Tent clip

Abstract

 A tent clip (10,110,210,310,410) for connection between a fly sheet (48), tent pole (42) and guy line (44). The clip includes a connector (20) to the flysheet, a hook (25) to snap fit to the pole and a further connector (38) to the guy line. The connectors and hook are arranged in-line so that, in use, tension applied to the guy line is transmitted to the flysheet and the pole to balance loading while the pole is prevented from being released from the clip. A tent (40) and a method of pitching a tent using the tent clip are also described.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to tent clips and in particular, though not exclusively, to a tent clip for interconnection of the tent fabric, a tent pole and a guy line for improved stability of the pitched tent.

[0002] Modern tents that are pitched flysheet first, or that only have a single layer of fabric in the tent (referred to as single skin tents) are currently based on one of two designs. The first, often termed 'pole and sleeve', provides a flysheet, or single outer layer, constructed from a shaped fabric or textile, having a number of sleeves through which the tent poles are inserted. These poles are rods or cables which are typically arranged in the sleeves to force the fabric into the required tent shape. The tent is then secured to the ground by a number pegging points and a number of guy lines. These guy lines are ropes which are sewn, tied or bonded onto the tent fabric, at one end, and are attached to the tent peg at the opposite end.

[0003] In use, individual lengths of pole are connected to provide the desired lengths of tent poles. The flysheet, or outer layer, is unfolded and the poles are inserted through the sleeves. The poles are held under tension in the correct positions. The guy lines can then be attached to the tent pegs and these are pegged out by being embedded in the ground to secure the tent at its desired location. The guy lines are tensioned to ensure the flysheet remains taught. A disadvantage of this design is in the weight of fabric required for the sleeves. While non-continuous sleeve designs are available, these require increased time in setting up the tent which is a distinct disadvantage in the exposed conditions often experienced by walkers and mountain climbers.

[0004] The second type of design is referred to as 'pole and clip'. Here the tent fabric is pegged out prior to pitching the tent. The poles are located over the fabric and then clips, attached to the fabric, engage with the poles. While this has the advantage of providing a lightweight tent, the main disadvantage is that, due to the tension between the tent fabric and the pole, the clips break or snap-off easily.

[0005] As tents become bigger stability becomes more of a problem in strong winds. There are two solutions to this. The first would be to incorporate long pole sleeves to hold the tent poles more securely. The major disadvantage to this solution is that it makes the tent much more difficult to pitch while also increasing the weight of the tent. The second solution is to use shorter pole sleeves and attach the guy lines directly to the tent fabric. This solution compromises the stability of the tent and causes potentially damaging tension on the tent fabric as all the load is applied to the tent fabric. Additionally this solution does not increase the stability of the tent structure as the guy lines do not brace the poles. A user could attach the guy lines to the poles but this is inconvenient, particularly if existing designs of clips are used, as the tension on the clips causes them to be released easily. In this way the clips and guy lines are prone to being lost.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tent clip which cannot become lost from the tent or guy line.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tent clip which improves the stability of a tent in use.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tent clip, the clip comprising: a clip body having a first end, a second end and a middle portion; the first end including first attachment means for connecting the clip to a portion of a tent; the second end including second attachment means for connecting the clip to a guy line; and the middle portion including pole mounting means for engaging the clip to a tent pole; wherein the first attachment means, the second attachment means and the middle portion are arranged co-linearly.

[0009] In this way, the clip is attached to the tent and the guy line so it cannot be lost. Additionally, as the parts are arranged co-linearly, tension applied to the guy line will tension the pole and tent fabric as required.

[0010] Preferably the pole mounting means comprises a C-shaped portion. Preferably the C-shaped portion is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of said tent pole such that said C-shaped portion of said tent clip will provide a snap fit.

[0011] Advantageously said C-shaped portion has an opening, said opening facing said second attachment means. Alternatively the opening may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the second attachment means. In this way the clip cannot be pulled off the pole when tension is applied to the guy line.

[0012] Preferably the first attachment means is an elongate slot located in the body. More preferably the slot is parallel with the opening of the C-shaped portion. Such a slot allows a webbing or fillet of tent fabric to be located therethrough to provide an increased grip on the tent.

[0013] Preferably the second attachment means comprises a circular aperture or eyelet. More preferably the aperture is on a plane parallel with the slot. Such an eyelet allows the guy line to orientate itself with the pole and the tent, in use.

[0014] Alternatively the second attachment means comprises a substantially cylindrical aperture. The cylindrical aperture may have ends in a plane parallel to the C-shaped portion.

[0015] Optionally the second attachment means may include a swivel joint. In this way, the guy line can preferentially orientate itself to suit the position of the clip and tent peg.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provide a tent, the tent comprising a fabric housing, the housing including a plurality of sleeves for location of one or more tent poles therethrough; a plurality of tent poles for location through said sleeves; a plurality of guy lines for securing the tent to a surface; and a plurality of tent clips according to the first aspect wherein each tent clip engages the fabric, a pole and a guy line at a selected location to tension the tent housing, pole and guy line, in-line at each location.

[0017] In this way, the tent has a plurality of tensioned lines connecting the tent housing, poles and guy lines together to provide a stable structure, secured to a surface i.e. the ground. Additionally, the tent may have short pole sleeves, thus providing a tent with increased stability and ease of tent pitching compared to the prior art.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of pitching a tent, the method comprising the steps;

(a) providing a tent according to the second aspect;

(b) locating the tent poles through the sleeves;

(c) engaging the tent clip, as attached to the fabric, to the tent pole via the pole attachment means;

(d) pulling a guy line attached to the second attachment means to provide in-line tension across the tent clip;

(e) securing the guy line to a surface so as to provide in-line tension between the fabric, pole and guy line; and

(f) repeating with one or more other tent clips at other locations on the tent.

[0019] In this way the clips are attached to the tent at all time so cannot be lost; the clips can slide on the poles to the desired locations, and the guy lines can also be permanently attached to the clips to prevent the loss of either.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompany drawings of which:

Figures 1 (a)-(d) are views of a tent clip according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a portion of a tent according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3(a) and (b) are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 4(a) and (b) are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 5(a) and (b) are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a tent clip according to the present invention.

[0021] Reference is initially made to Figure 1 of the drawings which illustrates a tent clip, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Clip 10 comprises a body 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16 and a middle portion 18. Clip 10 is manufactured in a moulded plastic such as nylon, polypropylene or similar material.

[0022] First end 14 comprises an elongate slot 20. The slot is designed to accept a fillet or length of webbing of the tent fabric. Slot 20 is substantially rectangular in cross section, with the long edge 22 lying parallel with the end 14. The first end 14 represents a tab 24 connected to the middle portion 18.

[0023] The middle portion 18 comprises a hook in the form of a substantially c-shaped section 25. This provides a curved surface 26, shaped to match the outer surface of a tent pole. Such tent poles are typically 0.5 - 2.5cm in diameter but can vary dependent on the tent pole diameter in use. There is an opening 28 lying between a hook end 30 and a connection point 32, located between the middle portion 18 and the second end 16. Opening 28 is sized to receive the tent pole in a 'snap-fit' interlocking arrangement such that the tent pole is positively retained against the curved surface 26 within the c-shaped section 25. The opening 28 faces the second end 16. In this way, the tent pole is moved towards the front end 14 to enter the opening 28 and engage the clip 10. Once engaged the orientation of the tent pole in relation to the tent fabric is fixed. A lip 36 is arranged at the end of the opening 28 and splayed outwards to act as a guide for the tent pole to enter the opening 28.

[0024] The surface 26 of the middle portion 18 extends from the c-shaped section 25 to form a tab 34 terminating at the second end 16. Located in the tab is an aperture 38. Aperture 38 is shaped so as to provide a tether point which is self-aligning. In this way, if a rope or guy line is looped through the aperture 38, around the tab 34, the rope can move to any position around the aperture 38. If tension is applied to the rope, it is free to align itself in the direction of the applied load. Preferentially, therefore, the aperture 38 is circular in cross-section. The tab 34 is arranged such that the aperture 38 and the slot 20 are aligned, being on the same or parallel planes. In this way the direction of insertion of the fabric or rope through the slot 20 and aperture 38, respectively, is perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the tent pole into the c-shaped section 25. However, by the nature of the aperture 38 and the rope, movement of the rope is possible over varying degrees from the plane defined by the slot 20.

[0025] In use, clip 10 is arranged between the tent fabric 40, a tent pole 42 and a guy line 44 as illustrated in Figure 2. Like parts to those of Figure 1 have been given the same reference numeral for clarity. Figure 2 shows a section of a tent and similar arrangements will be found at a number of discreet locations over the tent.

[0026] Advantageously, the tent can have short pole sleeves as the clip 10 requires only a short distance of pole and there positioning can be selected to provide sufficient stability without the requirement of long pole sleeves.

[0027] Clip 10 is permanently fixed to the tent fabric 40 via a webbing or fillet 46 of fabric extending from the flysheet 48. The fillet or webbing 46 is located through the slot 20 and is fixed by sewing or bonding back upon itself to prevent release. Due to the longitudinal nature of the fillet 46 and slot 20, the orientation of the clip 10 and the tent fabric 40 is fixed when the clip 10 is placed in tension. Guy line 44 may be pre-tied or fixed through the aperture 38 on the tab 34. In this way, the tent 40, clip 10 and guy line 44 cannot be lost or misplaced when the tent is transported.

[0028] When the tent 40 is to be pitched, the flysheet, or outer layer 48, is unfolded and the tent pole 42 is located in position beside the clip 10. The pole 42 is pushed into the opening 28 and, by a snap fit, engages in the c-shaped middle portion 18. The pole 42 is thus positively retained in the clip 10 so that further poles may be erected without the need to hold the pole 42 and clip 10 together. On location of the poles 42, the guy line 44 may be tensioned, by pulling away from the tent, and secured to the ground by a tent peg or other arrangement. The location of the fillet 46 will preferentially force the poles into a parallel alignment with the slot and a perpendicular alignment with the guy line 44. In this way, tension is applied across the clip 10, linearly across the first end 14, middle portion 18 and second end 16. This is applied through the axis A, as illustrated. Load is thus uniformly taken up by, and balanced across, the tent, pole and guy line. It will be appreciated that the guy line may lie at an angle to the axis A, but that a component of the load will act along the axis A.

[0029] Additionally, tension applied by the guy line 44 on the pole 42, will act to secure the pole 42 in the clip 10 and prevent the clip from releasing as found in prior art arrangements. This is because the opening 128 faces the direction of the guy line and this orientation is fixed in use. Thus in this arrangement, the clip 10 is attached to the tent 40; the pole 42 is attached to the clip 10, in a way that it cannot be pulled off the pole 42 by the guy line when the guy line 44 is pegged out; and the guy line 44 is permanently attached to the clip 10.

[0030] Reference is now made to Figure 3 of the drawings which illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. Like parts to those of the clip 10 of Figure 1 have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 100, for ease of reference. Clip 110 comprises a body 112, first end 114 and second end 116 as for clip 10. The first end 114 and the second end 116 are arranged in a similar manner, providing identical attachments in the form of the slot 120 and the aperture 138. However, in this embodiment, the c-shaped section 25 is now extended on the middle portion 118. Curved surface 26 now extends beyond the connection point 132 so that the opening 128 is now transverse to the first 114 and second 116 ends. To accommodate this, the lip 136 on the hook 130 is moved back and now sits parallel with an oppositely facing lip 137 at the other side of the opening 128.

[0031] Lips 136,137 provide an opening 128 wide enough to accept a tent pole in a `snap-fit' interlocking arrangement such that the tent pole is positively retained against a curved surface 126 of the c-shaped section 125. In this embodiment, due to the ability of the lips 136,137 to both flex outwards to accept a tent pole, while providing a narrow opening, poles which are not sized exactly to match the curved surface 126 can be used with the clip 110.

[0032] In use, clip 110 is handled identically to clip 10, except that the tent pole is now inserted perpendicular to the line of tension across the clip 110. This clip 110 has the added advantage that it cannot be released when excess pull is applied from either the guy line or from the tent itself.

[0033] A third embodiment of the clip 10 is illustrated in Figure 4. As before, like parts to those of the clip of Figure 1 have been given the same reference numeral but with the addition of 200 for ease of reference. Clip 210 is formed in an identical manner to clip 110, excepting that the tab 234 now has an aperture 238 which is a cylindrical bore, whose axis is parallel to the long edge 222 of the slot 220. This provides a tube at the end 216, which is parallel to the tent pole. The guy line is fitted through the aperture 238 and tied back on itself. In this way the guy line can still pivot to align the tension through the clip.

[0034] Clip 210 can be modified to provide a slot through the body 212. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5. Clip 310 is identical to clip 210 excepting that a slot 350 is now arranged along the axis A of the clip 310. Slot 350 is narrow and extends from the second end 316 to the elongate slot 320 at the first end 314. Such a slot 350 can be used to temporarily connect the clip 310 to a tape or other strip. The tape would be inserted through the slot 350 to reach the elongate slot 320 where upon it can be turned to prevent it from exiting through the slot until required. In this way a strip of clips could be supplied so that if any become damaged a replacement could be detached from the strip. The strip may be attached to the tent by a tape or other similar connection.

[0035] A yet further embodiment of a clip, now referenced 410, is illustrated in Figure 6. Like parts to those of the clip 10 of Figure 1 have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 400 for clarity. Clip 410 has an identical end 414 including the slot 420 and a middle portion 418 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 1. In this embodiment the middle portion 418 terminates at the edge of the opening 428 providing an edge 452. Attached to a base 454 of the middle portion 418 is a swivel joint 456. Swivel joint 456 is as known in the art, being a connector which allows parts connected to each end thereof to rotate with respect to each other. More preferably the joint 456 permits 360 degree rotation in either direction. Connected to the joint 456 is a tab 434. Tab 443 has an aperture 438 as described hereinbefore with reference to Figure 1. Thus tab 434 can rotate relative to the body 412 of the clip. The joint 456 is arranged on the body 412 in such a manner that the linear relationship between the slot 420, middle portion 418 and aperture 438 is maintained in use. This arrangement of clip 420 provides maximum flexibility for the guy line during pitching of the tent while still maintaining the guy line as being permanently attached to the clip 410.

[0036] The principal advantage of the present invention is that it provides a tent clip which is attached to the tent; the pole is attached to the clip 10, in a way that it cannot be pulled off the pole 42 by the guy line when the guy line 44 is pegged out; and the guy line 44 is also attached to the clip 10.

[0037] Various modifications may be made to the invention hereindescribed without departing from the scope thereof. For example, the hook need not be a c-shaped section but may be of any cross-section in which the tent pole can be retained. The surface against which the pole rests in the middle portion can be treated by roughening, coating or similar to enhance the grip upon the pole. Further retaining means in the form of grips or a closing portion can be arranged at the opening to assist in maintaining the pole within the clip.

Claims

1. A tent clip (10,110,210,310,410), the clip comprising:

a clip body (12) having a first end (14), a second end (16) and a middle portion (18); the first end including first attachment means (20) for connecting the clip to a portion of a tent; the second end including second attachment means (38) for connecting the clip to a guy line; and the middle portion including pole mounting means (25) for engaging the clip to a tent pole; wherein the first attachment means, the second attachment means and the middle portion are arranged co-linearly.

2. A tent clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pole mounting means comprises a C-shaped portion (25).

3. A tent clip as claimed in claim 2 wherein said C-shaped portion has an opening (28), said opening facing said second attachment means.

4. A tent clip as claimed in claim 2 wherein said C-shaped portion has an opening (128), said opening being transverse to an axis through the first and second ends.

5. A tent clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first attachment means is an elongate slot (20) located in the body (12).

6. A tent clip as claimed in claim 5 wherein the slot is parallel with the opening (28) of the C-shaped portion.

7. A tent clip as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the second attachment means comprises a substantially circular aperture (38).

8. A tent clip as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the second attachment means comprises a substantially cylindrical aperture (238).

9. A tent (40), the tent comprising a fabric housing (48), the housing including a plurality of sleeves for location of one or more tent poles therethrough; a plurality of tent poles (42) for location through said sleeves; a plurality of guy lines (44) for securing the tent to a surface; and a plurality of tent clips (10,110,210,310,410) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each tent clip engages the fabric (48), a pole (42) and a guy line (44) at a selected location to tension the fabric housing, pole and guy line in-line at each location.

10. A method of pitching a tent, the method comprising the steps;

(a) providing a tent as claimed in claim 9;

(b) locating the tent poles through the sleeves;

(c) engaging the tent clip, as attached to the fabric, to the tent pole via the pole attachment means;

(d) pulling a guyline attached to the second attachment means to provide in-line tension across the tent clip;

(e) securing the guyline to a surface so as to provide in-line tension between the fabric, pole and guyline; and

(f) repeating steps (c) to (e) with one or more other tent clips at other locations on the tent.

Drawing