Patent Application
20230407668
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-096633 filed on Jun. 15, 2022. The content of the application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to a space structure.
Conventionally, there have been known a structure that has panel-shaped members having planes with predetermined dimensions, and forms a space surrounded by the panel-shaped members, like a tent or a partition, for example.
As such a structure, an inflatable dome-shaped tent having a plurality of polygonal planes has been known (see, for example, German Patent Application Laid-Open No. 102007002406).
By the way, when a user stays in an interior space of a structure like a tent for a long time, the user may project an image onto a plane of the tent using a projection device, such as a projector.
However, when the structure has a dome shape like a conventional tent, for example, if an image is projected across a plurality of adjacent planes, there is a risk that distortion or misalignment of the projected image may occur.
The present invention provides a space structure that enables an image to be projected appropriately.
An aspect of the present invention is a space structure with an interior space, the space structure having: a plurality of hexagonal planes and a plurality of triangular planes, each surrounding the space, wherein each of the hexagonal planes and each of the triangular plane are arranged so as to face each other with the space in between, and, when the space structure is installed so that one of the plurality of hexagonal planes is a bottom surface, other hexagonal planes slope toward the space side as the other hexagonal planes go from bottom to top.
According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately project an image.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In each drawing, a reference sign FR indicates the front side of a tent 1 when the tent 1 is installed for use, a reference sign UP indicates the upper side of the tent 1, and a reference sign LH indicates the left side of the tent 1. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, directions are along these directions of the tent 1.
As shown in
In the present embodiment, the tent 1 has a height dimension that allows a user U to stand.
The tent 1 is equivalent to the “space structure” of the present disclosure.
The tent 1 has a polyhedral structure. The tent 1 in the present embodiment is an octahedron having four hexagonal planes, and four triangular planes. More specifically, the tent 1 has four hexagonal panels 2, each forming a hexagonal plane in a plan view, and four triangular panels 4, each forming a triangular plane in a plan view. In the present embodiment, each of the hexagonal panels 2 and the triangular panels 4 is made of cloth such as nylon and polyester.
In each hexagonal panel 2, three long sides 3, which are sides of the hexagon, and short sides 5, which are sides with a length dimension shorter than the long sides, are alternately arranged to form a hexagonal shape.
The hexagonal panels 2 are connected to each other by connecting each of the short sides 5 of each hexagonal panel 2 to each of the short sides 5 of another hexagonal panel 2. Each short side 5 is connected so as to overlap the short side 5 of another hexagonal panel 2 throughout the entire length dimension of the short side 5. Therefore, the hexagonal panels 2 are disposed adjacent to each other.
Note that each side of the hexagonal panel 2 may have an arbitrary length dimension. The sides of the hexagonal panel 2 may have, for example, length dimensions different from each other, or, for example, may all have the same length dimension.
Each triangular panel 4 is a triangular panel surrounded by the long sides 3 of the connected hexagonal panels 2. Each side of the triangular panel 4 has substantially the same length dimension as the long side 3. In short, the triangular panel 4 is formed in an equilateral triangular shape. Note that each side of the triangular panel 4 is not limited to this, and may have an arbitrary length dimension. For example, the triangular panel 4 may be formed in an isosceles triangular shape.
Each side of the triangular panel 4 is connected so as to overlap each long side 3 throughout the entire length dimension of the side.
The space S surrounded by four hexagonal panels 2 and four triangular panels 4 is formed in the tent 1. In the tent 1, the hexagonal panels 2 and the triangular panels 4 are disposed such that the plane of each hexagonal panel 2 and the plane of each triangular panel 4 face each other, and are parallel to each other with the space S in between.
As shown in
Hereinafter, a state in which the tent 1 is installed for use as shown in
The tent 1 is not a limited to this, may be installed such that one of the four triangular panels 4 is the bottom surface that is a surface in contact with the installation surface G.
To describe the tent 1 in the installed state in detail, in the tent 1, the triangular panel 4 facing the hexagonal panel 2 located on the bottom is a top surface of the tent 1. In the tent 1, other hexagonal panels 2 and other triangular panels 4 form side surfaces of the tent 1.
In the tent 1 in the installed state, each side of the triangular panel 4 forming the top surface is a common side with the long side 3 on the upper edge of each of the hexagonal panels 2 forming the side surfaces.
Each long side 3 of the hexagonal panel 2 forming the bottom surface is a common side with the side on the lower edge of each of the triangular panels 4 forming the side surfaces. Each short side 5 of the hexagonal panel 2 forming the bottom surface is a common side with the short side 5 on the lower edge of each of the hexagonal panels 2 forming the side surfaces.
Moreover, the short sides 5 extending in an up-down direction in the hexagonal panels 2 forming the side surfaces are located above the long sides 3 extending in the up-down direction. Each of these short sides 5 slopes toward the inner side of the tent 1, that is, toward the space S side as the short side 5 extends upward.
Therefore, each of the planes of the hexagonal panels 2 forming the side surfaces slopes toward the inner side of the tent 1, that is, toward the space S side.
Each of the hexagonal panels 2 has the hexagonal sheet 10 forming a plane, and a frame member 12 extending along each side of the hexagonal sheet 10 so as to surround the hexagonal sheet 10.
As shown in
Note that the engagement parts 14 are not limited to this, and an arbitrary number of engagement parts 14 may be attached to arbitrary positions of the hexagonal sheet 10.
Each frame member 12 is a member having an inner space, and an annular cross section. The frame member 12 is made of the same material as the hexagonal sheet 10, and is formed so that the inner space is airtight.
When air is supplied to the inner space so that the pressure in the inner space is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the frame member 12 inflates, and becomes a frame-shaped member with a predetermined strength. The frame member 12 which has become the frame-shaped member supports the hexagonal sheet 10 throughout the entire periphery, and supports the tent 1 so that the tent 1 can stand by itself.
The inner spaces that the frame members 12 have, respectively, are connected to each other, for example, at adjacent short sides 5. In short, the inner spaces that the frame members 12 have, respectively, are connected to each other as one continuous space.
As shown in
Note that, without being limited to air, other gasses or liquids may be supplied to the inner space.
As shown in
The hexagonal sheet 10 and the frame member 12 are connected by a zip fastener 20. The zip fastener 20 is provided so as to extend throughout the entire longitudinal direction of each side of the hexagonal sheet 10 and the frame member 12. On each side of the hexagonal sheet 10, one of a pair of elements 22 of the zip fastener 20 is attached along the extending direction of the side. Similarly, at a location equivalent to the inner periphery of the frame member 12, the other of the pair of elements 22 of the zip fastener 20 is attached along a direction in which each side of the frame member 12 extends.
Each triangular panel 4 is a sheet-like member made of the same material as the hexagonal sheet 10. The triangular panel 4 and the frame member 12 are connected by the zip fastener 20. The zip fastener 20 extends along the entire longitudinal direction of each of the sides of the triangular panel 4 and the frame member 12. On each side of the triangular panel 4, one of a pair of elements 22 of the zip fastener 20 is attached along the extending direction of the side. Similarly, at a location equivalent to the outer periphery of the frame member 12 and the long side 3, the other of the pair of elements 22 of the zip fastener 20 is attached along the extending direction of the long side 3 of the frame member 12.
Thus, by providing the zip fastener 20, the hexagonal sheet 10 and the triangular panel 4 are attached detachably from the frame member 12. Moreover, by providing the zip fastener 20 throughout the entire periphery of the hexagonal sheet 10 and the triangular panel 4, the user U (
Moreover, if the hexagonal sheet 10 is removed, the tent 1 has a larger opening, and the space S becomes an open space continuous with the outside space through the opening. On the other hand, if the triangular panel 4 is removed, the tent 1 has a smaller opening. Therefore, the space S is mostly separated from the outside space, and, when an image or the like is projected on the inside, the space S serves as a space in which the user U can be easily immersed. Thus, the tent 1 can have a suitable entrance depending on an intended use.
Further, the user U (
Note that, without limiting to the zip fastener 20, the tent 1 may be provided with hook-and-loop fasteners such as MAGICTAPE (registered trademark), point fasteners such as snap buttons, or a combination of these fasteners.
As shown in
The reinforcement member 30 is inserted through each of the insertion parts 24.
The reinforcement member 30 is a linear member with a predetermined rigidity. The reinforcement member 30 is provided on each side of the frame member 12, and has substantially the same length dimension as the side. Both ends of each of the reinforcement members 30, that is, corners of the frame member 12, are rotatably and detachably connected to ends of other adjacent reinforcement members 30 along the longitudinal direction.
Thus, by providing the reinforcement member 30 along each side of the frame member 12, the tent 1 can have higher strength.
Moreover, each of the reinforcement members 30 is attached so as to be detachable from each of the frame members 12.
As shown in
A cover member 40 is detachably attached to one end of the reinforcement member main body 32. The cover member 40 is a cylindrical member having one closed end, and substantially the same shape as the reinforcement member main body 3. A protruding part 42 is provided at a predetermined position on a side surface of the cover member 40. The protruding part 42 protrudes from the side surface of the cover member 40 in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the cover member 40.
The cover member 40 is attached to the reinforcement member main body 32 by covering the tip part 34 from another end of the cover member 40.
A connection member 44 is detachably attached to the other end of the reinforcement member main body 32. The connection member 44 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape. A hole 46 is provided at a predetermined position on a side surface of the connection member 44. The hole 46 is a circular hole in a plan view, recessed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the connection member 44. The hole 46 has an inner diameter allowing the protruding part 42 to pass therethrough.
The connection member 44 is attached to the other end of the reinforcement member main body 32 such that the longitudinal direction of the connection member 44 is along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement member main body 32.
The reinforcement members 30 are connected to each other by sequentially inserting the protruding part 42 of one reinforcement member 30 into the hole 46 of another reinforcement member 30. The reinforcement members 30 connected in this manner are attached to each other so as to be rotatable with the protruding part 42 as a rotation axis. In short, each of the reinforcement members 30 attached to each of the frame members 12 are rotatably connected to each other.
As shown in
For example, it is possible to hang a lantern, a radio, or the like from the hanging belt 48. Therefore, by providing the tent 1 with the hanging belt 48, it is possible to improve the livability of the tent 1 for the user U. Moreover, since the hanging belt 48 is suspended between the two frame members 12, it is possible to more reliably support an object hung from the hanging belt 48.
As shown in
The tent 1 is formed so as to be able to be stored in the storage body 50. As shown in
A storage compartment 51 that is a storage space for storing the tent 1 is provided in a lower part of the storage body 50. In short, the tent 1 is stored integrally with a device for deploying the tent 1 in the storage body 50.
As shown in
Note that the operation panel 56 may be provided with an AC power output terminal and a DC power output terminal.
A pair of shoulder belts 58 are provided on the back surface of the storage body 50. The user U can carry the storage body 50 like a rucksack by placing the shoulder belts 58 over both shoulders. Note that the shoulder belts 58 are not limited to this, and only one shoulder belt 58 may be provided on another surface such as a side surface.
Thus, since the tent 1 is stored together with the battery 52 and the pump 54 in the storage body 50, the user U can easily carry the tent 1 together with the device for deploying the tent 1.
Next, an operation of the present embodiment will be described.
As described above, each of the hexagonal panels 2 and the triangular panels 4 of the tent 1 is entirely made of cloth. Therefore, if a predetermined amount or more of air does not exist inside the frame members 12, each of the hexagonal panels 2 and each of the triangular panels 4 can be easily deformed, such as by being folded.
As described above, the reinforcement members 30 attached to the frame members 12 are rotatably connected to each other. Therefore, it is possible to easily fold each of the reinforcement members 30 entirely. In short, by folding each of the reinforcement member main bodies 32, it is possible to fold each of the hexagonal panels 2 and each of the triangular panels 4, and store the tent 1 in the storage compartment 51.
When deploying the tent 1 stored in the storage compartment 51 in this way, the user U first takes out the tent 1 from the storage compartment 51, and install the tent 1 such that the plane of one hexagonal panel 2 entirely faces the ground as the installation surface G. Next, the user U connects the vent 16 and the pump 54 through a tube or the like. Thereafter, when the pump 54 is activated, air is fed into the inner space of each of the frame members 12, and each of the frame members 12 inflates. When each of the frame members 12 inflates to have a predetermined strength, the hexagonal sheets 10 and the triangular panels 4 are deployed while being flattened. Moreover, each of the reinforcement members 30 is deployed along each side of each of the frame members 12.
Consequently, the tent 1 stands by itself and forms the space S therein, and deployment is completed. Thus, since the tent 1 is provided with the frame members 12 that inflate when air is supplied, it is possible to easily deploy and store the tent 1 by supplying or discharging air.
Note that the tent 1 is not limited to this, and may be deployed by feeding air by a manual pump device or the like.
In the tent 1 deployed in this way, each of the hexagonal panels 2 and each of the triangular panels 4 are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other by substantially the same distance, and face each other with the space S therebetween. As described above, the tent 1 has a height dimension that allows the user U to stand.
Consequently, the space S has dimensions that allow the user U, in both the standing state and the seated state, to sufficiently stretch both arms. Therefore, in the tent 1, the space S having larger dimensions is formed while the length dimension of each side is shortened. Moreover, in the tent 1, it is possible to provide the space S having high livability for the user U while reducing the feeling of being oppressed and cooped up.
As described above, in the tent 1, each of the frame members 12 and each of the reinforcement members 30 are provided along each of the sides. Consequently, it is possible to enhance the strength of the tent 1 with a smaller number of the frame members 12 and the reinforcement members 30. In addition, the tent 1 can be folded at each of the corners during storage. Therefore, it is possible to easily deploy, store, and carry the tent 1.
The deployed tent 1 is secured to the installation surface G by passing a securing member or the like in the shape of a stake, such as a so-called peg, through each of securing parts 18, and driving the securing member into the installation surface G.
Here, as shown in
Specifically, the user U removes one of the reinforcement members 30 from the frame member 12, and removes the cover member 40 and the connection member 44 from the reinforcement member main body 32. Then, the user U inserts the tip part 34 into the installation surface G while passing the reinforcement member main body 32 through the securing part 18. When a predetermined length dimension of the reinforcement member main body 32 is inserted into the installation surface G, the securing part 18 is hooked between the locking part 36 and the reinforcement member main body 32. Consequently, the tent 1 is secured using the reinforcement member 30. Therefore, it is possible to secure the tent 1 to the installation surface G, without using another securing member.
As described above, both the hexagonal sheets 10 and the triangular panels 4 are attached so as to be detachable from the frame members 12, throughout the entire periphery. Therefore, as shown in
For example, as shown in
Next, the user U removes a pair of the reinforcement members 30 from the frame member 12, and the cover members 40. Then, the user U passes each reinforcement member main body 32 through the engagement part 14, and inserts the tip part 34 into the installation surface G. When the engagement part 14 is locked between the locking part 36 and the reinforcement member main body 32, both ends of the short side 5 located on the lower edge side of the hexagonal sheet 10 are supported by the pair of reinforcement members 30. Consequently, the hexagonal sheet 10 functions as a tarp stretching from the tent 1. At this time, the pair of reinforcement members 30 function as tarp poles supporting the stretched hexagonal sheet 10.
Thus, the tent 1 can provide the tarp and the tarp pole, without using other members.
As described above, the tent 1 has the connection belt 49 at each of the corners located at the upper edge of a pair of triangular panels 4 located in the left-right direction among the triangular panels 4 forming the side surfaces. In the present embodiment, the connection belts 49 of the plurality of tents 1 can be secured to each other using, for example, a belt-like member, or a ring-shaped member such as a carabiner.
Consequently, the plurality of tents 1 can be connected to each other as shown, for example, in
As described above, in the tent 1, the hexagonal sheets 10 and the triangular panels 4 are held by the frame members 12 so as to make flat surfaces. Moreover, each of the planes of the hexagonal panels 2 forming the side surfaces slopes toward the inner side of the tent 1, that is, toward the space S side.
As shown in
Thus, the tent 1 can have an inner side surface that allows the image P projected by the projection device 60 to have no distortion, and a projection angle allowing the user U to easily see the image P. Therefore, the tent 1 can provide a comfortable space to the user U staying in the space S.
The above embodiment represents one aspect of the present invention, and any modification and application can be made within a range not departing from the gist of the present invention.
In the above embodiment, although each of the insertion parts 24 is the linear belt attached to the side surface of each frame member 12 so as to form a loop, the insertion part 24 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, in the form of a bag extending along each side of the frame member 12. In this case, each reinforcement member 30 is stored in the insertion part 24.
In the above embodiment, although each of the reinforcement members 30 is used as a tarp pole, the tent 1 is not limited to this, can form a tarp pole having a longitudinal length dimension that can be set to an arbitrary length by combining a plurality of reinforcement members 30. In this case, for example, the reinforcement members 30 may be formed so as to be slidable to each other in the longitudinal direction by providing one of the reinforcement members 30 with a rail shape on the side surface, and another with a slider on the side surface, and connecting the reinforcement members 30 by engaging the slider with the rail shape. Moreover, the reinforcement members 30 connected in this way may be arranged to be able to be secured at an arbitrary location in the mutual sliding direction.
Consequently, in the tent 1, it is possible to set a tarp pole at an arbitrary height, and stretch a tarp from the tent 1 at an arbitrary angle.
In the above embodiment, although each of the reinforcement members 30 can be stored in the storage body 50 in a state in which the reinforcement members 30 are attached to the frame members 12, the reinforcement members 30 are not limited to this, and may be removed during storage. In this case, after the tent 1 is supplied with air, and each of the hexagonal panels 2 and each of the triangular panels 4 are deployed, each of the reinforcement members 30 may be passed through each of the insertion parts 24, and connected to each other. Furthermore, in this case, it is possible to store the reinforcement members 30 together with the tent 1 in the storage body 50.
In the above embodiment, the engagement part 14 is provided by attaching the linear belt member to the hexagonal sheet 10 so as to form a loop. However, the engagement part 14 is not limited to this, and may be provided at an arbitrary position of the hexagonal sheet or may be a through-hole allowing the reinforcement member 30 to pass therethrough. In this case, the engagement part 14 may be reinforced with a grommet or the like.
In the above embodiment, the reinforcement member 30 having substantially the same length dimension as one side of each of the hexagonal panel 2 and the triangular panel 4 is provided. However, the reinforcement member is not limited to this, and may be a member extending over a plurality of sides of the hexagonal panel 2 and the triangular panel 4. In this case, the reinforcement member 30 is preferably formed so as to be rotatable, or bendable at each corner of the hexagonal panel 2 and triangular panel 4.
Unless otherwise specified, directions such as horizontal and vertical directions, and various shapes in the above embodiment include a so-called equivalence range that provides the same function and effect as those directions and shapes.
[Configurations Supported by the Embodiment]
The above embodiment supports the following configurations.
(Configuration 1) A space structure with an interior space, the space structure having a plurality of hexagonal planes and a plurality of triangular planes, each surrounding the space, wherein each of the hexagonal planes and each of the triangular planes are arranged so as to face each other with the space in between, and, when the space structure is installed so that one of the plurality of hexagonal planes is a bottom surface, other hexagonal planes slope toward the space side as the other hexagonal planes go from bottom to top.
According to this configuration, since the side surface of the space structure slopes toward the inside of the space structure, it is possible to set a projection angle to an angle that allows a user in the space structure to easily see the projection. In addition, in the space structure, by setting the hexagonal plane to be the sloping plane, it is possible to further increase the area available for projection.
(Configuration 2) The space structure according to configuration 1, having: a frame member that has a predetermined strength by supply of air into the frame member, extends along each side of each of the hexagonal planes and the triangular planes, and supports each of the hexagonal planes and the triangular planes; and a reinforcement member that is attached so as to be detachable from the frame member, and extends along at least one of the sides.
According to this configuration, by providing the reinforcement member along the frame member, it is possible to enhance the strength of the space structure.
(Configuration 3) The space structure according to configuration 2, wherein at least one side of each of the hexagonal planes and the triangular planes is provided with a fastener that detachably connects the side and the frame member.
According to this configuration, by providing the fastener along the frame member, an arbitrary plane can be opened and closed, and can be used as an entrance or a window. In addition, it is possible to create a larger space by arranging a plurality of space structures, and opening adjacent planes.
(Configuration 4) The space structure according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the hexagonal planes and the triangular planes is arranged so that at least two sides are detachable from the frame member, and the reinforcement member is arranged so that, in a state in which the reinforcement member is installed to stand on an installation surface on which the space structure is installed, the reinforcement member is able to support at least one of the hexagonal planes and the triangular planes in a state of being extended in a direction away from the space.
According to this configuration, when an arbitrary plane is opened to deform the space structure into a tarp shape, the reinforcement member can be used as a tarp pole.
(Configuration 5) The space structure according to any one of configuration 2 to configuration 4, having a securing part that allows the reinforcement member to pass through, wherein the reinforcement member is able to be secured to an installation surface on which the space structure is installed, in a state in which the reinforcement member is passed through the securing part.
According to this configuration, it is possible to pass a securing member through the securing part, and use the reinforcement member in place of the securing member.
(Configuration 6) The space structure according to any one of configuration 1 to configuration 5, having a connection part capable of connecting to another space structure.
According to this configuration, by providing the connection part on a side of each of the hexagonal planes forming the sloping planes, it is possible to connect an unlimited number of the space structures.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-096633 | Jun 2022 | JP | national |
