Folding device of a tent-framework

Claim 1

A central hub member assembly for the apex of a tent framework which supports a tent, comprising, a circular disk, a generally circular joint plate formed at the center of the disk so as to project upwardly from the disk, the joint plate being formed integrally with the disk, a plurality of generally U-shaped concave openings spaced radially around the periphery of the joint plate with the open ends of the U-shapes facing radially outwardly, each for receiving the end of a supporting rib of the tent framework, a joint groove located on each of the two side walls of each U-shaped opening such that the joint grooves face one another, two hanging jaw devices positioned opposite each other, one in each joint groove, a plurality of ribs, one for each U-shaped opening, each rib having an end with a pair of joint pins extending laterally outwardly from the end of the rib, the two pins being substantially on a common axis, the rib end, the pins and the U-shaped opening and joint grooves being so configured that the rib end can be inserted into the U-shaped opening with the pins at 90 degrees to the joint grooves, then the rib can be rotated 90 degrees and can be pulled up to engage the pins in the joint grooves to be held therein by the hanging jaw devices, whereby the rib will be free to pivot about the axis of the pins, and a plurality of frame grooves spaced radially about the periphery of the disk and located immediately adjacent to each U-shaped opening, each frame groove forming a recess in the disk into which the rib can rest when pivoted downwardly to a position wherein the rib is generally in a common plane with the hub member.