Portable foldable ceiling structure

Abstract

A portable collapsible ceiling structure that can be assembled and locked in an assembled state, and likewise can be unlocked and collapsed from the assembled state to a collapsed state for transportation and storage, the ceiling structure including a lever system that allows a single user to operate for assembly and disassembly in which the user is held outside the unit, preferably, it remains at a single corner of the ceiling frame. Furthermore, the lever system provides a means for locking the frame in the assembled state for safe use, and likewise for unlocking the frame to fold the ceiling structure for transportation and storage. More specifically, a lever member engages a rib link associated with one corner of the frame to extend the rib link to an extended state, the extension of the rib link coordinating simultaneous extension of other rib links and extension of a horizontal support connected between the corners of the ceiling frame.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 351,011, filed on June 10, 2022. The entire content of that application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to canopy structures and collapsible support structures, and more particularly, to improvements in portable collapsible canopy structures that can be folded and extended between an assembled state for use and a substantially folded state for transportation and / or storage. Even more particularly, it relates to a lever system that facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the canopy structure. Background Art

[0004] The popularity of minivans, sport utility vehicles, and recreational vehicles has led to an increased demand for improved collapsible furniture, particularly collapsible outdoor portable furniture that can be easily stored in a vehicle and conveniently carried by hand to beaches, picnic areas, or spectator events such as outdoor concerts, sporting events, tailgate parties, golf tournaments, air shows, or flea markets, where the general rule is to bring one's own seating.

[0005] Providing improved collapsible furniture for picnickers, beachgoers, athletes, tailgate party enthusiasts, campers, hunters, fishermen, hikers, cyclists, etc. has received significant attention. Canopy structures and portable tent - type canopy structures have become popular due to their enhanced collapsibility and transportability designs. Notably, canopy structures with footprint areas of 8×8 feet, 10×10 feet, and 12×12 feet have become popular because they are suitable for a variety of uses and locations, including beaches, parks, campgrounds, sports fields, parking lots, tailgate parties, etc. Among them, the canopy structure can be assembled for use and can also be folded into a bundled state suitable for transportation, facilitating the user to place it in a car or truck without taking up too much storage space.

[0006] In conventional prior art embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the canopy structure 10 typically includes a top fabric cover 12 configured to cover a frame 14 that includes a plurality of vertical supports 16 interconnected by a plurality of horizontal supports 18, wherein a plurality of rib links 20 are connected between the vertical supports 16 to define a central apex 22 for the cover 12 of the canopy structure 10. In such prior art canopy structures 10, the support members 16, 18, and rib links 20 are typically pivotally interconnected such that the structure 10 can be easily folded into a bundled state for ease of transportation and storage. Preferably, the folded canopy structure should occupy a minimum volume without compromising the footprint of the canopy structure in the assembled state. In this regard, such structures typically use telescoping vertical supports 16 that can be easily extended to increase the height of the canopy structure 10 in the assembled state. Additionally, the horizontal supports 18 and rib links 20 typically utilize pivotally connected elongate members that pivot outwardly to an extended length to maximize the dimensions in the assembled state while maintaining a minimum folded size. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the horizontal supports 18 typically use scissor X-member linkages to facilitate the assembly and folding functions of the frame 14. In such a design, the elongate members are pivotally connected at an intermediate position to form individual X-shapes, and then pivotally connected at the end portions of each elongate member to one or more other X-shaped elongate members to form the linkages that will constitute the horizontal support 18. Each linkage can move between an extended state and a folded state. In the extended state, the connected X-shapes are sequentially unfolded to the maximum length of the horizontal support 18 or rib link 20. In the folded state, the connected X-shapes pivot together such that all components are disposed generally adjacent and parallel to one another. The use of multiple connected X-shaped frames can increase the assembly length and overall footprint of the frame 14 while allowing it to form a more compact bundle when the frame 14 is folded. FIG. 3 shows the folded and bundled state of the canopy structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0007] The difficulties with such a canopy structure typically stem from the assembly and folding functions. Traditional canopy structures are difficult for a single person to assemble efficiently on their own, especially when the size of the canopy structure increases. For example, when assembling the canopy structure from its bundled state, the user must deploy four vertical supports or legs (at each corner of the canopy) to extend the horizontal members and the scissor X-shaped members of the rib linkages from their folded state (where all the component parts are folded adjacent to each other) to their extended state (where the above-mentioned component members are extended end-to-end to define and maximize the length of the member linkages). Thus, the user assembling the canopy structure will need to make multiple trips between the various corners to deploy the structure until each horizontal support and rib linkage is in its fully extended state. Typically, the extension of the horizontal supports and rib linkages is synchronous. That is, when the horizontal supports are extended, the rib linkages will likewise move to their extended states, and vice versa. Also, the horizontal supports will move as a whole. Specifically, when the vertical supports at each corner are pulled apart from each other, each horizontal support will extend as a whole to its extended state. The rib linkages will also move as a whole. That is, when one rib linkage is extended, the other rib linkages will extend at the same rate. However, this operation is cumbersome and quite time-consuming, especially for a single user.

[0008] The assembly process also includes locking the frame after it is fully assembled. Otherwise, the horizontal support members and rib linkages can easily start to fold on their own under the influence of gravity, especially if the vertical support members (i.e., at the corners of the canopy structure) are not sufficiently fixed to the ground on which the canopy structure is assembled, or if there is strong wind pushing the frame and the canopy cover, causing the frame members to fold on their own. If an object (such as a towel, a lantern, or other weighted object) is hung on the frame, the horizontal support members and rib linkages may also start to fold. In this regard, traditional prior art canopy structures use locks on each vertical support member at each corner to lock the horizontal support members in their extended state until the locks are released. For example, such a design employs spring-biased buttons at each corner that lock into place (e.g., protruding through slots or holes in the vertical support members) when the horizontal support members are in the fully extended state. However, this design further increases the difficulty of assembling and disassembling the canopy structure. For example, during the assembly of the canopy structure, the user must go to each corner separately to ensure that each button is properly engaged to lock the frame at that corner location. To fold the canopy structure, the user must release each button to start folding the horizontal support members to their folded state. However, again, each button at each individual corner must be engaged and released separately, which requires the user to walk to each corner to fully assemble or fold the prior art canopy structure. Generally, this design is most suitable for multiple people to collaborate in assembling and folding the canopy structure. Although a single person can also complete the assembly and disassembly of the structure, it is difficult, time-consuming, and requires some effort.

[0009] The currently market-leading canopy technology no longer uses four-corner buttons. For example, the prior art designs for canopy structures have evolved to a way that allows a single person to complete the assembly in one place, using a "push-type" central hub lock. This central hub lock is located at the center of the canopy structure, typically at the intersection of four rib linkages that extend inward from each corner of the structure. By pressing the central hub upward, the rib linkages will be locked into their extended state across the center. As described above, this is consistent with the fully extended state of each horizontal support. Thus, with the rib linkages locked in this extended state, the corners of the canopy structure cannot be pushed together to fold the structure until the central hub lock is released. Releasing the central hub lock allows the frame to fold. In fact, once the central hub lock is released, the entire frame will start to fold under the influence of gravity. This design represents a significant improvement over the four-corner button approach (facilitating single-person assembly and folding), but still has significant drawbacks. Namely, it requires the user to crawl under and inside the canopy, push upward, and lock the frame in its assembled state. The same disadvantage exists when folding the canopy, where the user must be under the canopy to unlock the central hub lock. In this regard, when the entire canopy starts to fold under the influence of gravity, there is a risk of it hitting the user. Additionally, this method is neither convenient nor comfortable, usually requiring the user to crawl on the ground to get in and out under the canopy, which is particularly difficult and annoying on wet ground. Moreover, setting up this canopy design still requires the user to move back and forth between the corners to unfold the frame from its folded state and ensure that each horizontal support and each rib linkage are fully extended before locking the frame in the assembled state.

[0010] In view of the above, there is a need for a canopy structure that can be easily assembled and folded, especially for a single user, without the user having to individually lock each corner of the canopy frame or crawl under the canopy frame during assembly or folding. Additionally, there is a need for such a canopy structure that can be assembled, locked, then unlocked and folded with minimal effort (again, especially for a single user) without compromising or impairing the structural characteristics of the canopy structure. Further, there is a need for a canopy structure that can achieve optimal assembly and folding from a single location and does not require the user to move back and forth between the corners to extend or fold the frame of the canopy structure. Moreover, there is a need for a canopy structure that can be easily assembled without compromising or affecting the safety and structural integrity of the canopy structure, especially on various types of ground including soft ground and sandy ground. Accordingly, the general objective of the present invention is to provide a portable collapsible canopy structure that overcomes the problems and deficiencies associated with prior art canopy structures, thereby significantly enhancing the utility of such canopy structures while facilitating easy transportation and / or storage in the folded state.

[0011] The present invention solves these problems and provides a method to overcome the disadvantages related to the design of foldable awning structures in the related art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a design of a portable foldable awning structure, which is particularly suitable for occasions such as beaches, parks, tailgate parties, sports events, etc. Among them, the awning structure can be assembled to the assembled state and locked in this assembled state by a single user at a single location, and unlocked from the assembled state and folded to the folded state to facilitate transportation and / or storage. The present invention improves the prior art four-corner button method and one-push center hub technology by providing a lever system for the awning structure. This lever system allows a single user to operate for assembly and disassembly, where the user operates while standing comfortably outside the single awning, preferably at a single corner of the awning frame, thus avoiding the trouble of climbing in and out of the interior of the awning (especially for people with bad knees or in the case of wet ground). In addition, the lever system of the present invention provides a device for locking the frame in the assembled state for safe use, and similarly, for unlocking the frame to fold the awning structure for transportation and / or storage.

[0013] The lever system of the present invention can be used on a traditional awning frame device, that is, a frame having four vertical supports at each corner, and these vertical supports are connected by scissor-type horizontal supports that can move between an extended state and a folded state. The frame also includes four rib linkages, each rib linkage extending inward from the vertical member at the corresponding corner and connecting to each other at a center hub that defines the central vertex of the awning structure. A top fabric cover configured to cover the frame is also provided, and this top fabric cover is configured to remain on the frame during the assembly and folding of the awning structure. It should be understood that "covering the frame" includes various designs configured to "at least partially cover the frame assembly" such that the top of the awning is covered while the sides of the frame are open for people to enter and exit under the awning. However, the present invention also includes an awning design in which the cover surrounds the entire frame, for example, providing enclosures as needed to protect the user from external factors (such as wind, sun exposure, etc.).

[0014] In this regard, in an embodiment of the present invention, a portable collapsible canopy structure includes: a frame assembly movable between an assembled state and a collapsed state; a fabric covering configured to cover at least a portion of the frame assembly; and a lever member operatively connected to the frame assembly for assisting a user in moving the frame assembly to its assembled state and locking the frame assembly in the assembled state. In a preferred embodiment, the lever member facilitates the assembly of the canopy structure, locks the canopy structure in its assembled state, unlocks the canopy structure from its locked state, and assists in disassembling the canopy structure to its collapsed state. More preferably, a single user can perform each of these actions from a single location outside the covered area of the canopy structure without entering under the canopy for assembly or disassembly.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, a portable collapsible canopy structure includes: a frame assembly movable between an assembled state and a collapsed state, and a fabric covering configured to cover at least a portion of the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of vertical supports that define a perimeter of the frame assembly in the assembled state; a plurality of shear-type horizontal supports, each shear-type horizontal support pivotally connected to an adjacent pair of vertical supports and extending between the vertical supports around the frame assembly, and movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a retracted state corresponding to the collapsed state of the frame assembly; and a plurality of rib linkages, each rib linkage pivotally connected to a respective vertical support and extending from the vertical support toward a central hub where the plurality of rib linkages intersect, each said rib linkage being movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the collapsed state of the frame assembly. The canopy structure further includes a lever member pivotally connected to one of the plurality of rib linkages to assist in the movement of the rib linkage between the extended state and the contracted state.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking rod member is located at a corner of the canopy structure and engages a rib linkage associated with that corner of the frame to extend the rib linkage to the extended state. The extension of the rib linkage simultaneously coordinates the extension of the other rib linkages and causes the horizontal supports between the corners of the canopy frame to extend to their respective deployed states. When the rib linkage is in its fully extended state, the other rib linkages are likewise in their fully extended states, and the central hub that connects the rib linkages is moved to a canted position to lock the frame in the assembled state. Similarly, the locking rod member is used to relieve the canted position of the central hub to unlock the frame and facilitate the folding of the frame under gravity.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a rib link associated with a lever member includes: a first upright arm pivotally connected to a vertical support associated with the rib link; a second upright arm pivotally connected to the first upright arm, and a central hub cover mounted at a distal end of the second upright arm; a first lift tube pivotally connected to the first upright arm; a second lift tube pivotally connected to the first lift tube and the second upright arm; and a central support tube pivotally connected between the second upright arm and the second lift tube, wherein a central hub support is mounted at a distal end of the central support tube. The lever member is pivotally connected to the rib link such that a pivotal movement of the lever member affects the movement of the first upright arm and the first lift tube, thereby affecting the movement of the second upright arm and the second lift tube, and further affecting the movement of the central support tube, all of which movements move the central hub cover and the central hub support between an engaged state corresponding to an assembled state of the canopy frame assembly and a disengaged state enabling the frame assembly to move to its folded state.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, a portable collapsible canopy frame adapted to move between an assembled state and a folded state includes: a plurality of vertical supports defining a perimeter for a frame assembly in the assembled state; a plurality of rib links, each rib link pivotally connected to a respective vertical support and extending from the vertical support towards a central hub where the plurality of rib links intersect, each of said rib links being movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly; and a lever member operatively connected to one of the plurality of rib links for assisting a user in moving the frame assembly to its assembled state and locking the frame assembly after the frame assembly enters the assembled state. In use, a user can access and use the lever member from a position external to the canopy frame to assist in the assembly and folding of the canopy structure.

[0019] These and other features of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment of a portable collapsible canopy structure. The illustrated embodiments of the features of the present invention are intended to illustrate and not limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art portable collapsible canopy structure in an assembled state of the canopy structure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the prior art canopy structure of FIG. 1 in an assembled state of the canopy structure, with the fabric cover removed.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the prior art canopy structure of FIG. 1 in a folded and bundled state during transportation and / or storage.

[0023] Figure 4Is a partial perspective view of a rib link and a vertical support at a corner of a canopy structure having a locking lever member according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rib link is in a fully extended state.

[0024] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A partial perspective view of the frame member of, and for further understanding of the background, a horizontal support is shown in the figure, wherein the rib link and the horizontal member are respectively in their fully extended states.

[0025] Figure 6 Shows the Figure 4 Frame member in the folded and bundled state of the canopy structure.

[0026] Figures 7 - 9 Shows Figure 4 The frame member of from Figure 6 The folded state to Figure 4 The continuous state of moving to the assembled state.

[0027] Figure 10 Shows Figure 4 A partial perspective view of the frame member of, wherein relative to Figure 5 The horizontal support shown for further understanding of the background, shows the semi-extended states of the rib link and the horizontal support in the same manner as shown in Figure 7 .

[0028] Figures 11 - 18 Shows a partial perspective view of a rib link and a vertical support at a corner of a canopy structure having a locking lever member according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rib link is in a folded state in Figure 11 and in a fully extended state in Figures 17 - 18 .

[0029] Figure 19 Shows a partial perspective view of a rib link and a vertical support at a corner of a canopy structure having a locking system for the frame according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figures 20A - 20C Shows the assembly of the canopy structure according to the present invention.

[0031] Figures 21A - 21B Shows the folding of the canopy structure according to the present invention. Detailed Description

[0032] The portable foldable canopy structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention is as Figures 4 - 10As shown, and generally designated by reference numeral 100. The canopy structure is particularly suitable for occasions such as beaches, parks, tailgate parties, sports events, etc., where the canopy structure 100 can be assembled to the assembled state and locked in the assembled state by a single user at a single location, and unlocked from the assembled state and folded to the folded state for convenient transportation and / or storage.

[0033] The accompanying drawings show a part of the canopy frame 114, and more specifically, include a lever system for the canopy structure 100 that allows a single user to operate for assembly and disassembly, where the user stands comfortably outside the device, preferably at a single corner of the canopy frame 114, thus avoiding the hassle of climbing in and out associated with prior art canopy designs (especially for people with bad knees or in the case of wet ground). The lever system interacts with a rib link 120 extending from a vertical support 116 at a corner of the canopy frame 114. The rib link 120 includes interconnected longitudinal members extending to a central hub 122 that connects all the rib links 120 of the entire frame 114 at the central position of the canopy structure 100.

[0034] The lever system of the present invention can be used on a conventional canopy frame device, as shown in FIG. 2, that is, the frame 114 has four vertical supports 116 at each corner, and these vertical supports 116 are connected by scissor-like horizontal supports 118 that can move between an extended state and a folded state. The frame 114 also includes four rib links 120, each rib link 120 extending inward from the vertical support 116 at the corresponding corner and connecting to each other at a central hub 122 that defines the central apex for the canopy structure 100. A top fabric cover configured to cover the frame 114 is also provided, and the top fabric cover is configured to remain on the frame 114 during the assembly and folding of the canopy structure 100. It should be understood that "covering the frame" includes various designs configured to "at least partially cover the frame assembly" such that the top of the canopy is covered while the sides of the frame are open for people to enter and exit under the canopy. However, the present invention also includes a canopy design where the cover surrounds the entire frame, for example, providing enclosures as needed to protect the user from external factors (such as wind, sun exposure, etc.).

[0035] As shown, the lever system interacts with the rib link 120 at a corner of the frame 114 such that a single user can assemble the frame 114 by extending a single rib link 120, which coordinates the synchronous movement of the other rib links, as well as the synchronous extension of the horizontal support 118 between the vertical supports 116 located at each corner of the canopy frame 114. The user can also use the lever system to lock the frame 114 in its assembled state and thereafter unlock the frame 114 to allow it to fold under gravity. Similarly, the assembly, locking, unlocking, and folding actions of the canopy structure 100 can all be accomplished by a single user from a single location (e.g., at a corner of the canopy structure 100).

[0036] This design (playfully called "LevrUP") goes beyond the one-push technology of prior art canopy structures because, while it is also single-user operated, the user can stand comfortably outside the canopy structure, thus avoiding the hassle of climbing in and out (especially for people with bad knees or in the case of wet ground) or the danger present under the canopy when it is folded, which are problems typically associated with traditional canopy designs.

[0037] As described above, the lever system of the present invention provides a means for locking the frame 114 in an assembled state for safe use and, similarly, for unlocking the frame 114 to fold the canopy structure for transportation and / or storage.

[0038] Referring Figure 4 , the rib link 120 is shown connected to the vertical support 116. The locking lever system (generally designated by reference numeral 124) typically includes a longitudinal member or tube 126 having an end handle 128 to facilitate movement and manipulation of the lever member 126 by the user. The lever member 126 is connected to the rib link 120 and is pivotally fixed to the vertical support 116 by a pivoting D-link 130. The rib link 120 includes a first upright arm 132 pivotally connected to a second upright arm 134. An outer insertion tube 136 is provided outside the first upright arm 132 to provide structural reinforcement. The lever member 126 is slidably positioned within a handle loop 138 that is pivotally connected to a sliding collar 140 and the outer insertion tube 136 mounted on the first upright arm 132 for sliding thereon. The lever member 126 includes two stoppers that can engage the handle loop 138 when the lever member 126 is moved in either direction. These stoppers limit the range of movement of the lever member 126 and, when one of the stoppers engages the handle loop 138, it transfers the motion to the sliding collar 140 to manipulate the first upright arm 132 as required by the present invention.

[0039] The first upright arm 132 is pivotally connected to the lower leg pivot tube 142 by a pivot bracket 144. The other end of the lower leg pivot tube 142 is mounted to the vertical support 116 by a sliding collar 146. The first upright arm 132 is also pivotally connected to the first lift tube 148 by a sliding collar 140. The first lift tube 148 is pivotally connected to the second lift tube 150, and the second lift tube 150 is pivotally connected to the second upright arm 134 at a bracket 152. The second lift tube 150 is also connected to the central support tube 154 by a central support sliding collar 156. The central support tube 154 is also pivotally connected to the second upright arm 134 at the bracket 152. A central hub cap 158 is mounted at the end of the second upright arm 134. A corresponding central hub support 160 is mounted at the end of the central support tube 154. The central hub cap 158 includes a locating pin 162. In use, when the rib link 120 moves to its fully extended state, the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 move together to a locked position where the locating pin 162 is received into the central hub support 160.

[0040] In operation, the movement of the lever member 126 will affect the movement of the first upright arm 132 and the first lift tube 148 through the sliding collar 140. The movement of the first upright arm 132 will affect the movement of the lower leg pivot tube 142 and the second upright arm 134. The movement of the first lift tube 148 will affect the movement of the second lift tube 150, and the movement of the second lift tube 150 is also partially affected by the movement of the second upright arm 134, which is actually achieved through the shearing action between the pair of upright arms 132, 134 and the pair of lift tubes 148, 150. The movement of the second upright arm 134 and the second lift tube 150 affects the movement of the central support tube 154. The combined movement of the components of the rib link 120 causes the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 to move together to a locked engagement state, which corresponds to the assembled and locked state of the canopy structure 100.

[0041] In Figures 6 - 9 are successively shown the processes for opening the canopy frame 114 from the folded and bundled state to the assembled state, where Figure 6 the frame members of the canopy structure in the folded state are shown. Figure 4 The frame members of the canopy structure 100 in the fully assembled state are shown. In Figures 20A - 20C the process steps for opening and assembling the canopy structure 100 are shown.

[0042] Referring to Figure 20A , the user stands the folded canopy frame 114 upright on a horizontal surface and then gently pulls it outwards to extend the frame 114 until it is opened about two-thirds. As the frame 114 extends, it generally changes from the state shown in Figure 6 to the state shown in Figure 7The state shown. Now referring to FIG. 20B, the user grasps the lever member 126 and extends it outward from the frame 114. More specifically, the user pulls the lever member 126 upward and outward until the stop at the end of the lever member 126 engages the handle loop 138. In the preferred embodiment, the lever member 126 extends more than about 18 inches beyond the D-ring anchor 130 on the vertical support 116. Then, the user presses the lever member 126 downward. More specifically, the user presses down on the horizontal member 126 to cause it to move counterclockwise about the pivot point at the D-ring anchor 130. This movement will exert a force on the sliding collar 140, thereby exerting a counterclockwise upward lifting force on the first upright arm 132 and a clockwise upward lifting force on the first lifting tube 148. As Figures 7 - 9 shown, the paired upright arms 132, 134 and the paired lifting tubes 148, 150 produce a shearing action. It is noted that when the first upright arm 132 moves upward in a counterclockwise manner, the second upright arm 134 moves upward in a clockwise manner. Similarly, when the first lifting tube 148 moves upward in a clockwise manner, the second lifting tube 150 moves upward in a counterclockwise manner.

[0043] Referring to Figures 7 - 9 , the movement of the first upright arm 132 and the first lifting tube 148 imparts movement to the second upright arm 134 and the second lifting tube 150. As Figure 4 shown, when the second upright arm 134 and the second lifting tube 150 move, they exert movement on the central support tube 154 until it crosses the center. More specifically, pushing the lever member 126 will cause the rib link 120 to reach the Figure 9 state shown. At this time, the user pulls the lever member 126 out and away from the center of the canopy structure 100 until the stop at the end engages the handle loop 138 and pulls the sliding collar 140. The force applied to the sliding collar 140 pulls the end of the first lifting tube 148 away from the center of the canopy structure 100, and in turn pulls the second lifting tube 150, causing the first lifting tube 148 and the second lifting tube 150 to pivot together to a flat state adjacent to the paired upright arms 132, 134. This movement moves the central support tube 154 to the over-center position and connects the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 together. As shown in the over-center state, the central support tube 154 is at a slightly upwardly inclined angle, indicating that the rib link 120 is in the locked position. Also as Figure 4 shown, this position of the central support tube 154 coincides with the central hub cap 158 that engages the central hub support 160.

[0044] As Figure 4As shown, in the fully extended state of the rib link 120, the first upright arm 132 and the second upright arm 134 are substantially co-extended. The first riser 148 and the second riser 150 have a slightly angled relationship to ensure that the rib link 120 can be easily folded when the central hub 122 is disengaged.

[0045] As Figure 4 shown after the rib link 120 has been moved to its fully extended state, the lever member 126 is pushed inwardly towards the center of the canopy structure 100 until it engages a snap or pawl (not shown) that holds the lever member 126 in place during use of the canopy structure 100.

[0046] During assembly, when the horizontal member 126 affects the movement of the first upright arm 132, the lower leg pivot tube 142 will also begin to pivot upward in a clockwise direction. As it moves in this way, the end mounted to the vertical support 116 by the sliding collar 146 will slide upward on the vertical support 116. In another design of the present invention, an auxiliary locking mechanism (such as a spring-biased button and pawl) can be provided on the vertical support 116 to lock the sliding collar 146 in place after it reaches the desired height position on the vertical support 116. For example, such an auxiliary locking mechanism can assist the user in the event of slippage when the user grasps the lever member 126, so that the frame 114 does not fully fold. At the same time, the user can also use an idle hand to guide the corresponding extension of the horizontal support 118 extending from the vertical support 116 to assist in extending the canopy frame 114 outward to its assembled state.

[0047] After the rib link 120 and the horizontal support 118 have been extended in this manner, the user can then adjust the vertical support 116 to the desired height using known techniques (i.e., telescoping members locked with spring-biased buttons and pawls).

[0048] With appropriate force and geometric adjustments (such as a longer member suspended from the center of the ceiling), the first "lifting" action of the lever member 126 can be used during the assembly of the canopy frame 114 to engage (and lock) the center hub support 160 with the center hub cover 158. This method is similar to the "push-on" technique in prior art devices, but instead utilizes leverage from outside the canopy structure 100 rather than a hand from inside and below the canopy structure 100. This technique does not utilize anything "over-center" to lock the canopy frame 114, as "lever locking" is sufficient for this purpose, but like the "push-on" technique, additional locking devices can be integrated into the center hub assembly so that when the frame members are lifted relative to each other into the assembled state of the canopy frame 114, the frame 114 will be locked into the open and assembled state. One drawback of this is that the user still needs to manually unlock the canopy frame 114 from below the canopy structure 100 (similar to the "push-on" technique in the prior art) to disengage the additional locking device and thus fold the canopy structure 100.

[0049] In the embodiments described herein, when a second "pulling" operation is implemented on the lever (i.e., after lifting), the "locking" of the canopy frame 114 is facilitated by an over-center link (see, for example Figure 20C ). As a result, the "locking" of the over-center link is less positive, and the force of pulling down on the link assembly may "unlock" it. This can occur, for example, when a wet towel, lantern, or other heavy object is suspended on a frame member, such as in the vicinity of the center hub 122, which is not uncommon. As previously mentioned, a single collar lock on the vertical frame support 116 (including the lever member 126) can be used as a safety "lock" for the canopy structure 100. In other embodiments, the lever link system 124 can provide additional lock assemblies, preferably within reach from outside the canopy structure 100. In fact, the assembly of the canopy structure 100 includes 3 steps: 1. Lifting; 2. Locking; 3. Optionally, "safety locking" if items are to be suspended from the links in the hub area. Referring to Figure 19 , additional safety lock assemblies are shown in the figure to ensure that the canopy frame 114 does not collapse when the frame members are stressed. As shown, the strap 164 is connected to the end of the first lifting tube 148 and is used during operation to pull the end of the first lifting tube 148 downward and engage it with the hook 166 on the lower leg pivot tube 142 directly below it. In this way, even when a heavy object is suspended on the center hub of the canopy frame 114, the linkage mechanism will not disengage (otherwise this would cause the canopy center to move out of the over-center state).

[0050] As Figure 4 shown, to fold the assembled canopy structure 100, the user first starts by folding the rib link 120. Referring to Figure 21A, the user first pushes the lever member 126 towards the central hub 122 of the canopy structure 100 until the second stop located in the middle of the lever member 126 engages with the handle ring 138, thereby moving the sliding collar 140. In this step, the movement amount of the lever member 126 is about 1 - 2 inches and usually includes an action of "striking forcefully". The movement of the sliding collar 140 causes the first lifting tube 148 to move, so that the pivot point between the first lifting tube 148 and the second lifting tube 150 is lifted upwards, thereby disengaging the central hub 122 from the over-center engagement. Then, under the action of gravity, the rib link member 120 begins to fold and pivot together. At the same time, the user can pull the lever member 126 out and away from the center of the canopy structure 100 and push the lever member 126 upwards (clockwise) to assist and facilitate the folding process. This action, combined with the action of gravity, will help to bring the vertical support members 116 at the four corners of the canopy structure 100 together. Refer to Figure 21B , the user can push the canopy frame 114 inward from a single corner of the canopy structure 100 to completely fold the canopy structure 100 for storage. If an auxiliary locking mechanism is used in this design, it should be disengaged before using the lever member 126 to disengage the central hub 122.

[0051] In the test, the present invention promotes and speeds up the assembly process while eliminating the safety problems associated with the prior art designs. For example, a one-push central hub design of the prior art (the currently available design on the market) takes about 20 seconds for each assembly and folding operation, has higher physical requirements, and is more dangerous to operate. In contrast, the locking lever design of the present invention only takes about 9 seconds to complete the assembly and only about 7 seconds to complete the folding (these measurements do not include steps such as adjusting the vertical support members or putting the folded canopy into a storage bag, etc.).

[0052] Figures 11 - 18 The second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The operating principle of this embodiment is similar to the above, that is, how the various members of the rib link 120 interact to move the rib link 120 from the folded state to the fully extended state and lock the rib link 120 in the assembled state until the lever member 126 is used to unlock the central hub 122 for folding. Generally speaking, the second embodiment of the canopy structure 100 modifies various aspects of the respective link members and the pivot connections and sliding connections of the link members.

[0053] Reference Figures 11 - 18, the first riser 148, the second riser 150, and the central support tube 154 are pivotally connected in series, where the central support tube 154 is pivotally connected to the second upright arm 134, the second riser 150 is pivotally connected to the first upright arm 132, and the first riser 148 is pivotally connected to the lower leg pivot tube 142 through a sliding collar 168 (the sliding collar 168 is pivotally mounted on the lower leg pivot tube 142, and the first lifting arm 148 slides through the sliding collar 168). The lever member 126 is also pivotally connected to the lower leg pivot tube 142 through a sliding collar 138, such that a downward movement on the lever member 126 lifts the lower leg pivot tube 142 upward, where one end slides upward along the vertical support 116 and the other end pushes the first upright arm 132 and the first lifting arm 148 upward. As Figure 17 shown, these movements create a shearing motion at the central end of the rib link 120, causing the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 to move together to the engaged position.

[0054] Referring to Figure 11 , the lever member 126 is connected to the lower leg pivot tube 142 through a sliding collar 138, and the sliding collar 138 can be a handle ring, such as the handle ring in the first embodiment. The sliding collar 138 is mounted on the sliding collar 140, and the sliding collar 140 connects the lower leg pivot tube 142 between the lever member 126 and the first riser 148. The end of the lower leg pivot tube 142 is also pivotally connected to the first upright arm 132 through a pivot bracket 144.

[0055] Figure 17 The fully extended state associated with the assembled state of the rib link 120 and the canopy structure 100 is shown. Figure 18 The assembled state of the canopy structure 100 is also shown, but the lever member 126 is pushed inward to its storage position (fixed by a snap or ratchet (not shown)). When folding the canopy structure 100, the lever member 126 is pulled outward to the Figure 17 position shown, at which time pushing the lever member 126 upward will help disengage the central hub 122, thus folding the frame 114 with the help of gravity and continued upward pushing of the lever member 126.

[0056] The above description of the embodiments is for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the disclosed forms. Obvious modifications and variations can be made in light of the above disclosure. The described embodiments are chosen to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications, enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to use the invention in various embodiments and make various modifications according to the particular uses contemplated.

Claims

1. A portable collapsible canopy structure, comprising: A frame assembly that moves between an assembled state and a collapsed state, the frame assembly comprising: A plurality of vertical supports that define a perimeter of the frame assembly in the assembled state; A plurality of shear horizontal supports, each of the shear horizontal supports pivotally connected to an adjacent pair of the vertical supports and extending between the vertical supports around the frame assembly, and movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a retracted state corresponding to the collapsed state of the frame assembly; A plurality of rib linkages, each of the rib linkages pivotally connected to a respective one of the vertical supports and extending from the vertical support towards a central hub where the plurality of rib linkages intersect, each of the rib linkages being movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a retracted state corresponding to the collapsed state of the frame assembly; and A lever member pivotally connected to one of the plurality of rib linkages to assist in the movement of the rib linkage between the extended state and the retracted state; and A fabric covering configured to cover at least a portion of the frame assembly.

2. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 1, wherein, The lever member locks the frame assembly in the assembled state of the frame assembly.

3. The portable foldable canopy structure according to claim 1, wherein, The rib linkage associated with the lever member includes: A first upright arm pivotally connected to the vertical support associated with the rib linkage; A second upright arm pivotally connected to the first upright arm, and a central hub cover mounted at a distal end of the second upright arm; A first lifting tube pivotally connected to the first upright arm; A second lifting tube pivotally connected to the first lifting tube and the second upright arm; and A central support tube pivotally connected between the second upright arm and the second lifting tube, wherein a central hub support is mounted at a distal end of the central support tube; Wherein the lever member is pivotally connected to the rib linkage such that the pivotal movement of the lever member affects the movement of the first upright arm and the first lifting tube, thereby affecting the movement of the second upright arm and the second lifting tube, and further affecting the movement of the central support tube, all of these movements causing the central hub cover and the central hub support to move between an engaged state corresponding to the assembled state of the canopy frame assembly and a disengaged state that enables the frame assembly to move to its collapsed state.

4. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 1, wherein, The lever member is pivotally anchored to the vertical support associated with the rib linkage connected to the lever member.

5. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary locking mechanism that fixes the rib linkage associated with the lever member to the vertical support to which the rib linkage is connected when the rib linkage is in its extended state.

6. The portable foldable canopy structure according to claim 3, wherein, The rib linkage further includes a lower leg pivot tube pivotally connected between the vertical support associated with the rib linkage and at least one of the first upright arm and the first lifting tube.

7. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 6 further includes a third locking assembly for fixing the rib linkages in the extended state. The third locking assembly includes a hook provided on the lower leg pivot tube, and the hook is adapted to receive the first lifting tube when the rib linkages are in the extended state.

8. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 7, wherein, The third locking assembly further includes a strap located at the distal end of the first lifting tube to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the first lifting tube with the hook.

9. A portable collapsible canopy structure, comprising: A frame assembly that moves between an assembled state and a folded state; A fabric cover configured to cover at least a portion of the frame assembly; And A lever member operatively connected to the frame assembly for assisting a user in moving the frame assembly to the assembled state and locking the frame assembly after the frame assembly enters the assembled state.

10. The portable collapsible awning structure according to claim 9, wherein, The lever member can also be used to unlock the frame assembly from the assembled state and assist in moving the frame assembly to the folded state.

11. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 9, wherein, The canopy structure defines an unfolded footprint including at least one corner, wherein the lever member is operatively connected to the frame assembly at a corner of the canopy structure.

12. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 11, wherein, A user can access and use the lever member from a position outside the footprint of the canopy structure to assist in the assembly and folding of the canopy structure.

13. The portable collapsible awning structure according to claim 12, wherein, The frame assembly includes: A plurality of vertical supports that define the perimeter of the frame assembly in the assembled state; A plurality of shear-type horizontal supports, each of which is pivotally connected to an adjacent pair of the vertical supports and extends between the vertical supports around the frame assembly, and is movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly; and A plurality of rib linkages, each of which is pivotally connected to a respective one of the vertical supports and extends from the vertical support towards a central hub where the plurality of rib linkages intersect. Each rib linkage is movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly.

14. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 13, wherein, The rib linkage associated with the lever member includes: A first upright arm pivotally connected to the vertical support associated with the rib linkage; A second upright arm pivotally connected to the first upright arm, and a central hub cover is mounted at the distal end of the second upright arm; A first lifting tube pivotally connected to the first upright arm; A second lifting tube pivotally connected to the first lifting tube and the second upright arm; and A central support tube pivotally connected between the second upright arm and the second lifting tube, wherein a central hub support is mounted at the distal end of the central support tube; Wherein, the lever member is pivotally connected to the rib link such that the pivotal movement of the lever member affects the movement of the first upright arm and the first lifting tube, thereby affecting the movement of the second upright arm and the second lifting tube, and further affecting the movement of the central support tube. All these movements cause the central hub cover and the central hub support to move between an engaged state corresponding to the assembled state of the canopy frame assembly and a disengaged state that enables the frame assembly to move to its folded state.

15. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 14, wherein, The lever member is pivotally anchored to a vertical support associated with the rib link connected to the lever member.

16. The portable collapsible canopy structure according to claim 14, further comprising an auxiliary locking mechanism to hold the canopy structure in the assembled state.

17. The portable collapsible awning structure according to claim 16, wherein, The auxiliary locking mechanism includes a spring-biased button and a braking system, the spring-biased button and the braking system being disposed on at least one of the vertical support members and engaging when the frame assembly is in the assembled state.

18. The portable collapsible awning structure according to claim 16, wherein, The rib link further includes a lower leg pivot tube pivotally connected between the vertical support associated with the rib link and at least one of the first upright arm and the first lifting tube; and Wherein, the auxiliary locking mechanism includes a hook disposed on the lower leg pivot tube, the hook being adapted to receive the first lifting tube when the rib link is in the extended state.

19. The portable collapsible awning structure according to claim 18, wherein, The auxiliary locking mechanism further includes a strap located at the distal end of the first lifting tube to facilitate engagement of the first lifting tube with the hook or disengagement from the hook.

20. A portable collapsible canopy frame adapted to move between an assembled state and a folded state, the canopy frame comprising: A plurality of vertical support members defining a perimeter of the frame assembly in the assembled state; A plurality of rib links, each rib link pivotally connected to a respective one of the vertical support members and extending from the vertical support member towards a central hub where the plurality of rib links intersect. Each rib link is movable between an extended state corresponding to the assembled state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly; And A lever member operatively connected to one of the plurality of rib links for assisting a user in moving the frame assembly to its assembled state and locking the frame assembly after the frame assembly enters the assembled state; Wherein, the user can access and use the lever member from a position outside the canopy frame to assist in the assembly and folding of the canopy structure.

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