Patent Publication Number: US-6666223-B2

Title: Collapsible frame

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to the assembly and disassembly of temporary structures and other protective shelters typically in the out-of-doors. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for a collapsible frame of unitary structure for use in erecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and the like at campsites, back yard patios and other outdoor venues. 
     2. Background Art 
     The relevant art is directed to collapsible frames utilized in erecting temporary structures for use in the out-of-doors. The typical frame apparatus of the prior art 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 the prior art 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 where goods are offered for sale or any other outdoor activity typically removed from ones residence. In the alternative, the outdoor venue can be as local as a barbecue grill located at a city park, the beach or even on the patio or in the back yard of ones own residence. 
     Many of the collapsible frames of the prior art involve complicated articulated linkage which is difficult to manipulate. Additionally, it is typical for the upper support structure of the frame to be completely removed from the support legs during disassemble and then re-mounted on the support legs during assembly of the frame. This design results in a flimsy, unstable frame because it lacks unitary structure. Also, many of the prior art frames are heavy and cumbersome to assemble and disassemble and thus are neither convenient nor desirable choices by persons of small physical stature. Another common problem relates to the frequent misplacing or loss of some of the plurality of component parts necessary for the assembly of the frame. As a result, certain components necessary to complete assembly of the frame may not be available and thus the effort to complete assembly of the frame is frustrated. 
     Examples of the prior art include a frame apparatus employed as a collapsible shelter which includes a flexible collapsible canopy. The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that enables the flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members (known in the art as a scissors construction) are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs. The scissors construction exhibits an articulated frame linkage of which the components must be accurately sized in order for the collapsible feature to be realized. 
     Another example of a frame apparatus includes a tent structure which exhibits an elevated tent framework having a plurality of support legs and elevated rafters for supporting a tent canvas useful, for example, at a burial site. Yet another example is a framework having non-adjustable support legs driven into the ground for stability. Another example of a frame apparatus is disclosed in a geodesic dome shelter where the construction skeleton radiates outwardly from the apex portion of the shelter. Another example is a framework in which the skeleton provides a rectangular cage on which a canvas top is suspended. The framework is collapsible but each component of the cage must be manually disassembled. 
     A canopy support system is also known in the prior art which is intended to support the canopy portion of a self-contained collapsible canopy type tent. The support system includes a plurality of interconnected resilient cord elements extending from a central hub to multiple support frame attachment points around a collapsible metal frame of the tent. The resilient cords are adjustable for providing the required tension and provide intermediate canopy support between a central support pole and a perimeter support frame. Another example of a frame apparatus teaches a tent structure which includes four poles interconnected by four scissors-type linkages forming a square structure and four intermediate pivot connecting members. 
     Many other frame apparatuses are known in the prior art for providing an enclosure or canopy arrangement for the purpose of, for example, enclosing a utility manhole in the street or enclosing a public utilities crew in a work environment. Although these frame apparatuses are collapsible and lightweight, many lack the structural integrity necessary to endure continuous usage and the elements. Because the upper support structure of many of these frame apparatuses is not unitary with the lower support legs, these frames known in the prior art lack structural integrity and tend to be flimsy. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for a collapsible frame that comprises a lightweight, simplified robust construction fashioned into a rigid frame, in which the telescopic corner legs and the upper support structure including the superstructure are permanently connected to facilitate prompt raising and lowering of the collapsible frame as a unitary structure where the superstructure operates in unison with the remainder of the frame components to provide improved stability to the frame structure, and to minimize misplacing component parts, where the collapsible frame exhibits a means for conveniently adjusting the vertical height thereof, and is easily manipulated by persons of small physical stature. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a new and improved collapsible frame for use in erecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and the like in the out-of-doors such as campsites, back yard patios and other outdoor venues. The novel and non-obvious collapsible frame exhibits a robust lightweight design including an aluminum frame. The collapsible frame is raised and lowered quickly and easily since each of the component elements remains connected in the collapsed position, i.e., the collapsible frame is a unitary structure. The height of the collapsible frame can be easily adjusted so that the superstructure provides adequate headroom for average height persons. When collapsed, the frame is transported and stored in a convenient carrying enclosure. 
     The collapsible frame of the present invention includes a plurality of four telescopic corner legs generally forming a rectangular pattern to create an upper support structure. Each telescopic corner leg includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft for adjusting the height thereof. A top corner joint is mounted to the top of each telescopic corner leg and a leg slider joint is positioned for translational motion along each of the corner legs. X-shaped truss pairs of link members (typically known in the art as a scissors connector) are positioned between each adjacent pair of telescopic corner legs for enabling the corner legs to be moved in a scissors fashion. 
     A superstructure comprised of four canopy support arms is fixedly attached to the upper support structure at the corresponding top corner joint and leg slider joint of each telescopic corner leg. The canopy support arms are connected together at the apex of the collapsible frame by a top joint connector. Each of the canopy support arms includes a flexible connector which can be an elastic connector in combination with a link chain, or a hinge in combination with a sliding sleeve. Each of the telescopic corner legs also includes a base foot for improving the stability of the frame. Finally, a V-shaped, spring-loaded push button is employed for adjusting the height of each of the telescopic legs and for securing the position of the bottom slider. This combination of components enables the collapsible frame to be raised and lowered as a unitary structure. 
     The present invention is generally directed to a collapsible frame for use in erecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and the like in the out-of-doors and typically employed at, for example, campsites, roadside camping facilities for recreational vehicles, city parks, the seashore or even on the patio or in the back yard of a residence or other outdoor venue. In its most fundamental embodiment, the collapsible frame comprises a plurality of telescopic legs for providing vertical structural support and a plurality of top corner joints with each corner joint fixedly mounted upon a top end of a corresponding one of the telescopic legs. A leg slider joint is adjustably mounted upon each of the telescopic legs for sliding along a corresponding one of the telescopic legs. A truss pair of link members is mounted to a pair of the top corner joints and to a corresponding pair of the leg slider joints mounted on each adjacent pair of telescopic legs for providing a scissors connector. Finally, a plurality of canopy support arms each including a flexible connector, and each fixedly connected to a corresponding one of the top corner joints and to a corresponding one of the leg slider joints, is employed for raising and lowering the collapsible frame as a stable unitary structure. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate the invention, by way of example. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible frame of the present invention showing four telescopic corner legs fully extended and supporting an upper support structure comprising a rectangular frame having four top corner joints, four leg slider joints and four X-shaped truss pairs of link members employed to support a cooperating superstructure which intersects at a center joint. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing the relationship between the telescopic corner legs, four top corner joints, corresponding leg slider joints, X-shaped truss pairs of link members, and the cooperating superstructure comprised of four canopy support arms and angular support arms shown fully extended. 
     FIG. 3 is another side elevation of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 (opposite to the view appearing in FIG. 2) showing the canopy support arms partially collapsed at a flexible connector, and further showing the telescopic corner legs, top corner joints, leg slider joints, X-shaped truss pairs of link members, and the angular support arms. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the flexible connector of each of the canopy support arms of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 shown with the components of the flexible connector attached with a elastic cord. 
     FIG. 5 is an alternative flexible connector employed with each of the canopy support arms of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing a movable sleeve in the engaged position surrounding the two terminal ends of one of the four canopy support arms to facilitate structural integrity of the frame. 
     FIG. 6 is another view of the alternative flexible connector employed with each of the canopy support arms as shown in FIG. 5 showing the movable sleeve in the disengaged position for exposing a hinge as the flexible connector. 
     FIG. 7 is a front elevation of one of the four telescopic corner legs of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 shown in the fully extended position. 
     FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the telescopic corner leg of FIG. 7 shown in the fully retracted position. 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevation of one of the four top corner joints of the collapsible frame of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevation of one of the four leg slider joints of the collapsible frame of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded view of one of the four top corner joints of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing the interconnection between each of the top corner joints and the two adjacent X-shaped truss pairs of link members, and also between the top corner joint and one of the four canopy support arms. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of one of the four leg slider joints of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing the interconnection between each of the leg slider joints and the two adjacent X-shaped truss pairs of link members, and also between the leg slider joint and one of the four angular support arms. 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a base foot located at the bottom of each of the four telescopic corner legs of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing a plurality of first penetrations intended for ground stakes, second penetrations for anchoring a canopy cover, and a stop stud for terminating the travel of the outer telescopic leg. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a V-shaped, spring-loaded push button for use with the telescopic components of the collapsible frame taken along line  14 — 14  of FIG. 3 showing the V-shaped configuration. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing a canopy positioned thereon with the collapsible frame shown in phantom. 
     FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing the canopy positioned thereon including three methods of attaching the canopy to the collapsible frame including hook and loop fasteners shown in a cutaway. 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a first hook and loop fastener wrap sewn into the fabric of the canopy for attaching the canopy to the collapsible frame. 
     FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a second hook and loop fastener wrap sewn into the fabric of the canopy for attaching the canopy to the telescopic corner legs. 
     FIG. 19 is a front elevation of the bottom of one of the four legs of the canopy positioned over the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing the method of attaching each of the legs of the canopy to one of the four telescopic corner legs. 
     FIG. 20 is a top planar view of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing the four telescopic corner legs, four top corner joints, four X-shaped truss pairs of link members, four canopy support arms including the associated flexible connectors, and the upper disk surface of a top joint connector. 
     FIG. 21 is a bottom planar view of the superstructure of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 showing the lower disk surface of the top joint connector including the four canopy support arms extending outward. 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the collapsible frame of FIG. 1 shown in the collapsed position in preparation of insertion into a carrying case. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is a collapsible frame  100  as best shown in FIG. 1 for use in erecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and the like typically in the out-of-doors. The collapsible frame  100  of the present invention serves as a support by providing a structure for attaching material components such as canvas, netting, screens, plastic and the like for erecting tents, screen rooms, awnings and canopies as desired. The collapsible frame  100  is typically employed at campsites, roadside camping facilities for recreational vehicles, city parks, the seashore or even on the patio or in the back yard of a residence or other outdoor venue. 
     A preferred embodiment of the collapsible frame  100  is shown in FIGS. 1-4 and  7 - 22  and comprises three main categories which include a base portion  102 , an upper support structure  104  and a superstructure  106 . A description of the main components of each of these three main categories will now be set out in successive order. 
     The base portion  102  includes a plurality of four telescopic corner legs  108  each having an inner shaft portion  110  and an outer shaft portion  112  as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The inner shaft portion  110  telescopes upward into the interior of the outer shaft portion  112  of the telescopic legs  108  as is best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Thus, both the inner shaft portion  110  and the outer shaft portion  112  (and other components described hereinafter) adopt an aluminum square-shaped configuration as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It has been discovered that the square-shaped configuration glides easier and fits more securely for providing the collapsible frame  100  with a more stable structure. 
     The outer shaft portion  112  of each telescopic corner leg  108  includes two penetrations  114  and a third penetration  116  formed therein. The first two penetrations  114  formed in each outer shaft portion  112  are clearly shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  7 - 8  while the third penetration  116  is best shown in FIG.  3 . One of the penetrations  114  formed in each outer shaft portion  112  is selected to be aligned with a corresponding one of a plurality of V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbuttons  118 . The corresponding pushbutton  118  is mounted within the inner shaft portion  110  of the corresponding telescopic corner leg  108 . The pushbutton  118  extends through a penetration (not shown) in the inner shaft portion  110 . When the penetration (not shown) formed in the inner shaft portion  110  is aligned with the selected penetration  114  formed in the outer shaft portion  112 , the pushbutton  118  can extend there through. In this manner, the length of the telescopic corner leg  108  (and thus the overall height of the collapsible frame  100 ) can be adjusted. Either of the two penetrations  114  can be selected (consistent with each telescopic corner leg  108 ) for selecting the desired height of the collapsible frame  100 . It is to be understood that the number of penetrations  114  formed in the outer shaft portion  112  can vary and thus is not limited to any specific number. 
     Likewise, the third penetration  116  formed within the outer shaft portion  112  serves to provide a port through which a second of the plurality of V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbuttons  118  extends through. The third penetration  116  is formed through an upper section  120  of each of the telescopic corner legs  108  for interfacing with a leg slider joint  122  mounted on each telescopic corner leg  108 . The leg slider joint  122 , which is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  7 - 8  and in FIG. 12, includes a penetration  124  formed there through. The penetration  124  in the leg slider joint  122  is formed in the same plane as the penetration  116  in the outer shaft portion  112 . Thus, when the leg slider joint  122  of each telescopic corner leg  108  is positioned by sliding over the third penetration  116 , the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  pops through the penetration  124  formed in the leg slider joint  122  to lock the leg slider joint  122  in position. This situation is shown clearly in FIG.  1 . However, when the pushbutton  118  is depressed, the slider joint  122  is free to travel downward along the telescopic corner leg  108 . This situation is shown in FIG.  3 . 
     The construction of the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  which is comprised of metal is employed for locking a first component part to a second component part in the collapsible frame  100  in two separate applications. In the first application, the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  is employed for locking the leg slider joint  122  to the outer shaft portion  112  of the telescopic corner leg  108  as is shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  7 . In the second application, the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  is employed for locking the outer shaft portion  112  to the inner shaft portion  110  for adjusting the length of the telescopic corner legs  108  as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  7 - 8 . In both applications, the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  serves the same function in the same manner. Thus, the discussion of the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  and the illustration shown in FIG. 14 will be directed to the application in which the pushbutton  118  is employed for locking the leg slider joint  122  to the outer shaft portion  112 . The description of the structural components and operation applies equally to the application of locking the outer shaft portion  112  to the inner shaft portion  110 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 14, the spring-loaded pushbutton  118  is V-shaped in configuration and is shown positioned inside the square construction of the outer shaft portion  112  of one of the telescopic corner legs  108 . Each of the spring-loaded pushbuttons  118  which can be comprised of aluminum includes a first end  126  and a second end  128  as shown in FIG.  14 . The first and second ends  126  and  128 , respectively, apply force to the inside surface of the square-shaped outer shaft portion  112  by virtue of the spring tension associated with the V-shape of the spring-loaded pushbutton  118 . This spring tension associated with the V-shape of the spring-loaded pushbutton  118  causes the pushbutton  118  to remain in position. The side of the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  associated with the first end  126  thereof includes a bump or rise  130  that serves as a button. The bump or rise  130  is shown extending through the outer shaft portion  112  of the telescopic corner leg  108 . The bump or rise  130  would then extend through the penetration  124  of the leg slider joint  122  as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     During the lowering of the collapsible frame  100 , the leg slider joint  122  is released by manually depressing the bump or rise  130  sufficiently far enough to pass the square configuration of the leg slider joint  122  but not the square configuration of the outer shaft portion  112 . Under these conditions, the leg slider joint  122  is free to glide over the square confines the outer shaft portion  112 . Thereafter, the leg slider joint  122  slides downward on the outer shaft portion  112  and the entire frame  100  can then be collapsed. When the collapsible frame  100  is being raised, the leg slider joint  122  is moved upward on each corresponding outer shaft portion  112  of the telescopic corner leg  108 . When the leg slider joint  122  intersects the bump or rise  130  of the pushbutton  118  extending out of penetration  116  of the outer shaft portion  112 , the bump or rise  130  is forced downward. However, because of the spring tension in the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118 , the bump or rise  130  will be forced through the penetration  124  in the leg slider joint  122  when the penetration  124  becomes aligned with the penetration  116  of the telescopic corner leg  108 . The leg slider joint  122  is then locked into position with respect to the outer shaft portion  112  and the adjustment is complete. It is noted that this description applies equally to the application of locking the outer shaft portion  112  to the inner shaft portion  110  when adjusting the length of the telescopic corner leg  108 . 
     The plurality of telescopic corner legs  108  may be set at a small angle to a perpendicular vertical. Stated another way, the angle that the top of each telescopic corner leg  108  makes with the upper support structure  104  is slightly greater than a right angle, i.e., an obtuse angle. This construction is best shown in FIG.  1  and causes the base portion  102  of the collapsible frame  100  to be somewhat wider and thus to exhibit greater stability. To further improve the stability of the base portion  102 , the bottom of each of the inner shaft portions  110  of each of the telescopic corner legs  108  includes a base foot  132 . Each base foot  132  is positioned at a suitable angle and serves to provide greater footing of the base portion  102  thus increasing the stability of the collapsible frame  100 . 
     The base foot  132  is clearly shown in FIGS. 1-3,  7 - 8 ,  15 , and  22  but is shown best in FIG.  13 . The base foot  132  shown in enlarged FIG. 13 includes a plastic construction comprising a generally circular flat planar portion  134  that is placed on the ground or floor surface upon which the collapsible frame  100  is erected. The flat planar portion  134  includes a plurality of penetrations  136  (typically four) used for receiving corresponding ground stakes (not shown). The ground stakes (not shown) are driven into the ground through the penetrations  136  for improving the stability of the collapsible frame  100 . Molded to the plastic flat planar portion  134  of the base foot  132  is a vertical receiving cup  138  employed for receiving the bottom of the inner shaft portion  110  as shown in FIG.  13 . The inner shaft portion  110  is retained within the vertical receiving cup  138  by a fastener  140  best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The vertical receiving cup  138  also includes a first extension  142  having a penetration  144  formed therein and a second extension  146  formed in the shape of a hook, i.e., a hook extension  146 . The first extension  142  and corresponding penetration  144 , and the second (hook) extension  146  formed on the vertical receiving cup  138  of the base foot  132  are employed for anchoring a canopy  148  described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 15-19. 
     The bottom of each of the inner shaft portions  110  further includes a stop stud  150  extending outwardly, i.e., orthogonal, to the vertical direction of the inner shaft portion  110  of the telescopic corner legs  108 . Each of the stop studs  150  serves to limit the downward travel of the outer shaft portion  112  along the inner shaft portion  110 . Each stop stud  150  is comprised of aluminum as is most of the collapsible frame  100 . The stop stud  150  can be molded or threaded to the inner shaft portion  110  as shown in FIG.  13 . 
     The components of the upper support structure  104  will now be addressed. The upper support structure  104  contributes to the support and collapsibility of the frame  100  and includes the following main components. Mounted upon each of the square-shaped telescopic corner legs  108  is the leg slider joint  122 . Mounted at the very top of each of the telescopic corner legs  108  is a top corner joint  154 . Extending between each adjacent pair of telescopic corner legs  108  and connected to the corresponding top corner joint  154  and leg slider joint  122  of each adjacent telescopic corner leg  108  is an X-shaped truss pair of link members  156 . The X-shaped truss pair of link members  156  is typically known as a scissors connector in the collapsible frame art. Each of these components of the upper support structure  104  operate together as a unitary structure in combination with the base portion  102  and the superstructure  106 , and are clearly shown in FIGS. 1-3. 
     Each of the top corner joints  154  is comprised of high strength plastic and is clearly shown in the exploded view of FIG.  11 . Each top corner joint  154  includes a main body  158  which is mounted on top of the upper section  120  of the outer shaft portion  112 . The main body  158  is attached to the top of the outer shaft portion  112  with a threaded fastener  160  as shown in FIGS. 1-3 but best shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The main body  158  functions to securely attach each top corner joint  154  to the corresponding outer shaft portion  112  of the telescopic corner leg  108 . The top corner joint  154  is designed to cooperate with the X-shaped truss pair of link members  156  and with the superstructure  106 . This function is accomplished by a plurality of three brackets molded to the main body  158  of the top corner joint  154 . 
     Each of the top corner joints  154  includes a first bracket  162 , a second bracket  164 , and a third bracket  166  as is shown in FIG.  11 . The first bracket  162  and the second bracket  164  are orthogonal to one another, i.e., generally formed at right angles. The first bracket  162  of the top corner joint  154  is connected to a first of a plurality of link members  168  of the truss pair of link members  156  with a fastener  170  such as, for example, a rivet. The first of the plurality of link members  168  is likewise connected to the second bracket  164  of the top corner joint  154  mounted on the outer shaft portion  112  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108  as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The second bracket  164  of the top corner joint  154  shown in FIG. 11 is connected to a first of a plurality of link members  172  of the truss pair of link members  156  with a duplicate fastener  174 . The first of the plurality of link members  172  is likewise connected to the first bracket  162  of the top corner joint  154  mounted on the outer shaft portion  112  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108  best shown in FIG.  1 . Likewise, each first bracket  162  of the top corner joint  154  of a telescopic corner leg  108  is connected to the second bracket  164  of the adjacent top corner joint  154  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108 . In this manner, each top corner joint  154  of each telescopic corner leg  108  is connected to the adjacent top corner joint  154  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108  via a link member of the truss pair of link members  156 . 
     The third bracket  166  is employed to connect each of the top corner joints  154  mounted on the top of each of the telescopic corner legs  108  with the superstructure  106 . Thus, each of the third brackets  166  is connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of four canopy support arms  178  via a threaded fastener  180  as shown in FIG.  11 . The canopy support arms  178  are also shown in FIGS. 1-3,  20  and  21 . The features and operation of the canopy support arms  178  will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the superstructure  106 . 
     Each of the leg slider joints  122  is comprised of high strength plastic and is clearly shown in the exploded view of FIG.  12 . Each leg slider joint  122  includes a main body  182  which is square-shaped and mounted upon the outer shaft portion  112  of the corresponding telescopic corner leg  108 . The main body  182  which is a molded component of each of the leg slider joints  122  is free to glide along the vertical, square-shaped outer shaft portion  112  as is clearly shown in FIGS. 1-3. The leg slider joint  122  functions (a) to erect or expand the X-shaped truss pair of link members  156  of the upper support structure  104  when the leg slider joint  122  is in the raised position (see FIG.  1 ), and (b) to collapse the X-shaped truss pair of link members  156  of the upper support structure  104  when the leg slider joint  122  is in the lowered position (see FIGS.  3  and  22 ). Thus, the leg slider joint  122  cooperates with the upper support structure  104 . Likewise, the leg slider joint  122  also cooperates with the superstructure  106  for supporting the plurality of canopy support arms  178  as will be described hereinbelow. These functions are accomplished by a plurality of three brackets molded to the main body  182  of the leg slider joint  122 . 
     Each of the leg slider joints  122  includes a first bracket  184 , a second bracket  186 , and a third bracket  188  as is shown in FIG.  12 . The first bracket  184  and the second bracket  186  are orthogonal to one another, i.e., generally formed at right angles. The first bracket  184  of the leg slider joint  122  is connected to a first of a plurality of link members  190  of the truss pair of link members  156  with a fastener  192  such as, for example, a rivet. The first of the plurality of link members  190  is likewise connected to the second bracket  186  of the leg slider joint  122  mounted on the outer shaft portion  112  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108  as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The second bracket  186  of the leg slider joint  122  shown in FIG. 12 is connected to a first of a plurality of link members  194  of the truss pair of link members  156  with a duplicate fastener  196 . The first of the plurality of link members  194  is likewise connected to the first bracket  184  of the leg slider joint  122  mounted on the outer shaft portion  112  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108  best shown in FIG.  1 . Likewise, each first bracket  184  of the leg slider joint  122  of a telescopic corner leg  108  is connected to the second bracket  186  of the adjacent leg slider joint  122  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108 . In this manner, each leg slider joint  122  of each telescopic corner leg  108  is connected to the adjacent leg slider joint  122  of the adjacent telescopic corner leg  108  via a link member of the truss pair of link members  156 . 
     It is noted that FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of one of the plurality of leg slider joints  122  specifically showing the second bracket  186  and the third bracket  188 . The main body  182  of each of the leg slider joints  122  includes a penetration  198  for receiving the bump or rise  130  of the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118  shown in FIG.  14 . Thus, as the leg slider joint  122  is moved from the bottom to the top of the outer shaft portion  112  of the telescopic corner leg  108 , the main body  182  depresses the bump or rise  130  of the pushbutton  118 . When the penetration  198  formed in the main body  182  aligns with the penetration  116  formed in the outer shaft portion  112 , the bump or rise  130  of the pushbutton  118  pops through the penetration  198  to lock the leg slider joint  122  in position. Depressing the bump or rise  130  releases the leg slider joint  122  and enables the leg slider joint  122  to be released and moved downward on the outer shaft portion  112 . 
     The third bracket  188  is also shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 and is employed to connect each of the leg slider joints  122  mounted on each of the outer shaft portions  112  to the superstructure  106 . In particular, the third bracket  188  of each of the leg slider joints  122  is connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of angular support arms  200  via a threaded fastener  202  as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. The terminal end of each of the plurality of angular support arms  200  is connected to the corresponding canopy support arm  178  by a plastic grip  204  as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  20 . The angular support arms  202  are clearly shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  10  and are intended to support the corresponding canopy support arms  178  when the leg slider joint  122  is in the raised position. When the leg slider joint  122  is released from the raised position as shown in FIG. 3, the angular support arms  200  assist in collapsing the corresponding canopy support arms  178  as described in more detail hereinbelow. 
     The plurality of top corner joints  154  and the leg slider joints  122  have now been described. Referring to the side elevation view of FIG. 2, two adjacent telescopic corner legs  108  are shown in the raised position, i.e., the inner shaft portions  110  are shown extended. Further, the leg slider joints  122  are locked in the upper position. It can be seen that the truss pair of link members  156  is comprised of the first of the plurality of link members  168  and the first of the plurality of link members  190  (showing only one of the four sides of the collapsible frame  100  that utilize link members  168  and  190 ). The link members  168  extend between the first bracket  162  of the top corner joint  154  (right side of FIG. 2) and the second bracket  164  of the adjacent top corner joint  154  (left side of FIG.  2 ). Likewise, the link members  190  extend between the first bracket  184  of the leg slider joint  122  (right side of FIG. 2) and the second bracket  186  of the adjacent leg slider joint  122  (left side of FIG.  2 ). 
     Each of the link members  168  and  190  of the truss pair of link members  156  include a fitting  206  that enable each of the link members  168  and  190  to be formed in pairs. Likewise, each intersection of a link member  168  with a link member  190  (for example) also includes an identical fitting  206 . The fitting  206  is a combination of a permanent fastener such as a rivet with a plastic standoff (not shown) positioned between the two link members being connected together. The construction of the fitting  206  enables each of the link members  168  or  190  to rotate with respect to the other link member to which is it attached. 
     Consequently, when one of the telescopic corner legs  108  is moved with respect to the other telescopic corner legs  108  as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the truss pair of link members  156  provides a scissors connector movement. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the leg slider joint  122  in the locked position where the truss pair of link members  156  provides stability to all four sides of the collapsible frame  100 . However, FIG. 3 shows that when the leg slider joint  122  is released by pressing the bump or rise  130  of pushbutton  118 , the link member  190  is affected by the movement of the leg slider joint  122 . This action is evident in FIG. 3 by the change of position of the fittings  206  in both link members  168  and  190 . Therefore, it is the movement of the leg slider joint  122  along the outer shaft portion  112  of each telescopic corner leg  108  that causes a change in position of the truss pair of link members  156 . The change in position of the truss pair of link members  156  either provides stability to the collapsible frame  100  or initiates the collapse thereof depending on the direction of movement of the leg slider joint  122  along the outer shaft portion  112 . 
     The superstructure  106  of the collapsible frame  100  is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  20 - 21  and generally includes the plurality of four canopy support arms  178 , a plurality of four flexible connectors  208  formed within each of the canopy support arms  178 , a top joint connector  210  including a four-hinge junction  212 , and the plurality of four angular support arms  200 . The superstructure  106  of the present invention serves to support the canopy  148 , or tent fabric, shade awning, screen room or other cover enclosure fabric discussed in more detail in FIGS. 15-19. 
     Each of the four canopy support arms  178  is circular and is comprised of an outer portion  214  and an inner portion  216  best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 illustrates a situation in which the leg slider joint  122  is not secured in the locked position. Thus, each of the canopy support arms  178  is shown separated into the outer portion  214  which fits over the end of the inner portion  216  at a lip  224 . With this arrangement, the inner portion  216  can experience a limited separation from the outer portion  214  under pressure. Running a partial length through the interior of the outer portion  214  and the inner portion  216  of each of the canopy support arms  178  is a heavy elastic cord  220  as is shown in FIG.  4 . The length of the elastic cord  220  includes a short length of link chain  222  as shown in FIG. 4 wherein the elastic cord  220  is connected to the link chain  222  in any suitable manner such as, for example, by tying. The opposite ends  224  of the elastic cord  220  are secured within the outer portion  214  and the inner portion  216  of each of the canopy support arms  178  as follows. Attached (as by tying) to the opposite ends  224  of the elastic cord  220  is a anchor hook  226  as is shown in FIG.  4 . The anchor hook  226  is easily inserted into the circular cross-section of the aluminum canopy support arm  178 . However, upon attempting to remove the anchor hook  226 , it digs into the aluminum sidewall of the canopy support arm  178 . This construction securely attaches the elastic cord  220  to the interior of each of the canopy support arms  178 . 
     The function of the elastic cord  220  is to urge the mating of the outer portion  214  with the inner portion  216  of the canopy support arm  178  while simultaneously enabling them to be partially separated for facilitating the lowering of the collapsible frame  100 . Although the elastic cord  220  is very robust, the edges of the outer portion  214  and the inner portion  216  of the canopy support arm  178  will wear the elastic cord  220 . Therefore, the function of the link chain  222  is prevent the wear and chaffing of the elastic cord  220  during use. This design facilitates the collapsing of the superstructure  106  but also enables the outer portion  214  to be only partially separated from the inner portion  216  under pressure. 
     Another suitable flexible connector  208  is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and can, if desired, completely replace the elastic cord  220 , link chain  222  and anchor hook  226  just described. 
     The second suitable flexible connector  208  can be approximately centrally positioned along each of the four canopy support arms  178  and can be realized as a mid-span hinge  228 . Each of the four canopy support arms  178  is circular and comprised of a lightweight material such as, for example, aluminum. The length of each of the four canopy support arms  178  is interrupted approximately at the center of the span thereof forming two opposing, open-ended mid-span terminal ends  230  and  232  as shown in FIG.  6 . Extending outward from each of the open-ended terminal ends  230  and  232  is a pair of connectors  234  and  236  having penetrations formed therethrough. Connectors  234  and  236  may be comprised of plastic having an outer surface which exhibits a low coefficient of friction such as Teflon. 
     Positioned between the pair of connectors  234  and  236  is a pair of parallel positioned plates  238  and  240  swivelly attached to the corresponding connectors  234  and  236 , respectively, of each of the canopy support arms  178 . The parallel positioned plates  238  and  240  are attached to each of the corresponding connectors  234  and  236  as by, for example, use of a pair of rivets  242  through the penetrations formed in the connectors  234  and  236  as is shown in FIG.  6 . Mounted over each of the canopy support arms  178  and the mid-span hinge  228  is a sliding sleeve  244  shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The sliding sleeve  244  is cylindrical in shape and can be comprised of aluminum or a high strength plastic material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC). Further, the sliding sleeve  244  can have an inner surface (not shown) coated with a low friction material such as Teflon to minimize resistance to sliding. 
     In the view of FIG. 6, the sliding sleeve  244  is disengaged and the mid-span hinge  228  is exposed and capable of swivelling. Under these conditions, the mid-span hinge  228  is flexibly collapsible and cooperates with the corresponding canopy support arm  178  and the corresponding leg slider joint  122  to enable the collapsible frame  100  to collapse into the reduced size posture as clearly shown in FIG.  22 . Located on the surface of the canopy support arm  178  is a first mechanical stop  246  as shown in FIG.  6 . The first mechanical stop  246  serves to limit the travel of the sliding sleeve  244  away from the mid-span hinge  228 . When the sliding sleeve  244  is engaged and thus positioned directly over the mid-span hinge  228  as shown in FIG. 5, the mid-span hinge  228  becomes rigidly inflexible and provides structural support to the corresponding canopy support arm  178 . A second mechanical stop  248  is positioned on the side opposite to the first mechanical stop  246  and serves to limit the travel of the sliding sleeve  244  in the opposite direction. It is noted that although the mid-span hinge  228  utilizes an interior hinge and an externally positioned sliding sleeve  244 , other types of mid-span hinges that utilize an internal sliding device and an external hinge are also intended to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     The top joint connector  210  includes the four-hinge junction  212  as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG.  21 . The four-hinge junction  212  is comprised of high strength plastic and includes a structure comprising four separate identical, plastic hinges  250 ,  252 ,  254  and  256  each orthogonal to the others as is shown in FIG.  21 . Each of the four hinges  250 ,  252 ,  254  and  256  of the four-hinge junction  212  cooperates and receives one of a plurality of four terminal ends  258  of the corresponding canopy support arm  178 . The terminal ends  258  are also comprised of plastic and are connected within the ends of the round aluminum canopy support arms  178  as by swaging. As with the previous construction, a mechanical fastener  260  (such as a rivet, cotter pin, or the like) is utilized to connect each of the terminal ends  258  of the canopy support arms  178  to the corresponding hinge  250 ,  252 ,  254  or  256  of the four hinge junction  212 . After the connections are complete, each of the hinges  250 ,  252 ,  254  and  256  are securely fastened to the four-way junction  212 . The construction stabilizes the entire superstructure  106  and adds strength to the collapsible frame  100 . Mounted within the four-hinge junction  212  is an eyelet  262  as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 21. The eyelet  262  serves as a convenient point to hang articles that are useful inside of the collapsible frame  100  such as a lantern (not shown). Mounted over the top of the four-hinge junction  212  is a flat disk  264  which serves to improve the cosmetic appearance of the top joint connector  210  by hiding the four-hinge junction  212  as is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  20 - 22 . 
     The plurality of angular support arms  200  are connected between the third bracket  188  of the leg slider joint  122  and a corresponding one of the canopy support arms  178  as is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 12. The plurality of plastic grips  204  are employed for connecting the angular support arm  200  to the corresponding one of the canopy support arms  178 . A plastic hinge  266  is formed as part of the plastic grip  204  as is shown in FIG.  2 . Each of the angular support arms  200  connects to a penetration formed through the plastic hinge  266  with a fastener such as a rivet. The junction between the angular support arm  200  and the plastic hinge  266  pivots so that the position of the angular support arm  200  changes as the leg slider joint  122  translates along the outer shaft portion  112  of each of the telescopic corner legs  108 . 
     FIG. 22 represents the collapsible frame  100  in the collapsed state which is also the storage position. The base portion  102  particularly the telescopic corner legs  108  are shown standing vertically and the inner shaft portion  110  is shown inserted inside of the outer shaft portion  112  so that the outer shaft portion  112  is resting against the corresponding stop stud  150 . Likewise, the top corner joints  154  are positioned at the top of each of the telescopic corner legs  108 . The upper support structure  104  is comprised of the leg slider joints  122  and the truss pair of link members  156 . The leg slider joints  122  are shown resting at the bottom of the outer shaft portions  112  of the corresponding telescopic corner legs  108 . Further, the truss pair of link members  156  (i.e., the scissors connector) is shown positioned between the telescopic corner legs  108 . Finally, the superstructure  106  comprised of the plurality of canopy support arms  178  including the corresponding flexible connectors  208 , angular support arms  200 , top joint connector  210  and the four hinge junction  212  is shown surrounded by the telescopic corner legs  108  and truss pair of link members  156 . The flat disk  264  mounted over the top of the four hinge junction  212  is shown extending out from the top of the collapsible frame  100 . 
     It is to be emphasized that the collapsible frame  100  is constructed as a unitary structure since all components remain connected at all times. Thus, in the collapsed view of FIG. 22, all components are connected and the entire unit can be picked-up and carried away. There are no loose, unattached elements or components of structure in the collapsible frame  100  of the present invention. Thus, the collapsible frame  100  is raised and lowered, not assembled or disassembled. The collapsible frame  100  is shown in the lowered (storage) position in FIG.  22 . 
     To raise the collapsible frame  100  from the position shown in FIG. 22, each of the telescopic corner legs  108  are separated to provide a wider base. This causes the truss pair of link members  156  to begin to expand into a scissors formation. The inner shaft portion  110  is extended outward of the outer shaft portion  112  for adjusting the length of the telescopic corner legs  108 . The leg slider joints  122  are then raised upward along the outer shaft portions  112 . The raising of the leg slider joints  122  causes the angular support arms  200  to begin to raise the plurality of canopy support arms  178  for erecting the superstructure  106 . Once the leg slider joints  122  are locked into position by the action of the V-shaped, spring-loaded pushbutton  118 , the canopy support arms  178  are completely raised. The telescopic corner legs  108  are then adjusted to maximize the width of the base and ground stakes (not shown) can be driven into the ground through the penetrations  136  formed in the base foot  132 . The canopy  148  can then be applied and secured to the erected collapsible frame  100 . The procedure is then reversed to lower the frame  100  to the collapsed position shown in FIG.  22 . 
     The canopy  148  and the attachment means is shown in FIGS. 15-19 and will now be discussed. The canopy  148  is shown installed on the collapsible frame  100  in FIG.  15 . The canopy  148  includes a body  268  having four corners and a generally rectangular shape. The canopy body  268  can be comprised of a lightweight material such as nylon but any other suitable material can be utilized. The body  268  is cut and formed so that it fits the collapsible frame  100  as shown in FIG.  15 . The canopy  148  also includes a plurality of legs  270  attached to the body  268  as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The plurality of legs  270  serve to wrap about and cover the telescopic corner legs  108  of the collapsible frame  100  as shown in FIG.  15 . 
     The canopy  148  is removably attached to the collapsible frame  100  at several locations as shown in FIG.  16 . The first means of attachment is shown in FIG.  17  and includes a wide wraparound strap  272  sewn at several locations along the border of the canopy body  268  as shown in FIG.  16 . The wide wraparound strap  272  includes a hook and loop fastener  274  and is employed to attach the canopy body  268  to, for example, a section of the truss pair of link members  156  shown in phantom in FIG. 15. A second means for attaching the canopy body  268  to the collapsible frame  100  is shown in FIG.  18 . The second means of attachment includes a leg strap  276  sewn at the interface of each of the plurality of legs  270  with the canopy body  268  as shown in FIG.  16 . The leg strap  276  also includes a hook and loop fastener  278  as is shown in FIG.  18  and is employed to attach the canopy body  268  about, for example, the telescopic corner legs  108 . 
     The third means of attaching the canopy body  268  to the collapsible frame  100  is for attaching the plurality of legs  270  to the base foot  132  of the collapsible frame  100  as shown in FIG.  19 . At the bottom of each of the plurality of legs  270  is a pair of attachment means including a first web loop  280  sewn to the inside of each of the plurality of legs  270 . Connected to the first web loop  280  is an elastic cord  282  having a hook  284  attached thereto. Also, sewn to the very bottom of each of the plurality of legs  270  is a second web loop  286  as is shown in FIG.  19 . Once the canopy body  268  is applied to the collapsible frame  100 , the hook  284  attached to each of the plurality of legs  270  is passed through the penetration  144  of the first extension  142  of the base foot  132  as shown in FIG.  13 . Further, the second web loop  286  is passed under the second hook extension  146  of the base foot  132  also shown in FIG.  13 . In this manner, each of the plurality of legs  270  is securely attached to the corresponding telescopic corner leg  108 . 
     The collapsible frame  100  of the present invention is generally comprised of lightweight metal such as aluminum. For example, the telescopic corner legs  108  including the inner shaft portion  110  and the outer shaft portion  112  and the truss pair of link members  156  are each comprised of rectangular-shaped aluminum. The plurality of canopy support arms  178  and the corresponding angular support arms  200  are each comprised of aluminum of a circular cross-section. However, the top corner joints  154 , leg slider joints  122 , each base foot  132 , plastic grips  204 , top joint connector  210 , four hinge junction  212 , and the flat disk  264  are each fabricated from high strength plastic. However, it should be understood that other suitable materials can be utilized and are deemed to be within the scope of the invention. 
     The present invention provides novel advantages over other collapsible frame devices known in the art. The main advantage of the collapsible frame  100  is that it exhibits a unitary construction, i.e., the collapsible frame  100  is a unitary structure since all component parts are constantly connected together. Each of the telescopic corner legs  108  are connected to the X-shaped, truss pair of link members  156  via the top corner joints  154  and the leg slider joints  122  each of which are attached to the telescopic corner legs  108 . Further, the superstructure  106  is connected to both the top corner joints  154  and the leg slider joints  122 . The canopy support arms  178  of the superstructure  106  each include a flexible connector  208  so that the operation of the leg slider joint  122  causes the entire frame structure to raise or lower in unison depending upon the direction of movement of the leg slider joint  122 . Further, the collapsible frame  100  of the present invention includes a robust lightweight design of aluminum and plastic which simplifies transportation of the frame  100 . Further, the collapsible frame  100  is raised and lowered quickly and easily since tools are not required. When lowered, the collapsible frame  100  is transported and stored in a convenient carrying case (not shown). 
     While the present invention is described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope thereof and additional fields in which the present invention would be of significant utility. 
     It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such modifications, applications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly,