COLLAPSIBLE JOINT TO SUPPORT A TENT AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

Abstract

A first elongate member and a second elongate member of a collapsible joint may each be pivotally engaged with at least one connecting member. A first locking pin may be positioned within aligned openings in the first elongate member and the at least one connecting member in a first engaged position. A second locking pin may be positioned within openings in the second elongate member and the at least one connecting member in a second engaged position. When the first locking pin is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin is in the second engaged position, the first elongate member may be substantially coaxial with the second elongate member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to collapsible joints. More specifically, the present invention relates to collapsible joints that may be utilized with tents to facilitate the assembly and disassembly process and simplify storage of tent components.

BACKGROUND

Traditional spring bar assemblies for spring bar tents typically have two separate poles which can be connected together to apply an opposing tension or stretching force between opposite ends of the roof material of the spring bar tent. In this manner, downward force placed on the poles translates into an outwardly directed stretching/expanding force on the tent fabric. This tension or stretching force between the two separate poles pushes outward on both ends of the roof material of the spring bar tent to give increased headroom to users so they can more easily stand up and move around within the spring bar tent.

However, connecting these two separate poles together may be difficult. For example, a user may be required to align both poles together, push downward on both poles simultaneously to counter the spring force while maintaining alignment of the two poles, and then lock the two poles in place with a suitable locking mechanism, such as a hollow sleeve. This assembly process may require a second user to assist the first user, as the first user may need both hands to hold the two separate poles in place while the second user slides the hollow sleeve over the connection point between the two separate poles. Accordingly, an improved spring bar design to facilitate the assembly process and improve safety may be desirable.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are provided below for illustrative purposes and are in no way limiting of the claimed subject matter.

In various embodiments, a collapsible joint configured to support a tent may include a first elongate member, a second elongate member, a first connecting bar, a second connecting bar, a first locking pin, a second locking pin, a first pintle, and a second pintle. The first elongate member may have a first elongate member longitudinal axis, a first elongate member opening, and a first elongate member pivot axis. The first elongate member opening may be spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis along the first elongate member longitudinal axis. The second elongate member may have a second elongate member longitudinal axis, a second elongate member opening, and a second elongate member pivot axis. The second elongate member opening may be spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis along the second elongate member longitudinal axis. The first connecting bar may have a first connecting bar longitudinal axis. The first connecting bar may further comprise a first connecting bar pivot point, a second connecting bar pivot point, a first connecting bar opening, and a second connecting bar opening offset from each other along the first connecting bar longitudinal axis. The first connecting bar may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member with a first pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis, the first pintle pivotally coupling the first elongate member to the first connecting bar at the first connecting bar pivot point, and a second pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis, the second pintle pivotally coupling the second elongate member to the first connecting bar at the second connecting bar pivot point. The second connecting bar may be parallel to the first connecting bar and have a second connecting bar longitudinal axis, a third connecting bar pivot point, a fourth connecting bar pivot point, a third connecting bar opening, and a fourth connecting bar opening offset from each other along the second connecting bar longitudinal axis. The second connecting bar may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member with a first pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis, the first pintle pivotally coupling the first elongate member to the second connecting bar at the third connecting bar pivot point and the second pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis, the second pintle pivotally coupling the second elongate member to the second connecting bar at the fourth connecting bar pivot point. The first locking pin may be configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the first elongate member when the first locking pin is engaged within the first connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar opening, and the first elongate member opening in a first engaged position. The second locking pin may be configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the second elongate member when the second locking pin is engaged within the second connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening in a second engaged position. Additionally, when the first locking pin is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin is simultaneously in the second engaged position, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be substantially coaxially aligned with each other, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be substantially prevented from pivoting with respect to each other, and the first locking pin and the second locking pin may be intermediate the first pintle and the second pintle along an engaged position longitudinal axis.

In other embodiments, a collapsible joint configured to support a tent may include a first elongate member, a second elongate member, a connecting bar, a first locking pin, a second locking pin, a first pintle, and a second pintle. The first elongate member may have a first elongate member longitudinal axis, a first elongate member opening, and a first elongate member pivot axis. The first elongate member opening may be spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis along the first elongate member longitudinal axis. The second elongate member may have a second elongate member longitudinal axis, a second elongate member opening, and a second elongate member pivot axis. The second elongate member opening may be spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis along the second elongate member longitudinal axis. The connecting bar may have a connecting bar longitudinal axis, a first connecting bar pivot point, a second connecting bar pivot point, a first connecting bar opening, and a second connecting bar opening offset from each other along the connecting bar longitudinal axis. The connecting bar may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member with a first pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis, the first pintle pivotally coupling the first elongate member to the connecting bar at the first connecting bar pivot point, and a second pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis, the second pintle pivotally coupling the second elongate member to the connecting bar at the second connecting bar pivot point. The first locking pin may be configured to substantially prevent the connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the first elongate member when the first locking pin is engaged within the first connecting bar opening and the first elongate member opening in a first engaged position. The second locking pin may be configured to substantially prevent the connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the second elongate member when the second locking pin is engaged within the second connecting bar opening and the second elongate member opening in a second engaged position. Additionally, when the first locking pin is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin is simultaneously in the second engaged position, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be substantially coaxially aligned with each other and the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be substantially prevented from pivoting with respect to each other.

A method of assembling a collapsible joint is disclosed. The collapsible joint is provided in an unengaged configuration. The first connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar opening, and the first elongate member opening may be aligned with each other. Thereafter, the first locking pin may be positioned in the first engaged position within the first connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar opening, and the first elongate member opening. The second connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening may be aligned with each other. Thereafter, the second locking pin may be positioned in the second engaged position within the second connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening such that the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially coaxially aligned with each other. In various embodiments, an alignment force may be applied to a cross bar connecting the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar to align the second connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening. In some embodiments, positioning the first elongate member and the second elongate member such that the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially coaxially aligned with each other may occur before positioning the first locking pin in the first engaged position or before positioning the second locking pin in the second engaged position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope, the exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a spring bar tent that incorporates one embodiment of a collapsible joint of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the spring bar tent shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top side view of a collapsible joint, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with a user's hand applying an alignment force to the collapsible joint;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in a non-aligned configuration;

FIG. 5A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in a non-aligned configuration;

FIG. 5B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in the same non-aligned configuration of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in a non-aligned configuration with a first locking pin engaged therein;

FIG. 6B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in the same non-aligned configuration of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in an aligned configuration with the user's hand applying an alignment force to the collapsible joint in preparation for inserting a second locking pin therein;

FIG. 7B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in the same aligned configuration of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in an aligned configuration with the first and second locking pins engaged therein;

FIG. 8B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 3 shown in the same aligned configuration of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a left perspective view of a collapsible joint shown in a non-aligned configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 9A shown in a non-aligned configuration with a first locking pin engaged therein;

FIG. 9C is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 9A shown in an aligned configuration shown together with a user's hand applying an alignment force to the collapsible joint in preparation for inserting a second locking pin therein;

FIG. 9D is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 9A shown in an aligned configuration with the first and second locking pins engaged therein;

FIG. 10 is a top side view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 9A shown in an aligned configuration with the first and second locking pins engaged therein;

FIG. 11 is a top side view of a collapsible joint configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top side view of a collapsible joint configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13A is a left side elevational view of a collapsible joint configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B is a left side elevational view of a collapsible joint configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a left side elevational view of a collapsible joint coupled to tethered poles, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a tether that may be used with the collapsible joint and tethered poles shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top side view of a tethered pole incorporating the tether of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top side view of a collapsible joint, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint of FIG. 17 shown in a non-aligned configuration;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for assembling a collapsible joint of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method for assembling a collapsible joint of the present disclosure.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways, even if not specifically illustrated in the figures. For example, an apparatus may be implemented, or a method may be practiced, using any number of the aspects set forth herein whether disclosed in connection with a method or an apparatus. Further, the disclosed apparatuses and methods may be practiced using structures or functionality known to one of skill in the art at the time this application was filed, although not specifically recited or disclosed within the application.

The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

As used in this application, the phrases “an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” or the like do not refer to a single, specific embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Instead, these phrases signify that the identified portion or portions of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with other aspects of the disclosure without limitation.

For this application, the phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, and thermal interaction and may also include integral formation. The phrase “attached to” refers to a form of mechanical coupling that restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached objects. The phrases “pivotally attached to” and “slidably attached to” refer to forms of mechanical coupling that permit relative rotation or relative translation, respectively, while restricting other relative motion.

The phrase “attached directly to” refers to a form of attachment by which the attached items are either in direct contact, or are only separated by a single fastener, adhesive, or other attachment mechanisms. The term “abut” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the items may be attached, secured, fused, or welded together. The term “integrally formed” refers to a body that is manufactured integrally, i.e., as a single piece, without requiring the assembly of multiple pieces. Multiple parts may be integrally formed with each other if they are formed from a single workpiece.

The phrase “substantially coaxially aligned,” as used herein, signifies that the pertinent members, components, or items that are “substantially coaxially aligned” with each other are within 2°, 3°, 5°, 7°, 10° or 15° of being perfectly coaxially aligned with each other. As used herein the term “substantially coaxially aligned” may signify that two items are aligned such that they share a common, imaginary axis (or within 2°, 3°, 5°, 7°, 10° or 15° of sharing the same common, imaginary axis) extending through both of the items, although the items may be spaced apart along that common, imaginary axis. In various embodiments, the term “offset and substantially coaxially aligned” signifies that two items are aligned such that they share a common, imaginary axis (or within 2°, 3°, 5°, 7°, 10° or 15° of sharing the same common, imaginary axis) extending through both of the items and the items are spaced apart along the common, imaginary axis. In various embodiments, “overlapping and substantially coaxially aligned” signifies that two items are aligned such that they share a common, imaginary axis (or within 2°, 3°, 5°, 7°, 10° or 15° of sharing the same common, imaginary axis) extending through both of the items and the items overlap along the common, imaginary axis. In various embodiments, “coextensive and substantially coaxially aligned” signifies that two items are aligned such that they share a common, imaginary axis (or within 2°, 3°, 5°, 7°, 10° or 15° of sharing the same common, imaginary axis) extending through both of the items and the items coextensive along the common, imaginary axis.

The phrase “substantially parallel,” as used herein, signifies that the pertinent members, components, or items that are “substantially parallel” to each other are within 2°, 3°, 5°, 7°, 10° or 15° of being perfectly parallel to each other.

The phrase “substantially prevent” pivoting of two identified items, as used herein, signifies that the pertinent members, in certain embodiments, can pivot no more than 2°, 3°, 5°, or 6° relative to each other.

As used herein, in various embodiments, the term “offset” when used to identify a relative position of items, features or components along a designated axis, in various embodiments, signifies that the center points each of the two identified items are offset along the designated axis. This type of offset relationship may be referred to as “center point offset.” In alternative embodiments, the term “offset” may be used to signify that the outer boundaries of two items do not overlap along a designated axis. This type of offset relationship may be referred to as “outer boundary offset.”

In the figures, certain components may appear many times within a particular drawing. However, only certain instances of the component may be identified in the figures to avoid unnecessary repetition of reference numbers and lead lines. According to the context provided in the description while referring to the figures, reference may be made to a specific one of that particular component, or multiple instances, even if the specifically referenced instance or instances of the component are not identified by a reference number and lead line in the figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a spring bar tent 100 that may be used with any of the collapsible joint embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the spring bar tent 100 shown in FIG. 1. The illustrated spring bar tent 100 may generally include components such as a ground tarp 110, a tent body 120, adjustable poles 131, 132, resilient poles 141, 142, 143, 144, connector end pieces 151, 152, and a spring bar assembly 160, as well as any other suitable component that may be used in conjunction with a spring bar tent 100.

Traditional spring bar assemblies (not shown) typically comprise two separate poles which may be connected together to apply an opposing tension/stretching force between opposite ends of the roof material of the tent body. This tension/stretching force between the two separate poles may act to push outward on both ends of the roof material of the tent body and give the spring bar tent its unique shape and larger roof area. The unique shape and larger roof area of the spring bar tent generally provide a user (not shown) with more headroom to stand up and move around within the spring bar tent.

Connecting the two separate poles of traditional spring bar assemblies to create an opposing tension/stretching force may be a difficult and even a hazardous task. For example, the user may be required to align both poles together and then push down on both poles simultaneously to create the tension/stretching force on the roof material of the tent, while also trying to maintain alignment of the two separate poles so that the poles do not slip out of alignment, potentially striking the user and causing injury. Once the two poles are aligned under tension, the user may then use a suitable locking mechanism, such as a hollow sleeve (not shown), to keep the two separate poles locked in place in this aligned configuration. This assembly process may require a second user to assist the first user, as the first user may need both hands to hold the two separate poles in place while the second user slides the hollow sleeve over the connection point between the poles. Accordingly, a collapsible joint 170 according to the present disclosure may be included in the spring bar tent 100 design to facilitate the assembly process and improve safety.

FIGS. 3-8B illustrate various views of a collapsible joint 200, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be used with the spring bar tent 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a top side view of the illustrated embodiment of the collapsible joint 200 with a user's hand applying a downward force to the collapsible joint 200 in order to align the collapsible joint 200; FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint 200 of FIG. 3 in a non-aligned configuration; FIG. 5A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint 200 of FIG. 3 in a non-aligned configuration, while FIG. 5B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint 200 in the same non-aligned configuration of FIG. 5A; FIG. 6A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint 200 of FIG. 3 in a non-aligned configuration with the first locking pin 250 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3 and 6A-8B) engaged, while FIG. 6B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint 200 in the same non-aligned configuration of FIG. 6B; FIG. 7A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint 200 of FIG. 3 in an aligned configuration with a user's hand applying an alignment force to the collapsible joint 200 in preparation for inserting the second locking pin 260 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3, 7A and 8A-B), while FIG. 7B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint 200 of FIG. 3 in the same aligned configuration shown in FIG. 7A; FIG. 8A is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint 200 of FIG. 3 in an aligned configuration with the first and second locking pins 250, 260 engaged, while FIG. 8B is a left side elevational view of the collapsible joint 200 in the same aligned configuration as FIG. 8A with the first and second locking pins 250, 260 engaged.

The collapsible joint 200 may generally include a first elongate member 210, a second elongate member 220, a first connecting bar 230, a second connecting bar 240 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A), a first locking pin 250, a second locking pin 260, a first pintle 270, and a second pintle 280 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3-4, 5A-6B, and 7B-8B).

The first elongate member 210 may have a first elongate member longitudinal axis 210a (illustrated only in FIG. 5A), a first elongate member pivot axis 210b (illustrated only in FIG. 5A), and a first elongate member opening 210c (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5B and labeled with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead, although not visible, in FIG. 5A). The first elongate member opening 210c may be spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis 210b along the first elongate member longitudinal axis 210a. Likewise, the second elongate member 220 may have a second elongate member longitudinal axis 220a (illustrated only in FIG. 5A), a second elongate member pivot axis 220b (illustrated only in FIG. 5A), and a second elongate member opening 220c (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5A-B). The second elongate member opening 220c may also be spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis 220b along the second elongate member longitudinal axis 220a. It will be understood that any and all of the elongate members described herein may employ tubing having, for example, an outer perimeter in a square, circular, elliptical or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

The first connecting bar 230 may have a first connecting bar longitudinal axis 230a (illustrated only in FIG. 5A), a first connecting bar pivot point 230b (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead only in FIGS. 3-5A), a second connecting bar pivot point 230c (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead only in FIGS. 3-5A), a first connecting bar opening 230d (labeled with reference numerals only in FIGS. 3-5B), and a second connecting bar opening 230e (labeled with reference numerals only in FIGS. 3-6B and 7B). The first connecting bar pivot point 230b, the second connecting bar pivot point 230c, the first connecting bar opening 230d, and the second connecting bar opening 230e may be offset from each other along the first connecting bar longitudinal axis 230a. The first connecting bar 230 may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member 210 to the second elongate member 220 with the first pintle 270 being substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis 210b and the first pintle 270 pivotally coupling the first elongate member 210 to the first connecting bar 230 at the first connecting bar pivot point 230b, as well as the second pintle 280 being substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis 220b with the second pintle 280 pivotally coupling the second elongate member 220 to the first connecting bar 230 at the second connecting bar pivot point 230c.

Similarly, the second connecting bar 240 may be substantially parallel to the first connecting bar 230. The second connecting bar 240 may, in various embodiments, be a mirror image of the first connecting bar 230, as indicated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the second connecting bar 240 may have a second connecting bar longitudinal axis 240a (illustrated only in FIG. 5A), a third connecting bar pivot point 240b (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead only in FIGS. 3 and 5A, and comprising a mirror image of the first connecting bar pivot point 230b), a fourth connecting bar pivot point 240c (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead only in FIGS. 3 and 5A, and comprising a mirror image of the second connecting bar pivot point 230c), a third connecting bar opening 240d (labeled with a reference numeral and shown only in FIG. 3 and labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead, although not visible, only in FIG. 5A), and a fourth connecting bar opening 240e (labeled with a reference numeral and shown only in FIG. 3 and labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead, although not visible, only in FIG. 5A). The third connecting bar pivot point 240b, the fourth connecting bar pivot point 240c, the third connecting bar opening 240d, and the fourth connecting bar opening 240e may be offset from each other along the second connecting bar longitudinal axis 240a. The second connecting bar 240 may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member 210 to the second elongate member 220 with the first pintle 270 being substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis 210b and the first pintle 270 pivotally coupling the first elongate member 210 to the second connecting bar 240 at the third connecting bar pivot point 240b, as well as the second pintle 280 being substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis 220b with the second pintle 280 pivotally coupling the second elongate member 220 to the second connecting bar 240 at the fourth connecting bar pivot point 240c.

A first locking pin 250 may be configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar 230 and the second connecting bar 240 from pivoting with respect to the first elongate member 210 when the first locking pin 250 is engaged within the first connecting bar opening 230d, the third connecting bar opening 240d, and the first elongate member opening 210c in a first engaged position. Likewise, a second locking pin 260 may be configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar 230 and the second connecting bar 240 from pivoting with respect to the second elongate member 220 when the second locking pin 260 is engaged within the second connecting bar opening 230e, the fourth connecting bar opening 240e and the second elongate member opening 220c in a second engaged position. In this manner, when the first locking pin 250 is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin 260 is simultaneously in the second engaged position, the first elongate member 210 and the second elongate member 220 may be substantially coaxially aligned with each other and the first and second elongate members 210, 220 may be substantially prevented from pivoting with respect to each other.

In the collapsible joint 200 embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-8B, the first locking pin 250 and the second locking pin 260 may be disposed intermediate the first pintle 270 and the second pintle 280 along engaged position longitudinal axis 296 (illustrated only in FIG. 8A). However, other collapsible joint embodiments may include alternative arrangements and placements for locking pins and pintles, as will be described in more detail below.

In the collapsible joint 200 embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-8B, a first resilient safety retainer 251 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3 and 6A-8B) may be coupled to the first locking pin 250 and configured to resist removal of the first locking pin 250 from the first connecting bar opening 230d, the third connecting bar opening 240d, and the first elongate member opening 210c. Likewise, a second resilient safety retainer 261 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 3, 7A-8B) may be coupled to the second locking pin 260 and configured to resist removal of the second locking pin 260 from the second connecting bar opening 230e, the fourth connecting bar opening 240e, and the second elongate member opening 220c. Each of the first resilient safety retainer 251 and second resilient safety retainer 261 may comprise a pivoting end 261a, looped end 261b, a resilient, intermediate arcuate member 261c disposed between the pivoting end 261a and the looped end 261b, as illustrated in FIG. 7A. At the pivoting end 261a, each resilient safety retainer 251, 261 is pivotally coupled to the first end the associated locking pin 250, 260, while the looped end 261b may be selectively disposed around and engage the opposite end of the coupled locking pin 250, 260.

Referring once again generally to FIGS. 3-9A, the collapsible joint 200 (as well as all other collapsible joints 170, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 described herein) may overcome the difficulty and safety concerns of traditional spring bar assemblies previously described by pivotally coupling the first elongate member 210 and the second elongate member 220 to each other via the first connecting bar 230 and the second connecting bar 240. This configuration allows a single user to apply an alignment force to the collapsible joint 200 with one hand, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 7A. The user may then insert the locking pins 250, 260 with the user's other free hand to lock the collapsible joint 200 in an aligned/engaged position as can be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In this manner, the collapsible joint 200 greatly simplifies the assembly process of the spring bar tent 100 and reduces the risk of elongate members 210, 220 popping out of place and striking the user during the assembly process.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-10, various views a collapsible joint 300 are illustrated according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a left perspective view of the illustrated embodiment of the collapsible joint 300 in a non-aligned configuration; FIG. 9B is a left perspective view of the collapsible joint 300 in a non-aligned configuration with a first locking pin 350 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 9B-10) engaged; FIG. 9C left is a perspective view of the collapsible joint 300 in an aligned configuration with a user's hand applying an alignment force to the collapsible joint 300 in preparation for inserting a second locking pin 360 (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 9C-10); FIG. 9D left is a perspective view of the collapsible joint 300 in an aligned configuration with the first and second locking pins 350, 360 engaged; and FIG. 10 is a top side view of the collapsible joint 300 in an aligned configuration with the first and second locking pins 350, 360.

The collapsible joint 300 may generally include a first elongate member 310, a second elongate member 320, a first connecting bar 330, a second connecting bar 340, first and second locking pins 350, 360, a first pintle 370, and a second pintle 380.

The first elongate member 310 may have a first elongate member longitudinal axis 310a (illustrated only in FIG. 9A), a first elongate member pivot axis 310b (illustrated only in FIG. 9A), and a first elongate member opening 310c (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead, although not visible, only in FIG. 9A, and labeled with a reference numeral and shown only in FIG. 10). The first elongate member opening 310c may be spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis 310b along the first elongate member longitudinal axis 310a. Likewise, the second elongate member 320 may have a second elongate member longitudinal axis 320a (illustrated only in FIG. 9A), a second elongate member pivot axis 320b (illustrated only in FIG. 9A), and a second elongate member opening 320c (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 9A-B and 10). The second elongate member opening 320c may also be spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis 320b along the second elongate member longitudinal axis 320a.

The first connecting bar 330 may have a first connecting bar longitudinal axis 330a (illustrated only in FIG. 9A), a first connecting bar pivot point 330b (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead only in FIG. 9A), a second connecting bar pivot point 330c (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead only in FIG. 9A), a first connecting bar opening 330d (labeled with reference numerals only in FIGS. 9A and 10), and a second connecting bar opening 330e (labeled with reference numerals only in FIGS. 9A-B and 10). The first connecting bar pivot point 330b, the second connecting bar pivot point 330c, the first connecting bar opening 330d, and the second connecting bar opening 330e may be offset from each other along the first connecting bar longitudinal axis 330a. The first connecting bar 330 may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member 310 to the second elongate member 320 with the first pintle 370 being substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis 310b and the first pintle 370 pivotally coupling the first elongate member 310 to the first connecting bar 330 at the first connecting bar pivot point 330b, as well as the second pintle 380 being substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis 320b with the second pintle 380 pivotally coupling the second elongate member 320 to the first connecting bar 330 at the second connecting bar pivot point 330c.

The second connecting bar 340 may be, in various embodiments, a mirror image of the first connecting bar 330. Accordingly, the second connecting bar 340 may have a second connecting bar longitudinal axis 340a (illustrated only in FIG. 9A), a third connecting bar pivot point 340b (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead, although not visible, only in FIG. 9A and labeled with a reference numeral and shown only in FIG. 10), a fourth connecting bar pivot point 340c (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising, although not visible, an arrowhead only in FIG. 9A, and labeled with a reference numeral and shown only in FIG. 10), a third connecting bar opening 340d (labeled generally with a reference numeral having a lead line comprising an arrowhead, although not visible, only in FIG. 9A and labeled with a reference numeral and shown only in FIG. 10), and a fourth connecting bar opening 340e (labeled with reference numerals and shown only in FIGS. 9A-B and 10). The third connecting bar pivot point 340b, the fourth connecting bar pivot point 340c, the third connecting bar opening 340d, and the fourth connecting bar opening 340e may be offset from each other along the second connecting bar longitudinal axis 340a. The second connecting bar 340 may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member 310 to the second elongate member 320 with the first pintle 370 being substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis 310b and the first pintle 370 pivotally coupling the first elongate member 310 to the second connecting bar 340 at the third connecting bar pivot point 340b, as well as the second pintle 380 being substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis 320b with the second pintle 380 pivotally coupling the second elongate member 320 to the second connecting bar 340 at the fourth connecting bar pivot point 340c.

A first locking pin 350 may be configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar 330 and the second connecting bar 340 from pivoting with respect to the first elongate member 310 when the first locking pin 350 is engaged within the first connecting bar opening 330d, the third connecting bar opening 340d, and the first elongate member opening 310c in a first engaged position. Likewise, a second locking pin 360 may be configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar 330 and the second connecting bar 340 from pivoting with respect to the second elongate member 320 when the second locking pin 360 is engaged within the second connecting bar opening 330e, the fourth connecting bar opening 340e, and the second elongate member opening 320c in a second engaged position. In this manner, when the first locking pin 350 is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin 360 is simultaneously in the second engaged position, the first elongate member 310 and the second elongate member 320 may be substantially coaxially aligned with each other and the first and second elongate members 310, 320 may be substantially prevented from pivoting with respect to each other.

In the collapsible joint 300 embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-10, a first resilient safety retainer 351 (labeled with reference numerals only in FIGS. 9B-D) may be coupled to the first locking pin 350 and configured to resist removal of the first locking pin 350 from the first connecting bar opening 330d, the third connecting bar opening 340d, and the first elongate member opening 310c. Likewise, a second resilient safety retainer 361 (labeled with reference numerals only in FIGS. 9C-D) may be coupled to the second locking pin 360 and configured to resist removal of the second locking pin 360 from the second connecting bar opening 330e, the fourth connecting bar opening 340e, and the second elongate member opening 320c.

Additionally, the first connecting bar 330 may have a first proximal elongate edge 335 (labeled with a reference numeral only in FIG. 9A) including a first superior end 336 (labeled with a reference numeral only in FIG. 9A) and the second connecting bar 340 may have a second proximal elongate edge 345 (labeled with a reference numeral only in FIG. 9A) including a second superior end 346 (labeled with a reference numeral only in FIG. 9A). The collapsible joint 300 may also have a cross bar 390 (labeled with reference numerals only in FIGS. 9B and 10) coupled to the first superior end 336 of the first proximal elongate edge 335 of the first connecting bar 330 and the second superior end 346 of the second proximal elongate edge 345 of the second connecting bar 340. The cross bar 390 may also have a proximal cross bar surface 391 (labeled with a reference numeral only in FIG. 9A) configured to receive an assembly force from the user. It will be noted that any of the collapsible joint embodiments described herein may also include a cross bar.

In the collapsible joint 300 embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-10, the first pintle 370 and the second pintle 380 may be disposed intermediate the first locking pin 350 and the second locking pin 360 along engaged position longitudinal axis 396 (illustrated only in FIG. 9D). However, other collapsible joint embodiments are also contemplated, such as the collapsible joint embodiments 400, 500 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 which illustrate how the relative placement of the locking pins 450, 460, 550, 560 and pintles 470, 480, 570, 580 may vary. It will be noted that any of the collapsible joints described herein can have any arrangement/placement of locking pins relative to pintles. The collapsible joints 400, 500 of FIGS. 11 and 12 may generally include first elongate members 410, 510, second elongate members 420, 520, first connecting bars 430, 530, second connecting bars 440, 540, and first and second locking pins 450, 460, 550, 560 similar to previous embodiments already discussed. Additionally, the collapsible joint embodiments 400, 500 may respectively include a first elongate member longitudinal axis 410a, 510a, a first elongate member pivot axis 410b, 510b, and a first elongate member opening 410c, 510c. The first elongate member opening 410c, 510c, may be spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis 410b, 510b along the first elongate member longitudinal axis 410a, 510a. Likewise, the second elongate member 420, 520 may have a second elongate member longitudinal axis 420a, 520a, a second elongate member pivot axis 420b, 520b, and a second elongate member opening 420c, 520c. The second elongate member opening 420c, 520c may also be spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis 420b, 520b along the second elongate member longitudinal axis 420a, 520a.

The first connecting bar 430, 530 may have a first connecting bar longitudinal axis 430a, 530a, a first connecting bar pivot point 430b, 530b, a second connecting bar pivot point 430c, 530c, a first connecting bar opening 430d, 530d, and a second connecting bar opening 430e, 530e. The first connecting bar pivot point 430b, 530b, the second connecting bar pivot point 430c, 530c, the first connecting bar opening 430d, 530d, and the second connecting bar opening 430e, 530e may be offset from each other along the first connecting bar longitudinal axis 430a, 530a. The first connecting bar 430, 530 may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member 410, 510 to the second elongate member 420, 520 with the first pintle 470, 570 being substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis 410b, 510b and the first pintle 470, 570 pivotally coupling the first elongate member 410, 510 to the first connecting bar 430, 530 at the first connecting bar pivot point 430b, 530b, as well as the second pintle 480, 580 being substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis 420b, 520b with the second pintle 480, 580 pivotally coupling the second elongate member 420, 520 to the first connecting bar 430, 530 at the second connecting bar pivot point 430c, 530c.

The second connecting bar 440, 540 may, in various embodiments, be a mirror image of the first connecting bar 430, 530. Accordingly, the second connecting bar 440, 540 may be parallel to the first connecting bar 430, 530 and may have a second connecting bar longitudinal axis 440a, 540a, a third connecting bar pivot point 440b, 540b, a fourth connecting bar pivot point 440c, 540c, a third connecting bar opening 440d, 540d, and a fourth connecting bar opening 440e, 540e. The third connecting bar pivot point 440b, 540b, the fourth connecting bar pivot point 440c, 540c, the third connecting bar opening 440d, 540d, and the fourth connecting bar opening 440e, 540e may be offset from each other along the second connecting bar longitudinal axis 440a, 540a. The second connecting bar 440, 540 may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member 410, 510 to the second elongate member 420, 520 with the first pintle 470, 570 being substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis 410b, 510b and the first pintle 470, 570 pivotally coupling the first elongate member 410, 510 to the second connecting bar 440, 540 at the third connecting bar pivot point 440b, 540b, as well as the second pintle 480, 580 being substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis 420b, 520b with the second pintle 480, 580 pivotally coupling the second elongate member 420, 520 to the second connecting bar 440, 540 at the fourth connecting bar pivot point 440c, 540c.

FIG. 13A is a left side elevational view of a collapsible joint 600, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The collapsible joint 600 may generally include a first elongate member 610, a second elongate member 620, a first connecting bar 630, a second connecting bar (not shown), first and second pintles 670, 680, a first connecting bar opening 630d, and a second connecting bar opening 630e, similar to previous embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the collapsible joint 600 may comprise an engaged position longitudinal (length) axis 681a, an engaged position lateral (width) axis 681b (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet of FIG. 13A), and an engaged position normal (height) axis 681c, each of which are mutually perpendicular. It should be noted that these axes 681a-c are positioned and oriented relative to the features of the joint 600, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, irrespective of the orientation of the joint 600 with respect to the force of gravity. FIG. 13A shows how the first connecting bar opening 630d, the second connecting bar opening 630e, the first pintle 670, and the second pintle 680 are generally aligned along an engaged position normal axis 681c. It will be noted that any of the collapsible joint embodiments 170, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 may have this general configuration.

In contrast, FIG. 13B is a left side elevational view of a collapsible joint 700, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The collapsible joint 700 may generally include a first elongate member 710, a second elongate member 720, a first connecting bar 730, a second connecting bar (not shown), first and second pintles 770, 780, a first connecting bar opening 730d, and a second connecting bar opening 730e. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the collapsible joint 700 may comprise an engaged position longitudinal axis 781a, an engaged position lateral axis 781b (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet of FIG. 13B), and an engaged position normal axis 781c, each of which are mutually perpendicular. It should be noted that these axes 781a-c are positioned and oriented relative to the features of the joint 700, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, irrespective of the orientation of the joint 700 with respect to the force of gravity. FIG. 13B shows how the first connecting bar opening 730d, the second connecting bar opening 730e, the first pintle 770, and the second pintle 780 may be generally offset along an engaged position normal axis 781c. It will be noted that any offset position or arrangement is contemplated for any/all of the first connecting bar opening 730d, the second connecting bar opening 730e, the first pintle 770, and the second pintle 780, in any number of different configurations, as well as for any of the collapsible joint embodiments 170, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 described herein.

FIG. 14 is a left side elevational view of a collapsible joint 800 coupled to tethered poles, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The collapsible joint 800 may generally include a first elongate member 810, a first elongate member opening 810c, a second elongate member 820, a second elongate member opening 820c, a first connecting bar 830, a second connecting bar (not shown), first and second pintles 870, 880, a first connecting bar opening 830d, and a second connecting bar opening 830e similar to previous embodiments.

However, the collapsible joint 800 may also be coupled to a third elongate member 803 and a fourth elongate member 804 via a first flexible member 801 and a second flexible member 802, with the third elongate member 803 coupled to the first elongate member 810 via the first flexible member 801 and the fourth elongate member 804 coupled to the second elongate member 820 via the second flexible member 802. This arrangement may facilitate the assembly, disassembly, and storage of the collapsible joint 800 by keeping related components tethered to each other. It will be noted that the general tethering arrangement of FIGS. 14-16 may be combined with any of the collapsible joint embodiments 170, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a tether 900 that may be used with the collapsible joint 800 shown in FIG. 14. The tether 900 may include a first resilient anchor 901, a second resilient anchor 902, a first tether cord 911, and a second tether cord 912. The first resilient anchor 901 may be coupled to the first tether cord 911, the first tether cord 911 may be coupled to the second tether cord 912, and the second tether cord 912 may be coupled to the second resilient anchor 902. The first resilient anchor 901 and the second resilient anchor 902 may further include gripping features 920 which may interact with complementary features (not shown) formed within the elongate members 803, 804, 810, 820 to allow the first and second resilient anchors 901, 902 to couple with the elongate members 803, 804, 810, 820 and tether them to each other. FIG. 16 shows elongate members 803, 810 of the collapsible joint 800 in a mutually engaged position. The tether 900 is shown anchored within elongate members 803, 810, tethering them together.

FIGS. 17 and 18 comprise a top side view and a left side elevational view, respectively, of a collapsible joint 1100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The collapsible joint 1100 may generally include a first elongate member 1110, a second elongate member 1120, a connecting bar 1130, a first locking pin 1150 (illustrated only in FIG. 17), a second locking pin 1160 (illustrated only in FIG. 17), a first pintle 1170, and a second pintle 1180.

The first elongate member 1110 may have a first elongate member longitudinal axis 1110a (illustrated only in FIG. 17), a first elongate member pivot axis 1110b (illustrated only in FIG. 17), and a first elongate member opening 1110c. The first elongate member opening 1110c may be spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis 1110b along the first elongate member longitudinal axis 1110a. Likewise, the second elongate member 1120 may have a second elongate member longitudinal axis 1120a (illustrated only in FIG. 17), a second elongate member pivot axis 1120b (illustrated only in FIG. 17), and a second elongate member opening 1120c. The second elongate member opening 1120c may also be spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis 1120b along the second elongate member longitudinal axis 1120a.

The connecting bar 1130 may have a connecting bar longitudinal axis 1130a (illustrated only in FIG. 17), a first connecting bar pivot point 1130b (labeled with a reference numeral only in FIG. 17), a second connecting bar pivot point 1130c (labeled with a reference numeral only in FIG. 17), a first connecting bar opening 1130d, and a second connecting bar opening 1130e. The first connecting bar pivot point 1130b, the second connecting bar pivot point 1130c, the first connecting bar opening 1130d, and the second connecting bar opening 1130e may be offset from each other along the connecting bar longitudinal axis 1130a. The connecting bar 1130 may be configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member 1110 to the second elongate member 1120 with the first pintle 1170 being substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis 1110b and the first pintle 1170 pivotally coupling the first elongate member 1110 to the connecting bar 1130 at the first connecting bar pivot point 1130b, as well as the second pintle 1180 being substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis 1120b with the second pintle 1180 pivotally coupling the second elongate member 1120 to the connecting bar 1130 at the second connecting bar pivot point 1130c.

The first locking pin 1150 may be configured to substantially prevent the connecting bar 1130 from pivoting with respect to the first elongate member 1110 when the first locking pin 1150 is engaged within the first connecting bar opening 1130d and the first elongate member opening 1110c in a first engaged position. Likewise, the second locking pin 1160 may be configured to substantially prevent the connecting bar 1130 from pivoting with respect to the second elongate member 1120 when the second locking pin 1160 is engaged within the second connecting bar opening 1130e and the second elongate member opening 1120c in a second engaged position. In this manner, when the first locking pin 1150 is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin 1160 is simultaneously in the second engaged position, the first elongate member 1110 and the second elongate member 1120 may be substantially coaxially aligned with each other and the first and second elongate members 1110, 1120 may be substantially prevented from pivoting with respect to each other.

In the collapsible joint 1100 embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first pintle 1170 and the second pintle 1180 may be disposed intermediate the first locking pin 1150 and the second locking pin 1160 along an engaged position longitudinal axis 1111 (illustrated only in FIG. 17). However, other collapsible joint embodiments may include alternative arrangements and placements for locking pins and pintles, as described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

In the collapsible joint 1100 embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a first resilient safety retainer 1151 (illustrated only in FIG. 17) may be coupled to the first locking pin 1150 and configured to resist removal of the first locking pin 1150 from the first connecting bar opening 1130d and the first elongate member opening 1110c. Likewise, a second resilient safety retainer 1161 (illustrated only in FIG. 17) may be coupled to the second locking pin 1160 and configured to resist removal of the second locking pin 1160 from the second connecting bar opening 1130e and the second elongate member opening 1120c.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1200 for assembling any of the collapsible joints 170, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 of the present disclosure. The method 1200 may begin with a step 1210, in which a collapsible joint 170, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 disclosed in the present disclosure is provided in an unengaged configuration, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 4, 9A, 14 and 18.

The method may then proceed to a step 1220, in which the first connecting bar opening 230d, 330d, 430d, 530d, 630d, 730d, 830d, the third connecting bar opening 240d, 340d, 440d, 540d, and the first elongate member opening 210c, 310c, 410c, 510c, 810c may be aligned with each other. Thereafter, in step 1230, the first locking pin 250, 350, 450, 550 may be positioned in the first engaged position within the first connecting bar opening 230d, 330d, 430d, 530d, 630d, 730d, 830d, the third connecting bar opening 240d, 340d, 440d, 540d, and the first elongate member opening 210c, 310c, 410c, 510c, 810c, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 6A-B and 9B

In step 1240, the second connecting bar opening 230e, 330e, 430e, 530e, 630e, 730e, 830e, the fourth connecting bar opening 240e, 340e, 440e, 540e, and the second elongate member opening 220c, 320c, 420c, 520c, 820c may be aligned with each other. (Step 1240 is illustrated in connection with FIGS. 7A-B and 9C with a locking pin partially positioned within the second engaged position.) Thereafter, in step 1250, the second locking pin 260, 360, 460, 560 may be positioned in the second engaged position within the second connecting bar opening 230e, 330e, 430e, 530e, 630e, 730e, 830e, 1130e the fourth connecting bar opening 240e, 340e, 440e, 540e, and the second elongate member opening 220c, 320c, 420c, 520c, 820c such that the first elongate member 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810 and the second elongate member 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820 are substantially coaxially aligned with each other, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 8A-B, 9D and 10-12.

In various embodiments, an alignment force may be applied to a cross bar 390 (illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 9A-B, 9D-12) to align the second connecting bar opening 330e, 430e, 530e, the fourth connecting bar opening 340e, 440e, 540e, and the second elongate member opening 320c, 420c, 520c, 820c.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 1300 for assembling the collapsible joint 1100 illustrated in FIG. 17. The method 1300 may begin with a step 1310, in which a collapsible joint 1100 disclosed in the present disclosure is provided in an unengaged configuration, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 18.

The method may then proceed to a step 1320, in which the first connecting bar opening 1130d and the first elongate member opening 1110c may be aligned with each other. Thereafter, in step 1330, the first locking pin 1150 may be positioned in the first engaged position within the first connecting bar opening 1130d and the first elongate member opening 1110c.

In step 1340, the second connecting bar opening 1130e and the second elongate member opening 1120c may be aligned with each other. Thereafter, in step 1350, the second locking pin 1160 may be positioned in the second engaged position within the second connecting bar opening 1130e and the second elongate member opening 1120c such that the first elongate member 1110 and the second elongate member 1120 are substantially coaxially aligned with each other, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 17.

Also with respect to the methods illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, in various embodiments, positioning the first elongate member 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1110 and the second elongate member 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1120 such that the first elongate member 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1110 and the second elongate member 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1120 are substantially coaxially aligned with each other, may occur before or after positioning the first locking pin 250, 350, 450, 550, 1150 in the first engaged position or positioning the second locking pin 260, 360, 460, 560, 1160 in the second engaged position.

It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in any disclosed process is merely one example of the disclosed method. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

It should be noted that the safety retainers 351, 361, 1151, 1161 illustrated in FIGS. 9B-D and 17 may comprise each of the features described in connection with the safety retainers 251, 261 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6A-8A.

As used herein, the term “non-aligned configuration” signifies that the first and second elongate members 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1110, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1120 are not substantially coaxially aligned, while the term “aligned configuration” signifies that the first and second elongate members 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1110, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 1120 are substantially coaxially aligned. The term “non-engaged configuration” signifies that neither the first locking pin 250, 350, 450, 550, 1150 nor the second locking pin 260, 360, 460, 560, 1160 are engaged within the collapsible joint 170, 200, 300, 600, 700, 800, 1100. The term “first engaged position” signifies that at least one of the locking pins 250, 350, 450, 550, 1150, 260, 360, 460, 560, 1160 is fully engaged with the collapsible joint 170, 200, 300, 600, 700, 800, 1100, while the term “second engaged position” signifies that at least two locking pins 250, 350, 450, 550, 1150, 260, 360, 460, 560, 1160 are fully engaged with the collapsible joint 170, 200, 300, 600, 700, 800, 1100. A locking pin 250, 350, 450, 550, 1150, 260, 360, 460, 560, 1160 is fully engaged within the collapsible joint 170, 200, 300, 600, 700, 800, 1100, for embodiments which include two connecting bars (see, e.g., FIGS. 8A-B, 9D, 10, 11, 12), when a locking pin 250, 350, 450, 550, 1150, 260, 360, 460, 560 is simultaneously disposed within an elongate member opening 210c, 310c, 410c, 510c, 810c, 220c, 320c, 420c, 520c, 820c and at least two connecting bar openings 230d, 330d, 430d, 530d, 630d, 730d, 830d, 230e, 330e, 430e, 530e, 630e, 730e, 830e, 240d, 340d, 440d, 540d, 240e, 340e, 440e, 540e and, for embodiments which include only a single connecting bar (see, e.g., FIG. 17), the locking pin 1150, 1160 is disposed within the pertinent elongate member opening 1110c, 1120c and a connecting bar opening 1130d, 1130e.

It should also be noted that each of the embodiments of the collapsible joint 170, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100, although not necessarily labeled in the figures, comprise an engaged position longitudinal (length) axis, an engaged position lateral (width) axis, and an engaged position normal (height) axis.

The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed.

Claims

1. A collapsible joint configured to support a tent, the collapsible joint comprising:

a first elongate member having: a first elongate member longitudinal axis; a first elongate member opening; and a first elongate member pivot axis, the first elongate member opening being spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis along the first elongate member longitudinal axis;

a second elongate member having: a second elongate member longitudinal axis; a second elongate member opening; and a second elongate member pivot axis, the second elongate member opening being spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis along the second elongate member longitudinal axis;

a first connecting bar having: a first connecting bar longitudinal axis; a first connecting bar pivot point; a second connecting bar pivot point; a first connecting bar opening; and a second connecting bar opening, the first connecting bar pivot point, the second connecting bar pivot point, the first connecting bar opening, and the second connecting bar opening being offset from each other along the first connecting bar longitudinal axis, wherein the first connecting bar is configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member with a first pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis, the first pintle pivotally coupling the first elongate member to the first connecting bar at the first connecting bar pivot point and a second pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis, the second pintle pivotally coupling the second elongate member to the first connecting bar at the second connecting bar pivot point;

a second connecting bar parallel to the first connecting bar, the second connecting bar having: a second connecting bar longitudinal axis; a third connecting bar pivot point; a fourth connecting bar pivot point; a third connecting bar opening; and a fourth connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar pivot point, the fourth connecting bar pivot point, the third connecting bar opening, and the fourth connecting bar opening being offset from each other along the second connecting bar longitudinal axis, wherein the second connecting bar is configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member with the first pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis, the first pintle pivotally coupling the first elongate member to the second connecting bar at the third connecting bar pivot point and the second pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis, the second pintle pivotally coupling the second elongate member to the second connecting bar at the fourth connecting bar pivot point;

a first locking pin configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the first elongate member when the first locking pin is engaged within the first connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar opening, and the first elongate member opening in a first engaged position; and

a second locking pin configured to substantially prevent the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the second elongate member when the second locking pin is engaged within the second connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening in a second engaged position, wherein when the first locking pin is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin is simultaneously in the second engaged position, the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially coaxially aligned with each other, the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially prevented from pivoting with respect to each other, and the first locking pin and the second locking pin are intermediate the first pintle and the second pintle along an engaged position longitudinal axis.

2. The collapsible joint of claim 1, wherein the first connecting bar comprises a first proximal elongate edge including a first superior end, and wherein the second connecting bar comprises a second proximal elongate edge including a second superior end, the collapsible joint further comprising a cross bar coupled to the first superior end of the first proximal elongate edge of the first connecting bar and the second superior end of the second proximal elongate edge of the second connecting bar, the cross bar including a proximal cross bar surface configured to receive an assembly force.

3. The collapsible joint of claim 1, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening, the first pintle, and the second pintle are aligned along the engaged position normal axis.

4. The collapsible joint of claim 1, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein at least one of the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening, the first pintle, and the second pintle is offset along the engaged position normal axis relative to another one of the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening, the first pintle, and the second pintle.

5. The collapsible joint of claim 1, further comprising:

a first resilient safety retainer coupled to the first locking pin and configured to resist removal of the first locking pin from the first connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar opening, and the first elongate member opening; and

a second resilient safety retainer coupled to the second locking pin and configured to resist removal of the second locking pin from the second connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening.

6. The collapsible joint of claim 1, further comprising:

a first flexible member;

a second flexible member;

a third elongate member; and

a fourth elongate member, wherein the third elongate member is coupled to the first elongate member via the first flexible member and the fourth elongate member is coupled to the second elongate member via the second flexible member.

7. A collapsible joint comprising:

a first elongate member having: a first elongate member longitudinal axis; a first elongate member opening; and a first elongate member pivot axis, the first elongate member opening being spaced apart from the first elongate member pivot axis along the first elongate member longitudinal axis;

a second elongate member having: a second elongate member longitudinal axis; a second elongate member opening; and a second elongate member pivot axis, the second elongate member opening being spaced apart from the second elongate member pivot axis along the second elongate member longitudinal axis;

a connecting bar having: a connecting bar longitudinal axis; a first connecting bar pivot point; a second connecting bar pivot point; a first connecting bar opening; and a second connecting bar opening, the first connecting bar pivot point, the second connecting bar pivot point, the first connecting bar opening, and the second connecting bar opening being offset from each other along the connecting bar longitudinal axis, wherein the connecting bar is configured to pivotally couple the first elongate member to the second elongate member with a first pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the first elongate member pivot axis, the first pintle pivotally coupling the first elongate member to the connecting bar at the first connecting bar pivot point and a second pintle substantially coaxially aligned with the second elongate member pivot axis, the second pintle pivotally coupling the second elongate member to the connecting bar at the second connecting bar pivot point;

a first locking pin configured to substantially prevent the connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the first elongate member when the first locking pin is engaged within the first connecting bar opening and the first elongate member opening in a first engaged position; and

a second locking pin configured to substantially prevent the connecting bar from pivoting with respect to the second elongate member when the second locking pin is engaged within the second connecting bar opening and the second elongate member opening in a second engaged position, wherein when the first locking pin is in the first engaged position and the second locking pin is simultaneously in the second engaged position, the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially coaxially aligned with each other and the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially prevented from pivoting with respect to each other.

8. The collapsible joint of claim 7, wherein the connecting bar further comprises a proximal elongate edge including a first superior end having a cross bar coupled thereto, the cross bar including a proximal cross bar surface configured to receive an assembly force.

9. The collapsible joint of claim 7, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein the first pintle and the second pintle are intermediate the first locking pin and the second locking pin along the engaged position longitudinal axis.

10. The collapsible joint of claim 7, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein at least one of the first locking pin and the second locking pin are intermediate the first pintle and the second pintle along the engaged position longitudinal axis.

11. The collapsible joint of claim 7, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening, the first pintle, and the second pintle are aligned along the engaged position normal axis.

12. The collapsible joint of claim 7, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein at least one of the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening the first pintle, and the second pintle is offset along an engaged position normal axis relative to another one of the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening the first pintle, and the second pintle.

13. The collapsible joint of claim 7, further comprising:

a first flexible member;

a second flexible member;

a third elongate member; and

a fourth elongate member, wherein the third elongate member is coupled to the first elongate member via the first flexible member and the fourth elongate member is coupled to the second elongate member via the second flexible member.

14. A method of assembling the collapsible joint of claim 1, the method comprising:

providing the collapsible joint in an unengaged configuration;

aligning the first connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar opening, and the first elongate member opening;

positioning the first locking pin in the first engaged position within the first connecting bar opening, the third connecting bar opening, and the first elongate member opening;

aligning the second connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening;

positioning the second locking pin in the second engaged position within the third connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening such that the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially coaxially aligned with each other.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the collapsible joint further comprises a cross bar coupled to a first superior end of a first proximal elongate edge of the first connecting bar and a second superior end of a second proximal elongate edge of the second connecting bar, the cross bar including a proximal cross bar surface configured to receive an alignment force.

16. The method of claim 14, applying an alignment force to a cross bar to align the third connecting bar opening, the fourth connecting bar opening, and the second elongate member opening.

17. The method of claim 14, positioning the first elongate member and the second elongate member such that the first elongate member and the second elongate member are substantially coaxially aligned with each other before positioning the first locking pin in the first engaged position or the second locking pin in the second engaged position.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the first pintle and the second pintle are intermediate the first locking pin and the second locking pin.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening, the first pintle, and the second pintle are aligned along the engaged position normal axis.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the collapsible joint comprises an engaged position longitudinal axis, an engaged position lateral axis and an engaged position normal axis, the engaged position normal axis being perpendicular to both the engaged position longitudinal axis and the engaged position lateral axis, wherein at least one of the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening, the first pintle, and the second pintle is offset along the engaged position normal axis relative to another one of the first connecting bar opening, the second connecting bar opening, the first pintle, and the second pintle.