초록

A pole hub for a collapsible shelter, such as a tent, canopy, or sun-shade is configured and adapted to connect at least two pairs of poles to each other in manner such that the pairs of poles are able to pivot relative to each other about an axis, while each pair of poles remains generally rigid.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A hub and pole assembly for a collapsible shelter, such as a tent, canopy, or sun-shade, the hub and pole assembly comprising first and second hub portions that are connected to each other in a manner such that the first and second hub portions are pivotal relative to each other generally about a

1. A hub and pole assembly for a collapsible shelter, such as a tent, canopy, or sun-shade, the hub and pole assembly comprising first and second hub portions that are connected to each other in a manner such that the first and second hub portions are pivotal relative to each other generally about a hub axis, the hub axis generally defining circumferential, axial, and radial directions, the first hub portion attaching a first set of at least two poles to each other in a manner such that the first set of poles maintain their circumferential spacing about the hub axis, the second hub portion attaching a second set of at least two other poles to each other in a manner such that the second set of poles maintain their circumferential spacing about the hub axis, the first and second hub portions being configured and adapted to support the first and second sets of poles in orientations such that the first and second sets of poles would, if extended longitudinally toward each other, intersect each other, the pivotal connection between the first and second hub portions allowing the first set of poles to pivot about the hub axis relative to the second set of poles. 2. A hub and pole assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of the poles of the first set of poles is fixed to the first hub portion in a manner such that said poles cannot be removed from the first hub portion without a tool. 3. A hub and pole assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of the poles of the first set of poles is pivotally attached to the first hub portion about a respective pole attachment axis that is generally perpendicular to the radial and axial directions, each of the poles of the second set of poles is pivotally attached to the second hub portion about a respective pole attachment axis that is generally perpendicular to the radial and axial directions, the poles of the first set of poles are otherwise fixed relative to the first hub portion, and the poles of the second set of poles are otherwise fixed relative to the second hub portion. 4. A hub and pole assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first hub portion comprises a central opening that extends radially through the first hub portion and that intersects the hub axis, and the second hub portion extends through the opening. 5. A tent comprising the hub and pole assembly of claim 4, the hub and pole assembly constituting a centrally positioned roof hub and pole assembly of the tent. 6. A hub and pole assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first set of poles comprises no more than two poles and the second set of poles comprises no more two poles, the two poles of the first set of poles are oriented circumferentially 180 degrees apart, and the two poles of the second set of poles are oriented circumferentially 180 degrees apart. 7. A hub and pole assembly in accordance with claim 6 wherein the first and second hub portions are configured such that the first and second hub portions can pivot no more than sixty degrees relative to each other about the hub axis. 8. A pole hub assembly for a collapsible shelter, such as a tent, canopy, or sun-shade, the pole hub comprising first and second crossmembers and a plurality of pole attachment portions, the first and second crossmembers being attached to each other in a manner such that the first and second crossmembers can pivot relative to each other generally about a hub axis and in a manner such that the first and second crossmembers crisscross each other, the hub axis generally defining radial and axial directions, each of the first and second crossmembers having opposite end portions, each of the end portions having a respective one of the pole attachment portions pivotally attached thereto in a manner such that the respective pole attachment portion is pivotal about a respective pole attachment axis that is generally perpendicular to both the radial and axial directions, each of the pole attachment portions being otherwise fixed relative to the respective end portion, each of the pole attachment portions comprising a socket that is adapted and configured to receive an end of a tent-type pole, the first crossmember comprising a central opening that extends radially through the first cross member and that intersects the hub axis, the second crossmember through the opening. 9. A collapsible shelter comprising a pliable shell supported by a pole assembly, the pole assembly comprising a first pair of poles and a second pair of poles, the poles of the first pair of poles are connected to each other via a first portion of a hub in a manner defining a first assembly, the poles of the second pair of poles are connected to each other via a second portion of the hub in a manner defining a second assembly, the first and second portions of the hub being pivotally connected to each other generally about a hub axis, the poles extending from the hub in a manner such that the first assembly crisscrosses the second assembly and such that the first and second pairs of poles would, if extended longitudinally toward each other, intersect each other, the pivotal connection between the first and second hub portions allowing the first and second assemblies to pivot as separate units relative to each other about the hub axis. 10. A collapsible shelter in accordance with claim 9 wherein the first and second portions of the hub are configured such that the first and second portions of the hub can pivot no more than sixty degrees relative to each other about the hub axis. 11. A collapsible shelter in accordance with claim 9 wherein the first portion of the hub comprises a central hole that extends through the first portion of the hub and is perpendicular to the hub axis and the second portion of the hub extends through the hole. 12. A collapsible shelter in accordance with claim 9 wherein the hub axis defines radial and axial directions, each of the poles of the first pair of poles is pivotally attached to the first portion of the hub about a respective pole attachment axis that is generally perpendicular to the radial and axial directions, each of the poles of the second pair of poles is pivotally attached to the second portion of the hub about a respective pole attachment axis that is generally perpendicular to the radial and axial directions, the poles of the first pair of poles are otherwise fixed relative to the first hub portion, and the poles of the second pair of poles are otherwise fixed relative to the second hub portion.