CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority of Chinese Utility Model Applications CN 201620350608.1 filed April 25, 2016, CN 201620734588.8 filed on July 13, 2016, CN 201620993865.7 filed August 30, 2016, and CN 201620995879.2 filed August 30, 2016, the entire contents of which applications are incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to tent and tent frames, and more particularly, relates to tent and tent frames with illumination.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Most existing tents do not have illumination means. If illumination is desired, in particular at night, one often needs to set up a lighting device (e.g., a lamp) and connect the lighting device to a power source or power facility outside of the tent. It is inconvenient, time-consuming and cumbersome. In some cases, for instance when a power source or power facility outside of the tent is not available, the tent cannot provide desired illumination at all.

[0004] Given the current state of the art, there remains a need for tent frames and tents that address the abovementioned issues.

[0005] The information disclosed in this Background section is provided for an

understanding of the general background of the invention and is not an acknowledgement or suggestion that this information forms part of the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention provide tents and tent frames with illumination.

[0007] In many exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a tent frame with illumination. The tent frame includes a plurality of upper supporting poles having one or more illumination supporting poles, a first connector pivotally connecting the plurality of upper supporting poles at their first end portions, and a control box controlling operation of each illumination supporting pole in the one or more illumination supporting poles.

[0008] Each illumination supporting pole includes an illumination groove elongated along a longitudinal direction of the illumination supporting pole and at a lower side of the illumination supporting pole when the tent frame is unfolded. Each illumination supporting pole also includes a first illumination source disposed in the elongated illumination groove. In some exemplary embodiments, each illumination supporting pole in the one or more illumination supporting poles further includes a translucent cover coupled with the elongated illumination groove to encase the first illumination source. In an exemplary embodiment, the first illumination source is an LED lighting strip. When powered, the LED lighting strip emits a light of single color or a light of multiple colors.

[0009] The control box is coupled to the first connector when the tent frame is unfolded, or is integrated with the first connector. The control box includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) electrically coupled to the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole, and the control PCB board of the control box is configured to be electrically connected to a battery set, an external power source, a solar panel or any combination thereof.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the control box further includes a control button to control the operation of the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole in the one or more illumination supporting poles. In an exemplary embodiment, the control box further includes a mounting plate, wherein the control PCB board is fixedly coupled to the mounting plate.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of upper supporting poles includes four illumination supporting poles. In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of upper supporting poles is flexible, and collectively forms an arch ceiling of the tent frame when the tent frame is unfolded. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of upper supporting poles is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further includes a plurality of lower supporting poles, each having an upper end portion coupled to a second end portion of a respective upper supporting pole in the plurality of upper supporting poles.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further includes one or more side connecting units, each disposed between two adjacent supporting poles and connects the two adjacent supporting poles. In an exemplary embodiment, each side connecting unit includes one or more side pole pairs, each pair including two side poles pivotally connected to each other and forming an "X" shape when unfolded. In an exemplary embodiment, at both ends of each side connecting unit, one side pole is connected to an upper end portion of the corresponding lower supporting pole, and the other side pole is connected to a second connector disposed at the corresponding lower supporting pole. The second connector is configured to be selectively fixed at or movable along the corresponding lower supporting pole.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further includes a remote control wirelessly connected to the control box to control the operation of the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further includes a holder to accommodate the remote control. In an exemplary embodiment, the holder includes a slot to receive the remote control, a bottom piece to support the remote control, and one or more additional or optional side pieces extended from the slot to assist in securing the remote control. The holder is coupled to an upper supporting pole, a lower supporting pole or a side connecting unit, or coupled to a connector disposed at the upper supporting pole, the lower supporting pole or the side connecting unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the holder is coupled to a second connector disposed at a lower supporting pole. In an exemplary embodiment, the remote control is fastened or snap-fitted to the holder.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further includes a top cover disposed above the first connector and coupled to the first connector. [0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole includes a first interference at an end adjacent the first connector. The first connector includes a receiving compartment at a lower side of the first connector. The control box includes a protrusion compartment. Corresponding to the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole, the control box further includes a second interface disposed at the protrusion compartment of the control box, and a first electrical line connecting the control PCB board with the second interface. The first interference of the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole is electrically connected to the corresponding second interface disposed in the protrusion compartment of the control box.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the control box further includes a control inner part and a control outer casing. The control inner part includes a plurality of battery

compartments disposed circumferentially around the protrusion compartment, each for housing a battery of the battery set. The control outer casing covers the control inner part and batteries housed in the battery compartments, and removably coupled with the first connector.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the first connector includes a sliding groove, and a stopper disposed at an outer side of the sliding groove. The control outer casing includes a positioning button at an upper outer side thereof and slidable along the sliding groove of the first connector. The positioning button includes a positioning protrusion configured to be releasably coupled with the stopper of the first connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the positioning button further includes a pushing portion formed below the positioning protrusion to assist in coupling/uncoupling of the control outer casing with the first connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the positioning button further includes an elastic member coupled with the pushing portion through a spacer received in a slot formed at an interior side of the pushing portion of the positioning button.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the control box further includes a control button under the control PCB board to control the operation of the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole. The push button is accessible from outside of the control outer casing. In some exemplary embodiments, the control box includes a control casing coupled with the first connector, wherein the control PCB board is disposed in the control casing.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further includes a battery box disposed below the control box when the tent is unfolded. The battery box includes a battery outer casing and a battery inner part. The battery outer casing is coupled to the control casing of the control box and including a rotatable knob. The battery inner part is insertable into and removable from the battery outer casing from a bottom of the battery outer casing. The battery inner part includes an opening to allow the rotatable knob to pass through, and a plurality of battery compartments disposed around the opening, each for housing a battery of the battery set. The rotatable knob is configured to abut a bottom of the battery inner part, thereby releasably coupling the battery inner part with the battery outer casing.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further incudes an external power interface for connecting with the external power source. The external power interface is configured to be mounted at one of the plurality of upper supporting poles or at a lower supporting pole, and includes an external power interface PCB board electrically connected with the control PCB board of the control box. In an exemplary embodiment, the external power interface PCB board includes a USB interface for connecting with the external power source. In an exemplary embodiment, the external power source is a mobile power pack or a solar cell.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the external power interface further includes an interface outer casing for housing the external power interface PCB board, and a second electrical line connecting the external power interface PCB board of the external power interface with the control PCB board of the control box, thereby providing power supply to the control box. In an exemplary embodiment, the external power interface further includes an interface push button for controlling the power supply to the control box. The interface push button is disposed on a side of the external power interface PCB board and

corresponding to a switch on the external power interface PCB board. Additionally or optionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the external power interface further includes an interface cover disposed on an outer side of the interface push button and coupled with the interface outer casing, and a piece fastened on the interface cover for attaching the interface push button.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame further includes a Bluetooth speaker disposed below the control box. The Bluetooth speaker includes a speaker PCB board electrically connected to the external power interface PCB board of the external power interface, and one or more speakers connected to the speaker PCB board. In an exemplary embodiment, the Bluetooth speaker further includes a speaker upper cover coupled with the control box, a speaker outer casing coupled with the speaker upper cover, and a PCB mounting plate disposed in the speaker outer casing, wherein the speaker PCB board is mounted on the mounting plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the Bluetooth speaker is wirelessly connected to a mobile device, wherein the mobile device controls a play of the Bluetooth speaker via Bluetooth technology.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the solar panel is electrically connected to the control PCB board of the control box or the external power interface PCB board of the external power interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel is foldable. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel is a solar cell membrane or a solar cell thin film. In some exemplary embodiments, the solar panel is disposed outside and above the tent cloth.

[0026] In many exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a tent including a tent frame disclosed herein, and a tent cloth coupled to and supported by the tent frame when the tent is unfolded. The tent includes a solar panel as an alternative, additional, or optional power source. The solar panel is electrically connected to the control PCB board of the control box or the external power interface PCB board of the external power interface. In some exemplary embodiments, the solar panel is foldable. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel is a solar cell membrane or a solar cell thin film. In some exemplary

embodiments, the solar panel is disposed outside and above the tent cloth. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel includes a plurality of solar sub-panels, each fixedly disposed at the tent cloth between two adjacent upper supporting poles of the tent frame.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent further includes one or more flexible second illumination sources coupled to the tent cloth along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the rent cloth, and electrically connected to the control box to be powered by the battery set, the external power source, the solar panel or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more flexible second illumination sources is coupled to an eaves of the tent cloth. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more flexible second illumination sources are disposed at an interior side of the tent cloth. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more flexible second illumination sources are disposed at an exterior side of the tent cloth. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one flexible second illumination source in the one or more flexible second illumination sources is disposed at an interior side of the tent cloth, and at least one flexible second illumination source in the one or more flexible second illumination sources is disposed at an exterior side of the tent cloth.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one flexible second illumination source in the one or more flexible second illumination sources is an LED lighting strip. In an exemplary embodiment, the LED strip emits a light of a single color or a light of multiple colors when powered.

[0029] In many exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a tent including a tent frame and a tent cloth coupled to and supported by the tent frame when the tent is unfolded. The tent also includes one or more flexible illumination sources coupled to the tent cloth along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the rent cloth, and a control box to control operation of the one or more flexible illumination sources. In such exemplary embodiments, the tent frame can be of any suitable tent frames with or without illumination.

[0030] Exemplary systems of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain certain principles of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present application and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the application.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a first exemplary tent frame in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view illustrating some components of the first exemplary tent frame of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a partially disassembled view illustrating some components of the first exemplary tent frame of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary connector and an exemplary control box in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. [0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective and partially disassembled view illustrating the exemplary connector and the exemplary control box of FIG. 4.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a second exemplary tent frame in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating some components of the second exemplary tent frame of FIG. 6.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a schematic and partially disassembled view illustrating some components of the second exemplary tent frame of FIG. 6.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view taken along circle B of FIG. 8.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view taken along circle A of FIG. 8.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a third exemplary tent frame in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating some components of the third exemplary tent frame of FIG. 11.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a schematic and partially disassembled view illustrating some components of the third exemplary tent frame of FIG. 11.

[0045] FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E and 14F are views illustrating a battery box in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating some components of an exemplary tent frame in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a schematic and partially disassembled view illustrating some components of an exemplary tent frame in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating a fourth exemplary tent frame in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged and partially disassembled view illustrating some components in circle A of FIG. 17. [0050] FIG. 19 is a perspective and partially disassembled view illustrating some components in circle B of FIG. 17.

[0051] FIG. 20 is a perspective and partially disassembled view illustrating an outer case of FIG 19

[0052] FIG. 21 is a schematic view illustrating a fifth exemplary tent frame in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 22 is a perspective and partially disassembled view illustrating some components in circle C of FIG. 21.

[0054] FIG. 23 is a perspective and partially disassembled view illustrating some components in circle D of FIG. 21.

[0055] FIG. 24A, 24B and 24C are schematic views illustrating an integrated battery case, control box and/or connector.

[0056] FIG. 25 is a schematic view illustrating a six exemplary tent frame in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 26 is a schematic view illustrating some components of the six exemplary tent frame of FIG. 25.

[0058] FIG. 27 is a schematic and partially disassembled view illustrating some components of the six exemplary tent frame of FIG. 25.

[0059] FIG. 28 is a partially enlarged view taken along circle A of FIG. 27.

[0060] FIG. 29 is a partially enlarged view taken along circle B of FIG. 27.

[0061] FIG. 30 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary tent in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 31 is a schematic view illustrating the exemplary tent of FIG. 30 including some additional, optional or alternative components in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the following detailed description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having benefit of this disclosure.

[0064] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0065] Many modifications and variations of the embodiments set forth in this disclosure can be made without departing from their spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention are described in the context of tent and tent frames with illumination. Tents and tent frames of the present invention can be of various sizes and shapes, including but not limited to gazebos, domes, shelters and other types of tents. Generally, a tent of the present invention includes a tent frame and a tent cloth coupled to and supported by the tent frame when the tent is unfolded. The tent or the tent frame includes an illumination light source. In many cases, the illumination light source includes one or more first illumination sources, each integrated with a supporting pole of the tent frame to produce an illumination supporting pole. In some cases, the illumination light source includes one or more second illumination sources coupled to or integrated with the tent cloth. In some cases, the illumination light source includes one or more first illumination sources, and one or more second illumination sources.

[0067] The tent or the tent frame of the present invention also includes a control box coupled to or integrated with a connector of the tent frame. The control box is configured to be electrically connected to the illumination light source, and electrically connected to a battery set, an external power source, a solar panel or any combination thereof. The control box controls the power output to the illumination light source. In some cases, the tent or the tent frame further includes the battery set, the external power source, the solar panel or any combination thereof. In some cases, the battery set is housed in a control box or a battery box removably coupled with the control box. In some cases, the solar panel is foldable or flexible. In a case, the solar panel is coupled to the tent cloth.

[0068] In many cases, a tent frame of the present invention includes a plurality of upper supporting poles pivotally connected to each other, with one or more upper supporting poles configured with first illumination sources. In some cases, the plurality of upper supporting poles is flexible, and collectively forms an arch ceiling of the tent or the tent frame when unfolded. In a case, the plurality of upper supporting poles is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0069] The tent frames and the tents of the present invention are compact, easy to setup, and convenient to use.

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 1 and 2, there is depicted a first exemplary tent frame of the present invention in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. First exemplary tent frame 100a includes a plurality of upper supporting poles such as upper supporting poles 2. The plurality of upper supporting poles is pivotally connected to each other by a connector such as first connector 3. In some exemplary embodiments, the upper supporting poles when unfolded are supported by a plurality of lower supporting poles such as lower supporting poles 1. Additionally or optionally, first exemplary tent frame 100a includes one or more side connecting units, each disposed between two adjacent supporting poles 1 and connects the two adjacent supporting poles. A side connecting unit can be of any suitable

configuration, including but not limited to a pole, a plurality of poles sequentially connected to each other at adjacent ends, or one or more crossed pole pairs connected to each other. A side connecting unit can be the same as or different from another side connecting unit in the same tent frame.

[0071] By way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates four side connecting units, each made of three side pole pairs 12. Each side pole pair 12 includes two side poles 13 pivotally connected to each other and forming an "X" shape when unfolded. Adjacent side pole pairs are pivotally connected to each other at their corresponding ends. At both ends of each side connecting unit, one side pole 13 is connected to an upper end portion of the corresponding lower supporting pole, and the other side pole 13 is connected to a second connector such as second connector 11 disposed at the corresponding lower supporting pole. Second connector 11 is configured to be selectively fixed at or movable (e.g., slidable) along the corresponding lower supporting pole. When fixed, second connector 11 holds side pole pairs 12 in position and thus assists in stabilizing the tent frame when it is unfolded. When movable or slidable along the corresponding supporting pole, second connector 11 allows side pole pairs 12 to open or close and thus facilitates the folding and unfolding of the tent frame.

[0072] First exemplary tent frame 100a also includes a control box such as control box 4 disposed below the first connector when the tent frame is unfolded. In some exemplary embodiments, first connector 3 and control box 4 are integrated to make an integrated hub with control. In various exemplary embodiments, among the plurality of upper supporting poles 2, one or more upper supporting poles are configured with illumination. In an exemplary embodiment, each upper supporting pole is configured with illumination. As used herein, a supporting pole with illumination is referred to as an illumination supporting pole.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in various exemplary embodiments, illumination supporting pole 2 includes an illumination groove such as illumination groove 21 and an illumination source such as first illumination source 211 disposed in the illumination groove. In various exemplary embodiments, illumination groove 21 is elongated along a longitudinal direction of the illumination supporting pole, and first illumination source 211 is an elongated illumination source including but not limited to lighting strips or lighting bands. In some exemplary embodiments, illumination groove 21 is formed at a lower side of the illumination supporting pole when the tent frame is unfolded, so that the first illumination source faces the interior of the tent when the tent is unfolded. In some exemplary embodiments, the first illumination source is a flexible circuit board such as a light-emitting diode (LED) strip. The LED strip can emit a light of a single color or a light of multiple colors. As used herein, an LED strip refers to an elongated LED lighting source including strips, tapes, ribbons or the like.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, illumination supporting pole 2 further includes a translucent cover such as translucent cover 22. As used herein, the term "translucent cover" refers to a cover made of a material that is transparent to at least a portion or a certain wavelength range of the light emitted from the first illumination source. It can be but does not necessarily need to be completely transparent to the entire light emitted from the first illumination source. Translucent cover 22 and illumination groove 21 are coupled to each other, for instance, through snap-fitting, press-fitting or any suitable methods, and enclose first illumination source 211 within. In some exemplary embodiments, first illumination source 211 of each illumination supporting pole includes an interface such as first interference 212 at an end adjacent first connector 3. First interface 212 of first illumination source 211 is placed outside of illumination groove 21 and/or translucent cover 22 for connecting with control box 4, which is disposed adjacent (e.g., above, below) first connector 3 when the tent frame is unfolded, or is integrated with first connector 3.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, in some exemplary embodiments, first connector 3 includes first portion 31, and second portion 32 disposed below first portion 31 when the tent frame is unfolded. First portion 31 includes a plurality of connecting slots such as four connecting slots 311 for pivotally connecting the plurality of upper supporting poles 2. In an exemplary embodiment, each slot 311 includes two side walls for pivotally connecting one upper supporting pole 2, for instance, by a fastener through the holes formed on the side walls of the slot and at one end of the upper supporting pole. The side walls of the slot also serve as guides guiding the rotation of the upper supporting pole.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, second portion 32 of first connector 3 includes a compartment such as receiving compartment 321 for connecting with control box 4. In some exemplary embodiments, the wall of the receiving compartment is formed with a plurality of holes such as holes 312, through which, slots 311 are connected to receiving compartment 321

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 is coupled to first connector 3 at the lower side of the first connector. In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 includes a compartment such as protrusion compartment 41 for coupling with receiving compartment 321 of first connector 3. In the illustrated embodiment, protrusion compartment 41 is formed at an upper side of the control box. Protrusion compartment 41 of control box 4 and receiving compartment 321 of first connector 3 can be coupled to each other by any suitable means including but not limited to snap-fitting, press-fitting, screws, nuts and bolts. For example, they can be fastened using nuts and bolts through the holes formed on the walls of the protrusion compartment and the receiving compartment.

[0078] Control box 4 is configured to control the operation of the illumination. For instance, control box 4 can be used to turn on/off the illumination, adjust the brightness/intensity/color of the illumination, or the like. In various embodiments, control box 4 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be electrically connected to a power source such as a battery set, an external power source, a solar panel or any combination thereof. By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates control box 4 including control PCB board 44 electrically connected to a battery set having a plurality of batteries 421. In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 includes a plate or cover such as mounting plate 45 for mounting control PCB board 44. In an exemplary embodiment, mounting plate 45 also severs as a bottom cover of the control box.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, corresponding to first illumination source 211 of each illumination supporting pole, the control box further includes a second interface such as second interface 411, which in some cases is disposed at protrusion compartment 41 of control box 4 when assembled. First interference 212 of the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole is electrically connected to the corresponding second interface 411. Corresponding to first illumination source 211 of each illumination supporting pole, the control box also includes an electrical line (e.g., wire, cord, cable, or the like) such as first electrical line 431 to connect control PCB board 44 with the second interface.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 further includes a passage such as passage 43 connected to or formed through protrusion compartment 41 to allow the first electrical line pass through. In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 further includes a plurality of battery compartments 42, each to house a battery such as battery 421. The number of the battery compartments can be varied, and by way of example, four battery compartments are illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, the passage is formed in the middle or middle portion of the control box, with the plurality of the battery compartments disposed circumferentially around the passage. In an exemplary embodiment, the passage is the space formed collectively by the plurality of the battery compartments.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, control box 4 includes an individual battery cover for each battery compartment. In many exemplary embodiments such as that illustrated in FIG. 5, control box 4 includes control inner part 40 and control outer casing 46. Control inner part 40 includes protrusion compartment 41 and a plurality of battery compartments 42 disposed circumferentially around the protrusion compartment for housing batteries 421. Control outer casing 46 covers the control inner part and batteries housed in the battery compartments. As such, two or more or all of the batteries can be replaced at once by simply removing the control outer casing or taking the control inner part out of the control outer casing.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, battery spring pieces 432 are disposed above and below batteries 421. The above battery spring pieces 432 are disposed below first portion 31 of first connector 3, and the below battery spring pieces 432 are disposed at the bottom of the battery compartments 42. In some exemplary embodiments, control inner part 40 also includes plates 425 disposed outward of the protrusion compartment to separate the battery compartments from each other. In the embodiment with four battery compartments, two plates 425 are disposed, with one on each side of the protrusion compartment. In an exemplary embodiment, control inner part 40 further includes plates extending from plates 425 to assist in holding the batteries.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, control outer casing 46 is configured to be removably coupled with first connector 3. For example, first connector 3 is configured to include sliding groove 33, and stopper 331 disposed at an outer side of the sliding groove. Corresponding to sliding groove 33 and stopper 331, control outer casing 46 includes positioning button 47 with positioning protrusion 471. Positioning button 47 is configured to be slidable along the sliding groove of the first connector. In an exemplary embodiment, positioning button 47 is disposed or formed at the upper outer side of control outer casing 46, and positioning protrusion 471 is formed at the upper end portion of the positioning button. To couple control outer casing 46 with first connector 3, simply push the control outer casing upward until positioning protrusion 471 of positioning button 47 engages with stopper 331 of first connector 3. Stopper 331 holds positioning button 47, and thus holds control outer casing 46 in place. To uncouple control outer casing 46 from first connector 3, simply press positioning protrusion 471 to release positioning protrusion 471 from stopper 331, and push the control outer casing downward.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, positioning button 47 further includes a pushing portion such as pushing portion 472 formed below the positioning protrusion. In an exemplary embodiment, pushing portion 472 is formed with ribs, grooves, bumps or the like to assist in pushing positioning button 47 along sliding groove 33, and thus assisting in coupling/uncoupling of the control outer casing with the first connector.

[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 further includes control button 48 to control the operation of the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole. In the illustrated embodiment, control button 48 is placed under control PCB board 44. Control button 48 is exposed to or is accessible from the outside of control outer casing 46, for example, through the holes formed at mounting plate 45 and/or at control outer casing 46. Control button 48 can be used in combination with a remote control such as remote control 9 wirelessly connected to the control box to control the operation of the first illumination source of each illumination supporting pole. Control button 48 can also be used alone (e.g., in embodiments without remote control 9 or when remote control 9 is lost).

[0086] Assembling the tent frame is simple. For example, first, connect the upper supporting poles 2 with first connector 3, and place, via hole 312, first interference 212 of first illumination source 211 in receiving compartment 321 of first connector 3. Then, couple control box 4 with first connector 3. Afterwards, connect first interference 212 of first illumination source 211 of each illumination supporting pole with its corresponding second interface 411 disposed at protrusion compartment 41 of control box 4.

[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, there is depicted a second exemplary tent frame of the present invention in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. As shown, second exemplary tent frame 100b includes a plurality of lower supporting poles 1 and a plurality of upper supporting poles 2. The plurality of upper supporting poles 2 is pivotally connected to first connector 3 at their first end portions. One or more upper supporting poles 2 are configured with illumination, and the operation of the illumination is controlled by control box 4 disposed below first connector 3 when the tent frame is unfolded or integrated with first connector 3. In the illustrated embodiments, control box 4 includes control PCB board 44, and a casing such as control casing 49 coupled to first connector 3. First PCB board 44 is electrically connected with first illumination source 211 of each illumination supporting pole, for instance, by first electrical lines 431. In some exemplary embodiments, control PCB board 44 is mounted on mounting plate 45, which in some cases serves as the bottom of the control box. In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 further includes one or more protecting pieces (e.g., seals, plugs or covers) such as protecting pieces 491, 492, and 493. In an exemplary embodiment, protecting piece 491 is disposed between mounting plate (or the bottom of the control box) 45 and control PCB board 44 to protect the PCB board from getting wet. Protecting piece 492 is disposed above control casing 49, and protecting piece 493 is disposed above protecting piece 492 and under top cover 30.

[0088] In exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 6-10, control box 4 is not incorporated or coupled with a battery set. Instead, it is electrically coupled to an external power interface such as external power interface 8 configured for connecting with an external power source. External power interface 8 can be mounted at a lower or upper supporting pole. By way of example, FIG. 6 shows external power interface 8 mounted at a lower supporting pole. In some exemplary embodiments, external power interface 8 includes an interface outer casing such as interface outer casing 81 configured to be mounted at a lower or upper supporting pole.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, external power interface 8 includes external power interface PCB board 82 disposed in the interface outer casing, and second electrical line 80 (e.g., wire, cord, cable, or the like) electrically connecting external power interface PCB board 82 with control PCB board 44 of control box 4. Thus, once an external power source is connected to or plugged in external power interface 8, the external power source can provide power supply to control PCB board 44 of the control box, and/or power supply to first illumination source 211 through control PCB board 44 of the control box.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, external power interface PCB board 82 includes an interface accessible from outside of the interface outer casing for connecting with an external power source. The external power source can be any suitable power sources, stationed or mobile, including but not limited to mobile power packs and solar cells. For instance, FIG. 10 illustrates external power interface PCB board 82 including USB interface 821 (e.g., USB, miniUSB, microUSB, or the like) accessible from outside of interface outer casing 81 (e.g., through the slot formed at the interface outer casing) for connecting with a mobile power pack, a solar cell or the like.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, external power interface PCB board 82 includes switch 822. Corresponding to switch 822, external power interface 8 further includes interface push button 83 disposed on a side of the external power interface PCB board to control the external power interface PCB board, the power supply to the control box, and/or the operation (e.g., on/off or brightness) of each illumination supporting pole. In an exemplary embodiment, external power interface 8 additionally or optionally includes interface cover 84 disposed on an outer side of the interface push button and coupled with the interface outer casing.

[0092] In some exemplary embodiments, a tent frame of the present invention includes two or more of an external power source interface, a battery set, a solar panel, or the like. The external power source interface, the battery set, the solar panel or the like can work alone, or as an alternative, an addition or an option to one another. The battery set can be integrated into the control box such as those described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, or housed in a separate battery box configured to be coupled with the control box as illustrated in FIGS 11-14F

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 11-14F, there is depicted a third exemplary tent frame of the present invention. Third exemplary frame 100c is similar to second exemplary tent frame 100b but includes one or more additional, optional, modified or alternative components. For instance, third exemplary frame 100c includes a separate battery box such as battery box 5 to house a battery set. In an exemplary embodiment, battery box 5 is coupled with control box 4 from below.

[0094] In some exemplary embodiments, battery box 5 includes battery outer casing 51 fastened to control casing 49 of control box 4 and battery inner part 52 removably coupled with battery outer casing 51. In the illustrated embodiments, battery outer casing 51 includes rotatable knob 512, which in some implementations is disposed at the bottom central portion of the battery outer casing. Corresponding to rotatable knob 512, battery inner part 52 includes opening 522 to allow rotatable knob 512 pass through. Thus, battery inner part 52 can be inserted into and removed from battery outer casing 51 from below, making replacement of batteries easy and convenient. To secure battery inner part 52 in battery outer casing 51, turn rotatable knob 512 to abut and hold the bottom of the battery inner part. In some exemplary embodiments, battery outer casing 51 includes compartments 511 each shaped in accordance with battery compartment 521.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, a tent frame of the present invention includes other additional or optional components to meet user's additional needs or preference. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, a tent frame of the present invention includes a speaker such as a Bluetooth speaker. The speaker can be powered by an external power source through the external power interface, or by a battery set or a solar panel integrated or coupled with the control box.

[0096] By way of example, FIGS. 15 and 17 illustrate a tent frame of the present invention including external power interface 8, and Bluetooth speaker 6. Bluetooth speaker 6 is disposed below control box 4 when the tent frame is unfolded and coupled with control box 4. In some exemplary embodiments, Bluetooth speaker 6 includes speaker PCB board 63 and one, two or more speakers 64 connected to the speaker PCB board. Speaker PCB board 63 is electrically connected to external power interface PCB board 82 of external power interface 8, for example, via second electrical line 80. In some exemplary embodiments, Bluetooth speaker 6 further includes speaker upper cover 62 configured to be coupled with control box 4 (e.g., control casing 49 of control box 4), and speaker outer casing 61 with speaker PCB board 63 disposed within. Speaker outer casing 61 is configured to be engaged with speaker upper cover 62. In an exemplary embodiment, speaker PCB board also includes PCB mounting plate 631 disposed in the speaker outer casing for mounting the speaker PCB board. In some exemplary embodiments, Bluetooth speaker 6 is wirelessly connected to a mobile device, such as smart phones, other types of cell phones and tablets, which controls the play of the Bluetooth speaker via Bluetooth technology.

[0097] Turning now to FIGS. 17-20, there is depicted a fourth exemplary tent frame of the present invention in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. Like first exemplary tent frame 100a, fourth exemplary tent frame lOOd includes a plurality of lower supporting poles 1 and a plurality of upper supporting poles 2. The plurality of upper supporting poles 2 is pivotally connected to first connector 3. One or more upper supporting poles 2 are configured with illumination, and the operation of the illumination is controlled by control box 4 disposed below first connector 3 when the tent frame is unfolded or integrated with first connector 3.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, fourth exemplary tent frame lOOd further includes a holder such as holder 14 for placing remote control 9. Holder 14 can be disposed at and coupled to any suitable component of the tent frame, including but not limited to the upper supporting poles, the lower supporting poles, and the side connecting units. As an example, FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate holder 14 coupled to second connector 11 that is disposed at lower supporting pole 1. In an exemplary embodiment, holder 14 includes slot 141 and bottom piece 142 formed with or coupled to slot 141 (e.g., by fastener, snap-fitting, press-fitting) to accommodate the remote control. In some cases, slot 141 includes one or more side pieces such as side piece 1411 to assist in holding and/or securing the remote control. In some cases, the remote control is secured in the holder by a fastener. By securing the remote control to a holder attached to the tent frame, the chance of losing or forgetting the remote control is reduced or eliminated.

[0099] Referring in particular to FIGS. 19 and 20, in some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 includes control PCB board 44 electrically connected with first illumination source 211 of each illumination supporting pole, for instance, by first electrical lines 431. In some exemplary embodiments, control PCB board 44 is mounted on mounting plate 45, which in some cases serves as the bottom of the control box. In some exemplary embodiments, control box 4 further includes one or more protecting pieces (e.g., seals, plugs or covers) such as protecting pieces 491, 402, and 403 to protect the PCB board, the electrical lines, and/or the batteries from get wet or damaged. In an exemplary embodiment, protecting piece 491 is disposed between mounting plate (or the bottom of the control box) 45 and control PCB board 44; protecting piece 402 covers passage 43; and protecting piece 403 covers battery spring pieces 432 or a passage that accommodates the battery spring pieces. In some cases, protecting piece 402 also serves as a structure element for securing the electrical lines. In an exemplary embodiment, battery spring piece 432 is formed with concave surface 4321 and convex surface 4322 to facilitate better electrical connection with the batteries.

[00100] Control outer casing 46 is configured to be removably coupled with first connector 3, for instance through sliding groove 33 of the first connector, and positioning button 47 of the control outer casing. In some exemplary embodiments, positioning button 47 includes positioning protrusion 471, and in some cases, pushing portion 472 formed below the positioning protrusion to assist in coupling/uncoupling of the control box with the first connector. Additionally or optionally, in some exemplary embodiments, positioning button 47 further includes an elastic member such as elastic member 474 coupled with pushing portion 472 to enhance the elasticity of the positioning button. In an exemplary embodiment, elastic member 474 includes a bent portion such as bent portion 4741, and is coupled with pushing portion 472 through a spacer such as spacer 475 configured to be received in slot 473 formed on the interior side (e.g., the side facing the control outer casing) of pushing portion 472.

[00101] Turning now to FIGS. 21-24C, there is depicted a fifth exemplary tent frame of the present invention in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. Fifth exemplary tent frame lOOe is similar to fourth exemplary tent frame lOOd, and includes some additional, optional, modified or alternative components. For instance, unlike fourth exemplary tent frame lOOd, fifth exemplary tent frame lOOe does not include separate first connector 3 and control inner part 40. Instead, first connector 3 and control inner part 40 of fifth exemplary tent frame lOOe are integrated together, or first connector 3 of fifth exemplary tent frame lOOe is configured to function as both a connector and a control inner part. By way of example, FIGS. 23-24C shows first connector 3 including slots such as slots 311 for pivotally connecting the plurality of upper supporting poles 2, and a passage such as passage 43 to allow first electrical line 431 pass through.

[00102] Referring to FIGS. 25-29, there is depicted a six exemplary tent frame of the present invention in accordance with some exemplary embodiments. Six exemplary tent frame lOOf is similar to second exemplary tent frame 100b, and includes some additional, optional, modified, or alternative components. For instance, like second exemplary tent frame 100b, six exemplary tent frame lOOf includes a plurality of lower supporting poles 1 and a plurality of upper supporting poles 2. The plurality of upper supporting poles 2 is pivotally connected to first connector 3. One or more upper supporting poles 2 are configured with illumination electrically coupled to an external power interface such as external power interface 8. In some exemplary embodiments, external power interface PCB board 82 of external power interface 8 includes more than one interface such as USB interfaces 821 (e.g., USB, miniUSB, microUSB, or the like). Such interfaces are accessible from outside of interface outer casing 81, and can be used to connect with a mobile power pack, a solar cell, a stationed power line or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, interface push button 83 is attached to a piece such as piece 831 fastened on interface cover 84.

[00103] Referring in particular to FIG. 28, in some exemplary embodiments, unlike second exemplary tent frame 100b having PCB board 44 disposed below first connector 3, six exemplary tent frame lOOf places PCB board 44 above first connector 3. To facilitate such an implementation, six exemplary tent frame lOOf includes a mounting plate (e.g., mounting plate 45) or a casing (e.g., control casing 49) disposed above first connector 3 and coupled to the first connector. Accordingly, in some cases, one or more protecting pieces (e.g., protecting pieces 492, 493) are disposed below the first connector to protect the PCB board and the electrical lines.

[00104] Turning now to FIGS. 30 and 31, there is depicted an exemplary tent in an unfolded state in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the tent includes a tent cloth such as tent cloth 15 and a tent frame to support the tent cloth. The tent frame can be any suitable tent frame which can be but does not necessarily have to be a tent frame with illumination (e.g., with or without one or more illumination supporting poles). For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, the tent frame includes a plurality of lower supporting poles 1 and a plurality of upper supporting poles 2. One or more upper supporting poles 2 are configured with illumination to be powered by any suitable power source such as a battery set, a mobile power pack, a solar cell, a solar panel, a stationed power line or the like, or any combination thereof. In some exemplary

embodiments, upper supporting poles 2 are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy or the like. Such upper supporting poles are flexible, and collectively form an arch ceiling of the tent when the tent is unfolded. In some cases, the tent frame is one of the exemplary tent frames (e.g., 100a - 1001) disclosed herein.

[00105] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent includes a solar panel such as solar panel 16 configured to be electrically connected to the control PCB board of the control box or the external power interface PCB board of the external power interface. Generally, the solar panel is disposed outside and above the tent cloth when the tent is unfolded. In an exemplary embodiment, solar panel 16 includes a plurality of solar sub-panels, each disposed between two adjacent upper supporting panels 2. In many exemplary embodiments, the solar panel is foldable. In such embodiments, the solar panel can be fixedly coupled to the tent cloth, and folded and unfolded along with the tent cloth. In an exemplary embodiment, the solar panel is a solar cell member or a solar cell thin film.

[00106] In some exemplary embodiments, the tent further includes one or more flexible illumination sources such as second illumination sources 151 coupled to the tent cloth, for instance, along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the tent cloth. In an exemplary embodiment, when unfolded, the tent cloth includes an eaves such as eaves 152 and the one or more flexible illumination sources are coupled to the eaves of the tent cloth.

[00107] Second illumination source 151 can be disposed either at an interior side or an exterior side of the tent cloth. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, each second illumination source 151 is disposed at an exterior side of the tent cloth. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, each second illumination source 151 is disposed at an interior side of the tent cloth. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one second illumination source is disposed at an interior side of the tent cloth and at least one second illumination source is disposed at an exterior side of the tent cloth.

[00108] The one or more flexible illumination sources are configured to be electrically connected to the control box and accordingly can be powered by the battery set, the external power source, the solar panel or any combination thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, second illumination source 151 is an LED lighting strip. When powered, second illumination source 151 emits a light of single color (e.g., white, red, green, blue) or a light of multiple colors.

[00109] As disclosed herein, the tent and the tent frame of the present invention include one or more illumination sources to provide illumination when desired. The one or more illumination sources are integrated with supporting poles (e.g., with the first illumination source in the supporting pole) or coupled to the tent cloth in such a way that it does not affect the overall appearance and setup of the tent frame and the tent. In some cases, the illumination is to be powered by a safely packaged and easily replaceable battery set. In some cases, the illumination is to be powered by an external power source or a solar panel or both, eliminating batteries and thus making the use of the tent more environmentally friendly. In some cases, the illumination is to be powered by a battery set, an external power source, a solar panel, or any combination thereof, increasing the usability of the tent and the tent frame. The tent and tent frame of the present invention also include additional or optional components (e.g., Bluetooth speaker), providing additional capabilities to meet users' needs and preferences. Comparing to existing tents and tent frames, the tents and tent frames of the present invention are more convenient, flexible, and more user and environmentally friendly.

[00110] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the implementations and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "upper" or "lower", "upward" or

"downward", 'inner" or "outer", and etc. are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures. It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first illumination source could be termed a second illumination source, and, similarly, a second illumination source could be termed a first illumination source, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the "first illumination source" are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the "second illumination source" are renamed

consistently.