US3034523A - Collapsible tent shelter - Google Patents

Description

1962 R. J. DE SHANO 3,034,523

COLLAPSIBLE TENT SHELTER Filed Sept. 2, 1959 NV ENTOR.

jrraeMe/r 3,034,523 COLLAPSIBLE TENT SHELTER Roy J. De Shano, 3605 omstoclr, Flint, Mich. Filed Sept. 2,1959, Ser. No. 837,722 3 Claims. (Cl. 135-5) This invention relates to a collapsible tent shelter and more particularly to a tent shelter provided with a unitary main'support frame having an inner frame pivotally expandable therefrom and selectively collapsible thereagainst for storage and portage purposes.

A need has existed for a collapsible tent shelter which could be used for hunting, ice fishing; or even as a portable bath house when clothing changes are required at the beach. Many types of shelter structures have been developed in t..e prior art, but none have provided an integral structure having a main support frame against which the remaining portions of the tent shelter support structure are selectively collapsible and foldable for storage or portage purposes. in addition, none of the devices of the prior art provide a tent shelter structure wherein its component parts are collapsible against the main support means by use of appropriate interconnecting link arms that form an integral part of the support structure. Furthermore, a need has existed in the field for a tent shelter which is collapsible through the use of suitable link arms in such a manner that the flexible tent covering acts as a storage wrapper when the tent shelter is in its collapsed position. Another need has existed for an easily fabricated collapsible tent shelter which does not require independent lockiug or bracing means in use and which is foldably collapsible without dismantling any of the components of the tent structure.

it is therefore an object of this invention to provide a collapsible tent shelter having a main support frame from which all other components of the shelter structure are selectively extendable or collapsible.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsi- -le tent shelter having a main frame provided with link arms pivotally interconnecting the main frame with all other structural components of the tent shelter.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible tent shelter frame structure which is pivotally expandable and lockable to stretch the associated flexible cover means into a tent shelter.

A further object of this invention is to provide a collapsible tent shelter which is selectively collapsible in such a manner that the flexible cover means may be'utilized as a foldable wrapper for storage or portage of theentire tent shelter.

Still anoth r object of this' invention is to provide collapsible tent shelter having frame support components which are selectively collapsible in such a manner the as-.

sociated flexible cover means are in part automatically folded about the main support frame for storage purposes.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a collapsible tent shelter having pivotally interconnected inner frame members and flexible cover means which are selectively expandable and locxable against a tubular integrally formed main frame to provide a tent shelter.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible tent shelter wherein the inner support frame is pivotally collapsible within the outer periphery of the mainsupport frame.

Another object of this invention is to provide a simple trouble-free structure capable of high production and economical maintenance.

Other objects and advantages found in the construction of my invention will be apparent froma consideration of the followingspecrfication in connection with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

fiiid States Patent ice In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a-perspective view of the novel collapsible tent shelter in its fully extended'use position illustrating the relative positioning of thevertical main support frame, the link arms, the tubular U-frames, and theflexible cover'means.

FIGURE 2 is aschematic side view of the collapsible tent shelter illustrating the relative positioning of the components of the invention when the tent is in its fully extended use position.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic side view of the collapsible tent shelter illustrating the intermediate relative positioning of the components of the invention when the tent is being collapsed by urging the ends of the roof support Ufrarne upwardly which in turn pivotally retracts the other frame components-upwardly.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic side view of the collapsible tent shelter illustrating the relative positioning of the components of the invention withthe seat U-frame and seat support U-frame retracted against the main support frame and the roof support U-frame being foldeddownwardly.

FIGURE 5 is a top schematic view of the collapsed tent shelter illustrating the flexible tent covering with its collapsed side portions stretched-outwardly.

FIGURE 6 is a top view of the collapsed tent shelter illustrating the side portionsof the flexible cover means folded upon the frame and secured for storage-or transport.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a modification of the invention adapted foruse in a: boat or upon a pre-existing seat, tree-stump, and thelike.

General Description in general, a collapsible tent shelter is provided having flexible cover means in association with a metal frame structure which is pivotally'expandable and lockable to stretch the flexible cover means into a tent shelter. The

flexible cover means co-act with the various components of the tent shelter frame structure to locl'ralily maintain the collapsible tent shelter in its expanded use position, as desired.

The'metal frame structure consists of a mainback support frame which is pivotally connected to the inner frame which may be selectively collapsed within the outer periphery of the main support frame for storage or transport purposes.

The flexible cover means are connected to the collapsible frame components so as'to permit free selective collapse of those frame components while permitting the selective folding of the flexible cover means as a wrapper or cover for the collapsed frame components. As the description proceeds, it will become apparent that the flexible cover means areautomatically folded in part upon selective collapse of the tent shelter frame components. When the tent shelter frame components are in their fully collapsed position, the roof'and floor portions of the flexible cover means are automatically positionedin their folded wrap or storage positions. The side walls of the collapsed tent' shelter may then be selectively folded around the collapsed frame to complete the wrap or storage process.

It is thus seen that a noveland highly utilitarian collapsible tent shelter is provided which requires a minimum of inconvenienceto' the sportsman. No independent locldng arms or links are required to retain the tent shelter in its expanded'use position. Additional utility is achieved by the fact that the tent shelter frame is collapsible in such a manner that the flexible covermeans are easily utilized as a wrapper for the collapsed tent structure for storage or transport purposes; No additional-independent bags or cases are'required-i Itwillbe further seen-as the description becomes more specific that the use of a unitary main support frame against which all other components of the tent structure are pivotally foldable creates a unique collapsible tent shelter which permit full utilization of the flexible cover means in the collapsed as well as the fully expanded use position.

Specific Description The collapsible tent shelter 11 is shown in its fully expanded use position in FIGURE 1. The flexible cover means 12 have been stretch-formed to provide a substantially rectangular shelter. The flexible cover means 12 may consist of joined panels of canvas, plastic, or any type of plastic impregnated cloth, which is easily foldabie in use. Suitable vents or viewing panels may be provided in the flexible cover means 12 of the collapsible tent shelter 11, as desired.

A main unitary substantially rectangular frame 13 is provided to act as the central support element of the collapsible tent shelter 11. The preferred embodiment of the main support frame 13 consists of tubular aluminum stock which has been formed into an integral rectangular configuration. The flexible cover means 12 are attached over the main tubular frame 13 by use of tabs 14. In this position, the tubular main unitary frame 13 defines the rear wall portion '15 of the collapsible tent shelter 11 when the flexible cover means 12 are stretched over the tubular main frame 13.

An inner frame is provided consisting of' a roof support U-frame 16, link arms 19, 20, 26, seat U-frame 21, and seat support U-frarne 23.

The roof support tubular U-frame 16 is marginally connected to the flexible cover means 12. The roof support U-frame 16 is preferably constructed from tubular aluminum stock. The central portion of the roof support U-frame 16 ha's the outer edge 17 of the-roof portion 18 of the flexible cover means 12 lapped and hemmed therearound, as shown in FIGURE 1. The ends of the roof-support U-frame 16 are pivotally connected to the ends of link arms 19 and 20 at point A.

For purposes of simplicity, one side of the tent structure frame. is described herein. It understood that the frame structure is symmetrical and thus duplicated on the other side. Thus, all links arms are in duplicate parallel spaced-apart relationship.

Link arm 19 is pivotally connected at its other end to the tubular main frame 13. Link arm 20 is pivotally connected at its other end to the corner of the seat U-frame 21 at point B, as shown in FIGURE 1. The ends of the seat U-frame 21 are pivotally connected to the tubular main frame 13 so that the seat U-frame 21 is foldable upwardly :against the tubular main frame 13. The seat U-frame 21 is also constructed from tubular aluminum stock and is provided with a canvas or plastic seat portion 22. It is within the scope of the invention to also form the seat portion from a metal screen,

board, or cane member aflixed to the seat U-frame.

A seat support U-frame 23 is pivotally connected at its ends to the corners of the seat U-frame 21 at'point B. The central portion of the seat support U-frame 23 is marginally connected to the flexible cover means 12' by having the outer edge 24 of the floor portion 25 of the flexible cover means 12 lapped and hemmed therearound, as shown in FIGURE 1. The preferred embodiment of the seat support U-frame 23 is constructed from tubular aluminum stock.

Link arm 26 is pivotally connected at one end to the lower portion of the main support frame 13 and at its other end to the leg of the seat support U-frame 23. It is again pointed out that link arms 19, 20 and 26 are duplicated on the other side of the tent support structure which is not shown in the drawings. These link arms are constructed fromflat aluminum stock A stabilizing rod 27 is provided at point B from one corner of the seat U-frame 23 to the other. 'As shown in FIGURE 1, anchor rods 28 are provided in pockets 29 located at the bottom edgesof the side portions 39 of flexible cover means 12. These anchor rods 28 maintain proper alignment and stability of the tent side wall portions 39 in use and during folding operations.

It is within the scope of the invention to construct the various components of the tent structure from any suitable lightweight material, such as plastic or metal alloy.

Although it has not been shown in the drawings, it is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention to utilize suitable flap covers to fully enclose the collapsible tent shelter when in its use position if it is so desired. This is desirable if the shelter is to be used for ice fishing purposes.

A suitable strap or belt 31 is provided to retain the collapsible tent shelter in its wrapped or folded storage position, as shown in FIGURE 6.

A modification of the invention, shown in FIGURE 7, is intended for use in boats or on tree stumps and the like, where suitable seating conditions already exist. A shorter rectangular main unitary support frame 32 is provided and flexible cover means are attached thereover by use of tabs 14. An integrally formed rectangular seat frame 33 is foldably attached to the lower portion of the main support frame 32 by use of ring connectors 34. A suitable seat panel 35 is provided across the seat frame 33.

Link arms 36 and 37 are pivotally connected at one of their ends to the main support frame 32 and seat frame 33, respectively. A roof support U-frame 38 is pivotally connected at its ends to the other ends of the link arms 36 and 37 at point v C. The central portion of the roof support U-frame 38 has the outer edge of the roof portion of the flexible cover means lapped and hemmed thereover. The basic operation of the modification is fundamentally the same as the preferred embodiment of the invention, ie the seat frame 33 folds upwardly against the main support frame 32 and the roof support U-frame 38 then folds downwardly over the seat frame 33.

' Operation In operation, the preferred embodiment of the collapsible tent shelter 11 may be fully expanded into its normal use position as shown in FIGURE 1. The metal frame structure is pivotally expandable and lockable to stretch the flexible cover means into fixed taut relationship over the frame structure. In this position the roof support U-frame 16 is held in place by the co-acting relationship of link arms 19 and 20 with the ends of the roof support U-frame 16. In its use position, the roof support U-frame 16 is located slightly past dead center at point A in relation to the tension between the flexible cover means 12 and the entire expanded tent frame structure. This looks the tent shelter frame into its use position. The seat U-frame 21 which pivotally extends from the main support frame 13 is maintained and partially supported in its horizontal use position by the co-action of link arm 20, link arm 26, the seat support U-frame23 and the flexible cover means 12.

As shown schematically in FIGURE 2, the tent frame structure is fully expanded to stretch the flexible cover means into a substantially rectangular box-like shelter.

In order to collapse the tent shelter 11, the ends of the roof support U-frame 16 are pushed upwardly beyond the dead center lock position at point A. This intermediate collapsed position is shown schematically in the side View of FIGURE 3. With the upward movement of the legs of the roof support U-frame 16, the link arm 19 is foldably pivoted upward toward the main support frame. The link arm 20 is automatically lifted upwardly and rearwardly and, in turn, foldably lifts the seat U-frame 21. The seat support U-frame 23 and link arm 26 are also automatically lifted upwardly and rearwardly. It should be noted in FIGURE 3 that as the seat support U-frame 23 is being retracted upwardly and rearwardly, the floor portion 25 of the flexible cover means 12 automatically is pulled along.

This simultaneous pivotal movement of these frame components upwardly to fold back against and within the outer periphery of the main support frame 13 is made possible due to the pivotal link construction of the tent shelter.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the roof support U-frame 16 is then folded downwardly over the aforementioned collapsed components of the tent shelter. The roof portion 18 of the flexible cover means 12 is thus automatically folded downwardly because it is marginally affixed to the roof support U-frame 16.

A top View of the collapsed tent shelter 11 is shown in FIGURE 5 to illustrate the relative collapsed positions of the roof support U-frame 16, the seat U-frame 2i, and the seat support U-frame 23. For purposes of clarity, the link arms and the main support frame are not shown in FIGURE 5. FIGURE. 5 illustrates in detail the manner in which the roof portion 18 of the flexible cover means 12 is folded downwardly over the main support frame 13. In addition, it illustrates the manner in which the floor portion 25 of the flexible cover means 12 is folded upwardly over the main support frame 13. FIG- URE 5 further illustrates the outwardly extended collapsed side wall portions 30 of the flexible cover means 12. As shown in FIGURE 6, the side wall portions 39 are foldable over upon the main support frame 13 and a strap or belt 31 is utilized to secure the entire collapsed structure for storage or transport purposes. This procedure may be reversed to place the collapsible tent shelter into its expanded position.

It is thus seen that a unique collapsible tent shelter is provided whereby a tent frame structure is utilized to stretch flexible cover means into a substantially rectangular shaped box-like enclosure which has adequate head room to accommodate guns, fishing equipment, and other types of sports equipment. In addition, a self-contained unit is provided requiring no auxiliary storage means. It will also be. noted that all frame components perform functionally to stretch the flexible cover means into a shelter. There is complete co-acting interrelationship found between all elements of the instant structure. pendent components or additional means are necessary to lockably retain the shelter in its use position. Furthermore, it is not necessary to incorporate independent seating means into the structure inasmuch as the seat U-frame is already an integral part of the tent frame support assembly.

The modification of the invention shown in FIGURE 7 operates in the same manner as the preferred embodiment. To collapse the tent from the use position, the ends of the roof support U-frame 38 are urged upwardly past the dead center position at the juncture of link arms 36 and 37 and the ends of the roof support U-frame 38 at point C. In response to the upper movement of link arm 37, the seat frame 33 is folded upwardly against the main support frame 32. The roof support U-frame 38 is then folded downwardly upon the retracted seat frame 32 to complete the collapsing operation.

Various modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the principle thereof. Each of these modifications is to be considered as included in the hereinafter appended claims unless these claims by their language expressly provide otherwise.

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, I claim the following:

1. In a collapsible tent shelter, the combination including: a main unitary back support frame; flexible cover means in association with said back support frame, said flexible cover means adapted to form a shelter open at No indeone end when in its use position; a seat U-frame pivotally attached to said back support frame, said seat U-frame adapted to pivotally collapse against said back support frame; a seat support U-frame pivotally connected at the ends of its legs to said seat U-firame and marginally secured to said flexible cover means, said seat support U- frame adapted to collapse against said back support frame; a roof support U-frame marginally connected to said flexiele cover means, said roof support U-frame adapted to collapse against said back support frame; and pivotally expandable link arms connecting said main back support frame with said seat U-frame, said roof support U-frame, and said seat support U-frame to stretch said flexible cover means into a shelter open at one end, said link arms collapsible against said back support frame.

2. in a collapsible tent shelter, the combination including: a main back support frame; flexible cover means in stretched association with said back support frame, said flexible cover means adapted to form a shelter having a floor portion, side-Walls, a back Wall, and a roof portion; a seat U-frame pivotally attached to said back support frame, said seat U-frame adapted to pivotally collapse against said back support frame when not in use; a seat support Ll-frame marginally connected to the floor portion of said flexible cover means, said seat support U-frame pivotally connected at the ends of its legs to the corner portions of said seat U-frame so as to provide support for said seat U-frame; a roof support U-frame marginally connected to the roof portion of said flexible cover means, said roof support U-frarne adapted to collapse against said back support frame when not in use; roof support U-frame link arms pivotally connecting the ends of the legs of said roof support U-frame to said main back support frame and to said seat U-frame so as to provide lockable support for said flexible cover means, said roof support link arms adapted to pivotally collapse against said back support frame; and seat support U-frame link arms pivotally connecting said seat support U-frame with said back support frame, said sea-t support U-frame link arms adapted to pivotally collapse against said back support frame.

3. In a collapsible tent shelter, the combination including: a substantially rectangular tubular main frame; flexible cover means in association with said tubular main frame, said flexible cover means adapted to be stretched into a tent shelter having a roof portion, vertical side walls, a rear wall, and a floor portion; a tubular seat U-frame pivotally connected at the ends of its legs to the tubular main frame; a tubular seat support U-frame marginally attached to said floor portion of said flexible cover means, said seat support U-frame pivotally connected at the ends of its-legs to the corner portions of the seat U-frame; a tubular roof support U-frame marginally I References tilted in the file of this patent I UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,266,853 Dabney Dec. 23,1941 2,268,281 De Tosto Dec. 30, 1941 2,811,977 'McClish Nov. 5, 1957

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