Portable and foldable canopy structure

Abstract

A portable and foldable canopy structure can be set up and locked in the set-up state, and similarly unlocked from the set-up state to fold for transportation and storage. It is equipped with a lever system that allows a single user to operate the set-up and disassembly. The user remains on the outside of the unit, preferably at one corner of the canopy frame. Further, the lever system provides means to lock the frame in the set-up state for safe use and means to unlock the frame to fold the canopy structure for transportation and storage. More specifically, a lever member engages with a rib link associated with one corner of the frame, extending this rib link to an extended state, and by this extension, the simultaneous extension of other rib links and the extension of a horizontal support connected between the corners of the canopy frame are adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 351,011, filed on June 10, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Technical Field to Which the Invention Belongs The present invention generally relates to a canopy structure and a foldable support structure, and more specifically to an improvement in a portable and foldable canopy structure that can be folded and unfolded between a setup state for use and a substantially folded state for transportation and / or storage, and even more specifically to a lever system that facilitates the setup and disassembly of the canopy structure.

[0003] Background of the Invention Due to the popularity of minivans, sport utility vehicles, and recreational vehicles, the demand for improved foldable furniture, especially outdoor foldable portable furniture, is increasing. These furniture items can be easily stored in a vehicle and conveniently carried by hand to venues for spectator events such as beaches, picnic areas, or, for example, outdoor concerts, sports events, tailgates, golf tournaments, air shows, flea markets, etc. In these events, it is generally a rule to bring and set up one's own accommodation facilities.

[0004] Considerable attention has been focused on providing improved foldable furniture for picnickers, beachgoers, sportsmen, tailgaters, campers, hunters, fishermen, hikers, bikers, etc. Canopy structures and portable tent canopy structures are gaining popularity due to their improved foldability and portability. In particular, canopy structures with installation areas of 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12 are becoming increasingly popular for various uses in various locations such as beaches, parks, campsites, sports arenas, parking lots, tailgates, etc. Thus, the canopy structure can not only be set up for use, but can also be folded into a bundled state suitable for transport on the user's car or truck without occupying too much storage space.

[0005] In a conventional embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the canopy structure 10 typically includes an upper cloth cover 12 configured to cover a frame 14 including a plurality of vertical support members 16 interconnected by a plurality of horizontal support members 18. A central peak 22 of the cover 12 of the canopy structure 10 is defined by a plurality of rib links 20 connected between the vertical support members 16. In such a conventional canopy structure 10, the support members 16, 18 and the rib links 20 are typically interconnected pivotably, and the structure 10 can be easily folded into a bundled state for transportation and storage. Optimally, the folded canopy structure occupies a minimum volume without compromising the installation area of the canopy structure. In this regard, in such a structure, telescopic vertical support members 16 are typically used, which can be easily extended to increase the height of the setup canopy structure 10. Further, for the horizontal support members 18 and the rib links 20, pivotally connected elongated members are typically used, and the pivotally connected elongated members rotate to an extended length to maximize the setup size while maintaining a minimum folded size. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, for the horizontal support member 18, typically a scissor-type X-member link is used, which facilitates the setup and folding functions of the frame 14. In such a design, the elongated members are pivotally connected at an intermediate position to form individual Xs, and then pivotally coupled at the end portions of each elongated member to one or more additional X-shaped elongated members to create the links forming the horizontal support member 18. Each link can move between an extended state and a folded state. In the extended state, the connected Xs extend in series to the maximum length of the horizontal support member 18 or the rib link 20. In the folded state, the connected Xs rotate together to be substantially adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel. Using a plurality of connected X-frames can increase the setup length and the overall installation area of the frame 14 and make the bundle more compact when the frame 14 is folded. FIG. 3 shows the folded bundle of the canopy structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0006] The difficulty of such a canopy structure generally arises from the functionality of setup and folding. Conventional canopy structures have been particularly difficult to set up efficiently by one person as the size of the canopy structure increases. For example, when setting up from a bundled state of the canopy structure, the user has to spread the four vertical supports or legs (at each corner of the canopy) to stretch the scissor-type X members of the horizontal members and rib links from a folded state where all the components are gathered adjacent to each other to an extended state where the components spread from end to end to define and maximize the length of the member links. As a result, the user setting up the canopy structure often has to move from corner to corner many times to expand the structure until each horizontal support member and rib link is fully extended. Usually, the extension of the horizontal support members and rib links is carried out in conjunction. That is, when the horizontal support members extend, the rib links also move to their respective extended states accordingly, and vice versa. Furthermore, the horizontal support members also move collectively. That is, when pulling out each corner vertical support member from each other, each horizontal support member collectively enters an extended state. The rib links also move collectively. That is, when extending one rib link, the other rib links extend at the same speed. However, this operation is cumbersome and particularly time-consuming for a single user.

[0007] The setup process also includes locking the frame once it is fully set up. Otherwise, the horizontal support members and rib links may easily fall over on their own under the influence of gravity. In particular, when the vertical support members (i.e., the corners of the canopy structure) are not sufficiently fixed to the ground where the canopy structure is set up, or when strong winds blow on the frame and canopy cover and the frame members may fall over on their own. The horizontal support members and rib links may also start to fall over when objects such as towels, lanterns, and other heavy objects are suspended from the frame. In this regard, in conventional prior art canopy structures, locks were used on the vertical support members at each corner to lock the horizontal support members in an extended state until the locks were released. For example, in such a design, a spring-biased push button that is locked in place (e.g., a detent or protruding through a hole in the vertical support member) when the horizontal support member is fully extended is used at each corner. However, this design makes the setup and disassembly of the canopy structure more difficult. For example, during the setup of the canopy structure, the user has to go to each corner separately and check that each push button is properly engaged to lock the frame in that corner position. To fold the canopy structure, the user has to release each push button and start folding the horizontal support members into a folded state. However, in this case as well, since each button at the separate corners has to be disengaged and released separately, the user has to walk to each corner and fully set up and fold the conventional canopy structure. Generally, this design is optimal when multiple people cooperate to set up and fold the canopy structure. The installation and removal of the structure can be done by one person, but it is difficult, time-consuming, and requires a certain amount of labor.

[0008] In the leading canopy technology in the current market, the four corner buttons are no longer necessary. For example, the conventional design of the canopy structure has evolved into a one-person, one-place setup using a "one-push" central hub block. This central hub block is located at the center of the canopy structure, generally at the place where four rib links extending inward from each corner of the structure intersect. When the central hub is pushed up, the rib links are locked in an extended over-center state, which, as described above, coincides with the state where each horizontal support member is fully extended. Therefore, when the rib links are locked in this extended state, the corners of the canopy structure cannot be pushed together to fold the structure until the central lock is released. When the central hub block is released, the frame can be folded. In fact, when the central hub block is released, the entire frame begins to fold under the influence of gravity. This design has been significantly upgraded from the four-corner button method, making one-person setup and folding easier, but there is still an obvious drawback that the user has to crawl under or inside the canopy to push up and lock the frame in the setup state. The same drawback also applies when closing the canopy, and the user has to be under the canopy to release the central hub block. In this regard, when the canopy begins to fold under the influence of gravity, the entire canopy may be folded over the user. Furthermore, this method is not a convenient or comfortable way to use, and the user often has to crawl on the ground to enter and exit under the canopy, which is particularly difficult and undesirable on a wet ground. Additionally, in the setup of this canopy design, the user has to move from corner to corner to extend the frame from the folded state and confirm that each horizontal support member and each rib link are fully extended before locking the frame in the setup state.

[0009] From the above, there is a need for a canopy structure that can be easily set up and folded, especially by a single user, without individually locking each corner of the canopy frame or climbing under the canopy frame during setup or folding. Further, there is a need for a canopy structure that can be set up, locked, unlocked, and folded with minimal effort, especially by a single user, without restricting or impairing the structural features of the canopy structure. Further, there is a need for a canopy structure that can be optimally set up and folded from a single location, without the user having to move from corner to corner to expand or fold the frame of the canopy structure. Further, there is a need for a canopy structure that can be easily set up on any type of surface, especially soft ground and sand, without compromising or affecting the safety and structural integrity of the canopy structure. Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to provide a portable and foldable canopy structure that overcomes the problems and drawbacks associated with conventional canopy structures and thus significantly improves the usefulness of such canopies while allowing for easy transportation and / or storage in a folded state.

[0010] The present invention addresses these problems and provides means for avoiding the drawbacks associated with conventional foldable canopy structure designs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to the design of a portable and foldable canopy structure that is particularly suitable for use on beaches, in parks, at tailgates, sports events, etc. The canopy structure can be set up in a setup state and locked in that setup state. Similarly, the lock can be released to fold it from the setup state to a folded state and can be transported and / or stored by a single user from a single location. The present invention improves the prior art four-corner button approach and one-push central hub technology by providing a lever system for the canopy structure, enabling a single user operation for setup and disassembly, where the user can comfortably stand outside the unit, preferably at a single corner of the canopy frame, thus avoiding the headache of crawling in and out (especially when having bad knees, when the ground is wet, etc.). Further, the lever system of the present invention provides means to lock the frame in the setup state for safe use and, similarly, means to release the lock of the frame to fold the canopy structure for transportation and / or storage.

[0012] The lever system of the present invention can be used in a frame where there are four vertical supports at each corner in a conventional canopy frame setup, and these vertical supports are connected by plier-type horizontal supports adapted to move between a deployed state and a folded state. The frame further includes four rib links that extend inwardly from the vertical members at each corner and are connected to each other at a central hub that defines the central peak of the canopy structure. An upper cloth cover configured to cover the frame is also provided and is designed to remain on the frame during setup and folding of the canopy structure. "Covering the frame" includes a design configured to "at least partially cover the frame assembly", and it is understood that the top of the canopy is covered and the sides of the frame are open so that people can walk under the canopy or exit from the canopy. However, the present invention also targets canopy designs where the cover surrounds the entire frame, for example, providing walls to protect the user from elements such as wind and sun as needed.

[0013] In this regard, in one embodiment of the present invention, a portable and foldable canopy structure includes a frame assembly movable between a setup 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 to assist a user in moving the frame assembly to the setup state and locking the frame assembly once it is in the setup state. In a preferred embodiment, the lever member facilitates the setup of the canopy structure, locks the canopy structure in the setup state, unlocks the canopy structure from the locked state, and assists in disassembling the canopy structure to the folded state. More preferably, a single user can perform each of these actions from a single position outside the footprint of the canopy structure and does not need to go under the canopy for setup or disassembly.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, a portable and foldable canopy structure comprises a frame assembly movable between a setup state and a folded state, and a fabric cover configured to cover at least a portion of the frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of vertical supports defining the perimeter of the frame assembly in the setup state, and a plurality of plier-like horizontal supports each pivotally connected to an adjacent pair of vertical supports around the perimeter of the frame assembly and extending between the adjacent pair of vertical supports around the perimeter of the frame assembly, and adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the setup state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly, and a plurality of rib links each pivotally connected to a respective vertical support and extending toward a central hub where the plurality of rib links intersect, each rib link being adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the setup state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly. The canopy structure further includes a lever member pivotally connected to one of the plurality of rib link mechanisms to facilitate movement of the rib link mechanism between the extended state and the contracted state.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock lever member is disposed at a corner of the canopy structure and engages a rib link associated with that corner of the frame to extend the rib link to the extended state. The extension of the rib link is adjusted simultaneously with the extension of the other rib links, and the horizontal supports between the corners of the canopy frame also extend to their respective extended states. When the rib link is in the fully extended state, the other rib links are likewise in the fully extended state, and the central hub connecting the rib links is moved to an over-center state to lock the frame in the setup state. Similarly, the lock lever member is used to release the central hub from the over-center state to unlock the frame and facilitate folding of the frame under the influence of gravity.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the rib link associated with the lever member includes a first upright arm pivotally connected to a vertical support associated with the link, a second upright arm pivotally connected to the first upright arm and having a central hub cap attached to the 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 and having a central hub support attached to the distal end of the central support tube. The lever member is pivotally connected to the rib link, and the pivotal movement of the lever member affects the movement of the first upright arm and the first lift tube, which in turn affects the movement of the second upright arm and the second lift tube, which in turn affects the movement of the central support tube, all of which move the central hub cap and the central hub support between an engaged state corresponding to the setup state of the canopy frame assembly and a disengaged state in which the frame assembly can be moved to a folded state.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, a portable and foldable canopy frame adapted to move between an installed state and a folded state includes a plurality of vertical supports defining the perimeter of the frame assembly in the setup state, a plurality of rib links, each pivotally connected to a respective vertical support and extending toward a central hub where the plurality of rib links intersect, each rib link being adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the setup 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 to assist the user in moving the frame assembly to its setup state and locking the frame assembly in the setup state. In use, the user can access and use the lever member from a position outside the canopy frame to assist in setting up and folding the canopy structure.

[0018] These features of the present invention and other features will be described with reference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment of a portable and foldable canopy structure. The illustrated embodiments of the features of the present invention are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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Figure 21B

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] The portable and foldable canopy structure design according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 and is generally designated by reference numeral 100. The canopy structure is particularly suitable for use at the beach, in the park, at the tailgate, at sports events, etc. The canopy structure 100 is set up and locked in its setup state, and similarly, the lock is released and it is folded from the setup state to the folded state, and can be transported and / or stored by a single user from a single location.

[0021] These figures show a part of the canopy frame 114, and more specifically, include a lever system for the canopy structure 100, which enables a single user to operate the setup and disassembly, and the user can stand comfortably outside the unit, preferably at one corner of the canopy frame 114, thus avoiding the trouble of crawling in and out associated with conventional canopy designs (especially when the knees are bad or the ground is wet). The lever system interacts with a rib link 120 extending from a vertical support 116 at one corner of the canopy frame 114. The rib link 120 is composed of interconnected longitudinal members that extend 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.

[0022] The lever system of the present invention can be used on and with a frame 114 having a conventional canopy frame setup as shown in FIG. 2, i.e., having four vertical supports 116 at each corner, which are connected by a pair of horizontally extending supports 118 adapted to move between an extended and a folded state. The frame 114 further includes four rib links 120 extending inwardly from the vertical supports 116 at each corner and connected to each other at a central hub 122 that defines the central peak of the canopy structure 100. An upper fabric cover configured to cover the frame 114 is also provided and is designed to remain on the frame 114 during setup and folding of the canopy structure 100. "Covering the frame" includes a design configured to "at least partially cover the frame assembly", such that the top of the canopy is covered and the sides of the frame are open, allowing a person to walk under and exit from the canopy. However, the present invention also encompasses canopy designs where the cover covers the entire frame, providing, for example, a wall to protect the user from elements such as wind and sun as needed.

[0023] As shown, the lever system interacts with a rib link 120 at one corner of the frame 114, allowing a single user to set up the frame 114 by extending one rib link 120, thereby coordinating the simultaneous movement of the other rib links and the horizontally extending supports 118 that extend between the vertical supports 116 at each corner of the canopy frame 114. The user can similarly use the lever system to lock the frame 114 in the set-up position and then unlock the frame 114 to fold it under the influence of gravity. Further, all of the operations of setting up, locking, unlocking, and folding the canopy structure 100 can be performed by a single user from one location (e.g., one corner of the canopy structure 100).

[0024] This design (jokingly called "LevrUP") surpasses the conventional one-push technology of canopy structures. While it is a single-user operation, the user can comfortably stand outside the canopy structure, thus avoiding the headaches associated with conventional canopy designs, such as crawling in and out when the canopy is folded (especially when the knees are bad or the ground is wet), and the risks associated with being under the canopy.

[0025] As described above, the lever system of the present invention provides means for locking the frame 114 in a setup state for safe use, and likewise, means for unlocking the frame 114 to fold the canopy structure for transportation and / or storage.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, the state in which the rib link 120 is attached to the vertical support portion 116 is shown. The lock lever system generally indicated by reference numeral 124 typically includes a vertical member or tube 126 with an end handle 128 to facilitate movement and operation of the level member 126 by the user. The lever member 126 is connected to the rib link 120 and fixed to the vertical support portion 116 using a pivot D link 130. The rib link 120 includes a first upright arm 132 pivotally connected to a second upright arm 134. An outertube 136 is provided on the first upright arm 132 to provide structural reinforcement. The lever member 126 is slidably disposed within a handle ring 138 pivotally connected to a slide collar 140 attached to the first upright arm 132 and the outertube 136 and slides thereon. The lever member 126 includes two stops that can engage the handle ring 138 regardless of the direction of movement of the lever member 126. These stops limit the movement range of the lever member 126, and when either engages the handle ring 138, in accordance with the present invention, it moves the slide collar 140 as needed to operate the first upright arm 132.

[0027] The first upright arm 132 is pivotally connected to the underfoot pivot tube 142 via a pivot bracket 144. The underfoot pivot tube 142 is attached to the upright support 116 at the other end via a slide collar 146. The first upright arm 132 is also pivotally connected to the first lift tube 148 via a slide collar 140. The first lift tube 148 is pivotally connected to a second lift tube 150 that is pivotally connected to the second upright arm 134 by a bracket 152. The second lift tube 150 is also connected to the central support tube 154 via a central support slide collar 156. The central support tube 154 is also pivotally connected to the second upright arm 134 by a bracket 152. A central hub cap 158 is attached to the end of the second upright arm 134. A corresponding central hub support 160 is attached to the end of the central support tube 154. The central hub cap 158 includes a locator pin 162. In use, when the rib link 120 is moved to a fully extended state, the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 move together to a locked position and the locator pin 162 is received in the central hub support 160.

[0028] During operation, the movement of the lever member 126 affects the movement of the first upright arm 132 and the first lift tube 148 via the slide collar 140. The movement of the first upright arm 132 affects the movement of the underfoot pivot tube 142 and the second upright arm 134. The movement of the first lift tube 148 affects 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 due to the scissor 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 collective movement of the members of the rib link 120 causes the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 to move together into a locked engagement, which corresponds to the setup and locked state of the canopy structure 100.

[0029] The process of opening the canopy frame 114 from the folded and bundled state to the setup state is shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 in sequence. FIG. 6 shows the frame member in the folded state of the canopy structure. FIG. 4 shows the frame member in the state where the canopy structure 100 is completely set up. The process steps of opening and setting up the canopy structure 100 are shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 20A, the user stands the folded canopy frame 114 upright on a horizontal surface and slowly pulls it outward to expand the frame 114 until it is opened about two-thirds. When the frame 114 expands, it usually changes from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. 7. Next, 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 stopper at the end of the lever member 126 engages with the handle ring 138. In a preferred embodiment, the lever member 126 extends the D-ring anchor 130 on the upright support portion 116 by more than about 18 inches. Next, the user pushes the lever member 126 downward. More specifically, by pushing the lever member 126 downward, the user moves the pivot point of the D-ring anchor 130 counterclockwise. This movement applies a force to the slide collar 140, and a counterclockwise upward lifting force acts on the first upright arm 132, and a clockwise upward lifting force acts on the first lift tube 148. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a scissor-like operation is generated by the pair of upright arms 132, 134 and the pair of lift tubes 148, 150. In particular, when the first upright arm 132 moves upward counterclockwise, the second upright arm 134 moves upward clockwise. Similarly, when the first lift tube 148 moves upward clockwise, the second lift tube 150 moves upward counterclockwise.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 7 - 9, the movement of the first upright arm 132 and the first lift tube 148 imparts movement to the second upright arm 134 and the second lift tube 150. When the second upright arm 134 and the second lift tube 150 move, as shown in FIG. 4, it imparts movement to the central support tube 154 until the central support tube 154 passes beyond the center. More specifically, when the lever member 126 is pushed, the rib link 120 assumes the state shown in FIG. 9. At this point, until the end stop engages with the handle ring 138 and pulls the slide collar 140, the user pulls the lever member 126 away from the center of the canopy structure 100. Due to the force applied to the slide collar 140, the end of the first lift tube 148 is pulled away from the center of the canopy structure 100, and then the second lift tube 150 is pulled, so that the first lift tube 148 and the second lift tube 150 rotate collectively towards a flat state adjacent to the vertical arm pairings 132, 134. This movement causes the central support tube 154 to be operated to the over - center position, and the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 come together. As shown in the over - center state, the central support tube 154 is at a slightly upward angle, indicating the locked position of the rib link 120. This position of the central support tube 154 coincides with the central hub cap 158 engaged with the central hub support 160, as also shown in FIG. 4.

[0032] When the rib link 120 is in the fully extended state, as shown in FIG. 4, the first upright arm 132 and the second upright arm 134 are in basically the same extended state. The first lift tube 148 and the second lift tube 150 are in a slightly angled relationship such that the rib link 120 can be easily folded when the central hub 122 is removed.

[0033] After the rib link 120 has been moved to the fully extended state as shown in FIG. 4, the lever member 126 is pushed inward towards the center of the canopy structure 100 until it engages with a fastener or detent (not shown) that holds the lever member 126 in a predetermined position during use of the canopy structure 100.

[0034] During setup, if the level member 126 affects the movement of the first upright arm 132, the foot pivot tube 142 also begins to rotate upward in a clockwise direction. When moving in this way, the end attached to the vertical support 116 via the slide collar 146 slides on the vertical support 116. In an alternative design of the present invention, a second locking mechanism (such as a spring-biased push button and a detent) is provided on the vertical support 116 to lock the slide collar 146 in place when a desired height position on the vertical support 116 is reached. This second locking mechanism can assist the user, for example, in a situation where the user's grip on the lever member 126 slips and the frame 114 is not fully folded. At the same time, the user can use the free hand to guide the corresponding extension of the horizontal support 118 extending from the vertical support 116 and help extend the canopy frame 114 to the setup state.

[0035] After the rib link 120 and the horizontal support 118 are extended in this way, the user can adjust the vertical support 116 to a desired height using a known technique, namely, a telescoping member locked by a spring-biased push button and a detent.

[0036] With appropriate force and geometric adjustment (such as suspending a long member from the center of the ceiling), during the setup of the canopy frame 114, the first "lift" operation of the lever member 126 can be utilized to engage (and lock) the central hub support 160 to the central hub cap 158. This approach is similar to the "one-push" technique of prior art devices, but it utilizes the lever operation from the outside of the canopy structure 100 rather than by hand from the inside and below of the canopy structure 100. In this technique, since it can be locked sufficiently with the "lever lock", the "overcenter" is not used to lock the canopy frame 114. However, similar to the one-push technique, an additional lock can be integrated into the central hub assembly so that when the frame members are lifted together to the setup state of the canopy frame 114, the frame 114 can be locked in the open setup state. The drawback here is that in order to fold the canopy structure 100, the user needs to manually unlock the canopy frame 114 from below the canopy structure 100 to release the additional lock (similar to the prior art of "one-push").

[0037] In the embodiments described herein, when a second "pull" operation is performed with the lever, i.e., after lifting, the "lock" of the canopy frame 114 is facilitated by the over-center link mechanism (see FIG. 20C). Therefore, the "lock" of the over-center link mechanism is not reliable and may be "unlocked" by the force of pulling down the link mechanism assembly. This can occur, for example, by hanging a wet towel, lantern, or other heavy object from the frame member near the central hub 122, which is not uncommon. As described, the single color lock on the vertical frame support 116 including the lever member 126 functions as a safety "lock" for the canopy structure 100. In an alternative embodiment, an additional lock assembly can be provided to the lever link system 124, preferably within reach of an arm from the outside of the canopy structure 100. In fact, the setup of the canopy structure 100 consists of a three-step operation (1. Lift, 2. Lock, 3. Optionally apply a "safety lock" if you want to hang an item from the hub area link). Referring to FIG. 19, an additional safety lock assembly is shown, which protects the canopy frame 114 from falling due to the weight applied to the frame member. As shown in the figure, the strap 164 is attached to the end of the first lift tube 148 and is used during operation to pull down the end of the first lift tube 148 and engage a hook 166 attached to the underfoot pivot tube 142 directly below it. This protects the link mechanism from disengaging even when a weight is suspended from the central hub of the canopy frame 114 (otherwise, the canopy center would come out of the over-center state).

[0038] To fold the set-up canopy structure 100, as shown in FIG. 4, the user starts with the rib link 120. Referring to FIG. 21A, the user first pushes the lever member 126 towards the central hub 122 of the canopy structure 100, pushing until the second stop in the middle of the lever member 126 engages with the handle ring 138, moving the slide collar 140. The movement of the lever member 126 in this step is about 1 - 2 inches and typically constitutes a "hard tap". The movement of the slide collar 140 causes the first lift tube 148 to move, the pivot point between the first lift tube 148 and the second lift tube 150 rises upward, and the central hub 122 disengages from the over-center engagement. Next, due to the influence of gravity, the rib link member 120 folds and begins to rotate together. At the same time, the user can pull the lever member 126 away from the center of the canopy structure 100 and push the lever member 126 upward (clockwise) to assist and facilitate the folding process. This movement, along with gravity, helps bring together the vertical supports 116 at the four corners of the canopy structure 100. Referring to FIG. 21B, the user can push the canopy frame 114 inward from one corner of the canopy structure 100 to completely fold the canopy structure 100 for storage. If a second locking mechanism is used in the design, it is necessary to release the second locking mechanism before using the lever member 126 to disengage the central hub 122 from the engagement.

[0039] In tests, the present invention simplifies and speeds up the set-up process while eliminating safety concerns associated with conventional designs. For example, in a conventional one-push central hub design (current market), the set-up and folding operations each take about 20 seconds, which is clearly physically demanding and dangerous. In contrast, with the lock lever design of the present invention, the set-up takes about 9 seconds and the folding takes about 7 seconds. (These measurements do not include steps such as adjusting the vertical supports or putting the folded canopy into a storage bag.)

[0040] The second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11 to 18. This embodiment operates in a similar manner in that various members of the rib link 120 affect each other to move the rib link 120 from the folded state to the fully extended state, and lock the rib link 120 in the setup state until the central hub 122 is removed for folding using the lever member 126. Generally, this second embodiment of the canopy structure 100 changes the aspects of the individual link members, as well as the pivotal and sliding connections of the link members.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 18, the first lift tube 148, the second lift tube 150, and the central support tube 154 are pivotally connected in series to each other. The central support tube 154 is pivotally connected to the second upright arm 134, the second lift tube 150 is pivotally connected to the first upright arm 132, and the first lift tube 148 is pivotally connected to the foot pivot tube 142 via a slide collar 168 (adapted to be pivotally attached to the foot pivot tube 142 and through which the first lift arm 148 is slidably moved). The lever member 126 is also pivotally connected to the foot pivot tube 142 via a slide collar 138. The downward movement of the lever member 126 lifts the foot pivot tube 142 upward, causing one end to slide upward along the vertical support 116 and the other end to push the first upright arm 132 and the first lift arm 148 upward. These movements cause a pincer movement at the central end of the rib link 120, and as shown in FIG. 17, the central hub cap 158 and the central hub support 160 move together and engage.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 11, the lever member 126 is connected to the underfoot pivot tube 142 via a slide collar 138 which may be a handle grip as in the first embodiment. The slide collar 138 is attached to a slide collar 140 which connects the underfoot pivot tube 142 between the ever member 126 and the first lift tube 148. The end of the underfoot pivot tube 142 is also pivotally connected to the first upright arm 132 via a pivot bracket 144.

[0043] FIG. 17 shows the state where the rib link 120 is fully extended in relation to the setup state of the canopy structure 100. FIG. 18 also shows the canopy structure 100 in the setup state, but the lever member 126 is pushed inward to the storage position (held by a fastener or a detent (not shown)). When folding the canopy structure 100, the lever member 126 is pulled outward to the position shown in FIG. 17, and when the lever member 126 is pushed upward, the central hub 122 comes off, and with the help of gravity, the frame 114 is folded, and the lever member 126 can be continuously pushed upward.

[0044] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A portable and foldable canopy structure, A frame assembly movable between a setup state and a folded state, A plurality of vertical support portions defining the perimeter of the frame assembly in the setup state, Each of which is pivotally connected to a pair of adjacent vertical support portions around the frame assembly and extends between the pair of adjacent vertical support portions around the frame assembly, and is adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the setup state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly, a plurality of scissor-type horizontal support portions, A plurality of rib links, each of which is pivotally connected to a respective vertical support portion and extends from the vertical support portion toward a central hub where the plurality of rib links intersect, and each rib link is adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the setup state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly, the plurality of rib links, The frame assembly comprising the above, A lever member pivotally connected to one of the plurality of rib links and facilitating movement of the rib link between the extended state and the contracted state, A cloth cover configured to cover at least a portion of the frame assembly, A portable and foldable canopy structure comprising the above.

2. The lever member locks the frame in the setup state, the portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 1.

3. The rib link associated with the lever member, A first upright arm pivotally connected to the vertical support portion associated with the rib link, A second upright arm pivotally connected to the first upright arm, the second upright arm having a central hub cap attached to a distal end thereof; A first lift tube pivotally connected to the first upright arm; A second lift tube pivotally connected between the first lift tube and the second upright arm; A central support tube pivotally connected between the second upright arm and the second lift tube, the central hub support being attached to the distal end; and The lever member is pivotally connected to the rib link, and pivotal movement of the lever member affects movement of the first upright arm and the first lift tube, which affects movement of the second upright arm and the second lift tube, which affects movement of the central support tube, all of which move the central hub cap and the central hub support between an engaged state corresponding to the setup state of the canopy frame assembly and a disengaged state that allows the frame assembly to be moved to the folded state. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 1.

4. The lever member is pivotally fixed to a vertical support portion associated with the rib link to which the lever member is connected. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 1.

5. When the rib link is in the extended state, the portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 1 further comprises a second locking mechanism that fixes the rib link associated with the lever member to a vertical support portion to which the rib link is connected.

6. The rib link further comprises a foot pivot tube pivotally connected between the vertical support portion associated with the rib link and at least one of the first upright arm and the first lift tube. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 3.

7. Further comprising a third locking assembly for fixing the rib link in the extended state, the locking assembly comprising a hook provided on the foot pivot tube adapted to receive the first lift tube when the rib link is in the extended state, the portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 6.

8. The third locking assembly further comprises a strap disposed at an end of the first lift tube for facilitating movement of the first lift tube to engage and disengage from the hook, the portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 7.

9. A frame assembly movable between a setup state and a folded state, A cloth cover configured to cover at least a portion of the frame assembly, A lever member operatively connected to the frame assembly to assist a user in moving the frame assembly to the setup state and locking the frame assembly in the setup state, A portable and foldable canopy structure comprising.

10. The lever member is further usable to unlock the frame assembly from the setup state and assist in moving the frame to the folded state, the portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 9.

11. The canopy structure defines a setup installation area including at least one corner, and the lever member is operatively connected to the frame assembly at one corner of the canopy structure, the portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 9.

12. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 11, wherein a user can access the lever member and use the lever member to assist in setting up and folding the canopy structure from a position outside the installation area of the canopy structure.

13. The frame assembly comprises a plurality of vertical support portions defining the perimeter of the frame assembly in the set-up state; a plurality of plier-type horizontal support portions, each pivotally connected to an adjacent pair of vertical support portions around the frame assembly and extending between the adjacent pair of vertical support portions around the frame assembly, and adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the set-up state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly; a plurality of rib links, each pivotally connected to a respective vertical support portion and extending from the vertical support portion towards a central hub where the plurality of rib links intersect, and each rib link being adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the set-up state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly; The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 12, comprising.

14. The rib link associated with the lever member comprises a first upright arm pivotally connected to the vertical support portion associated with the rib link; a second upright arm pivotally connected to the first upright arm, the second upright arm having a central hub cap attached to the distal end thereof; 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; A central support tube pivotally connected between the second upright arm and the second lift tube, with a central hub support attached to the distal end. The lever member is pivotally connected to the rib link, and the pivotal movement of the lever member affects the movement of the first upright arm and the first lift tube, which in turn affects the movement of the second upright arm and the second lift tube, which in turn affects the movement of the central support tube, all of which move the central hub cap and the central hub support between an engaged state corresponding to the setup state of the canopy frame assembly and a disengaged state that allows the frame assembly to be moved to the folded state. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 13. **Claim 15** The lever member is pivotally fixed to the vertical support portion associated with the rib link to which the lever member is connected. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 14. **Claim 16** The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 14, further comprising a second locking mechanism for maintaining the canopy structure in the setup state. **Claim 17** The second locking mechanism includes a spring-biased button and a detent system provided on at least one vertical support member that engages when the frame assembly is in the setup state. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 16. **Claim 18** The rib link further comprises a foot pivot tube pivotally connected between the vertical support portion associated with the rib link and at least one of the first upright arm and the first lift tube. The second locking mechanism includes a hook provided on the foot pivot tube adapted to receive the first lift tube when the rib link is in the extended state. The portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 16.

19. The secondary locking assembly further comprises a strap disposed at an end portion of the first lift tube to facilitate movement of the first lift tube to engage and disengage from the hook, the portable and foldable canopy structure according to claim 18.

20. A portable and foldable canopy frame adapted to move between a setup state and a folded state, A plurality of vertical supports defining a perimeter of the frame assembly in the setup state, A plurality of rib links, each pivotally connected to a respective vertical support and extending from the vertical support toward a central hub where the plurality of rib links intersect, each rib link adapted to move between an extended state corresponding to the setup state of the frame assembly and a contracted state corresponding to the folded state of the frame assembly, the plurality of rib links, A lever member operatively connected to one of the plurality of rib links to assist a user in moving the frame assembly to the setup state and locking the frame assembly in the setup state, A canopy frame, wherein a user can access and use the lever member to assist in setting up and folding the canopy structure from a position outside the canopy frame.

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