GB2321913A

GB2321913A - Shelter frame with scissors-type linkage

Info

Publication number: GB2321913A
Application number: GB9702609A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tony Tsai
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-02-08
Filing date: 1997-02-08
Publication date: 1998-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2017-02-08
Also published as: DE29703246U1; GB2321913B; GB9702609D0

Abstract

A shelter frame having at least two poles connected by a linking assembly having first and second scissors-type linkages and a linking device. The scissors-type linkages include first structural members 102, 104 pivotally coupled to respective second structural members 106, 108 and to one another. The linking device 100 is adapted to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member 106 in the first scissors-type linkage to the second scissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to also pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member 108 in the second scissors-type linkage to the first scissors-type linkage at a point on the first scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage.

Description

2321913 COLLAPSIBLE SHE.LTER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to shelters and, more particularly, to shelters including collapsible frames.

2. Description of the Related Art

Over the years, a seemingly endless variety of tents and other shelters having collapsible frames nave been introduced into the market. Such structures are commonly used to provide shelter during camping trips, pcnics, parties, military operations and other out-door activities. Because their frames are collaosible, relatively large shelters may.be folded into a compact configuration for storage and transport.

The inventors herein have disco,ered that there are a number of shortcomings associated with the collapsible shelters that have been introduced heretofore. more specifically, the inventors herein have discovered that the frames associated with prior collapsible sh6lters tend to be difficult to Lold and unfold, unstable, and somewhat large V- hen folded. Some prior shelter frames also allow the canopy to sag and form unsightly pockets where water can accumulate, reduce tent headroom and/or ultimately produce an unsightly shelter.

For example, a prior open-type collapsible tent is shown in FIGURES 16 and 17. The tent consists of a frame 2 which supports a canopy D. The frame includes four poles -- -' c"- s eac- o. v;-- -- secured to a center strzu C hby a sCiSsors -type linkage B. The sc-issors-type linkages 3 are secured to the poles 11, by fixed hinges A! at the top of each pole and sl-;d ing hinges A2: which slide along the noles as the frame is moved between the folded and unfolded orientations. The othe-- ends of the linkaaes B are secured to the center strut C by a fixed cross- shaipecd connector F and a sliding connector E which slides along the center strut as the frame is moved between the folded and unfolded orientations.

The shelter frame shown in FIGURES 16 and 17 is somewhat unstable because the legs A are not directly connected to one another and, instead, are only connected to one another by the structure formed by the scissorstype linkages P, the center strut C and the connectors E and F. In addition to being unstable, the scissors-ty-pe linkaae/center strut/connector structure also reduces the headroom, within the tent. This frame is also somewhat diff-icult to unfold in that an extra person is sometimes needed to push the center strut C upwardly to its com,plettely extended position. With respect to the canopy D, the center strut C is the only portion of the frame that holds the canopy above the 'poles and, as a result, the canopy will often sag.

Another exammle of a conventional shelter frame is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,607,656 ("the 1656 patent") The frame disclosed in the 1656 patentis -a marginal imorovement over the frame illustrated in FIGURES 16 and 17 in that stability is increased because adjacent support poles are connected to one another by respective pairs oJE_ scissors-type linkages. Nevertheless, the shelter frame disclosed in the 1656 patent suffers from many of the same shortcominas as the frame shown -in FIGURES 16 and 17. For example, the canopy is supported by a single central 3 support and, therefore, tends to sac. The central support post is itsel-.- L-: supported by a pair of sc-JssGr:::-ty-p= linkages which extend across the interior of the shelter. ThIs conficuration reduces headroom within the shelter.

Moreover, the lowest portion of each of the scissors-type li JF:

nkace mairs is hal. way between the pcles, thereby reducing headroom in the area that often serves as the entrance to a tent.

OBJECT AND SMIMARY OF THE INVENTION A general object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible shelter that is superior to those presently known in the art. In particular, one object of - h L-Lie present invention is to provide a shelter frame that is is relatively easy tO fold and unfold, stable, and still compact when folded. Another object of the present invention is Drovide a shelter frame that is less l-ikelv to allow the canopy to sag, will not reduce tent headroom, and will ultimately produce an attractive shelter._ In accordance with one aspect of- the present invention, these and other objectives are accomplished by providing a shelter frame having at least two poles connected by a linking assembly-having first and second scissors-type linkages and a linking device. The scissors-type linkages include first structural members pivotally couplecd to respective second structural members and to one another. The linking device is adapted to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of.. the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage to the second scissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissors-type i- inkaae vertically soaced -1rom the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to also pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage to the first 1-1 scissors-type linkage at a point on the first scissors- type!- ace ve rmned ?n'. -rt-4--allv spaced from, the pre-----portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage.

The vertical. spacing associated with the linking device provides increased headroom between the poles as Compared to prior linking assemblies which consist solely of two sciissors-type linkages. Moreover, the increased headroom is provided without sacrificing ease of folding and unfolding, stability, and compactness when folde.d.

in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, other objectives are accomplished by providing a shelter frame with a canopy support including a head connector and at least first and second canopy support rods. Each canopy support rod includes a first rod member pivotally secured to a second rod member. The first rod members are also pivotally secured to a respective pole and the second rod members are also pivotally secured to the head connector. As a result, the canopy support p rovices a greater support area than many prior canopy suL-ports, which results in an aesthetically pleasing shelter canopy that is less likely to sag. The shelter frame may also include linking rods. that are pivotally secured to slicing connectors on tie poles and to the canopy support rods. The link-ing.rocis help drive the canopy support to its unfolded orientation as the frame poles are pulled apart. As a result, the canopy support need not be manually pushed to its unfolded orientation.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a sliding connect-or locking assembly is provided substantially within the interior a pole- The locking assembly includes a spring having first and second spring members extending trom a base member, a button associated with the first snrina member and adaloted to 35 extend through apertures in the pole and sliding connector, and a positioning member adapted to ----in= L ho= sz)r-lnc at a iDre-----r --- 1 - -d location within - --ncer-ior c-lc the iDole. T11-lis assembly makes the frame easier to fabricate and more reliable than those having the locking assemblies known heretofore.

Many other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible shelter frame in accordance with a preferred embod-iment a,'the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is an preferred entbodiment FIGURE 3 is an preferred embodiment FIGURE 4 is an erred embodiment pre - FIGURE 5 is an -erred embodiment p r FIGURE 6 is an oreferred embodiment FIGURE 7 is an creferred embodiment FIGURE 8 is an pre'Lerred embodiment FIGURE 9 is an preferred embodiment enlaraed view identified by enlarged view identifLed by enlarged view identified by enlarged view identified by exploded view shown in FIGURE 2. exmloded view of the portion of the shown in FIGURE 3.

exploded view of the portion of the shown in exploded shown in o"L' the por-tion-of the circle A in FIGURE of the portion of circle B in FIGURE 1. of the portion of the circle C in FIGURE 1. of the portion of the circle D in FIGURE 1. of the partion of the the FIGURE 4.

view of the portion of the FIGURE 5.

6 FIGURE 10 is a perspective embod imient orientation.

FIGURIE 11 is a..n preferred embodiment FIGUME 12 i-s an pf iment referred embod- FIGURE 13 is an preferred embodiment FIGURE 14 is an preferred embodiment FIGURE 15 is an preferred embodiment v:

_Lew of the preferred Jn a Dartially -- A- - enlarged vJ-,W of the portion of identified b., circle E in FIGURE enlarged view of the portion of identified by circle enlarged view identified by enlarged view identified by enlarged view identified by io. the F in FIGURE 10. of the portion of L-he circle G in FIGURE 10. of the portLon of the circle H in FIGURE 10. of the portion of the circle I in FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of a prior 15 collaDsible shelter frame in a folded orientation.

the prior FIGURE 17 is a perspective view c,, collapsible shelter frame shown in FIGURE 16 in an unfolded orientation.

FIGURE 18 is a section view oj- a locking assembly in accordance with the present invention- FIGURE 19 is an exploded view of the locking assembly shown in FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 20 is a perspective v.iew.in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

rFIGURE 21 is a persiDect:-ve view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGURE 20 in a partially folded orientation.

FIGURE 22 is a partial perspective view in."accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMEINT

The following is a detailed descrintion of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention. This descrip-.ion is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is 7 made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general the prin-ciples c. - A... - - _ c n. Th.e scc,:e of the i-n-jenticp is de.E-, ned solely by. tJInle appended claims.

As s--low.-- by way of example in FIGURE 1, a shelter frame in accordance with a f-4--st pre'Lerred embodiment of the present invention includes a lower frame member and a canopy support. The lower frame member includes four upwardly extendiniq poles i_ that are. connected to one another by four pairs of scissors-type (or x-type) linkages 2.. Each of the scissors-type linkages 2 is Divo-Lally secured to another linkage and to one of the poles 1. The linkages 2 are secured to the poles 1 by jf which are secured to the top of each -ixed connectors 5, pole, and connectors 6which slides aloncr the is poles. The exemplary canopy support includes four canopy sur)zort-Jng rcd-c 3, each of which is pivotally secured to a head 7. The canopy supporting rods 3 are also pivotally secured to respective linking rods 4 and fixed connectors 5. The linking rods 4- are pivotally secured to respective slidina connectors Referring to FIGUIRES 2, 6, 11 and 12, each exemplary fixed linkage 5 -4ncluk--;es three connecting seats 51, 52 and 53. The connectina seats 51 and 52 are secured to the end of a link in a scissors-type linkage' 2 by a nur- 9 and a bolt 8. The c--nnec-4ng seat: 53, 'which is between connecting seats 51 and 542, is' secured to a connector 33 f a canopy supporting rod 3 by a nut 9 and a at one end of bolt 8. Similarly, the sliding linkages 6 ara provided with three connecting seats 61, 62 and 63. The connecting seats 61 and 62 are also secured to the end of a link in a sciisssors-type linkage 2 by a nut 9 and a bolt 8. The connecting seat 63, which is between connecting seats 61 and 62, is secured to a connector 43 at the end of a linlking rod 4 by a nut 9 and a bolt 8. So configured, the scissors-type linkages 2, canopy supporting rods 3, 6 inking rods, and sliding co.-ineco--s 6 are capable of b=--i.-.c moved, fro.m the fully open (or unfolded) s.io,..jn in FIGURE'S 1, 2 and 6 to the nartially folded orientation shown in FIGURES 10, 11 and 12.

As shown b.,,r way of example in FIGURES 18 and 110, the poles 1 may include a locking assembly 10 which locks the sliding connector 6 in plac e when it reaches the location shown in FIGURE 1. Each locking assembly 10 consists of a button 12 that- is forced through an aperture 1,- in the pole 1 by a spring 16 to which the button is attached. The spring 16, which includes spring members 16a and 16b extending from a base member 16c, is maintained in the proper location within the pole 1 by a positioning member 18. A channel 20 is formed in the positioning member 18 is and a most 22 extends across the channel such that a portion of the spring base meruDer 16c can be held between the post and the tolD of the channel.The position:.r-a member 18 is secured to the pole 1 by a screw 24 (or other mechanical fastener) which extends through an aper:ure 26 in the nole into an aDerture 28 in the nositionina member.

In operation, the button 12 is depressed as the sliding connector 6 moves from the unlocked position shown J-1 FIGURE 10 to the locked position shown in FIGURE 1.

Such depression may be accomplished m'Canually, or by means of a cam surface on the bottom side of the button 12 Once the but-ton is depressed, the slidina connector 6 will pass over the button until a corresponding aperture on the slidina connector (not shown) is alianed with Ehe button.

The button 12 will then be forced by the spring 16 through the sliding connector aperture, thereby locking the sliding connector in place. The button 12 may be decressed to release the sliding member 6 when the use-r desires to fold the frame.

Turning to the exemplary canopy support shown in FIGURES 3, 7 and 13, each canopy support rod 3 consists of 9 two rod members pivotally connected to one another by an i p ivot connector 31. Th.e iner-,ned-a-e piv- connector 31 includes a pair ofE pivot members 311, whicin are secured to the ends 32 of the rod members by nuts 9 and bolts 8. The pivot merj,,ers are composed of E parallel walls which mate with the three parallel walls of the rod ends 3 2. The intermediate pivot connector also includes a pair oL stor) boards 312 which prevent the red members from, pivoting past the unfolded orientation shown 10 in FIGURES 1 and 3.

As noted above, one end of each canopy support rod 3 is secured to a f ixed linkage 5 and the other end is secured to the head 7. Referring more specifically to four FIGURE'S 5,.0 a-nd 15, the preferred head 7 includes. - is head connectors 71,each of which consists of a pair off parallel walls that mate with the three parallell waills on the rod member ends 34. The connectors 71 are secured to the rod member ends 34 by a nut 9 and a bolt 8.

As illustrated for example in FIGURIES 4, 8 and 14, one end of each linking rod 4 is pivotally and slidably connected to the corresponding canopy support rcd 3 by an end connector 41 and a sliding connector 42. The end connector 41 includes three parallel walls which mate with a pair of parallel walls on the sliding connector 42. A nut: 9 and a bolt 8 may be use.-- to 'secur-e the as-:=-,-rblv. The other end of each linking rod 4 includes a connector 43 that is secured to a respective sliding connector 6 in the manner described above.

One or all of the scissors-type linkage pairs shown in FIGURES 1 and 10 may be replaced by a linkage assembly which is illustrated, for example, in FIGURES 20 and 21. The linkage assembly 100 includes a pair of structural members 102 and 104 which are pivotally secured to one another and to respective sliding connectors 6 in the manner described above. A pair of structural members io !C6 and 108 are secured to respective f ixed connectors -:-.

-he strucural mem.ers!02-1,1.)S form two scissors-type linkages and operate in the scissor-like manner des= above. in order: to eliminate the relatively low connection point as sociated with:the structure shown in FIGURES I and 10 (shown "in dashed lines in FIGURE 20) linkage assembly 100 also. includes a linking device in t-he form of a pair of linking members 110 and 112. L i nf,-- --: n g member 110 extends from the free end of structural mem.ber 106 to structural member 104 and linking member 112 extends from the free end of structural member 108to structural member 102. This configuration results in a shelter frame having more headroom at point 114 between the poles, which is often the location of the entrance to the shelter.

As shown by way of example in FIGURE 22, the linkaae assembly 100 shown in FIGURES 20 and 21 may be inverted.

Such orientation resul ts in a shelter frame that 'h.as greater structural rigidity and stability than th-e conventional frame snown in FIC-7URES 16 and 17. Anothe- method of increaS4 ing structural rigidity and stability to configure the frame such that the poles 1 slope inwardly (i.e. toward the head 71 as shown in FIGURES 1, 2 0 and 2 2.

The present shelter fraine,may be readily assembled, folded) for use and folded for storace an-- erec'--ed (i.e. ur-. transport. Referring to FIGURE 10, which shows the frame in a partially folded state, the present frame may be erected by manually pulling the four poles 1 outwardly such that the scissors-type linkages 2 urge the sliding connectors 6 upwardly. As a result, the linking rods!will drive the associated canopy support rods 3 upwardly as the connector 42 slides therealona. This will cont-inue until the pivot rnembers 31 and head 7 reach the stable orientation shown in FIGURE 1. The sliding connectors 6 i i will be locked in place by the locking assemblies 10. 1'-1 -ic=- d-iv=n uz-war,-ly n-o its use cr-ent-ation when the poles 1 L. k_ L - E- d are pull-led outwardly. Similarly, the frame may be J by pressing th-e- locking assembly buttons 12 and then pushing the p,,c-je-s 1 inwardly, thereby causin:, the scissors-type linkages 2 to" urge the sliding connectors 6 downwardly. The l-inkina rOd 4 will then cause the ca,.ncpy sur,Porr- rods 3 to pivot about their intermediate pivot members 31 until the rod members in each s=ort rod meet one another.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the oreferred embodiment above, numerous -ions and/or additions to the above -described modif ica Prei-erred er,ood-iment-s would be readily apparent to one skilled in tI,-e art.

By way of example, but not limitation, the nuts 9 and bolts 8 may be replaced by any o t h e-,- suitable mechanical fastener.

The overall rectancrular sha=e of the frame may also be chance--; to a triangle or It is lintended tha-L the scope of the present invention extends to all such modifications and/or additions and thiat the scope of the present invention is limited solely by the claims set forth belowpoles; and 2

Claims

What is clainzed is:

1 A shelter frame, comorisina: at least f irst and second upwardly extendi na a assembly linking- the first and seccn--," roles, the l-inkaae assembly including first and second scissors-type linkages each having respective first structural members pivotally coupled to respective second structural members, the first structural r-, er,^,ber in the first scissors-type linkage being pivotally coupled to the first structural member in the second scissors- ty-De linkage, and a linking device adapted to pivotally secure a pre - etermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage to the second scissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissorstype linkage vertically spaced from the predeter-,-,iined portion c'L the second structural mnember in the first scissors-type 1 in. k a g e and to r) i votal ly secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage to the first scissorstype li--.ikace at a point on the first scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural mem.1ber in the second scissors-type

2. A shelter frame as claimed in claim.'-1, wherein the first structural members are a first predetermined 1 ,-ngtl,, t.-e se-cond structural are a second predeter-mined length, and the first predetermined length is substantially greater than the second predetermined length.

3.

A shelter frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein --ecGnd -1 m=--.-ibers def ine ffirst ends pivotally secured to a respective pole and second free ends, and the -- = 1 Lree device is P-Lvo! ly secured to the sell-ond ends of the second structural members.

4. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 3, wherein the linking device comprises a first linkina member pi, votally secured to the free end ojthe second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to the first structural member in the second scissors-type linkage, and a second linking member pivotally secured to the free end of the second structural member in the second scissors- t-,.-pe l-i--.-kace to the f irst structural member in the first scisscrs- ty-oe linkage.

5. A shelter frame as claimed in claim. 1, wherein the linkina device ecrn.orises a first linkina member nivotally secured to the second structural mer-,,ber--n the first sciissors-type and to the first structural member in the second scissors-type linkage, and a second linking member pivotally secured to the second structural r-nember in the second sciissors-type linkage to the first structural member in the first scissdrs-type linkage.

6. A shelter frame as clairmed in claim 1, wherein the first and second structural members in the first scissors-type linkage are pivotally connected.at a first iz)i-vot: iDoint, the first and second structural members in the second scissorstype linkage are pivotally connected at a second p-ivoz: po-int, the first structural members are pivotally connecc:ed to one another at a third pivot point, and the device is pivorally connected to first structural mer,-,ber of the first scissors-type linkage at a 1 =ourc'-- p z:he first vct po--.,n-t located bet 7. A frame as claimmed in claim and third 6, where-4n to first the linkina device is pivotally connected structural me-mber of the second sciissors-type linkage at a fifth -ivo-,- po-nt located between the second and third pivot- points.

8. A shelter frame as clairmed in claim 1, wherein the f-i----t structural members are respectively pivotally secured to first and second sliding connectors adapted to slide along the first and second polles, and the second sc:r,jctural members are respectively pivotally secured to f-;-rst and second fixed connectors on the first and second poles.

A shelter frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein t h -- fi r s t and second poles extend upwardly in respective and the first and second and se-cand d-rections In a v e -eszect-ive horizontal and vertical comnnonents io. A sieler rra-,.-,,e as claimedin claim 1, wherein the -1-ir.,.kaae assembolly deffines a first linkage assembly, the ra-ne fu- ina:

snel-ter ther cc-,,.-oris.

third and fourth upwardly extending poles; a second linkacre assembly ii nking thesecond and third noles; a third linkace asse-mbly linking the third and fourth poles; and a fourth linkage assemibly linking the first and fourth poles.

11. A- shelter frame as cla-imed in claim, 1, wheerein z --;= i s-=ors-t-vzDe I- -== ic:: abol,e ---point on the second sc- - ink= - uredezermined portion of the second structural r,,e--,,ber in the firs-L s--J,-,-::-co-rs7!-ype and the point on thle sc4s=ors--1,,-pe linkace is a bove tI,-.e -Po-t-z:ior. o' the second structural member scissors-type l-inkage.

z: - = 12. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the point on the second scissors-type linkage is below the predetermined- portion of the second structural me-mber in the first scissors-type linkage, and the point on the first scissors-type linkage is below the predetermined zortic.-i of -the second structural mernber in the second scissors-type linkage.

!3. A shelter f.rame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the p o i n r- on the second scissors-tv,--e linkage is substantially vertically aligned with t. he predetermined me in the seccz,.--' portion of -the second structura.L -mber scissors-type 1 inkage, and the point on the first scissors-type linkage is substantially vertically aligned with the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type l-inkage.

is EraA s.-lelte-- L I I e, c orrnr--- -L n a z 1 e -- s t: -E s -- a n d second u-c,.,;ard-1 v extend' is poles; at least a ffirst- linkage assemblies linking- the r_oles, the linkage assembly including first and. second scissors-type linkages each hav-.'-ng respective first structural members pivotally co=led to resnective second structural- members, the struczural member in the first scissors-type linkage being io pivotally coupled to the first structural member in the second sciissors-type linkage, and a linking device -adapted to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural In the first scissors-type linkage to the second 7,-z b e r L sciissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissorstype linkaze vertically spaced fro-,-,i the predetermined zortion of tll-A.-- second structural member in the first scissors-ty, p e linkaae and to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in 2 0 the second scissors-type linkage to the firs-L scilssorstype linkage at a point on the first scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from. the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage; and a canopy support including a head connector, and at least first and second canopy support rods, each support rod including a first iod member pivotally secured to a second rod member, the first rod r,-,er-,,bers also pivotally secured to a respective pole and the second rod members also pivotally secured to the head connecCor.

17 A s'-ielter frame as claimed in claim 14, further third and fourth poles; second, tb.-ird and fourth linkage assemblies; and and fourth canopy support- rods.

16. A sI-_el-Ler frame as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fir-st structural members are respectively pivot-ally secured to first and second sliding pole connectors adanted, to slide along the first and second poles, the second structural v-,.e-:,,bers are respectively pivotally secured to first and second fixed connectors on the first and second poles, and the f irst rod members are respectively pivota-:,-!y secured to the first and second fixed connectors.

17. A shelter frarne as claimed in claim 16, w-here--,,-i the canopy support further includes at least first and 1 second linking rods respectively pivotally secured. to the f-'-sl- and second slidina connectors and to the first and second canopy support rods.

18. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 17, wherein the f irst and second linking rod.;. are respectively pivotally secured to the 'Lcirs-.-rod 'Mer,,be--s of the first and second canopy support rods.

19. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 1-7, wherein the first and second linking rods are pivotally secured to the first and second canopy support rods by respective first and second slid.' -s.

canozy sur.,.)ort rod connector j i 8 20. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 14, wherein t,-e rod -,,,e-t-zers are pivotally secured to the secon--z rod members by respective pivot connectors, each pivot c a n.-,e c t o r inclu-ding. wall members adapted to prevent the L.A---st and second. rod members from pivoting beyond a predetermined o ri=-n-k-atior:

21. A shelter fram.e as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first structural members are a first prede term ined length, the second structural members are a second predetermined length, and the first predetermined length is substantially greater than the second predetermined length.

22. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second structural members define first ends pivotally secured to a respective pole and second free ends, and the linking device is pivotally secured to the second free ends of the second structural members.

23. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 22, wherein the linking device comprises a f irsL linking member pivotally secured to the free end.of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to the first structural member in the second scissors -type linkage, and a second linkina. member pivotal ly secured to the free end of the second structural member in the second scissorstype linkage to the first structural member in the first scissors-type linkage.

24. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 1,1, wherein the linking device comprises a first linking member pivotally secured to the second structural member in the Ifirst scissors-type linkage and to the first structural member in the second scissors-type linkage, and a second 1 19 linking member pivotally secured to the second structural second scissorstype linkage to the first in the sziructii-,ral member in the first scissors-ttype linkage.

25. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first-- and second structural members in the first scissors-type linkage are pivotally connected at a first pivot point, the first and second structural members in the second scissors-type linkage are pivotally connected at a second pivot point, the first structural members are pivotally connected to one another at a third pivot point, and the linking device is pivotally connected to first structural member of the first scissors-ty pe linkage at a fourth pivot point located between the first and third Divot points.

26. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 25, wherein the linking device is pivotally connected to first structural member of the second scissorstype linkage at a fifth pivot point located between the second and third iDivoL points.

27. A sheik-er frame as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first structural members are re:pectively pivotally secured to first and second sliding cohnectors adapted to slide- along the first and second poles, and the second structural members are respectively pivotally secured to first and second fixed connectors on the first---and second poles.

28. A shelter fra-nie as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first and second poles extend upwardly in respective first and second directions, and the first and second directions have respective horizontal and vertical comoonents.

29. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 1,11, wherein the noint or, the second scissors-type linkawe is above the -predetermined portion of the second structural r,-,ember in the first sc-Lssors,- type linkage, and the point on the first scissors-ty ype linkage is above the predetermined portion of- the second structural member in the seco.-.d scissors-type linkage.

30. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 14, wherein the coint on the second scissors-type linkage is below the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first sciissors-type linkaae, and the point on the L first scissors-type linkage is below the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage.

3"-,. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 141, wherein the point on the second scissors-ty-pe linkage is substantially vertically aligned with the predetermined 1 the second --structural member in the second port Lon of scissors-type linkage, and the point on the first scissors-type linkage is substantially vertically aligned with the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type link-age.

21 32. A shelter frame, comprising:

a- le= and se-cond uz, jardly t st rst: poles, the firSt 001e includina a wall def-inina an, nter or nortior ani a pole aDer--ure extending th-rough, th.e -L - - wall; poles; a linkage assembly linking the first and second at least first and second fixed connectors adapted to respectively pivotally secure first portions of the linkage assembly to the first and sec ond poles; at least first and second sliding connectors adapted to respectively pivotally secure second portions of the linkage assembly to the first and second poles, the first sliding connector defining a sliding connector aperture; and a sliding connector locking assembly substantially within the interior portion of the first pole, the locking assembly including a siDrincr hav-i..r,-g first and second-spring members extendina from a base member, a button associated with the first spring me-,-Lber and adapkl-ed to extend through the pole aperture and the sliding connector.aperture, and - a positioning member adapted to maintain the sr)rna at a credetermined location within the interior of th.e first pole.

33. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 32, wherein the spring is substantially U-sha-Ded.

34. A shelter frame as claimed in claim 32, wherein I- the positioning member defines a channel and includes a post extending across the channel.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A collapsible shelter frame comprising upwardly extending poles, a linkage assembly between each two adjacent poles, and a canopy support, mounted on the poles, each linkage assembly comprising first and second scissors type linkages, each having respective first structural members pivotally coupled to respective second structural members, the first structural members of the first linkage being pivotally coupled to the first structural members of the second linkage and the second structural members of each linkage being pivotally coupled to the other linkage, the canopy support comprising a head connector and support rods extending one from each pole to the head connector and being pivotally coupled to the head connector and the respective pole and linking rods, each pivotally coupled to a respective pole and slidably connected to a respective support rod, each support rod being in two parts with a device pivotally interconnecting the two parts to permit collapse of each rod, the device having limit means preventing relative pivotal movement of the two parts past an aligned position in the erected state of the frame.

2. A collapsible shelter frame according to Claim 1, wherein, in each linkage assembly, a further link is pivotally coupled to each second structural member and is pivotally coupled to the other linkage.

3. A collapsible shelter frame according to Claim 2, wherein each further link is coupled to the first structural member of the other linkage.

1.3 4. A collapsible shelter frame according to Claim 3, wherein each farther link is pivotally coupled to the first structural member of the other linkage between the pivotal connection of the first structural member to the other first structural member and the scissors pivotal connection of the first structural member to the corresponding second structural member.

5. A collapsible shelter frame as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the first structural members are a first predetermined length, the second structural members are a second predetermined length, and the first predetermined length is greater than the second predetermined length.

6. A collapsible shelter frame according to Claim 5, wherein, in each linkage, the pivotal connection between the second structural member and the corresponding further link is vertically aligned with the pivotal connection of the other further link to the first structural member, in the erected state of the frame.

7. A collapsible shelter frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in the erected state, the poles extend upwardly in respective first and second directions having respective horizontal and vertical components.

8. A collapsible shelter frame as claimed in any preceding claim, including first, second, third and fourth poles, with linkage assemblies coupled one assembly between adjacent pair of said poles.

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9. A collapsible shelter frame as claimed in Claim 8, comprising a respective support rod connected between each of the four poles and the head connector, and a respective linking rod between each pole and the corresponding support rod.

10. A collapsible shelter frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each first structural members is coupled to the respective pole by being pivotally secured to a sliding connector adapted to slide along the pole, each second structural member being pivotally secured at a fixed position on the respective pole.

11. A collapsible shelter frame according to Claim 10, wherein each pole has a mechanism for latching the sliding connector in a predetermined position on the pole.

12. A collapsible shelter frame according to Claim 11, wherein the mechanism includes a spring element, within the pole, biasing a button through an aperture in the pole to a projecting position, the button being depressable against the bias and engageable in an aperture in the sliding connector to latch it into position.

13. A collapsible shelter frame according to Claim 1, wherein, in each linkage assembly, each second structural member is directly pivotally connected to the other second structural member.

14. A collapsible shelter frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.