Patent ID: 12203284

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.12

Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated inFIGS.1through6.

The portable sun canopy100(hereinafter invention) is a temporary structure. The invention100forms a protected space. The invention100is a collapsible structure. The invention100is a portable structure. The invention100forms a protected space when the invention100is deployed. The invention100is anchored into the ground181. The invention100comprises a pedestal structure101, a tarpaulin102, and a storage cart103. The pedestal structure101elevates the tarpaulin102above the ground181. The tarpaulin102forms a barrier that creates the protected space. The storage cart103stores the invention100for transport after the invention100is collapsed. The ground181is defined elsewhere in this disclosure.

The tarpaulin102is a sheeting structure. The tarpaulin102attaches to the pedestal structure101. The tarpaulin102forms a canopy. The tarpaulin102forms the barrier that creates the protected space formed by the invention100. The tarpaulin102comprises a superior sheeting121and a plurality of grommets122.

The superior sheeting121is a sheeting. The superior sheeting121forms a fluid impermeable surface. The superior sheeting121forms the barrier that creates the protected space formed by the invention100. The superior sheeting121forms13the superior structure of the invention100. The superior14sheeting121further comprises a perimeter123and a plurality of vertices124. The perimeter123forms the edges of the faces of the sheeting structure of the superior sheeting121. The perimeter123forms the outer boundaries of the superior sheeting121. The superior sheeting121has mounted in it a sub-plurality of grommets122selected from the plurality of grommets122that are distributed along the perimeter123. Each of the plurality of vertices124is a vertex formed in the perimeter123of the superior sheeting121. A grommet selected from the plurality of grommets122is positioned at a location proximal to each vertex selected from the plurality of vertices124.

Each of the plurality of grommets122is a grommet. Each of the plurality of grommets122forms an anchor point used to attach the pedestal structure101to the superior sheeting121. Each of the plurality of grommets122attaches to the superior sheeting121at a location proximal to a structure selected from the group consisting of: a) a vertex selected from the perimeter123; and, b) an edge of the plurality of vertices124of the superior sheeting121.

The pedestal structure101is a mechanical structure. The pedestal structure101elevates the tarpaulin102above the12ground181. The pedestal structure101anchors into the ground181. The pedestal structure101forms the load path that transfers the load of the tarpaulin102to the ground181. The pedestal structure101comprises a plurality of individual stanchions111.

Each individual stanchion111is a stanchion. Each individual stanchion111is identical. The tarpaulin102attaches to the individual stanchion111. Each individual stanchion111elevates the tarpaulin102above the ground181. Each individual stanchion111forms a portion of the load path that transfers the load of the tarpaulin102to the ground181. Each individual stanchion111anchors into the ground181. Each individual stanchion111comprises a superior stanchion141and an inferior stanchion142.

The superior stanchion141is a composite prism-shaped structure. The superior stanchion141is a rigid structure. The superior stanchion141is a hollow structure. The superior stanchion141attaches directly to a grommet selected from the plurality of grommets122of the superior sheeting121. The superior stanchion141attaches to the inferior stanchion142using a tent pole configuration. The tent pole configuration is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The superior stanchion141forms a load path that transfers a portion of the load of the superior sheeting121to the inferior stanchion142. The12superior stanchion141further comprises a hook161and a13ferrule162.

The hook161is a fastening structure. The hook161is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The hook161attaches to a location proximal to a congruent end of the hook161. The hook161secures the superior stanchion141to a grommet selected from the plurality of grommets122mounted in the superior sheeting121of the tarpaulin102.

The ferrule162is a prism-shaped structure. The ferrule162attaches to the congruent end of the prism-structure of the superior stanchion141that is distal from the hook161. The ferrule162attaches to the congruent end of the prism-structure of the superior stanchion141to form a composite prism structure. The ferrule162is geometrically similar to the inferior stanchion142. The superior stanchion141attaches to a congruent end of the prism structure of the inferior stanchion by inserting the ferrule162into the hollow interior of the inferior stanchion142to form the tent pole configuration. The inferior stanchion142is a composite prism-shaped structure. The inferior stanchion142is a rigid structure.

The inferior stanchion142is a hollow structure. The inferior stanchion142has a spit structure. The inferior stanchion142attaches to the end of the superior stanchion141that is distal from the superior sheeting121. The superior stanchion141attaches to the inferior stanchion142using a tent pole configuration. The tent pole configuration is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The inferior stanchion142anchors into the ground181. The inferior stanchion142forms a load path that transfers a portion of the load of the superior stanchion141to the ground181. The inferior stanchion142further comprises an apex structure171.

The apex structure171is a point of a pyramid structure that attaches to the congruent end of the inferior stanchion142that is distal from the superior stanchion141. The apex structure171is a sharpened structure. The apex structure171is driven into the ground181to anchor the individual stanchion111to the ground181.

The storage cart103is a vehicle. The storage cart103is a hand cart. The storage cart103contains the pedestal structure101and the tarpaulin102when the invention100is collapsed. The storage cart103is a portable structure. The storage cart103rolls over the ground181to transport the invention100. The storage cart103comprises a storage pan131, a lid pan132, and a hinge133.

The storage pan131is a prism-shaped structure. The storage pan131has a pan shape. The storage pan131forms a protected space that stores the pedestal structure101and the tarpaulin102when the invention100is not in use. The open face of the pan structure of the storage pan131forms the superior surface of the prism structure of the storage pan131. The closed face of the storage pan131forms the inferior surface of the prism structure of the storage pan131. The storage pan131further comprises a stanchion rack151, a handle152, a plurality of wheels153, and a plurality of cart19stanchions154.

The stanchion rack151is a rack. The stanchion rack151mounts in the hollow interior of the storage pan131. The stanchion rack151receives the superior stanchion141of each individual stanchion111selected from the pedestal structure101for storage. The stanchion rack151receives the inferior stanchion142of each individual stanchion111selected from the pedestal structure101for storage. The stanchion rack151isolates each superior stanchion141stored in the storage pan131. The stanchion rack151isolates each inferior stanchion142stored in the storage pan131. By isolate is meant that the stanchion rack151prevents any first superior stanchion141from coming in contact with any second superior stanchion141. By isolate is further meant that the stanchion rack151prevents any first inferior stanchion142from coming in contact with any second inferior stanchion142. By isolate is further meant that the stanchion rack151prevents any superior stanchion141from coming in contact with any inferior stanchion142.

The handle152is a grip that mounts on an exterior lateral face of the prism structure of the storage pan131. The handle152is used to manipulate and transport the storage cart103.

Each of the plurality of wheels153is a rotating structure. Each of the plurality of wheels153is selected from the group consisting of a wheel and a caster. Each of the plurality of wheels153mounts on the inferior surface of the pan structure of the storage pan131. The plurality of wheels153allow the storage cart103to roll over the ground181.

Each of the plurality of cart stanchions154is a mechanical structure. Each of the plurality of cart stanchions154mounts on the inferior surface of the pan structure of the storage pan131. Each of the plurality of cart stanchions154elevates the inferior surface of the storage pan131above the ground181when the storage cart103is in a stationary position.

The lid pan132is a prism-shaped structure. The lid pan132has a pan shape. The lid pan132is geometrically similar to the open face of the pan structure of the storage pan131. The size of the form factor of the lid pan132is greater than the size of the form factor of the open face of the storage pan131such that the lid pan132encloses the storage pan131. The lid pan132controls access to the interior storage space formed by the storage pan131. The lid pan132locks to the storage pan131when the storage cart103is in the closed position.

The hinge133is a fastening structure. The hinge133is a rotating structure. The hinge133secures the lid pan132to the storage pan131such that the lid pan132rotates relative to the storage pan131. The hinge133rotates the lid pan132between an open position and a closed position.19

Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve.

Anchor: As used in this disclosure, anchor means to hold an object firmly or securely.

Anchor Point: As used in this disclosure, an anchor point is a location to which a first object can be securely attached to a second object.

Apex: As used in this disclosure, an apex is a vertex that forms an extreme or solitary point of an object.

At a Location Proximal to: As used in this disclosure, the term “at a location proximal to” identifies the position of an object selected from a group relative to an identified location such that the span of distance from the identified location and the selected object is less than the span of distance between the identified location and any object remaining in the group. Stated less formally, at a location proximal to means that the selected object is closer to the identified location than any other object selected from the group.

Barrier: As used in this disclosure, a barrier is a physical obstacle that forms a boundary between a first space and a second space. The barrier prevents the passage of an object between the first space and the second space.

Brink: As used in this disclosure, a brink refers to the edge or line formed by the intersection of a first plane or surface and a second plane or surface wherein a cant exists between the first plane or surface and the second plane or surface.

Building: As used in this disclosure, a building is a structure located in a fixed position that forms one or more protected spaces.

Canopy: As used in this disclosure, a canopy is a cover, usually made of fabric that is placed above an area and creates a protected space within which people or objects are protected from the environment.

Cant: As used in this disclosure, a cant is an angular deviation from one or more reference lines (or planes) such as a vertical line (or plane) or a horizontal line (or plane).

Cart: As used in this disclosure, a cart is small vehicle intended to be moved by a person. A synonym for cart is hand cart.

Caster: As used in this disclosure, a caster is a wheel that is mounted on a swivel that allows the wheel to adjust, or swivel, the direction of rotation of the wheel to the direction of motion desired for the wheel. The generic parts of a caster are called the stem, the swivel bearing, the swivel mount and the wheel. The swivel bearing attaches the stem to the swivel mount such that the swivel mount will rotate relative to the stem. The wheel attaches to the swivel mount such that the wheel freely rotates relative to the swivel mount. The direction of the axis of rotation of the wheel is perpendicular to the direction of the axis of rotation of the swivel mount. The stem attaches the swivel bearing, the swivel mount, and the wheel to an externally provided object.

Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification.

Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset.

Closed Position: As used in this disclosure, a closed position refers to a rotating structure that is in an orientation that prevents access to the contents of the structure. The closed position is often referred to as an object being “closed.”

Collapsible: As used in this disclosure, the terms collapsible refers to an object that is configured such that the volume of the object is adjustable. By volume is meant the volume of the perimetrical boundary that contains the object. The verbs collapse and retract mean that the volume of the perimetrical boundary of the object changes from a larger volume to a smaller volume. The verbs expand and deploy mean that the volume of the perimetrical boundary of the object changes from a smaller volume to a larger volume.

Composite Prism: As used in this disclosure, a composite prism refers to a structure that is formed from a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure. The plurality of selected structures may or may not be truncated. The plurality of prism structures are joined together such that the center axes of each of the plurality of structures are aligned. The congruent ends of any two structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure need not be geometrically similar.

Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object.

Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances.

Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. The disk is formed from two congruent ends that are attached by a lateral face. The sum of the surface areas of two congruent ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of the lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk. In this disclosure, the congruent ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk.

Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate.

Eyelet: As used in this disclosure, an eyelet is a ring shaped mechanical structure intended to reinforce and protect the edges of an aperture.

Ferrule: As used in this disclosure, a ferrule is a cylindrical device that is used to interconnect pipes in a tent pole configuration.

Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth.

Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object.

Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1.

Grip: As used in this disclosure, a grip is an accommodation formed on or within an object that allows the object to be grasped or manipulated by a hand.

Grommet: As used in this disclosure, a grommet is an eyelet placed in a hole in a textile, sheet, or panel that protects a rope hook or cable passed through it and to protect the textile, sheet, or panel from being torn.

Ground: As used in this disclosure, the ground is a solid supporting surface formed by the Earth. The term level ground means that the supporting surface formed by the ground is roughly perpendicular to the force of gravity.

Handle: As used in this disclosure, a handle is an object by which a tool, object, or door is held or manipulated with the hand.

Hinge: As used in this disclosure, a hinge is a device that permits the turning, rotating, or pivoting of a first object relative to a second object. A hinge designed to be fixed into a set position after rotation is called a locking hinge. A spring loaded hinge is a hinge formed as an elastic structure. The elastic structure of the spring loaded hinge is deformed under a rotating force such that the elastic structure returns the spring loaded hinge back to its relaxed shape after the rotating force is removed from the spring loaded hinge.

Hook: As used in this disclosure, a hook is an object that is curved or bent at an angle such that items can be hung on or caught by the object.

Horizontal: As used in this disclosure, horizontal is a directional term that refers to a direction that is either: 1) parallel to the horizon; 2) perpendicular to the local force of gravity, or, 3) parallel to a supporting surface. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the horizontal direction is always perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.

Lid: As used in this disclosure, a lid is a removable cover that is placed over an opening of a hollow structure to enclose the hollow structure.

Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure.

Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth.

Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object.

N-gon: As used in this disclosure, an N-gon is a regular polygon with N sides wherein N is a positive integer number greater than 2.

One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction.

Open Position: As used in this disclosure, an open position refers to a rotating structure that is in an orientation that allows access to the contents of the structure. The open position is often referred to as an object being “open.”

Orientation: As used in this disclosure, orientation refers to the positioning of a first object relative to: 1) a second object; or, 2) a fixed position, location, or direction

Pan: As used in this disclosure, a pan is a hollow and prism-shaped containment structure. The pan has a single open face. The open face of the pan is often, but not always, the superior face of the pan. The open face is a surface selected from the group consisting of: a) a congruent end of the prism structure that forms the pan; and, b) a lateral face of the prism structure that forms the pan. A semi-enclosed pan refers to a pan wherein the closed end of prism structure of the pan and/or a portion of the closed lateral faces of the pan is are open.

Pedestal: As used in this disclosure, a pedestal is an intermediary load bearing structure that forms a load path between a supporting surface and an object, structure, or load.

Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.

Perimetrical Boundary: As used in this disclosure, a perimetrical boundary is a hypothetical rectangular block that contains an object. Specifically, the rectangular block selected to be the perimetrical boundary is the rectangular block with the minimum volume that fully contains the object. In a two-dimensional structure, the perimetrical boundary is the rectangle with the minimum surface area.

Permanent: As used in this disclosure, the term permanent refers to a fundamental state, condition or location of an object, process, or arrangement that is not subject to, or expected to be, changed. A perpetual object refers to a permanent object that is expected to last over an unlimited period of time. A building such as a house or a skyscraper would be considered permanent. An ocean would be considered perpetual.

Pivot: As used in this disclosure, a pivot is a rod or shaft around which an object rotates or swings.

Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder.

Portable: As used in this disclosure, the term portable refers to an object with a form factor and weight that allows an individual to physically carry or manually transport the object to its intended destination.

Protected Space: As used in this disclosure, a protected space is a negative space within which an object is stored. The protected space is enclosed by a barrier structure that: a) prevents damage to the object contained within the protected space;, b) maintains an environment suitable within the protected space that is appropriate for the object; or, c) protects the object within the protected space from potential dangers that are outside of the protected space.

Pyramid: As used in this disclosure, a pyramid is a three-dimensional shape that comprises a base formed in the shape of an N-gon (wherein N is an integer) with N triangular faces that rise from the base to converge at a point above the base. The center axis of a pyramid is the line drawn from the vertex where7the N faces meet to the center of the N-gon base. The center axis of a right pyramid is perpendicular to the N-gon base. Pyramids can be further formed with circular or elliptical bases which are commonly referred to as a cone or an elliptical pyramid respectively. A pyramid is defined with a base, an apex, and a lateral face. The base is the N-gon shaped base described above. The apex is the vertex that defines the center axis. The lateral face is formed from the N triangular faces described above.

Rack: As used in this disclosure, a rack is a structure that holds or supports and object in a visible or exposed manner.

Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a rigid structure is a solid structure formed from an inelastic material that resists changes in shape. A rigid structure will permanently deform as it fails under a force. See bimodal flexible structure.

Sharp: As used in this disclosure, the term sharp refers to an apex or a brink that is formed in a first structure that is capable of puncturing or cutting a second structure.

Sheeting: As used in this disclosure, a sheeting is a material, such as a paper, textile, a plastic, or a metal foil, in the form of a thin flexible layer or layers. The sheeting forms a disk structure. The two surfaces of the sheeting with the greatest surface area are called the faces of the sheeting.

Spit: As used in this disclosure, a spit refers to a composite prism structure formed by the combination of a prism and a pyramid such that the apex of the pyramid forms a point capable of pushing through the surface of a second structure.

Stake: As used in this disclosure, a stake is a spit that is driven into a horizontal surface, such as the ground, to serve as an anchor point.

Stanchion: As used in this disclosure, a stanchion refers to a vertically oriented prism-shaped pole, post, or support.

Such As: As used in this disclosure, the term “such as” is a conjunction that relates a first phrase to a subsequent phrase. The term “such as” is used to introduce representative examples of structures that meet the requirements of the first phrase. As a first example of the use of the term “such as,” the phrase: “the first textile attaches to the second textile using a fastener such as a hook and loop fastener” is taken to mean that a hook and loop fastener is suitable to use as the fastener but is not meant to exclude the use of a zipper or a sewn seam. As a second example of the use of the term “such as,” the phrase: “the chemical substance is a halogen such as chlorine or bromine” is taken to mean that either chlorine or bromine are suitable for use as the halogen but is not meant to exclude the use of fluorine or iodine.

Such That: As used in this disclosure, the term “such that” is a conjunction that relates a first phrase to a subsequent phrase. The term “such that” is used to place a further limitation or requirement to the first phrase. As a first example of the use of the term “such that,” the phrase: “the door attaches to the wall such that the door rotates relative to the wall” requires that the attachment of the door allows for this rotation. As a second example of the use of the term “such that,” the phrase: “the chemical substance is selected such that the chemical substance is soluble in water” requires that the selected chemical substance is soluble in water. As a third example of the use of the term “such that,” the phrase: “the lamp circuit is constructed such that the lamp circuit illuminates when the lamp circuit detects darkness” requires that the lamp circuit: a) detect the darkness; and, b) generate the illumination when the darkness is detected.

Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.

Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object.

Swivel: As used in this disclosure, a swivel is a fastening structure that attaches a first object to a second object such that will rotate around an axis of rotation while the second object remains in a fixed position relative to the first object.

Tarpaulin: As used in this disclosure, a tarpaulin is a protective covering made of a sheeting. The sheeting can be a textile material made from made from fibers or yarns suitable for textile production methods including, but not limited to, weaving, knitting or felting. The sheeting can also be made of material in the form of a continuous film including, but not limited to, plastic films and metal foils.

Telescopic: As used in this disclosure, telescopic is an adjective that describes a composite prism structure made of hollow prism-shaped sections that fit or slide into each other such that the composite prism structure can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the relative positions of the hollow prism-shaped sections.

Temporary: As used in this disclosure, the term temporary refers to a state, condition or location of an object, process, or arrangement that is intended to last for a limited period of time. The term temporary is the opposite of permanent. The term transient refers to a temporary state or condition of an object that degrades over time. In physical processes, the term transient tends to imply a short period of time.

Tent Pole Configuration: As used in this disclosure, a tent pole configuration is a method of interconnecting a plurality of pipes (or other hollow prism shaped objects). With the exception of the span of the length of the center axis of the pipe, each pipe contained in the plurality of pipes is otherwise identical to the pipes remaining in the plurality of pipes. In a tent pole configuration, each of the plurality of pipes is fitted with a ferrule. The ferrule is a cylindrical object that is attached to an end of each pipe such that the center axis of the ferrule is aligned with the center axis of the pipe. The outer diameter of the ferrule is less than the inner diameter of the pipe. To interconnect the plurality of pipes into a tent pole configuration, the ferrule of a first pipe selected from the plurality of pipes is inserted into the non-ferrule end of a second pipe selected from the plurality of pipes. This process is continued until all the pipes contained within the plurality of pipes are interconnected.

Textile: As used in this disclosure, a textile is a material that is woven, knitted, braided or felted. Synonyms in common usage for this definition include fabric and cloth. The two surfaces of the textile with the greatest surface area are called the faces of the textile.

Vertex: As used in this disclosure, a vertex (plural vertices) is an angle that is formed by two lines (or a plurality of surfaces) that form a point. Vertices are commonly found in polygons, prisms and pyramids.

Vertical: As used in this disclosure, vertical refers to a direction that is either: 1) perpendicular to the horizontal direction; 2) parallel to the local force of gravity; or, 3) when referring to an individual object the direction from the designated top of the individual object to the designated bottom of the individual object. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the vertical direction is always perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

Vehicle: As used in this disclosure, a vehicle is a device that is used for transporting passengers, goods, or equipment. The term motorized vehicle specifically refers to a vehicle can move under power provided by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The term vehicle generically applies to motorized vehicles and vehicles without a motor. A motorized vehicle further comprises an electrical system that can be used as a source of electric energy.

Wheel: As used in this disclosure, a wheel is a circular object that revolves around an axle or an axis and is fixed below an object to enable it to move easily over the ground. For the purpose of this disclosure, it is assumed that a wheel can only revolve in a forward and a backward direction. Wheels are often further defined with a rim and spokes. Spokes are also commonly referred to as a wheel disk.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and inFIGS.1through6include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.