Abstract:
A portable shelter is disclosed. The portable shelter includes a canopy and a frame supporting the canopy. The frame of the portable shelter includes a plurality of support poles and a plurality of cross poles. Each cross pole of the portable shelter is pivotally coupled between adjacent support poles for rotation about an axis parallel to the support poles. Each support pole moves between an extended position in which the support pole extends perpendicular to the cross poles and a collapsed position in which the support pole extends along the cross poles.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to foldable canopy structures that collapse into readily portable units. In particular, the present invention relates to a foldable unit that provides a simplified structure having a plurality of pivotal joints, each pivotal joint being coupled to two cross poles and releasably connected to a support pole enabling the foldable structure to be easily and simplistically expanded. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Foldable canopy structures that collapse into a readily portable unit are well known in the outdoor products industry. Such canopy structures are generally used to protect users from the rain or sun for a wide variety of activities. The benefit of these foldable structures is that while the structure covers a large area when expanded, once collapsed it is small enough to be readily transported and stored. Recent advances in collapsible structures have made them both lighter and easier to assemble. 
     While portable shelters have undergone several recent advances, current shelters continue to have several deficiencies. One of the major drawbacks of existing structures is that to achieve a readily collapsible frame, existing structures are complex. Many of these structures heavily rely on complicated elements such as scissor joints. Additionally, the structures require complicated folding arrangements, detailed configurations and numerous elements. The complexity of the systems limits the ease of use for such structures. 
     The complexity of the current collapsible systems also adds weight to the structures. The result is that weight becomes a factor with even the lightest of existing systems. The additional weight makes the structures more difficult to collapse. Additionally once the structure is collapsed the structures are more difficult to move. This compromises many of the potential benefits of portability. 
     Another drawback of existing structures is that the complexity and the mechanics of the structures require a two-person set-up. While existing structures do offer some conveniences, the two-person set-up requirement limits both the ease of consumer use and the gamete of practical uses for these shelters. 
     As a result, there is a continuing need for a foldable and portable canopy structure that provides a simplified structure, that eliminates the need for a two-person set-up, and that provides a lighter structure that will facilitate set-up, take-down, and portability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to foldable canopy structures that collapse into readily portable units. In particular, the present invention relates to a foldable unit that provides a simplified structure having a plurality of pivotal joints, each pivotal joint being coupled to two cross poles and releasably connected to a support pole enabling the foldable structure to be easily and simplistically expanded. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the foldable structure consists of a frame. The frame includes a plurality of support poles and a plurality of cross poles. Each cross pole is pivotally coupled between adjacent support poles for rotation about an axis parallel to the support poles. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the frame structure includes a plurality of support poles and a plurality of cross poles. Each support pole includes a first section and a second section telescopically receiving the first section. Each support pole is flexibly coupled to adjacent cross poles for folding about an axis parallel to the cross poles. Each cross pole includes a first section and a second section telescopically receiving the first section. Each cross pole is pivotally coupled between adjacent support poles for rotation about an axis parallel to the support poles. 
     The present invention also provides a foldable frame. The foldable frame includes a plurality of cross poles and a plurality of movable support poles. A plurality of cross poles are pivotally coupled to one another. Each support pole is configured to move between a first position in which the support pole extends parallel to one of the plurality of cross poles and a second position in which the support pole extends perpendicular to one of the plurality of cross poles. 
     The present invention also provides a method for setting up a portable shelter. The method includes providing a frame having a plurality of cross poles and a plurality of support poles in a collapsed state. In the collapsed state, the plurality of cross poles includes a first cross pole having a first end and a second end, a second cross pole extending substantially parallel to the first cross pole and having a first end and a second end, a third cross pole having a first end pivotally coupled to the first end of the first cross pole and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the second cross pole, and a fourth cross pole crossing the third cross pole and having a first end pivotally coupled to the first end of the second cross pole and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the first cross pole. The plurality of support poles includes a first support pole extending substantially parallel to the first cross pole, a second support pole extending substantially parallel to the second cross pole, a third support pole extending substantially parallel to the third cross pole and a fourth support pole extending substantially parallel to the fourth cross pole. The method also includes the steps of pivoting the plurality of cross poles to a rectangular position wherein the first and second cross poles extend parallel to one another and wherein the third and fourth cross poles extend parallel to one another. The plurality of support poles are also pivoted to a supporting position. In the supporting position, each support pole extends perpendicular to the plurality of cross poles. 
     The present invention also provides an apparatus for supporting a canopy. The apparatus includes a frame having a plurality of cross poles and a plurality of support poles in a collapsed state. In the collapsed state, the plurality of cross poles includes a first cross pole having a first end and a second end, a second cross pole extending substantially parallel to the first cross pole and having a first end and a second end, a third cross pole having a first end pivotally coupled to the first end of the first cross pole and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the second cross pole, and a fourth cross pole crossing the third cross pole and having a first end pivotally coupled to the first end of the second cross pole and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the first cross pole. The plurality of support poles includes a first support pole extending substantially parallel to the first cross pole, a second support pole extending substantially parallel to the second cross pole, a third support pole extending substantially parallel to the third cross pole and a fourth support pole extending substantially parallel to the fourth cross pole. The plurality of cross poles pivot to a rectangular position such that the first and second cross poles extend parallel to one another and such that the third and fourth cross poles extend parallel to one another. The plurality of support poles are movable to a supporting position such that each support pole extends perpendicular to the plurality of cross poles. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable frame structure in an expanded state and including a canopy cover and canopy support structure. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable frame structure of FIG. 1 in a collapsed mode illustrating the relative size difference in collapsed and expanded state. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the foldable frame structure FIG. 1 illustrating the structure in a collapsed state. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the foldable frame structure of FIG. 1 illustrating the structure during a first opening phase. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the foldable frame structure of FIG. 1 illustrating the structure during a second opening phase. 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the foldable frame structure of FIG. 1 illustrating the structure during a third opening phase. 
     FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded view of a pivotal joint assembly of the foldable frame structure. 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the pivotal joint of FIG. 7 taken along lines  8 — 8  illustrating a cross pole and a support pole coupled to the pivotal joint. 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the pivotal joint of FIG. 8 taken along lines  9 — 9 . 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cross pole and the support pole illustrating a telescoping feature of the cross pole and support pole. 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the shelter of FIG. 10 taken along lines  11 — 11 . 
     FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the foldable frame structure of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the shelter of FIG. 12 taken along lines  13 — 13 . 
     FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the shelter of FIG. 1 with portions broken away to illustrate a detachable foot mechanism connected to the support pole. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     I. OVERVIEW 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a foldable frame structure  19 . FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the foldable canopy  18  including foldable frame structure  19  comprising a plurality of support poles  20  and a plurality of cross poles  22 . FIG. 2 illustrates the foldable frame structure  19  in collapsed mode. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, foldable canopy  18  includes a canopy cover  24 , a canopy support tension system  26 , and a foldable frame structure  19 . The canopy cover  24  is attached to the foldable frame structure  19 . Such canopy covers  24  are conventionally known in the art and provide shelter from the elements. Canopy cover  24  can be made from a variety of suitable material including plastic tarpaulins, natural fibrous based materials, nylon, or other light weight materials commonly used as coverings in outdoor canopies and tents. Canopy tension system  26  is commonly known and provides support to the canopy cover  24 . 
     Foldable frame structure  19  comprises a plurality of cross poles  22 , a plurality of support poles  20  and a plurality of clamping feet  28 . The cross poles  22  are coupled together by pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  (FIG.  3 ). Cross poles  22  supply a perimeter frame structure to the foldable canopy  18 . The cross poles  22  preferably comprise a conventionally known support tubing or poles such as hollow aluminum or plastic tubing or alternatively any one of a variety of other flexible or inflexible material suitable for a frame structure. 
     The support poles  20  are selectively coupled to the cross poles  22  by pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  and  30   d  (FIG.  3 ). The support poles  20  provide vertical support to the canopy structure  18 . The support poles  20  are foldable in order to collapse the structure  19  (FIGS.  5  and  10 ). The support poles  20  preferably comprise a conventionally known support tubing or poles such as hollow aluminum or plastic tubing or alternatively any one of a variety of other flexible or inflexible material suitable for a frame structure. 
     Clamping feet  28  are attached to the base of support poles  20 . Feet  28  provide a means for both stabilizing the support poles  20  and for coupling the support poles  20  to the cross poles  22  when folded (See FIG.  14 ). 
     As shown by FIG. 2, canopy  18  or alternatively foldable frame structure  19  is collapsible providing a relative size advantage over the expanded structure  19  for transportation and storage. 
     FIGS. 3-6 are schematic views illustrating the foldable frame structure  19  of FIG. 1 being converted from the collapsed state to the expanded state. FIG. 3 illustrates the foldable frame structure  19  in the collapsed state in greater detail including pivotal joint  30   a  and a plurality of cross poles  20 . As shown by FIG. 3, pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ,  30   d  allow cross poles  22  to be rotated so that in a collapsed state the cross poles  22   a  and  22   b  are parallel while cross poles  22   c  and  22   d  cross one another in an X fashion. This allows foldable frame structure  19  to be collapsed to the length of a single cross pole  22  and the width of approximately two times the girth of a cross pole  22  while in the collapsed state. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates structure  19  in the first opening phase necessary to expand the structure  19 . Foldable frame structure  19  rotates from collapsed mode or state (FIG. 3) about the axes of pivotal joints  30   c  and  30   d  allowing the terminus of pivotal joint  30   b  to be moved in the direction of arrow  300 . As pivotal joint  30   b  finishes the rotation in the direction indicated by arrow  306 , it moves from being adjacent to pivotal joint  30   a  (FIG. 3) to the end of the structure  19  opposite pivotal joint  30   a  (FIG.  4 ). As shown in FIG. 4, the cross bars  22  are positioned such that pole  22   b  is adjacent to pole  22   c  and pole  22   d  is adjacent to pole  22   a  in the first opening phase. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates structure  19  in the second opening phase with cross poles  22  extended to an open position. The second opening phase is accomplished by extending pivotal joint  30   c  laterally in the direction of arrow  302  and joint  30   d  laterally in the direction of arrow  304 . Pivotal joints  30   a  and  30   d  contain an angle restriction mechanism  110  (see FIG. 11) preventing extension of  30   a  and  30   d  further than the angle necessary to accomplish a rectangular frame formation. Angle restriction mechanism  110  also prevents foldable frame structure  19  from being folded improperly by allowing only pivotal joint  30   b  to rotate the 270 degree angle necessary to accomplish folded configuration as shown FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates structure  19  in the third opening phase with support poles  20  extended. The third opening phase is accomplished by unfolding support poles  20 , as shown by arrows  308 , to the vertical position from the folded position where support poles  20  are clamped to cross poles  22 . In the preferred embodiment, support poles  20  mate with the pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d . By accepting and internally receiving support poles  20 , pivotal  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  lend stability to the frame structure  19 . In the third opening phase, support poles  20  and cross poles  22  are telescopically extended along arrows  214  and  216  to expand the size of frame structure  19 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the telescopic mechanism  220  consists of sliding sections which allow the poles  20  and  22  to be elongated. In an alternative embodiment, the telescopic mechanism  220  is replaced with hinges which allow the poles  20  to be elongated. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable frame  19  includes four cross poles  22  joined to form a rectangular perimeter. In alternative embodiments, the foldable frame  19  includes varying numbers of cross poles  22  joined to form perimeters having linear segments, such as triangles, octagons, etc. 
     The benefit of foldable structure  19  stems from the simplicity of the structure, and the straightforward set-up and take-down. To unfold structure  19 , first the user rotates the end of pivotal joint  30   b  to the opposite end of the structure. Second, the user opens the perimeter of the structure  19  by extending joints  30   c  and  30   d  laterally. Thirdly, the user unfolds support poles  20 . Lastly, user extends telescopic mechanisms  200  (see FIG. 10) of support poles  20  and cross poles  22 . 
     II. PIVOTAL JOINT 
     FIGS. 7-9 illustrate pivotal joint  30   a  in greater detail. In particular, FIG. 7 is a fragmentary exploded view of the pivotal joint  30   a . FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of pivotal joint  30   a  illustrating support pole  20  and cross pole  22  coupled to pivotal joint  30   a . FIG. 9 is a sectional view of pivotal joint  30   a  illustrating an angle restriction mechanism  110 . Pivotal joint  30   d  is substantially identical to pivotal joint  30   a . Pivotal joints  30   b  and  30   c  are substantially identical to pivotal joint  30   a  except that joints  30   b  and  30   c  omit an angle restriction mechanism described hereafter. As shown by FIG. 7, pivotal joint  30   a  generally includes a first joint module  40 , a second joint module  60 , a joint cap  90 , and a joint base bushing  80 . First joint module  40  comprises a generally rigid housing or casing having an anterior end  42  and a second posterior end  50 . Anterior end  42  has a horizontal interior portion  44  to support cross pole  22  and a top bore  46  for inserting a pin, screw, or other fastener to secure cross pole  22 . Posterior end  50  has a vertical interior portion  52 , a top perimeter lip  54 , a top bore  58 , a outward blocking projection  57 , and a rear horizontal bore  59 . Vertical interior portion  52  receives joint base bushing  80  and joint cap  90 . Perimeter lip  74  provides separation between first joint module  40  and joint cap  90  reducing friction during rotation. Top bore  58  allows insertion of a pin, screw, or other fastener additionally securing cross pole  22 . Rear horizontal bore  59  allows insertion of a pin, screw, or other fastener to secure joint cap  90  and joint base bushing  80  coupling the pivotal joint components to form the pivotal joint  30   a . Outward blocking projection  57  functions as a component of angle restriction mechanism  110  (FIG.  9 ). 
     As shown in FIG. 7, the second joint module  60 , like first joint module  40 , comprises a generally rigid housing or casing having an anterior end  62  and a second posterior end  70 . Anterior end  62  has a horizontal interior portion  64  to define or support cross pole  22  and a top bore  66  for inserting a pin, screw, or other fastener to secure cross pole  22 . Posterior end  70  has a vertical interior portion  72 , a top perimeter lip  74 , and a top bore  76 . Vertical interior portion  72  accepts joint base bushing  80 . Perimeter lip  74  includes a lip projection  78  that operates as component of angle restriction mechanism  110 . Perimeter lip  74  provides separation between first joint module  40  and second joint module  60  reducing friction during rotation and allowing for rotation of outward blocking projection  57 . Top bore  76  allows insertion of a pin, screw, or other fastener additionally securing cross pole  22 . 
     Joint base bushing  80  is an elongate cylinder to be fitted to vertical interior portion  72  of first joint module  40  and vertical interior portion  52  of second joint module  60 . Bushing  80  provides a smooth cylinder to accept support pole  20 . Bushing  80  includes a retention flange  82 , lateral base bushing bore  84 , and bushing vertical interior  86 . Retention flange  82  facilitates assembly, retains second joint module  60 , and provides a butting for ridge  120  on support pole  20 . Lateral base bushing bore  59  aligns with rear horizontal bore  59  to allow for insertion of pin, screw, or other connecting means to couple components of pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  to form pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d . Bushing vertical interior  86  accepts support pole  20  when pole  20  is in an unfolded state. 
     Joint cap  90  is a rigid or solid member coupled to first joint module  50  and joint base bushing  80 . As shown in FIG. 7, joint cap  90  includes rear cap bore  92 , declinating ridge  94 , a bottom projection  96 , and an interior tension cord  98 . Rear cap bore  92  aligns with rear horizontal bore  59  to allow for insertion of pin, screw, or other connecting means to couple cap to pivotal joint  30 . When coupled to first joint module  40 , declinating ridge  94  defines an internal boundary to delineate a void to accept joint base bushing  80 . Bottom projection  96  inserts into support pole notch  122  to limit rotation when support pole  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c ,  22   d  are coupled to pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d . In the preferred embodiment, interior tension cord  98  comprises an elastic cord coupled between the support pole  20  and cap  90 . Tension cord  98  allows the support poles  20  to be selectively inserted and removed from pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  while remaining attached to pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d . Additionally, tension cord  98  facilitates guidance of support pole  20  into the internal aperture  86  of the pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  defined by joint base bushing  80 . In an alternative embodiment, elastic tension cord  98  is replaced with other inelastic material. In another embodiment elastic tension cord is replaced with a hinge, rod, or other mechanism which allows the support poles  20  to be folded while maintaining connection with pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d . In another embodiment, a coupling means such as a tension cord  98  or hinge is absent altogether. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates bottom projection  96  inserted into support pole notch  122  in greater detail. Pivotal joint  30   a  is coupled with cross poles  22  by a pair of screws, pins, or other attachment means inserted through bores  46  and  58 . Joint cap  90  is attached to first joint module  50 , second joint module  60 , and joint base bushing  80  by tension core  98 . As a result, cord  98  is easily serviced. Alternatively, joint cap  90  may be secured to module  50  by means of a screw, pin, or other attachment mechanism through rear horizontal bore  59  and joint base bore  84 . Retaining flange  82  retains second joint module  60  to the rest of pivotal joint  30 . Tension cord  98  is coupled internally to joint cap  90  and support pole  20 . 
     As shown in FIG. 9, pivotal joint  30   a  includes internal angle restriction mechanism  110 . Angle restriction mechanism  110  includes outward blocking projection  57  extending from base of first joint module  40  and a lip projection  78  extending from perimeter lip  74  of second joint module  60 . Projections  57  and  78  oppose one another to restrict rotation of pivotal joints  30   a  and  30   d  (shown in FIG. 3) to given angles. When projections  57  and  78  are not touching, pivotal joints  30   a  and  30   d  may rotate such that projection  78  may move in the direction of either arrow  111  or  112  with respect to projection  57 . Once the projections  57  and  78  butt, the joints can only rotate such that projection  78  moves in the direction indicated by arrow  112  with respect to projection  57 . The angle restriction mechanism  110  facilitates both folding and expansion of foldable frame structure  19 . By restricting the range of rotation in the pivotal joints  30   a  and  30   d , the angle restriction mechanism ensures that the frame  19  will fold properly. Similarly, by restricting the scope of rotation in the pivotal joints  30   a  and  30   d , the angle restriction mechanism stops rotation of the joints  30   a  and  30   d  when it is extended in the open state shown in FIG.  5 . This lends stability to structure  19  by preventing excessive rotation of joints  30  when in an open state, thus helping to maintain a proper perimeter frame shape. In the embodiment of foldable frame structure  19  which includes four cross poles  22  so as to form a rectangle, angle restriction mechanism restricts joints at  90  degree angles when opened. 
     Pivot joints  30   b  and  30   c  rotate freely relative to one another. In the exemplary embodiment, joint modules  40  and  60  of pivotal joints  30   b  and  30   c  omit projections  57  and  78  such that modules  40  and  60  freely rotate relative to one another. In an alternative embodiment, module  60  includes a vertically extending bore and a removable metal pin in lieu of projection  78 . In pivotal joints  30   a  and  30   d , the pin is inserted through the bore and projects between modules  40  and  60  to engage projection  78  and to limit angular rotation of module  40  relative to module  60 . In pivotal joints  30   b  and  30   c , the pin is simply removed such that modules  40  and  60  may freely rotate relative to one another. In yet another alternative embodiment, modules  40  and  60  are simply reversed in pivotal joints  30   b  and  30   c  such that projection  57  extends along a top of module  40 , such that projection  78  extends along a bottom of module  60  and such that projections  57  and  78  are out of engagement with one another to enable free relative rotation. 
     III. TELESCOPIC MECHANISM 
     FIG. 10 further illustrate cross poles  22  and support poles  20  including telescopic mechanism  200  which permits the poles  20  and  22  to be extended to increase the size of foldable frame structure  19  when in the expanded state. FIG. 11 illustrates telescoping mechanism  200  in greater detail including detent mechanism  201 . As shown by FIG. 10, cross poles  22  and support poles  20  include telescopic mechanism  200  which permits poles  20  and  22  to be extended. 
     As best shown by FIG. 11, telescopic mechanism  200  includes a first section  220 , a second section  222 , detent mechanism  201 , a telescopic bushing  208 , and a telescopic retention flange  205 . The first section  220  fits inside the second section  222 . This allows first section  220  and second section  222  to be selectively extended with first section  220  moving in the direction of arrow  214  and second section  222  in the direction of arrow  216 . By moving sections  220  and  222  in the opposite direction of arrows  214  and  216 , the telescopic feature  200  is collapsed. Telescopic bushing  208  eliminates direct contact of the first section  220  and the second section  222  when sections are being extended or retracted, reducing frictional resistance on the sections  220  and  222 . Telescopic bushing  208  is coupled to section  220  and includes a bushing lip  209 . Telescopic retention flange  205  is coupled to section  222 . Flange  205  further eliminates direct contact of first section  220  and the second section  222  when section are being extended or retracted, reducing frictional resistance on the section  220  and  222 . Flange  205  also prevents bushing lip  209  from passing, preventing the first section  220  and the second section  222  from being separated during extension. 
     Detent mechanism  201  includes a pin  204 , a pin spring  202 , a pin base  206 , and a detent  207 . Pin base  206  is integrally formed with cap  208 . Pin base  206  contains pin spring  202  and pin  204  in the interior of the first section  220 . Pin spring  202  exerts outward force on the pin  204 . Pin  204  extends through detent  207  locking the telescopic mechanism  200  in one or more positions. 
     IV. CANOPY SUPPORT TENSION SYSTEM 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate canopy support tension system  26 . Canopy support tension system  26  includes support pole  101  and support straps  100 . As shown in FIG. 13, support straps  100  are coupled to pivotal joint  30   a . FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the coupling of joint  30   a  and strap  100  in better detail. The support strap  100  is integrated into the joint cap  90  with an internal pin or dowel  102 . In alternative embodiments support strap  100  is integrated into joint cap  90  by a clamp or other mechanism. In another alternative embodiment, support strap  100  is integrated to other portions of the pivotal joint  30   a . Support pole  101  is coupled at the base to support straps  100 . Support pole  101  provides internal support to canopy  24  when the foldable frame structure  19  is expanded. Support pole  101  may be a pole or rod and is preferably comprised of a conventionally known support tubing such as hollow aluminum or plastic tubing or alternatively any one of a variety of other flexible or inflexible material suitable for a frame structure. 
     As shown in FIG. 12, when the foldable frame structure  19  is fully expanded, straps  100  are taut. This creates vertical pressure on the base of support pole  101  lending internal support to canopy  24 . In the preferred embodiment at least one of the straps  100  is adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism  103 . Thus the user may tighten or loosen straps increasing pressure on base of support pole  101  to raise or lower the pole. The benefit of a canopy support tension system  26  is that it is simple, light weight, and out of the way of users passing underneath. 
     V. CLAMPING FOOT 
     FIG. 14 illustrates clamping foot  24 . As shown in FIG. 14 clamping foot includes internal hub  140 , clamping extensions  142 , and stake bore  144 . Internal hub  140  couples foot  24  to support pole  20 . Clamping extensions  142  selectively attach foot  24  to cross pole  22  when in folded position (also shown in FIG. 10.) In addition, the wide base provided by extensions  142  provides lateral stability to prevent the support poles from tipping and additionally prevents the poles from embedding into dirt, sand, or other soft substrate. Stake bore  144  allows stake, rope or other securing device to be inserted to further secure the support pole  20  and foldable frame structure  19  to the ground or surrounding objects. Stake bore  144  allows the structure to be used on uneven ground or in adverse weather conditions. 
     VI. CONCLUSION 
     The foldable frame structure  19  provides a simplified structure, eliminates the need for a two-person set-up, and provides a lighter structure facilitating set-up, take-down, and portability. The simplified structure is accomplished by coupling cross poles  22  and support poles  20  which contain a telescopic mechanism  200 , and by means of a pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d . The telescopic mechanism  200  allows the poles  20  and  22  to be shortened to a fraction of their expanded length. The pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  allow support poles  20  to be folded and attached to the cross poles  22 . The pivotal joints  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d  additionally allow the cross poles  22  to be folded to accomplish the collapsed state. This allows the frame structure  19  to be collapsed to a fraction of its expanded size. The clamping foot  28 , the pivotal joint interior tension cord  98 , and the joint restriction mechanism  110  all facilitate one-person set-up, and take-down of the structure. Finally, the canopy support tension system  26  provides simplified internal support that eliminates obstructions that would otherwise restrict free movement into and out of the tent. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention described with reference to the preferred embodiments as set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.