Tent with a ventilation flap that can be operated 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. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Tent comprising a ventilation flap operable from inside the tent Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of tents for camping or any outdoor activity. It relates more particularly to the problem of ventilation of such tents. Prior art

[0002] There are currently several types of tents, such as "igloo" tents which are erected by the user using metal or inflatable hoops. We also know so-called "pop-up" tents which are self-deploying in the sense that they expand by the automatic deployment of the frame.

[0003] A known problem with tents, whether self-deploying or not, is ventilation. Since the volume of the tent is reduced, it is necessary to provide ventilation in order to renew the air inside the tent. Document FR2886961 proposes a tent equipped with a ventilation system that can be operated from inside the tent and which comprises a flap associated with a flexible loop of the frame. The ventilation system is equipped with a link connected to the flap and which extends inside the tent. The user must pull on the link to bend the flexible element and close the flap.

[0004] A disadvantage of this prior art tent is that the flap must be associated with a flexible element of the tent to allow the flap to open automatically. This arrangement is therefore specific to the structure of the tent which must necessarily include loops and in particular a flexible upper loop connected to the flap. Description of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tent provided with a ventilation flap which does not require a flexible element of the frame to allow it to be opened.

[0006] The invention achieves its aim by a tent comprising:

[0007] a frame;

[0008] a tent canvas cooperating with the frame, the tent canvas comprising at least one ventilation opening;

[0009] a flap connected to the tent canvas, the flap being movable between a venting position and a closed position in which the flap covers the vent opening;

[0010] an actuating device for moving the shutter between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating device comprising an actuating element movable in a direction of movement between an open position and a closed position, the actuating device further comprising a rod which connects the actuating element to the shutter, whereby movement of the actuating element in the direction of movement causes the shutter to move between the ventilation position and the closed position.

[0011] Thus, the flap is in the closed position when the actuating element is in the closing position, while the flap is in the ventilation position when the actuating element is in the opening position. The tent according to the invention therefore does not require a flexible element of the frame to allow it to be opened. In addition, the opening and closing of the flap can be carried out using a single hand.

[0012] Preferably, the shutter is partially open when the actuating element is between the closed position and the open position.

[0013] The movement of the actuating element has the effect of moving the rod which in turn moves the shutter. The rod can be straight or curved. It is also rigid.

[0014] It is understood that the rod pulls the flap to bring it towards the tent canvas when the actuating element is brought towards its closed position. Conversely, the rod pushes the flap to move it away from the tent canvas when the actuating element is brought towards its open position.

[0015] When the shutter is in the closed position, it covers the ventilation opening. Conversely, when the shutter is in the ventilation position, it is moved away from the ventilation opening to allow air to flow through the ventilation opening.

[0016] The actuating element is preferably arranged inside the tent in order to allow the user to operate the flap from inside the tent.

[0017] It is understood that the actuating device according to the invention does not require a flexible element, such as a frame loop, to allow the shutter to open, which makes it possible to equip the actuating device on any type of tent.

[0018] Advantageously, the actuating element cooperates with the tent canvas. One advantage is to make the actuating device easy for the user to access. Another advantage is that the actuating device remains connected to the tent canvas, even when it is folded.

[0019] More preferably, at least a portion of the actuating element is integrated into the tent canvas, which contributes to its compactness.

[0020] The rod is preferably connected in an articulated manner to the actuating element, and also in an articulated manner to the shutter.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element is a slider of a zipper.

[0022] In this embodiment, the zipper is preferably integrated into the tent canvas.

[0023] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the slider may be single or double. The zipper may also be of the non-opening type so that it remains closed when the slider is moved between its closed and open position. Such non-opening zippers are known elsewhere, for example for adjusting the length of ski pants.

[0024] Preferably, the rod is connected to the slider. More preferably, the slider is fixed to a first end of the rod, while the second 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.

[0025] Advantageously, the actuating element is arranged below the ventilation opening. In the embodiment with a zipper, the latter is preferably arranged below the ventilation opening, being integrated into the tent canvas.

[0026] Preferably, the direction of movement of the actuating element is substantially horizontal. By substantially horizontal, we mean a direction making an angle of more or less 20° relative to the horizontal.

[0027] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the direction of movement could be substantially vertical.

[0028] Preferably, the rod connects the actuating element to a lower end portion of the shutter.

[0029] Preferably, the shutter comprises a stiffening element, for example a hoop or any other type of stiffening element by which the shutter retains a substantially flat shape when it is in the ventilation and closing position.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flap comprises an upper part which is connected to the tent canvas along a connecting line, the upper part being arranged above the ventilation opening. Preferably, the upper part of the flap is sewn to the tent canvas. Alternatively, the flap could form a single piece with the tent canvas.

[0031] The movement of the flap, and where appropriate of the stiffening element, relative to the tent canvas is a rotational movement around an axis passing through the connecting line between the flap and the tent canvas.

[0032] Advantageously, the actuating device further comprises a holding device for holding the shutter in the closed position. One advantage is to ensure that the shutter remains in the closed position, particularly when traction is exerted from the outside. The holding device therefore makes it possible to keep the shutter in the closed position, particularly in the event of a gust of wind. It also makes it possible to prevent an attempt to open the shutter from outside the tent.

[0033] Advantageously, the holding device comprises a cord which connects the actuating element to the shutter, and a return element arranged in the tent and cooperating with the cord so that the cord keeps the shutter in the closed position when the actuating element is in the closed position.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the tent is a self-deploying tent provided with an interior chamber arranged under the tent canvas, the frame being self-deploying and cooperating with the interior chamber.

[0035] The return element is for example a ring crossed by the cord.

[0036] Preferably, the return element cooperates with the inner chamber.

[0037] Still preferably, the return element is located between the open and closed positions.

[0038] More preferably, the return element is closer to the open position than to the closed position. Description of the drawings

[0039] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0040] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] illustrates a tent according to one embodiment of the invention, provided with a ventilation flap in the ventilation position.

[0041] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a detailed view of the shutter actuating device of the tent of [Fig.l], in ventilation position;

[0042] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view of the actuating device of [Fig.2], in position intermediary; and

[0043] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view of the actuating device of [Fig.2] in position closed. Detailed description

[0044] With the aid of Figures 1 to 4, a non-limiting example embodiment of a tent 10 according to the present invention will be described. 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 a type other than a self-deploying tent, for example a tent which is erected manually by the user, for example a tent with metal poles or an inflatable frame.

[0045] The tent 10 comprises a frame 11 which, in this example, is provided with loops consisting of flexible hoops 12, 14 which are arranged, in a manner known elsewhere, to geometrically form a base loop 16 and an upper loop 18 in the shape of a horse saddle. 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 have a deployed position, illustrated in [Fig.l], and a folded position in the shape of a disc. This type of self-deploying tent is known elsewhere, and the operating principle will not be described here.

[0046] The tent 10 further comprises a tent canvas 20 which cooperates with the frame 11. In this example, the frame 11 supports the tent canvas 20, so that the deployment of the frame has the effect of creating volume and tension in the tent canvas 20. In this example, the tent further comprises an interior chamber 22 which is arranged inside the tent canvas, the interior chamber 22 cooperating with the frame 11, for example by means of spacing means known elsewhere.

[0047] The tent canvas 20 comprises several canvas walls, and in particular a front wall 26 in which a door opening 28 is provided. A tent canvas 20 further comprises a central wall 30 in the shape of a horse saddle which is arranged between the hoops 12 and 14. The central wall 30 comprises a ventilation opening 32 which is located on a lateral edge of the tent.

[0048] The tent 10 further comprises a flap 34 which is connected to the tent canvas 20, and more precisely in this example to the central portion 30. In this example, the flap 34 has an upper part 34a connected to the tent canvas. The upper part 34a is arranged above the ventilation opening. The flap 34 further comprises a lower end part 34b, opposite the upper part 34a, which is directed towards the ground S.

[0049] In this example, the flap is sewn to the central portion 30 along a connecting line 35. In this example, the flap is made from the same material as the tent canvas.

[0050] In this example, the flap 34 comprises a stiffening element 36 which is in the form of a hoop 38. In this example, the hoop 38 is movable relative to the frame 11 of the tent.

[0051] Furthermore, the arch 38, which has a U shape, delimits the flap 34.

[0052] It is also noted that the flap 34 has a surface area which is greater than the surface of the ventilation opening 32 so as to cover it.

[0053] The flap 34 is movable between a ventilation position, illustrated in [Fig.l], and a closed position in which the flap covers the ventilation opening 32. During its movement between the ventilation position and the closed position, the flap, and the stiffening hoop, pivot around an axis A passing through the stitching line 35.

[0054] According to the invention, the tent 10 further comprises an actuating device 50 for moving the flap 34 between the ventilation position and the closed position. The actuating device 50 comprises an actuating element movable in a substantially horizontal direction of movement between an open position illustrated in [Fig.2], and a closed position, illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0055] In this example, the actuating element cooperates with the tent canvas. It is a slider 54 of a zipper 56 which is integrated into the tent canvas 20. It can also be seen that the zipper 56 is integrated into the portion 30 of the tent canvas 20. In this example, the zipper is of the non-opening type, that is to say that it does not open when the slider is moved.

[0056] Furthermore, the actuating element 52, as well as the slider 54 and the zipper 56, are arranged below the ventilation opening 32. In this example, the first end portion 56a of the zipper 56, where the slider 54 is located when the actuating element is in the closed position, is slightly curved, so as to help keep the slider in the closed position.

[0057] The actuating device 50 further comprises a rod 60, visible in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 which connects the actuating element 52, in this example the slider 54, to the flap 34. In this non-limiting example the rod is rectilinear. It is understood that the rod 60 has a first end 60a which is connected in an articulated manner to the slider 54, and a second end 60b, opposite the first end 60a, which is connected in an articulated manner to the flap 34.

[0058] More specifically, the rod 60 connects the actuating element 52 to the lower end portion 34b of the shutter. In this example, the rod 60 is made of plastic or metal. In this example, the second end 60b of the rod 60 is connected to the stiffening element 36.

[0059] 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 relative to the tent canvas by an angle a0 which is of the order of 60° in this example. In the intermediate position of the actuating element 52 illustrated in [Fig.3], in which the slider 54 is between the open and closed position, it is noted that the rod 60 forms an angle ai relative to the tent canvas which is less than the angle a0, which has the effect that the second end 60B of the rod is closer to the tent canvas than in the open position. It is therefore understood that the movement of the actuating element 52 between the open and closed position makes it possible to vary the distance d between the lower end part of the arch and the tent canvas, which has the effect of opening / closing the shutter.

[0060] In [Fig. 4], the actuating element is illustrated in the closed position, the rod 60 being shown in dotted lines. It is understood that the distance d between the lower end portion of the hoop 60 and the tent canvas is minimal, the angle a also being minimal. It is understood in Figures 2 to 4, that the distance between the first end 56a of the zipper and the second end 60b of the rod 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 rod 60.

[0061] As indicated above, the movement of the actuating element in the direction of movement causes the flap 34 to pass between the ventilation position and the closed position.

[0062] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that the actuating device 50 further comprises a holding device 70 for holding the flap in the closed position. In this example, the holding device 70 comprises a cord 72 which connects the actuating element 52 to the flap 34. The holding device 70 further comprises a return element 74 which is arranged in the tent and which cooperates with the cord. In this example, the return element 74 comprises a ring 76 which is fixed to the inner chamber 22 by means of a fixing member 78. It is understood that the cord 72 passes through the ring 76. With the aid of figures 2 to 4, it is understood that, when the actuating element 52 is in the closed position, as illustrated in [Fig.4], the cord 72 is taut and exerts traction on the lower end of the panel 34 directed towards the tent canvas.Since the actuating element 52 is stationary in the closed position, the cord 72 locks the flap 34 against the tent canvas 20. When the slider is brought into the open position, the cord moves to accompany the opening movement of the flap.

[0063] It can also be seen that the tent canvas 20 also has a secondary opening 21, arranged 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

Claims

1. A tent (10) comprising: a frame (11); a tent canvas (20) cooperating with the frame (11), the tent canvas (20) comprising at least one ventilation opening (32); a flap (34) connected to the tent canvas (20), the flap being movable between a ventilation position (34) and a closed position in which the flap covers the ventilation opening (32); an actuating device (50) for moving the flap (34) between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuating device (50) comprising an actuating element (52) movable in a direction of movement (D) between an open position and a closed position, the actuating device (50) further comprising a rod (60) which connects the actuating element (52) to the flap, whereby the movement of the actuating element (52) in the direction of movement (D) moves the flap (34) between the ventilation position and the closed position.

2. A tent according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (52) cooperates with the tent fabric.

3. A tent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating element (52) is a slider (54) of a zipper (56).

4. A tent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating element (52) is arranged below the ventilation opening (32).

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

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

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

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

9. A tent according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flap comprises an upper portion (34a) which is connected to the tent fabric (20), the upper portion being disposed above the ventilation opening.

10. A tent according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuating device (50) further comprises a holding device (70) for holding the flap (34) in the closed position.

11. A tent according to claim 10, wherein the holding device (70) comprises a cord (72) which connects the actuating element (52) to the flap, and a return element (74) arranged 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.

12. A tent according to any preceding claim, said tent being a self-deploying tent provided with an inner chamber (22), the frame (11) being self-deploying and cooperating with the inner chamber.

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

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