Patent Publication Number: US-9896862-B1

Title: Tent and canopy apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/738,995, entitled TENT AND CANOPY APPARATUS, filed Dec. 18, 2012, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to portable tents and canopies. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to tents and canopies along with components for use on such tents or canopies, including novel tent or canopy legs, joints, tops, and hubs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tents and canopies have been known in the art and used for centuries. More recent tent designs have focused on weight reduction as well as ease of opening and erection, as well as quick disassembly and storage. 
     However, as uses of tents and canopies continue to increase and additional applications develop, the demand for additional flexibility in configuration, assembly, and functionality continues to grow. Consequently, there is an ongoing need in the art for improved tent and canopy apparatus for existing as well as new camping, recreational, and commercial applications. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates generally to portable tents and canopies. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to tents and canopies along with components for use on such tents or canopies, including novel tent or canopy legs, joints, tops, and hubs. 
     In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The tent may include, for example, a side pull hub. The side pull hub may include a pull cord having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the hub, an upper hub element, and a lower hub element. The tent may further include a plurality of tent support poles coupled to the hub. The tent may further include a fabric material coupled to the support poles. The side-pull hub may include an opening on a side of the hub through which the distal end of the pull cord is passed through to facilitate tent erection by moving the upper and lower hub element together upon user actuation. 
     In another aspect the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The tent may include, for example, a hub including a pull cord, an upper hub element, and a lower hub element. The tent may further include a plurality of tent support poles coupled to the hub, and one or more expansion poles coupled to the hub. The tent may further include a fabric or other cover or outer material coupled to the support poles. The fabric material may include a core tent section and an expansion section. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The canopy may include, for example, a frame, a canopy fabric disposed on the frame, and one or more angle adjustable legs, including angle adjustable leg joints, coupled to the frame. The canopy may include two adjustable legs and two straight telescoping legs. Alternately, the canopy may include four or more angle adjustable legs. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The canopy may include, for example, a frame and a canopy fabric disposed on the frame. The canopy fabric may include one or more airflow openings. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The tent may include, for example, a hub, a pull cord having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the hub, a plurality of tent support poles coupled to the hub, a fabric material coupled to the support poles, and one or more joints coupled to the tent support poles, the joints including a tie out. The tent may further include a guy line having a proximal end coupled to the tie out and a distal end for coupling to a ground stake or other ground or surface attachment element. 
     Various additional aspects, features, and functionality are further described below in conjunction with the appended Drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure may be more fully appreciated in connection with the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates details of an embodiment of an example tent on which aspects of the disclosure may be implemented; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates details of an embodiment of a canopy on which aspects of the disclosure may be implemented; 
         FIGS. 3A &amp; 3B  illustrate an example prior art hub configuration; 
         FIG. 4A-4C  illustrate details of an embodiment of a hub with an expandable pole coupling in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates details of an embodiment of a tent including an expandable frame structure and hub such as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrate an example sequential erection of a tent having an expandable frame structure and hub such as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6F  illustrates details of one embodiment of a tent using an expandable pole and corresponding hub, in the form of a hunting blind; 
         FIG. 7A-7E  illustrate details of embodiments of a canopy having angled jointed legs for use on an angled surface such as a hill or bench; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates details of an embodiment of a canopy having an airflow opening for use on an angled surface such as a hill or bench; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates details of an embodiment of a joint for use on a tent or canopy having an integral guy-line tie out; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates details of an embodiment of a side-pull hub in accordance with certain aspects; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cutaway view of the side-pull hub embodiment of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates details of an alternate embodiment of a side-pull hub in accordance with certain aspects; and 
         FIG. 13  illustrates details of an alternate embodiment of a side-pull hub in accordance with certain aspects; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates details of an alternate embodiment of a side-pull hub in accordance with certain aspects; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates details of an alternate embodiment of a side-pull hub in accordance with certain aspects; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates details of an embodiment of a side-pull hub internal mechanism in accordance with certain aspects; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates details of an embodiment of an adjustable foot for use on portable tents, canopies, gazebos or similar structures. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     This disclosure relates generally to portable tents and canopies. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to tents and canopies along with components for use on such tents or canopies, including novel tent or canopy legs, joints, tops, and hubs. 
     In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy may include a novel hub having a coupling element to attach an expandable pole to the hub for structural support for an expansion frame structure of the tent. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a canopy including a joint and/or leg structure configured to allow a portion of one or more of the canopy legs to angle when used on a non-level surface, such as on a hill, bleachers, sporting event stands, or other non-level surfaces. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a canopy including a top element having an airflow opening to allow air to flow through the canopy when placed on a non-level structure such as a hill, bleachers, sporting event stands, or other non-level surfaces. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy joint including an integral tie-out for attachment of a guy-line or other supporting element between the joint and a tent or canopy fabric or other surface or frame structure. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy hub including a side-pull configuration for rapid disassembly of the tent for transportation or storage. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The tent may include, for example, a side pull hub. The side pull hub may include a pull cord having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the hub, an upper hub element, and a lower hub element. The tent may further include a plurality of tent support poles coupled to the hub. The tent may further include a fabric material coupled to the support poles. The side-pull hub may include an opening on a side of the hub through which the distal end of the pull cord is passed through to facilitate tent erection by moving the upper and lower hub element together upon user actuation. 
     The opening on a side of the hub may, for example, be in the upper hub element. The opening on the side of the hub may be in the lower hub element. The opening on the side of the hub may be rounded and/or curved and/or smoothed to reduce abrasion on the pull cord during user actuation. The one or both of the upper and lower hub elements may include a palm grip to facilitate tent erection and/or take-down. 
     The tent may further include, for example, one or more joints coupled to the tent support poles. The one or more joints may include a tie out. The tent may further include a guy line having a proximal end coupled to the tie out and a distal end for coupling to a ground stake or other ground or surface attachment element. 
     In another aspect the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The tent may include, for example, a hub including a pull cord, an upper hub element, and a lower hub element. The tent may further include a plurality of tent support poles coupled to the hub, and one or more expansion poles coupled to the hub. The tent may further include a fabric or other cover or outer material coupled to the support poles. The fabric material may include a core tent section and an expansion section. 
     The one or more expansion poles may, for example, be coupled to the upper hub element and directed upward and/or outward from the hub to support the expansion section of the fabric material at a height greater than or equal to the hub height when the tent is erected. The hub may include a coupling connection for the one or more expansion poles and the support poles, wherein the tent support poles are coupled to the upper and lower hub elements and the expansion poles are coupled only to the upper hub element or an upper area of the hub. The tent may include two expansion poles. The expansion section may include an opening and one or more windows. The opening and/or one or more windows may be at a front side or area of the tent. The tent may be configured as a blind. The blind may include a camouflage or similar fabric material. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The canopy may include, for example, a frame, a canopy fabric disposed on the frame, and one or more angle adjustable legs, including angle adjustable leg joints, coupled to the frame. The canopy may include two adjustable legs and two straight telescoping legs. Alternately, the canopy may include four or more angle adjustable legs. 
     The angle adjustable leg joints may, for example, be positioned approximately in the center of the one or more angle adjustable legs. One or more of the angle adjustable leg joints may alternately be positioned approximately at the top of the one or more angle adjustable legs. The angle adjustable leg joints may include a ball and socket joint and/or a hinged joint or other joint mechanism. The angle adjustable legs may include a telescoping section. 
     The canopy may further include, for example, one or more airflow openings in the canopy fabric. 
     The canopy may further include, for example, one or more adjustable feet coupled to the one or more angle adjustable legs. The canopy may further include one or more straight legs and one or more adjustable feet coupled to the one or more straight legs. The adjustable foot may include a ground plate. The adjustable foot may include a ball and/or hinged joint. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The canopy may include, for example, a frame and a canopy fabric disposed on the frame. The canopy fabric may include one or more airflow openings. 
     The canopy may further include, for example, one or more angle adjustable legs coupled to the frame. The legs may include two angle adjustable legs and two straight telescoping legs. The legs may include four or more angle adjustable legs. The angle adjustable leg joints may be positioned approximately in the center of the one or more angle adjustable legs. Alternately, one or more of the angle adjustable leg joints may be positioned approximately at the top of the one or more angle adjustable legs. The angle adjustable leg joints may include a ball and socket joint and/or a hinged joint. The angle adjustable legs may include a telescoping section. 
     The canopy may further include, for example, one or more adjustable feet coupled to the one or more angle adjustable legs. The canopy may further include one or more straight legs and one or more adjustable feet coupled to the one or more straight legs. The adjustable foot may include a ground plate. The adjustable foot may include a ball and/or hinged joint. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a tent or canopy or shade structure. The tent may include, for example, a hub, a pull cord having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the hub, a plurality of tent support poles coupled to the hub, a fabric material coupled to the support poles, and one or more joints coupled to the tent support poles, the joints including a tie out. The tent may further include a guy line having a proximal end coupled to the tie out and a distal end for coupling to a ground stake or other ground or surface attachment element. 
     Various additional aspects and details are described below in conjunction with the appended Drawings. 
     Tents and canopies have been well known and used in the art for centuries. More recent tent innovations relate to features such as decreased weight, fast opening (erection) and closing for storage. Some example fast opening tents are described in, for example, Lin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,954, as well as Joo-Tai, United States Patent Application Publication 2007/0062569. 
     Prior at tents typically include a frame structure with a tent fabric supported thereon. The fabric may be secured to the inside or outside of the frame. Typical frames include multiple elongated ribs coupled to a hub, typically, on the top of the tent, with the ribs radiating out from the hub towards the ground or other surface. 
     To assist in opening or erecting these tents, the frame typically includes a cord having one end secured to a lower portion of the hub. The tent is erected by pulling on the cord, which moves the lower hub element upward towards an upper hub element. Traditional tent hubs have used top or bottom pull configurations for disassembly. 
     The arm and hub configuration of prior art tents provided a frame to support a dome-like tent structure, however, existing tent and canopies have various deficiencies which may be addressed through embodiments of the various aspects described herein. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , an example tent  100 , on which various embodiments as described herein may be implemented, is illustrated. Tent embodiment  100  includes a hub  110 , which may be configured to allow rapid erection of tent  100  for use or disassembly for transport, storage, etc. Tent  100  includes a fabric or plastic skin  150 , which is attached to a frame structure including poles or legs, joints, and one or more hubs. For example, multiple pole segments, such as segment  132 , may be coupled by joints  134  to form a leg  130 . A typical tent has three or more legs in various configurations. 
     The fabric  150  may include one or more openings, such as a front opening  152  as shown, as well as one or more windows  154 , vents (not shown) or other windows, doors, or openings (not shown). A tent such as tent  100  is typically erected on the ground  50 , but may also be erected on other surfaces such as paved areas, bleachers, or other surfaces, which may be either flat (level) or non-level. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates details of an example embodiment  200  of a canopy on which various aspects as described subsequently herein may be implemented. Canopy  200  may include a top  360 , which is typically a fabric or plastic material, with the top mounted on a frame structure including a plurality of legs. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , fabric top  260  may be attached to a frame including four legs  230 , which may be straight and jointed as shown or, as described subsequently herein, may be angled for better support of the canopy on a non-level surface. Legs  230  may include two or more leg segments, such as upper leg segment  236  and lower leg segment  232 , which may be coupled by a leg joint  234  to allow the leg segments to be raised or lowered. As with tent embodiment  100 , canopy embodiment  200  may be mounted on a flat, level surface, or, as described subsequently herein, may be configured to provide improved structural support on non-level surfaces and/or a reduced sail area profile when subjected to winds. In one aspect, tent and canopy embodiments such as are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may include joint fabricated entirely or partially of a strong but somewhat pliable material or coating, such as thermoplastic urethane (TPU) or other similar materials. This may be done to reduce the chance of the joint damaging the tent fabric, storage bags, and the like by reducing hard edges and surfaces. 
     In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a novel hub configuration that may be used on a tent or canopy such as those shown in  FIG. 1 or 2 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates a tent frame hub and pole structure  300  including an example prior art hub  310  comprising an upper hub element  312  and a lower hub element  314 , along with coupling elements  320  for attachment to a pole segment  322  via a screw, bolt, or pin  311 . A lower support element  330  may be flexibly coupled to the lower hub element  314  as shown to provide enhanced structural support for poles or legs  324  radiating outward from the hub  310 . A hub such as hub  310  may be used to join three or four pole segments  324  in a tent such as tent  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3B  illustrates the hub of  FIG. 3A  in a take down or retracted position. A cone structure  352  or other similar structure may be used to join the upper and lower hub elements when the tent is erected and the hub is in the upright and locked position. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates details of a tent frame and pole structure  300  including a novel hub embodiment  410  including an additional coupling element  441  attached to the hub  410  for providing support for an expansion frame  440  including one or more expansion pole segments. The expandable pole section may include a coupling assembly configured similarly to coupling elements  321  as shown in  FIG. 4 , but may exclude any connection to the lower part of the hub (e.g., by not including an angle support  330  as shown on the expandable pole section). In this way the expandable pole section can be positioned in an upward orientation relative to the hub to allow a volume of the tent or other structure to be higher than the hub. In various configurations, a hub such as hub embodiment  410  may be coupled to one or more expansion pole segments, such as in the configurations shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C . For example, in  FIG. 4B , a hub embodiment  400 B, as shown in a top view, may include a single expandable pole section  440 , coupled to the hub only at a top hub element, at coupling connection  441 .  FIG. 4C  illustrates an alternate hub embodiment  400 C, which includes two expandable pole sections  440 - 1  and  440 - 2 . A hub such as hub  400 C may be used in a tent such as shown in  FIG. 6F  to allow a volume of the tent to be positioned higher than the top of the hub, thereby increasing interior tent volume while still allowing access to the hub for erection and disassembly. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example tent embodiment  500  using a hub such as hub embodiment  400  of  FIG. 4  to support an expandable pole assembly  440  to support a tent enclosure expansion  552 , which may be fabric or other materials. As shown in  FIG. 5 , tent  500  may include a front frame structure similar to that of tent embodiment  100 , with the front frame structure including one or more poles, such as poles  528 ,  526 , and  524 , coupled by joints  534 , and further attached to hub  410 . The expansion frame may include a plurality of poles, such as poles  541 ,  543 ,  545 ,  547 , and  549  (or other numbers and/or shapes and sizes of poles) coupled by joints  534 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  illustrate an example erection process for a tent having an expandable pole assembly and hub such as hub  410  of  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the expandable pole assembly  440  may initially be folded or retracted at the start of assembly.  FIG. 6B  illustrated outward unfolding of the pole elements and joints of pole assembly  440  to form the expansion frame.  FIG. 6C  illustrates the expansion frame fully deployed, with the tent fabric still unattached.  FIG. 6D  illustrates attachment of the tent fabric to the expansion frame, with straps  613  or other attachment mechanisms of the tent frame.  FIG. 6E  illustrates tent  500  fully erected. 
       FIG. 6F  illustrates details of an embodiment of a tent  600  having a pair of expandable poles  640 - 1  and  640 - 2  to support an expansion volume  652  from hub  610 . Hub  610  may be centered over a tent core volume  650  as shown, which may be positioned lower, relative to the ground or other surface on which the tent is mounted, than the expansion volume  652 . In this configuration, the expansion poles  640 - 1  and  640 - 2  allow the expansion area to be taller than the height of the hub  610 . For example, in an application such as a hunting blind, the expansion volume may be used for watching for animals, and may have a screen and/or front opening, while the tent core volume, which may be lower in height, may be used for sleeping, resting, eating, etc. 
     Expandable poles as described herein may be used for a variety of other applications in addition to those shown in  FIG. 7F  and may have one or more expansion poles extending upward and/or outward from one or more hubs. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates details of another aspect of the disclosure showing an embodiment of a canopy  700  with one or more angle adjustable legs  730 . The legs of canopy  700  may be telescoping and may be coupled to a frame structure, which may be covered partially or fully by the canopy fabric to expand to support the canopy upon erection and fold to facilitate storage of the canopy. The frame may be a scissors-type expanding frame or other canopy frame types known or developed in the art. In the canopy embodiment shown in  FIG. 7A , the canopy frame structure is not shown (e.g., is hidden behind the canopy fabric). 
     A canopy tent such as tent embodiment  700  may be advantageously used on a sloped or other non-level surface, such as on a stand  750  or bleachers, hill, or other angled surface. Canopy embodiment  700  may be configured similarly to canopy  200  of  FIG. 2  with a canopy top  760  or fabric or plastic, along with the addition of two or more angle adjustable legs  730 . In some embodiments, two of four legs are angle adjustable, with other legs being straight as shown in  FIG. 7A  as front legs  740 . However, in alternate embodiments all of the legs may be angle adjustable. 
     Legs  740  may include two or more leg segments, such as a lower leg segment  732  and an upper leg segment  736 , which may be coupled with an angle adjustable leg joint  734 , which allows the lower segment  732  to be at an offset angle from the upper leg segment  736 . Various other configurations may be used in alternate embodiments to allow one or more legs (typically two or four) to be offset at an angle from vertical to provide additional support when the canopy is erected on an angled surface. In some canopy or gazebo embodiments, angle adjustable legs may be combined with a vented canopy top, such as shown in  FIG. 8  and described subsequently herein. 
       FIGS. 7B and 7C  illustrate details of an embodiment of an angle adjustable joint  743 A as may be used in an angle adjustable leg  730 A. Leg  730 A may correspond with leg  730  of  FIG. 7A . In this angle adjustable joint embodiment, a ball joint configuration may be used to allow the lower leg segment  732  to be adjusted at an angle offset from that of upper leg segment  736 . The angle adjustment may be done in one dimensional axis or in some embodiments in two orthogonal dimensions. An adjustment know  735 A, which may be a screw knob, clamp, hinged bracket, snap, or other lockable mechanism may be used to lock the ball joint into a particular position for erection, and then release the ball for disassembly and storage. In some ball joint configurations, the ball and socket elements may be configured with slots or other mechanisms to allow the lower leg to fold back onto the upper leg for storage. Alternately embodiments may use additional hinges, brackets, or other mechanisms (not shown) to allow the lower leg to fold up relative to the upper leg, typically to approximately 180 degrees from the erected position, for storage or transportation. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates a side view of the angle adjustable ball joint  734 A in an offset angle position. This configuration may be used in canopy, tent, or gazebo structures placed on an angled surface, such as shown in  FIG. 7A  or  FIG. 8 , to provide better support. Canopies, tents, or gazebos with angled legs may also be used in environments where there are winds so as to reduce the likelihood of the structure from blowing over. Angled legs may be combined in various embodiments with other aspects, such as airflow canopy tops, angled feet, stakes, or other securing mechanisms to provide enhanced support. 
     In some embodiments, the angled joint of the angle adjustable legs may be positioned approximately in the middle of the legs. This configuration may be advantageous where non-telescoping legs are used. Alternately, the angle adjustable joints may be positioned approximately at the top of the legs. This configuration may be advantageous with telescoping legs, so as to allow the lower leg segment to telescope downward to an adjustable length (in combination with the adjustable angle). 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable angle joint may be configured similarly to a ball and socket type tripod joint to allow adjustment of the offset angle in two directions. Alternately embodiments may use other angle adjustable mechanisms such as hinges or brackets, or other mechanisms known or developed in the art to allow one leg segment to be fixed at an offset angle from another leg segment. Likewise, other mechanisms may be used to secure the angle adjustable joint in a locked position and allow quick release. For example, while a threaded knob may be used for tightening and loosening the joint, such as adjustment know  735 A as shown in  FIGS. 7B and 7C , clamps, hinges, brackets, or other securing mechanisms may be used to allow quick adjustment, locking, and release of the angle adjustable joint during erection and disassembly. In some embodiments, an angle adjustable joint may be combined with a telescoping mechanism to provide angle and length adjustable legs on tents, canopies, gazebos, or other structures. 
       FIGS. 7D and 7E  illustrate details of an alternate embodiment  7304 B of an angle adjustable joint on an angle adjustable leg  730 B. In this configuration, pair of interlocking joint elements are coupled using friction with an adjustment knob  735 B. Tightening adjustment knob  735 B secures the two joint sections together by friction, and releasing knob  735 B allow the lower and upper leg segments to rotate in one dimension relative to each other. In alternate embodiments, various other angle adjustable coupling mechanisms may be used to join the lower and upper leg sections  732  and  736  in an angle offset position relative to each other. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates details of another aspect of the disclosure showing a canopy tent embodiment  800 , which may be configured with straight legs as shown in canopy embodiment  200  or with one or more angled legs as shown in canopy embodiment  700 , along with a canopy top  860  including one or more airflow openings to allow air to flow through the canopy to reduce the risk of the canopy blowing over when subjected to winds or other airflow. In an exemplary embodiment, two angled legs may be included on a side of the canopy that will face uphill when installed, however, other leg configurations, such as canopy configurations having four or more angle-adjustable legs, may be used in alternate embodiments. 
     Canopy embodiment  800  may be advantageously configured with angled legs  830 , which may be the same as or similar to the angled legs  730  of  FIG. 7 , or may, in some embodiments, use only straight legs. When used in combination with height adjustable angled legs on a non-level surface  850 , the canopy  800  may be erected so that the airflow opening  862  allows air to pass through the canopy top rather than catching the top like a sail, thereby reducing the risk of the canopy blowing over and be damaged or causing property damage or personal injury. In various embodiments, one or more airflow openings  862  may be included in the canopy top area. For example, for cost reasons, a single airflow opening may be used in a lower cost canopy, however, to achieve maximum resistance to applied wind forces, openings may be included in two or more sides of the canopy in alternate embodiments. The canopy openings and/or angle-adjustable legs may also be combined in some embodiments with angle-adjustable feet or base plates as shown in  FIG. 14  and described subsequently herein. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates details of another aspect of the disclosure showing a joint embodiment  934 , which may be used on various tents, canopies, or gazebos, such as tent  100  of  FIG. 1 , or tent  500  of  FIG. 5 . An improved attachment point between the tent structure and the ground or other attachment surface may be provided by using a joint with an integral tie-out, such as joint embodiment  934  having integral tie-out  936  for providing an attachment point between the tent frame and the ground or other surface or attachment point. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a guy line  940  may be attached to the joint  932  at a tie-out  936 , which may include a corresponding loop  937  or other opening or clip mechanism. Guy line  940 , which may include a loop  939 , clip, carabiner, or other attachment mechanism, may be secured to the tie out  936  at the loop  937  to secure it to the joint  934 . Tie out loop  937  may be configured as a simple circular, oval, or other rounded or eye-shaped opening, or, in alternate embodiments, may include other attachment mechanisms such as a clip or snap-on connector (not shown). Frame pole segments  910  may attach to the joint  934  as shown to form the frame or legs of the tent, canopy, or other structure. The frame pole segments  910  may be attached to the tent fabric with straps  952  and snap-on clips, or other attachment elements. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates details of another aspect of the disclosure showing a side-pull hub embodiment  1010 . As noted previously herein, prior art hubs for use on tents such as tent  100  or tent  500  have used top pull or bottom pull hubs, wherein the tent is erected by pulling a cord from the top of the hub or bottom of the hub, with internal gearing or other mechanisms expanding the frame during the pulling action. While these configurations allow rapid tent erection, an alternate configuration, using one or two cords pulled from the side, rather than the top or bottom, may be used instead and may provide better user action and leverage for tent erection, as well as providing other advantages such as elimination of cord coming out of the top or bottom of the hub, providing better grip action, or providing other advantages. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , side-pull hub embodiment  1010  includes a pair of pull cords  1020  and  1030  exiting the side of an upper hub element  1040 . A lower hub element  1050  may be configured to allow a firm user grip on the hub during tent erection and disassembly.  FIG. 11  illustrates a cutaway view of side-pull hub embodiment  1010 . In some embodiments, the internal mechanism of hub  1010 , which may be within upper hub element  1040 , may include a pulley, gearing, or other elements to provide mechanical advantage during erection of the tent. Alternately, in some embodiments no mechanical advantage may be used. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a cutaway view of an alternate side-pull hub embodiment  1210 . In this side-pull hub embodiment, a single pull cord  1220  may be used, rather than two cords. The single pull cord may be coupled to mechanical apparatus similar to that shown in  FIG. 16  (or other internal mechanisms as are known or developed in the art) disposed within the hub elements  1240  and  1250 , which may be configured with an ergonomic palm grip or handle shape to aid in erection or disassembly/take down of the tent. An opening  1253  may be formed in a side of the lower hub element  1250  to allow the cord  1220  to be pulled from (or drawn into) the hub. Edges of the opening  1253  may be rounded and smoothed to reduce abrasion to the cord  1220  during actuation and to provide smooth pulling action. Upper hub element  1240  may be configured with a rounded shape to aid in gripping the hub during erection (e.g., when pulling cord  1220  outward from the lower hub element  1250 ). 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a cutaway view of another alternate side-pull hub embodiment  1310 . In this side-pull hub embodiment, a single pull cord  1320  may be used, rather than two cords. The single pull cord may be coupled to mechanical apparatus similar to that shown in  FIG. 16  (or other internal mechanisms as are known or developed in the art) disposed within the upper and lower hub elements  1340  and  1350 , which may be configured with an ergonomic palm grip or handle shape to aid in erection or disassembly/take down of the tent. An opening  1353  may be formed in a side of the lower hub element  1350  to allow the cord  1320  to be pulled from (or drawn into) the hub. Edges of the opening  1353  may be rounded and smoothed to reduce abrasion to the cord  1320  during actuation and to provide smooth pulling action. Upper hub element  1340  may be configured with a rounded shape to aid in gripping the hub during erection (e.g., when pulling cord  1320  outward from the lower hub element  1350 ). 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cutaway view of yet another alternate side-pull hub embodiment  1410 . In this side-pull hub embodiment, a single pull cord  1420  may be used, rather than two cords. The single pull cord may be coupled to mechanical apparatus similar to that shown in  FIG. 16  (or other internal mechanisms as are known or developed in the art) disposed within the lower and upper hub elements  1440  and  1450 , while the lower hub element  1450  may be configured with an ergonomic palm grip or handle shape to aid in erection or disassembly/take down of the tent. An opening  1443  may be formed in a side of the upper hub element  1440  to allow the cord  1420  to be pulled from (or drawn into) the hub. Edges of the opening  1443  may be rounded and smoothed to reduce abrasion to the cord  1420  during actuation and to provide smooth pulling action. Upper hub element  1440  may be configured with a rounded shape to aid in gripping the hub during erection (e.g., when pulling cord  1420  outward from the upper hub element  1440 ). 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cutaway view of yet another alternate side-pull hub embodiment  1510 . In this side-pull hub embodiment, a single pull cord  1520  may be used, rather than two cords. The single pull cord may be coupled to mechanical apparatus similar to that shown in  FIG. 16  (or other internal mechanisms as are known or developed in the art) disposed within the lower and upper hub elements  1540  and  1550 . The lower hub element  1550  may be configured with an ergonomic palm grip or handle shape to aid in erection or disassembly/take down of the tent. An opening  1543  may be formed in a side of the lower hub element  1540  to allow the cord  1520  to be pulled from (or drawn into) the hub. Edges of the opening  1543  may be rounded and smoothed to reduce abrasion to the cord  1520  during actuation and to provide smooth pulling action. Upper hub element  1540  may be configured with a rounded shape to aid in gripping the hub during erection (e.g., when pulling cord  1520  outward from the upper hub element  1550 ). 
       FIG. 16  illustrates details of one embodiment of a side-pull hub  1610  internal mechanism as may be used in a hub such as those shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  where the pull cable exits from the bottom hub element. A similar configuration may be used in side pull hubs having an upper hub element side exit, such as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , with the internal components configured to allow exit of the pull cable through the side of the top hub element rather than the side of the bottom hub element. Hub embodiment  1610  includes an upper hub element  1640  and a lower hub element  1650 . A pull cable, such as pull cable  1620  as shown, may include a proximal end attached to the hub (e.g., to the lower hub element  1650  as shown in  FIG. 16  or alternately to the upper hub element). A distal end of the pull cord may be passed through an opening in the hub, such as in the lower hub element as shown in  FIG. 16  (or alternately through an upper hub element as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) to allow a user to pull on the pull cable to raise the tent. 
     Pull cable  1620  may be configured to exit through a side of the lower hub element  1650  via a rounded edge (as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) and may be attached through the lower hub element  1650  and positioned around one or more internal pulleys and/or gears (not shown) or other similar elements, such as pulleys  1670  and  1680 . The pulleys and/or gears may be configured to provide mechanical advantage in some embodiments, such as by reducing the required pulling force proportionally to the number of pulleys and/or as a function of selected gear ratios, etc. A plurality of upper and lower pole segments may extend outward from the hub upper element  1640  and hub lower element  1650 , such as upper pole segment  1622  and lower pole segment  1630  as shown. Poles and hub attachment mechanisms may be configured as shown in  FIGS. 3A-4C  in various embodiments. Hub upper and lower elements may be configured similarly to the hub configurations shown in  FIGS. 10-15  in various embodiments. Additional details of embodiments of aspects of hub and pull cable configurations as may be used in various embodiments are described and illustrated in PCT patent applications numbers PCT/CN/2012/072177 and PCT/CN/2012/074851. The content of each of these PCT patent applications is incorporated by reference herein its entirety. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates details of an embodiment of the lower portion of a leg assembly  1700  with an adjustable foot or base  1710  as may be used on a tent, canopy, gazebo or similar structure, such as the structures shown in  FIG. 2, 5, 7A or 8 . Adjustable foot  1710  may be configured with a ball joint as shown or with other movable elements, such as hinges or other movable, adjustable mechanical elements to allow a ground plate or support  1720  to rotate relative to the angle of a lower leg segment  1710  as shown. The adjustment mechanism may include a locking knob  1712  or other mechanical element to allow a user to lock the ground plate into an angled position. Alternately, the ground plate may be allowed to move relative to the lower leg segment  1732  to allow for compensation due to movement or applied forces. 
     This movable/adjustable base configuration may be used to provide a larger contact area between the ground plate  1720  and the ground or other surface  1750  on which the structure is erected so as to provide increased support over plates having a fixed angular orientation relative to coupled lower leg segments. Ground plate  1720  may further include holes  1722  or other attachment mechanisms to allow additional support and attachment to the ground, such as to resist forces such as winds on the canopy top or other applied forces. 
     The present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the specification and drawings, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. A phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. 
     The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use embodiments of the presently claimed invention. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the presently claimed invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the appended claims and their equivalents.