Lazy Tong Type Patents (Class 135/145)
  • Patent number: 6550491
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable structure used for exhibition or sports (batting cage) applications including an expansion section with a plurality of expansion segments, each of which is self-contained. Each expansion segment is bounded by an upright member onto which an articulating arm is attached adjacent the tope and bottom. Each articulating arm bends at an elbow and folds flat against the upright members when each expansion segment is extended, the articulating arms straighten at the elbow and pivot in a scissor-type motion with respect to the upright members until the articulating arms are fully extended substantially straight. The expansion segments roll on rollers removably affixed to the upright members. The portable structure includes three positions, a transport position wherein large wheels or skids are suppled for easy manipulation of the device, an expansion segment wherein the expansion segments are extended or collapsed using smaller wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: World Patent Development Corporation
    Inventors: Dickie R. Bixler, Larry D. Lahman
  • Patent number: 6520196
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20030029490
    Abstract: A collapsible frame for use in erecting tents, canopies and the like at outdoor venues includes a plurality of telescopic legs for providing vertical structural support, and a plurality of top corner joints each fixedly mounted upon a top end of a corresponding telescopic leg. A leg slider joint is adjustably mounted upon each telescopic leg for sliding along that telescopic leg. A truss pair of link members is mounted to a pair of top corner joints and to a corresponding pair of leg slider joints mounted on adjacent pairs of telescopic legs for providing a scissors connector. Finally, a plurality of canopy support arms each including a flexible connector, and each fixedly connected to a top corner joint and a corresponding leg slider joint, is employed for raising and lowering the collapsible frame as a stable unitary structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Walter L. Price, Roy Justin Price
  • Publication number: 20030024563
    Abstract: An improved tent frame includes post sets located at four ends. Every two neighboring post sets engage respectively with a first linkage rod set and a second linkage rod set. The first linkage rod set of one post set and the second linkage rod set of a neighboring post set are pivotally engaged with each other through a first driven rod set and a second driven rod set which in turn are pivotally engaged with each other through toggle joints in a cross and staggered manner. There is a center pole located in the center of the tent frame engaging with four passive bar sets. Each of the passive bar sets attaches to the juncture of the first and second driven rod set. The first and second linkage rod sets, the first and second driven rod sets, and the passive bar sets are pivotally engaged with one another through toggle joints, and are movable by the post sets for extending or folding the tent frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu
  • Patent number: 6508262
    Abstract: A folding tent frame for collapsible tents includes upright pole sets, fixed couplers, stoppers, movable couplers and traverse frame members. Specifically, each stopper is provided on the uppermost pole of the upright pole set at a position lower than the fixed coupler so as to prevent the lower pole of the upright pole set from moving up beyond the stopper and so that the movable coupler is slidable over the stopper and the lowest pole of the upright pole set, and is kept from moving up beyond the stopper. The lower pole is larger than the upper pole in cross section. The structure of this folding tent frame provides improved strength and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: San-E-Protent Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Takayama
  • Patent number: 6502597
    Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: LaSalle Business Credit, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20020189659
    Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6470902
    Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: United California Bank
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6439251
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter has a canopy that can be raised above the upper level of the leg assembly in an extended configuration. A perimeter truss linkage assembly connected to the leg assembly, and two or more central truss pairs of link members are provided, with each of the central truss pairs connected to the inner ends of one of the perimeter truss pairs on a side. At least one vertically oriented central support members for supporting the canopy above the upper level of the leg assembly is provided, and preferably three central support members are provided, including at least one vertically oriented inner central support member, and at least two peripheral central support members. The central support members comprise upper and lower telescoping sections, with the upper telescoping section having an upper end for supporting the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6431193
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible framework mounted on the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20020104561
    Abstract: The triangular, wedge shaped erectable shelter includes a canopy and a leg assembly supporting the canopy. A perimeter truss linkage assembly is connected to the leg assembly, and each of the perimeter truss pairs includes first and second link members pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration, with the outer end of each first link member connected to the upper end of a leg, and the outer end of each second link slidably connected to the leg. The shelter includes a flexible pole member removably mountable to the upper end of at least one of the legs of the shelter to extend across the shelter and support the canopy of the shelter. The flexible pole member is preferably removably mounted in an indexing hole in a bracket affixed to the upper end of at least one of the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20020092556
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6412507
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6397872
    Abstract: The erectable shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The shelter includes a canopy, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position. The canopy peak support assembly includes a flexible center support member such as a rubber tube or spring coil that can bend in response to the force of strong winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20020059948
    Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Comer support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6382224
    Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: United California Bank
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6374843
    Abstract: A support structure for a collapsible shelter, includes legs and upper beams hinged together. Each upper beam is composed of two component rods connected with each other by a freely swinging hinge. Each leg has a sliding part thereon. There is provided an upper or upward stay bar between the sliding part on each leg and the component rods of the upper beam respectively. Both end connections of the top stay bar are freely swinging hinges. The leg has also a stop means thereon to limit motion of the sliding part in outspread state. The support structure does not need to be assembled and dismantled each time when it is to be used and can be easily and quickly spread out and collapsed, saving both time and manpower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Yinong Zou
  • Patent number: 6374842
    Abstract: The triangular, wedge shaped erectable shelter includes a canopy and a leg assembly supporting the canopy. A perimeter truss linkage assembly is connected to the leg assembly, and each of the perimeter truss pairs includes first and second link members pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration, with the outer end of each first link member connected to the upper end of a leg, and the outer end of each second link slidably connected to the leg. The shelter includes a flexible pole member removably mountable to the upper end of at least one of the legs of the shelter to extend across the shelter and support the canopy of the shelter. The flexible pole member is preferably removably mounted in an indexing hole in a bracket affixed to the upper end of at least one of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6363956
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20010029973
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20010025648
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20010015218
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter has a canopy that can be raised above the upper level of the leg assembly in an extended configuration. A perimeter truss linkage assembly connected to the leg assembly, and two or more central truss pairs of link members are provided, with each of the central truss pairs connected to the inner ends of one of the perimeter truss pairs on a side. At least one vertically oriented central support members for supporting the canopy above the upper level of the leg assembly is provided, and preferably three central support members are provided, including at least one vertically oriented inner central support member, and at least two peripheral central support members. The central support members comprise upper and lower telescoping sections, with the upper telescoping section having an upper end for supporting the canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6244011
    Abstract: A display framework collapsing from an inverted V-shaped display framework to a compact configuration includes rods, hubs, and a fastening mechanism. Each rod pivotally joins to another rod by a scissors-type connection intermediate the rod ends. In addition, the end portion of each rod pivotally joins to a hub, where each hub may receive a plurality of rods. As configured, each rod enjoys pivotal movement in relation to the hub along a single axis of revolution. The rods rotate about this single axis of revolution from the collapsed compact configuration, where the rods are substantially parallel to one another, to the erect inverted V-shaped configuration, where the rods radiate outwardly from one another and the display framework includes a front face, a rear face, and a top. In this erect configuration, the display framework provides display surfaces on both the front and rear faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: TVI Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Esser
  • Patent number: 6240940
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6230729
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6230727
    Abstract: A collapsible canopy which may be used to supply shelter from sun and rain for outdoor activities is provided and includes a post, a slide bracket slideably received on the post and a scissor assembly connected to the post and the bracket, respectively, and being formed by a plurality of scissor units connected in end-to-end relation. A plurality of pairs of upper and lower connecting members, each pair being pivotally connected with cover support members and strutting members, are pivotally connected to the ends of the cross members of the scissor units. Each strutting member is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the middle portion of its respective cover support member. A reeling device is attached to the post and has a cable fixedly attached to the slide bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Fengchun Chen
  • Patent number: 6223482
    Abstract: A portable, easily composable supporting skeleton which serves as a supporting structure of buildings composable in situ. The skeleton comprises a pipe-like spacer. Two dismountable node plates can be fixed to the spacer by way of clamping assemblies. Each node plate includes an eye having a through-hole. A joint assembly which comprises a crosswise tie-piece can be interconnected pivotably to the through-hole of the eye of one of the node plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Herman Zohar
  • Patent number: 6192910
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter has a canopy that can be raised above the upper level of the leg assembly in an extended configuration. A perimeter truss linkage assembly connected to the leg assembly, and two or more central truss pairs of link members are provided, with each of the central truss pairs connected to the inner ends of one of the perimeter truss pairs on a side. At least one vertically oriented central support members for supporting the canopy above the upper level of the leg assembly is provided, and preferably three central support members are provided, including at least one vertically oriented inner central support member, and at least two peripheral central support members. The central support members comprise upper and lower telescoping sections, with the upper telescoping section having an upper end for supporting the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6148835
    Abstract: A temporary housing frame is provided including a plurality of supporting columns. A first link member formed from equal length rod member connects two adjacent supporting columns. A second link member connects between the other supporting columns and is composed of second rod members having respectively different lengths which are crossed and combined rotatably with each other so that at least one side has an ascending structure if the second link member is unfolded. A slider is provided for connecting both ends of the first and second link members to the supporting column as well as a slider fixing unit for stopping the slider from descending by its gravitational weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Seung Do Rhee
  • Patent number: 6138702
    Abstract: The erectable shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The shelter includes a canopy, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position. The canopy peak support assembly includes a flexible center support member such as a rubber tube or spring coil that can bend in response to the force of strong winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6129102
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6112757
    Abstract: A leg assembly for a canopy includes upright leg members, tubular sleeves sleeved slidably and respectively on the leg members, and connecting units extending between the leg members. Each of the connecting units includes at least two linking units and a pivot unit. Each of the linking units includes a first linking rod and a second linking rod. The first linking rod includes a lower segment, an upper segment and an intermediate segment that is formed with a slot. The slot and the upper and lower segments of the first linking rod are disposed on a common vertical plane. The lower segment has a lower end mounted pivotally on an adjacent tubular sleeve. The second linking rod has an upper end mounted pivotally on the upper end of an adjacent leg member, a lower end, and an intermediate portion extending through the slot of the first linking rod, and is pivoted to the intermediate segment about a horizontal pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Shin Yen Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6089247
    Abstract: A collapsible frame for use in erecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and the like at camp sights, back yard patios and other outdoor venues. The collapsible frame includes a plurality of telescopic legs for providing vertical structural support and a plurality of corner pin joints with one of the pin joints fixedly mounted upon a corresponding one of each of the telescopic legs. A plurality of horizontal support arms is included with one of the arms positioned between every adjacent pair of telescopic legs and attached to the corresponding corner pin joints. A mid-span hinge which includes a sliding sleeve is centrally positioned along each of the horizontal support arms. The mid-span hinge is flexibly collapsible when the sleeve is disengaged and is rigidly inflexible when the sleeve is engaged. A bottom slider is adjustably mounted upon each of the telescopic legs and is attached to the horizontal support arms which are connected to the corresponding corner pin joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Walter L. Price
  • Patent number: 6070604
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6041800
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter has a canopy that can be raised above the upper level of the leg assembly in an extended configuration. A perimeter truss linkage assembly connected to the leg assembly, and two or more central truss pairs of link members are provided, with each of the central truss pairs connected to the inner ends of one of the perimeter truss pairs on a side. At least one vertically oriented central support member for supporting the canopy above the upper level of the leg assembly is provided, and preferably three central support members are provided, including at least one vertically oriented inner central support member, and at least two peripheral central support members. The central support members comprise upper and lower telescoping sections, with the upper telescoping section having an upper end for supporting the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6035877
    Abstract: A shelter frame having at least two poles connected by a linking assembly having first and second scissors-type linkages and a linking device. The scissors-type linkages include first structural members pivotally coupled to respective second structural members and to one another. The linking device is adapted to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage to the second scissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to also pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage to the first scissors-type linkage at a point on the first scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Raymond Losi, Jr., Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6035874
    Abstract: A multipurpose recreational shade is designed for use in conjunction with a motor vehicle and is composed of two clamping frames each having an upright post to which a suspension arm is fastened, and of a canvas which is folded and unfolded by the two suspension arms of the two clamping frames. The two clamping frames are detachably secured to the fin plates located over the front wheel and the rear wheel of the same side of the body of the motor vehicle. The multipurpose recreational shade can be used for picnic or other outdoor activities, and the protection of the motor vehicle against the solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Chang Po-Chang
  • Patent number: 5934301
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5921260
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5813425
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5797412
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5797695
    Abstract: An articulation hub assembly which connects tubular rod elements comprises the frame matrix for portable collapsible self-supporting prefabricated structures requiring clear span interiors with no supporting columns. In the event a rod element secured by the hub assembly is fractured, the hub assembly is disassembled easily to allow replacement of the rod element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: A. Jon Prusmack
  • Patent number: 5794640
    Abstract: A quick assembly tent framework is disclosed. In the framework, each of mounts has a channel type socket. The socket is eccentrically formed on each mount with thick and thin sidewalls being formed on opposite sides of the socket. Each of the thick and thin sidewalls has a hinge bore and a hinge guide depression. Two connection members are attached to both ends of each scissor bar. Each of the connection members is axially slitted to a depth thus forming a channel type slit with resilient sidewalls being formed on opposite sides of the slit. Each of the resilient sidewalls has a boss on its outside surface. The boss is guided by the guide depression and elastically snapped into the hinge bore when each scissor bar is jointed to an associated mount. The framework is easily and quickly assembled or disassembled without using any tools thus being convenient to users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Jung-Woo Jang
  • Patent number: 5701923
    Abstract: A shelter frame having at least two poles connected by a linking assembly having first and second scissors-type linkages and a linking device. The scissors-type linkages include first structural members pivotally coupled to respective second structural members and to one another. The linking device is adapted to pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage to the second scissors-type linkage at a point on the second scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the first scissors-type linkage and to also pivotally secure a predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage to the first scissors-type linkage at a point on the first scissors-type linkage vertically spaced from the predetermined portion of the second structural member in the second scissors-type linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventors: Raymond Losi, Jr., Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 5638853
    Abstract: A tent structure includes four poles interconnected by four scissors-type linkages forming a square structure and four intermediate pivot connecting members. Each pole comprises a fixed connector and a sliding connector. Each of the fixed connector and the sliding connector has three connecting seats with two connecting seats at respective outer sides adapted to receive and end of the scissors-type linkage and with one connecting seat positioned inbetween the two outer seats adapted to receive an end of a rod member. Each intermediate pivot connecting member has a board and a pair of pivoting member integrally formed on top portion of the board and are adapted as an interconnecting member between the poles and a head connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Tony M. L. Tsai
  • Patent number: 5632292
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5632293
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Mark C. Carter
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5511572
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5490533
    Abstract: The improved collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, gabled canopy in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a modified scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables are also secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5485863
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter