U.S. patent application number 09/844055 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for collapsible shelter with flexible, collapsible canopy.
Invention is credited to Carter, Mark C..
Application Number | 20010025648 09/844055 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23069135 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010025648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carter, Mark C. |
October 4, 2001 |
Collapsible shelter with flexible, collapsible canopy
Abstract
The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework
that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a
raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter
includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably
mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the
canopy. X shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each
of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
Inventors: |
Carter, Mark C.; (Alta Loma,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON LEE & UTECHT, LLP
HOWARD HUGHES CENTER
6060 CENTER DRIVE
TENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
23069135 |
Appl. No.: |
09/844055 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09844055 |
Apr 26, 2001 |
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09556137 |
Apr 21, 2000 |
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6240940 |
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09556137 |
Apr 21, 2000 |
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09277250 |
Mar 26, 1999 |
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6076312 |
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09277250 |
Mar 26, 1999 |
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09025897 |
Feb 18, 1998 |
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5921260 |
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09025897 |
Feb 18, 1998 |
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08823616 |
Mar 25, 1997 |
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5797412 |
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08823616 |
Mar 25, 1997 |
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08604801 |
Feb 23, 1996 |
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5632293 |
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08604801 |
Feb 23, 1996 |
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08279476 |
Jul 25, 1994 |
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5511572 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/145 ;
135/127; 135/131; 135/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/343 20150115;
Y10T 403/32606 20150115; Y10T 403/345 20150115; E04H 15/50
20130101; Y10T 403/32951 20150115; Y10T 403/32475 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/145 ;
135/151; 135/131; 135/127 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/50 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A collapsible shelter, comprising: at least three legs, each of
said legs having an upper end and a lower end; at least two
perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to each of said
legs, each of said perimeter truss pairs of link members including
first and second link members, said first link member having an
outer end connected to the upper end of one said leg, and said
second link member having an outer end slidably connected to said
leg, and said first and second link members being pivotally
connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be
extendable from a first collapsed position to a second extended
position; and a flexible, collapsible canopy mounted to said upper
end of said legs, said flexible, collapsible canopy being movable
between a normal raised position and a lowered position providing
said collapsible shelter with a reduced profile.
2. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, wherein said collapsible
shelter has four legs.
3. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, further including a leg
slider member slidably mounted to each of said legs, and wherein
each of said second link members is pivotally connected to one said
leg slider member.
4. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, wherein said flexible,
collapsible canopy further comprises at least two flexible pole
members removably mountable to the upper ends of the legs of the
shelter to extend across the shelter.
5. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, wherein said flexible,
collapsible canopy comprises a plurality of flexible pole members
removably mountable to the upper ends of the legs of the shelter to
extend across the shelter.
6. The collapsible shelter of claim 5, wherein the flexible pole
members comprise a plurality of segmented poles formed from a
plurality of pole sections that are removably connectable
together.
7. The collapsible shelter of claim 5, further including hinge
means mounted to said upper ends of said legs, said hinge means
including indexing holes for receiving said pole members, and
wherein said pole members are removably mountable in said indexing
holes in said hinge means.
8. The collapsible shelter of claim 5, further including a central
hub member having indexing holes for receiving said pole members,
and wherein said pole members are removably connected together by
said central hub member.
9. The collapsible shelter of claim 5, wherein said central hub
member is permanently mounted to an inner end of one of said pole
members.
10. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, wherein said canopy
comprises a canopy cover secured to the upper ends of said
legs.
11. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, wherein said second link
members are longer than said first link members so as to cause said
legs to be canted inwardly when said collapsible shelter is in an
extended configuration.
12. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, further including a hinge
member mounted to the upper end of each of said legs, said hinge
member including a pair of sockets extending at approximately right
angles from each other, and wherein said first link members are
hingedly connected in said sockets of said hinge members to the
upper ends of said legs.
13. The collapsible shelter of claim 6, wherein said pole sections
are made of a composite material.
14. The collapsible shelter of claim 13, wherein said pole sections
are made of fiberglass.
15. The collapsible shelter of claim 6, wherein at least one of
said pole sections includes a jacket disposed on an end of the pole
section having an opening for receiving an end of an adjacent pole
section, for joining said pole sections together.
16. The collapsible shelter of claim 6, wherein said pole members
are hollow, and said pole members further include a cord connecting
said pole sections together.
17. The collapsible shelter of claim 15, wherein said cord is
elastic, for biasing said pole sections together.
18. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of clip members disposed on said truss pairs of link
members for removably receiving said pole members for temporary
stowage of said pole members in a folded configuration.
19. The collapsible shelter of claim 1, wherein said inner ends of
said first and second link members have a surface defining an
opening, and further including a reinforcing plug disposed in said
opening of said inner ends of said first and second link members,
and wherein said inner ends of said first link members on a side of
the collapsible shelter are pivotally connected through said
reinforcing plugs, and said inner ends of said second link members
on a side of the collapsible shelter are pivotally connected
through said reinforcing plugs.
20. The collapsible shelter of claim 3, wherein each said leg
slider member includes a pair of sockets extending at approximately
right angles from each other, and wherein said second link members
are hingedly connected in said sockets of said leg slider
members.
21. A collapsible shelter comprising: at least three legs, each of
said legs having an upper end and lower end; at least two perimeter
truss pairs of link members connected to each of said legs, each of
said perimeter truss pairs of link members including first and
second link members, said first link member having an outer end
connected to the upper end of one said leg, said second link member
having an outer end slidably connected to said leg, and said first
and second link members being pivotally connected together in a
scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first
collapsed position to a second extended position; a flexible,
collapsible canopy mounted to said upper end of said legs, said
flexible, collapsible canopy being movable between a normal raised
position and a lowered position providing said collapsible shelter
with a reduced profile; a leg slider member slidably mounted to
each of said legs, wherein each of said second link members is
pivotably connected to one of said leg slider members; and a
plurality of flexible pole members removably mounted to the upper
ends of said legs and extending therebetween to form a support for
said flexible, collapsible canopy.
22. The collapsible shelter of claim 21, wherein the flexible pole
members comprise a plurality of segmented poles formed from a
plurality of pole sections that are removably connectable.
23. The collapsible shelter of claim 21, further including hinge
means mounted to said upper ends of said legs, said hinge means
including indexing holes for receiving said pole members, and
wherein said pole members are removably mountable in said indexing
holes in said hinge means.
24. The collapsible shelter of claim 21, further including a
central hub member having indexing holes for receiving said pole
members, and wherein said pole members are removably connected
together by said central hub member.
25. The collapsible shelter of claim 24, wherein said central hub
member is permanently mounted to an inner end of one of said pole
members.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to folding, collapsible
structures, and more particularly relates to a collapsible, field
shelter structure having an elevated canopy.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Temporary shelters that can be easily transported and
rapidly set up at emergency sites can be particularly useful in
providing temporary care and housing. Such shelters can also be
useful for non-emergency outdoor gatherings, such as for temporary
military posts, field trips, and the like. One such quickly
erectable, collapsible shelter having a framework of X-shaped
linkages, telescoping legs, and a canopy covering the framework is
described in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,656. The legs of that shelter
are capable of telescoping to about twice their stowed length, and
the framework of X-shaped truss pairs is capable of horizontal
extension between the legs to support a canopy. The framework can
be constructed of lightweight material, and the telescoping legs
can be extended to raise the framework of the shelter. However, the
height of the canopy is limited to the extended length of the legs,
and the canopy is essentially flat, allowing for collection of
precipitation and debris on top of the canopy, which can promote
leaks and tears in the canopy. In addition, the size and stability
of such shelters, particularly in the face of strong winds, are
generally limited by the strength of the framework.
[0005] It would be desirable to provide an improved collapsible
shelter with a support framework for the canopy that rises above
the supporting legs, to provide for more headroom within the
structure, to shed precipitation and debris from the top of the
shelter, and to allow for a reduction in the size and weight of the
legs and framework required to achieve an adequate height of the
canopy. It would also be desirable to provide a canopy that bends
and collapses in strong winds, to reduce exposure of the shelter to
the force of winds that can lift and topple the shelter, for
improved strength and stability in strong winds, and to allow
support of larger, lighter collapsible shelter structures. It would
also be desirable if such a canopy were to be less expensive to
construct than prior art canopies. The present invention meets
these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention
provides for a collapsible shelter with a flexible, collapsible
canopy framework that can be raised to provide increased headroom,
strength and stability, and can be lowered to provide a reduced
profile to the wind.
[0007] The invention provides for a collapsible shelter having at
least three legs supporting a collapsible canopy supported by
flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs. At least
two perimeter truss pairs of link members are connected to each of
the legs on each side of the shelter between two adjacent legs.
Each of the X-shaped perimeter truss pairs of link members are
essentially identical, and include two link members connected
together by a central pivot, with the first link member having an
outer end connected to the upper end of one leg, and the second
link member having an outer end slidably connected to the leg. The
first and second link members are pivotally connected together in a
scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first
collapsed position extending horizontally between two of the legs
to a second extended position extending between the legs. The two
perimeter truss pairs of link members on each side are connected
together at their inner ends. The collapsible shelter preferably
has four legs, but can also have three, five, or more legs.
[0008] At least two flexible pole members are also provided that
are removably mountable to the upper ends of the legs of the
shelter to extend across the shelter to form a structure for a
flexible, collapsible canopy. The canopy also preferably includes a
cover secured to the upper ends of the legs. In a currently
preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible pole members
comprise a plurality of segmented poles formed from a plurality of
pole sections that are removably connectable together, and that are
removably mounted in indexing holes in hinge means affixed to the
upper ends of the legs, and the pole members are similarly
removably connected together by a central hub that is preferably
permanently connected to an inner end of one of the pole members.
When the pole members are connected together and inserted in the
hinge means of the legs, the pole members forming the canopy can
flex and move between a normal raised position and a lowered
position by exertion of a downward force on the top of the canopy,
such as by a strong wind, to reduce the profile of the shelter that
would be exposed to the wind and still provide rain run off. To
facilitate this aspect of the invention the flexible poles in a
currently preferred embodiment are made of a composite material
such as fiberglass, but a variety of materials such as metal tubing
and other composites can be used for such purposes.
[0009] In one currently preferred aspect of the invention, the
second link members are the same length as the first link members
and the slider tab length cause the legs to be canted outward to a
vertical position when the collapsible shelter is in a fully
extended configuration. A hinge member is also preferably mounted
to the upper end of each of the legs, and preferably includes a
pair of sockets extending at approximately right angles from each
other. The first link members are hingedly connected in the sockets
of the hinge members to the upper ends of the legs. Each leg slider
member also preferably includes a pair of sockets extending at
approximately right angles from each other, and the second link
members are hingedly connected in the sockets of the leg slider
members, for reinforcement of the connection of the second link
members to the leg slider members.
[0010] A plurality of clip members are also advantageously disposed
on an inner surface of truss pairs of link members for removably
receiving the pole members for temporary stowage of the pole
members in a folded configuration. In another currently preferred
aspect of the invention, the inner ends of the first and second
link members also have an opening in which a reinforcing plug is
inserted. The inner ends of the first link members on each side of
the collapsible shelter are pivotally connected through the
reinforcing plugs, and the inner ends of the second link members on
each side of the collapsible shelter are pivotally connected
through the reinforcing plugs, to reinforce the connections between
the inner ends of the link members.
[0011] From the above, it can be seen that the present invention
provides an economical, easily erected shelter that is less
susceptible to toppling or damage from winds and still provides
excellent shelter from sun and rain.
[0012] These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description, and the
accompanying drawing, which illustrates by way of example the
features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter in a
collapsed, folded configuration;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter in a
first stage of being unfolded by pulling the legs outwardly;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter
being unfolded by extending the perimeter truss pairs
horizontally;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the collapsible shelter
showing the raising of the truss pairs to lock them into
position;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the slider
connection of link members of a truss pair to a leg;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the hinge means
for connecting the flexible pole members to the top of a leg of the
collapsible shelter;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the central hub
for connecting the pole members together;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the top portion of the
collapsible shelter showing the pole members of the canopy
structure in a normal raised position, and showing the lowered
position in phantom;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the extension of the
legs of the collapsible shelter;
[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion
of a leg;
[0023] FIG. 11 is front perspective view of the collapsible shelter
in a raised configuration;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the upper portion of
the raised canopy of the collapsible shelter;
[0025] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the inset portion
of FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the collapsible
shelter showing the folding and capturing of a section of a pole
member;
[0027] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the capture member and
section of the pole member from FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 16 is an enlarged, exploded view of the connection
between the inner ends of adjacent truss pairs; and
[0029] FIG. 17 is an illustration of the flexing of the collapsible
canopy when exposed to strong winds.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The size and available headroom of previous collapsible
shelters have been generally limited by the extended length of the
legs of the structure, and provided essentially flat roof
structures, allowing for collection of precipitation in pockets or
puddles on top of the shelter. The size and stability of shelters
can also be compromised by strong winds. The collapsible shelter of
the invention provides for larger, lighter collapsible shelter
structures, with a flexible, collapsible canopy structure which
improves the stability of the shelter. Another substantial benefit
of the invention is the relatively low cost construction compared
to prior art designs.
[0031] As is illustrated in the drawings, and particularly
referring to a first preferred four-sided embodiment shown in FIG.
1, the invention is embodied in a collapsible shelter 10, that can
be collapsed and folded for carrying and transportation in a bag or
sheath 12. In a currently preferred embodiment, the collapsible
shelter includes a framework 14 of perimeter truss pairs attached
to four legs 16, although the collapsible shelter can also be made
with three, five, or more legs The collapsible shelter also
includes a flexible, collapsible canopy structure 18 that includes
a canopy cover 20 that is preferably formed of nylon fabric,
although the canopy could also be made of other suitable sheet
materials, such as canvas, or other types of cloth fabric, or
plastic. The canopy cover 20 is also preferably permanently affixed
to the upper ends of the legs, such as by rivets or the like,
although the canopy cover can also be included as a separate piece
to be disposed over the framework of the collapsible shelter. With
reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, each of the legs has an upper end 22
and a lower end 24, and preferably each leg includes telescoping
upper and lower sections 26 and 28, respectively, with the
telescoping lower section including a spring loaded detent pin 30
for indexing in apertures 32 provided in the upper section for
locking the leg in a desired extended position. The extendable
lower section also preferably includes a foot portion 34 for
engagement with the ground or other floor surface, and preferably
includes a flange 36 with an aperture 38 for receiving a stake or
peg 40 for securing the legs to the ground.
[0032] As is best seen in FIGS. 5 and 13, a leg slider member 42 is
also slidably mounted on the upper section of each of the legs.
With reference to FIG. 5, a spring loaded detent pin 44 is also
provided in the upper leg section for indexing with an aperture 46
in the leg slider member, as will be further explained below.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the currently preferred
embodiment, the perimeter framework 14 includes a plurality of
substantially identical perimeter truss pairs 50 of link members.
The link members are preferably made of hollow aluminum tubing to
provide a strong, stable, and lightweight structure, although other
materials such as stainless steel tubing, for example, may also be
suitable. Two perimeter truss pairs are connected to each leg, with
each of the perimeter truss pairs including a first link member 52
having an outer end 54 connected to the upper end 22 of a leg, an
inner end 58, a longitudinal center 60 of the link members, and a
pivot point 62 at the approximate longitudinal centers of the first
link members. Each of the perimeter truss pairs further includes a
second link 64 having an outer end 66 pivotally connected to the
leg slider member, thus slidably connecting the second link to the
upper section of the leg. The second link members are preferably
slightly longer than the first link members, so as to cause the
legs to be slightly inwardly canted, for improved stability of the
collapsible shelter when it is set up in the extended
configuration.
[0034] As is illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer end of each first
link member is journalled by a bolt 67 for pivotal movement in a
socket 68 of a hinge means 70 secured as by bolts or screws as a
cap to the top end of the legs. The outer end of each second link
member is similarly journalled by a bolt 71 for pivotal movement in
a socket 72 of the slider member. Each hinge means includes two
sockets 68 extending at approximately right angles from each other
from the body of the hinge means, and each slider member similarly
includes two sockets 72 extending at approximately right angles
from each other from the body of the slider member. The hinge means
and the slider member are each preferably made unitarily from a
tough, molded plastic.
[0035] The second link member of the perimeter truss pairs includes
an inner end 74, a longitudinal center located adjacent to the
first link member longitudinal center 60, and a pivot point 78 at
the approximate longitudinal centers of the second link members
adjacent to the pivot point of the first link members. The pivot
points of the first and second links in each of the perimeter truss
pairs are pivotally connected in a scissors configuration. The
inner ends 58 and 74 of each perimeter truss pair are further
preferably pivotally connected to the inner ends 58 and 74 of
another perimeter truss pair at a junction 80 centered between two
legs of one side of the shelter framework. The collapsible shelter
framework of truss pairs is expandable and extendable from a folded
configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to an unfolded, extended
configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 8, 9 and 11, for example.
[0036] In the currently preferred embodiment, four flexible pole
members 82 are provided, corresponding to the number of legs, as is
illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 12. While a variety of materials such
as metal tubing, composite tubing (tubing made of resin impregnated
fibers) or solid composite poles may be used, the flexible pole
members currently preferably each comprise segmented flexible poles
formed from two fiberglass pole sections 84 that are removably
connectable together, with an inner end 86 of one of the pole
sections bearing a metal jacket 88, made of aluminum or steel for
example, into which the adjacent inner end 90 of the other pole
section is insertable, to join the pole sections together. The pole
sections are preferably hollow, and an elastic cord 92 runs through
the longitudinal centers of the pole sections. An outer end 94 of
the cord of each pole member extends through an indexing aperture
96 in the hinge means, and is secured to the hinge means such as by
a knot. The inner end 98 of the cord is secured to the inner end
100 of the pole member, such as by a knot, so that the pole
sections of the pole member are biased together. The pole members
are removably receivable for mounting in the indexing apertures 96
in the hinge means affixed to the upper ends of the legs.
[0037] In a currently preferred embodiment, a central hub member
102, having four symmetrically located indexing holes 104 for
removably receiving the inner ends of three pole members, and for
permanently receiving the inner end of a fourth pole member,
mounted in a hub indexing hole, such as by an adhesive such as
epoxy, for example, for joining the pole members together. The
central hub member is also preferably formed of tough, molded
plastic. The pole members thus can be removably mounted to the
upper ends of the legs of the shelter to extend across the shelter
peaking in the center of the collapsible shelter to form a canopy
structure under the top fabric cover, to form a flexible,
collapsible canopy. The pole members are preferably slightly longer
than the straight line distance between the tops of the legs at the
opposite corners of the collapsible shelter, so that the pole
members will normally be bowed when the pole members are connected
together and between the central hub member and the legs.
Alternatively, at least two central flexible pole members can be
provided, not connected by a central hub member, extending between
hinge means at opposite corners and permanently connected to a
corresponding number of the hinge means by the elastic cords, and
removably insertable in the opposite corner hinge means. Initially,
when the pole members are connected together and inserted in the
hinge means of the legs, the pole members forming the canopy will
typically be bowed downwardly, and can be pushed upward to snap
into an upwardly bowed, normal canopy configuration. The pole
members forming the canopy can also flex and move from the normal
raised position 106 to a lowered position 108 by pulling the pole
members down, or by exertion of a downward force on the top of the
canopy, such as by a strong wind, to reduce the profile of the
shelter that would be exposed to the wind.
[0038] As is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, a clip 110, having a
slot 112 for receiving and gripping the inner segment of a pole
member, is preferably mounted to the inside surface 114 of each of
the second link members, such as by screws 116, for example, for
retaining the pole members in an out of the way position when they
are folded for storage of the collapsible shelter. The clips are
preferably formed of a unitary piece of plastic having jaw members
118 with a rounded inner contour 120 for receiving a pole member
section. Alternatively, the clips can be spring clips made of
spring steel, for example.
[0039] As is illustrated in FIG. 16, the first and second link
members are preferably hollow, and preferably include a reinforcing
plug 122, presently preferred to be a rigid plastic, that is
inserted in the openings 124 in the inner ends of each of the first
and second link members. The reinforcing plugs preferably have a
forked shape, with a first prong 126 inserted into the inner end of
the link member, and a second prong 128 having a generally flat
outside surface 130 disposed outside the link member adjacent to
another second prong of an adjacent reinforcing plug. An aperture
132 extends through the first and second prongs of the reinforcing
plug, corresponding to an aperture 134 through the inner end of the
link members, for receiving bolts 136 hingedly connecting the inner
ends of the link members for pivotal movement. The reinforcing
plugs permit the bolts pivotally connecting the inner ends of the
link members to be tightened securely, without comprising the
structural integrity of the link members, and facilitate a
moderately frictionless hinged movement of the inner ends of the
link members during folding and unfolding of the collapsible
shelter.
[0040] In light of the above description, it will be apparent that
the invention provides for an improved, quickly erectable,
collapsible shelter having a flexible, collapsible canopy that can
be moved between a raised position providing more headroom and a
lowered position presenting a reduced profile for resisting the
force of strong winds on the shelter.
[0041] It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular
forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the
invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *