Cross Reference

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 62/003,340 filed May 27, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

[0001] Structures such as tents, canopies and gazebos are typically used as temporary shelters for a variety of purposes such as camping, social events and the like. Such temporary structures are desirable to have protection from UV rays, rain, wind insects and the like. Often times, external light sources are brought into the structure to illuminate the interior. Alternatively, attempts have been made to incorporate an inherent light source, but such sources can be unmanageable and heavy. As such, there persists a need for a lightweight inherent light source for these structures.

Summary

[0002] This disclosure is directed to tents, awnings, and other flexible shelters that have lighting incorporated into the flexible structure.

[0003] In one implementation, this disclosure provides a temporary structure (e.g., a tent) comprising at least two flexible materials joined at a seam, and an extended length of lights or lighting present in a sleeve, the sleeve integrated with the seam.

[0004] In another implementation, this disclosure provides a temporary structure having an interior (e.g., a tent) comprising at least one flexible material that forms an inner surface of the interior, and an extended length of lights present in a sleeve, the sleeve at least partially formed by the flexible material that forms the inner surface. In some

implementations, the sleeve is integrated with a seam.

[0005] In yet another implementation, this disclosure provides an extended length of lights present in a sleeve, the lights or lighting electrically connected to a battery, and a plurality of clips on the sleeve. The extended length of lights can be used to retrofit a structure. [0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed

Description.

Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a temporary structure, particularly of a tent, having interior lighting.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an interior of the tent of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a seam of the interior of the tent of FIG. 1, illustrating lighting in a sleeve incorporated into a seam.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view of another example of a tent.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of another example of a tent.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sleeved lighting apparatus that can be used to retrofit a temporary structure, such as a tent.

[0013] FIGS. 7A and 7B are a schematic side view and a schematic perspective view, respectively, of an example of a portion of a sleeved lighting apparatus.

[0014] FIGS. 8 A and 8B are a schematic side view and a schematic perspective view, respectively, of another example of a portion of a sleeved lighting apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of another example of a portion of a sleeved lighting apparatus.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of another example of a portion of a sleeved lighting apparatus.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of yet another example of a portion of a sleeved lighting apparatus.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of yet another example of a portion of a sleeved lighting apparatus. Detailed Description

[0019] The present disclosure is directed to lighted flexible, temporary structures, such as tents, awning, canopies and gazebos. Although the term "tent" is used in this Detailed Description when referring to the inventive structure, it should be understood that all structures including tents, awning, canopies, camping tarps, gazebos, shelters, etc. are encompassed by the term "tent".

[0020] The tents of this disclosure include interior lighting integral with the fabric that forms the flexible nature of the structure. The extended length of lighting is present in a flexible sleeve of material (e.g., fabric, cloth, mesh, etc.), the material optionally being the same material that forms the structure. The lighting is present as an extended length, in most implementations at, close to, or within a seam of the structure.

[0021] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms a part hereof and in which are shown by way of illustration at least one specific embodiment. In the drawing, like reference numerals are used throughout several figures to refer to similar components. In some instances, a reference numeral may have an associated sub-label consisting of a lower-case letter to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification of a sub-label, the reference is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a temporary structure, particularly, a tent 100, is shown. The tent 100 has a structure 102 formed by at least one sheet of flexible material 103 suspending by or on a frame 104. Multiple sheets of material 103 are joined at seams 106. The overall structure 102 has an exterior 108 and an interior 110. A portion of the interior 110 is seen in FIG 2, which also shows multiple sheets of material 103 joined at seams 106. The placement, length, etc. of the seams 106 will vary depending on the size, type, and shape of the tent 100. Additionally, the particular configuration of the seams 106 will vary, depending on, for example, the material(s) 103 being joined, the required strength of the seam 106 (for example, for tent poles) and the available sewing or stitching capabilities. Present at at least one seam 106 is a lighting system 1000, which includes a string of lights 1002 electrically connected to a power source, such as a battery 1004.

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up of an extended string of lights 1002 present at a seam 106 that joins two sheets of material 103. The string of lights 1002 includes a plurality of individual lights 1006 within a sleeve 1010; in this embodiment, the sleeve 1010 is incorporated into the seam 106 of the tent and the sleeve 1010 runs with the seam 106.

[0024] The sleeve 1010 in which the lights 1006 are present is a flexible material (e.g., fabric, mesh, etc.) and can be the same material from which the tent is formed (e.g., the same as flexible sheet of material 103). The color of the sleeve can be varied to modify the color of the light in the tent.

[0025] As the lights 1006, LED (light emitting diode) lights are preferred, because LED lights are small, long lasting, require little energy usage, and are relatively bright for their size.

[0026] A "run" or extended length of the string of lights 1002 can be up to about 60 inches, although in some implementations multiple shorter runs, such as about 30 inches long, are used. A shorter run is beneficial for those instances if a wire or light 1006 malfunctions, requiring replacement of the wire, light 1006, or run.

[0027] The string of lights 1002 is powered by the portable battery pack 1004; the batteries within the pack may be rechargeable or disposable. Two to three AAA batteries would be sufficient for some implementations. The batteries may be recharged, for example, by 110/ 120V standard U.S. household current, by 6V or 12V (such as a car battery), or by a renewable energy source such as solar or wind. The battery pack 1004 can be removable and replaceable from the string of lights 1002 and from within the tent. In some implementations, the battery pack may be of sufficient size to additionally power or recharge other equipment, such as a GPS unit or cell phone.

[0028] When the environment in which the tent or other temporary structure is located is dark (e.g., at night), the lights present within the interior of the tent illuminate the interior of the tent. FIG. 4 shows an implementation where the lights are present at one end of the structure, and FIG. 5 shows an implementation where the lights form a partial ring or circle about the interior of the tent, in both implementations, close to the top of the tent.

[0029] In FIG. 4, a tent 200 is illustrated that has structure 202 formed by a plurality of sheets of flexible material 203 joined at seams 206 to form the structure 202 of the tent 200. The tent 200 has a first end 212 and an opposite second end 214. Present close to the first end 212 is a lighting apparatus 1000 formed from a string of lights 1002 and a battery pack 1004. The string of lights 1002 has a plurality of lights 1006 in a sleeve 1010.

[0030] In this implementation, three strings of lights 1002 radiate as spokes or arms

1 ¹ t-central location at or close to the top of the tent 200. Ί 1002 are predominantly present at one end or side of the tent 200, for example, at the back of the tent 200 away from the access door; in other implementations, the strings of lights 1002 may be present closer to an access door.

[0031] Turning to FIG. 5, a tent 300 is illustrated that has a plurality of sheets of flexible material 303 joined at seams 306 to form the structure of the tent 300. The tent 300 has a first end 312 and an opposite second end 314. Present close to the top of the tent 300 is a lighting apparatus 1000 formed from a string of lights 1002 and a battery pack 1004. The string of lights 1002 has a plurality of lights 1006 in a sleeve 1010.

[0032] In this implementation, four strings of lights 1002 (particularly, strings 1020, 1020, 1022, 1022) encircle approximately ¾ of the tent 300, with the strings 1020 close to second end 314 at or close to the top of the tent 300 and the strings 1022 extending toward the first end 312 angling from the top of the tent 300 lower down the walls of the tent 300. In an alternate implementation, the strings of lights 1002 form a complete ring around the interior of the tent 200.

[0033] The illumination within the tent, either tent 200 or tent 300, based on e.g., the number of lights, the placement of the lights, the spacing between individual lights in the extended length, the wattage of the lights, etc., is sufficient for a user (e.g., a camper) to find gear, view a map, view a lighted apparatus such as a tablet or an e-reader, and the like. In some implementations, the illumination is sufficient for the user to read a conventional book or paper.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a lighting apparatus 400 for retrofitting a temporary structure, such as a tent, with lighting. The lighting apparatus 400 has a string of lights 402 and a battery pack 404. The string of lights 402 has a plurality of lights 406 (e.g., LEDs) in a sleeve 410. Attached to the sleeve 410 are attachment mechanisms 412, such as clips, with which the lighting apparatus 400 can be attached, for example, to loops, eyelets, or even a frame that may be present in the interior of the tent. The attachment mechanisms 412 may be fixed in their location or may be adjustable positioned on the sleeve 410.

[0035] As indicated above, this disclosure provides various implementations having a length of lights within a sleeve present in the interior of the tent, in some implementations, approximately wherein the walls of the tent meet the ceiling; in these implementations, the lights are coincident with a seam. In other implementations, the lights are not coincident with a seam. In some implementations, the sleeve formed by the material sheets being joined by

„„„ ^™ „.i in other implementations the sleeve is formed from a d than the material sheets being joined by the seam. Various different implementations of seams and the light sleeve are shown in the following figures. By having the lights in a sleeve, the lights are protected and tangling etc. is inhibited, such as when the tent is collapsed and packed. Additionally, having the lights in the sleeve facilitates removing and replacing the lights, if needed.

[0036] A first implementation of a sleeve in a seam is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, where a first sheet of flexible material 503A is being joined with a second sheet of flexible material 503B at a seam 506 by stitches 505. Incorporated into the seam 506 by the stitches 505 is a sleeved lighting apparatus 1500, which has lights 1506 in a sleeve 1510, the sleeve 1510 being formed by a material other than sheets 503A, 503B. The material of the sleeve 1510 is coincident with the seam 506.

[0037] A second implementation of a sleeve in a seam is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, where a first sheet of flexible material 603 A is being joined with a second sheet of flexible material 603B at a seam 606 by stitches 605. A third sheet of flexible material 603C is also present in the seam 606. Incorporated into the seam 606 by the stitches 605 is a sleeved lighting apparatus 1600, which has lights 1606 in a sleeve 1610, the sleeve 1610 being formed by a material other than sheets 603A, 603B, 603C. The material of the sleeve 1610 is coincident with the seam 606.

[0038] Another implementation of a sleeve is shown in FIG. 9. In this implementation, the sleeve is formed by a material other than sheets that form the structured (e.g., tent), however, the sleeve is not coincident with a seam. Rather, a sleeved lighting apparatus 1700, which has lights 1706 in a sleeve 1710 is affixed to a sheet of flexible material 703 that forms the structure of the tent (not shown) by stitches 705.

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates an implementation of a sleeve that is formed by the flexible material that forms the structure (e.g., tent). In FIG. 10, a first sheet of flexible material 803 A is being joined with a second sheet of flexible material 803B at a seam 806 by stitches 805. Incorporated into the seam 806 by the stitches 805 is a sleeved lighting apparatus 1800, which has lights 1806 in a sleeve 1810, the sleeve 1810 being formed by material 803B.

[0040] Another implementation of a sleeve formed by the structure's material, but not coincident with a seam is shown in FIG. 11. Rather, a sleeved lighting apparatus 1900, which has lights 1906 in a sleeve 1910 is affixed to a sheet of flexible material 903 that forms the structure of the tent (not shown) by stitches 905. [0041] An implementation of a sleeved lighting apparatus, such as suitable for a retrofit apparatus such as that of FIG. 6, is illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, a sleeved lighting apparatus 1950, which has lights 1956 in a sleeve 1960 closed by stitches 955 is shown.

[0042] It is noted that although the previous discussion references that the seams are 'sewn' or 'stitched', and that the sleeve is likewise 'sewn' or 'stitched' to the seam or to the material, and that 'stitches' are used, other sealing techniques other than sewing can be used. For example, a seam and/or sleeve may be stapled, tacked, riveted, or glued.

[0043] The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention. The above description provides specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are

contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The above detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. While the present disclosure is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the disclosure will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided.

[0044] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties are to be understood as being modified by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0045] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" encompass

embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0046] Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, "lower", "upper",

"beneath", "below", "above", "on top", etc., if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if a structure depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath other elements would then be above or over those other elements.

[0047] Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different embodiments may be combined in yet another embodiment without departing from the recited claims.