US 6,146,050 AGranted

Method and apparatus for rotatably coupling and erecting tripods for tepees

OwnerAlexander Charles Marshallinventor

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Abstract

A coupling device for rotatably coupling poles of a tepee tripod. A first clamp clamps onto an upper end of a first pole. A second clamp clamps onto an upper end of a second pole. A third clamp clamps onto an upper end of a third pole. First and second rotatable couplers rotatably couple the first clamp to the second clamp, and the first clamp to the third clamp. The first coupler is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, so as to allow relative rotation between the first and second clamps. The second coupler is rotatable about a second axis of rotation so as to allow relative rotation between the first and third clamps. The first and second axes of rotation lie in a plane generally perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis corresponding to the first pole when the first clamp is clamped onto the first pole. The first and second axes of rotation intersect the first longitudinal axis. The first and second axes of rotation are radially spaced apart relative to the first longitudinal axis.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A tepee tripod coupling device, for rotatably coupling first, second and third poles of said tepee tripod, comprising:

a first clamp for clamping onto an upper end of said first pole,
a second clamp for clamping onto an upper end of said second pole,
a third clamp for clamping onto an upper end of said third pole,
a first rotatable coupler for rotatably coupling said first clamp to said second clamp,
a second rotatable coupler for rotatably coupling said first clamp to said third clamp,
said first coupler rotatable about a first axis of rotation, so as to allow relative rotation between said first and second clamps,
said second coupler rotatable about a second axis of rotation so as to allow relative rotation between said first and third clamps,
said first and second axes of rotation lying in a plane generally perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis corresponding to said first pole when said first clamp is clamped onto said first pole,
said first and second axes of rotation intersecting said first longitudinal axis, said first and second axes of rotation radially spaced apart relative to said first longitudinal axis.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/238,763Filed 28 Jan 1999
Granted: 14 Nov 2000
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

E04H 15/24
Tents or canopies, in general: cone shaped, e.g. teepees
E04H 15/32
Tents or canopies, in general: parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g.…
F16M 11/16
Heads: details concerning attachment of head-supporting legs, with or without actuation of locking members thereof
F16M 11/242
Changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other: by spreading of the legs