Abstract:
A foldable tent includes a hub, a base having a plurality of separate base members and a plurality of slots formed on the base members. The plurality of slots are uniformly spaced apart radially, each slot formed by first and second walls, each of the first and second walls integrally formed on the respective base member and substantially parallel to each other. A plurality of poles are included, with each pole having at least two sections coupled by a joint. Each pole includes an inner end and an outer end, each pole inner end pivotally coupled to a corresponding slot. The hub and poles define a periphery when the tent is in an open configuration. A canopy is positioned within the periphery, the canopy being slidably connected to the poles in the open configuration and a closed configuration.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/870,714, filed Apr. 25, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/658,473, filed on Feb. 4, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,656, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application No. PCT/CN2008/073142, filed Nov. 21, 2008, which claims the benefit of priority to China Application No. 2007200089913, filed on Nov. 30, 2007, the contents all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a foldable tent, and more particularly to a foldable tent which utilizes a hub or roof connecting mechanism. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Hubs or roof connecting mechanisms of foldable tents are often used for pivotally connecting tent poles to a central location so that the tent would be able to have a foldable function. 
     Roof connecting mechanisms or hubs in the conventional bell tents are only provided for purposes of connecting components of the tent such as roof strut rods or poles. In other words, those parts require assembly and disassembly when the tent is pitched and stored away, respectively. 
     In larger conventional tents, the roof connecting mechanism or hub is kept in hinge connection with the roof strut rods or poles such that when the tent is folded, all of the roof strut rods or poles centrally pivot around the hub and are bent down so that the poles are gathered closely together. However, the larger conventional tents also require that the poles be further supported by sub-braces which connect from the poles to a downward extended portion of the hub. As a result, not only do the connecting mechanisms of the sub-braces become intricate but the overall structure of the tent framework becomes complicated. Moreover, the volume of the tent is larger due to the number of the components of the hub assembly, and opening and closing the tent becomes more difficult. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a main object of the present invention generally is to provide a foldable canopy tent with a relatively smaller volume having a simplified roof connecting mechanism or hub for carrying out opening and closing functions without assembly or disassembly, which can also be manufactured at a low cost. For achieving the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a roof connecting mechanism or hub of a foldable tent for pivotally connecting a plurality of radially spaced apart poles. The connecting hub comprises a base for preventing the poles from pivoting beyond the surface of the base. 
     In one aspect, the present invention provides a foldable tent convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said tent comprising: a hub; a plurality of separate base members, each extending radially from the hub; a plurality of slots, each slot formed on a respective base member, the plurality of slots uniformly spaced apart radially, each slot formed by first and second walls, each of the first and second walls integrally formed on the respective base member and substantially parallel to each other, each of the first and second walls having a hole to form a pair of holes extending normally through the walls of each slot, the pair of holes being substantially aligned; a plurality of poles corresponding to the number of slots, each pole having at least two sections coupled by a joint, each pole having an inner end and an outer end, a hole extending through each pole proximate the inner end; a plurality of protective members, each protective member having a length and coupled to a respective pole inner end, a hole extending through each protective member substantially perpendicular to the length; a plurality of end members, each end member corresponding to and fixed to the outer end of each pole; and a plurality of pivot members corresponding to the number of slots, each pivot member of each slot defining a pivoting axis and extending through the hole of the first wall, the corresponding holes of each pole and protective member and the hole of the second wall, such that each pole is pivotally connected to a corresponding slot. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a foldable tent convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said tent comprising: a hub; a base, portions of which form a plurality of separate base members, each base member extending radially from the hub; a plurality of slots, each slot formed on a respective base member, the plurality of slots uniformly spaced apart radially, each slot formed by first and second walls, each of the first and second walls integrally formed on the respective base member and substantially parallel to each other; a plurality of poles corresponding to the number of slots, each pole having at least two sections coupled by a joint, each pole having an inner end and an outer end; a plurality of protective members, each protective member having a length and coupled to a respective pole inner end; a plurality of end members, each end member corresponding to and fixed to the outer end of each pole; and a plurality of pivot members corresponding to the number of slots, each pivot member of each slot defining a pivoting axis and extending through the first and second walls, corresponding pole and corresponding protective member such that each pole is pivotally connected to a corresponding slot over a corresponding base member. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a foldable tent convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said tent comprising: a hub; a substantially circular base having a plurality of separate base members, each extending radially from the hub; a plurality of slots, each slot formed on a respective base member, the plurality of slots uniformly spaced apart radially, each slot formed by first and second walls, each of the first and second walls integrally formed on the respective base member and substantially parallel to each other; a plurality of poles corresponding to the number of slots, each pole having at least two sections coupled by a joint, each pole having an inner end and an outer end, each pole inner end pivotally coupled to a corresponding slot, the hub and poles defining a periphery when the tent is in the open configuration; and a canopy positioned within the periphery, the canopy being slidably connected to the poles in the open and closed configurations. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the foldable tent of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hub assembly of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the foldable tent of the present invention in a partially folded configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial top perspective view of a second embodiment of a hub assembly of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial sectional view of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial bottom perspective view of the hub assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention in a folded configuration; and 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a hub assembly of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 , a roof connecting mechanism or hub of foldable tent  200  having a canopy  55  in the first embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the hub  1  is a circular piece having a plurality of pivoting cabinets, retaining assemblies or slots  11  extending upward from a stopper or base  12 . Each slot  11  is formed on a base member  13  by a pair of independently extending adjacent walls  51  that include a curved groove  111  built upon the inner portions of the walls  51  forming each slot  11 . The slots  11  are uniformly arranged in a radial configuration. The walls of each slot have pivoting holes  41  such that the holes are substantially aligned. 
     The hub assembly further comprises a plurality of roof strut rods or poles  2 , each having at least two sections coupled by a joint  21 , and each pole  2  is received by a corresponding slot  11 . Each of the poles  2  are telescoping via a telescope locking member  25  and allows for the poles  2  to compact further in the closed configuration as described in more detail below. A pivoting cap or protective member  3  having a curved lug or curved outer surface  31  is fixed on the inner end of each pole  2  such that each cap  3  is sufficiently secured or tightly fit onto each pole  2 . It is preferred that the external diameter of the pivoting cap  3  is less than or equal to the width of the inside of the slot  11 , which allows for the each pole  2  to pivotally maneuver in and out of each corresponding slot  11 . Each corresponding pole and cap have holes extending through the pole and cap such that the holes are substantially aligned. 
     The poles  2  extend radially outward from the hub  1  and each pole  2  is pivotally connected to a corresponding slot  11  proximate the radially inner end of each slot  11 . A pivoting pin or pivot member  4  extends through each cap  3  and corresponding pole  2  at a radially inner end of each cap  3  and each end of the pivoting pin  4  extends into the pivoting holes  41  on each side of the walls  51  of each slot  11  thereby forming a pivoting axis for the poles  2 . The pivoting pin  4  can be any type of fastener such as a rod, bolt or screw as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2 and 8 . Alternatively, the poles  2  can be directly connected to the connecting hub  1  without a pivoting cap as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     In the first embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the base  12  of each slot  11  extends to at least the portion of the poles  2  where the pivoting pins  4  are located and thus the inner ends of each pole  2  can pivot to and from the open and closed configurations within each corresponding slot  11 . 
     In operation, the tent of the first embodiment is opened by pulling the frame of the tent, i.e., the poles  2 , radially outward (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) from the hub  1  such that the hub  1  is supported by the poles  2  and the poles  2  are telescopically extended, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The poles  2  include feet or end members  53  which are fixed to a supporting surface and the canopy  55  of the tent is expanded. The hub  1  and poles  2  form a periphery and frame of the tent  200 . The canopy  55  is slidably engaged to the poles  2  and is positioned within the periphery. That is, an outer surface of the canopy  55  is coupled to the frame. During this time, each pole  2  is secured within each corresponding slot  11  through the engagement of the curved outer surface  31  of the caps  3  and the curved grooves  111  of the slot walls  51 . Each pole  2  is further secured to each corresponding slot  11  by engaging the base  12  of the hub  1  and the tent  200  remains opened and securely erected. 
     Similarly, to close the tent the feet  53  of the poles  2  are first disengaged from the supporting surface. Without support from the feet of the poles  2 , the hub  1  moves downward due to its weight and assists in the closing of the tent. The bottom portions of the poles  2  are telescopically retracted and folded radially inward toward the hub  1  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and further pivoted radially inward until the poles  2  and canopy are gathered above the hub  1  in a compact closed configuration for convenient storage and transportability. The canopy is not shown in the  FIGS. 2-4  in order to show the folding function in more detail. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  to  FIG. 7 , a roof connecting mechanism or hub  1  of the foldable canopy tent  200  in the second embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a connecting hub  1  is a circular piece having a plurality of pivoting cabinets or slots  11  extending downward from a stopper or base  12 . The canopy of the tent is not shown in  FIGS. 5-7  so that the hub  1  can be shown in more detail. Each slot  11  is formed by a pair of adjacent walls  51  which extend independently from the base  12 , and each slot  11  is uniformly arranged in a radial configuration. The walls  51  of each slot  11  have pivoting holes  41  such that the holes are substantially aligned. 
     The hub assembly further comprises a plurality of roof strut rods or poles  2  and, similar to the arrangement in the first embodiment, each pole  2  is received by a corresponding slot  11 . A pivoting cap or protective member  3  is fixed on the inner end of each pole  2  such that each cap  3  is sufficiently secured or tightly fit onto each pole  2 . It is preferred that the external diameter of the pivoting cap  3  is less than or equal to the width of the inside of the slot  11 , which allows for the cap  3  of each pole  2  to pivotally maneuver in and out of each corresponding slot  11 . Each corresponding pole and cap have holes extending through the pole and cap such that the holes are substantially aligned. 
     The poles  2  extend radially outward from the hub  1  and each pole  2  is pivotally connected to a corresponding slot  11  proximate the radially outer end of each slot  11 . A pivoting pin or pivot member  4  extends through each cap  3  and corresponding pole  2  at a radially outer end of each cap  3  and each end of the pivoting pin  4  extends into the pivoting holes  41  on each side of the walls  51  of each slot  11 , thereby forming a pivoting axis for the poles  2 . Alternatively, the poles  2  can be directly connected to the connecting hub  1  without a pivoting cap as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5-7 , the base  12  extends radially outward except that the base does not extend above the radially outer portions of the slots  11  where the poles  2  are pivotally connected to the walls  51 , thereby forming an opening or a void  61 . Thus, the radially inner portion of the base  12  restricts the inner end of the poles  2  from any upward pivotal movement beyond the bottom surface of the base  12  and as a result prevents the poles  2  from any downward pivotal movement beyond a position substantially parallel to the base  12  in the open configuration of the tent (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Moreover, the opening or void  61  provided on the radially outer portions of the slots  11  allow the poles  2  to pivotally move upward to the closed configuration of the tent (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     In operation, similar to the operation of the tent in the first embodiment, the tent of the second embodiment is opened by pulling the frame of the tent, i.e., the poles  2 , radially outward (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) from the hub  1  and in a downward direction such that the hub  1  is supported by the poles  2 . The feet or end members of the poles  2  are then fixed to the ground or other surface and the tent canopy is spread out, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . During this time, the inner end of each pole  2  is secured within each corresponding slot  11  and the caps  3  of each pole  2  engages the bottom surface of the base  12  of the hub  1 . Thus, the tent remains opened and securely erected. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , to close the tent, the feet of the poles  2  are first disengaged from the surface. Without support from the feet of the poles  2 , the hub  1  moves downward due to its weight and assists in the closing of the tent. The poles  2  are folded radially inward toward the hub  1  as the radially inner ends of the poles  2  are pivoted to a position below the base  12 . Thus, the poles  2  are gathered above the hub  1  in a compact closed configuration for convenient storage and transportability. 
     As described above, the slots  11  of the hub  1  not only restrict the poles  2  from pivoting beyond the base  12  in the open configuration but also provide for the poles  2  to pivot into a folded, compact closed configuration. Furthermore, the structure is simplified and the material cost is reduced while providing an easy and convenient opening and closing operation. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.