U.S. patent application number 10/978648 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for collapsible shelter having a reinforced truss and telescoping leg.
Invention is credited to Goldwitz, Brian L..
Application Number | 20050205124 10/978648 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34984902 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050205124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldwitz, Brian L. |
September 22, 2005 |
Collapsible shelter having a reinforced truss and telescoping
leg
Abstract
A collapsible shelter has a canopy supported by legs and a
center post. The legs and center post are rigidly fixed in position
by eave and truss assemblies made from scissor type linkages. The
ends of the scissor type linkages can be coupled to create a robust
frame assembly. A locking button fixes the scissor linkages to the
center post and a strap couples secures the interconnections
between scissor linkages. The legs telescope in a non-binding
manner and include curved footings for easy assembly and
disassembly.
Inventors: |
Goldwitz, Brian L.; (Orange,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS & ANGELL, LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Family ID: |
34984902 |
Appl. No.: |
10/978648 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/131 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/28; E04H
015/38; E04H 015/50 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 17, 2004 |
CN |
200420020981.8 |
Mar 17, 2004 |
CN |
200420020986.0 |
Mar 19, 2004 |
CN |
200420021066.0 |
Mar 22, 2004 |
CN |
200420021142.8 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A truss assembly for a collapsible shelter frame, comprising: a
scissor unit having first and second cross pieces that are
pivotally connected substantially about respective midpoints, each
cross piece having a first and a second end, the first ends being
coupled to a center post and the second ends being coupled to an
eave assembly; and means for selectively fixing an end of the first
cross piece with respect to an end of the second cross piece.
2. A truss assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
coupling assembly that is slidingly mounted to the center post,
wherein the coupling of the first end of the first cross piece is
accomplished by pivotally attaching the first end of the first
cross piece to the coupling assembly and the means is a
spring-biased button on the center post to selectively fix the
coupling assembly thereto.
3. A truss assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the first end of
the second cross piece is pivotally coupled to the center post.
4. A truss assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the means is a
connector having a strap and a buckle, the connector selectively
coupling the second ends of the cross pieces.
5. A truss assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the connector
further comprises a portion for connecting to a canopy.
6. A truss assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the second cross
piece is substantially horizontal.
7. A portion of a collapsible frame for a shelter, comprising: a
first scissor unit having first and second cross pieces that are
pivotally connected substantially about respective midpoints, each
cross piece having a first and a second end; a second scissor unit
having third and fourth cross pieces that are pivotally connected
substantially about respective midpoints, each cross piece having a
first and a second end, wherein the first ends of the first and
third cross pieces are pivotally connected, and the first ends of
the second and fourth cross pieces are pivotally connected; and a
connector selectively couples the first ends of the first and
second cross pieces together.
8. A portion as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a first
leg, wherein the second ends of the first and second cross pieces
are pivotally coupled thereto; and a second leg, wherein the second
ends of the third and fourth cross pieces are pivotally coupled
thereto.
9. A portion as recited in claim 7, wherein the connector is a
strap and buckle.
10. A portion as recited in claim 7, wherein the connector includes
a strap and a buckle capable of engaging a hole formed in a canopy
for the collapsible shelter frame.
11. A portion as recited in claim 7, further comprising a third
scissor unit having fifth and sixth cross pieces that are pivotally
connected substantially about respective midpoints, each cross
piece having a first and a second end, wherein the first ends of
the fifth and sixth cross pieces are pivotally coupled to the
first, second, third, and fourth cross pieces such that the
connector couples the first ends of the fifth and sixth cross
pieces together.
12. A portion as recited in claim 11, wherein the second end of the
fifth cross piece is adapted to slidingly engage a center post, and
the second end of the sixth cross piece is pivotally coupled to the
center post; and further comprising a spring-biased button to
selectively fix the second end of the fifth cross piece to the
center post.
13. A center apex assembly for a collapsible shelter, comprising: a
center post having an upper end and a lower end; a coupling
assembly slidingly mounted on the center post intermediate the
upper end and the lower end, the coupling assembly having a
plurality of mounts for connecting structural members thereto; and
a means for selectively locking the coupling assembly at a position
intermediate the upper and lower ends.
14. A center apex assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the
center post telescopes and the upper end of the center post is
dome-shaped.
15. A center apex assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the
plurality of mounts are formed to receive a substantially
horizontal member to improve headroom.
16. A center apex assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the
means is a spring-biased button that can be depressed to allow the
coupling assembly to pass over the button.
17. A truss assembly for a collapsible shelter frame, comprising: a
roof assembly; and at least three leg assemblies for supporting the
roof assembly above a surface, each leg assembly having a foot for
resting on the surface, wherein the foot has a curved outer
rim.
18. A truss assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein each leg
assembly is multi-sided in cross-section and each leg assembly
includes at least three telescoping portions, wherein at least two
portions have locking means, each locking means being on a
different side of the leg assembly.
19. A truss assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein the locking
means is a spring-biased button that can be depressed to allow the
at least three telescoping portions to pass within each other.
20. A truss assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein at least one
of the spring-biased buttons has a flat end that allows coupling to
a hole formed in the respective portion even when the respective
portion is telescoped inside another portion.
21. A truss assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein each leg
includes at least three telescoping portions and forms a plurality
of holes that are offset and further comprising at least two
spring-biased buttons on each leg assembly for engaging the
plurality of holes to selectively set a length of the leg
assembly.
22. A collapsible shelter comprising: a center post having an upper
and a lower end; an eave assembly having a first scissor unit
having first and second cross pieces that are pivotally connected
substantially about respective midpoints, each cross piece having a
first and a second end; a second scissor unit having third and
fourth cross pieces that are pivotally connected substantially
about respective midpoints, each cross piece having a first and a
second end, wherein the first ends of the first and third cross
pieces are pivotally connected, and the first ends of the second
and fourth cross pieces are pivotally connected; a connector
selectively coupling the first ends of the first and second cross
pieces together; at least two leg assemblies, each leg assembly
having a foot for resting on the surface, wherein the second ends
of the first and second cross pieces are pivotally coupled to a
first leg, and wherein the second ends of the third and fourth
cross pieces are pivotally coupled to a second leg; a third scissor
unit having fifth and sixth cross pieces that are pivotally
connected substantially about respective midpoints, each cross
piece having a first and a second end, the first ends being coupled
to the center post and the second ends being coupled to an eave
assembly such that the connector selectively couples the second
ends of the fifth and sixth cross pieces together; and means for
selectively fixing the first end of the fifth cross piece with
respect to the first end of the sixth cross piece.
23. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, further
comprising a connector assembly that is slidingly mounted to the
center post intermediate the upper and lower ends, the connector
assembly having a plurality of mounts for connecting structural
members thereto, and wherein the coupling of the first end of the
fifth cross piece is accomplished by pivotally connecting the cross
piece to the mount of the connector assembly.
24. The collapsible shelter as recited in claim 23, wherein the
first end of the sixth cross piece is pivotally coupled to the
center post.
25. The collapsible shelter as recited in claim 23, wherein the
means is a spring-biased button on the center post that can
selectively fix the connector thereto or be depressed to allow the
coupling assembly to pass over the button.
26. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein the
connector is a strap and a buckle.
27. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein the
connector further comprises a portion for connecting to a
canopy.
28. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein the sixth
cross piece is substantially horizontal.
29. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein the
center post telescopes.
30. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein the upper
end of the center post is dome-shaped.
31. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein each leg
assembly is multi-sided in cross-section and each leg assembly
includes at least three telescoping portions, wherein at least two
portions have locking means, each locking means being on a
different side of the leg assembly.
32. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 31, wherein the
locking means is a spring-biased button that can be depressed to
allow the at least three telescoping portions to pass within each
other.
33. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 32, wherein at least
one of the spring-biased buttons has a flat end that allows
coupling to a hole formed in the respective portion even when the
respective portion is telescoped inside another portion.
34. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein each leg
includes at least three telescoping portions and forms a plurality
of holes that are offset and further comprising at least two
spring-biased buttons on each leg assembly for engaging the
plurality of holes to selectively set a length of the leg
assembly.
35. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 34, wherein each
spring-biased button may engage more than one of the plurality of
holes.
36. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 34, wherein a middle
portion of the at least three telescoping portions is longer than a
top portion of the at least three telescoping portions.
37. A collapsible shelter as recited in claim 22, wherein a foot of
a leg assembly has a curved outer rim.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent
Application No. 200420020981.8, filed Mar. 17, 2004, Chinese Patent
Application No. 200420020986.0, filed Mar. 17, 2004, Chinese Patent
Application No. 200420021066.0, filed Mar. 19, 2004, and Chinese
Patent Application No. 200420021142.8, filed Mar. 22, 2004, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject disclosure relates generally to shelters, and
more particularly to an improved shelter having a collapsible
frame. Even more particularly, the subject disclosure relates to a
shelter including a canopy supported by a cable mounted on a
collapsible frame.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Over the years, many tents and other shelters having
collapsible frames have been introduced. Such structures are
commonly used to provide shelter during camping trips, picnics,
parties, military operations, and other outdoor activities. One
advantageous feature of such structures is their ability to fold
into more compact configurations for storage and transport because
of their collapsible frames.
[0006] However, several problems associated with collapsible
shelters have been observed. The frames tend to be difficult to
fold and unfold, unstable, somewhat large when folded, and prone to
breakage. Some prior shelter frames also allow the overlying canopy
to sag in an unsightly manner. In view of these apparent
shortcomings, many attempts at overcoming these difficulties have
been patented, such as: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,635; 5,511,572;
5,632,293; 5,638,853; 5,701,923; 5,797,412; 5,813,425; and
6,173,726 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety).
[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,635 ('635 patent) discloses
a collapsible canopy structure 10 with scissor assemblies 60
interconnecting four vertical corner poles 22. While the
scissor-type linkages provide an easily folded frame, users often
suspend items from the linkages or even rest hands thereon
resulting in distortion and/or breakage of the structure. Once
distorted or broken, the structure 10 becomes unusable. For another
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,726 ('726 patent) discloses an eave
assembly for a collapsible shelter. The eave assembly of the '726
patent includes pairs of bars 10-1, 10-2 coupled to another pair of
bars 20-1, 20-2 by a center bracket 30. Support bars 100 help
support the eave assemblies in place with respect to the corner
legs 150. The structure taught by the '726 patent is relatively
strong compared to that of the '635 patent. However, the '726
structure does not possess the ease of folding seen with the
scissor-type linkages. In view of the above, it would be desirable
to have a collapsible shelter that possesses the advantage of
scissor-type linkages while overcoming the disadvantages.
[0008] The structure 10 of the '635 patent includes a center post
assembly 52 in order to maintain the canopy covering 12 in a taut
condition. The center post assembly 52 has a dome shaped top 59
that is spring-biased against the canopy covering 12. Although the
spring-biasing of the post 58 keeps the canopy 12 taut, the center
post assembly 52 provides no additional structural support to the
structure 10. It is desirable that a center post serves both to
maintain the canopy cover taut and also to enhance the structural
frame.
[0009] The canopy structure 10 of the '635 patent also includes
telescoping corner poles 22. The corner poles 22 have a lower
member 26 that telescopes within an upper member 24. A button latch
27 selectively fixes the corner poles 22 in either the fully
extended or telescoped positions. Such a two-piece corner pole 22
limits both the maximum fully extended height as well as the
minimum telescoped down length. Further, the corner poles 22
include a foot 30. A typical prior art footing is shown in FIG. 8.
The footing of FIG. 8 is a flat, rectangular piece of metal
attached to the bottom of the corner pole. Such prior art footings
prevent easy folding and unfolding of the structure 10 because of
edges that catch upon or even dig into the support surface during
folding. There is a need, therefore, for a collapsible shelter with
legs that are superior to those known in the prior art. In
particular, a shelter frame leg with a plurality of telescoping
portions that is easily folded and unfolded, yet still effective in
supporting a canopy assembly at a plurality of heights is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a collapsible shelter.
The collapsible shelter includes an eave assembly having first and
second scissor units. The first scissor unit has first and second
cross pieces that are pivotally connected substantially about
respective midpoints, each cross piece having a first and a second
end. The second scissor unit has third and fourth cross pieces that
are pivotally connected substantially about respective midpoints,
each cross piece having a first and a second end. The first ends of
the first and third cross pieces are pivotally connected, and the
first ends of the second and fourth cross pieces are pivotally
connected. A connector selectively couples the first ends of the
first and second cross pieces together.
[0011] The collapsible shelter also includes a center post having
an upper and a lower end. A third scissor unit has fifth and sixth
cross pieces that are pivotally connected substantially about
respective midpoints, each cross piece having a first and a second
end. The first ends of the fifth and sixth cross pieces are coupled
to the center post. The second ends are coupled to an eave assembly
such that the connector selectively couples the second ends of the
fifth and sixth cross pieces together. The shelter also includes
means for selectively fixing the first end of the fifth cross piece
with respect to the first end of the sixth cross piece.
[0012] The collapsible shelter as described above possesses several
advantages. By selectively coupling the cross pieces of the various
scissor units, the structure can be strengthened while still
allowing for easy folding into a compact configuration. Such a
structure therefore incorporates the advantage of scissor-type
linkages while overcoming the disadvantages. Further, the coupling
of the scissor unit to both the center post and the eave assembly
allows the a center post to both maintain the canopy cover taut and
also enhance the structural frame.
[0013] The collapsible shelter incorporates at least two leg
assemblies, each leg assembly having a foot for resting on the
surface. The second ends of the first and second cross pieces are
pivotally coupled to a first leg. The second ends of the third and
fourth cross pieces are pivotally coupled to a second leg. In one
embodiment, each leg assembly includes at least three telescoping
portions and forms a plurality of holes that are offset. At least
two portions have locking means, each locking means being on a
different side of the leg assembly. Each leg assembly incorporates
at least two spring-biased buttons for engaging the plurality of
holes to selectively set a length of the leg assembly. Such a leg
assembly is easily folded and unfolded, yet still effective in
supporting a collapsible shelter at a plurality of heights.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention is a truss assembly for a
collapsible shelter frame, comprising a scissor unit having first
and second cross pieces that are pivotally connected substantially
about respective midpoints. Each cross piece has a first and a
second end, the first ends being coupled to a center post and the
second ends being coupled to an eave assembly. The truss assembly
also includes a means for selectively fixing an end of the first
cross piece with respect to an end of the second cross piece. In
one embodiment, the truss assembly further comprises a coupling
assembly that is slidingly mounted to the center post, to which the
first end of the first cross piece pivotally attaches. In another
embodiment, the connector further comprises a portion for
connecting to a canopy.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a portion of a
collapsible frame for a shelter. The portion includes a first
scissor unit having first and second cross pieces that are
pivotally connected substantially about respective midpoints, each
cross piece having a first and a second end. The portion further
includes a second scissor unit having third and fourth cross pieces
that are pivotally connected substantially about respective
midpoints, each cross piece having a first and a second end. The
first ends of the first and third cross pieces are pivotally
connected, and the first ends of the second and fourth cross pieces
are pivotally connected. A connector selectively couples the first
ends of the first and second cross pieces together. In one
embodiment, the portion further comprises first and second legs.
The second ends of the first and second cross pieces are pivotally
coupled to the first leg, while the second ends of the third and
fourth cross pieces are pivotally coupled to the second leg. In
another embodiment, the portion further comprises a third scissor
unit. The third scissor unit has fifth and sixth cross pieces that
are pivotally connected substantially about respective midpoints,
each cross piece having a first and a second end. The first ends of
the fifth and sixth cross pieces are pivotally coupled to the
first, second, third, and fourth cross pieces such that the
connector couples the first ends of the fifth and sixth cross
pieces together.
[0016] Yet another aspect of the invention is a center apex
assembly for a collapsible shelter. The apex assembly includes a
center post having an upper end and a lower end. A coupling
assembly is slidingly mounted on the center post intermediate the
upper and lower ends and has a plurality of mounts for connecting
structural members. The apex assembly includes means for
selectively locking the coupling assembly at a position
intermediate the upper and lower ends. In one embodiment, the
center post of the apex assembly telescopes.
[0017] It should be appreciated that the present invention can be
implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without
limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, and a
method for applications now known and later developed. These and
other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become
more readily apparent from the following description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the following
drawings.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled collapsible
shelter constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the subject disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of the
shelter of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a localized view of the scissor-type linkage of
the frame assembly of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a localized view of the center coupling of the
frame assembly of FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the center coupling
assembly of the frame assembly of FIG. 2 in the disassembled
position.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the center coupling
assembly of the frame assembly of FIG. 2 in the assembled
position.
[0025] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the leg assembly of the
frame assembly of FIG. 2 in the extended position.
[0026] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the leg assembly of the
frame assembly of FIG. 2 in the retracted position.
[0027] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of another leg assembly in
the retracted position.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a localized view of a foot for a leg assembly of
the frame assembly of FIG. 2.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a view of a prior art foot for a corner pole of a
collapsible structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with collapsible shelters. The advantages, and
other features of the system disclosed herein, will become more
readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the
following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments
taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth
representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein
like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a shelter 100 in accordance with the
present disclosure includes a collapsible frame assembly 102 for
mounting a canopy 104 thereon. The collapsible frame 102 is shown
in the raised, unfolded or "set-up" position. The collapsible frame
102 includes four leg assemblies 106 adapted to rest on a support
surface. It should be understood that a shelter 100 according to
the subject disclosure may include more or less than four leg
assemblies 106 to form configurations other than cubic. Preferably,
each of the leg assemblies 106 is the same.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, the frame assembly 102 includes a
plurality of eave assemblies 108 extending between each pair of leg
assemblies 106. A plurality of truss assemblies 110 extend from the
midpoint of the eave assembiles 108 to pivotally connect to a
center apex assembly 112. The combination of the eave assemblies
108 and truss assemblies 110 combine to support the center post
assembly 112 to insure that the canopy 104 is maintained taut
thereon. Each eave assembly 108 and truss assembly 110 is
preferably the same. For simplicity, the following description is
with respect to a single assembly. The eave assembly 108 includes a
pair of neighboring scissor units 114a,114b, each scissor unit
114a,114b having a first cross piece 116 and a second cross piece
118. The cross pieces 116, 118 are pivotally connected about their
midpoints 115. On one end, each scissor unit 114 pivotally attaches
to a leg assembly 106. On the other end, the neighboring scissor
units 114a,114b are pivotally connected. Where the neighboring
scissor units 114a,114b are connected, a connector 120 selectively
links together the first cross piece 116 and the second cross piece
118. The connector 120 prevents the end of the first cross piece
116 from moving away from the end of the second cross piece 118 at
the ends where the neighboring scissor units 114a,114b are
connected. As a result, the frame assembly 102 is well-suited to
withstand downward pressure upon the eave assemblies 108.
[0033] As best seen in FIG. 3, the connector 120 is preferably a
loop 122 of webbing and a buckle 124. A second loop 126 and buckle
128 of the connector 120 allow further linking to the canopy 104.
In a preferred embodiment, the second loop 126 passes through a
reinforced hole (not shown) in the canopy 104. In other preferred
embodiments, hook and loop fabric, locking snaps, and the like are
utilized to perform the selective coupling function of the
connector 120.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 2, the truss assembly 110 consists
of a single scissor unit 130 having a first cross piece 134 and a
second cross piece 132 that are pivotally connected substantially
about respective midpoints 133. One end of the scissor unit 130 is
pivotally coupled to the eave assembly 108 intermediate the scissor
units 114a,114b. The other end of the scissor unit 130 is coupled
to the center apex assembly 112. In a preferred embodiment, the
second cross piece 132 is substantially horizontal so that headroom
within the shelter 100 is improved. It is also envisioned that the
frame assembly 102 could include truss, eave, and connector
assemblies with more or less scissor units to achieve the desired
configuration while still benefiting from the advantages of the
subject disclosure.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a localized view of the
scissor units 130 coupled to the center apex assembly 112. The
center apex assembly 112 includes a center post 136 having an upper
end and a lower end. Preferably, the center post 136 telescopes and
has a dome-shape at the upper end. A hub assembly 138 is slidingly
mounted on the center post 136 intermediate the upper end and the
lower end. The hub assembly 138 has a plurality of mounts 140 for
pivotally connecting the cross pieces 134 of the scissor units 130
thereto. Preferably, the mounts 140 form a channel 142 in which the
ends of the cross pieces 134 are retained by a nut and bolt
combination 144. It should be noted that many suitable fasteners
can be used for all pivotal connections of the collapsible frame
102. Such fasteners can be rivets, a locking bar and cotter pin
combination, pintle, or other suitable fasteners.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, a locking button 146 on
the center post 136 selectively prevents the center post 136 from
sliding beyond the locking button 146 even when downward force is
applied to the center post 136. A spring wire 148 within the center
post 136 urges the locking button 146 outward but can be depressed
to allow the locking button 146 to pass within the hub assembly 138
for folding of the frame assembly 102. It is envisioned that the
locking button 146 may be placed at a variety of locations in order
to provide the desired headroom. In an alternate embodiment, a
locking button could be utilized on the hub assembly 138 to
selectively engage a plurality of holes formed in the center post
136 to thereby vary the tension applied to the canopy 104.
[0037] When in the set-up position, the frame assembly 102 provides
a structure with increased rigidity. The retention of the hub
assembly 138 on the center post 136 causes the center post 136 and
the cross pieces 132,134 of the scissor units 130 to form a
supportive triangle. The supporting triangle allows for any lateral
forces applied to the center post 136 to be opposed by the scissor
units 130 rather than by a moment maintained by the joint 137
linking the center post 136 to the frame assembly 102. This
transfer of the load bearing responsibility from the joint 137 to
the scissor units 130 creates a more rigid and reliable structure.
The other end of each scissor unit 130 is not only pivotally linked
to the eave assembly 108 but also incorporates a vertically
coupling of the cross pieces 132,134 by the connector 120 to form a
second triangle. The second triangle prevents the end of the first
cross piece 134 from moving away from the end of the second cross
piece 132 at the ends where the cross pieces 132,134 connect to the
eave assembly 108. As a result, the frame assembly 102 is
well-suited to withstand downward pressure upon the truss
assemblies 110.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an exemplary leg assembly
106 is shown in vertical cross-section. The leg assembly 106
includes a top portion 150, a middle portion 152 and a bottom
portion 154. The middle portion 152 and the bottom portion 154
telescope within the top portion 150 to reduce the height of the
leg assembly 106 for storage and transport. Additionally, it is
possible to extend only one portion in order to vary the overall
height of the frame assembly 102 above the support surface. In
another preferred embodiment, the leg assembly 106 includes
additional portions to further allow variation of the height
thereof. A locking button 156 on the bottom portion 154 selectively
engages a hole formed in the middle portion 152 to fix the relative
positions of the bottom and middle portions 154, 152 when in an
extended position. Similarly, a locking button 156 on the middle
portion 152 selectively engages a hole formed in the top portion
150 to fix the relative positions of the middle and top portions
152, 150 when in an extended position. A spring wire 158 urges each
locking button 156 outward. To retract the leg assembly, each
locking button 156 is depressed, thus allowing the middle and
bottom portions 152, 154 to pass within the top portion 150.
Preferably, the locking buttons 156 are not rounded but rather
cylindrical and terminating in a flat surface. The flat surface
allows for effective engagement of the hole even if the portion
containing the hole is telescoped inside another portion. Thus,
extension of the leg assembly 106 is easily done. Additionally,
another button 157, urged by a wire 159 secures the scissor
linkages 114 to the leg assembly 106 in the assembled position.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6C, as will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the leg assembly 206 utilizes
similar principles of the leg assembly 106 described above.
Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "2"
instead of the numeral "1", are used to indicate like elements. The
leg assembly 206 includes a top portion 250, a middle portion 252
and a bottom portion 254. A plurality of holes 269 are formed in
the upper portion 250 to allow variation in fixing the relative
positions of the bottom and middle portions 254, 252 with respect
thereto. The middle portion 252 is longer in length than the top
portion 250 so that the middle portion 252 always is accessible.
The locking button 256 on the bottom portion 254 is secured to a
different side of the square in horizontal cross-section leg
assembly 206.
[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the leg assembly 106
defines a plurality of holes for receiving the locking buttons 156.
As such, the portions 150,152,154 can be fixed in a variety of
positions in addition to the extended position. Preferably, the
hole or holes for fixing the middle portion 152 are offset with
respect to the holes for fixing the bottom portion 154. Thus, the
buttons 156 of the respective portions are not inadvertently
engaged by the wrong hole. In still another preferred embodiment,
the cross-section of the leg assembly 106 is square and the hole(s)
for engaging each portion 152, 154 are formed in different sides of
the square.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7, a foot 160 of a leg assembly 106 is
shown in detail. The foot 160 has a curved outer rim 162 for
preventing the leg assembly 106 from binding or digging into the
support surface during folding and assembling of the frame assembly
102. The foot 160 defines holes 164 for anchoring the foot 160,
and, thereby, the frame assembly 102, to the support surface.
[0042] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to
the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
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