Abstract:
The present invention provides systems and devices for expanding and collapsing a tent, a gazebo, or tent-like structure. In particular, the present invention provides a central support device for supporting a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure in an expanded configuration and moveably collapsing the tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure into a collapsed configuration.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/301,889, filed Feb. 5, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention provides systems and devices for expanding and collapsing a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure. In particular, the present invention provides a central support device for supporting a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure in an expanded configuration and moveably collapsing the tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure into a collapsed configuration. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The background art is directed to collapsible frames utilized in erecting temporary structures for use in the out-of-doors. The typical frame apparatus is employed in combination with, for example, a canopy as a temporary shelter, or as a frame for a tent to serve various functions in the outdoors. The outdoor venue in which the frame apparatus of is typically utilized varies widely. The outdoor venue can be a campsite for hunting, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, a roadside camping facility for recreational vehicles, an outdoor market, a barbecue grill located at a city park, the beach, a patio, in the back yard of one&#39;s own residence, or any other outdoor activity. Many of the collapsible frames of the prior art involve complicated linkages and/or are difficult to manipulate. 
         [0004]    Conventional tent or gazebo structures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,254,601, U.S. Pat. No. 1,853,367, U.S. Pat. No. 3,199,518, U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,656, U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,676, U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,253, U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,001, U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,188, U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,533, U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,883, U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,223, U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,780, U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,112, U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,439, U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,812, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,348; all herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In some embodiments, the present invention provides an assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein the interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length, a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to the upper hub and extending radially from the upper hub, and a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to the lower hub and extending radially from the lower hub, wherein one end of each of the under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of the top rods at a fixed position along the length of the top rods. In some embodiments, the assembly comprises the central element of a collapsible and expandable structure. In some embodiments, the collapsible and expandable structure comprises a tent or gazebo. In some embodiments, the assembly is connected to additional support elements through the top rods. In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a support rod extending vertically from the bottom of the lower hub. In some embodiments, the support rod is configured to extend in height. In some embodiments, the support rod is configured to extend from the ground to the lower hub. In some embodiments, the support rod is releasably attachable to said lower hub. In some embodiments, the support rod comprises a plurality of legs configured to provide stability. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a structural support assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein the interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length, a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to the upper hub and extending radially from the upper hub, wherein the top rods are connected to additional support structures, a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to the lower hub and extending radially from the lower hub, wherein one end of each of the under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of the top rods at a fixed position along the length of the top rods, and a support rod attached to the bottom of the lower hub, wherein the support rod is configured to be extendable from the lower hub to the ground. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The foregoing summary and detailed description is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are included by way of example and not by way of limitation. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic of the upper tent assembly in the open conformation. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a schematic of the upper tent assembly in a partially closed conformation. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic of the center support assembly in the extended conformation. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a schematic of the center support assembly in the contracted conformation. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows the tent assembly with the upper tent assembly in the open conformation and the center support assembly in the extended conformation. The lower hub bolt of the upper tent assembly and the center support nut of the center support assembly are engaged. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  shows one embodiment for assembling an exemplary gazebo structure in eight steps. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows one embodiment for dis-assembling an exemplary gazebo structure in 4 steps. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0014]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , embodiments of the present invention comprises a tent assembly  100  comprising an upper tent assembly  101  and a center support assembly  102 . In some embodiments, the tent assembly  100  comprises both the upper tent assembly  101  and center support assembly  102 . In some embodiments, the tent assembly  100  comprises an upper tent assembly  101 . In some embodiments, the tent assembly  100  comprises a center support assembly  102 . 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly  101  (SEE  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) comprises a lower hub  1  and upper hub  2  connected by an interhub rod assembly  3 . The interhub rod assembly  3  comprises an outer rod  3 A and an inner rod  3 B, having an smaller diameter than the outer rod  3 A and slidingly disposed within a channel in outer rod  3 A. The upper hub provides a meeting point for a plurality of top rods  4  which extend out from the upper hub  2  and form the top of the upper tent assembly  101 . The lower hub  1  provides a meeting point for a plurality of under rods  5  which extend out from the lower hub  1 . Each under rod  5  engages a top rod  4  at a rod connector  13 . 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the lower hub  1  comprises a plurality of lower hub hinges  6  for engaging the under rods  5  at the lower hub hinge acceptor  5 C of the under rods  5 . The lower hub  1  also provides a flange  7  and flange clip  8  for securing the interhub rod assembly  3  when the upper tent assembly is in the condensed configuration, in which the inner rod  3 B is completely engulfed by the outer rod  3 A. On the bottom of the lower hub  1  resides the lower hub bolt  9  which serves as an attachment site for the upper tent assembly  101  and center support assembly  102 . On top of the lower hub  1  are the lower hub rod acceptors  10 . The lower hub outer rod acceptor  10 A, resides atop the flange  7  and provides an attachment point for the outer rod  3 A of the interhub rod assembly  3  to the lower hub  1 . The lower hub inner rod acceptor  10 B, resides in the center of the lower hub  1  and provides an attachment point for the inner rod  3 B of the interhub rod assembly  3  to the lower hub  1 . 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the upper hub  2  comprises a plurality of upper hub hinges  11  for engaging the top rods  4  at the upper hub hinge acceptor  4 B of the top rods  4 . On the bottom of the upper hub  2  is the upper hub rod acceptor  12 . The upper hub outer rod acceptor  12 , resides beneath the upper hub  7  and provides an attachment point for the outer rod  3 A and inner rod  3 B of the interhub rod assembly  3  to the upper hub  2 . 
         [0018]    The top rods  4  and the under rods  5  are connected by the rod connectors  13 . Each rod connector  13  comprises a bracket  13 A and hinge  13 B. The bracket  13 A of the rod connector  13  is attached to the top rod  4 , and the bracket is  13 A is in a fixed position along the length of the rod portion  4 A of the top rod  4 . The hinge  13 B of the rod connector  13  is attached to the bracket  13 A of the rod connector  13 , and provides an attachment site for engaging the under rods  5  at the top rod acceptor  5 B of the under rods  5 . The top rod acceptor  5 B of the under rods  5  and the hinge  13 B of the rod connector  13  are movably connected such that the top rod acceptor  5 B is free to move in a single plane with respect to the hinge  13 B. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly  101  adopts the extended configuration (e.g. open conformation, expanded conformation, etc.) (SEE  FIG. 1 ) when the tent is in use. In the extended configuration of the upper tent assembly  101 , the inner rod  3 B of the interhub rod assembly  3  is retracted within the outer rod  3 A of the interhub rod assembly  3 . Moving from the collapsed configuration (SEE  FIG. 2 ) to the extended configuration (SEE  FIG. 1 ) causes an increase in the angle between the interhub rod assembly  3  and both the top rods  4  and the under rods  5 . The upper tent assembly  101  locks into the extended/open/expanded configuration by locking the flange clips  8  over the flange  7 . The interaction between the flange clips  8  and the flange  7  holds the flange  7  against the lower hub  1  and keeps the inner rod  3 B of the interhub rod assembly  3  within the outer rod  3 A. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly  101  adopts the collapsed or closed configuration (SEE  FIG. 2 ) when the tent is being transported or in storage. In the collapsed configuration of the upper tent assembly  101 , the inner rod  3 B of the interhub rod assembly  3  is extended beyond the outer rod  3 A of the interhub rod assembly  3 . Moving from the extended configuration (SEE  FIG. 1 ) to the collapsed configuration (SEE  FIG. 2 ) causes a decrease in the angle between the interhub rod assembly  3  and both the top rods  4  and the under rods  5 . 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the center support assembly  102  (SEE  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) attaches to the upper tent assembly  101  (SEE  FIG. 5 ), and can aid in supporting the upper tent assembly  101 . In some embodiments, the center support assembly  102  comprises an outer center support rod  20  and an inner center support rod  21 . The inner center support rod  21  and the outer center support rod  20  are slidably attached, allowing the inner center support rod  21  to either fit completely within the outer center support rod  20  or extend beyond the reach of the outer center support rod  20 . 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, atop the inner center support rod  21  is the center support connector  22 . The center support connector comprises a center support hub  23 , center support latches  24 , and center support nut  25 . The center support hub  23  is attached to the inner center support rod  21  at the inner rod acceptor  23 B of the center support hub  23 . A plurality of latches  24  are connected to the center support hub  23  at a plurality of center support hinges  23 A of the center support hub  23 . The latch acceptor  24 A lies at the proximal end of the center support latch  24  and is movably attached to the center support hinges  23 A of the center support hub. The latch clip  24 B lies at the distal end of the center support latch  24 . Atop the center support hub  23  resides the center support nut  25  of the center support connector  22 . The center support nut  25  serves to connect the center support assembly  102  to the upper tent assembly  101 . The center support nut  25  of the center support assembly  102  releasably connects to the lower hub bolt  9  of the upper tent assembly  101 . The center support gasket  26  of the center support assembly  102  lies at the junction of the outer center support rod  20  and the inner center support rod  21 . The center support gasket  26  is in a fixed position atop the outer center support rod  20 . The center support gasket  26  allows movement of the inner center support rod  21  with respect to the outer center support rod  20 . A plurality of protrusions  27  extend radially from the center support gasket  26 . The protrusions  27  are configured for interaction with the latch clips  24 B of the center support latches  24  when the center support assembly is in a condensed configuration in which the inner center support rod  21  is fully engulfed by the outer center support rod  20 . The interaction between the latch clips  24 B of the center support latches  24  and the protrusions  27  of the center support gasket  26  is configured to hold the center support assembly  102  in the condensed configuration. In some embodiments, other suitable interaction may be used to hold the center support assembly  102  in the condensed configuration, including removable pins, a notch on the center support gasket  26  center support hub  23 , screws, etc. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the sliding hub  28 , of the center support assembly  102 , lies along the outer center support rod  20 . The sliding hub  28  is slidably attached to the outer center support rod  20 . The sliding rod acceptor  28 A runs through the center of the sliding hub  28  and provides slidable interaction between the sliding hub  28  and the outer center support rod  20 . The sliding fastener  29  is attached to the sliding hub  28  and provides a mechanism for locking the sliding hub  28  in place along the length of the outer center support rod  20 . A plurality of sliding hub hinges  28 B extend radially from the sliding hub  28  and provide points of movable interaction between the sliding hub  28  and a plurality of angled support rods  31 . 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the angled support rods comprise a rod  31 A, sliding hub acceptor  31 B, and support rail acceptor  31 C. The sliding hub acceptor  31 B engages the sliding hub hinge  28 B to provide pivotable attachment of the rod  31 A of the angled support rod  31  to the sliding hub  28 . The support rail acceptor  31 C of the angled support rod  31  is movably attached to a base support rail assembly  32 . 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, the base support rail assembly comprises one or more rails  32 A, one or more base hub acceptors  32 B, and one or more support rail acceptors  32 C. One or more support rail acceptors  32 C of a base support rail assembly  32  attach one or more rails  32 A to either side of a support rail hinge  31 C to movably connect a base support rail assembly  32  to an angled support rod  31 . One or more base hub acceptors  32 B attach one or more rails  32 A of a base support rail assembly  32  to the base hub hinge  30 B of the base hub  30 . The base hub  30  sits at the bottom of the center support assembly  102 . 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the base hub  30  contains a plurality of base hub hinges  30 B which extend radially to connect to a plurality of base support rail assemblies  32  through the base hub acceptors  32 B of the base support rail assemblies  32 . At the center of the base hub  30  is the outer rod acceptor  30 A which provides fixed attachment of the outer center support rod  20  to the base hub  30 . 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the center support assembly  102  adopts the collapsed or closed configuration (SEE  FIG. 4 ) when the tent is being transported or in storage, or when the center support assembly  102  is not in use. In the collapsed configuration of the center support assembly  102 , the inner center support rod  21  is entirely within the outer center support rod  20 . The inner center support rod  21  is held in the collapsed configuration by the interaction of the latch clips  24 B of the center support latches  24  with the protrusions  27  of the center support gasket  26 . In the collapsed configuration of the center support assembly  102 , the sliding hub  28  slides to the distal end of the outer center support rod  20  toward the base hub  30 . Movement of the sliding hub  28  toward the base hub  30  causes the angle between the angled support rods  31  and the outer center support rod  20  to decrease. The sliding fastener  29  locks the sliding hub  28  to the outer center support rod  20  in the collapsed configuration (SEE  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the center support assembly  102  adopts the extended or open configuration (SEE  FIG. 3 ) when the center support assembly  102  is in use supporting the upper tent assembly  101 . In the extended configuration of the center support assembly  102 , the inner center support rod  21  is extended beyond the outer center support rod  20 . In the extended configuration, the latch clips  24 B of the center support latches  24  are unengaged with the protrusions  27  of the center support gasket  26 . In the extended configuration of the center support assembly  102 , the sliding hub  28  slides along the outer center support rod  20  toward the center support gasket  26 . Movement of the sliding hub  28  toward the center support gasket  26  causes the angle between the angled support rods  31  and the outer center support rod  20  to increase. In the extended configuration of the center support assembly  102 , the base support rail assemblies  32  are perpendicular to the outer center support rod  20 . The sliding fastener  29  locks the sliding hub  28  to the outer center support rod  20  in the extended configuration (SEE  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the assembly of the present invention comprises two central hubs, the upper hub  2  and the lower hub  1 , from which extend a plurality of rods, top rods  4  and under rods  5 . In some embodiments, the top rods  4  extend radially from the upper hub  2 . In some embodiments, the under rods  4  extend radially from the lower hub  2 . In some embodiments, the assembly has an equal number of top rods  4  and under rods  5 . In some embodiments, each top rod  4  is paired with and connected to an under rod  5 . In some embodiments, each under rod  5  is paired with and connected to a top rod  4 . In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of top rods  4  (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) extending from a single upper hub  2 . In some embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of under rods  5  (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc.) extending from a single lower hub  1 . In some embodiments the top rods  4  can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧1 foot (e.g. ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10, ≧11 feet, ≧12 feet, ≧13 feet, ≧14 feet, ≧15 feet, ≧16 feet, ≧17 feet, ≧18 feet, ≧19 feet, ≧20 feet) and/or ≦50 feet (e.g. ≦40 feet, ≦30 feet, ≦20 feet, ≦10 feet), etc.). In some embodiments the under rods  5  can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧1 foot (e.g. ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10, ≧11 feet, ≧12 feet, ≧13 feet, ≧14 feet, ≧15 feet, ≧16 feet, ≧17 feet, ≧18 feet, ≧19 feet, ≧20 feet) and/or ≦50 feet (e.g. ≦40 feet, ≦30 feet, ≦20 feet, ≦10 feet), etc.). In some embodiments, the top rods  4  can be of any suitable diameter (e.g. ≧0.1 inches (e.g. ≧0.25 inches, ≧0.5 inches, ≧0.75 inches, ≧1 inch, ≧2 inches, ≧3 inches, ≧4 inches, ≧5 inches, ≧6 inches) and/or ≦2 feet (e.g. ≦1 foot, ≦9 inches, ≦6 inches, ≦3 inches), etc.). In some embodiments, the under rods can be of any suitable diameter (e.g. ≧0.1 inches (e.g. ≧0.25 inches, ≧0.5 inches, ≧0.75 inches, ≧1 inch, ≧2 inches, ≧3 inches, ≧4 inches, ≧5 inches, ≧6 inches) and/or ≦2 feet (e.g. ≦1 foot, ≦9 inches, ≦6 inches, ≦3 inches), etc.). In some embodiments, top rods  4  and under rods  5  are equally spaced around the hub from which they extend. In some embodiments, each top rod  4  is aligned parallel in one plane to an under rod  5 . In some embodiments, each under rod  5  is aligned parallel in one plane to a top rod  4 . In some embodiments, the end of each under rod  5  is connected to a position along the length of a top rod  4 . In some embodiments, the end of each under rod  5  is pivotally connected to a position along the length of a top rod  4 . In some embodiments, the end of each under rod  5  is connected to a fixed position along the length of a top rod  4 . In some embodiments, a rod connector  13  pivotally connects an under rod  5  to a fixed position along a top rod  4 . In some embodiments, a rod connector  13  comprises a bracket  13 A which provides attachment of the rod connector  13  to the top rod  4 , and a  13 B hinge  13 B which provides attachment of the rod connector to the under rod  5 . In some embodiments, the bracket  13 A of the rod connector  13  is attached to a single fixed position along the length of a top rod  4 . In some embodiments, the bracket  13 A of the rod connector  13  is immobile with respect to a top rod  4 . In some embodiments the hinge  13 B of the rod connector  13  is configured to allow the under rod  5  to pivot in a single plane with respect to the rod connector  13  and the top rod  4 . In some embodiments, the hinge  13 B of the rod connector  13  in pivotally attached to the top rod acceptor  5 B of the under rod  5 . In some embodiments, the top rod  4  is attached to the upper hub via upper hub hinge  11  of the upper hub  2  and the upper hub hinge acceptor  4 B of the top rod  4 . In some embodiments, the upper hub hinge acceptor  4 B of the top rod  4  is free to pivot in a single plane with respect to upper hub hinge  11  of the upper hub  2 . In some embodiments, the under rod  5  is attached to the lower hub  1  via lower hub hinge  6  of the lower hub  1  and the lower hub hinge acceptor  4 C of the under rod  5 . In some embodiments, the lower hub hinge acceptor  5 C of the under rod  5  is free to pivot in a single plane with respect to lower hub hinge  6  of the lower hub  1 . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the interhub rod assembly  3  comprises an inner rod  3 B which is configured to fit within an outer rod  3 A. In some embodiments, an inner rod  3 B is configured to slide between a position in which the inner rod  3 B is completely within the outer rod  3 A and a position in which the inner rod  3 B extends outward from the outer rod  3 A. In some embodiments the outer rod  3 A can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧3 inches, ≧6 inches, ≧9 inches, ≧1 foot, ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10 feet). In some embodiments the inner rod  3 B can be of any suitable length (e.g. ≧3 inches, ≧6 inches, ≧9 inches, ≧1 foot, ≧2 feet, ≧3 feet, ≧4 feet, ≧5 feet, ≧6 feet, ≧7 feet, ≧8 feet, ≧9 feet, ≧10 feet). In some embodiments, the inner rod  3 B and outer rod  3 A are of the same length. In some embodiments, the inner rod  3 B and outer rod  3 A are of different lengths. In some embodiments a gasket at the end of the outer rob  3 A aids in smooth extension of the inner rod  3 B out of the outer rod  3 A. In some embodiments, the outer rod  3 A houses an element (e.g. spring, piston, hydraulics, etc.) to apply pressure to the inner rod  3 B pushing the inner rod  3 B into the contracted or extend position. In some embodiments, the assembly contains a flange  7  attached to the bottom of the outer rod  3 A. In some embodiments, one or more flange clips  8  are attached atop the lower hub  1 . In some embodiments, the flange clips  8  atop the lower hub  1  are configured to engage the flange  7  beneath the outer rod  3 A in order to fix the outer rod  3 A in the condensed position around the inner rod  3 B. In some embodiments, releasing the flange clips  8  from the flange  7  allows the inner rod  3 B to extend from within the outer rod  3 A. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the present invention provides and assembly configured to support a structure in an open conformation. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an assembly configured to allow a structure to adopt a collapsed configuration. In some embodiment, the assembly is configured two convert from an open configuration (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected, functional, etc.) to a closed configuration (e.g. collapsed, condensed, closed, storage, transport, etc.). In some embodiment, the assembly is configured to convert from a closed configuration (e.g. collapsed, condensed, closed, storage, transport, etc.) to an open configuration (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected, functional, etc.). In some embodiments, the assembly is configured to lock in the open and/or closed conformations. In some embodiments, the assembly does not lock into an open and/or closed conformation, but adopts and remains in one or both conformations passively without external force or locking. In some embodiments, the assembly of the present invention is structurally and/or functionally attached to additional structural support assemblies. In some embodiments, converting the assembly from opened to closed induces conformational changes in additional structural support assemblies. In some conformational changes in additional structural support assemblies induce conversion of the present invention from the opened to closed conformation. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the open conformation (e.g. extended, expanded, opened, erected, functional) the inner rod  3 B is contained within the outer rod  3 A and the flange clips  8  are closed over the flange  7 . In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the open conformation, the angle between the top rods  4  and the interhub rod assembly  3  approaches perpendicular (e.g. ≧45°, ≧60°, ≧70°, ≧80°, ≧85°, ≧89°, etc). In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the open conformation the angle between the under rods  5  and the interhub rod assembly  3  approaches perpendicular (e.g. ≧45°, ≧60°, ≧70°, ≧80°, ≧85°, ≧89°, etc). In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the closed conformation, the angle between the top rods  4  and the interhub rod assembly  3  approaches parallel (e.g. ≦45°, ≦30°, ≦20°, ≦10°, ≦5°, ≦1°, etc). In some embodiments, when the assembly of the present invention adopts the closed conformation the angle between the under rods  5  and the interhub rod assembly  3  approaches parallel (e.g. ≦45°, ≦30°, ≦20°, ≦10°, ≦5°, ≦1°, etc). In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open conformation to closed conformation results in a decrease in the angle between the top rods  4  and inter hub rod assembly  3 . In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open conformation to closed conformation results in a decrease in the angle between the under rods  5  and inter hub rod assembly  3 . In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the open conformation to closed conformation results in an increase in the angle between the under rods  5  and top rods  4 . In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation results in an increase in the angle between the top rods  4  and interhub rod assembly  3 . In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation results in an increase in the angle between the under rods  5  and inter hub rod assembly  3 . In some embodiments, conversion of the assembly from the closed conformation to the open conformation results in a decrease in the angle between the under rods  5  and top rods  4 . 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the tent assembly  100  of the present invention is attached to additional tent or tent support structures. In some embodiments, additional tent support structures may include legs, rods, rails, collapsible elements, support lines, covers, etc. In some embodiments, the upper tent assembly  101  is connected to or attached to additional tent structures via the top rods  4 . In some embodiments, material spread above the upper tent assembly  101  provides a tent, gazebo, shelter, or cover. In some embodiments, material covering the upper tent assembly  101  can be made of any suitable material (e.g. fabric, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, leather, nylon, plastics, etc.). 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, material covering the upper tent assembly may also extend onto additional tent structures or tent support structures. In some embodiments, the tent assembly  100  of the present invention may comprise any suitable materials (e.g. metal (e.g. aluminum, steel, alloys, titanium, etc.), polymers, plastics, wood, etc. In some embodiments, a tent assembly  100  of the present invention may comprise one or more center support assemblies  102  (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ≧10, etc.). In some embodiments, a tent assembly  100  of the present invention may comprise one or more upper tent assemblies  101  (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ≧10, etc.). 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, connections and or attachments between hubs (e.g. lower hub  1 , upper hub  2 , etc.), rods (e.g. top rods  4 , under rods  5 , etc.), assemblies, hinges, connectors, acceptors, and/or other elements of the present invention may be made in any suitable manner. The mechanisms of connecting and attaching elements of the present invention are intended to be exemplary and should not be taken as limiting.