Collapsible canopy framework and structure with articulating scissor assemblies
OwnerJames P. Lynchinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An expandable framework is used with a flexible covering to provide a portable shelter. The framework includes a plurality of upright support members, adjacent ones of which are interconnected by an edge scissor assembly. Each edge scissor assembly includes a plurality of scissor arms, and at least two of the scissor arms of each edge scissor assembly is formed by at least two articulating sections that move between a folded state when the framework is collapsed and an aligned state when the framework is expanded. The ends of the scissor assemblies are pivotally mounted to an upper and a lower fixed mount on the respective support member. As a result of the articulation, the mounts do not need to slide on the support members but rather can remain fixed.
Claims20
An expandable framework adapted to move between an expanded state for supporting a covering above a support surface and a collapsed state for storage, comprising:
- (a) a plurality of upright support members each having a bottom end positionable on the support surface and a top end opposite the bottom end, said support members being oriented alongside one another in the collapsed state and spaced apart from one another when in the expanded state;
- (b) an upper mount fixed at an upper fixed location to each said support member;
- (c) a lower mount fixed at a lower fixed location to each said support member, said upper and lower mounts spaced apart from one another by a pre-determined distance;
- and
- (d) a plurality of edge scissor assemblies whereby each of said edge scissor assemblies interconnects peripherally adjacent ones of said support members, each said edge scissor assembly including a plurality of scissor arms hingedly connected to one another, at least two of said scissor arms defining articulating members formed by at least two articulating arm sections that are movable between a folded state when the expandable framework is in the collapsed state and an aligned state when the expandable framework is in the expanded state whereby the two articulating arm sections are oriented along parallel axes with respect to one another, each said articulating member having a first outer end pivotally secured to one of said upper and lower mounts of a respective peripherally adjacent said support member.
An expandable canopy adapted to move between an expanded state for supporting a covering above a support surface and a collapsed state for storage, comprising:
- (a) a framework including
- (i) a plurality of upright support members each having a bottom end positionable on the support surface and a top end opposite the bottom end, said support members being oriented alongside one another in the collapsed state and spaced apart from one another when in the expanded state;
- (ii) an upper mount fixed at an upper fixed location to each said support member;
- (iii) a lower mount fixed at a lower fixed location to each said support member, said upper and lower mounts spaced apart from one another by a pre-determined distance;
- and
- (iv) a plurality of edge scissor assemblies whereby each of said edge scissor assemblies interconnects peripherally adjacent ones of said support members, each edge scissor assembly including a plurality of scissor arms hingedly connected to one another, at least two of said scissor arms defining articulating members formed by at least two articulating arm sections that are movable between a folded state when the expandable framework is in the collapsed state and an aligned state when the expandable framework is in the expanded state whereby the two articulating arm sections are oriented along parallel axes with respect to one another, each said articulating member having a first outer end pivotally secured to one of said upper and lower mounts of a respective peripherally adjacent said support member;
- and
- (b) a flexible covering extending over a top portion of said framework when said framework is in the expanded state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.