Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Portable shelter – Framework
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-10
2001-07-24
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Portable shelter
Framework
C135S142000, C403S109600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263895
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
Applicant does not have on file nor is he aware of any applications by others currently on file that should be considered in association with the prosecution of this application.
SPONSORSHIP
This invention has been made by the sole efforts of the named applicant and he has not been sponsored nor supported by any Federal or Independent organization.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to a system for the joinder of tubular elements wherein one element provides a male member provided with a spring loaded detent arranged interiorly thereof and extending through the side thereof and a second female element receiving the male element and having a passage through the side thereof to receive the detent of the male member. The system includes a number of connectors including a straight line connector for joining two in-line tubes and including dual or multiple connector wherein the connectors are arranged angularly with respect to one another whereby a corner or bend arrangement for a structure may be established having a number of tubular members emulating therefrom and extending to the next such connector.
SHORT SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A quick connect system for joining of pipes or tubes wherein a male element is received into a female element with a spring loaded locking member arranged within the male element and extending through the side thereof to be received into an aperture of the female element wall for releasably locking the two together. Release is achieved by compressing the locking member into the male element to permit the female element to be slid from locked position. The system may be utilized to join straight pipe or tubing sections for extending the same or used to join pip or tubing sections in angular relation to one another by providing corners or bends in a framework for supporting a covering material. The system provides that either the connector members or angularly arranged corner or bend elements may be of the female configuration with interfitting, straight joinder elements being of the male configuration or the system may be modified to have the male and female roles reversed.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Many different methods have been utilized for joinder of pipes or tubes to effect a quick connect system to provide an effective support structure for a covering material. Such methods include, at least, swedging and compressing of the pipe or tube ends for a friction fit therebetween, providing a set screw or the like through at least the outer member of the system which will secure the inner member therewithin and certain spring loaded detents which are maintained within the male end to extend therethrough and pass through an aperture of a female member received thereabout for releasably locking the two together as well as threading and splitting of the exterior, female member and tightening a nut thereon to compress the female about the male member.
Basically, the Applicant's invention provides improvements on the prior art uses through an arrangement that insures that the friction held, spring loaded detent will be retained in operative position whether engaged with a second element and further that Applicant's concept permits the joinder element to be either male or female to insure the integrity of the structure being erected.
It is therefore an object of the Applicant's invention to provide a quick connect system for the rapid assembly and disassembly of piping or tubing which includes selective male and female end arrangements which provide a spring loaded detent within the male element with the locking or engaging portion extending therethrough to engage with a passage through a mating female member.
It is a further object of the Applicant's invention to provide a quick connect system for piping or tubing wherein a male ended member is provided with a spring loaded detent for engagement with a selected area of a female element and the detent is maintained in operative position within the male ended element through both friction and a retaining device.
These and other objects and advantages of the Applicant's concept will more fully appear from a consideration of the accompanying description and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3496950 (1970-02-01), Weber et al.
patent: 4247216 (1981-01-01), Pansini
patent: 4558713 (1985-12-01), Hagler
patent: 4865065 (1989-09-01), Chen
patent: 4869280 (1989-09-01), Ewing
patent: 5139040 (1992-08-01), Kelly
patent: 5217419 (1993-06-01), Hardwood
patent: 5352057 (1994-10-01), Zody
patent: 5482071 (1996-01-01), Liu
patent: 5593196 (1997-01-01), Baum et al.
patent: 5605170 (1997-02-01), Weng
patent: 5702198 (1997-12-01), Kno
patent: 5775352 (1998-07-01), Obitts
patent: 5779386 (1998-07-01), Eichhorn
patent: 5845664 (1998-12-01), Ryder et al.
Cwayna James R
Stephan Beth A.
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