Connector device for a foldable tent

摘要

A connector device for retaining a pair of pivotally connected tent poles. The connector device comprises male and female components coupled to one another to permit positioning of the poles such that the poles are axially aligned in an aligned configuration and such that the poles are pivoted 180 degrees substantially parallel and adjacent to each other in a folded configuration. The male component includes an axially extending first guiding member and a first locking member formed on the inner projection, and the female component includes a second guiding member and a second locking member. The first and second locking members are engaged so as to secure the poles in the aligned configuration, and the first and second guiding members are engaged when the poles are in the aligned and folded configurations so as to further secure the poles in the respective configurations and to prevent misalignment of the poles.

主权项

1. A connector device for retaining a pair of pivotally connected poles, the connector device comprising:
a male component comprising an outer section having a first cavity for receiving an end of one of the poles and an opposing inner section having an inner projection, the inner projection comprising: an axially extending first pivoting hole, an axially extending guide pin and a first locking member extending along a bottom portion of the inner projection; and a female component comprising an outer section having a second cavity for receiving an end of the other one of the poles and an opposing inner section having a housing for receiving the inner projection of the male component, the housing comprising a lower portion and two opposing side portions, each of the side portions having an axially extending second pivoting hole substantially aligned with each other, each of the side portions having opposing guide grooves, each guide groove having opposing ends, a distal end of the lower portion of the housing having a second locking member extending therefrom; wherein the male and female components are pivotally coupled through the first and second pivoting holes, the first and second locking members are lockably engaged when the poles are aligned, and the guide pin and guide groove ends are engaged when the poles are aligned longitudinally and when the poles are pivoted 180 degrees substantially parallel and adjacent to each other; wherein the first and second pivoting holes have substantially the same size and shape; and wherein the bottom portion of the inner projection includes a void directly above the first locking member for receiving the second locking member.