Connector Device for a Telescoping Tent Pole

Abstract

A connector device connects tent poles and includes a tubular member having an interior with an interior surface having a detent and a lower aperture for receiving a lower tent pole into the interior. A top member on the tubular member has an upper aperture for receiving an upper tent pole into the interior of the tubular member. The detent secures the lower tent pole to the tubular member in a snap-fit engagement and the upper pole is releasably lockable with the lower pole. Another connector device includes a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface having a tent fly fastener for fastening a tent fly, a slit extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a fastener receptacle to receive a fastener oriented perpendicular to the slit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims foreign priority to China Application Nos. 201320101781.4 and 201320101787.1, both filed on Mar. 6, 2013, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a mechanism for connecting tent poles, and more particularly to a connector device for telescopically connecting tent poles.[0004]2. Description of Prior Art[0005]Camping tents have evolved over the years to be more user-friendly. One of the features with constant improvement is the tent poles. Over the years, designers have eliminated the need to separately assemble and disassemble each pole section. This was first accomplished through the use of a shock cord or elastic rope that runs through the tent poles, allowing the pole sections to stay together when folded and then snap back into place to assemble the pole.[0006]More recently, instant tents—tents that a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a simple and cost-effective connector device for connecting tent poles together in a telescoping arrangement. It consists of a tubular member with a detent on its interior surface, a lower aperture for inserting a lower pole, and a top member with an upper aperture for inserting an upper pole. The detent securely snaps the lower pole into the tubular member to create a quick and easy connection.

Problems solved by technology

However, telescopic tent poles in prior art instant tents are often connected together by complicated connection assemblies having numerous parts.

Such connection assemblies are costly, time consuming to factory assemble, and difficult and cumbersome to repair.

Not only is the prior art tent fly connection aesthetically unappealing but there is also the possibility of damage to the tent fabric as the tent fabric is subject to tension created by the tent fly.

However, telescopic pole connection assemblies of the prior art are not suited for coupling other accessories such as a tent fly because the connection assembly is unable to withstand the tension exerted by the tent fly, thus causing the connection assembly to disengage from the pole, making the pole unstable.

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