the ground S,while the upper loop 18 defines the interior volume of the tent. The tent 10 can therefore present a deployed position, illustrated in figure 1 , and a folded, disc-shaped position. This type of self-deploying tent is known from other sources, and its operating principle will not be described here.

[0040] The tent 10 It also includes a tent canvas 20 which cooperates with the framework 11. In this example, the framework 11 supports the tent canvas 20, so that the deployment of the frame has the effect of giving volume and tension to the tent canvas 20. In this example, the tent also includes an inner chamber. 22 which is located inside the tent canvas, the inner room 22 cooperating with the framework 11, for example by means of spacing known from other sources.

[0041] The tent canvas 20 includes several canvas walls, and in particular a front wall 26 in which a doorway is provided 28. A tent canvas 20 also includes a central wall 30 in the shape of a horse saddle which is positioned between the arches 12 And 14. The central wall 30 includes in a ventilation opening 32 which is located on a side edge of the tent.

[0042] The tent 10 includes, in addition, a component 34 which is attached to the tent canvas 20, and more specifically in this example to the central portion 30. In this example, the shutter 34 presents an upper part 34 attached to the tent canvas. The upper part 34 a is positioned above the ventilation opening. The flap 34 further comprises a lower end portion 34b, opposite the upper part 34 a, which is directed towards the ground S.

[0043] In this example, the flap is sewn to the central portion 30 along a connecting line 35. In this example, the shutter is made of the same material as the tent canvas.

[0044] In this example, the shutter 34 includes a stiffening element 36 which takes the form of an arch 38. In this example, the arch 38 is mobile relative to the framework 11 from the tent.

[0045] Furthermore, the hoop 38, which has a "U" shape, delimits the flap 34.

[0046] Furthermore, it is noted that the aspect 34 presents a surface area that is larger than the surface area of ​​the ventilation opening 32 so as to cover it.

[0047] The panel 34is mobile between a ventilation position, illustrated in figure 1 , and a closed position in which the flap covers the ventilation opening 32. During its movement between the open and closed positions, the shutter, and the stiffening bar, pivot around an axis A passing through the sewing line 35.

[0048] According to the invention, the tent 10 It also includes an actuation device 50 to pass the shutter 34 between the venting position and the closed position. The actuation device 50 includes a movable actuation element that travels in a substantially horizontal direction between an opening position illustrated in figure 2 , and a closing position, illustrated in figure 4 .The actuation element is located inside the tent to allow the user to operate the flap from within the tent. In this example, the actuation element is in the space between the inner tent and the tent fabric. The inner tent may have an opening to allow the user to reach in and access the actuation element.

[0049] In this non-limiting example, the actuation element cooperates with the tent canvas. It includes a slider. 54 with a zipper 56 which is integrated into the tent canvas 20. Furthermore, it is noted that the zipper 56 is integrated into the portion 30 tent canvas 20. In this example, the zipper is a non-opening type, meaning it does not open when the slider is moved. The slider 54is attached to a small rope that extends inside the tent, in the space between the inner chamber and the tent canvas.

[0050] Furthermore, the actuation element 52, as well as the cursor 54 and the zipper 56, are positioned below the ventilation opening 32. In this example, the first end part 56a the zipper 56, where is the cursor 54 when the actuation element is in the closed position, it is slightly curved, so as to help keep the cursor in the closed position.

[0051] The actuation device 50 it also includes a stem 60, visible on the figures 1, 2 And 3 which connects the actuation element 52, in this example the cursor 54, to the wing 34. In this non-limiting example, the stem is straight. It is understood that the stem60 presents a first extremity 60 a which is articulatedly connected to the cursor 54, and a second extremity 60 b, opposite to the first extremity 60 a, which is articulatedly connected to the flap 34.

[0052] More specifically, the stem 60 connects the actuation element 52 to the lower end 34 b of the shutter. In this example, the rod 60 is made of plastic or metal. In this example, the second end 60b of the stem 60 is connected to the stiffening element 36.

[0053] By referring to figures 2 And 3 , It is noted that, in the open position of the actuating element, the rod 60 is arranged so as to be inclined at an angle to the tent canvas α 0 which in this example is approximately 60°. In the intermediate position of the actuating element 52 illustrated in figure 3 , in which the cursor 54 is located between the open and closed positions, we observe that the rod 60 forms an angle α 1 compared to the tent canvas, which is smaller than the angle α o , which has the effect that the second end 60 B of the rod is closer to the tent canvas than in the open position. This explains the movement of the actuating element. 52 The distance between the open and closed positions allows the distance to be varied. d between the lower end part of the hoop and the tent canvas, which has the effect of opening / closing the flap.

[0054] On the figure 4 , The actuating element in the closed position, the rod, has been illustrated. 60being represented by dotted lines. We understand that the distance d between the lower end part of the hoop 60 and the tent canvas is minimal, the angle α being also minimal. We understand on the figures 2 to 4 , that the distance between the first end 56a the zipper and the second end 60b the length of the stem is greater than the distance between the second end 56b of the zipper, corresponding to the open position, and the second end 60b of the stem 60.

[0055] As mentioned above, moving the actuating element along the direction of travel causes the flap to move 34 between the ventilation position and the closed position.

[0056] Referring again to figures 2 And 3 , we observe that the actuation device 50It also includes a retaining device 70 to keep the shutter in the closed position. In this example, the holding device 70 includes a cord 72 which connects the actuation element 52 to the wing 34. The restraint device 70 also includes a cross-reference element 74 which is positioned in the tent and which cooperates with the cord. In this example, the return element 74 includes a ring 76 which is fixed to the inner chamber 22 by means of a fastening device 78. We understand that the cord 72 passes through the ring 76. With the help of figures 2 to 4 , We understand that, when the actuation element 52 is in the closed position, as illustrated in figure 4 , the cord 72 is taut and exerts a pull on the lower end of the panel 34directed towards the tent canvas. Insofar as the actuation element 52 is immobile in the closed position, the cord 72 locks the shutter 34 against the tent canvas 20. When the slider is moved to the open position, the cord moves to accompany the opening movement of the shutter.

[0057] It is also noted that the tent canvas 20 It also includes a secondary opening 21, positioned below the zipper 56 and that the strand of the cord 72 located between the ring and the flap passes through the tent canvas 20 through this secondary opening 21.

Claims

1. A tent (10) including: a framework (11); a tent canopy (20) cooperating with the framework (11), the tent canopy (20) including at least one aeration opening (32); a flap (34) connected to the tent canopy (20), the flap being movable between an aeration position (34) and a closed position in which the flap covers the aeration opening (32); an actuation device (50) for causing the flap (34) to pass between the aeration position and the closed position, the actuation device (50) including an actuation element (52) that is movable in a movement direction (D) between an opening position and a closing position, the actuation device (50) also including a rod (60) which connects the actuation element (52) to the flap, whereby the movement of the actuation element (52) in the movement direction (D) causes the flap (34) to pass between the aeration position and the closed position, characterized in that the actuation element is located inside the tent in order to allow the user to actuate the flap from the inside of the tent.

2. The tent according to claim 1, wherein the actuation element (52) cooperates with the tent canopy.

3. The tent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation element (52) is a cursor (54) of a slide fastener (56).

4. The tent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuation element (52) is located below the aeration opening (32).

5. The tent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movement direction is substantially horizontal.

6. The tent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rod (60) connects the actuation element (52) to a lower end portion (34b) of the flap.

7. The tent according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flap (34) includes a stiffening element (36).

8. The tent according to claim 7, wherein the stiffening element includes a hoop (38).

9. The tent according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flap includes an upper portion (34a) which is connected to the tent canopy (20), the upper portion being located above the aeration opening.

10. The tent according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation device (50) also includes a holding device (70) for holding the flap (34) in the closed position.

11. The tent according to claim 10, wherein the holding device (70) includes a string (72) which connects the actuation element (52) to the flap, and a return element (74) located in the tent and cooperating with the string so that the string holds the flap in the closed position when the actuation element is in the closing position.

12. The tent according to any one of the preceding claims, said tent being a self-deploying tent provided with an inner chamber (22), the framework (11) being self-deploying and cooperating with the inner chamber.

13. The tent according to claim 12, wherein the return element (74) cooperates with the inner chamber (22).

14. The tent according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the actuation element is located between the inner chamber (22) and the tent canopy (20).

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