Self-opening and collapsible tent structure

Abstract

An integral tent structure and system that, through the use of flexible and specifically configured rib elements, along with selectively placed restraining elements to position and hold sections of the configured rib elements in proximity to each other, allows for easy folding, collapsing, storage, transportation, and then equally easy unfolding, assembly, and usage of the tent, is disclosed. The rib elements are designed to, with minimal directional force, fold, and collapse into a compact, readily storable configuration. The tent cover of the tent structure incorporates specifically placed connection and securing elements to provide means for securing the folded tent structure in the folded configuration. Because the rib elements are folded or collapsed with a resistive or expanding spring force, upon release of the securing elements, the integral tent structure automatically unfolds into the normal operative shape and configuration with little to no effort.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A self-opening and collapsible tent structure comprising:
 a plurality of disc-shaped side panels with each said disc-shaped side panel formed from at least one contiguous rib element; and   a flexible cover enveloping each of said plurality of disc-shaped side panels;   wherein for disassembly of said tent structure,
 (a) First, each of said plurality of disc-shaped side panels are folded to be positioned directly adjacent to each other to form a first stack of disc-shaped side panels; 
 (b) Second, said first stack of disc-shaped side panels are twisted to form an approximate figure eight shape; 
 (c) Third, said figure eight shape is folded in half to form a second stack of disc-shaped side panels comprising two times a number of said first stack of disc-shaped side panels; 
 (d) Fourth, said second stack of disc-shaped side panels are placed within a pouch that is shaped and sized to fit said second stack of disc-shaped side panels; 
   wherein for opening of said tent structure,
 (a) First, said second stack of disc-shaped side panels are removed from said pouch; 
 (b) Second, said second stack of disc-shaped side panels are released such that said disc-shaped side panels self-open as a result of a restoring elastic force within each disc-shaped side panel to achieve a pre-formed disc-shape; 
 (c) Third, unfolding each of said plurality of disc-shaped side panel to form a three-dimensional tent structure. 
   
     
     
         2 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , having four disc-shaped side panels. 
     
     
         3 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , having six disc-shaped side panels. 
     
     
         4 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , having eight disc-shaped side panels. 
     
     
         5 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , having ten disc-shaped side panels. 
     
     
         6 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , having at least ten disc-shaped side panels. 
     
     
         7 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , wherein said rib element is formed from a polymer-based material including at least one of polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”), polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”). 
     
     
         8 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 7 , wherein said rib element is formed with at least one addition coat of a polymer-based material including at least one of polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”), polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), and wherein each said at least one additional coat is distinct from the material forming said rib element, and any other at least one additional coat. 
     
     
         9 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , wherein said rib elements have an outside diameter approximately in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , wherein said rib elements are formed from at least two distinct rib elements uniformly twisted around each other. 
     
     
         11 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible cover is formed from a nylon ripstop material. 
     
     
         12 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible cover is formed from a polymer-based material including at least one of polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”), polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), polycarbonate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”). 
     
     
         13 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one openable door within said flexible cover. 
     
     
         14 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one openable window within said flexible cover. 
     
     
         15 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , wherein said flexible cover further comprises at least one slit to allow for a release of internal air pressure. 
     
     
         16 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of stakes to anchor said tent structure to the ground. 
     
     
         17 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of pouches to hold ballast to anchor said tent structure to the ground. 
     
     
         18 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , wherein said ballast comprises at least one of sand, rocks, pebbles, dirt, and water. 
     
     
         19 . The self-opening and collapsible tent structure, as provided in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of guy-wires or guy-ropes to anchor said tent structure to the ground.