Tent Internal Stabilizing and Storage System

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/568,373, filed Mar. 21, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments herein relate to a tent having an internal storage system.

Various types of tents have become popular for camping. One popular type that provides both strength and light weight is a dome tent. A dome tent typically includes a light weight fabric such as nylon and flexible tent poles that form a structure for the tent. The tent includes a floor and a canopy, where the tent poles are arranged above the canopy to form a frame to which the canopy is attached. Many other types of tents are popular as well. However, storage space is often limited inside a tent.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments.

The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “(A)B” means (B) or (AB) that is, A is an optional element.

The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

With respect to the use of any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

As mentioned at the outset, various challenges are presented in designing a tent with sufficient interior storage space.

One approach is to provide pockets built into the walls of the tent body, usually right above the floor, or additional accessories that can be attached inside the tent such as a gear loft. However, a problem with tent pockets is their storage volume is minimal, and not effective for storing bulky items like garments, especially damp ones. Also, they are not removable. The challenges with additional accessories like gear lofts is they must be attached at the center peak/apex of a tent, and similarly to pockets, they have a set size/storage area which can only accommodate a small amount of gear. Gear lofts also obstruct any stargazing view through a canopy mesh.

A cord system provided herein is open and exposed, allowing variously sized and shaped items to be hung from segments of the cord at any open section. The cording may also be routed in different ways across the interior canopy of the tent to accommodate specific gear storage needs. It can also be set up to create storage capability at specific areas of the canopy that aren't being utilized, such as near the floor of the tent, just above the camper's feet or legs. The entire system is very minimal in its appearance, ensuring stargaze views remain unobstructed through a canopy mesh. It's also very lightweight, compact, and is fully removable.

Additionally, the system can improve the structural stability of the tent. Typically, the only way to add structural stability to a tent is to set up exterior guy lines that require extra cording, stakes, and a sufficient area to apply those stakes/anchors. Oftentimes, this isn't possible when camping, backpacking, or mountaineering at a spatially-confined site. Exterior guy lines also require extra work and time in the set up and break down process, and create trip hazards for people, especially in the dark. Each exterior guy line needs to be adjusted separately to create structural equilibrium, which can require walking back and forth multiple times to readjust the opposing guy line being tensioned. For these reasons, many people don't want to deal with exterior guy lines, or simply can't.

The solutions provided herein address the above and other issues. The system eliminates the challenges posed by exterior guy lines. There are no tripping hazards and it doesn't require additional space or stakes to set up. In fact, it comes set up, and won't require any extra work during pitching or breakdown. It can be adjusted from inside the tent quickly and easily, and a single adjustment allows the system to self-equalize the load, so there's no back and forth readjusting from opposing points. The internal cording system may not be a complete replacement for well set up external guy lines in the most extreme winds, but it is a more compelling and convenient option for most camping conditions. Moreover, in extreme weather conditions, the system may still be used in combination with external guy lines to create an even stronger and more stable structure than if using only external guy lines.

In an example implementation, an internal cording system is provided for a tent where one or more cords can be secured by fasteners such as hoops or hooks that are attached to the tent canopy. For example, the fasteners can be sewn into the canopy fabric along its seams. A cord can be routed through the fasteners to create different configurations of cord segments on which items such as clothes can be hung. A cord can also be used with fasteners such as hooks or carabiners to attach to the fasteners that are sewn into the canopy. The cord can have various accessories or tools attached, such as hooks or clamps, to allow the hanging or attachment of different items a camper might use. Advantageously, the tension in the cord can be adjusted, e.g., increased, as additional items are hung from the cord segments to prevent excessive dropping.

In one approach, the cord extends around a perimeter of the canopy to provide different segments for hanging items. The cord ends can be secured to a cord lock that allows the user to adjust the tension in the cord. By tensioning the cord, the structural stability of the tent can be improved. For example, in one approach, the fasteners are aligned with locations of the canopy that are attached to external tent poles so that a tension on the cord is transferred to the poles, pulling the poles tighter and thereby improving the tent's structural stability.

The system has other advantages such as the ability to be easily installed or removed or reconfigured, low cost, low weight and ease of use.

The above and other features can be understood further in view of the following discussion.

depicts an example of an interior of a tenthaving an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments. This is an example two-person dome tent, although the solutions provided herein are applicable to other types of tents as well. The tent has a floorand a canopy, the portion of a tent that extend upwards from the floor. The canopy in this example is a see-through mesh. Tent poles external to the canopy, such as an example tent pole, are used to support the canopy.

The tent has two doors that are both open in this example. A number of hoop fasteners-are sewn into the canopy at a number of fixed points and a cordis run through the fasteners to provide a number of taut cord segments, e.g., cord segments-, that can essentially act as clothes lines. Various items such as articles of clothing,,and, glovesand, a hat, glasses,and, and a headlampare hung on the cord segments.

Generally, a system of cording routed on the interior of a tent provides adjustable stabilization, improved strength of the tent architecture, and additional storage for gear and garments. The static cording forms an internal tension network at the tent canopy, directly underneath the tent poles, preventing them from deforming due to wind, snow, or other environmental stress loads. The cord network also creates multiple sections of accessible taut cording that can be used to easily hang gear and garments in the upper internal canopy area, a typically under-utilized area of a tent. The cord system may be tightened or loosened at a single point of adjustment and is self-equalizing, which also helps maintain structural balance and stability.

The system is versatile in its applications. The cord may be routed in different ways across the interior canopy of the tent depending on structure-stabilizing needs and/or gear storage needs. The entire system is minimal in its appearance, ensuring stargaze views remain unobstructed through mesh-type canopies. It's also lightweight, compact, and fully removable. This system is valuable for any consumer who is camping, in any type of tent camping scenario, and is compelling for consumers who value weight, space, and versatility, such as backpackers and mountaineers.

depicts a close-up view of a portion of the tentof, in accordance with various embodiments. The fasteners-are visible as hoops through which the cord is routed. The cord segments-are also depicted.

The mesh fabric of the canopy includes panels that are connected by seams. For example, panelsandare connected by a seam. The seams add strength and prevent a rip in one panel from extending to other panels.

depicts an example of an exterior of the tentof, in accordance with various embodiments. The canopyis supported by straps attached to flexible tent poles TP, TPand TPmade, e.g., of fiberglass or aluminum. The ends of the tent poles TPand TPare typically secured to the tent floor and the ground. The tent poles cross and are secured to each other at their highest point or apex to provide a rigid structure to support the canopy. The primary tent poles TPand TPcross in an X pattern. The additional tent pole TPcan be secured to TPand TPat the apex as well to help provide a structure for the opposing door openings of the canopy. In this example, the canopy is attached to the tent poles by fabric straps positioned intermittently along the lengths of the tent poles. For example, straps,andare attached to TP, straps,andare attached to TP, and strapsandare attached to TP.

depicts an example of an exterior of the tentofwith a weatherproof rainflyinstalled over the canopy mesh, in accordance with various embodiments. The rainfly can be added for extra warmth and protection from the weather. The tent poles TP, TPand TPofare also depicted. A “figure-8” patternrepresents a possible pattern of the cord inside the canopy. The cord can end at an inside corner with a cord lock. See also.

depicts another example of the interior of the tentof, in accordance with various embodiments. The tent includes a doorwith a zipper.

This approach adds internal guy lines that are pre-hung using guy cord and a cord lock. One continuous line is provided in this example, but separate cords could be used. The line is attached with O-rings and clips. There are five clips CLto CLand four O-rings Oto O(hoops) shown. The cording ends with a small cord lock. 2 mm diameter cording can be used, in an example implementation. A number of cord segments are depicted. For example, a cord segment CSextends from CLto CL, through O, CLand O. A cord segment CSextends from CLto CL. A cord segment CSextends from CLto CL, through O, CLand O. A cord segment CSextends from CLto CL. A cord segment CSextends from Oto a locationin the base of the tent. A cord segment CSextends from Oto a locationin the base of the tent.

depicts another example portion of a tent having an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments. A baseor floor and a canopyare depicted.

A reinforced attachment pointcan be provided on the inside corners of the canopy to make sure they stay watertight. In one approach, a grosgrain loop is sewn into the corner to secure the internal guy cords. Grosgrain is a type of fabric or ribbon with a close weave and prominent horizontal ribbing. It's known for being strong and durable. In this example, the corner is part of the base material, close to where it is joined to the canopy material. Another possible approach is a piece of fabric that is stitched down.

In this example, a cordextends from the attachment pointto a guideand back to the attachment point, while another cordis routed by the guide to provide a turn in the path of the cord.

depicts an example portion of a tent having a reinforced attachment pointto hold a cordof an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments.

depicts an example portion of a tent having an attachment tabto hold a cordof an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments. The attachment tab is attached to the fabricof the tent canopy or floor to provide an additional option for securing the cord.

depicts a close-up view of the attachment taband the fabricof, in accordance with various embodiments.

depicts an example O-ringin a portion of a tent having an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments. An internal guy line can be pre-hung using guy cordand tightened using a tightening cleat. The O-ringis attached to the canopy.

depicts an example O-ringor hoop coupled with a clipin a portion of a tent having an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments. The O-ring is attached to the canopyby a strap. Cordsandextend through the O-ring. The clip can be used for hanging items.

In an example implementation, there are two independent lines that follow the lengths of the X-poles TPand TP. An O-ring can be added under each clip point (attachment point) on the canopy that the guy cord will follow. The center point can use a small clip. The guy cord can be tied off at the front corners of the tent onto a fabric loop with an O-ring. The back corners of the tent can have a fabric loop attached to an O-ring. The guy cord will then circle back to a tightening cleat. Extra reinforcement can be built in to the corners to strengthen this attachment and maintain waterproofness.

depicts an additional example of a portion of a tent having an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments. A loopis attached to the tent at one location. A gapis between the canopy door and mesh door, which may be provided using a grosgrain fabric. This example involves a change to standard loop and cord lock closures for both the mesh and canopy doors. The cord lock toggles can be sewn on the gapbetween the outer canopy door and the inner mesh door. Loops can be placed on the outside of the canopy door and on the inside of the mesh door. A pre-hung cord line can be added inside for drying gear.

depicts another view of the tent portion of, including the loopand the gap, in accordance with various embodiments.

depicts a view of an interior of a tent including a cordand example loops-(or hoops, rings or other fasteners), in accordance with various embodiments. The cord extends through the loops-while the loopsandare not used, in this example.

depicts an example of a G-hookfor use with a cord in an internal cording system of a tent, in accordance with various embodiments. The hook can be used to attach the cord to an attachment point on the canopy, in one approach. In another approach, the hook is used to secure gear inside the tent. The hook can include a bandthrough which a cordpasses and a tip.

depicts an example two-sided hookfor use with a cord in an internal cording system of a tent, in accordance with various embodiments. The hook can include a bandthrough which a cordpasses and opposing tipsand.

The G-hookand two-sided hookare examples of fasteners which can be attached to the cord. Various other fasteners, hangers and hooks can be used.

depicts an example cord lockfor use with a tent having an internal cording system, in accordance with various embodiments. The cord lock has spring-loaded plunger mechanism with a plungerwhich the user presses down to expose an aperturethrough which a cord is passed. When the plunger is released, the mechanism creates a pressure on the cord which locks it in place. Other types of cord local mechanism can be used as well.

depicts the cord lockofwith two cord endsandsecured therein, in accordance with various embodiments. In another approach, a single cord end is secured in a cord lock. The cord lock allows the user to pull the cord through the aperture so that the cord has tension on it, then lock the cord in place.

provide various example upward views of a configuration of an internal cording system of a tent. The resulting cord segments can have any orientation. In some cases, a horizontal orientation is useful. In other cases, the cord segments can be at an angle to the horizontal. The outline of the tentis depicted along with the positions of the tent poles TPand TP. The tent may have a dome shape, for example, so that the fasteners which are closer to the center of the canopy (fasteners-) are higher above the ground than the fasteners which are further from the center of the canopy (fasteners-).

depicts an example upward view of a configuration of an internal cording system of a tent having two separate cordsandand respective sets of fasteners at different heights in the tent, where the cords extend fully around the perimeter of the tent, and the two cordsandare secured at respective cord locksand, in accordance with various embodiments. The first cordis secured to a first set of fasteners-and the second cordis secured to a second set of fasteners-. The fasteners-may be at one height (h) in the tent that is lower than a height (h) of the fasteners-, as mentioned.

The fasteners can be attached to the interior of the canopy at an attachment point or location which corresponds to (is co-located with) an attachment point or location on the exterior of the canopy for strap to hold an exterior pole. For example, the fasteners,,andare attached to the interior of the canopy at an attachment point or location which corresponds to an attachment point or location on the exterior of the canopy for a strap to hold TP. Similarly, the fasteners,,andare attached to the interior of the canopy at an attachment point or location which corresponds to an attachment point or location on the exterior of the canopy for a strap to hold TP. This approach facilitates an efficient transfer of tension from the cord to the exterior poles via the fasteners and the straps and avoid stressing the canopy fabric.

depicts a front view of the tent of, showing the floor, canopy, fastenersandat a first height habove the floor and fastenersandat a second height habove the floor, where h>h, in accordance with various embodiments.