Simplified slider mechanism

Abstract

A slider mechanism is provided with a release mechanism for releasing a spring clip holding a protruding detent in a leg supporting an overhead canopy. The release mechanism is mounted to the slider so that it is automatically loaded in the detent engaging position of the slider so that a simple pushing action on the mechanism causes the detent to withdraw within the leg during lowering of the canopy for storage.

1 . In a support structure including at least one hollow support leg having a surface defining a detent receiving opening, a detent structure spring mounted to the support leg to define a support position and a slider moveably positioned on the and movable between at least a first position disengaged from said detent and a second position engaging said detent, the improvement which comprises a release mechanism mounted to said slider for releasing the slider from said second position, said release mechanism being pivotally mounted to said slider so that the detent automatically loads the release mechanism as said slider moves to said second position. 
     
     
         2 . The improvement of  claim 1  wherein the release mechanism is pushed to disengage the detent. 
     
     
         3 . The improvement of  claim 2  wherein the support leg is square in cross section. 
     
     
         4 . The improvement of  claim 3  wherein the slider has at least one attachment for the canopy mounted to it. 
     
     
         5 . A slider mechanism for a support structure comprising:
 at least one hollow support leg having a surface defining a detent receiving opening;   a detent structure spring mounted to the support leg adapted to project a detent through the opening in the support leg;   a slider moveably mounted to the support let between at least a first position below the detent projection and a second position at least partly above the detent projection;   a release mechanism mounted to the slider, the release mechanism adopted to connect to the detent automatically as the slider movers between said first and second positions so as to load the release mechanism for disengagement of the detent.   
     
     
         6 . A slider mechanism, comprising:
 a body having an axial opening extending through it, the body including a channel formed in the body and communicating with the axial opening, the channel being defined in part by a wall having a slot formed it; and   a lever pivotally mounted to the body, the lever including an actuator position adjacent the slot in the mounted position of the lever.   
     
     
         7 . The slider mechanism of  claim 6  wherein the axial opening is generally rectangular. 
     
     
         8 . The slider mechanism of  claim 7  wherein the body further includes at least one support arm for attaching additional structure to the slider.