Folding structure with improved locking system

Abstract

The present invention is a folding structure having an improved locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the folding structure comprises a plurality of legs and a hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism comprising a plug hinge removably connected to a slider hinge between a first position at which the structure is substantially collapsed and a second position at which the structure is substantially open and the plug hinge is locked to the slider hinge. The hinge mechanism may further comprise a release cap engaged with the slider hinge and having a pair of buttons. Depression of the buttons unlocks or releases the plug hinge from the slider hinge, allowing the folding structure to be collapsed.

1 . A folding structure comprising a plurality of legs and a hinge mechanism, said hinge mechanism comprising a plug hinge engagable with a slider hinge between a first position in which the folding structure is substantially collapsed, and a second position in which the folding structure is substantially open with said plug hinge locked to said slider hinge to maintain the structure in its open position.  
   
   
       2 . The folding structure of  claim 1 , wherein said hinge mechanism further comprising a first button adapted to release said plug hinge from said slider hinge to allow return of the structure to its folded position.  
   
   
       3 . The folding structure of  claim 2 , wherein said plug hinge comprises a first tab portion releasably engaged with said slider hinge.  
   
   
       4 . The folding structure of  claim 3 , wherein said slider hinge comprises a lip portion releasably engaged with said first tab portion of said plug hinge.  
   
   
       5 . The folding structure of  claim 4 , wherein said first tab portion comprises a ridge portion removably connected with said first tab portion of said plug hinge and depression of said first button causes said first tab portion to be disengaged from said ridge portion.  
   
   
       6 . The folding structure of  claim 5 , wherein said first button comprises an inner surface and depression of said first button causes said inner surface to push said ridge portion of said first tab portion off said lip portion of said slider hinge.  
   
   
       7 . The folding structure of  claim 6 , wherein said plug hinge further comprises a second tab portion having a ridge portion removably connected with said lip portion of said slider hinge.  
   
   
       8 . The folding structure of  claim 7 , further comprises a second button having an inner surface and depression of said second button causes said inner surface of said second button to push said ridge portion of said second tab portion off said lip portion of said slider hinge.  
   
   
       9 . The folding structure of  claim 8 , wherein said first and second tab portions of said plug hinge are flexible and resilient.  
   
   
       10 . The folding structure of  claim 9 , wherein said slider hinge comprises an internal hole.  
   
   
       11 . The folding structure of  claim 10 , wherein said first and second tab portions extend within said internal hole of said slider hinge when said ridge portions of said first and second tab portions are engaged with said lip portion.  
   
   
       12 . The folding structure of  claim 11 , wherein said first and second tab portions are deflected upon said insertion into said internal hole of said slider hinge and said ridge portions of said first and second tab portions snap into engagement with said lip portion of said slider portion.  
   
   
       13 . The folding structure of  claim 12 , further comprising a release cap engaged with said slider hinge; said first and second buttons being formed as part of said release cap.  
   
   
       14 . The folding structure of  claim 13 , wherein said internal hole of said slider hinge comprises a taped annular wall and said insertion of said first and second tab portions of said plug hinge into said internal hole of said slider hinge causes said ridge portions of said first and second tab portion to ride upon said tapered annular wall and deflect said first and second tab portions.  
   
   
       15 . The folding structure of  claim 14 , wherein each of said first and second tab portions comprise an upwardly extending tapered wall adapted to be inserted within said tapered annular wall of internal hole of said slider hinge.  
   
   
       16 . The folding structure of  claim 15 , wherein said lip portion of said plug hinge is annular shaped.  
   
   
       17 . The folding structure of  claim 16 , wherein said ridge portions of said plug hinge are annular shaped.  
   
   
       18 . The folding structure of  claim 17 , wherein said first and second tab portions of said plug hinge are elongated and annular shaped.  
   
   
       19 . A method of folding and opening a structure comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing the structure with a plug hinge, a slider hinge, and a release cap having a first button;    (b) moving said plug hinge into locked engagement with said slider hinge to hold the structure in the open position;    (c) depressing said first button to disengage said plug hinge from said slider hinge; and    (d) collapsing said folded structure.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said step of moving said plug hinge into locked engagement with said slide hinge comprises the step of pulling a rope connected to said plug hinge.