U.S. patent application number 13/021482 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-11 for collapsible central support device.
This patent application is currently assigned to ATICO INTERNATIONAL USA, INC.. Invention is credited to Tung Yang CHEN, Lu Ming Chin, Chi-Ming HUNG, Shang Jen LIU.
Application Number | 20110192438 13/021482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44352707 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110192438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chin; Lu Ming ; et
al. |
August 11, 2011 |
COLLAPSIBLE CENTRAL SUPPORT DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and devices for expanding
and collapsing a tent, a gazebo, or tent-like structure. In
particular, the present invention provides a central support device
for supporting a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure in an
expanded configuration and moveably collapsing the tent, gazebo, or
tent-like structure into a collapsed configuration.
Inventors: |
Chin; Lu Ming; (Taipei,
TW) ; LIU; Shang Jen; (Taipei, TW) ; HUNG;
Chi-Ming; (Hsintien City, TW) ; CHEN; Tung Yang;
(Taipei, TW) |
Assignee: |
ATICO INTERNATIONAL USA,
INC.
Fort Lauderdale
FL
|
Family ID: |
44352707 |
Appl. No.: |
13/021482 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61301889 |
Feb 5, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/147 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/48 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/147 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/48 20060101
E04H015/48 |
Claims
1. An assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by
an interhub rod assembly, wherein said interhub rod assembly is
configured to expand and contract in length; a plurality of top
rods pivotally attached to said upper hub and extending radially
from said upper hub; and a plurality of under rods pivotally
attached to said lower hub and extending radially from said lower
hub, wherein one end of each of said under rods is pivotally
attached to one of each of said top rods at a fixed position along
the length of said top rods.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly comprises the
central element of a collapsible and expandable structure.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said collapsible and expandable
structure comprises a tent or gazebo.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said assembly is connected to
additional support elements through said top rods.
5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support rod
extending vertically from the bottom of said lower hub.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod is configured
to extend in height.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said support rod is configured
to extend from the ground to said lower hub.
8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod is releasably
attachable to said lower hub.
9. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod comprises a
plurality of legs configured to provide stability.
10. A structural support assembly comprising an upper hub and a
lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein said
interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in
length; a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to said upper
hub and extending radially from said upper hub, wherein said top
rods are connected to additional support structures; a plurality of
under rods pivotally attached to said lower hub and extending
radially from said lower hub, wherein one end of each of said under
rods is pivotally attached to one of each of said top rods at a
fixed position along the length of said top rods; and a support rod
attached to the bottom of said lower hub, wherein said support rod
is configured to be extendable from said lower hub to the
ground.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said structural support
assembly comprises the central element of a collapsible and
expandable structure.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein said collapsible and
expandable structure comprises a tent or gazebo.
13. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod is releasably
attachable to said lower hub.
14. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said support rod comprises a
plurality of legs configured to provide stability.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser.
No. 61/301,889, filed Feb. 5, 2010.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention provides systems and devices for
expanding and collapsing a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure. In
particular, the present invention provides a central support device
for supporting a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure in an
expanded configuration and moveably collapsing the tent, gazebo, or
tent-like structure into a collapsed configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The background art is directed to collapsible frames
utilized in erecting temporary structures for use in the
out-of-doors. The typical frame apparatus is employed in
combination with, for example, a canopy as a temporary shelter, or
as a frame for a tent to serve various functions in the outdoors.
The outdoor venue in which the frame apparatus of is typically
utilized varies widely. The outdoor venue can be a campsite for
hunting, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, a roadside camping
facility for recreational vehicles, an outdoor market, a barbecue
grill located at a city park, the beach, a patio, in the back yard
of one's own residence, or any other outdoor activity. Many of the
collapsible frames of the prior art involve complicated linkages
and/or are difficult to manipulate.
[0004] Conventional tent or gazebo structures are described in U.S.
Pat. No. 1,254,601, U.S. Pat. No. 1,853,367, U.S. Pat. No.
3,199,518, U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,656, U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,676, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,035,253, U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,001, U.S. Pat. No.
5,275,188, U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,883, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,666,223, U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,780, U.S. Pat. No.
6,899,112, U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,439, U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,812, and
U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,348; all herein incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
SUMMARY
[0005] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an
assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an
interhub rod assembly, wherein the interhub rod assembly is
configured to expand and contract in length, a plurality of top
rods pivotally attached to the upper hub and extending radially
from the upper hub, and a plurality of under rods pivotally
attached to the lower hub and extending radially from the lower
hub, wherein one end of each of the under rods is pivotally
attached to one of each of the top rods at a fixed position along
the length of the top rods. In some embodiments, the assembly
comprises the central element of a collapsible and expandable
structure. In some embodiments, the collapsible and expandable
structure comprises a tent or gazebo. In some embodiments, the
assembly is connected to additional support elements through the
top rods. In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a
support rod extending vertically from the bottom of the lower hub.
In some embodiments, the support rod is configured to extend in
height. In some embodiments, the support rod is configured to
extend from the ground to the lower hub. In some embodiments, the
support rod is releasably attachable to said lower hub. In some
embodiments, the support rod comprises a plurality of legs
configured to provide stability. In some embodiments, the present
invention provides a structural support assembly comprising an
upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly,
wherein the interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and
contract in length, a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to
the upper hub and extending radially from the upper hub, wherein
the top rods are connected to additional support structures, a
plurality of under rods pivotally attached to the lower hub and
extending radially from the lower hub, wherein one end of each of
the under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of the top rods
at a fixed position along the length of the top rods, and a support
rod attached to the bottom of the lower hub, wherein the support
rod is configured to be extendable from the lower hub to the
ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The foregoing summary and detailed description is better
understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
which are included by way of example and not by way of
limitation.
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the upper tent assembly in the
open conformation.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of the upper tent assembly in a
partially closed conformation.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of the center support assembly in
the extended conformation.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the center support assembly in
the contracted conformation.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows the tent assembly with the upper tent assembly
in the open conformation and the center support assembly in the
extended conformation. The lower hub bolt of the upper tent
assembly and the center support nut of the center support assembly
are engaged.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows one embodiment for assembling an exemplary
gazebo structure in eight steps.
[0013] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment for dis-assembling an exemplary
gazebo structure in 4 steps.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, embodiments of the present invention
comprises a tent assembly 100 comprising an upper tent assembly 101
and a center support assembly 102. In some embodiments, the tent
assembly 100 comprises both the upper tent assembly 101 and center
support assembly 102. In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100
comprises an upper tent assembly 101. In some embodiments, the tent
assembly 100 comprises a center support assembly 102.
[0015] In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 (SEE FIGS.
1 and 2) comprises a lower hub 1 and upper hub 2 connected by an
interhub rod assembly 3. The interhub rod assembly 3 comprises an
outer rod 3A and an inner rod 3B, having an smaller diameter than
the outer rod 3A and slidingly disposed within a channel in outer
rod 3A. The upper hub provides a meeting point for a plurality of
top rods 4 which extend out from the upper hub 2 and form the top
of the upper tent assembly 101. The lower hub 1 provides a meeting
point for a plurality of under rods 5 which extend out from the
lower hub 1. Each under rod 5 engages a top rod 4 at a rod
connector 13.
[0016] In some embodiments, the lower hub 1 comprises a plurality
of lower hub hinges 6 for engaging the under rods 5 at the lower
hub hinge acceptor 5C of the under rods 5. The lower hub 1 also
provides a flange 7 and flange clip 8 for securing the interhub rod
assembly 3 when the upper tent assembly is in the condensed
configuration, in which the inner rod 3B is completely engulfed by
the outer rod 3A. On the bottom of the lower hub 1 resides the
lower hub bolt 9 which serves as an attachment site for the upper
tent assembly 101 and center support assembly 102. On top of the
lower hub 1 are the lower hub rod acceptors 10. The lower hub outer
rod acceptor 10A, resides atop the flange 7 and provides an
attachment point for the outer rod 3A of the interhub rod assembly
3 to the lower hub 1. The lower hub inner rod acceptor 10B, resides
in the center of the lower hub 1 and provides an attachment point
for the inner rod 3B of the interhub rod assembly 3 to the lower
hub 1.
[0017] In some embodiments, the upper hub 2 comprises a plurality
of upper hub hinges 11 for engaging the top rods 4 at the upper hub
hinge acceptor 4B of the top rods 4. On the bottom of the upper hub
2 is the upper hub rod acceptor 12. The upper hub outer rod
acceptor 12, resides beneath the upper hub 7 and provides an
attachment point for the outer rod 3A and inner rod 3B of the
interhub rod assembly 3 to the upper hub 2.
[0018] The top rods 4 and the under rods 5 are connected by the rod
connectors 13. Each rod connector 13 comprises a bracket 13A and
hinge 13B. The bracket 13A of the rod connector 13 is attached to
the top rod 4, and the bracket is 13A is in a fixed position along
the length of the rod portion 4A of the top rod 4. The hinge 13B of
the rod connector 13 is attached to the bracket 13A of the rod
connector 13, and provides an attachment site for engaging the
under rods 5 at the top rod acceptor 5B of the under rods 5. The
top rod acceptor 5B of the under rods 5 and the hinge 13B of the
rod connector 13 are movably connected such that the top rod
acceptor 5B is free to move in a single plane with respect to the
hinge 13B.
[0019] In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 adopts the
extended configuration (e.g. open conformation, expanded
conformation, etc.) (SEE FIG. 1) when the tent is in use. In the
extended configuration of the upper tent assembly 101, the inner
rod 3B of the interhub rod assembly 3 is retracted within the outer
rod 3A of the interhub rod assembly 3. Moving from the collapsed
configuration (SEE FIG. 2) to the extended configuration (SEE FIG.
1) causes an increase in the angle between the interhub rod
assembly 3 and both the top rods 4 and the under rods 5. The upper
tent assembly 101 locks into the extended/open/expanded
configuration by locking the flange clips 8 over the flange 7. The
interaction between the flange clips 8 and the flange 7 holds the
flange 7 against the lower hub 1 and keeps the inner rod 3B of the
interhub rod assembly 3 within the outer rod 3A.
[0020] In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 adopts the
collapsed or closed configuration (SEE FIG. 2) when the tent is
being transported or in storage. In the collapsed configuration of
the upper tent assembly 101, the inner rod 3B of the interhub rod
assembly 3 is extended beyond the outer rod 3A of the interhub rod
assembly 3. Moving from the extended configuration (SEE FIG. 1) to
the collapsed configuration (SEE FIG. 2) causes a decrease in the
angle between the interhub rod assembly 3 and both the top rods 4
and the under rods 5.
[0021] In some embodiments, the center support assembly 102 (SEE
FIGS. 3 and 4) attaches to the upper tent assembly 101 (SEE FIG.
5), and can aid in supporting the upper tent assembly 101. In some
embodiments, the center support assembly 102 comprises an outer
center support rod 20 and an inner center support rod 21. The inner
center support rod 21 and the outer center support rod 20 are
slidably attached, allowing the inner center support rod 21 to
either fit completely within the outer center support rod 20 or
extend beyond the reach of the outer center support rod 20.
[0022] In some embodiments, atop the inner center support rod 21 is
the center support connector 22. The center support connector
comprises a center support hub 23, center support latches 24, and
center support nut 25. The center support hub 23 is attached to the
inner center support rod 21 at the inner rod acceptor 23B of the
center support hub 23. A plurality of latches 24 are connected to
the center support hub 23 at a plurality of center support hinges
23A of the center support hub 23. The latch acceptor 24A lies at
the proximal end of the center support latch 24 and is movably
attached to the center support hinges 23A of the center support
hub. The latch clip 24B lies at the distal end of the center
support latch 24. Atop the center support hub 23 resides the center
support nut 25 of the center support connector 22. The center
support nut 25 serves to connect the center support assembly 102 to
the upper tent assembly 101. The center support nut 25 of the
center support assembly 102 releasably connects to the lower hub
bolt 9 of the upper tent assembly 101. The center support gasket 26
of the center support assembly 102 lies at the junction of the
outer center support rod 20 and the inner center support rod 21.
The center support gasket 26 is in a fixed position atop the outer
center support rod 20. The center support gasket 26 allows movement
of the inner center support rod 21 with respect to the outer center
support rod 20. A plurality of protrusions 27 extend radially from
the center support gasket 26. The protrusions 27 are configured for
interaction with the latch clips 24B of the center support latches
24 when the center support assembly is in a condensed configuration
in which the inner center support rod 21 is fully engulfed by the
outer center support rod 20. The interaction between the latch
clips 24B of the center support latches 24 and the protrusions 27
of the center support gasket 26 is configured to hold the center
support assembly 102 in the condensed configuration. In some
embodiments, other suitable interaction may be used to hold the
center support assembly 102 in the condensed configuration,
including removable pins, a notch on the center support gasket 26
center support hub 23, screws, etc.
[0023] In some embodiments, the sliding hub 28, of the center
support assembly 102, lies along the outer center support rod 20.
The sliding hub 28 is slidably attached to the outer center support
rod 20. The sliding rod acceptor 28A runs through the center of the
sliding hub 28 and provides slidable interaction between the
sliding hub 28 and the outer center support rod 20. The sliding
fastener 29 is attached to the sliding hub 28 and provides a
mechanism for locking the sliding hub 28 in place along the length
of the outer center support rod 20. A plurality of sliding hub
hinges 28B extend radially from the sliding hub 28 and provide
points of movable interaction between the sliding hub 28 and a
plurality of angled support rods 31.
[0024] In some embodiments, the angled support rods comprise a rod
31A, sliding hub acceptor 31B, and support rail acceptor 31C. The
sliding hub acceptor 31B engages the sliding hub hinge 28B to
provide pivotable attachment of the rod 31A of the angled support
rod 31 to the sliding hub 28. The support rail acceptor 31C of the
angled support rod 31 is movably attached to a base support rail
assembly 32.
[0025] In some embodiments, the base support rail assembly
comprises one or more rails 32A, one or more base hub acceptors
32B, and one or more support rail acceptors 32C. One or more
support rail acceptors 32C of a base support rail assembly 32
attach one or more rails 32A to either side of a support rail hinge
31C to movably connect a base support rail assembly 32 to an angled
support rod 31. One or more base hub acceptors 32B attach one or
more rails 32A of a base support rail assembly 32 to the base hub
hinge 30B of the base hub 30. The base hub 30 sits at the bottom of
the center support assembly 102.
[0026] In some embodiments, the base hub 30 contains a plurality of
base hub hinges 30B which extend radially to connect to a plurality
of base support rail assemblies 32 through the base hub acceptors
32B of the base support rail assemblies 32. At the center of the
base hub 30 is the outer rod acceptor 30A which provides fixed
attachment of the outer center support rod 20 to the base hub
30.
[0027] In some embodiments, the center support assembly 102 adopts
the collapsed or closed configuration (SEE FIG. 4) when the tent is
being transported or in storage, or when the center support
assembly 102 is not in use. In the collapsed configuration of the
center support assembly 102, the inner center support rod 21 is
entirely within the outer center support rod 20. The inner center
support rod 21 is held in the collapsed configuration by the
interaction of the latch clips 24B of the center support latches 24
with the protrusions 27 of the center support gasket 26. In the
collapsed configuration of the center support assembly 102, the
sliding hub 28 slides to the distal end of the outer center support
rod 20 toward the base hub 30. Movement of the sliding hub 28
toward the base hub 30 causes the angle between the angled support
rods 31 and the outer center support rod 20 to decrease. The
sliding fastener 29 locks the sliding hub 28 to the outer center
support rod 20 in the collapsed configuration (SEE FIG. 4).
[0028] In some embodiments, the center support assembly 102 adopts
the extended or open configuration (SEE FIG. 3) when the center
support assembly 102 is in use supporting the upper tent assembly
101. In the extended configuration of the center support assembly
102, the inner center support rod 21 is extended beyond the outer
center support rod 20. In the extended configuration, the latch
clips 24B of the center support latches 24 are unengaged with the
protrusions 27 of the center support gasket 26. In the extended
configuration of the center support assembly 102, the sliding hub
28 slides along the outer center support rod 20 toward the center
support gasket 26. Movement of the sliding hub 28 toward the center
support gasket 26 causes the angle between the angled support rods
31 and the outer center support rod 20 to increase. In the extended
configuration of the center support assembly 102, the base support
rail assemblies 32 are perpendicular to the outer center support
rod 20. The sliding fastener 29 locks the sliding hub 28 to the
outer center support rod 20 in the extended configuration (SEE FIG.
3).
[0029] In some embodiments, the assembly of the present invention
comprises two central hubs, the upper hub 2 and the lower hub 1,
from which extend a plurality of rods, top rods 4 and under rods 5.
In some embodiments, the top rods 4 extend radially from the upper
hub 2. In some embodiments, the under rods 4 extend radially from
the lower hub 2. In some embodiments, the assembly has an equal
number of top rods 4 and under rods 5. In some embodiments, each
top rod 4 is paired with and connected to an under rod 5. In some
embodiments, each under rod 5 is paired with and connected to a top
rod 4. In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a
plurality of top rods 4 (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.)
extending from a single upper hub 2. In some embodiments, the
present invention comprises a plurality of under rods 5 (e.g. 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) extending from a single lower hub 1. In
some embodiments the top rods 4 can be of any suitable length (e.g.
.gtoreq.1 foot (e.g. .gtoreq.2 feet, .gtoreq.3 feet, .gtoreq.4
feet, .gtoreq.5 feet, .gtoreq.6 feet, .gtoreq.7 feet, .gtoreq.8
feet, .gtoreq.9 feet, .gtoreq.10, .gtoreq.11 feet, .gtoreq.12 feet,
.gtoreq.13 feet, .gtoreq.14 feet, .gtoreq.15 feet, .gtoreq.16 feet,
.gtoreq.17 feet, .gtoreq.18 feet, .gtoreq.19 feet, .gtoreq.20 feet)
and/or .ltoreq.50 feet (e.g. .ltoreq.40 feet, .ltoreq.30 feet,
.ltoreq.20 feet, .ltoreq.10 feet), etc.). In some embodiments the
under rods 5 can be of any suitable length (e.g. .gtoreq.1 foot
(e.g. .gtoreq.2 feet, .gtoreq.3 feet, .gtoreq.4 feet, .gtoreq.5
feet, .gtoreq.6 feet, .gtoreq.7 feet, .gtoreq.8 feet, .gtoreq.9
feet, .gtoreq.10, .gtoreq.11 feet, .gtoreq.12 feet, .gtoreq.13
feet, .gtoreq.14 feet, .gtoreq.15 feet, .gtoreq.16 feet, .gtoreq.17
feet, .gtoreq.18 feet, .gtoreq.19 feet, .gtoreq.20 feet) and/or
.ltoreq.50 feet (e.g. .ltoreq.40 feet, .ltoreq.30 feet, .ltoreq.20
feet, .ltoreq.10 feet), etc.). In some embodiments, the top rods 4
can be of any suitable diameter (e.g. .gtoreq.0.1 inches (e.g.
.gtoreq.0.25 inches, .gtoreq.0.5 inches, .gtoreq.0.75 inches,
.gtoreq.1 inch, .gtoreq.2 inches, .gtoreq.3 inches, .gtoreq.4
inches, .gtoreq.5 inches, .gtoreq.6 inches) and/or .ltoreq.2 feet
(e.g. .ltoreq.1 foot, .ltoreq.9 inches, .ltoreq.6 inches, .ltoreq.3
inches), etc.). In some embodiments, the under rods can be of any
suitable diameter (e.g. .gtoreq.0.1 inches (e.g. .gtoreq.0.25
inches, .gtoreq.0.5 inches, .gtoreq.0.75 inches, .gtoreq.1 inch,
.gtoreq.2 inches, .gtoreq.3 inches, .gtoreq.4 inches, .gtoreq.5
inches, .gtoreq.6 inches) and/or .ltoreq.2 feet (e.g. .ltoreq.1
foot, .ltoreq.9 inches, .ltoreq.6 inches, .ltoreq.3 inches), etc.).
In some embodiments, top rods 4 and under rods 5 are equally spaced
around the hub from which they extend. In some embodiments, each
top rod 4 is aligned parallel in one plane to an under rod 5. In
some embodiments, each under rod 5 is aligned parallel in one plane
to a top rod 4. In some embodiments, the end of each under rod 5 is
connected to a position along the length of a top rod 4. In some
embodiments, the end of each under rod 5 is pivotally connected to
a position along the length of a top rod 4. In some embodiments,
the end of each under rod 5 is connected to a fixed position along
the length of a top rod 4. In some embodiments, a rod connector 13
pivotally connects an under rod 5 to a fixed position along a top
rod 4. In some embodiments, a rod connector 13 comprises a bracket
13A which provides attachment of the rod connector 13 to the top
rod 4, and a 13B hinge 13B which provides attachment of the rod
connector to the under rod 5. In some embodiments, the bracket 13A
of the rod connector 13 is attached to a single fixed position
along the length of a top rod 4. In some embodiments, the bracket
13A of the rod connector 13 is immobile with respect to a top rod
4. In some embodiments the hinge 13B of the rod connector 13 is
configured to allow the under rod 5 to pivot in a single plane with
respect to the rod connector 13 and the top rod 4. In some
embodiments, the hinge 13B of the rod connector 13 in pivotally
attached to the top rod acceptor 5B of the under rod 5. In some
embodiments, the top rod 4 is attached to the upper hub via upper
hub hinge 11 of the upper hub 2 and the upper hub hinge acceptor 4B
of the top rod 4. In some embodiments, the upper hub hinge acceptor
4B of the top rod 4 is free to pivot in a single plane with respect
to upper hub hinge 11 of the upper hub 2. In some embodiments, the
under rod 5 is attached to the lower hub 1 via lower hub hinge 6 of
the lower hub 1 and the lower hub hinge acceptor 4C of the under
rod 5. In some embodiments, the lower hub hinge acceptor 5C of the
under rod 5 is free to pivot in a single plane with respect to
lower hub hinge 6 of the lower hub 1.
[0030] In some embodiments, the interhub rod assembly 3 comprises
an inner rod 3B which is configured to fit within an outer rod 3A.
In some embodiments, an inner rod 3B is configured to slide between
a position in which the inner rod 3B is completely within the outer
rod 3A and a position in which the inner rod 3B extends outward
from the outer rod 3A. In some embodiments the outer rod 3A can be
of any suitable length (e.g. .gtoreq.3 inches, .gtoreq.6 inches,
.gtoreq.9 inches, .gtoreq.1 foot, .gtoreq.2 feet, .gtoreq.3 feet,
.gtoreq.4 feet, .gtoreq.5 feet, .gtoreq.6 feet, .gtoreq.7 feet,
.gtoreq.8 feet, .gtoreq.9 feet, .gtoreq.10 feet). In some
embodiments the inner rod 3B can be of any suitable length (e.g.
.gtoreq.3 inches, .gtoreq.6 inches, .gtoreq.9 inches, .gtoreq.1
foot, .gtoreq.2 feet, .gtoreq.3 feet, .gtoreq.4 feet, .gtoreq.5
feet, .gtoreq.6 feet, .gtoreq.7 feet, .gtoreq.8 feet, .gtoreq.9
feet, .gtoreq.10 feet). In some embodiments, the inner rod 3B and
outer rod 3A are of the same length. In some embodiments, the inner
rod 3B and outer rod 3A are of different lengths. In some
embodiments a gasket at the end of the outer rob 3A aids in smooth
extension of the inner rod 3B out of the outer rod 3A. In some
embodiments, the outer rod 3A houses an element (e.g. spring,
piston, hydraulics, etc.) to apply pressure to the inner rod 3B
pushing the inner rod 3B into the contracted or extend position. In
some embodiments, the assembly contains a flange 7 attached to the
bottom of the outer rod 3A. In some embodiments, one or more flange
clips 8 are attached atop the lower hub 1. In some embodiments, the
flange clips 8 atop the lower hub 1 are configured to engage the
flange 7 beneath the outer rod 3A in order to fix the outer rod 3A
in the condensed position around the inner rod 3B. In some
embodiments, releasing the flange clips 8 from the flange 7 allows
the inner rod 3B to extend from within the outer rod 3A.
[0031] In some embodiments, the present invention provides and
assembly configured to support a structure in an open conformation.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides an assembly
configured to allow a structure to adopt a collapsed configuration.
In some embodiment, the assembly is configured two convert from an
open configuration (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected,
functional, etc.) to a closed configuration (e.g. collapsed,
condensed, closed, storage, transport, etc.). In some embodiment,
the assembly is configured to convert from a closed configuration
(e.g. collapsed, condensed, closed, storage, transport, etc.) to an
open configuration (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected,
functional, etc.). In some embodiments, the assembly is configured
to lock in the open and/or closed conformations. In some
embodiments, the assembly does not lock into an open and/or closed
conformation, but adopts and remains in one or both conformations
passively without external force or locking. In some embodiments,
the assembly of the present invention is structurally and/or
functionally attached to additional structural support assemblies.
In some embodiments, converting the assembly from opened to closed
induces conformational changes in additional structural support
assemblies. In some conformational changes in additional structural
support assemblies induce conversion of the present invention from
the opened to closed conformation.
[0032] In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present
invention adopts the open conformation (e.g. extended, expanded,
opened, erected, functional) the inner rod 3B is contained within
the outer rod 3A and the flange clips 8 are closed over the flange
7. In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention
adopts the open conformation, the angle between the top rods 4 and
the interhub rod assembly 3 approaches perpendicular (e.g.
.gtoreq.45.degree., .gtoreq.60.degree., .gtoreq.70.degree.,
.gtoreq.80.degree., .gtoreq.85.degree., .gtoreq.89.degree., etc).
In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention
adopts the open conformation the angle between the under rods 5 and
the interhub rod assembly 3 approaches perpendicular (e.g.
.gtoreq.45.degree., .gtoreq.60.degree., .gtoreq.70.degree.,
.gtoreq.80.degree., .gtoreq.85.degree., .gtoreq.89.degree., etc).
In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention
adopts the closed conformation, the angle between the top rods 4
and the interhub rod assembly 3 approaches parallel (e.g.
.ltoreq.45.degree., .ltoreq.30.degree., .ltoreq.20.degree.,
.ltoreq.10.degree., .ltoreq.5.degree., .ltoreq.1.degree., etc). In
some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts
the closed conformation the angle between the under rods 5 and the
interhub rod assembly 3 approaches parallel (e.g.
.ltoreq.45.degree., .ltoreq.30.degree., .ltoreq.20.degree.,
.ltoreq.10.degree., .ltoreq.5.degree., .ltoreq.1.degree., etc). In
some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open
conformation to closed conformation results in a decrease in the
angle between the top rods 4 and inter hub rod assembly 3. In some
embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open conformation
to closed conformation results in a decrease in the angle between
the under rods 5 and inter hub rod assembly 3. In some embodiments,
conversion of the assembly from the open conformation to closed
conformation results in an increase in the angle between the under
rods 5 and top rods 4. In some embodiments, conversion of the
assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation
results in an increase in the angle between the top rods 4 and
interhub rod assembly 3. In some embodiments, conversion of the
assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation
results in an increase in the angle between the under rods 5 and
inter hub rod assembly 3. In some embodiments, conversion of the
assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation
results in a decrease in the angle between the under rods 5 and top
rods 4.
[0033] In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100 of the present
invention is attached to additional tent or tent support
structures. In some embodiments, additional tent support structures
may include legs, rods, rails, collapsible elements, support lines,
covers, etc. In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly 101 is
connected to or attached to additional tent structures via the top
rods 4. In some embodiments, material spread above the upper tent
assembly 101 provides a tent, gazebo, shelter, or cover. In some
embodiments, material covering the upper tent assembly 101 can be
made of any suitable material (e.g. fabric, natural fibers,
synthetic fibers, leather, nylon, plastics, etc.).
[0034] In some embodiments, material covering the upper tent
assembly may also extend onto additional tent structures or tent
support structures. In some embodiments, the tent assembly 100 of
the present invention may comprise any suitable materials (e.g.
metal (e.g. aluminum, steel, alloys, titanium, etc.), polymers,
plastics, wood, etc. In some embodiments, a tent assembly 100 of
the present invention may comprise one or more center support
assemblies 102 (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, .gtoreq.10,
etc.). In some embodiments, a tent assembly 100 of the present
invention may comprise one or more upper tent assemblies 101 (e.g.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, .gtoreq.10, etc.).
[0035] In some embodiments, connections and or attachments between
hubs (e.g. lower hub 1, upper hub 2, etc.), rods (e.g. top rods 4,
under rods 5, etc.), assemblies, hinges, connectors, acceptors,
and/or other elements of the present invention may be made in any
suitable manner. The mechanisms of connecting and attaching
elements of the present invention are intended to be exemplary and
should not be taken as limiting.
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