US 5,421,356 A · Collapsible canopy framework having captured scissor ends with non-compressive pivots

Abstract

An expandable framework structure can be folded for storage and expanded for use, especially as a canopy when a covering is placed on top of the framework. The framework includes a plurality of upright supports and a plurality of edge scissor assemblies that interconnect adjacent ones of the upright supports. Mounts are disposed on the upright supports to fasten outer, rectangular end portions of the edge scissor assemblies. The mounts have sockets which have facing, parallel sidewall portions to receive the rectangular end portions in close-fitted engagement along planar contact surfaces to resist lateral and torsional deflections of the edge scissor assemblies. A non-compressive fastening pin pivotally secures the outer end of each edge scissor assemblies in its respective socket. The mounts on each upright support are relatively movable to allow expansion and contraction of the framework; one mount is preferably a stationary mount and the other a slide mount. A roof support assembly may be used to support a canopy covering, and several embodiments of the roof support assembly are described. Each edge scissor assembly may be formed of a pair of scissor units interconnected by floating mounts that are provided with sockets and planar contact surfaces to resist lateral and torsional deflection of the scissor units. Non-compressive fastening pins are associated with each mount, and non-compressive elements interconnect the scissor bars of each scissor unit.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An expandable frame work structure adapted to be folded and stored in a collapsed state and erected in an expanded state on a support surface whereby said framework structure may support a canopy covering above said support surface, comprising:

(a) a plurality of upright support members each having a bottom end positionable on the support surface and a top end opposite said bottom end, said support members oriented alongside one another in the collapsed state and movable outwardly apart from one another toward the expanded state;
(b) a plurality of edge scissor assemblies with there being an edge scissor assembly interconnecting adjacent ones of said support members, each said edge scissor assembly having a pair of outer upper ends and a pair of outer lower ends, said edge scissor assemblies operative to open and close whereby said framework structure may move between the expanded and contracted states;
(c) a plurality of mounts disposed on said upright supports and operative to fasten said edge scissor assemblies thereto, said mounts each having channel shaped sockets formed therein which are defined by a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls, the outer ends of said edge scissor assemblies each being matably received in a respective one of said sockets;
and
(d) a removable non-compressive fastening element formed by a pair of cooperative axle pins, said fastening element pivotally securing each outer end of said edge scissor assemblies in the respective socket without compressing the sidewalls of a respective said socket together, said mounts being relatively movable with respect to one another to allow said edge scissor assemblies to open and close as said framework structure expands and contracts.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Collapsible canopy framework having captured scissor ends with non-compressive pivots

Life of this patent

Collapsible canopy framework having captured scissor ends with non-compressive pivots

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18