Adjustable Tent Pole

Abstract

An improved adjustable tent pole is provided of the kind utilizing telescoping tubes, which are releasably interlocked by a slot and key assembly, the outer tube being provided with a single slot through which the key extends for selective engagement with a plurality of longitudinally spaced notches of the inner tube. In the improvement, the key receiving slot of the outer tube is located at a sufficient distance from the end of the outer tube so that the outer tube fully covers the notches of the inner tube whenever any of the notches are in alignment with the slot of the outer tube. The outer tube also provides an elongated sight window overlying only the central portion of the notches as the tubes are telescopically adjusted. In a preferred embodiment, the locking and key means is in the form of an integral ring member of resilient plastic material, the ring member being split on the opposite side from the key providing portion so that the ring can be temporarily expanded to a diameter where the key is withdrawn from the slot. The key member is made more readily expandible by making it thicker adjacent the key and tapering its thickness towards the split.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

In U.S. Pat. No. 3,446,523 there is disclosed a self-locking adjustable tent pole, which has been found to be highly advantageous when used as the upright poles, the ridge pole or both. Certain problems, however, have been encountered in the use of such adjustable tent poles, which prior to the present invention have not been satisfactorily solved.

In the field use of the adjustable tent poles of the above patent, the spaced notches of the inner tubes have been found to sometimes coact with the inner edges of the end of the outer tube in a manner causing discomfort to the operator. For example, if the thumb or fingers of the operator are in contact with and overlie the exposed notches of the upper tube when the locking means is released, the movement of the notched tube into the larger outer tube can pinch or cut the fingers or thumb of the operator. While this problem was recognized, it was thought that the notches necessarily had to be exposed to view so that they could be correctly aligned by the operator with the slot and latching key of the outer tube. The present invention provides an effective solution to the problem of causing discomfort to the operator without at the same time making it more difficult for the operator to achieve the correct alignment.

Still another problem encountered in the field use of the adjustable ten poles has been that of servicing the locking means. With the factory installed locking means as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,446,523, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove or replace the locking means in the field. Special tools are required, which the ordinary camper does not have available. Therefore, it has usually been necessary for the tent owners to replace the complete tent poles whenever the locking means has become broken or otherwise is not operating properly. The present invention provides an improved locking means which can be manufactured at considerably reduced cost from the prior locking means, and which can be readily removed and replaced by the ordinary tent owner without requiring the use of any special tools. This permits the tent owner to buy only the relatively inexpensive locking member as a replacement part for his tent rather than the complete tent pole assembly.

THE DRAWINGS

This invention is shown in an illustrative embodiment, in the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 is a perspective somewhat diagrammatic view of a tent equipped with the improved adjustable poles of the present invention, the adjustable poles being used both as the upright poles and as the ridge pole;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the adjustable sections of the poles;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the adjustable section of the inner tubular member;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the adjustable section of the outer tubular member;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the ring member which provides the removable and replaceable locking means;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the locking means of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the pole assembly, the section being taken through the locking means, as indicated on the line 7--7 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing the locking ring in alignment with the slot of the outer tube but disengaged from the notch of the inner tube;

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the assembly in locked condition, the section being taken on line 9--9 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is perspective view, illustrating how the locking ring can be applied to the outer tube; and

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view showing the locking ring on the outer tube as it is moved to the seating position with the key portion extending into the slot of the outer tube, as shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Looking first at FIG. 1, there is shown a typical tent assembly designated generally by the number 10. The tent 10 includes inclined sides 11 and 12, and vertically extending ends 13 and 14. Supporting the tent in a raised position are upright poles 15. A ridge pole 16 is provided to keep the top of the tent from sagging and to prevent the upright poles from moving inwardly. As shown, the upright poles and the ridge pole are on the outside of the tent. The adjacent connecting ends of the upright 15 and the ridge pole 16 can be provided with releasable connectors, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,457,930. These connectors do not form part of the present invention, and they will not be described in detail herein.

For the purposes of the present invention, the telescoping sections of the upright poles 15 and the ridge pole 16 can be regarded as substantially identical, and the construction thereof is represented by the details shown in FIG. 2 to 11.

The adjustable tent poles have a first or outer tubular member 20, which provides a longitudinal bore 21 extending inwardly from an end thereof. A second tubular member 22 provides an end portion 23 telescopically received in bore 21 to permit varying the overall length of the tubular members, thereby adjusting the height or length respectively, of the upright poles or the ridge poles.

As indicated in FIG. 2, and shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the end portion 23 of the inner tubular member 22 provides a plurality of axially aligned, longitudinally spaced, circumferentially extending notches 24. The bore-providing end portion of tube 20 has a circumferential slot 25 therein which is alignable selectively with each of the notches 24. This alignment is shown more clearly in FIGS. 7 and 9 which will subsequently be discussed in detail.

Preferably, as shown, the notches 24 and the slot 25 are of substantially the same width and are defined by parallel sides extending normal to the access of the tubular members.

Locking means designated generally by the number 26 is received on the tube 20, extending around and overlying the slot 25, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 9. The locking means 26 provides releasable key means 27 which is arranged to extend through the slot 25 and to be selectively engageable with the notches 24, as shown particularly in FIGS. 7 and 9. The preferred construction of the locking means 26 and the key 27 will subsequently be described in detail.

In accordance with the present invention, the end portion of the inner tube 22 is provided with a multiplicity of notches 24, the notches being relatively closely spaced, such as 3/4 to 11/4 inches apart. In the illustration given, 8 of the notches 24 are shown, which if arranged 1 inch apart, will permit a maximum overall adjustment of the length of the tent poles of 8 inches. In practice, it has been found that an adjustment of from 5 to 15 inches is desirable, and that correspondingly at least 5 up to 15 of the notches 24 are desirably employed.

In achieving the benefits of the present invention, the slot 25 is located in tube 20 at a distance from the end thereof at least as great as the longitudinal distance between the first and last of the notches 24. For example, as found in FIGs. 3 and 4, the distance "x" will be at least as great, and preferably a little greater than the distance "y." This relationship is further illustrated in FIG. 2 where the notch 24 nearest to the end of the tube 23 is aligned with the slot 25. In this position, the end portion of the tube 20 which extends outwardly beyond the slot 25 overlies and covers all of the notches 24. As the pole is shortened by moving tube 20 further into the bore 21, this same relation will continue to apply, and, in fact, the end of the tube 20 will extend for a further distance beyond the nearest adjacent notch 24. This arrangement for covering or shielding the notches 24 by the extension of the tube 20 beyond slot 25 has been found highly desirable in protecting the operator of the pole while making adjustments of the length of the pole.

Since the notches 24 must be rather precisely aligned with the slot 25 to permit the key 27 to move into its locking position, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the combination of this invention also includes alignment means in the form of an elongated sight window 28. Window 28 which is in the form of a groove or slot extends through the wall of the tube 20 from a point adjacent the slot 25 for a longitudinal distance along the tube, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4. Preferably, as shown, the end of sight window 28 is spaced from slot 25 by a distance less than the spacing between the notches 25 so that when the next to the last of the notches 24 is in alignment with slot 25, the last inwardmost of the notches will still be visible at the adjacent end of the window 28. It is also preferred, as shown, to have the window 28 of sufficient length so it will overlie at least two of the slots 24. In the illustration given, window 28 is made slightly longer than twice the spacing between the notches 24, thereby permitting it to overlie three of the notches. So that the hands of the operator of the pole will be protected against injury, even when the fingers may be in contact with the window 28, it is desirable to have the window relatively narrow compared to the circumferential length of the notches 24 so that only the central portions of the notches can be viewed through the window 28. The desired relationship is clearly shown in FIG. 2.

In accordance with the present invention, is is preferred to form the locking means 26 and the locking key 27 as an integral ring member of resilient plastic material, such as nylon, thereby permitting the locking means to be molded in one piece. To facilitate the installation and removal of the locking means 26, the ring or sleeve portion 29 is split longitudinally at 30 on the side opposite from the key means 27 so that the ring can be temporarily expanded to a diameter where the key means is withdrawn from the slot. In FIG. 8, the key 27 is shown partially withdrawn from the slot 25, the inner end portion of the key resting against the wall of the tube 23, the notch 24 being rotated to a position offset from the key 27. As will be noted, the slot 30 has widened with the expansion of the ring 29.

Preferably, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 6-8, the ring member 29 provides a thicker portion opposite to and adjacent the key 27, and the ring 29 tapers in thickness toward the split or opening 30. This provides a more rigid backing for the key 27, so as to hold it in locking engagement more firmly, while at the same time permitting the ring to be expanded by the flexing of the portions adjacent the split 30.

With the construction of the locking means 26 just described, the locking means can be readily removed and replaced. When the locking means is in locking position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 7 and 9, the operator need only grasp the outside of the ring 29 with one hand, while holding the tube 20 with the other hand. Then by relative rotation of the locking ring and the tube, the key 27 is cammed out of the slots 24, 25, until its inner end rests on the outer wall of the tube 20. This action is facilitated where the edges of the slot 25 and the notches 24 are beveled, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 7 and 8. With the key 27 rotated to an offset position and bearing against the outside of tube 20, the locking means 26 can be readily slid toward and off the end of the tube 20. (See FIG. 11)

For applying the locking means 26, such as may be required in replacing the locking means, the simple procedure can be followed, which is illustrated in FIG. 10. By grasping the ring 29 with the fingers and thumb of both hands on each side of the slot 30, the ring can be readily expanded. Then by maneuvering it with the key portion 27 tilted slightly downwardly and the flat portion 30 slightly upwardly, as shown in FIG. 10, the inner end of the key 27 can be slipped over the side of the tube 20. By continued pulling on the ring 29 to expand its diameter and widen the split 30, the rest of the ring can easily be slipped over the end of the tube 20. Once inserted on the tube, the ring will slide easily down the tube to a position covering the slot 25. By simple rotation of the ring 29, the key 27 can be brought into engagement with the slot 25.

To facilitate the insertion of the inner tube 23 in the bore of the tube 20, the end can be rounded or swedged to a slightly reduced diameter, as indicated at 23a in FIG. 3. With such rounding or taper, the end of the tube 23 can easily be forced past the key 27, although it is extending through the slot 25 at the time of the insertion of the inner tube. Then by observing the position of the notches 24 in the sight window 28, the desired notch can be brought into engagement with the key 27. For changing the overall length, all that is required is for one hand to grasp the outer tube 20 and the other the inner tube 22, and applying a twisting force to cause the relative rotation of the tubes. The key 27 is thereby automatically disengaged from the slot 24, and the tubes can be moved relative to each other to adjust the length, and bring the locking notch 24 corresponding to the desired length into alignment with the key 27.

Claims

We claim:

1. An improved adjustable tent pole having a first tubular member providing a longitudinal bore extending inwardly from an end thereof, a second tubular member providing an end portion telescopically received in said bore to permit varying the overall length of said members, said second member end portion providing a plurality of axially aligned, longitudinally spaced, circumferentially extending notches, said bore-providing end portion having a circumferential slot therein alignable selectively with each of said notches, and locking means received on said first tubular member around said slot and providing a releasable key means extending through said slot and selectively engageable with said notches, wherein the improvement comprises:

a. providing said second member end portion with at least five of said notches;

b. positioning said slot in said first tubular member at a distance from the said end thereof at least as great as the longitudinal distance between the first and last of said notches so that the said bore-providing portion fully covers all of said notches wherever any of said notches are in alignment with said slot; and

c. providing an elongated sight window in said first tubular member between said slot and said end thereof, said window being positioned in generally axial alignment with said slot and extending to a point adjacent thereto, said slot being relatively narrow compared to the circumferential length of said notches so that only the central portions of said notches can be viewed through said window.

2. The adjustable tent pole of claim 1 wherein said improvement also comprises providing said locking means and said key means as an integral ring member of resilient plastic material, said key means extending inwardly from one side of said ring member, said ring member being split longitudinally on the opposite side from said key means providing portion so that said ring can be temporarily expanded to a diameter where said key means is withdrawn from said slot.

3. The tent pole of claim 2 wherein said ring member provides a thicker portion adjacent said key means, and said ring member tapers in thickness toward said split, whereby said ring member may be more readily expanded.

4. An improved adjustable tent pole having a first tubular member providing a longitudinal bore extending inwardly from an end thereof, a second tubular member providing an end portion telescopically received in said base to permit varying the overall length of said members, said second member end portion providing a plurality of axially aligned, longitudinally spaced, circumferentially extending notches, said bore providing end portion having a circumferential slot therein alignable selectively with each of said notches, and locking means received on said first tubular member around said slot and providing a releasable key means extending through said slot and selectively engageable with said notches, wherein the improvement comprises:

a. providing said second member end portion with at least five of said notches;

b. positioning said slot in said first tubular member at a distance from the said end thereof at least as great as the longitudinal distance between the first and last of said notches so that the said base-providing portion fully covers all of said notches wherever any of said notches are in alignment with said slot; and

c. providing said locking means and said key means as an integral ring member of resilient plastic material, said key means extending inwardly from said ring member, said ring member being split longitudinally on the opposite side from said key means providing portion so that said ring can be temporarily expanded to a diameter where said key means is withdrawn from said slot.

5. The tent pole of claim 4 wherein said ring member provides a thicker portion adjacent said key means, and said ring member tapers in thickness toward said split, whereby said ring member may be more readily expanded.