Apparatus And Methods For Joining Poles For Supporting A Structure

Abstract

An apparatus and system allows for poles, for example, tent poles, to be interlocked after they have been assembled into the desired supporting structure. The apparatus includes a body with a bore extending through the body for accommodating a pole and a channel extending into the body for accommodating another pole. The channel facilitates attachment of the pole in a snap-fit or other interlocking fit. The poles may be formed of segments, for example, that join together in male-female fits.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application Serial No.: 10-2007-0110930, filed Nov. 1, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter is directed to apparatus and methods for joining supporting structures, such as flexible poles, that are used to support structures such as tents.

BACKGROUND

Camping and backpacking tents are designed to be light-weight, compact and easily and quickly set up. As such, all modem tents are made of highly flexible fabrics and a structurally supportive assembly of poles. The total structural assembly is usually referred as a “pole set”. The “pole set” includes multiple poles, each of the poles are formed from multiple sections. Typically, pole sections are strung together longitudinally with an elastic cord to provide a small longitudinal tensioning force that facilitates pole assembly and handling during set up.

For example, tent poles are typically assemblies of long tubes that are longitudinally interconnected by slide-fit joints to make long thin structural supports. These poles are flexed into curved shapes that then interface with and support the tent fabric For example, a classic two-pole wedge tent for two people would typically have a simple pole set comprised of two 146.5″ long, straight poles, each pole composed of ten 16″ long sections, each section with means to interconnect with the next section resulting in a 1.5″ overlap in length at each of the nine interconnections; the pole sections being held together by an elastic shock cord threaded lengthwise down the middle of the tubular sections.

Increasingly, modem tents have branched pole structures due to between-pole interconnections. This is done to save weight and to increase strength. In the case of clipping the poles to fabric, there are two distinct types of clips. One type simply encircles the pole and another kind mates to components fixed on the pole.

Erecting a conventional tent includes laying out the fabric body of the tent, assembling the pole sections into poles, and connecting the poles to the tent. In the case of sleeves in the tent, the poles are threaded through the sleeves by being slid through the long thin channel of fabric, that is the sleeve. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to thread an interconnected or branched pole through a sleeve.

SUMMARY

The present disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for facilitating the interlocking of support poles in a quick and easy manner, normally as one of the last steps in setting up the requisite structure, just before the structure is erected. As used herein, “structure” is a collective term for any form of shelter, enclosure, dwelling, housing, or the like, and may include a tent. This allows for easy set up of the structure, and allows for new support configurations to be used for structures.

The present disclosed subject matter allows for tent poles to be attached to each other in a robust and convenient manner once the tent is substantially erected. This attachment may occur after poles have been threaded through sleeves in the tent fabric and/or clips have been used to attach the tent poles to the tent fabric.

The present disclosed subject matter includes a clipping structure, allowing for the apparatus to clip to the tent fabric. This clipping structure allows a branched and interconnected pole structure to be installed and removed, with minimal strength and difficulty, even by inexperienced outdoors people. For example, separate poles may be selectively attached and removed from an apparatus of the disclosed subject matter rather than as a single unwieldy unit.

The apparatus of the present disclosed subject matter allows the poles to be interlocked after they have been assembled into the desired supporting structure. This may occur both before and after the poles have been threaded through sleeves in the tent fabric. For example, after the pole is threaded, the apparatus of the disclosed subject matter allows the pole to be interlocked to a mating pole, thus establishing an interlocking pole structure for the tent. Additionally, disassembly of the poles from the apparatus of the disclosed subject matter is easier, when compared to conventional tent pole assemblies.

The apparatus of the present disclosed subject matter also allows the relative positioning of poles that have been secured together.

The disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for connecting at least a first pole and a second pole. The apparatus includes a body, for example, of a resilient material. The body includes a bore extending through the body, that receives and retains a first pole. There is also a channel extending into the body for receiving a second pole in a snap-fit, or other interlocking fit, and retaining the pole in the channel in a locking manner. The channel is shaped so as to be partially cylindrical, of, for example, a cross sectional shape that is partially rounded or partially circular. The partially cylindrical shape extends into the body, and is, for example, of an arc greater than 180°. The channel includes an open area, defining an opening for receiving the second pole. The body is such that the bore and the channel are, for example, oriented substantially perpendicularly to each other. The channel may also include grooves and/or protruding ridges for receiving poles with ring members, for seating in the grooves, or gaps, for fitting over the protruding ridges, respectively, for additional securement of the pole in the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tent showing the disclosed subject matter in an exemplary operation;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an alternate arrangement of apparatus of the disclosed subject matter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the body of the first embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the first embodiment taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6-9 are cross-sectional views of the first embodiment taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 3 showing pole assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the second embodiment taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional of assembly of mating pole ends for the second embodiment;

FIGS. 13-16 are cross-sectional views of the second embodiment taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 10 showing pole assembly;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 11 showing the pole assembly complete;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the third embodiment taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the disclosed subject matter showing pole assembly complete;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 20 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 22 taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are cross-sectional views of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 22 taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a side view of an apparatus in accordance with the fourth embodiment shown in an exemplary operation attached to tent fabric;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 27, taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the disclosed subject matter; and,

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 29, taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a pole connector apparatus P1 (representative of pole connector apparatus 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100f, and 100g, all detailed below) in an exemplary operation in use with a tent 10, for connecting tent poles 50, 60, that form the support for the fabric 20 of the tent 10. The poles 50, 60, for example, are flexible, and may be flexed or flex into curved shapes (orientations). The tent material 20 may include material loops 21 for receiving the tent poles 50, 60. Apparatus P1 may include a clip 300 (FIG. 24) that allows it to attach to the fabric 20 of the tent 10, to further support the fabric 20. FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1, but a tent 10a includes multiple connector apparatus, a central apparatus P1 and peripheral apparatus P2, that connect tent poles 50, 60, 70 in an alternate manner. Similar to apparatus P1, apparatus P2 is also representative of apparatus 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100f, and 100g, all detailed below.

FIG. 3 shows a connector apparatus 100a in an exemplary operation with tent poles 50, 60. The tent poles 50, 60 are typically identical and universal, of lightweight materials, such as polymers, composites, metals, fiberglass, and the like, and may be assembled from male 51, 61 (with edge surfaces 51a, 61a and extension portions 51b, 61b) and female 52, 62 segments (with edge surfaces 52a, 62a and receiver portions 52b, 62b) (and also FIGS. 6-9). These segment 51, 52, 61, 62 receive each other in a slideable manner in a male-female fit. The fit is frictionally snug, when the poles 50, 60 are flexed, such that the poles 50, 60 remain attached, until the segments are unflexed and separated from each other by strong manual pulling forces from a human, when the structure which the poles 50, 60 support is being disassembled

Turning also to FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector apparatus 100a includes a body 100, with a channel 110, that includes an opening 111. The channel 110 is, for example, of a partially circular cylindrical shape, at a first end E1 of the body 100. This channel 110 receives the pole 50, for example, along its surface 111a in a frictionally secure engagement, such as a snap fitting engagement. For example, the channel 110 may be of a slightly lesser curvature, than the curvature of the pole 50, to additionally facilitate the frictional engagement. Additionally, the arc of the channel 110 attributable to the space of the opening 111 is less than 180°, or alternately, less than half the circumference of the channel 110 (and accordingly, the arc formed by the channel surface 111a is greater than 180°, or alternately, greater than half the circumference of the channel 10) so that the pole 50, when inserted into the channel 110 is engaged and interlocked therein (as shown, for example in FIG. 9).

Legs 112 with openings 113 into the body 100 are positioned laterally to the channel 110. The leg openings 113 provide additional resilience (elasticity or spring-like behavior) to the legs when during pole engagement and interlocking, as detailed below. An outwardly tapered ledge 111b may extend from the periphery 111c of the channel 110, to provide a clear path for the pole 50 upon engagement into the channel 110 (detailed further below).

Openings 120 are in the midsection M of the body 100, and a bore 121 extends between the openings 120. The bore 121, for example, includes portions of two diameters, a smaller diameter portion 121 a between larger diameter portions 121b. The difference in the diameter portions 121a, 121b creates a shoulder 121a′(FIG. 5) that serves as a stop surface or limit of travel for pole segments 61, 62, or poles 60, that are placed into and engaged in the bore 121, through the respective openings 120. The bore portions 121a, 121b are of a diameter that allows the pole segments 61, 62 or poles 60, to be slid into the respective portions 121a, 121b through the openings 120, and remain retained in the portion 121a in a frictionally tight manner along the surface 121x (between the shoulders 121a′). The surface 121x is of constant length (the length indicated by the dimension “x” in FIG. 5), and although shown as continuous, may be discontinuous.

The opposite end E2 of the body 100 terminates in a foot 130. The foot 130 may attach to a clip or the like, that is for fastening the body 100 to the fabric of the tent or other structure, as shown in FIG. 26 and described below.

The body 100 is, for example, a unitary member, made of resilient materials such as plastics, elastomers and the like that allow for a pole to be snap fit into the channel 110 and frictionally engaged therein, as well as frictionally engaged in the bore portion 121a. Example materials, suitable for use as the body include, Polycarbonates, such as LEXAN® (General Electric Plastics) and Acetyl, such as DELRIN® (DuPont). The body 100 may be formed of these materials by conventional forming techniques, such as injection molding, machining, and the like.

FIGS. 6-9 show a cross sectional view of the body 100, to show the connector apparatus 100a in an exemplary connection operation, where tent poles 50, 60 are connected. Initially, as shown in FIG. 6, a male tent pole segment 61 has been inserted (for example, by sliding) into the bore portion 121a. This male tent pole segment 61 (the extending portion 61b) is received in the female segment 62 (in the receiving portion 62b), for example by sliding into a male-female engagement, that is given sufficient tolerance so as to allow force transfer without noticeable wobble, yet be easy to take apart by hand when disassembling. There is a gap 63 between the edge 61a of the male member 61, and the edge 62a of the female member 62, for example, of a length “G.” This length “G” is, for example, slightly greater than the length “x”, and corresponds to the small diameter bore portion 121a, as the respective edge surfaces 61a, 62a abut shoulders 121a′ of the bore portion 121a, with a tolerance limiting their travel and movement in the bore 121.

Continuing in FIG. 7, the pole 50 now rests on the ledge 111b at the opening 111 of the channel 110 (outside of the channel 110). The pole 50 is now ready to be attached to the body 100, by being pushed into the channel 110 of the body 100, in the direction of the arrow 150.

As shown in FIG. 8, the inward pushing of the pole 50 into the channel 110 (in the direction of the arrow 150) causes the legs 112 of the body 100 to flex outward, in the direction of the arrows 152. Once the pole 50 seats in the channel 110, the legs 112 snap back (inward) to their initial positions or similar to these initial positions (depending on the curvature of the channel 111) moving in direction of the arrows 154. With the legs 112 having returned to an inwardly oriented position, the pole 50 is frictionally engaged in the channel 110 of the body 100 (and the pole 50 is in contact with the surface 111a of the channel 110), as shown in FIG. 9. Alternately, in this interlocked position, the pole 50 may be in contact with some of the surface 111a of the channel 110 (for example, as shown in FIG. 16).

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment apparatus 100b of the disclosed subject matter. This apparatus 100b is similar to apparatus 100a, in components, construction and materials. Identical and/or similar components for this apparatus 100b have the same numbers, as those for apparatus 100a, and these components are in accordance with the descriptions above, for apparatus 100a. The differences between apparatus 100b and apparatus 100a are detailed below.

The apparatus 100b includes a groove 114 in the channel 110, in the body 100. The groove 114 is cut into the body 100 at the channel 110, and is of a depth and width suitable for accommodating a ring 200 or other surrounding member on the pole 50, that is engaged in the channel 110. For example, the depth of the groove 114 is such that the pole 50 can rest in the channel 110 in frictional contact with all or some of the channel surface 111a, while the width of the groove 114 is slightly greater than the width “g” of the ring 200, as shown in FIG. 12 to receive the ring 200 in a frictionally secure manner. The ring 200, when seated in the groove 114 of the channel 110, prevents the pole 50 from sliding, once the pole 50 is engaged or interlocked in the channel 110, as shown in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 12-17 detail an exemplary assembly of tent poles 50 and 60 into the apparatus 100b. FIG. 12 details assembly of the pole 50 from a male segment 51 and a female segment 52. The male segment 51 includes a main portion 51b′ from which the extension portion 51b protrudes. The extension portion 51b is of a lesser diameter than that of the main portion 51b′, such that a shoulder 51a′, defining an edge surface 51a, is formed at the junction of the portions 51b′, 51b. The edge surface 51a of the shoulder 51a serves as a limit of travel for the ring 200 (or the female segment 52 at its edge surface 52a should the ring 200 not be present).

The extension portion 51b is, for example, of a constant diameter, such that the ring 200 can slide onto the portion 51b and remain thereon in a frictionally snug manner, and the receiving portion 52b of the female segment 52 receives the extension portion 51b as it slides into the receiving portion 52b, in a frictionally snug manner. In a typical engagement, to define a connected pole 50, the ring 200 abuts the edge surface 51a, and the edge surface 52a (of the receiving portion 52b of the female segment 52) abuts the ring 200. The ring 200 is, for example, of a width slightly less than “g” (the gap 53 in the pole 50 between segments 51, 52) and is dimensioned to sit in this gap 53 upon the pole 50 being fully assembled (for engagement and retention in the channel 110). In FIG. 13, the pole 60 has been connected to the apparatus 100b, similar to that for apparatus 100a, detailed above. The now connected pole 50 is positioned with respect to the body 100 of the apparatus 100b, such that the ring 200 aligns with the groove 114. The pole 50 is moved into contact with the channel 110, in the direction of the arrow 160, such that the ring 200 seats in the groove 114, as shown in FIGS. 14-16.

Continued movement in the direction of the arrow 160 causes the legs 112, to move outward, in the direction of the arrows 162, as shown in FIG. 15. Once the pole 50 seats in the channel 110, the legs 112 snap back (inward) to their initial positions or similar to these initial positions (depending on the curvature of the channel 110) moving in direction of the arrows 164, as shown in FIG. 16. With the legs 112 having returned to an inwardly oriented position, the ring 100 is seated in the groove 114, with the surface of the pole in frictional contact with all or some of the surface 111a of the channel 110. The pole 50 is engaged in the channel 110 of the body 100, as shown in FIG. 17. While the apparatus 100b has been shown with a single groove 114, multiple grooves 114 in the channel 110 are also possible. These multiple grooves may accommodate a pole 50 with one or more rings 200.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show another embodiment apparatus 100c of the disclosed subject matter. This apparatus 100c is similar to apparatus 100a, 100b in components, construction and materials. Identical and/or similar components for this apparatus 100c have the same numbers, as those for apparatus 100a and 100b, and these components are in accordance with the descriptions above, for apparatus 100a and 100b. The differences between apparatus 100c and apparatus 100a and 100b are detailed below.

The apparatus 100c includes a ridge 115 in the channel 110, in the body 100. The ridge 115 protrudes from the surface of the channel 110, and is of a height suitable for accommodating a corresponding gap 53, in the pole 50. For example, the gap 53 may be formed along the extension portion 51b of the male segment 51, between the edge surface 51a of the male segment 51 and the edge surface 52a of the receiving portion 52b of the female segment 52. The gap 53 may be, for example, of a height and a width “g” (FIG. 21) suitable for holding the pole 50 (that is correspondingly configured) in a frictionally secure engagement, to prevent sliding of the pole 50 in the channel 110. Assembly of the poles 50 (pole 50 of FIG. 18), 60 into the apparatus 100c is similar to that described above for apparatus 100a and 100b. The resultant engagement of the poles 50, 60 in the apparatus 100c, is similar to that described above for apparatus 100a and 100b, and shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

While the apparatus 100c has been shown with a single ridge 115, multiple ridges 115 in the channel 110 are also possible. These multiple ridges may accommodate a pole 50 with one or more gaps 53.

Alternately, apparatus similar to apparatus 100a, 100b and 100c may be such that the channel 110 may include grooves 114 and ridges 115 in any number, provided they accommodate corresponding rings 200 and/or gaps 53.

FIGS. 22-25B show another embodiment apparatus 100d of the disclosed subject matter. This apparatus 100d is similar to apparatus 100b in components, construction and materials. Identical and/or similar components for this apparatus 100d have the same numbers, as those for apparatus 100b, and these components are in accordance with the descriptions above, for apparatus 100b. The differences between apparatus 100d and apparatus 100b are detailed below.

The apparatus 100d includes openings 120, that include base holes 122 and outwardly tapered opening sections 124, that allow the pole 60 to pivot therein, for example, in the direction of the double headed arrow 170. The openings include base holes 122. The bore portion 121a includes cam surfaces 126, that form the major surfaces of the bore portion 121a (the minor surfaces of the bore portion 121a are between the major surfaces, and are represented by the line 126x in FIG. 24). The cam surfaces 126, for example, are diamond-like in shape and formed of edges 126a. The edges 126a are formed of curved portions 127 and straight portions 128. The cam surfaces 126 are symmetrical, concentric (and coaxial along the axis Y1) and disposed opposite to each other. The cam surfaces 126, as shown further in FIGS. 25A and 25B, are, for example, of a width between the curved edges 128, and between oppositely oriented straight edges 128, slightly less than the length (dimension) G′ (that may be equal to the length (dimension) G, detailed above) of the gap 63 between the male 61 and female 62 sections of the pole 60. The cam surfaces 126 are such that they serve as a guide for the pole 60, upon pivoting (in the direction of the double headed arrow 170).

For example, in FIG. 25A, the pole 60 is in an initial orientation, where the gap 63 extends between the curved portions 127 of edges 126a of the cam surfaces 126. Once pivoted, as shown in FIG. 25B, by movement in any direction of the arrow 170a, the gap 63 extends between the straight portions 128 of the edges 126a, with the pivoting limited, as the respective male 61 and female 62 sections of the pole 60 abut their respective opening sections 124.

FIG. 26 shows apparatus 100d, exemplary of apparatus 100a, 100b and 100c, in an example operation. In this operation, the body 100, via the foot 130, is connected to a clip 300. The clip 300 may be, for example, a conventional spring clip. The clip 300 engages a tab 310 of material of the tent 20 in a clamping manner, to hold the tent 20 on the respective poles.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show another embodiment apparatus 100f of the disclosed subject matter. This apparatus 100f is similar to apparatus 100d in components, construction, materials and operation, as it allows for a pole (for example, a pole 60 similar to that shown in FIGS. 22-25B) to pivot in the bore 121. Identical and/or similar components for this apparatus 100f have the same numbers, as those for apparatus 100d, and these components are in accordance with the descriptions above, for apparatus 110d. Apparatus 100f differs from apparatus 100d only in that the legs 112′ are not open (when compared to the legs 112 of apparatus 100d) and the body 100 is solid in its midsection M, except for the bore 121.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show another embodiment apparatus 100g of the disclosed subject matter. This apparatus 100g is similar to apparatus 100f in components, construction, materials and operation, as it allows for the pole 60 to pivot in the bore 121. Identical and/or similar components for this apparatus 100g have the same numbers, as those for apparatus 100f, and these components are in accordance with the descriptions above, for apparatus 100 f. Apparatus 100g differs from apparatus 100f only in that it has a wide base 131 and lacks the foot 130 of apparatus 100f, at the end E2 (opposite end E1).

While preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice the disclosed subject matter, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for connecting at least a first pole and a second pole, comprising:

a body including: a bore extending through the body, the bore configured for receiving a first pole and retaining the first pole; and, a channel extending into the body for receiving a second pole in a snap-fit and retaining the pole in the channel in a locking manner.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is of a resilient material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a partially cylindrical portion that extends along the body between ends of the body.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the partially cylindrical portion is round in cross section and is of an arc of greater then 180°.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bore and the channel are oriented substantially perpendicularly to each other.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the channel includes a groove extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the channel, the groove for receiving a ring attached to the second pole.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the channel includes a protrusion extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the channel, the protrusion for receipt by a groove on the second pole.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bore includes a plurality of large diameter portions and a small diameter portion, intermediate the large diameter portions, the small diameter portion configured to retain the first pole, to inhibit sliding in the direction of the extension of the bore.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the smaller diameter portion joins the larger diameter portions to define shoulders, the shoulders serving as travel limits for segments of the first pole that attach in the bore to form the first pole.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the bore includes large diameter portion of widths greater than the width of a first pole and the small diameter portion includes at least one cam surface, the at least one cam surface defining a guide for allowing pivoting of a first pole about the at least one cam surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one cam surface includes two cam surfaces, oppositely disposed from each other.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a foot, the foot configured for attaching to a clip member.

13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the channel includes a partially cylindrical portion that extends along the body between ends of the body, and the body includes opening proximate to the lateral sides of the channel for providing additional elastic behavior to the body.