Collapsible central support device

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and devices for expanding and collapsing a tent, a gazebo, or tent-like structure. In particular, the present invention provides a central support device for supporting a tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure in an expanded configuration and moveably collapsing the tent, gazebo, or tent-like structure into a collapsed configuration.

1 . An assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein said interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length; a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to said upper hub and extending radially from said upper hub; and a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to said lower hub and extending radially from said lower hub, wherein one end of each of said under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of said top rods at a fixed position along the length of said top rods. 
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said assembly comprises the central element of a collapsible and expandable structure. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said collapsible and expandable structure comprises a tent or gazebo. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said assembly is connected to additional support elements through said top rods. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a support rod extending vertically from the bottom of said lower hub. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said support rod is configured to extend in height. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said support rod is configured to extend from the ground to said lower hub. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said support rod is releasably attachable to said lower hub. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said support rod comprises a plurality of legs configured to provide stability. 
     
     
         10 . A structural support assembly comprising an upper hub and a lower hub connected by an interhub rod assembly, wherein said interhub rod assembly is configured to expand and contract in length; a plurality of top rods pivotally attached to said upper hub and extending radially from said upper hub, wherein said top rods are connected to additional support structures; a plurality of under rods pivotally attached to said lower hub and extending radially from said lower hub, wherein one end of each of said under rods is pivotally attached to one of each of said top rods at a fixed position along the length of said top rods; and a support rod attached to the bottom of said lower hub, wherein said support rod is configured to be extendable from said lower hub to the ground. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said structural support assembly comprises the central element of a collapsible and expandable structure. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said collapsible and expandable structure comprises a tent or gazebo. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said support rod is releasably attachable to said lower hub. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said support rod comprises a plurality of legs configured to provide stability.