Frame assembly for shelter

Abstract

A frame assembly for a flexible structure includes a plurality of leg assemblies and a hub assembly. Each leg assembly includes a longer leg portion and a shorter leg portion that is hingedly connected at one end of the longer leg portion. The hub assembly includes an upper hub hingedly secured to the longer leg portions of the plurality of leg assemblies, a lower hub hingedly secured to the shorter leg portions of the plurality of leg assemblies and configured to be releasably secured to the upper hub, and a cam release secured to the upper hub and configured to release the lower hub from the upper hub. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A frame assembly for a flexible structure, the frame assembly comprising:
 a plurality of leg assemblies, each leg assembly including a longer leg portion and a shorter leg portion that is hingedly connected at one end thereof to the longer leg portion; and   a hub assembly including
 an upper hub hingedly secured to the longer leg portions of the plurality of leg assemblies, 
 a lower hub hingedly secured to the shorter leg portions of the plurality of leg assemblies and configured to be releasably secured to the upper hub, and 
 a cam release secured to the upper hub and configured to release the lower hub from the upper hub. 
   
     
     
         2 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the upper hub includes a retaining edge, and wherein the lower hub includes one or more flange projecting to the upper hub, the one or more flange including a mating retaining edge configured to releasably secure the lower hub to the upper hub. 
     
     
         3 . The frame assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the cam release includes one or more rib configured to releasably engage the one or more flange when rotating the cam release with respect to the upper hub. 
     
     
         4 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more cords connected to one of the upper and lower hubs, the one or more cords being configured to draw the upper and lower hubs toward one another. 
     
     
         5 . The frame assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising one or more pulleys, secured to the other of the upper and lower hubs, the one or more cords engaging the one or more pulleys to assist in drawing the upper and lower hubs toward one another. 
     
     
         6 . The frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower hubs are each configured to releasably secure the respective leg portion to the hub. 
     
     
         7 . The frame assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the upper and lower hubs each include a slot formed on an outer surface of the hub, and wherein each leg assembly includes a spline pivotally connected to the respective leg portion of the leg assembly, the spline being secured within the slot by one or more pins.