TENT OR AWNING WITH COMBINED ZIPPER AND MAGNETIC CLOSURE

Abstract

 The invention relates to a Tent or awning with combined zipper and magnetic closure. Each left and right wing of the door has a side part that is split into a first and a second flap. The first flap comprises a zipper or other closure means, such as snap closures or hook and loop fasteners, and the second flap comprises a magnet.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tents or awnings.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Traditionally, zippers are used for closures for openings in tents or awnings. It is always important to provide as effective a closure as possible in order to keep insects from the interior of the tent or awning. Furthermore, at night, when a user leaves the tent for different purposes, it is problematic that a zipper closing is very noisy, risking waking other residents in the tent or awning. US3827019 discloses a closure with magnets. However, weather conditions may require a very strong closure to avoid that it opens or that water or snow enters the tent or awning, and water or wind may enter through a zipper closing.

[0003] KR200322063 discloses a waterproof zipper with a waterproof and moisture proof function for the objects such as bags, tents, or shoes by blocking the zipper cloth as well as the interlocking zipper rail portion. The zipper rail is covered with a pair of waterproof membranes made of a soft synthetic resin material mixed or coated with magnetic powder. The magnetic membranes connect magnetically to form a waterproof barrier in front of the zipper.

Object of the Invention

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to provide a tent or awning closure solving at least some of the above problems.

Description of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect relates to a tent or awning comprising a door with a left wing and a right wing; wherein each wing comprises a first side part adapted for being connected to the wall of the tent or awning, and a second side part; wherein the second side part of the left wing is adapted for being connected to the opposing second side part of the right wing; wherein each second side part is split into a first and a second flap; wherein the first flap comprises a zipper or other closure means, such as snap closures or hook and loop fasteners, and wherein the second flap comprises a magnet.

[0006] A second aspect relates to a tent or awning comprising a door with a left wing and a right wing; wherein each wing comprises an upper part adapted for being connected to the roof of the tent or awning, a bottom part adapted for being connected to the floor of the tent or awning, a first side part adapted for being connected to the wall of the tent or awning, and a second side part; wherein the second side part of the left wing is adapted for being connected to the opposing second side part of the right wing; wherein each second side part is split into a first and a second flap; wherein the first flap comprises a zipper or other closure means, such as snap closures or hook and loop fasteners, and wherein the second flap comprises a magnet.

[0007] The present invention allows the user of a tent or awning according to the present invention to choose which type(s) of closure(s) that is needed for a specific condition. In some embodiments, both closures may be configured to be used at the same time, and in others only one of the closures may be used at a time.

[0008] In the present context, the term "wing" should be interpreted broadly, thereby covering all types of doors suitable for tents or awnings. The terms "wing" and "panel" can be used interchangeably.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first flap of the left wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, the second flap of the left wing is facing the surroundings, the first flap of the right wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the second flap of the right wing is facing the surroundings. In this configuration, the zipper closure is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the magnetic closure is facing the surroundings. The user, when inside the tent or awning, may thereby choose not to use the zipper closure, and when both closures are used, it provides for a weather resistant closure.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the second flap of the left wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, the first flap of the left wing is facing the surroundings, the second flap of the right wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the first flap of the right wing is facing the surroundings. In this configuration, the magnetic closure is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the zipper closure is facing the surroundings. The user, when inside the tent or awning, will in this configuration have to use both the closures, as the magnetic closure cannot be prevented from closing, unless means are present that are adapted for folding the second flaps away from one another. When both closures are used, it provides for a weather resistant closure.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first flap of the left wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, the second flap of the left wing is facing the surroundings, the first flap of the right wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the second flap of the right wing is facing the surroundings, or vice versa.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first flap of the left wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, the second flap of the left wing is facing the surroundings, the first flap of the right wing is facing the surroundings, and the second flap of the right wing is facing the inside of the tent or awning, or vice versa. This configuration prevents both closures from being used at a time, but at the same time provides a cover for the closure on one or both sides thereof, depending on the length of the flaps. In one or more embodiments, the first flaps are of a length suitable for providing a shield for the magnetic closure. In one or more embodiments, the second flaps are of a length suitable for providing a shield for the zipper or other closure means.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first flap of the left wing is longer than the first flap of the right wing, and the second flap of the left wing is shorter than the second flap of the right wing, or vice versa. This configuration results in the zipper closure and the magnetic closure being offset from each other, thereby providing for a very weather resistant closure.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first flap of the left wing comprises a first part of a zipper, and wherein the first flap of the right wing comprises the corresponding part of said zipper.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the second flaps each comprises one or more plate shaped permanent magnets positioned along the length of the wings.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the second flaps each comprises a plurality of plate shaped permanent magnets positioned along the length of the wings.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the plate shaped permanent magnet(s) of the second flap of the left wing are magnetized in a first pattern of areas with alternating polarity; and
wherein the plate shaped permanent magnet(s) of the second flap of the right wing are magnetized in a second pattern of areas with alternating polarity; wherein the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are magnetically complementary to one another. This configuration allows for a very strong connection between the second flap of the left wing and the second flap of the right wing without having to use very strong magnets. Furthermore, the pattern of areas allows for a very precise positioning of the flaps relative to one another. The areas of positive polarization on the plate shaped permanent magnet(s) of the second flap of the left wing will attract to areas of negative polarization on the the plate shaped permanent magnet(s) of the second flap of the right wing; and vice versa. That is why the first and second pattern of areas must be magnetically complementary to one another.

[0018] The first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity may be formed by magnetization with magnetic poles of alternating polarities, which poles are in the form of some geometrical shape, such as stripes, sectors, concentrically arranged rings, quadrangles and the like. For example, a magnetic north stripe is followed by a magnetic south stripe in alternating fashion.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are striated.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are striated, and wherein each stripe has a width of at least 1 mm, such as within the range of 1-100 mm, e.g. at least 2 mm, such as within the range of 2-95 mm, e.g. at least 3 mm, such as within the range of 3-90 mm, e.g. at least 4 mm, such as within the range of 4-85 mm, e.g. at least 5 mm, such as within the range of 5-80 mm, e.g. at least 10 mm, such as within the range of 10-75 mm, e.g. at least 15 mm, such as within the range of 15-65 mm, e.g. at least 20 mm, such as within the range of 20-60 mm, e.g. at least 25 mm, such as within the range of 25-55 mm, e.g. at least 30 mm, such as within the range of 30-50 mm, e.g. at least 35 mm, such as within the range of 35-45 mm, e.g. at least 40 mm, or at least 50 mm.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are checkered, with alternating squares of positive or negative polarity.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are checkered, with alternating squares of positive or negative polarity; and wherein square has a width of at least 1 mm, such as within the range of 1-100 mm, e.g. at least 2 mm, such as within the range of 2-95 mm, e.g. at least 3 mm, such as within the range of 3-90 mm, e.g. at least 4 mm, such as within the range of 4-85 mm, e.g. at least 5 mm, such as within the range of 5-80 mm, e.g. at least 10 mm, such as within the range of 10-75 mm, e.g. at least 15 mm, such as within the range of 15-65 mm, e.g. at least 20 mm, such as within the range of 20-60 mm, e.g. at least 25 mm, such as within the range of 25-55 mm, e.g. at least 30 mm, such as within the range of 30-50 mm, e.g. at least 35 mm, such as within the range of 35-45 mm, e.g. at least 40 mm, or at least 50 mm.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are checkered, with alternating squares of positive or negative polarity; and wherein square has a width and length of at least 1 mm, such as within the range of 1-100 mm, e.g. at least 2 mm, such as within the range of 2-95 mm, e.g. at least 3 mm, such as within the range of 3-90 mm, e.g. at least 4 mm, such as within the range of 4-85 mm, e.g. at least 5 mm, such as within the range of 5-80 mm, e.g. at least 10 mm, such as within the range of 10-75 mm, e.g. at least 15 mm, such as within the range of 15-65 mm, e.g. at least 20 mm, such as within the range of 20-60 mm, e.g. at least 25 mm, such as within the range of 25-55 mm, e.g. at least 30 mm, such as within the range of 30-50 mm, e.g. at least 35 mm, such as within the range of 35-45 mm, e.g. at least 40 mm, or at least 50 mm. The squares may in one or more embodiments be different in width and/or length.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are made from rectangular areas with a width and length of at least 1 mm, such as within the range of 1-100 mm, e.g. at least 2 mm, such as within the range of 2-95 mm, e.g. at least 3 mm, such as within the range of 3-90 mm, e.g. at least 4 mm, such as within the range of 4-85 mm, e.g. at least 5 mm, such as within the range of 5-80 mm, e.g. at least 10 mm, such as within the range of 10-75 mm, e.g. at least 15 mm, such as within the range of 15-65 mm, e.g. at least 20 mm, such as within the range of 20-60 mm, e.g. at least 25 mm, such as within the range of 25-55 mm, e.g. at least 30 mm, such as within the range of 30-50 mm, e.g. at least 35 mm, such as within the range of 35-45 mm, e.g. at least 40 mm, or at least 50 mm.

[0025] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0026] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

[0027] The invention is described in more detail in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the figures.

Brief description of the figures

[0028] 

Figures 1-3 are schematic drawings of a part of a tent or awning door in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, but with different modes of closure;

Figures 4-6 are front views of a tent or awning door in accordance with various embodiments of the invention showing the steps of opening and closing one type of a magnetic closure;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of two magnets, A, B, with a pattern of areas that is striated and with alternating polarity; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view of two magnets, A, B, with a pattern of areas that is made from rectangular areas and with alternating polarity.

References

[0029] 

110

Floor

200

Door

210

Wing

211

First flap

212

Upper part

213

Second flap

214

Bottom part

216

First side part

218

Second side part

220

Wing

221

First flap

222

Upper part

223

Second flap

224

Bottom part

226

First side part

228

Second side part

310

Zipper part

320

Zipper part

410

Magnet

420

Magnet

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] Figure 4 shows a closed tent or awning door with a left wing 210 and a right wing 220. Each wing 210, 220 comprises an upper part 212, 222 adapted for being connected to the roof of the tent or awning (not shown), a bottom part 214, 224 adapted for being connected to the floor 110 of the tent or awning, a first side part 216, 226 adapted for being connected to the wall (not shown) of the tent or awning, and a second side part 218, 228. The second side part 218 of the left wing 210 is adapted for being connected to the opposing second side part 228 of the right wing 220.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a closed tent or awning door according to the present invention. Each of the second side parts 218, 228 is split into a first 211, 221 and a second 213, 223 flap. The first flap 211, 221 comprises a zipper 310, 320, and the second flap 213, 223 comprises a magnet 410, 420. The tent or awning door is closed by the aid of the zipper 310, 320. Figures 2 and 3 also show a closed tent or awning door like the one in Figure 1, but where it is closed by the aid of the magnet closure 410, 420. As can be seen from Figures 1-3, the magnet closure and the zipper closure cannot be closed at the same time. The second flaps 213, 223 are however of a length suitable for providing a shield for the zipper or other closure means, thereby preventing wind or water from entering therethrough.

[0032] The magnet closure closes differently in Figure 2 and 3 due to the polarization of the magnets. Figure 7 is a perspective view of two magnets, A, B, with a pattern of areas that is striated and with alternating polarity. Figure 8 is a perspective view of two magnets, A, B, with a pattern of areas that is made from rectangular areas and with alternating polarity. A magnet polarization as shown in both Figure 7 and 8 would result in the closure seen in Figure 3, whereas a simple north-south magnet polarization along the length or width of the magnets would result in the closure seen in Figure 2.

[0033] Figures 4-6 are front views of a tent or awning door in accordance with various embodiments of the invention showing the steps of opening and closing one type of a magnetic closure.

Claims

1. A tent or awning comprising:

- a door (200) with a left wing (210), and a right wing (220);

- a zipper (310, 320) adapted as a first closure for said left (210) and right (220) wings; and

- one or more plate shaped permanent magnets (410, 420) positioned along the length of the wings (210, 220) and adapted as a second magnetic closure for said left (210) and right (220) wings;

wherein each of said left (210) and right (220) wings comprises:

- an upper part (212, 222) adapted for being connected to a roof of said tent or awning;

- a bottom part (214, 224) adapted for being connected to a floor of said tent or awning;

- a first side part (216, 226) adapted for being connected to a wall of said tent or awning; and

- a second side part (218, 228);

wherein the second side part (218) of said left wing (210) is adapted for being connected to the opposing second side part (228) of said right wing (220); wherein each of said second side parts (218, 228) is split into a first (211, 221) and a second (213, 223) flap; wherein said first flap (211, 221) comprises said zipper (310, 320), and wherein said second flap (213, 223) comprises said one or more plate shaped permanent magnets (410, 420);

characterized in that both closures are configured to be used at the same time; wherein the first flap (211) of the left wing (210) is facing the inside of the tent or awning, the second flap (213) of the left wing (210) is facing the surroundings, the first flap (221) of the right wing (220) is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the second flap (223) of the right wing (220) is facing the surroundings, or vice versa.

2. The tent or awning according to claim 1, wherein the first flap (211) of the left wing (210) is longer than the first flap (221) of the right wing (220), and the second flap (213) of the left wing (210) is shorter than the second flap (223) of the right wing (220), or vice versa.

3. The tent or awning according to claim 1, wherein the second magnetic closure is configured to be used independently without the use of the first closure.

4. The tent or awning according to claim 3, wherein the first closure is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the second magnetic closure is facing the surroundings.

5. The tent or awning according to any one of the claims 1 or 3, wherein the second magnetic closure is facing the inside of the tent or awning, and the first closure is facing the surroundings.

6. The tent or awning according to claim 1, wherein the second flaps are of a length suitable for providing a shield for said first closure (310, 320).

7. The tent or awning according to claim 1, wherein the second flaps (213, 223) each comprises said one or more plate shaped permanent magnets (410, 420) positioned along the length of the wings (210, 220).

8. The tent or awning according to claim 1, wherein the second flaps (213, 223) each comprises said plurality of plate shaped permanent magnets (410, 420) positioned along the length of the wings (210, 220).

9. The tent or awning according to claim 1, wherein the plate shaped permanent magnet(s) (412) of the second flap (213) of the left wing (210) are magnetized in a first pattern of areas with alternating polarity; and
wherein the plate shaped permanent magnet(s) (422) of the second flap (223) of the right wing (220) are magnetized in a second pattern of areas with alternating polarity; wherein the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are magnetically complementary to one another.

10. The tent or awning according to claim 9, wherein the first and the second pattern of areas with alternating polarity are made from rectangular areas with a width and length of at least 1 mm.

Drawing