Folding structure with improved locking system
OwnerAllan Ferraro, Barry Firemaninventors
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Abstract
The present invention is a folding structure having an improved locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the folding structure comprises a plurality of legs and a hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism comprising a plug hinge removably connected to a slider hinge between a first position at which the structure is substantially collapsed and a second position at which the structure is substantially open and the plug hinge is locked to the slider hinge. The hinge mechanism may further comprise a release cap engaged with the slider hinge and having a pair of buttons. Depression of the buttons unlocks or releases the plug hinge from the slider hinge, allowing the folding structure to be collapsed.
Claims20
A folding structure comprising a plurality of legs and a hinge mechanism, said hinge mechanism comprising a plug hinge engagable with a slider hinge between a first position in which the folding structure is substantially collapsed, and a second position in which the folding structure is substantially open with said plug hinge locked to said slider hinge to maintain the structure in its open position.
A method of folding and opening a structure comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing the structure with a plug hinge, a slider hinge, and a release cap having a first button;
- (b) moving said plug hinge into locked engagement with said slider hinge to hold the structure in the open position;
- (c) depressing said first button to disengage said plug hinge from said slider hinge;
- and
- (d) collapsing said folded structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.