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 along a direction of movement, the actuating device further comprising a rod that connects the actuating element to the flap, whereby the movement of the actuating element along the direction of movement moves the flap between the ventilation position and the closed position. 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. 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 so-called "pop-up" tents which are self-deploying in that they expand into a volume through the automatic deployment of the frame.

[0003] A well-known problem with tents, whether self-deploying or not, is ventilation. Since the tent's volume is small, ventilation is necessary to renew the air inside. Document FR2886961 proposes a tent equipped with a ventilation system that can be 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 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 tent structure, 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 equipped with a ventilation flap which does not require a flexible element of the frame to allow its opening.

[0006] The invention achieves its goal by means of a tent comprising:

[0007] a framework;

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

[0009] 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;

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

[0011] 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.

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

[0013] The movement of 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.

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

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

[0016] The actuation element is preferably located inside the tent to allow the user to operate the flap from inside the tent.

[0017] 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 makes it possible to equip the actuation device on any type of tent.

[0018] Advantageously, the actuation element cooperates with the tent fabric. One advantage is that the actuation device is easily accessible to the user. Another advantage is that the actuation device remains attached to the tent fabric, even when it is folded.

[0019] Even more preferably, at least part of the actuation 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 flap.

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

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

[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 moves between its closed and open positions. 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. Even 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 flap, whereby the movement of the slider causes the movement of the rod and therefore of the flap.

[0025] Advantageously, the actuation element is located below the ventilation opening. In the zippered embodiment, the zipper is preferably located below the ventilation opening, being integrated into the tent fabric.

[0026] 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.

[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 part of the flap.

[0029] 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 it is in the ventilation and closing position.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the flap has an upper part that is connected to the tent fabric by a connecting line, the upper part being positioned above the ventilation opening. Preferably, the upper part of the flap is sewn to the tent fabric. Alternatively, the flap could form a single piece with the tent fabric.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Advantageously, the actuation device further includes a retaining device to hold the flap in the closed position. One advantage is ensuring that the flap remains closed, particularly when pulled from the outside. The retaining device thus keeps the flap closed, especially in the event of a gust of wind. It also prevents attempts to open the flap from outside the tent.

[0033] 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.

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

[0035] The referring element is for example a ring through which the cord passes.

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

[0037] Preferably, the return element is located between the opening and closing positions.

[0038] Even more preferably, the return element is closer to the opening position than to the closing position. Description of the drawings

[0039] 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:

[0040] [Fig.1] Fig.1 illustrates a tent according to an embodiment of the invention, equipped with a ventilation flap in the ventilation position.

[0041] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a detailed view of the actuation device of the flap of the tent of the [Fig.1], in the ventilation position;

[0042] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a view of the actuation device of Fig. 2 in an intermediate position; and

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

[0044] With the aid of Figures 1 to 4, a non-limiting 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 different type than a self-deploying tent, for example, a tent that is manually erected 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 made of flexible hoops 12, 14 arranged, in a manner known from other sources, to geometrically form a base loop 16 and an upper loop 18 in the shape of a 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 The tent's internal volume. Tent 10 can therefore be in an deployed position, illustrated in [Fig. 1], and in 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.

[0046] The tent 10 also includes 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 putting the tent canvas 20 into volume and under tension. In this example, the tent also includes an inner chamber 22 which is disposed inside the tent canvas, the inner 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 also comprises a central wall 30 in the shape of a horse saddle which is arranged between the poles 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 also includes a flap 34 which is connected to the tent fabric 20, and more specifically in this example to the central portion 30. In this example, the flap 34 has an upper part 34a connected to the tent fabric. The upper part 34a is positioned above the ventilation opening. The flap 34 further includes a lower end portion 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 of the same material as the tent canvas.

[0050] In this example, the flap 34 includes 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-shaped form, delimits the flap 34.

[0052] It is also noted that 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 an aeration position, illustrated in [Fig.1], and a closed position in which the flap covers the ventilation opening 32. During its movement between the aeration position and the closed position, the flap, and the stiffening hoop, pivot around an axis A passing through the seam 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 a movable actuating element along a substantially horizontal direction of movement between an opening position illustrated in [Fig.2], and a closing position, illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0055] In this example, the actuation element cooperates with the tent fabric. It is a slider 54 of a zipper 56 which is integrated into the tent fabric 20. It can also be seen that the zipper 56 is integrated into the portion 30 of the tent fabric 20. In this example, the zipper is of the non-opening type, that is to say, 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 part 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 actuation device 50 further comprises a rod 60, visible in Figures 1, 2, and 3, which connects the actuation element 52, in this example the slider 54, to the flap 34. In this non-limiting example, the rod is straight. It is understood that the rod 60 has a first end 60a which is articulated to the slider 54, and a second end 60b, opposite the first end 60a, which is articulated to the flap 34.

[0058] More specifically, the rod 60 connects the actuating element 52 to the lower end portion 34b of the flap. 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 fabric at an angle a0 which is on 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 located between the open and closed positions, it is observed that the rod 60 forms an angle ai relative to the tent fabric which is less than the angle a0, which has the effect that the second end 60B of the rod is closer to the tent fabric than in the open position. We understand that the movement of the actuation element 52 between the open and closed position allows the distance d between the lower end part of the hoop and the tent canvas to be varied, which has the effect of opening / closing the flap.

[0060] In [Fig. 4], the actuating element is shown in the closed position, with the rod 60 represented by a dashed line. It can be seen that the distance d between the lower end of the hoop 60 and the tent fabric is minimal, and the angle α is also minimal. Figures 2 to 4 show 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 along 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 includes a retaining device 70 for holding the flap in the closed position. In this example, the retaining device 70 includes a cord 72 which connects the actuating element 52 to the flap 34. The retaining device 70 further includes a return element 74 which is located in the tent and which cooperates with the cord. In this example, the return element 74 has a ring 76 which is fixed to the inner chamber 22 by means of a fastening member 78. It is understood that the cord 72 passes through the ring 76. With the help 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 a pull on the lower end of the panel 34 directed towards the tent canvas.As long as 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 moved to the open position, the cord moves to accompany the opening movement of the flap.

[0063] It is also noted that the tent canvas 20 further includes a secondary opening 21, located 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

Demands

1. Tent (10) comprising: a frame (11); a tent canvas (20) cooperating with the frame (11), the tent canvas (20) having 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 actuation device (50) for moving the flap (34) between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuation device (50) comprising an actuation element (52) movable along a direction of movement (D) between an open position and a closed position, the actuation device (50) further comprising a rod (60) which connects the actuation element (52) to the flap, whereby the movement of the actuation element (52) along the direction of movement (D) moves the flap (34) between the ventilation position and the closed position, the actuation element being disposed inside the tent so as to allow the user to operate the flap from inside the tent.

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

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

4. Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuation element (52) is disposed below the ventilation opening (32).

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

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

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

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

9. Tent according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flap has an upper part (34a) which is connected to the tent canvas (20), the upper part being disposed above the ventilation opening.

10. Tent according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation device (50) further comprises a holding device (70) for holding the flap (34) in the closed position.

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

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

13. Tent according to claim 12, wherein the referring element (74) cooperates with the inner chamber (22).