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Flexible frame with articulating joints

a flexible frame and joint technology, applied in the field of outdoor equipment, can solve the problems of significant reduction of the possibility of ductile frame members working hardening and experiencing metal fatigue failur

Pending Publication Date: 2022-03-24
THE FRAME JOB LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The present invention comprises a fabric structure that is supported by a collapsible frame in which the frame members themselves can be plastically deformed as well as folded around one or more hinges. According to an illustrative embodiment, the fabric structure comprises a slouch hat with a flexible frame attached to the perimeter of the brim. The ductile frame members can be deformed plastically to hold one side of the brim in a particular orientation when the hat is in use. When not in use, the hat can be folded around the hinges disposed between the individual frame members. Folding the frame around the hinges significantly reduces the possibility of the ductile frame members work-hardening and experiencing a metal fatigue failure.

Problems solved by technology

Folding the frame around the hinges significantly reduces the possibility of the ductile frame members work-hardening and experiencing a metal fatigue failure.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
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  • Flexible frame with articulating joints
  • Flexible frame with articulating joints
  • Flexible frame with articulating joints

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0012]The drawing figures are intended to illustrate the general manner of construction and are not necessarily to scale. In the detailed description and in the drawing figures, specific illustrative examples are shown and herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawing figures and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but are merely illustrative and intended to teach one of ordinary skill how to make and / or use the invention claimed herein and for setting forth the best mode for carrying out the invention.

[0013]With reference to the figures and, in particular FIGS. 1 and 3, a fabric structure, which in the illustrative embodiment comprises a cloth slouch hat 10 having a brim 12, is supported by a flexible frame 14. In the illustrative embodiment, flexible frame 14 consists of four elongated frame members 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D, which are connected together by four articulating joints 18A, 18B, 1...

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PUM

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Abstract

A collapsible frame for supporting a fabric structure includes frame members which themselves can be plastically deformed as well as folded around one or more hinges. The ductile frame members can be deformed plastically to hold the fabric structure in a predetermined orientation. When not in use, the frame can be folded around the hinges disposed between the individual frame members. Folding the frame around the hinges significantly reduces the possibility of the ductile frame members work-hardening and experiencing a metal fatigue failure.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to outdoor equipment and, in particular fabric structures supported by rigid frames[0002]It is well-known in the art to provide outdoor equipment consisting of a lightweight fabric structure supported by a collapsible resilient frame. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,461 to Ivanovich et al. discloses a self-erecting shelter consisting of a fabric material stretched over an armature made of a highly resilient material, such as spring steel. The shelter can be collapsed by coiling the armature into a flattened package. Because the spring steel armature is highly elastic, the armature does not plastically deform and therefore springs back into shape to form the structure when released.[0003]It is also well-known in the art to provide outdoor equipment consisting of a lightweight fabric structure supported by a hinged, rigid or semi-rigid frame, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,495 to Egnew et al. discloses a portable she...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A42B1/002
CPCA42B1/002
Inventor SUD, JOHN H.PIERCE, BENJAMIN D.CLUM, JAMES
Owner THE FRAME JOB LLC