Disengaging connector for attaching fabric to a tubular support member

Claim 1

In a collapsible shelter of the umbrella-tent type wherein the shelter includes a foldable frame and a cover of sheet material affixed to the frame, with said frame comprising a plurality of support members for supporting said cover when said frame is erected, and means for slidably attaching intermediate portions of said cover to said support members, the improvement wherein said means for slidably attaching said cover to said support member comprises: a ring member circumscribing its respective support member and adapted for sliding movement along said support member; a stem projecting substantially radially outwardly from the ring member, said stem having a substantially square cross section; a pair of studs at the end of said stem extending from mutually opposite sides of said stem in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto; a locking connector made of a resilient material, said connector including a face portion having a thickness no greater than the length of said stem between said ring and said lugs, said face having a substantially rectangular opening therein, said opening having a width substantially the same as the thickness of said stem and a height sufficient so that the end of said stem with said lugs thereon can be inserted through said opening, said connector also having means for attaching the appropriate portion of said cover thereto, whereby said connector with cover attached can be releasably locked in engagement with said ring member by inserting the end of said stem with the lugs thereon through the opening in said connector and then turning the connector one-quarter turn to snap the stem into locking engagement therewith.