Tent

Abstract

The invention relates to a tent 300 comprising: a tent cloth; a tent structure including inflatable elements 108a, b, arranged to support the tent cloth and form a sheltered space. Each inflatable ele

Description

Field of the disclosure The invention relates to a tent, in particular but not exclusively to a camping tent. Background An existing tent may comprise a tent cloth and a tent structure arranged to support the tent cloth and form a sheltered space. The sheltered space may be shaped like a dome. The tent structure may comprise tent poles including upper portions directed toward a roof of the sheltered space and lower portions directed toward a floor of the sheltered space. The upper portions of the tent poles may be mechanically connected to each other via a pole hub. The lower portions of the tent poles may be mechanically connected to the tent cloth via pole attachment points. Whilst being generally satisfactory, such tent may be improved to allow the tent to be set up, taken down, folded up, stored and / or transported in a more efficient manner. Summary According to an aspect, there is provided a tent comprising: a tent comprising: a tent cloth; a tent structure comprising a plurality of inflatable elements arranged to support the tent cloth and form a sheltered space, each inflatable element including an upper portion directed toward a roof of the sheltered space and a lower portion directed toward a floor of the sheltered space; and first connection means arranged to mechanically connect the upper portion of each inflatable element to the upper portions of other inflatable elements. The inflatable elements may be inflated or deflated by a user such that the tent may be set up or taken down in an easy manner. The first connection means may be out of reach (e.g., from children) such that the risk of accidentally disconnecting the first connection means and taking down the tent is minimized. Each inflatable element may comprise: a semi-arch; an arch; or a double arch. Each inflatable element may comprise an inflatable tube received within a cover. The cover may limit the volume of the inflatable tube and may prevent the inflatable tube from bursting when the inflatable tube is inflated. The tent may comprise: an inflation nozzle arranged to inflate the plurality of inflatable elements; and second connection means arranged to fluidically connect each inflatable element to other inflatable elements. The inflation nozzle and the second connection means allow to simultaneously inflate the plurality of inflatable elements. The second connection means may be arranged to fluidically connect the upper portion of each inflatable element to the upper portions of other of inflatable elements. The second connection means may be out of reach (e.g., from children) such that the risk of accidentally disconnecting the second connection means and taking the tent down is minimized. The second connection means may comprise a plurality of connection nozzles connected to the plurality of inflatable elements and a plurality of connection tubes arranged to fluidically connect the plurality of connection nozzles. The tent may comprise: isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate each inflatable element from other inflatable elements. When an inflatable element is defective (e.g., punctured) and is deflated, the isolation means prevent the other inflatable elements from being deflated as well. The isolation means may comprise a plurality of clips or a plurality of taps arranged to prevent air from flowing through the plurality of connection tubes. The tent cloth may comprise a plurality of sheaths ; and the plurality of inflatable elements may be received within the plurality of sheaths. The plurality of inflatable elements may be received partially or completely within the plurality of sheaths. In this way, the tent cloth may be attached to the plurality of inflatable elements. Each inflatable element may comprise a part received within a sheath and a part not received within the sheath; and a length L of the part of the inflatable element not received within the sheath is lower than 10cm, 20cm, 30cm or 40 cm. In other words, the distance between an upper end of an upper portion of each inflatable element and an upper end of the sheath may be lower than 10cm, 20cm, 30cm or 40 cm. The plurality of sheaths allows to reduce mechanical constraints between the plurality of inflatable elements and the first connection means. The first connection means may comprise hook and loop tapes arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements. The upper portion of a first inflatable element may comprise a hook tape and the upper portion of second inflatable elements may comprise a corresponding loop tape, or vice versa. The first connection means may comprise rings and toggles arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements. The upper portion of a first inflatable element may comprise rings and the upper portion of second inflatable elements may comprise corresponding toggles, or vice versa. The tent may comprise a plurality of pockets arranged to receive the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements; and the first connection means may comprise hook tapes arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements and loop tapes arranged within the pockets, or vice versa. The plurality of pockets may be part of one piece or part of a plurality of pieces. The plurality of pockets may be closed at their upper ends (i.e., blocking) or may be open at their upper end (i.e. non-blocking). The first connection means may comprise straps or cords arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements. The upper portion of a first inflatable element may comprise strap or cord and the upper portion of a second inflatable element may comprise a corresponding strap or cord. The first connection means may comprise: an upper ring arranged to be received within a plurality of loops over the upper portions of the inflatable elements; and a lower ring arranged to be received within a plurality of loops under the upper portions of the inflatable elements. The sheltered space may be shaped like a dome. The sheltered space may comprise a polygonal floor. The sheltered space may comprise a hexagonal, octagonal or a dodecagonal floor. In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above. Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims. Brief Description of the Figures Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a tent according to a first embodiment when the tent is taken down (i.e. inflatable elements are deflated); Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a tent according to the first embodiment when the tent is set up (i.e., inflatable elements are inflated); Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of connection means arranged to mechanically connect upper portions of inflatable elements, connection means arranged to fluidically connect upper portions of inflatable elements and isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate upper portions of inflatable elements for a tent according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of connection means arranged to fluidically connect upper portions of inflatable elements and isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate upper portions of inflatable elements for a tent according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of connection means arranged to mechanically connect upper portions of inflatable elements for a tent according to the first embodiment; Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of connection means arranged to mechanically connect upper portions of inflatable elements, connection means arranged to fluidically connect upper portions of inflatable elements and isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate upper portions of inflatable elements for a tent according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of connection means arranged to mechanically connect upper portions of inflatable elements, connection means arranged to fluidically connect upper portions of inflatable elements and isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate upper portions of inflatable elements for a tent according to a third embodiment; Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of connection means arranged to mechanically connect upper portions of inflatable elements, connection means arranged to fluidically connect upper portions of inflatable elements and isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate upper portions of inflatable elements for a tent according to a fourth embodiment; and Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of connection means arranged to mechanically connect upper portions of inflatable elements, connection means arranged to fluidically connect upper portions of inflatable elements and isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate upper portions of inflatable elements for a tent according to a fifth embodiment. Detailed Description of the Figures It will be understood that in this disclosure relative terms, such as “over”, “under”, “upper”, “lower”, “inner” or “outer” are to be interpreted in the context of the tent being set up. Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 show a schematic representation of a tent 100 according to a first embodiment. The tent 100 may be a camping tent, a beach tent, an event tent or a tent for another purpose. Here, the tent 100 is a camping tent. The tent 100 may comprise a tent cloth 102. The tent cloth 102 may be an inner tent cloth or an outer tent cloth. The tent cloth 102 may be made of breathable fabric and / or waterproof fabric. The tent 100 may comprise a tent structure 104 arranged to support the tent cloth 102 and form a sheltered space. The sheltered space may be shaped like a dome or a tunnel. Here, the sheltered space is shaped like a dome. The sheltered space may comprise a roof, walls and a floor. The floor may be polygonal. For example, the floor may be square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal or dodecagonal. Here, the floor is octagonal. The tent cloth 102 may comprise a plurality of sheaths 106. The plurality of sheaths 103 may be arranged on an inner face or an outer face of the tent cloth. Here, the plurality of sheaths 103 are arranged on an inner face of the tent cloth 102. The tent structure 104 may comprise a plurality of inflatable elements 108. Here, the plurality of inflatable elements 108 comprises six semi-arches 108a and an arch 108b. Each inflatable element 108 may be inflated or deflated by a user with a pump such that the tent 100 may be set up or taken down in an easy manner. Each inflatable element 108 may be received (i.e., contained) partially or completely within a sheath 106. In this way, the tent cloth 102 may be attached to the plurality of inflatable elements 106. Each sheath 106 may comprise a zipper 112. The zipper 112 may be opened or closed by a user to place or remove the inflatable element 108 within or from the cover sheath 106. In this way, the inflatable elements 108 may be replaced by a user in an easy manner. Each inflatable element 108 may comprise an inflatable tube (not visible) received (i.e., contained) within a cover 110. The cover 110 may limit the volume of the inflatable tube and may prevent the inflatable tube from bursting when the inflatable tube is inflated. Each cover 110 may comprise a zipper 114. The zipper 114 may be opened or closed by a user to place or remove the inflatable tube within or from the cover 110. Each inflatable element 108a may include an upper portion directed toward the roof of the sheltered space and a lower portion directed toward the floor of the sheltered space. The inflatable element 108b may include an upper portion directed toward the roof of the sheltered space and lower portions directed toward the floor of the sheltered space. The tent 100 may comprise connection means 116 (more visible on Figure 5) arranged to mechanically connect the upper portion of each inflatable element 106 to the upper portions of other inflatable elements 106. The connection means 116 may be out of reach (e.g., from children) such that the risk of accidentally disconnecting the connection means 116 and taking down the tent 100 may be minimized. The connection means 116 may comprise hook tapes 118 arranged on the upper portion of the inflatable element 108b and loop tapes 120 arranged on the upper portion of each inflatable element 108a, or vice versa. The hook tapes 118 may be attached to the loop tapes 120 to connect the inflatable element 106a to the inflatable elements 106b. The hook tapes 118 may be detached from the loop tapes 120 to disconnect the inflatable element 106a from the inflatable elements 106b. The connection means 118 may comprise rings 122 arranged on the upper portion of the inflatable element 108b and toggles 124 arranged on the upper portion of each inflatable element 108ab, or vice versa. The rings 122 may be attached to the toggles 124 to connect the inflatable element 106b to the inflatable elements 106a. The rings 122 may be detached from the toggles 124 to disconnect the inflatable element 106b from the inflatable elements 106a. The sheaths 106 and the inflatable elements 108 may be dimensioned so that a length L (more visible on Fig.3) of a part of each inflatable element 108a not received within a sheath 106 may be lower than 10cm, 20cm, 30cm or 40 cm. In other words, the distance between an upper end of an upper portion of each inflatable element and an upper end of the sheath may be lower than 10cm, 20cm, 30cm or 40 cm. In this way, the plurality of sheaths 106 may reduce mechanical constraints between the inflatable elements 108a and the inflatable element 108b on the connection means 116. The tent 100 may comprise inflation means (not visible). The inflation means may comprise an inflation nozzle arranged to inflate the plurality of inflatable elements 108. Here, the inflation nozzle may be arranged on a lower portion of the inflatable element 108b or the inflatable elements 108a. In this way, the connection and disconnection of the inflation nozzle to and from a pump by a user may be facilitated. The tent 100 may comprise connection means 126 (visible on Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) arranged to fluidically connect each inflatable element 108 to other inflatable elements 108. The inflation nozzle and the connection means 126 may allow to simultaneously inflate the plurality of inflatable elements 108. The connection means 126 may comprisea plurality of connection nozzles 128 connected to the plurality of inflatable elements 108. Here, the plurality of connection nozzles 128 are connected to the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements 108. In this way, the connection means 126 may be out of reach (e.g., from children) such that the risk of accidentally disconnecting the connection means 126 and taking the tent 100 down may be minimized. Each connection nozzle 128 may be fluidically connected to an inflatable tube of an inflatable element 108. Each connection nozzle 128 may extend through a hole formed on the cover 110 of the inflatable element 108 and a hole formed on the sheath 106 receiving the inflatable element 108. A ring 130 may be screwed to a body of a connection nozzle 128 to attach the connection nozzle 128 to the sheath 106 receiving the inflatable element 108. The ring 130 may be unscrewed from the body of the connection nozzle 128 to detach the connection nozzle 128 from the sheath 106 receiving the inflatable element 108. The connection means 126 may comprise a plurality of connection tubes 132 arranged to fluidically connect the plurality of connection nozzles 128. Each connection tube 132 may comprise bolts 134. A bolt 134 may be screwed to a tip of a connection nozzle 128 to attach the connection tube 132 to the connection nozzle 128. A bolt 134 may be unscrewed from a tip of a connection nozzle 128 to detach the connection tube 132 from the connection nozzle 128. The tent 100 may comprise isolation means 136 arranged to fluidically isolate each inflatable element 108 from other inflatable elements 108. In this way, when an inflatable element 108 is defective (e.g., punctured) and is deflated, the isolation means 136 may prevent the other inflatable elements 108 from being deflated. The isolation means 136 may comprise a plurality of clips or a plurality of taps arranged to prevent air from flowing through the plurality of connection tubes 132. Here, the isolation means 136 comprise a plurality of clips. Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a tent 200 according to a second embodiment. The tent 200 may be identical to the tent 100 except that the plurality of inflatable elements108 may be replaced by a plurality of inflatable elements 208. The plurality of inflatable elements 208 may comprise eight semi-arches 208a. The connection means 116 may be replaced by connection means 216. The connection means 216 may comprise an inflatable element hub 218 including a plurality of pockets 219. The plurality of pockets 219 may be part of one piece (as opposed to a plurality of pieces like in in the fifth embodiment). The plurality of pockets 219 may be open at their upper end (i.e., non-blocking). The inflatable element hub 218 may or may not be attached to the inner face of the tent cloth 102. The connection means 216 may comprise hook tapes (not visible) arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements 208 and loop tapes arranged within the pockets, or vice versa. Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a tent 300 according to a third embodiment. The tent 200 may be identical to the tent 100 except that the connection means 116 may be replaced by connection means 316. The connection means 316 may comprise an upper ring 318 arranged to be received within a plurality of upper loops 319 arranged over the upper portions of the inflatable elements 108. The connection means 316 may comprise a lower ring 320 arranged to be received within a plurality of lower loops (not visible) arranged under the upper portions of the inflatable elements 108. Each upper loop 319 and lower loop may be formed by a strip of fabric sewed at both ends to the cover 110 of an inflatable element 108. The connection means 316 may comprise attaching means 322. The attaching means 322 may be arranged to attach and detach both ends of the upper ring 318. The attaching means 322 may be to attach and detach both ends of the lower ring 320. Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a tent 400 according to a fourth embodiment. The tent 400 may be identical to the tent 100 except that the plurality of inflatable element s108 may be replaced by a plurality of inflatable elements 408. The plurality of inflatable elements 408 may comprise four semi-arches 408a and a double arch 408c. The double arch 408c me be shaped like a cross. The connection means 116 may be replaced by connection means 416. The connection means 416 may comprise straps or cords 418 arranged on the upper portions of the inflatable elements 408a. The straps may comprise buckles. The straps may be buckled and unbuckled over the inflatable element 408b. The cords may be tied and untied over the inflatable element 408b. Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a tent 500 according to a fifth embodiment. The tent 500 may be identical to the tent 100 except that the plurality of inflatable elements108 may be replaced by a plurality of inflatable elements 508. The plurality of inflatable elements 208 may comprise eight semi-arches 508a. The connection means 116 may be replaced by connection means 516. The connection means 516 may comprise a plurality of pockets 518. The plurality of pockets 518 may be part of a plurality of pieces (as opposed to being part of one piece like in the second embodiment). The plurality of pockets 518 may be closed at their upper end (i.e., blocking). The plurality of pockets 518 may be attached to the inner face of the tent cloth 102. The connection means 516 may comprise hook tapes 520 arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements 508a (e.g. at the tip of the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements) and loop tapes 522 arranged within the pockets 518 (e.g. at the bottom of the plurality of pockets 518), or vice versa. The hook tapes 520 may be attached to the loop tapes 522 to connect the inflatable element 508a to the plurality of pockets 518. The hook tapes 520 may be detached from the loop tapes 522 to disconnect the inflatable element 508a from the plurality of pockets 518. The connection means 516 may comprise rings 524 arranged on the upper portion of the inflatable element 508a and toggles 526 arranged on the plurality of packets 518, or vice versa. The rings 524 may be attached to the toggles 526 to connect the inflatable element 508a to the plurality of pockets 518. The rings 524 may be detached from the toggles 526 to disconnect the inflatable element 508a from the plurality of pockets 518. The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Tent comprising:a tent cloth;a tent structure comprising a plurality of inflatable elements arranged to support the tent cloth and form a sheltered space, each inflatable element including an upper portion directed toward a roof of the sheltered space and a lower portion directed toward a floor of the sheltered space; andfirst connection means arranged to mechanically connect the upper portion of each inflatable element to the upper portions of other inflatable elements.

2. Tent according to claim 1, wherein each inflatable element comprises:a semi-arch;an arch; ora double arch.

3. Tent according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each inflatable element comprises an inflatable tube received within a cover.

4. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising:an inflation nozzle arranged to inflate the plurality of inflatable elements; and second connection means arranged to fluidically connect each inflatable element to other inflatable elements.

5. Tent according to claim 4, wherein the second connection means are arranged to fluidically connect the upper portion of each inflatable element to the upper portions of other of inflatable elements.

6. Tent according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the second connection means comprise a plurality of connection nozzles connected to the plurality of inflatable elements and a plurality of connection tubes arranged to fluidically connect the plurality of connection nozzles.

7. Tent according to any of claims 4 to 6, comprising:isolation means arranged to fluidically isolate each inflatable element from other inflatable elements.

8. Tent according to claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the isolation means comprise a plurality of clips or a plurality of taps arranged to prevent air from flowing through the plurality of connection tubes.

9. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tent cloth comprises a plurality of sheaths; andwherein the plurality of inflatable elements is received within the plurality of sheaths.

10. Tent according to claim 9, wherein each inflatable element comprises a part received within a sheath and a part not received within the sheath; andwherein a length L of the part of the inflatable element not received within the sheath is lower than 10cm, 20cm, 30cm or 40 cm.

11. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first connection means comprise hook and loop tapes arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements.

12. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first connection means comprise rings and toggles arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements.

13. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising a plurality of pockets arranged to receive the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements; and wherein the first connection means comprise hook tapes arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements and loop tapes arranged within the pockets, or vice versa.

14. Tent according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of pockets are part of one piece or part of a plurality of pieces.

15. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first connection means comprise straps or cords arranged on the upper portions of the plurality of inflatable elements.

16. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first connection means comprise:an upper ring arranged to be received within a plurality of loops over the upper portions of the inflatable elements; anda lower ring arranged to be received within a plurality of loops under the upper portions of the inflatable elements.

17. Tent according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sheltered space is shaped like a dome.18 Tent according to claim 17, wherein the sheltered space comprises a polygonal floor.

19. Tent according to claim 18, wherein the sheltered space comprises a hexagonal, octagonal or a dodecagonal floor.

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