Convertible trekking pole and tent and methods of use

Abstract

A convertible trek tent assembly whereby the device is switchable between a walking configuration for use as a trekking pole and a tenting configuration whereby a deployable tent wrapped around the trekking pole in the walking configuration is unwrapped and used for shelter. The device comprises a frame assembly that provides structural support to the erected tent, but wherein leg components of the frame assembly articulate with a pivot hub and can fold against a main pole with the deployable tent wrapped about the trekking pole when ambulating. A handle is positioned at one end of the device for grasp by a user, and a stake is positioned at an opposed end for contact with a ground surface when trekking. One or more pole locks control the telescoping relationship between a main pole and extension poles.

1 . A trek tent assembly comprising:
 a frame assembly;   a deployable tent operable to provide shelter when erected;   said frame assembly comprising a main pole;   said frame assembly comprising one or more extension poles in telescoping relationship with said main pole;   a pair of spaced pivot hubs;   said pivot hubs comprising a pivot hub portal for disposing therein at least one of said main pole and said extension poles;   a plurality of legs;   said plurality of legs articulating at one end with said pivot hub portal;   said plurality of legs switchable between a walking configuration and a tenting configuration wherein in a walking configuration said legs are folded against said main pole, and wherein in a tenting configuration said legs are extended away from said main pole to support said deployable tent;   a handle;   a stake;   said handle positioned at one end of said frame assembly and operable for grasping by a user when trekking; and,   said stake positioned opposite said handle at one end of said frame assembly and operable for engaging a ground surface when trekking.   
     
     
         2 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 one of said pair of spaced pivot hubs positioned adjacent said handle; 
 one of said pair of spaced pivot hubs positioned adjacent said stake; and wherein said plurality of legs fold inward against said main pole between said pair of spaced pivot hubs in said walking configuration. 
 
     
     
         3 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 one of said pair of spaced pivot hubs positioned adjacent said handle; 
 one of said pair of spaced pivot hubs positioned adjacent said stake; and wherein said plurality of legs extend outward away from said main pole in a tenting configuration. 
 
     
     
         4 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a pole lock; and, 
 wherein said telescoping relationship between said main pole and said extension poles can be fixed utilizing said pole lock. 
 
     
     
         5 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 4  further comprising:
 a lock tab; 
 said lock tab extending from said pole lock; and, 
 wherein activation of said lock tab can switch said pole lock between locked and unlocked positions. 
 
     
     
         6 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  wherein said deployable tent further comprises a deployable fly. 
     
     
         7 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  wherein said deployable tent further comprises:
 a floor section forming the floor of the deployable tent; 
 a first roof section; 
 a second roof section; 
 a first end section; 
 a second end section to form a shelter cavity; and, 
 wherein said first roof section, said second roof section, and said floor section are joined at seams to form a triangle; and, 
 wherein said first end section and said second end section enclose respective ends of said triangle. 
 
     
     
         8 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 7  wherein said seam at said first roof section and said second roof section is supported by said main pole and one or more of said extension poles. 
     
     
         9 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 7  wherein at least one of said first roof section and said second roof section comprises a first window operable for gaining access into a shelter cavity. 
     
     
         10 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 9  further comprising:
 a joiner section; 
 wherein said joiner section is used to join a first window on two adjacent deployable tents. 
 
     
     
         11 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a minor leg; 
 a sliding hub; 
 one end of said minor leg pivotably connected to said sliding hub; and, 
 the other end of said minor leg pivotably connected to said pivot hub. 
 
     
     
         12 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a ribbon extending from a plurality of corners of said deployable tent; 
 said ribbon comprising a foot receiver extending through said ribbon; 
 said legs terminating in a foot; and, 
 wherein said foot is seated within said foot receiver of said deployable tent. 
 
     
     
         13 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a flexible cap; and, 
 wherein said flexible cap is utilized to secure said deployable tent against said frame assembly in a walking configuration. 
 
     
     
         14 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a spring pin; 
 wherein said spring pin locks said legs in a locked walking mode or a locked tenting mode. 
 
     
     
         15 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 14  further comprising:
 an activation button; 
 said activation button extending from said pivot hub; and, 
 wherein depressing said activation button releases said legs from a locked walking mode or locked tenting mode. 
 
     
     
         16 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a lower basket operable to limit the depth the stake end can submerge in a ground surface; 
 wherein said lower basket is positioned below a pivot hub at a stake end of the trek tent assembly. 
 
     
     
         17 . The trek tent assembly of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a leg receiver; and, 
 wherein said leg receiver comprises a receiver seat for resiliently holding one or more of said legs in a walking configuration. 
 
     
     
         18 . A method for converting a trek tent assembly from a walking configuration to a tenting configuration comprising the steps of:
 obtaining a trek tent assembly comprising an adjustable length between a telescoping main pole and one or more extension poles and having a handle on one end and a stake on an opposing end, with two pair of spaced legs deployable from a pivot hub at the handle end and from a pivot hub at the stake end, and having a deployable tent wrapped and secured with binders about the main pole;   removing the binders and unwrapping the deployable tent from the main pole and extension pole;   extending and locking the telescoping length of main pole with respect to the extension pole;   deploying a first and second set of legs away from the main pole;   supporting the main pole and extension poles on the ends of the legs on a ground surface; and,   securing the leg ends in ribbons at edges of the floor section of the deployable tent.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising the step of:
 securing a deployable fly over the main pole and one or more extension poles and securing the fly at the ribbons extending from the deployable tent. 
 
     
     
         20 . A method for converting a trek tent assembly from a tenting configuration to a walking configuration comprising the following steps:
 releasing the leg ends from ribbons extending from the floor of the tent;   compressing and locking the telescoping length of the main pole with respect to the extension poles;   retracting the first and second set of legs towards the main pole;   wrapping the deployable tent around the main pole; and,   binding the deployable tent about the main pole.