Collapsible shading device
A collapsible shading device includes a collapsible frame including an upper hub and a lower hub being moved between an unfolded position when the lower hub is moved towards from the upper hub, and a folded position when the lower hub is moved away from the upper hub, an operation system for folding the collapsible frame from the folded position to the unfolded position by means of a downward pulling force, and an interlocker provided at the collapsible frame to releasably lock up the lower hub with the upper hub to retain the collapsible frame at the unfolded position.
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a shading device, and more particularly to a collapsible shading device, which is simple to operate between a folded and unfolded position via applying a downwardly pulling force.
2. Description of Related Arts
Lots of the collapsible outdoor shading devices, such as collapsible tent, are provided for being carried around while doing the outdoor activities. In order to easily transport the tent, the collapsible tent normally has a collapsible frame and a foldable tent shell for transformed into a compact size, so that the user is able to carry the portable tent of the shading device wherever while doing the outdoor activities, such as picnicking, hunting, etc.
Typically, the collapsible frame has a plurality of frame ribs for being detachably connected to each other to form the collapsible frame, so that this type of collapsible shading device enables the user to detach the connections between two or more frame ribs for collapsing the tent of the shading device into portable size and form. When the user wants to set up the tent at a predetermined location, the frame ribs are able to be assembled to form the tent of the outdoor shading device. However, the detachable connection between the individual frame ribs and the assembly for set up the tent of the outdoor shading device is complicated and time consuming. Especially under the bad weather condition or darkness environment, it is difficult and inconvenient for the user to assemble the individual frame ribs.
In order to simplify the assembly of the frame ribs, there is another type of outdoor shading device having the structure similar to the umbrella, which has a central hub movably and pivotally coupling with a plurality of the frame ribs, so that the user is able to easily and automatically fold the collapsible shading device between a folded and unfolded positions by upwardly applying a pulling force at the central hub to coaxially and outwardly extend the frame ribs in a synchronously manner, so as to open the shading device to form the shading area thereunder. Therefore, the shading device is able to easily set up and collapse the shading device for being carried around when doing the outdoor activities, so that the user is able to easy transport the outdoor shading device and set up the shading device to form a shading area under the tent roof of the outdoor shading device. For instance, the hunter may carry the hub-style tent roof, having similar structure of the traditional umbrella, of the shading device and install the shading device on the tree via hanging the top portion of the shading roof thereat. Therefore, the user is able to easily and quickly set up the shading device to keep the user out of the weather, or even as camouflage.
More specifically, the central hub may comprises a top hub and a bottom hub, wherein a controller unit is movably coupling with the top and bottom hub and upwardly extending out of a top surface of the top hub, so that when an upward pulling force is applied at the controller unit protruded out of the top surface of the top hub, the top and bottom hubs are moved toward each other to couple therewith, so as to extend the awning at the frame ribs to form the shading area thereunder. The operation is relatively easier than the above assembly of the plurality of frame ribs.
One of the main concerns of this type of the shading device is the connection between the two hubs. This type of outdoor shading device tends to be suspended or hung by a top hook or the controller unit protruded out of the top surface of the top hub, so that it is hard to reach the protruded controller unit at the top of the shading device for the upward operation. Therefore, applying the upward pulling force may be inconvenient for the user since the protruded controller unit for being pulled is blocked. The connection between the two hubs is another concern. Due to the gravity, the bottom hub may be accidentally slid down to disengage with the top hub, so as to accidentally collapse the frame of the shading device. Therefore, there exists a need for an improved operation and secure connection for enhancing the connecting structure between the hubs.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONThe present invention is advantageous in that it provides a collapsible shading device, which is easy to set up at an unfolded (opened) position and simply to fold up at the folded (collapsed) position of the collapsible shading device, so as for conveniently transport and storage while being able to fast and simple set up the shading device.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible shading device, wherein a locker shaft is downwardly extending from the upper hub for slidably inserting into a locker slot at the lower hub and is interlocking with a locking actuator to lock up the lower hub with the upper hub so as to retain the collapsible frame at the unfolded position.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible shading device, wherein the locker shaft is interlocked with the locking actuator via the first and second engaging surfaces to securely couple the lower hub with the upper hub so as to prevent the shading device accidentally collapsed to the collapsed position of the shading device.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible shading device, wherein the rotational force is applied at the locking actuator to automatically lock up the locker shaft at the locker slot and to ensure the locking actuator being coupled with the locker shaft.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible shading device, wherein the downward pulling force is applied at a pulling cable to upwardly lift the lower hub to the upper hub. Therefore, when the collapsible shading device is being suspended, the user is able to easily and controllably set up the shading device between the opened and collapsed positions via the downward pulling force.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible shading device, wherein both the slot opening of the locker slot and the locker shaft have non-circular cross sections having a size and shape corresponding to each other, so as to prevent an unwanted rotational twisting movement between the upper and lower hubs.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a collapsible shading device, wherein the pulley assembly is provided at the upper hub to engage with the pulling cable for transmitting the downward pulling force at the pulling cable to an upward lifting force at the lower hub. Therefore, the lower hub can smoothly move towards or away to the upper hub, so as to efficiently apply the pulling force at the pulling cable.
Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by the following description of the instrumentalities and combinations particular pointing out in the appended claims.
According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by providing a collapsible shading device, which comprises:
a collapsible frame which comprises an upper hub, a lower hub coaxially positioned below the upper hub, a plurality of awning arms radially and pivotally coupling with the upper hub and a plurality of supporting arms radially and pivotally extending from the lower hub to the awning arms respectively, wherein the collapsible frame is adapted to fold between an unfolded position when the lower hub is moved towards from the upper hub, and a folded position when the lower hub is moved away from the upper hub;
a shading element supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the shading element when the collapsible frame is folded at the unfolded position;
an operation system provided at the collapsible frame for folding the collapsible frame from the folded position to the unfolded position by means of a downward pulling force; and
an interlocker provided at the collapsible frame to releasably lock up the lower hub with the upper hub to retain the collapsible frame at the unfolded position.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a method of operating the collapsible shading device, comprising the steps of:
(A) applying a downward pulling force through the operation system to upwardly lift an upper hub of the collapsible frame towards a lower hub thereof so as to fold the collapsible frame from a folded position and an unfolded position; and
(B) interlocking the lower hub with the upper hub to retain the collapsible frame at the unfolded position.
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
Referring to
The collapsible frame 10 comprises an upper hub 11, a lower hub 12 coaxially positioned below the upper hub 11, a plurality of awning arms 13 radially, outwardly, and pivotally coupling with the upper hub 11 and a plurality of supporting arms 14 radially, outwardly, and pivotally extending from the lower hub 12 to pivotally couple with the awning arms 13 respectively, wherein the collapsible frame 10 is fold at the unfolded position, as shown in
The collapsible shading device further comprises a shading element 20 supported by the awning arms 13 to define a shading area under the shading element 20 when the collapsible frame 10 is folded at the unfolded position, and an operation system 30 provided at the collapsible frame 10 for folding the collapsible frame 10 from the folded position to the unfolded position by means of a downward pulling force.
Accordingly, each of the awning arms 13 has a pivot end pivotally extended from the upper hub 11 and a free end radially extended from the upper hub 11, wherein at the folded position, the awning arms 13 are pivotally and downwardly moved to minimize the shading area, and at the unfolded position, the awning arms 13 are pivotally and upwardly moved to maximize the shading area. Each of the awning arms 13 further has an inner tubular member pivotally coupled with the upper hub 11 and an outer tubular member pivotally coupled with the inner tubular member end-to-end, such that when the collapsible frame 10 is folded at the folded position, the inner and outer tubular members of each of the awning arms 13 are pivotally folded to overlap with each other and when the collapsible frame 10 is folded at the unfolded position, the inner and outer tubular members of each of the awning arms 13 are pivotally folded to align with each other to form an elongated structure.
Each of the supporting arms 14 has an inner end pivotally coupled with the lower hub 12 and an outer end pivotally coupled with the respective awning arm 13, wherein when the lower hub 12 is dropped downwardly, the awning arms 13 are pivotally driven to fold downwardly by the supporting arms 14 respectively so as to fold up the collapsible frame 10. Likewise, when the lower hub 12 is lifted upwardly, the awning arms 13 are pivotally driven to fold upwardly by the supporting arms 14 respectively so as to unfold the collapsible frame 10.
The shading element 20 is made of fabric having UV protection and water proof ability for keeping a user under the shading area out of variety of weathers, wherein the shading element 20 is mounted on the awning arms 13 and is adapted to be folded up when the collapsible frame 10 is folded at the folded position.
The collapsible shading device further comprises an interlocker 40 provided at the collapsible frame 10 to releasably lock up the lower hub 12 with the upper hub 11 to retain the collapsible frame 10 at the unfolded position.
According to the preferred embodiment, the interlocker 40 comprises a locker unit 41 provided at the lower hub 12 and a locker shaft 42 downwardly and coaxially extended from the upper hub 11 to align with the locker unit 41 such that when the lower hub 12 is upwardly moved towards the upper hub 11, the locker shaft 42 is engaged with the locker unit 41 to interlock the lower hub 12 with the lower hub 11.
In particular, the locker unit 41 has a locker slot 411 coaxially formed at the lower hub 12 and a locking actuator 412 which is rotatably coupled at the lower hub 12 and is arranged in such manner that when the locker shaft 42 is slidably inserted into the locker slot 411, the locking actuator 412 is rotated to lock up the locker shaft 42 at the locker slot 411. Accordingly, the locker slot 411 has a size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the locker shaft 42 to fit thereinto, such that the upper and lower hubs 11, 12 are able to interlock with each other via interlockingly engaging the locker shaft 42 with the locker slot 411.
In addition, the locker slot 411 has a slot opening formed at the top side of the lower hub 12 for the locker shaft 42 slidably inserting into the locker slot 411 through the slot opening. Preferably, the locker shaft 42 has a non-circular cross section, such as an elongated hexagonal cross section, matching with a non-circular cross sectional opening of the locker slot 411, i.e. the hexagonal opening of the locker slot 411 so as to ensure the locker shaft 42 being alignedly inserted into the locker slot 411. Therefore, when the locker shaft 42 is interlocked with the locker slot 411, the non-circular cross section of the locker shaft 42 is able to prevent an unwanted twisting rotational movement between the upper and lower hubs 11, 12, so as to enhance the durability of the collapsible shading device.
It is important that the locker slot 411 also guides the locker shaft 42 to coaxially and alignedly interlocking the upper and lower hubs 11, 12, so that the upper hub 11 is able to coaxially aligning with the lower hub 12 to evenly, coaxially, and outwardly extending the shading frame 10 at the unfolded position.
According to the preferred embodiment, the locking actuator 412 has ring shape defining a locking cavity coaxially aligning with the locker slot 411, wherein the locking actuator 412 is rotatably coupled at the bottom portion of the lower hub 12, such that when the locker shaft 42 is slidably inserted into the locking cavity through the locker slot 411, the locking actuator 412 is rotated to lock up the locker shaft 42 at the locker slot 411.
As shown in
Accordingly, two or more first engaging members 43 are evenly and radially protruded from the outer circumferential surface of the locker shaft 42 to engage with two or more second engaging members 44 evenly and radially protruded from the inner circumferential surface of the locking actuator 412. It is worth mentioning that the second engaging member 44 is protruded from the locking cavity of the locking actuator 412. The first engaging surface 431 is defined at a top face of the first engaging member 43 to engage with a bottom face of the second engaging member 44 when the locker shaft 42 is slidably inserted into the locker slot 411.
The first engaging member 43 further has a slanted guiding surface 432 extended from the first engaging surface 431 and arranged in such a manner that when the locker shaft 42 is slidably inserted into the locker slot 411, the second engaging member 44 is guided to slide at the guiding surface 432 to engage with the first engaging surface 431 of the first engaging member 43.
Accordingly, the guiding surface 432 is defined at the sidewall of the first engaging member 43 and is inclinedly extended from the first engaging surface 431, wherein when the locker shaft 42 is slid into the locker slot 411, the second engaging member 44 is guided to slide along the guiding surface 432 of the first engaging member 43 to engage with the first engaging surface 431 thereof. It is worth mentioning that when the second engaging member 44 is guided to slide along the guiding surface 432 of the first engaging member 43, the locking actuator 412 is driven to rotate correspondingly at the lower hub 12.
The interlocker 40 further comprises a resilient element 45 supported within the lower hub 12 for applying a rotational force at the locking actuator 412 so as to automatically lock up the locker shaft 42 at the locker slot 411 and to ensure the locking actuator 412 being coupled with the locker shaft 411.
Accordingly, the resilient element 45 is preferably a coil spring supported at the lower hub 12 to operatively link to the locker actuator 412 for providing an opposed torque force against the rotation force applied at the locking actuator 412 to unlock the second engaging member 44 with the first engaging member 43.
As it is mentioned above, the locking actuator 412 is rotated to lock the locker shaft 42 with the locker slot 411. In addition, the locking actuator 412 is driven to rotate when the second engaging member 44 is guided to slide along the guiding surface 432. Therefore, the resilient element 45 will apply the rotational force at the locking actuator 412 at the locking position. In other words, when the second engaging member 44 is guided to slide along the guiding surface 432, the locking actuator 412 is driven to rotate to push against the torque force of the resilient element 45. After the locker shaft 42 is slid into the locker slot 411, the locker shaft 42 will automatically lock at the locker slot 411. Therefore, the locking actuator 412 is able to be automatically and normally retained at a locked position to secure the engagement between the first and second engaging members 43, 44.
In other words, when the rotational actuating force is applied on the locking actuator 412 to unlock the locker shaft 42 with the locker slot 411, the resilient element 45 supplies the corresponding opposed rotational actuating force at the locking actuator 412.
According to the preferred embodiment, the operation system 30 comprises at least a pulling cable 31 having a fixed end affixed at the lower hub 12 and a pulling end extending to the upper hub 11 and back to the lower hub 12 such that when the pulling end of the pulling cable 31 is downwardly pulled by the downward pulling force, the lower hub 12 is upwardly lifted to the upper hub 11.
As shown in
The operation system 30 further comprises a pulley assembly 32 rotatably supported at the upper hub 11 and engaged with the pulling cable 31 for transmitting the downward pulling force at the pulling end of the pulling cable 31 to an upward lifting force at the lower hub 12. Accordingly, the pulley assembly 32 comprises a pulley wheel rotatably supported at the upper hub 11 at a position that the loop portion of the pulling cable 31 is engaged with the pulley wheel of the pulley assembly 32 such that when the pulling end of the pulling cable 31 is downwardly pulled, the lower hub 12 is upwardly lifted towards the upper hub 11. It is worth mentioning that when the pulling cable 31 is pulled downwardly, the lower hub 12 is lifted until the locker shaft 42 is automatically locked up at the locker slot 411 to retain the collapsible frame 10 at the unfolded position.
When the locking actuator 412 is rotated to unlock the locker shaft 42 with the locker slot 411, the lower hub 12 is automatically dropped down by its own weight to fold the collapsible frame 10 at the folded position.
As shown in
According to the preferred embodiment, two pulling cables 31 can be used for lifting up the lower hub 12 to the upper hub 11. It will be readily appreciated that two pulley wheels may be provided and arranged to apply the pulling force at the pulling cables 31 for moving the lower hub 12 to the upper hub 11 to give mechanical advantage for the labor-saving of the pulling force. In addition, the pulling cable 31 may be folded to variety of sections according to the amount and arrangement of the pulley wheels. The two pulley wheels, in the preferred embodiment, are able to evenly distribute the pulling force at the two pulling ends of the pulling cables 31, so as to stably and evenly lift the lower hub 12 to engage with the upper hub 11 at the unfolded position.
Preferably, a hook member may further provided at the top side of the upper hub 11 for suspending or hanging the collapsible shading device at a position above a head of user. Therefore, the user is able to simply operate and easily reach the pulling end of the pulling cable 31 to apply the downward pulling force thereat, so as to set up the collapsible shading device to the unfolded position.
Therefore, the user can set up the collapsible shading device by simply and downwardly pulling the pulling cable 31 without detachably connecting and assembling each of the awning arms 13 or supporting arms 14. The upper hub 11 and lower hub 12 are able to be securely and automatically locked up with each other via the interlocker 40 to stably maintain the shading device at the opened unfolded position. Accordingly, the lower hub 12 is able to be simply unlocked with the upper hub 11 by rotatably actuating the locking actuator 412 to disengage the interlocking connection between the locker shaft 42 and the locker slot 411, so as to collapse the shading device to the collapsed and folded position.
Accordingly, the present invention further provides a method of operation of collapse the collapsible shading device between the opened position to form the shading area thereunder and the collapsed position to form the compacted size of shading device, wherein the method comprises the following steps.
(1) Apply the downward pulling force through the operation system to upwardly lift the upper hub of the collapsible frame towards the lower hub thereof so as to fold the collapsible frame from the folded position and the unfolded position.
(2) Interlock the lower hub with the upper hub to retain the collapsible frame at the unfolded position.
As mentioned above, the step (2) of the method of the present invention may comprise a step of automatically lock up the upper hub 11 and lower hub 12 by the interlocker 40.
It should be noted that a motorized unit may further operatively couple with the pulling cable 31 for automatically, controllably, and downwardly pulling the pulling cable 31 to drive the relative movement between the upper and lower hubs 11, 12, so as to electrically operate the shading device between the opened position and the collapsed position. In other words, the user is able to manually apply the downward pulling force at the pulling end of the pulling cable 31 to lift up the lower hub 12 to the upper hub 11. Or, by simply coupling the pulling end of the pulling cable 31 to the motorized unit, the motorized unit can generate the downward pulling force at the pulling cable 31 to lift up the lower hub 12 to the upper hub 11.
One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A collapsible shading device, comprising:
- a collapsible frame which comprises an upper hub, a lower hub coaxially positioned below said upper hub, a plurality of awning arms radially and pivotally coupling with said upper hub and a plurality of supporting arms radially and pivotally extending from said lower hub to said awning arms respectively, wherein said collapsible frame is adapted to fold between an unfolded position when said lower hub is moved towards from said upper hub, and a folded position when said lower hub is moved away from said upper hub;
- a shading element supported by said awning arms to define a shading area under said shading element when said collapsible frame is folded at said unfolded position;
- an operation system provided at said collapsible frame for folding said collapsible frame from said folded position to said unfolded position by means of a downward pulling force; and
- an interlocker provided at said collapsible frame to releasably lock up said lower hub with said upper hub to retain said collapsible frame at said unfolded position.
2. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said interlocker comprises a locker unit provided at said lower hub and a locker shaft downwardly and coaxially extended from said upper hub to align with said locker unit such that when said lower hub is upwardly moved towards said upper hub, said locker shaft is engaged with said locker unit to interlock said lower hub with said upper hub.
3. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 2, wherein said locker unit has a locker slot coaxially formed at said lower hub and a locking actuator which is rotatably coupled at said lower hub and is arranged in such manner that when said locker shaft is slidably inserted into said locker slot, said locking actuator is rotated to lock up said locker shaft at said locker slot.
4. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 3, wherein said interlocker further comprises at least a first engaging member outwardly protruded from an outer circumferential surface of said locker shaft and defining a first engaging surface at said first engaging member, and a second engaging member which is outwardly protruded from an inner circumferential surface of said locking actuator and is arranged when said locker shaft is slidably inserted into said locker slot, said locking actuator is rotated to engage said second engaging member with said first engaging member at said first engaging surface thereof so as to lock up said lower hub with said upper hub.
5. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 4, wherein said first engaging member further has a slanted guiding surface extended from said first engaging surface and arranged in such a manner that when said locker shaft is slidably inserted into said locker slot, said second engaging member is guided to slide at said guiding surface to engage with said first engaging surface of said first engaging member.
6. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 4, wherein said interlocker further comprises a resilient element supported within said lower hub for applying a rotational force at said locking actuator so as to automatically lock up said locker shaft at said locker slot and to ensure said locking actuator being coupled with said locker shaft.
7. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 5, wherein said interlocker further comprises a resilient element supported within said lower hub for applying a rotational force at said locking actuator so as to automatically lock up said locker shaft at said locker slot and to ensure said locking actuator being coupled with said locker shaft.
8. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 3, wherein said locker shaft has a non-circular cross section matching with a non-circular cross sectional opening of said locker slot so as to ensure said locker shaft being alignedly inserted into said locker slot.
9. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 7, wherein said locker shaft has a non-circular cross section matching with a non-circular cross sectional opening of said locker slot so as to ensure said locker shaft being alignedly inserted into said locker slot.
10. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 1, wherein said operation system comprises at least a pulling cable having a fixed end affixed at said lower hub and a pulling end extending to said upper hub and back to said lower hub such that when said pulling end of said pulling cable is downwardly pulled by said downward pulling force, said lower hub is upwardly lifted to said upper hub.
11. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 9, wherein said operation system comprises at least a pulling cable having a fixed end affixed at said lower hub and a pulling end extending to said upper hub and back to said lower hub such that when said pulling end of said pulling cable is downwardly pulled by said downward pulling force, said lower hub is upwardly lifted to said upper hub.
12. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 10, wherein said operation system further comprises a pulley assembly rotatably supported at said upper hub and engaged with said pulling cable for transmitting said downward pulling force at said pulling end of said pulling cable to an upward lifting force at said lower hub.
13. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 11, wherein said operation system further comprises a pulley assembly rotatably supported at said upper hub and engaged with said pulling cable for transmitting said downward pulling force at said pulling end of said pulling cable to an upward lifting force at said lower hub.
14. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 11, wherein said locker shaft has one or more guiding holes provided at a bottom end thereof for said pulling cable passing between said upper and lower hubs such that said locker shaft not only provides a locking tool to lock up said lower hub with said upper hub but also forms a guiding channel to guide said pulling cable extending between said upper and lower hubs.
15. The collapsible shading device, as recited in claim 13, wherein said locker shaft has one or more guiding holes provided at a bottom end thereof for said pulling cable passing between said upper and lower hubs such that said locker shaft not only provides a locking tool to lock up said lower hub with said upper hub but also forms a guiding channel to guide said pulling cable extending between said upper and lower hubs.
16. A method of operating a collapsible shading device which comprises a collapsible frame, an operation system, and an interlocker, comprising the steps of:
- (a) applying a downward pulling force through said operation system to upwardly lift an upper hub of said collapsible frame towards a lower hub thereof so as to fold said collapsible frame from a folded position and an unfolded position; and
- (b) interlocking said lower hub with said upper hub to retain said collapsible frame at said unfolded position.
17. The method, as recited in claim 16, wherein the step (b) further comprises the steps of:
- (b.1) slidably inserting a locker shaft of said interlocker into a locker slot thereof, wherein said locker shaft is downwardly and coaxially extended from said upper hub to align with said locker slot provided at said lower hub; and
- (b.2) rotatably actuating a locking actuator at said lower hub to lock up said locker shaft within said locker slot so as to interlock said lower hub with said upper hub to retain said collapsible frame at said unfolded position.
18. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein, in the step (b.2), at least a first engaging member outwardly protruded from an outer circumferential surface of said locker shaft and defining a first engaging surface at said first engaging member, and a second engaging member which is outwardly protruded from an inner circumferential surface of said locking actuator and is arranged when said locker shaft is slidably inserted into said locker slot, said locking actuator is rotated to engage said second engaging member with said first engaging member at said first engaging surface thereof so as to lock up said lower hub with said upper hub.
19. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein, in the step (b.2), said second engaging member is guided to slide at a slanted guiding surface of said first engaging member to engage with said first engaging surface of said first engaging member.
20. The method, as recited in claim 17, wherein the step (b.2) further comprises a step of applying a rotational force at said locking actuator to automatically lock up said locker shaft at said locker slot and to ensure said locking actuator being coupled with said locker shaft.
21. The method, as recited in claim 19, wherein the step (b.2) further comprises a step of applying a rotational force at said locking actuator to automatically lock up said locker shaft at said locker slot and to ensure said locking actuator being coupled with said locker shaft.
22. The method, as recited in claim 17, wherein said locker shaft has a non-circular cross section matching with a non-circular cross sectional opening of said locker slot so as to ensure said locker shaft being alignedly inserted into said locker slot.
23. The method, as recited in claim 21, wherein said locker shaft has a non-circular cross section matching with a non-circular cross sectional opening of said locker slot so as to ensure said locker shaft being alignedly inserted into said locker slot.
24. The method, as recited in claim 16, wherein the step (1) further comprises the steps of
- (1.1) applying said downward pulling force at a pulling cable to upwardly lift said lower hub to said upper hub, wherein said pulling cable has a fixed end affixed at said lower hub and a pulling end extending to said upper hub and back to said lower hub; and
- (1.2) providing a pulley assembly at said upper hub to engage with said pulling cable for transmitting said downward pulling force at said pulling end of said pulling cable to an upward lifting force at said lower hub.
25. The method, as recited in claim 23, wherein the step (1) further comprises the steps of
- (1.1) applying said downward pulling force at a pulling cable to upwardly lift said lower hub to said upper hub, wherein said pulling cable has a fixed end affixed at said lower hub and a pulling end extending to said upper hub and back to said lower hub; and
- (1.2) providing a pulley assembly at said upper hub to engage with said pulling cable for transmitting said downward pulling force at said pulling end of said pulling cable to an upward lifting force at said lower hub.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 8, 2010
Publication Date: May 10, 2012
Inventor: Chi Hung Fermi Lau (Tsimshatsui)
Application Number: 12/927,167
International Classification: A45B 25/02 (20060101);
