Patent ID: 8544489
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
1. A tent frame configured to receive a canopy and being collapsible from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the tent frame comprising: a plurality of vertically directed poles, each pole having a fixed connector coupled to an upper portion of the vertically directed pole and a sliding connector slidingly coupled to the pole beneath the fixed connector, each of the fixed connectors and sliding connectors having a pair of radially spaced connecting seats and a center connecting seat positioned between the pair of radially spaced connecting seats, each fixed connector further comprising a top portion; a plurality of scissor-type linkages pivotally coupled to each pole at the radially spaced connecting seats of the fixed connectors and the sliding connectors; a plurality of rods, each rod having first and second segments, the first segment of each rod having an end portion pivotally coupled to the center connecting seat of the fixed connector; a hub defining the center of the tent, the second segment of each rod pivotally coupled to the hub; a plurality of struts having first and second ends, the first end of each strut pivotally coupled to the center connecting seat of the sliding connector, the second end of each strut pivotally connected to each first rod segment, a plurality of locking mechanisms, each one of which being directly attached to a corresponding one of the first rod segments distally from said end portion thereof; and a plurality of eaves each having first and second sections, the first section of each eave having a locking portion and an end portion, the end portion being pivotally coupled to a pivot point of a corresponding one of said plurality of locking mechanisms, said end portion and locking portion of each eave being positioned inwardly and distally from said end portion of the corresponding one of the first rod segments in an extended position and a retracted position; wherein in the extended position, the locking portion of the first section of each eave is engaged with and fixedly retained by a corresponding one of the plurality of locking mechanisms to prevent rotational movement of the eave about the pivot point, said first section of each eave extending outwardly from the pivot point and being positioned and locked substantially parallel to a corresponding one of the elongated rods, and the second section of each eave extends radially outward beyond the poles such that each eave is seated on and supported by the top portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of fixed connectors at a location between the first and second sections of each eave; and wherein in the retracted position, the second section of each eave is pivotally rotated about the pivot point and positioned to extend radially inward with respect to the poles, said first section of each eave extending inwardly from the pivot point and being positioned substantially parallel to the corresponding one of the elongated rods.