Tent electrical system

Abstract

An electrical system ( 60, 200 ) for a tent or shelter ( 98, 201 ). Wires ( 60 ) are routed through a tent or shelter ( 98, 201 ) either by attaching the wires to the tent or shelter, running the wires through hems, seams ( 100 ), or sleeves, or integrating the wires into the fabric for the tent or shelter. In accordance with an embodiment, an appliance ( 208 ) is connected to the wiring harness ( 60 ) and is mounted or attached in the tent or shelter. The appliance ( 208 ) may be mounted in a socket ( 234 ) that includes contacts that may engage a fixture or appliance, such as a light. An opposite end of a cord ( 222 ) leading to the socket is attachable to an electrical power supply, such as a battery pack ( 203 ).

1 . A tent or shelter, comprising:
 fabric forming a structure for the tent or shelter; and   an electrical system comprising:
 a first mounting plate on a first side of the fabric and connected directly to the fabric, the first mounting plate being supported by the fabric; 
 a socket connected to the first mounting plate and configured and arranged for receiving an appliance; 
 a structure positioned on a second side of the fabric, the second side being opposite the first side, the structure being configured to connect to the first mounting plate so as to trap fabric between the structure and the first mounting plate; 
 at least two bosses on one of the first mounting plate and the structure, and at least two snaps on the other of the first mounting plate and the structure, each of said at least two snaps being configured to snap into one of said at least two bosses, connecting the first mounting plate to the structure; 
 a wiring harness connected to the socket and attached to or routed through the tent or shelter; and 
 an electrical power supply attached to the wiring harness for providing power to the socket. 
   
     
     
         2 . The tent or shelter of  claim 1 , wherein the snaps trap material into the corresponding boss. 
     
     
         3 . The tent or shelter of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of openings in the fabric for allowing the snaps to pass therethrough so to enter the bosses. 
     
     
         4 . The tent or shelter of  claim 1 , wherein a connection of the wiring harness to the tent or shelter comprises wires for the wiring harness mounted in a hem of the tent or shelter. 
     
     
         5 . The tent or shelter of  claim 1 , wherein a connection of the wiring harness the tent or shelter comprises wires for the wiring harness clipped to a hem of the tent or shelter