FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to camping assemblies and to a method of providing an improved camping assembly. In particular, the present invention relates to the suspension of capsules within an outer shelter and to a method of suspending a capsule within an outer shelter.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Tents and other camping shelters typically include a weatherproof outer cover sheet or flysheet, which may be known as an outer skin or canopy, and an inner tent (also known as an inner skin or capsule) for providing an accommodation area. To provide thermal insulation and/or airflow around the inner tent, for example to prevent condensation forming on an inner surface of the flysheet/canopy, a space may be provided between the inner surface of the flysheet/canopy and an outer surface of the inner tent. Generally, the space is provided by suspending the inner tent from the flysheet/canopy and/or from a frame (e.g. poles) of the tent which supports the flysheet/canopy. Typically, the inner tent is suspended by flexible and/or elasticated lines or straps provided on the inner tent or the flysheet/canopy. The lines or straps may have connectors such as clips, hooks, toggles or similar for connecting to part of the flysheet/canopy, frame or inner tent.

With this arrangement, a relatively large gap between the inner and outer layers of the tent may be visible to a user, which may be aesthetically undesirable. Also, if the space is relatively unrestricted, the amount of airflow between the flysheet/canopy and the inner tent may reduce the effect of any thermal insulation provided by the space.

It is known to provide a flap or skirt which hangs or extends from the flysheet/canopy to partially conceal the space and/or the suspending straps. However, such arrangements often fail to conceal the space, particularly between relatively upright parts of the tent, where a flap may hang downwardly, rather than extending generally horizontally between the flysheet/canopy and inner tent.

It is against this background that the present invention has been devised.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a camping assembly comprising an outer shelter and a capsule forming a room within the camping assembly wherein a peripheral gap is defined between an external surface of the capsule and an internal surface of the outer shelter, in which the capsule is suspended from the outer shelter by attachment means, the camping assembly comprising: a concealing member releasably secured between the external surface of the capsule and the internal surface of the outer shelter by the attachment means and the concealing member conceals the peripheral gap between the capsule and the outer shelter; and wherein the attachment means are mounted on the concealing member.

The concealing member may comprise a first edge and a second edge wherein the first edge is secured to a first side of the peripheral gap and the second edge is secured to a second side of the peripheral gap.

Preferably the concealing member comprises a panel with a first edge and a second edge wherein the first edge is secured to a first side of the peripheral gap and the second edge is secured to a second side of the peripheral gap.

The first edge may be fixed to the first side of the peripheral gap and the second edge may be releasably secured to the second side of the peripheral gap.

Preferably the panel comprises a skirt and the first edge is fixed to the first side of the peripheral gap and the second edge is releasably secured to the second side of the peripheral gap.

The concealing member may comprise a proximal edge which is fixed to the camping assembly and a distal edge which is releasably securable to the camping assembly.

Preferably, the concealing member is not reversibly attachable and detachable from the camping assembly. Preferably the concealing member is not readily or reversibly separable from the camping assembly.

The concealing member may comprise a proximal edge which is fixed to the first side of the peripheral gap and a distal edge which is releasably securable to the second side of the peripheral gap.

The distal edge of the concealing member may comprise a free edge.

The concealing member may be arranged, in use, to be stretched across and/or stretched between the peripheral gap. The concealing member may be arranged, in use, to be pulled across and/or pulled between the peripheral gap.

The attachment means may comprise a plurality of attachment assemblies. Each attachment assembly may comprise a first attachment member and a second attachment member which are releasably attachable to each other.

The attachment means may comprise a series of first attachment members and a series of second attachment members.

The first attachment members may be located spaced apart on the concealing member. The first attachment members may be located spaced apart along a full (lateral) length of the concealing member. The first attachment members may be located towards or adjacent a distal edge of the concealing member. The first attachment members may be located towards or adjacent to a distal free edge of the concealing member. The first attachment members may be spaced apart along (or adjacent to/towards) a distal edge of the concealing member.

The first attachment member may comprise an elastic section. The elastic section may be fixed at a distal end to the concealing member and may comprise a connector located at the (free) distal end.

The proximal edge of the concealing member may be secured along its length to the first side of the peripheral gap. The proximal edge of the concealing member may be stitched along its length to the first side of the peripheral gap.

The second attachment members may be located spaced apart along the second side of the peripheral gap.

The second attachment members may be located spaced apart along an internal surface of the outer shelter which forms the second side of the peripheral gap.

The attachment means may comprise an elastic attachment member which may be stretched to form the attachment of the concealing member between the edges of the peripheral gap and preferably urges and/or pulls the sides of the peripheral gap together.

Preferably the attachment means comprises elastic attachment members which are stretched to form the attachment of the concealing member between the edges of the peripheral gap and may urge and/or pull the sides of the peripheral gap together.

Preferably the concealing member extends along a periphery of the capsule. Preferably the concealing member extends along an outer periphery of the capsule. Preferably the proximal edge of the concealing member extends along a periphery of the capsule. Preferably the proximal edge of the concealing member extends along an outer periphery of the capsule. Preferably the proximal edge of the concealing member is stitched to and extends along an outer periphery of the capsule.

Preferably the concealing member extends continuously along the periphery of the inner shelter apart from a ground contacting lower edge of the periphery.

Preferably the capsule comprises a ground contacting lower edge and an upper peripheral edge and wherein the concealing member extends around the upper peripheral edge. The concealing member may extend from a first junction between the lower edge and the upper peripheral edge, around the upper peripheral edge and to a second junction between the lower edge and the upper peripheral edge. Preferably the concealing member starts at or adjacent to the first junction, locates around the upper peripheral edge and terminates at or adjacent to the second junction.

Preferably a front face of the capsule comprises a ground contacting lower edge and an upper peripheral edge and wherein the concealing member extends around the upper peripheral edge. The concealing member may extend from a first junction between the lower edge and the upper peripheral edge, around the upper peripheral edge and to a second junction between the lower edge and the upper peripheral edge. Preferably the concealing member starts at or adjacent to the first junction, locates around the upper peripheral edge and terminates at or adjacent to the second junction. Preferably the concealing member solely attaches the (periphery/upper periphery of) the front face of the capsule to the outer shelter.

The concealing member may extend along side edges and along a top edge of the inner shelter. The side edges and the upper edge may define the upper peripheral edge of the capsule. The peripheral gap may be formed by a peripheral space between the periphery of the capsule and an inner surface of the outer shelter.

Preferably, the concealing member is integral with the capsule. The attachment means may be arranged to releasably attach the concealing member to the outer shelter.

The concealing member may be integral with the outer shelter. The attachment means may be arranged to releasably attach the concealing member to the capsule.

The outer shelter may comprise a frame and a flysheet. The concealing member may extend between the inner capsule and the frame. The concealing member may extend between the capsule and the flysheet.

The frame may comprise inflatable members.

The attachment means may be at least partly concealed by the frame.

The attachment means may comprise a reinforced attachment region.

The reinforced attachment region may comprise a seam.

The attachment means may comprise hooks.

The concealing member may be held under tension by the attachment means so as to maintain a shape of the capsule.

The concealing member may at least partly support a weight of the capsule with respect to the outer shelter.

Preferably the concealing member solely supports an entire suspension weight of the capsule from the outer shelter. The concealing member may solely support an entire suspension weight of a front portion of the capsule defined around a front wall of the capsule from the outer shelter.

Preferably a front wall of the capsule and an associated suspension weight of a front portion of the capsule is solely supported by the concealing member. A rear portion of the capsule and an associated weight may be supported by auxiliary attachment means.

At least part of the capsule may be suspended from the outer shelter by the concealing member.

Preferably the capsule may be suspended from the outer shelter solely/exclusively by the concealing member or by a plurality of concealing members.

The concealing member may be arranged, in use, to simultaneously suspend (attach) the capsule to the outer shelter and conceal the gap formed (created) by the suspended capsule and the outer shelter.

The camping assembly may comprise auxiliary attachment means which is arranged to supplement the suspension (attachment) of the capsule from the outer shelter. The auxiliary attachment means may supplement the attachment means.

The capsule may comprise an inner tent.

The outer shelter may comprise an outer tent.

The camping assembly may comprise an accommodation area which houses the inner shelter and a utility area and the concealing member may conceal the peripheral gap such that (at least part of) the peripheral gap cannot be seen from the utility area. The capsule may provide a first room and a second room may be defined with the camping assembly by a front wall of the capsule and a flysheet which provides a front wall of the camping assembly together with side walls and a roof, and wherein the peripheral gap is located around the first room and is concealed from view in a direction from the second room.

The capsule may comprise a front panel which faces towards the utility area and the concealing member may be integral with the front panel. The concealing member may comprise an extension of the front panel.

Preferably the concealing member comprise a first face and a second face wherein the first face provides a visible face, in use, and the second face provides a visibly hidden face and wherein the first attachment members are mounted or located on the second face.

The concealing member may comprise an elongate member with two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges in which the distance between the two lateral edges is less than the distance between the longitudinal edges and wherein the lateral edges are secured respective sides of the peripheral gap and each longitudinal edge extends from a first side of the gap to the second side of the gap. Preferably the length of the lateral edges is greater than 10 times the length of the longitudinal edges. The first lateral edge may be secured along the first side of the peripheral gap and the second lateral edge may be secured along the second side of the peripheral gap.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of concealing a peripheral gap within a camping assembly, the peripheral gap being defined between an external surface of a capsule and an internal surface of an outer shelter, the capsule forming a room within the camping assembly and in which the capsule is suspended from the outer shelter by attachment means, the method comprising: releasably securing a concealing member between the external surface of the capsule and the internal surface of the outer shelter by the attachment means and wherein the concealing member conceals the peripheral gap between the capsule and the outer shelter; and wherein the attachment means are mounted on the concealing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers are used for like features and in which:

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a camping assembly according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of part of the camping assembly of Figure 1 , with a concealing member omitted;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of part of the camping assembly of Figure 1 , showing the concealing member;

Figure 4 is cross-sectional view of part of the camping assembly of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of part of the camping assembly of Figure 1 .

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 to 5 show a camping assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. The present invention provides a camping assembly comprising a capsule or inner tent 4 and an outer shelter in the form of an outer tent 6. The camping assembly 100 comprises a concealing member 102 in the form of a concealing shroud or skirt 102 arranged to extend between the inner tent 4 and the outer tent 6 so as to at least partially conceal a peripheral gap 8 between the inner tent 4 and the outer tent 6. The peripheral gap 8 is defined between an external surface 14 of the capsule 4 and an internal surface 16 of the outer shelter 6. The assembly 100 further comprises attachment means 104 in the form of hooks 106 and corresponding loops 108, for releasably attaching the concealing member 102 to at least one of the inner tent 4 and the outer tent 6.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, a tent 2 comprises an outer tent 6 which houses an inner tent 4. In this embodiment, the outer tent 6 comprises a support frame in the form of a plurality of inflatable beams 5, 7, 9, 11 which support a canopy 10 of the outer tent 6. Each inflatable beam 5, 7, 9, 1 1 comprises generally upright side portions disposed on generally opposite sides of the tent 2, and a rafter or cross member portion spanning between upper ends of the side members. In other embodiments, the beams may be arcuate, or the support frame may comprise poles.

The inner tent 4 comprises a fabric capsule which provides an accommodation area or sleeping area 12. In this way the capsule provides a room within the camping assembly. The inner tent 4 is shaped to fit in a portion of the outer tent 6 such that an outer surface 14 of the inner tent 4 is spaced apart from an inner surface 16 of the outer tent 6 to define a space 15. The inner tent 4 rests on a ground surface 17 (e.g. a groundsheet) covered by the outer tent 6. The inner tent 4 is secured to the outer tent 6 by auxiliary attachment means in the form of support straps 32 (see Figure 2) which in this embodiment comprise webbing straps and buckles disposed adjacent corner regions of the inner tent 4. In this way, the inner tent 4 is partly suspended from the outer tent 6 so as to maintain the shape of the inner tent 4 and sleeping area 12. Figure 2 shows the camping assembly 100 with the concealing member omitted. The outer tent comprises an accommodation space 18, which houses the inner tent 4 and sleeping area 12, and a living space or utility space 20 adjoining the accommodation space 18, for access to the sleeping area, storage of equipment, leisure activities and tasks such as cooking. A front face 22 of the inner tent 4 faces towards the utility space 20 and the sleeping area 12 is arranged to open into the utility space 20. The front face 22 is aligned with a first inflatable beam 7 which extends along an inner surface of the canopy 10 between the utility space 20 and the accommodation space 18.

When viewed from the utility space 20 (as in Figure 2), the space 15 between the inner tent 4 and the outer tent 6 defines a peripheral gap 8 between an outer periphery 24 of the front face 22 and the inner surface 16 of the outer tent 6. In particular, the gap 8 spans between the periphery 24 and the first inflatable beam 7. In this way, the gap 8 extends continuously along the periphery 24 except adjacent the ground surface 17, where the inner tent rests on the ground surface 17. The inner tent 4 therefore comprises a ground contacting lower edge 36 and an upper peripheral edge 38. In this embodiment, the external surface 14 of the inner tent 4 (in particular the periphery 24) provides a first side of the peripheral gap 8 and the internal surface 16 of the outer tent 6 provides a second edge of the peripheral gap 8.

Referring additionally to Figure 3, the concealing member or skirt 102 is arranged to extend from the periphery 24 (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 3) towards the canopy 10. In this embodiment, the skirt 102 comprises an elongate panel which is attached to the inner tent 4 adjacent the periphery 24 of the front face 22. A first, proximal, edge 111 of the skirt 102 is secured to the first side of the gap 8. In particular, in this embodiment, a peripheral region of a fabric panel forming part of the front face 22 extends beyond the periphery 24 of the front face 22 to provide the skirt 102. The skirt 102 extends along the periphery 24 and outwardly away from the periphery 24 towards a second, outer edge 112 of the skirt. The first and second edges 111 , 112 of the skirt 102 comprise first and second lateral edges, respectively, of the skirt 102. The lateral edges extend between first and second longitudinal edges 114, 115 which in use, extend between the first and second sides of the gap 8.

In use, the skirt 102 extends between the periphery 24 and an attachment region 26 adjacent the first inflatable beam 7, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. In this embodiment the attachment region 26 comprises a reinforcing seam 28 between the beam 7 and the canopy 10, as can be seen in Figure 5. The attachment region 26 extends along a rear side 11 of the beam 7 facing the accommodation space 18. In this way, the attachment region 26 cannot be seen from the utility space 20, as it is obscured from view by the beam 7.

In this embodiment, the skirt 102 is formed by an extension or flange 30 of a fabric panel forming part of the front face 22. The flange 30 extends beyond the periphery 24 of the front face to provide the skirt 102. In this way, the skirt 102 is continuous and integral with the front face 22, which helps to simplify manufacture of the skirt and inner tent and may also provide a visually pleasing appearance. In other embodiments, the skirt may be provided by a distinct fabric piece which is attached (e.g. sewn) to the inner tent adjacent the periphery 24. In this way, the skirt is integral with the camping assembly 100 and is not readily separable or detachable from the camping assembly.

The skirt 102 is arranged to be attached to the outer tent 6 by attachment means 104, which in this embodiment comprises a plurality of attachment assemblies. Each attachment assembly comprises a first attachment member and a second attachment member which are releasably attachable to each other. As can be seen in Figure 5, the skirt 102 is provided with first attachment members in the form of a series of loops 108 which are spaced apart along the free outer edge 112 of the skirt 102. Figure 5 shows a rear view of the skirt 102 (i.e. as viewed from the space 15). The loops 108 comprise webbing loops which are sewn onto the skirt 102. The loops 108 are arranged to attach to second attachment members in the form of a corresponding series of hooks 106 spaced apart along the attachment region 26 of the outer tent 6. The hooks 106 are secured to the attachment region 26 by flexible webbing straps 110 which are sewn to the seam 28. With this arrangement, the hooks 106 are disposed on rear side 11 of the beam 7 and so are obscured from view. The relatively large diameter of the inflatable beam 7 helps to screen the webbing straps 110 and hooks 106 from view. In some embodiments, the loops, and/or the straps which hold the hooks, and/or the skirt itself, may comprise elastic sections, which may be stretched during attachment of the concealing member across the gap. In this way, the attachment members may be stretched to form the attachment of the concealing member between the edges of the peripheral gap and the attachment members may urge the sides of the peripheral gap together.

In use, the skirt 102 is pulled or stretched outwardly towards the outer tent 6. The loops 108 are threaded onto the hooks 106 to attach the skirt 102 to the outer tent 6, such that the skirt 102 extends outwardly away from the periphery 24 and the outer edge 112 is secured to the second side of the gap 8. In this way, the skirt 102 may be releasably secured between the external surface 14 of the capsule 4 and the internal surface 16 of the outer tent 6. The outer, distal edge 112 of the skirt 102 and the loops 108 are disposed behind the beam 7 so as to be obscured from view from the utility space 18. In this way, the skirt 102 screens or conceals the gap 8 so that the space 15 cannot be seen by a user of the tent 2 from within the utility space 20. The skirt 102 extends along substantially all of the periphery 24 apart from the ground contacting lower edge 36 of the periphery adjacent the ground surface. The skirt 102 therefore extends around the upper peripheral edge 38 of the capsule 4. In this way, the skirt 102 extends from a first junction between the lower edge 36 and the upper peripheral edge 38, around the upper peripheral edge 38 and to a second junction between the lower edge 36 and the upper peripheral edge 38. With this arrangement, the skirt 102 also conceals the support straps 32 supporting the structure of the inner tent 4. In this way, when viewed from the utility space 20 (or another sleeping area of the tent), the inner tent 4 appears generally continuous, or integrated with, the outer tent 6. The hooks 106 and loops 108 are releasably attached to one another. Accordingly, to detach the skirt 102 from outer tent 6, the hooks 108 may be withdrawn from the loops 106. In this embodiment, the skirt 102 also functions to support the inner tent 4 with respect to the outer tent 6. In particular, the skirt 102 is arranged to suspend part of the inner tent 4 from the outer tent 6 so as to maintain the shape of the inner tent 4. In use, the skirt 102 is tensioned (and kept taut) by weight and/or tension of the inner tent 4. Tension is transmitted from the skirt 102 by the loops 108 and hooks 106 to the attachment region 26 of the outer tent 6. Since the skirt 102 extends continuously along the periphery 24, the skirt 102 helps to distribute evenly the tension resulting from the weight of the inner tent 4. In this way, the skirt 102 has a dual function, i.e. concealing the gap 8 and supporting the inner tent 4.

In some embodiments, part of the inner tent may be supported or suspended with respect to the outer tent solely by the skirt and the attachment means, without the need for auxiliary support members such as webbing straps. In some embodiments, the loops and/or the skirt may comprise a resilient or elastic material to facilitate attachment of the skirt to the outer tent.

Advantageously, concealment of the outer edge of the skirt by the inflatable beam means that the skirt need not fully span the gap between the inner tent and the outer tent in order to remain hidden from view. In some embodiments, therefore the skirt may not fully span the gap, such that some airflow is still permitted into the space 15, for example to help reduce condensation.

In the embodiment described above, the attachment means comprises hooks and corresponding loops. It will be appreciated however, that any suitable fastening or attachment means may be used. For example, the attachment means may comprise toggles, press studs, magnets, ties, clips, buckles and the like, or hook and loop fastening means (e.g. complementary hook and loop tapes disposed adjacent an outer edge of the skirt, and in the attachment region).

It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the concealing member may be fixed to, or integral with, the outer tent, and may be releasably secured to the capsule. In this case, a proximal edge of the concealing member may be secured or fixed to the outer tent and a distal, free edge may be releasably secured to the capsule in use.

Although in the embodiment described above, the present invention is described in use with a tent, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the invention may be used with other types of shelters. For example, the inner or outer shelter may be an awning, with the other of the inner or outer shelter being part of a tent, camper, motorhome or similar.

Overall, the present invention relates to the use of a system for concealing and shrouding the inevitable gap formed between the main canopy/flysheet and an inner tent/capsule. At present, flaps or a skirt of material may be provided to try and conceal the unsightly gap which must be present between the inner tent and the main canopy. This skirt may be stitched on to the main canopy/flysheet and simply hangs down to try and conceal the gap. Typically, an inner tent is secured to the main canopy/flysheet using a toggle arrangement whereby individual toggles are provided spaced apart to secure an edge of the inner tent to the main canopy/flysheet. The present invention uses a system which aims to provide securing elements on a shroud skirt such that the gap is concealed neatly and reliably. This may provide the dual-function of both securing the inner tent to the main canopy and concealing the inevitable gap. This concealing skirt is taut since it is secured to both the main canopy and the inner tent. Accordingly, this invention reliably and neatly conceals and shrouds the gap which inevitably spaces the inner tent from the main canopy.

Currently either there is a gap present or there is a flap of loose material hanging down from the tents main flysheet, both of which provide are adequate solutions, but not suitable for a premium range of tents.

The present invention may use provide a connection/attachment using different attachment assemblies, for example, toggles, poppers, Velcro and hooks. A single elongate zip or a continuous fixed stitched seam directly between the inner tent and the tent flysheet would be more prone to breakage and would make production more complex.