Collapsible shelter having a reinforced truss and telescoping leg

Abstract

A collapsible shelter has a canopy supported by legs and a center post. The legs and center post are rigidly fixed in position by eave and truss assemblies made from scissor type linkages. The ends of the scissor type linkages can be coupled to create a robust frame assembly. A locking button fixes the scissor linkages to the center post and a strap couples secures the interconnections between scissor linkages. The legs telescope in a non-binding manner and include curved footings for easy assembly and disassembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200420020981.8, filed Mar. 17, 2004, Chinese Patent Application No. 200420020986.0, filed Mar. 17, 2004, Chinese Patent Application No. 200420021066.0, filed Mar. 19, 2004, and Chinese Patent Application No. 200420021142.8, filed Mar. 22, 2004, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The subject disclosure relates generally to shelters, and more particularly to an improved shelter having a collapsible frame. Even more particularly, the subject disclosure relates to a shelter including a canopy supported by a cable mounted on a collapsible frame. [0004] 2. Background of the Related Art [0005] Over the years, many tents and other shelters having collapsible frames have been introduced. Such structures are commonly used to provide shelter during camping trips, picnics, parties, military operation...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The collapsible shelter as described above possesses several advantages. By selectively coupling the cross pieces of the various scissor units, the structure can be strengthened while still allowing for easy folding into a compact configuration. Such a structure therefore incorporates the advantage of scissor-type linkages while overcoming the disadvantages. Further, the coupling of the scissor unit to both the center post and the eave assembly allows the a center post to both maintain the canopy cover taut and also enhance the structural frame.

[0013] The collapsible shelter incorporates at least two leg assemblies, each leg assembly having a foot for resting on the surface. The second ends of the first and second cross pieces are pivotally coupled to a first leg. The second ends of the third and fourth cross pieces are pivotally coupled to a second leg. In one embodiment, each leg assembly includes at least three telescoping portions and forms a plurality of holes that are offset. At least two portions have locking means, each locking means being on a different side of the leg assembly. Each leg assembly incorporates at least two spring-biased buttons for engaging the plurality of holes to selectively set a length of the leg assembly. Such a leg assembly is easily folded and unfolded, yet still effective in supporting a collapsible shelter at a plurality of heights.

Problems solved by technology

However, several problems associated with collapsible shelters have been observed.

The frames tend to be difficult to fold and unfold, unstable, somewhat large when folded, and prone to breakage.

Some prior shelter frames also allow the overlying canopy to sag in an unsightly manner.

While the scissor-type linkages provide an easily folded frame, users often suspend items from the linkages or even rest hands thereon resulting in distortion and / or breakage of the structure.

However, the '726 structure does not possess the ease of folding seen with the scissor-type linkages.

Such prior art footings prevent easy folding and unfolding of the structure 10 because of edges that catch upon or even dig into the support surface during folding.

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