US20060231129A1 - Folding structure with improved locking system - Google Patents

Folding structure with improved locking system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20060231129A1
US20060231129A1 US11/405,990 US40599006A US2006231129A1 US 20060231129 A1 US20060231129 A1 US 20060231129A1 US 40599006 A US40599006 A US 40599006A US 2006231129 A1 US2006231129 A1 US 2006231129A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
hinge
plug
slider
folding structure
tab
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/405,990
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Allan Ferraro
Barry Fireman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aqua Leisure Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Aqua Leisure Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aqua Leisure Industries Inc filed Critical Aqua Leisure Industries Inc
Priority to US11/405,990 priority Critical patent/US20060231129A1/en
Assigned to AQUA-LEISURE INDUSTRIES, INC. reassignment AQUA-LEISURE INDUSTRIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FERRARO, SR., ALLAN R., FIREMAN, BARRY
Publication of US20060231129A1 publication Critical patent/US20060231129A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/28—Umbrella type tents
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
    • E04H15/44—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type
    • E04H15/48—Supporting means, e.g. frames collapsible, e.g. breakdown type foldable, i.e. having pivoted or hinged means

Definitions

  • Folding structures such as tents and cabanas, utilize various mechanisms to hold the structure in the open or unfolded position.
  • U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,864,389; 4,945,936; and 6,021,795 each disclose what is commonly referred to as an “umbrella” type folding structure.
  • the folding structures described in those patents employ a hinge mechanism consisting of a lower hub that is manually moved upwards into engagement with an upper hub to unfold a plurality of legs to open the structure.
  • the lower and upper hubs are not secured or locked together when the folding structure is open, leading to a potential unwanted collapse of the folding structure.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a folding structure for use as a cabana, tent, or the like that employs a more positive and secure hinge mechanism to provide safer and quicker folding of the structure.
  • the present invention is directed to a folding structure for use as a cabana, tent, or the like.
  • the folding structure comprises a plurality of legs and a hinge mechanism comprising a plug hinge removably connected to a slider hinge between a first position where the structure is substantially collapsed and a second position where the structure is substantially open and the plug hinge is locked to the slider hinge.
  • the plug hinge comprises a pair of flexible tabs having ridge portions that ride on a tapered wall of the slider hinge as the plug hinge is brought into engagement with the slider hinge. Upon complete engagement of the plug hinge with the slider hinge, the ridge portions of the flexible tabs snap into locked engagement with a lip portion of the slider hinge.
  • the hinge mechanism may further comprise a release cap having a pair of buttons that, when pressed, contact and move the ridge portions of the flexible tabs off the lip portion to disengage the plug hinge from the slider hinge, whereby the folding structure may be collapsed.
  • Snap engagement of the ridge portions of the flexible tabs of the plug hinge with the lip portion of the slider hinge provide a positive and secure hinge mechanism to maintain the structure in the open position.
  • the buttons on the release cap provide a fast and easy means to release or disengage the plug hinge from the slider hinge and thus collapse the structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding structure according to the present invention shown in an open or erect position and having a fabric enclosure attached thereto for use as a cabana, tent or the like;
  • FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of the folding structure in a partially folded or collapsed position wherein a plug hinge of a hinge mechanism is fully disengaged from a slider hinge of the hinge mechanism,
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the hinge mechanism
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the upper portion of folding structure in a substantially collapsed or folded position, with the plug hinge fully disengaged from the slider hinge;
  • FIG. 5 a perspective view of the top portion of the folding structure in an open or erect position with the plug hinge in secured or locked engagement with the slider hinge;
  • FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the folding structure showing the plug hinge disengaged from the slider hinge;
  • FIG. 7 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the folding structure showing the plug hinge of the hinge mechanism in secured or locked engagement with the slider hinge;
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of Section A of FIG. 7 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a retaining plug showing end portions of a rope tied into a knot that is securely retained within the retaining plug;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the plug hinge
  • FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the plug hinge
  • FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the plug hinge
  • FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the plug hinge
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 13 ;
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the slider hinge
  • FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the slider hinge
  • FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the slider hinge
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 17 ;
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the release cap
  • FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the release cap
  • FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the release cap.
  • FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 21 .
  • the present invention is directed to a device or structure 10 that may be easily manipulated between an open and locked position ( FIG. 1 ) and a folded or collapsed position ( FIG. 2 ).
  • Folding structure 10 generally comprises legs 28 , 30 , 32 , and 34 ( FIG. 4 ) pivotally connected to a hinge mechanism 52 ( FIG. 1 ).
  • each of legs 28 , 30 , 32 , and 34 comprise an upper leg section 36 connected to a lower leg section 38 by a hinge 40 that allows the lower leg section 38 to be folded upon upper leg section 36 in a conventional fashion.
  • folding structure 10 further comprises extending arms 44 , 46 , 48 , and 50 each having an outer end pivotally connected to the sliding hinge 42 on the upper leg section 36 and an inner end pivotally connected to a plug hinge 54 (to be described) of the hinge mechanism 52 .
  • Folding structure 10 may include a fabric enclosure 12 for use as a cabana, tent, or the like. As shown in FIG. 1 , fabric enclosure 12 may comprise, for example, a front panel 14 having a flap 16 , a side panel 20 , and (as shown in FIG. 2 ) side and rear panels 18 and 23 , and a floor panel 22 . Fabric enclosure 12 may be attached to folding structure 10 by a plurality of straps 24 , in conventional fashion ( FIG. 1 ).
  • the hinge mechanism 52 generally comprises a plug hinge 54 , a slider hinge 70 , and a release cap 88 .
  • the plug hinge 54 is moveable between a first position, with the folding structure 10 open or erect and the plug hinge 54 locked with the slider hinge 70 ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ), and a second position, with the folding structure 10 partially or fully collapsed and the plug hinge fully disengaged from the slider hinge ( FIGS. 2 and 4 ).
  • the release cap 88 may be engaged with the slider hinge 70 and comprise first and second buttons 92 and 94 .
  • the hinge mechanism 52 may further comprise a rope 106 attached to plug hinge 54 , which may be pulled to bring the plug hinge 54 into locked engagement with the slider hinge 70 .
  • plug hinge 54 comprises a base portion 56 ( FIG. 10 ) and a plurality of mounting flanges 66 extending outwardly from and formed as part of the base portion 56 .
  • Mounting flanges 66 are pivotally connected with the extending arms 44 , 46 , 48 , and 50 by conventional means such as fittings and pins.
  • Plug hinge 54 further comprises first and second tab portions 58 and 62 extending upwardly from and formed as part of the base portion 56 .
  • first and second tab portions 58 and 62 comprise tapered walls 59 and 63 , respectively.
  • First and second tab portions 58 and 62 further comprise an annular-shaped protrusion or ridge portion 60 and 64 , respectively, disposed upon the tapered walls 59 and 63 , respectively.
  • ridge portions 60 and 64 are flexed and snap into secure or locked engagement with a lip portion 82 (to be described) of slider hinge 70 .
  • slider hinge 70 comprises a body portion 72 ( FIG. 15 ) having a lower end portion 74 , an upper end portion 76 , and an internal passage-way or thru-hole 78 .
  • Thru-hole 78 is provided to receive first and second tab portions 58 and 62 of plug hinge 54 .
  • thru-hole 78 has a tapered annular inner wall 80 adapted to receive and mate with tapered walls 59 and 63 of first and second tab portions 58 and 62 of plug 54 .
  • slider hinge 70 further comprises an annular-shaped lip or rim portion 82 formed at upper end portion 76 of base portion 72 .
  • Slider hinge 70 further comprises mounting flanges 84 adapted to pivotally connect with the upper portions of upper leg sections 36 of legs 28 , 30 , 32 , and 34 .
  • Slider hinge 70 further comprises a plurality of mounting protrusions or tabs 86 disposed at lower end portion 74 of body portion 72 .
  • tabs 84 serve as a means for securely mounting release cap 88 on slider hinge 70 .
  • release cap 88 comprises a housing portion 90 and two opposing flexible and resilient push buttons 92 and 94 formed as part of housing portion 90 .
  • Each of buttons 92 and 94 comprises an inner wall portion 96 and an outer wall portion 98 [ FIG. 22 ].
  • Release cap 88 further comprises a pair of mounting slots 102 adapted to engage with mounting tabs 86 of slider hinge 70 to secure release cap 88 to slider hinge 70 [ FIG. 15 ].
  • Release cap 88 further comprises a pair of rope openings 104 formed at the top of mounting slots 102 . As seen in FIG.
  • buttons 92 and 94 provide a fast and easy means to release or disengage the plug hinge 54 from the slider hinge 70 , to allow collapse of the structure 10 .
  • the hinge mechanism 52 may further comprise a retaining plug 114 .
  • Retaining plug 114 generally comprises a housing 114 having a lower portion 116 and a passageway or thru-hole 118 .
  • Retaining plug 114 is adapted to be inserted within base portion 56 of plug hinge 54 [ FIG. 3 ] to provide a means for retaining or securing the ends of rope 106 within and to the plug hinge 54 .
  • the end portions 108 of rope 106 are threaded thru the passage way 118 and tied into a knot 110 that will reside within the lower portion 116 .
  • plug hinge 54 As upper portion 112 of rope 106 is pulled upwards, plug hinge 54 is brought into engagement with the slider hinge 70 , and the upper length of rope 106 may be left hanging or otherwise unused.
  • the plug hinge 54 , slider hinge 70 , release cap 80 , and retaining plug 114 may be made from conventional plastic materials and fabricated by conventional molding processes.
  • Legs 28 , 30 , 32 , and 34 may be made from conventional materials such as spring steel, plastic, metal rods and fabricated by conventional molding processes.
  • Fabric enclosure 12 may be made from conventional textile fabrics such as nylon and fabricated by conventional molding processes.
  • the plug hinge may include spring-loaded buttons that extend outward from the plug hinge.
  • the spring-loaded buttons may retract into the plug hinge as it is pulled into the slider hinge.
  • the slider hinge or release cap may include detents into which spring-loaded buttons will extend as the plug hinge reaches the extent of its travel into the hinge assembly, so as to lock the plug hinge in the hinge assembly. Release buttons on the hinge assembly can then engage the spring-loaded buttons to force them back out of the detents and thereby release the plug hinge.
  • Other engagement means including arrangements wherein the plug hinge may engage about the outside of the hinge assemble are contemplated.
  • the support and extending arms may be employed to provide various configurations to the folding structure.
  • the pulling means may be other than a rope or cord: e.g., a flexible rod, a ring, or other mechanism whereby the plug hinge and hinge assembly are moved toward one another for engagement.
  • the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the specification and appended claims.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
US11/405,990 2005-04-19 2006-04-18 Folding structure with improved locking system Abandoned US20060231129A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/405,990 US20060231129A1 (en) 2005-04-19 2006-04-18 Folding structure with improved locking system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US67288905P 2005-04-19 2005-04-19
US11/405,990 US20060231129A1 (en) 2005-04-19 2006-04-18 Folding structure with improved locking system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20060231129A1 true US20060231129A1 (en) 2006-10-19

Family

ID=37114216

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/405,990 Abandoned US20060231129A1 (en) 2005-04-19 2006-04-18 Folding structure with improved locking system

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20060231129A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1869380A (fr)
CA (1) CA2544083A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070227990A1 (en) * 2006-03-28 2007-10-04 Frank Mallen Collapsible shelving device
US8186369B2 (en) 2008-05-14 2012-05-29 Swimways Corporation Collapsible shelter
US8413670B1 (en) * 2012-05-14 2013-04-09 Aubrey C. Richardson, Jr. Animal umbrella
CN103075045A (zh) * 2012-12-19 2013-05-01 厦门市荣兴旺野营用品有限公司 帐篷架快速展开的顶部支撑结构
US20140261603A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc. Frame assembly for shelter
US9896862B1 (en) * 2012-12-18 2018-02-20 Brian P. Cox Tent and canopy apparatus
US10557282B1 (en) 2017-01-07 2020-02-11 Regalo International, Llc Stickless exteriorly operated umbrella canopy
US10982465B2 (en) * 2018-09-19 2021-04-20 Zuoxian JIN Labor-saving tent frame

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112227818B (zh) * 2020-10-14 2022-02-08 桃源县文昌中学 一种便于学生进行组装的野外露营防风帐篷

Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2530765A (en) * 1948-03-05 1950-11-21 Sanford Saari H Tent
US2864389A (en) * 1956-04-09 1958-12-16 Hettrick Mfg Co Umbrella tent
US4148102A (en) * 1978-04-24 1979-04-10 Hypromise Industrial Co., Ltd. Umbrella-like hat
US4202363A (en) * 1978-10-10 1980-05-13 American Ecosystems, Inc. Umbrella type collapsible shelter
US5333634A (en) * 1992-10-30 1994-08-02 Delbert Taylor Inverse umbrella tent
US5479954A (en) * 1994-12-13 1996-01-02 Lin; Tu Foldable tent
US5499646A (en) * 1993-06-14 1996-03-19 Lee; Woon Foldable tent
US5871026A (en) * 1997-08-05 1999-02-16 Lin; Tu Umbrella shape two layers foldable tent
US6199572B1 (en) * 1998-07-24 2001-03-13 Negocios De Estela S.A. Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism
US20030062077A1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2003-04-03 Tu Lin Combined pillar structure for foldable tent
US6581617B2 (en) * 2000-12-07 2003-06-24 Ham Se-Ii Canopy tent with automatic umbrella-type collapsible frame
US20040099301A1 (en) * 2002-11-26 2004-05-27 Mei Zhang Umbrella crib cover
US6802329B2 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-10-12 Shih-Ching Chen Top setting-up mechanism for folding tent
US20050224107A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2005-10-13 Lien-Chuan Yang Tent support framework with the ability for quick assembling and folding
US7185666B2 (en) * 2002-03-05 2007-03-06 Winplus Company, Ltd. Easily constructable and collapsible portable tents
US20070051399A1 (en) * 2003-09-25 2007-03-08 Jung In-Young One-touch type foldable tent

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2530765A (en) * 1948-03-05 1950-11-21 Sanford Saari H Tent
US2864389A (en) * 1956-04-09 1958-12-16 Hettrick Mfg Co Umbrella tent
US4148102A (en) * 1978-04-24 1979-04-10 Hypromise Industrial Co., Ltd. Umbrella-like hat
US4202363A (en) * 1978-10-10 1980-05-13 American Ecosystems, Inc. Umbrella type collapsible shelter
US5333634A (en) * 1992-10-30 1994-08-02 Delbert Taylor Inverse umbrella tent
US5499646A (en) * 1993-06-14 1996-03-19 Lee; Woon Foldable tent
US5479954A (en) * 1994-12-13 1996-01-02 Lin; Tu Foldable tent
US5871026A (en) * 1997-08-05 1999-02-16 Lin; Tu Umbrella shape two layers foldable tent
US6199572B1 (en) * 1998-07-24 2001-03-13 Negocios De Estela S.A. Collapsible shelter/tent with frame locking mechanism
US6581617B2 (en) * 2000-12-07 2003-06-24 Ham Se-Ii Canopy tent with automatic umbrella-type collapsible frame
US20030062077A1 (en) * 2001-09-19 2003-04-03 Tu Lin Combined pillar structure for foldable tent
US7185666B2 (en) * 2002-03-05 2007-03-06 Winplus Company, Ltd. Easily constructable and collapsible portable tents
US20040099301A1 (en) * 2002-11-26 2004-05-27 Mei Zhang Umbrella crib cover
US6802329B2 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-10-12 Shih-Ching Chen Top setting-up mechanism for folding tent
US20070051399A1 (en) * 2003-09-25 2007-03-08 Jung In-Young One-touch type foldable tent
US20050224107A1 (en) * 2004-04-09 2005-10-13 Lien-Chuan Yang Tent support framework with the ability for quick assembling and folding

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070227990A1 (en) * 2006-03-28 2007-10-04 Frank Mallen Collapsible shelving device
US8186369B2 (en) 2008-05-14 2012-05-29 Swimways Corporation Collapsible shelter
US8413670B1 (en) * 2012-05-14 2013-04-09 Aubrey C. Richardson, Jr. Animal umbrella
US9896862B1 (en) * 2012-12-18 2018-02-20 Brian P. Cox Tent and canopy apparatus
CN103075045A (zh) * 2012-12-19 2013-05-01 厦门市荣兴旺野营用品有限公司 帐篷架快速展开的顶部支撑结构
US20140261603A1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2014-09-18 Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc. Frame assembly for shelter
US10557282B1 (en) 2017-01-07 2020-02-11 Regalo International, Llc Stickless exteriorly operated umbrella canopy
US10704290B1 (en) 2017-01-07 2020-07-07 Regalo International, Llc Stickless exteriorly operated umbrella canopy
US11391056B1 (en) 2017-01-07 2022-07-19 Regalo International, Llc Playyard with stickless exteriorly operated umbrella canopy
US11732497B1 (en) 2017-01-07 2023-08-22 Regalo International, Llc Foldable playyard structure with top
US10982465B2 (en) * 2018-09-19 2021-04-20 Zuoxian JIN Labor-saving tent frame

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1869380A (zh) 2006-11-29
CA2544083A1 (fr) 2006-10-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20060231129A1 (en) Folding structure with improved locking system
US5884645A (en) Collapsible sunshade
US6854476B1 (en) Easily constructable and collapsible portable tents
US8910648B2 (en) Connector device for a foldable tent
US9995056B2 (en) Collapsible gazebo frame with single activation feature
AU2017352242B2 (en) Canopy pole system
US4193413A (en) Disengaging connector for attaching fabric to a tubular support member
US6230728B1 (en) Umbrella-type tent apparatus and method
US6802329B2 (en) Top setting-up mechanism for folding tent
US6571813B2 (en) Upwardly and downwardly actuated safety runner for foldable umbrella
USRE40657E1 (en) Pull pin assembly for canopy
US7240686B2 (en) Collapsible canopy having reduced length
US5964235A (en) Umbrella with an improved runner fastener
US6354316B1 (en) Skeleton for umbrella tent
US20130014794A1 (en) Foldable tent
US20140069476A1 (en) Foldable tent
EP0417919A1 (fr) Tente positionable entre les positions pliée et bloquée dépliée
US20110214706A1 (en) Canopy tent
US20140202512A1 (en) Retractable pole assembly for a foldable tent
US6951327B1 (en) Detent-releasing device
US20040226596A1 (en) Easily constructable and collapsible portable tents
US20020066476A1 (en) Double-story umbrella
EP4047160A1 (fr) Mât de tente télescopique
US20160168874A1 (en) Collapsible canopy
US6199571B1 (en) Lightening multiple-fold automatic umbrella with control module

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: AQUA-LEISURE INDUSTRIES, INC., MASSACHUSETTS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FERRARO, SR., ALLAN R.;FIREMAN, BARRY;REEL/FRAME:017709/0177

Effective date: 20060601

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION