Unitized foldable tent frame

Claim 1

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting together the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection including a continuous line which forms a loop having an adjustable perimetric length; and (5) means for pivotally connecting the lower end of each elongated roof member to the upper end of at least one elongated wall member; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where said elongated roof members are substantially coplanar, to a location which proximates a raised position of said tent framework; and d. reducing said adjustable perimetric length of said loop of continuous line in said raised position so as to preclude outward movement of said lower ends of said plurality of elongated roof members, thereby retaining said tent framework in said raised position.

Claim 2

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting together the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection including a continuous line which forms a loop having an adjustable perimetric length; and (5) means for pivotally connecting the lower end of each elongated roof member to the upper end of at least one elongated wall member; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where said elongated roof members are substantially coplanar, to a location which proximates a raised position of said tent framework; and d. reducing said adjustable perimetric length of said loop of continuous line in said raised position so as to preclude outward movement of said lower ends of said plurality of elongated roof members, thereby retaining said tent framework in said raised position.

Claim 3

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting together the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection including a continuous line which forms a loop having an adjustable perimetric length; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated tubular eave members; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where said elongated roof members are substantially coplanar, to a location which proximates a raised position of said tent framework; d. reducing said adjustable perimetric length of said loop of continuous line in said raised position so as to preclude outward movement of said lower ends of said plurality of elongated roof members, thereby retaining said tent framework in said raised position; and e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members.

Claim 4

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting together the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection including a continuous line which forms a loop having an adjustable perimetric length; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated tubular eave members; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where said elongated roof members are substantially coplanar, to a location which proximates a raised position of said tent framework; d. reducing said adjustable perimetric length of said loop of continuous line in said raised position so as to preclude outward movement of said lower ends of said plurality of elongated roof members, thereby retaining said tent framework in said raised position; and e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members.

Claim 5

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting together the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection including elastic line which forms a loop having a variable perimetric length which is capable of expansion and contraction; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated eave members; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where said elongated roof members are substantially coplanar and said variable perimetric length of said loop of elastic line is expanded, to a location which proximates a raised position of said tent framework; d. allowing said variable perimetric length of said loop of elastic line in said raised position to contract so as to impede outward movement of said lower ends of said plurality of elongated roof members, thereby temporarily retaining said tent framework in said raised position; e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; f. locking said means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member and one end of two elongated tubular eave members, so as to provide a stable tent structure.

Claim 6

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting together the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection including elastic line which forms a loop having a variable perimetric length which is capable of expansion and contraction; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated eave members; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where said elongated roof members are substantially coplanar and said variable perimetric length of said loop of elastic line is expanded, to a location which proximates a raised position of said tent framework; d. allowing said variable perimetric length of said loop of elastic line in said raised position to contract so as to impede outward movement of said lower ends of said plurality of elongated roof members, thereby temporarily retaining said tent framework in said raised position; e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; f. locking said means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member and one end of two elongated tubular eave members, so as to provide a stable tent structure.

Claim 7

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection being formed to permit expansion and contraction of separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated eave members; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is expanded in a coplanar configuration of the elongated roof members, to a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is contracted corresponding to a raised position of the tent framework; d. maintaining, with said means of perimetric interconnection, said contracted separation in said raised position between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, thereby restricting outward movement of said lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, retaining said tent framework in said raised position; e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; f. locking said means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member and one end of two elongated tubular eave members, so as to provide a stable tent structure.

Claim 8

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection being formed to permit expansion and contraction of separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated eave members; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is expanded in a coplanar configuration of the elongated roof members, to a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is contracted corresponding to a raised position of the tent framework; d. maintaining, with said means of perimetric interconnection, said contracted separation in said raised position between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, thereby restricting outward movement of said lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, retaining said tent framework in said raised position; e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; f. locking said means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member and one end of two elongated tubular eave members, so as to provide a stable tent structure.

Claim 9

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection being formed to permit expansion and contraction of separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated eave members, which include a hub member to which said elongated roof, wall, and eave members are pivotally attached, and a hub lock member which, by rotation relative to said hub member, locks said elongated roof, wall and eave members in a fixed position; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is expanded in a coplanar configuration of the elongated roof members, to a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is contracted corresponding to a raised position of the tent framework; d. maintaining, with said means of perimetric interconnection, said contracted separation in said raised position between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, thereby restricting outward movement of said lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, retaining said tent framework in said raised position; e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; f. rotating each said hub lock member relative to said hub member, thereby locking said elongated roof, wall, and eave members in said raised position.

Claim 10

A method for raising a foldable tent framework, comprising the following steps: a. placing in a vertical position a foldable tent framework, which includes: (1) a plurality of elongated roof members, each elongated roof member having an upper end and a lower end; (2) a plurality of elongated wall members, each elongated wall member having an upper end and a lower end; (3) means for pivotally connecting the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members; (4) means of perimetric interconnection of said plurality of connected elongated roof members, said means of perimetric interconnection being formed to permit expansion and contraction of separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members; (5) a plurality of elongated tubular eave members concentrically enclosing said means of perimetric interconnection between adjacent elongated roof members; each said elongated tubular eave member being formed in sections which are connectable to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; and (6) means for pivotally connecting and locking together the lower end of an elongated roof member, the upper end of at least one elongated wall member, and one end of two elongated eave members, which include a hub member to which said elongated roof, wall, and eave members are pivotally attached, and a hub lock member which, by rotation relative to said hub member, locks said elongated roof, wall and eave members in a fixed position; b. extending the lower ends of the elongated wall members outward to substantially their final position; c. raising the upper ends of the plurality of elongated roof members, through a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is expanded in a coplanar configuration of the elongated roof members, to a location where separation between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members is contracted corresponding to a raised position of the tent framework; d. maintaining, with said means of perimetric interconnection, said contracted separation in said raised position between the lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, thereby restricting outward movement of said lower ends of adjacent elongated roof members, retaining said tent framework in said raised position; e. connecting said elongated tubular eave member sections to form a continuous elongated tubular eave member between adjacent elongated roof members; f. rotating each said hub lock member relative to said hub member, thereby locking said elongated roof, wall, and eave members in said raised position.