The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 27, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 18, 1997
Joseph E McKenney, Columbia, SC (US);
Other;
Abstract
A party tent has a frame that includes an inner frame supported above an outer frame by a plurality of truss members. The inner frame is smaller than the outer frame in at least one dimensional aspect so that the span across the inner frame is less than the span across the outer frame. In the preferred embodiment, at least one cross member extends across the inner frame and supports a vertical member that extends away from the surface. During the assembly, the internal frame of the tent is put together so that the covering can be placed over this frame while it is at a height of less than six feet. The vertical members are then erected under the covering, thus lifting and stretching the covering for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. After the internal frame, vertical members, and covering are in place, a series of legs is positioned under the tent, thus supporting the tent in a normal fashion. In an alternative embodiment, cables extending across the inner frame support the vertical members on an X-pattern formed by the intersecting cables. The present invention allows for the assembly of large 40 foot by 80 foot tents, in which the maximum height the heavy covering must be stretched is six feet, thus reducing the danger and difficulty of assembling the tent.