Cone-shaped Type (e.g., Tepee) Patents (Class 135/100)
  • Patent number: 11131106
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the containment of vertical structures using a flexible, collapsible, and movable shroud. The shroud containment system protects the surrounding environment by catching liquid and solid debris and contaminants from the inside and protects the enshrouded structure and workers from wind, debris, contaminants, and precipitation on the outside as well as providing enhanced protection against falling persons and equipment. The shroud also conceals the vertical structure in whole or in part and greatly eases the setup, takedown, and relocation of the shroud along the axis of the vertical structure due to its modular, impermanent design and method of erection, collapse, and translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen Val Milton, Sandra Gail Biedron, Samantha Christine Schaffer
  • Patent number: 10844624
    Abstract: An enclosure having an opening that allows access to a space formed by the enclosure, a door that covers the opening, wherein the door includes a pair of rigid edges, and a vertical living hinge that attaches the door to a portion of the enclosure. The enclosure may have a horizontal living hinge that allows the pair of rigid edges to fold with respect to each other. The door may have a plurality of stiffening members to form the pair of rigid edges. The enclosure may have a plurality of stiffening members in the enclosure wall, located proximate to the opening. The plurality of stiffening members in the enclosure wall may be positioned to substantially align with the plurality of stiffening members in the door, so as to cover the opening and form a seal between the door and the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: PLANO MOLDING COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Robert, Ryan Kubica
  • Patent number: 10563423
    Abstract: A foldable hunting blind uses a hub assembly to easily expand into its final configuration with side supports used to stabilize the blind. Further, the foldable hunting blind includes apertures in each wall configured to hold and direct firearm muzzles away from hunters within the blind and a door through the front wall allowing a dog to easily enter and exit the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Jason Bird
  • Patent number: 10501959
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for a Christmas tree tent. The tent includes a conical shaped fabric cover with a wide base, a pointed top, an inside, and an outside. A plurality of evenly spaced side poles extend from the base to the top of the cover, and together with the cover define a teepee shaped tent having corners and sides. One of the sides is a front side with an opening for tent ingress and egress. The tent may further include a plurality of buttons affixed to the outside, and a plurality of removable fabric ornaments, each with a cord loop for hanging the ornaments on the buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Emily Frances Harper Beard
  • Patent number: 10352063
    Abstract: A portable demountable canopy system is provided including a canopy defined by a rim arranged around an outer periphery of the canopy, the rim forming an open area, and a rollable membrane deployed across the open area; a plurality of poles being attached to the canopy; and counterweight elements present in an amount at least equal to an amount of the poles, each of the counterweight elements along outer sides thereof fitted with at least two fastening elements for receiving a lower end of each pole. Also disclosed is a kit with parts for assembling the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Eva Christine Jensen
  • Patent number: 10294691
    Abstract: A portable shelter including a canopy frame with frame support beams that are connected at corner junctions to define a frame perimeter. Roof support beams extend from the corner junctions to a rooftop peak. A base including legs is connected to the canopy frame at the corner junctions. A canopy extends over the canopy frame to form a roof. The canopy may be attached to the base and/or the canopy frame by hook-and-loop fastener strips. A rooftop opening is provided in the canopy adjacent the rooftop peak to allow smoke to escape from under the canopy when a fire is lit under the portable shelter. A removable top cap is retained over the rooftop opening by a magnetic coupling that allows the rooftop opening to be closed when not in use. Partial side curtains may be provided that cover only a lower half of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Nicholas Joseph Goncher
  • Patent number: 10161157
    Abstract: A tent frame (1) for carrying a tent cloth comprises at least four rods (2) each configured to have one end (3a) resting on a ground, to extend from that end convergingly towards a top of a said tent and to carry a tent cloth bearing outside thereon, and an arrangement (6) configured to interconnect said rods (2) so as to hold them in a determined mutual position. Said arrangement (6) comprises, for each pair of adjacent rods (2a-b), at least one rigid elongated element (7) and at least two elongated members so as to provide support for holding said rigid elongated element (7) between the adjacent rods (2a-b) and these in a said determined mutual position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Tentipi AB
    Inventor: Bengt Grahn
  • Patent number: 10077573
    Abstract: A hunting blind is formed from rectangular panels hinged for accordion folding. A roof structure is provided that stabilizes the blind with end pins interlocking with the panels. A window covering structure is provided that is silently openable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Jerry Micah Slaughter
  • Patent number: 9988824
    Abstract: The invention provides means, methods, and devices for suspending persons and goods above the ground while outdoors. Particularly, the invention provides a treepod assembly having a tent and a suspension element, capable of securely supporting at least one occupant while suspended above the ground from a tree or other elevated structure. In some embodiments, the treepod assembly may further include a rigid frame for additional support. Certain embodiments include an inflatable pocket that protects occupants and items inside the tent from injury or damage in case of a fall and impact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Canaima Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo Bottome, Michael Cecot-Scherer
  • Patent number: 9951536
    Abstract: A foldable, frameless emergency shelter is constructed from a radial array of bendable yet rigid panels such as of a foamed plastic. Panels have adjoining edges with matching convexly curved profiles. The edges are always held to each other with a flexible fastener such as an adhesive tape. During erection, a flat panel inherently deforms into a curved cylindrical tapered shape enclosing a space. A door and an optional floor are provided. The shelter has a rigid conical cap including holes for guy ropes, a door and an optional window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Caulder Bree
  • Patent number: 9924768
    Abstract: An umbrella has a vertical pole extending downward from the fabric region, but it also has horizontal poles extending outwards from this vertical pole. In addition, it has a plurality of further vertical poles extending downward from the horizontal poles. In this manner, the umbrella is supported by four, six, or more vertical poles. Any or all of the poles can be telescoping poles, such that they can be increased or decreased in length. The connection of the horizontal poles to a vertical pole above and/or below can also be rotatable connections which lock into place at 90 degrees, but through human force, can unlock to place the horizontal poles in parallel with a vertical pole above or below itself. In this manner, one can fold the umbrella over the poles and shorten the length and/or width of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Yoel Rosenberger, Aron Kohn
  • Patent number: 9803386
    Abstract: The wind shield includes a roof section, two wall members placed at an angle to each other and that undergo a transition into two parallel wall members. The wind shield is open on the side opposite to the wall members positioned at an angle, and has an unbroken bottom except for an indentation extending inwards from the rear, open side of the wind shield. A board extends vertically upwards from the bottom, a wall component at the lower part of the open side is fixed at the board in a jointed manner to a first of the parallel wall members and the free end of the wall component may be attached to the board at the second parallel wall member, a tongue, parallel to the bottom, protrudes from the wall component and covers the indentation when the wall component is in its retracted condition relative to the wind shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Ingvar Haglof
  • Patent number: 9631394
    Abstract: A tent frame for carrying a tent cloth has at least five rods (2) each configured to have one end (3) resting on a ground, to extend from that end divergingly towards a top (4) of the tent and carry a tent cloth bearing outside thereon, as well as an arrangement configured to interconnect the rods to hold them in a determined mutual position. This arrangement has non-stretching elements (8) interconnecting every second rod in the circumferential direction of the frame as seen from above so that each rod will be internally passed by an element interconnecting the two adjacent rods on both sides thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Tentipi AB
    Inventor: Bengt Grahn
  • Patent number: 9631395
    Abstract: An outdoor shelter system has a bottom water-proof fabric with a perimeter and zippers circumscribing the perimeter. The bottom water-proof fabric can have a hood and be worn separately as garment. An upper fabric has zippers circumscribing its perimeter that mesh with zippers of the bottom water-proof fabric. The surface of the upper fabric accommodates at least one support pole, and is crossed by each support pole at a portion. Each of the zippers on the perimeter of the bottom water-proof fabric mate by zipping to corresponding ones of each of the zippers on the perimeter of the upper fabric to form the outdoor shelter system fully enclosed by a floor, walls and ceiling with the bottom water-proof fabric at the bottom serving as a floor and part of walls and the upper fabric on top, serving as the ceiling and part of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Mihail Angelov Todorov
  • Patent number: 9382721
    Abstract: A system of modular components for on-site assembly of a shelter for an above-ground structure to protect the structure from blast, wind, fire or other physical hazards. A pyramidal shelter with triangular or rectangular base is formed by joining side panels to each other. Each side panel includes a triangular frame covered, except at access hatch, observation port and door openings, with either steel plate or diamond steel mesh to which blast-resistant, fire-resistant or other kinds of coatings or panels are applied. A corner anchor assembly to support each corner of a shelter has a lower plate, an overlying split plate, and a pair of upstanding, anchor rods attached to the split plates for insertion into hollow, lower portions of side beams of adjacent side panels. The corner anchor assemblies facilitate expansion of an assembled shelter by addition of more modular components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventors: Steven P. Morta, Horst G. Hermsdorf
  • Patent number: 9297178
    Abstract: This invention relates to a false ceiling intended to be suspended inside a lightweight housing module provided with at least one stretched fabric referred to as exterior forming its roof and fixed along its lower peripheral edge on a rigid frame, the false ceiling being of double inverted curvature and comprising a fabric referred to as interior being, on the one hand, suspended inside said lightweight housing module under the exterior fabric and, on the other hand, fixed by its exterior peripheral edge to said frame, the false ceiling being remarkable in that said interior fabric comprises in its central portion an orifice of dimensions that are sufficient to allow for the passing of an operator and in that said interior fabric is sufficiently resistant and stretched in order to support the weight of at least one operator. This invention further relates to its method of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Catherine Dalo
  • Patent number: 8555910
    Abstract: Shelter structures having an upper shelter portion supported (internally or externally) at an apex and one or more peripheral support elements supported by an external suspension web provided externally of a base region of the upper shelter portion are provided. The upper shelter portion provides a roof-like structure, while a lower enclosure portion may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the upper shelter portion and may provide wall-like structures that may include doors, vents, windows, and the like, or that may comprise an open network of lines, straps, wires, or bands. In tent embodiments, the upper shelter portion and the lower enclosure portion may be provided as fabric structures that, when erected, form tensioned fabric structures. Support systems, kits for assembling structures, reinforcement features and methods for assembling structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nomadic Comfort LLC
    Inventors: Richard Webster, Ann W. Speckman
  • Patent number: 7921862
    Abstract: An improved frame for tents and structures comprising a generally circular base plate, a plurality of main frame support struts, each including a lower leg section, a generally upright center section, and an upper section such that each of the support struts is generally C-shaped in side elevational view and an indexing ring mounted on the lower face of the base plate which includes a plurality of lower leg section retaining notches circumferentially spaced around the indexing ring to releasably engage and retain the lower leg sections of the main frame support struts. Upper and lower strut connectors pivotably connect the upper ends and lower ends of the struts to one another. A generally circular frame extension ring engages retaining notches of the main frame support struts between the center section and upper sections thereof such that the base plate and frame extension ring retain the main frame support struts in an upright, circumferentially spaced orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Dick Mueller
  • Patent number: 7497048
    Abstract: A plant protector includes a flexible cover having an apex, a base, plural sides and plural vertices defining intersections between adjacent sides, together with plural elongated frame members each respectively attached to the cover at one of the vertices. The frame members each have a first end proximate to the cover apex and a second end proximate to the cover base. The frame member first ends are mutually interconnected for pivoting at or below the cover apex. The pivotal interconnection may be provided by hinge connector hardware, but is more preferably provided by the cover itself functioning as a living hinge. The frame members are pivotable from an open position wherein the frame members are angled relative to each other to a collapsed position wherein the frame members are substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Steven M. Bakowski
  • Patent number: 7140375
    Abstract: A support device for an associated cover member includes a hub defining a bore adapted to receive a tip of an associated support pole. A shell projects radially outwardly from the hub. The shell defines an outer surface adapted to support an associated cover member. In use, the device is installed on a tip of a support pole so that an end portion of the tip projects through the support device. The projecting end portion of the pole tip is inserted into a grommet or eyelet of a cover to be supported. The pole is positioned so that the cover is supported on the outer surface of the shell. The device can have an overall frusto-conical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Norris
  • Publication number: 20040025927
    Abstract: This patent application is for a collapsible tepee tent configuration using a camera tripod stand. Entrance to the tepee tent is made possible by the use of a zipper fitted to the bottom part of one tepee tent wall. In one version of the present invention, holes on each of the three tepee tent walls provide ventilation as well as a means for the tepee tent user to position a photographic or video camera lens through the tepee tent wall. The said holes can be covered by mesh fabric, by the tepee tent user, in order to prevent intrusion of insects. The said holes can also be covered by water-proof fabric, by the tepee tent user, in order to prevent rain water from entering the tepee tent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Hilmersen
  • Patent number: 6679277
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for opening/closing a ventilation window of a tent. The apparatus has a fastener for opening/closing the ventilation window for ventilating an inner space of the tent by assembling/disassembling combining members with each other, a hole formed on a body of the fastener, an opening rope of which one end is tied up to the hole, and a closing rope of which one end is tied up to a connection hole formed on a knob combined to a long hole formed on the body of the fastener. The ventilation window is opened as the opening rope is pulled, and closed as the closing rope is pulled. Thus, there is no inconvenience in opening/closing the ventilation window as the user can open/close the ventilation window while he/she sits down on the floor of the tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Kyong Jai Choi
  • Publication number: 20020069905
    Abstract: A personal security assembly for use in association with a mobility aide. The personal security assembly includes a housing, an audio alarm, an alert light for drawing attention. In an embodiment, a secondary light is provided for lighting an area proximate the mobility aide to enhance visual perception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Cynthia J. Collins
  • Patent number: 6354316
    Abstract: A skeleton for umbrella tent mainly includes a top hub to which multiple brace poles are radially and pivotally connected to stretch by a predetermined angle; a bottom hub to which multiple stretch arms are radially and pivotally connected to stretch by a predetermined angle, and outer ends of these stretch arms are separately pivotally connected to a predetermined point on the brace poles; a flexible telescopic portion located between the top and the bottom hubs and consisting of multiple sections in the form of hollow truncated cones; and a pull rope extending through the telescopic portion with an upper end fixed to the top hub and a lower end hanging from the bottom hub to connect to a ring handle. By pulling the pull rope downward, the telescopic portion is folded to easily cause the stretch arms and the brace poles to move into a stretched position to set up the tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Shih-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 6338356
    Abstract: A portable tent having an interior, mesh-like netting portion, and an outer, waterproof canvas covering which may double as a poncho. The tent requires no assembly components other than stakes to affix the bottom of the tent to the ground and a top securing plate which is removably secured to a support object such as a tree limb. The top metal plate has a plurality of fastening rings on its upper and lower sides and is tied to the object situated substantially above the place where the tent is to be erected. A unique flexible support ring is woven into the fabric of the interior netting portion to support the sides of the tent structure. An object such as a cellular telephone or a flashlight may be suspended from an interior suspension ring situated on the bottom side of the plate via twine or string to allow the occupant to conveniently protect valuable or electronic accessories or to provide hands-free illumination from above during tent assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Dalaimour Wallenstatter
  • Patent number: 6146050
    Abstract: A coupling device for rotatably coupling poles of a tepee tripod. A first clamp clamps onto an upper end of a first pole. A second clamp clamps onto an upper end of a second pole. A third clamp clamps onto an upper end of a third pole. First and second rotatable couplers rotatably couple the first clamp to the second clamp, and the first clamp to the third clamp. The first coupler is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, so as to allow relative rotation between the first and second clamps. The second coupler is rotatable about a second axis of rotation so as to allow relative rotation between the first and third clamps. The first and second axes of rotation lie in a plane generally perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis corresponding to the first pole when the first clamp is clamped onto the first pole. The first and second axes of rotation intersect the first longitudinal axis. The first and second axes of rotation are radially spaced apart relative to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Alexander Charles Marshall
  • Patent number: 5836331
    Abstract: A ventilation device for tents with at least one roof top (8) and a place for an open fire under this roof top, the tent cloth (4) having an upper boundary (12) at a distance below the apex of this roof top, so that an opening (9) for discharging flue gases coming from a fire is formed at the roof top, comprises a net (10) substantially impervious to insects, which is arranged in said flue gas opening (9) so as to prevent insects from getting into the tent through this opening. The insects net is movably arranged with respect to the frame work of the tent and the device further comprises an arrangement (14, 15, 18) for regulating the degree of the coverage of the flue gas opening by the insects net between a first position substantially entirely covering it and at least a position in which the flue gas opening is at least partially set free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Bengt Grahn
  • Patent number: 5809989
    Abstract: The devices and methods described relate to the prevention of the spreading of campfires which might create forest fires through the unintentional emission of embers and sparks. The invention encloses the campfire in a three dimensional space. It is self-supporting, is easily portable and transportable by selection of an appropriate shape and weight, and is compactable through folding or rolling by the use of rings or hinges. The principal geometric shape is pyramidal with the use of multiple panels. Further, these panels have two end panels which can be folded out to allow temporary access to the campfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Dacotah Rose, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5787914
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible, water proof canopy especially adapted for use in a tree is provided. A flexible, collapsible frame is detachably coupled to the canopy along its perimeter. Means for suspending the canopy from a tree is disposed near the center of the canopy. Sufficient canopy material is provided so that when the canopy is suspended from the tree at said means, the canopy assumes an approximately conical shape. A user perched in a tree underneath the canopy is thereby partially protected from inclement weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis S. Greywall
  • Patent number: 5655558
    Abstract: A tent structure capable of being configured into a variety of distinct shapes for different recreational purposes is disclosed. The tent structure may be comprised of a plurality of stringers pivotally interconnected to form geometric subsegments and a shaped skin attachable to the stringers, or may be constructed from a plurality of geometric-shaped plates flexibly interconnected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: David L. Child
  • Patent number: 5566514
    Abstract: A generally pyramidal structure is formed by a plurality of sloping sides with adjacent sides abutting along a ridge joint which intersects a common vertex. The pyramid is truncated, thereby creating an opening transverse to one ridge joint and extending through the two adjacent sloping sides. The opening typically is closed by a vertical structural element. This pyramidal building design can be applied to structures of different sizes from small collapsible shelters, as substitutes for tents, to permanent buildings having multiple stories and/or adjoined units. The basic embodiment of this design has four oblique quadrilateral panels which form triangular openings along opposite ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Walter Freller
  • Patent number: 5562115
    Abstract: A combined tent-sleeping bag system including a pair of side panels. Each panel has a front edge, a rear edge, a bottom edge, and a common top edge. One of the side panels has a zipper assembly along the bottom edge. The common edge has a plurality of eyelets. Also, included are a plurality of flaps that have a panel edge that is integral the rear edge of the side panels, and a closing edge with a snap-type fastener assembly for coupling with another of the closing edges. Included is a mat that has long side walls, short side walls, a bottom surface, and a cushion-like material. The mat has a plurality of eyelets along the short side wall. The mat forms a first side wall that has a zipper assembly for coupling with the zipper assembly of one of the bottom edges. The mat forms a second side wall that is integral the bottom edge of another of the side panels. Provided is a support pole that is positioned through the eyelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Rudy Sotelo
  • Patent number: 5477876
    Abstract: A lightweight fabric structure is provided with a fabric membrane having a pocket type configuration formed along the center seam of the membrane with a T-shaped center pole positioned in the pocket. The lightweight fabric structure may have one or more pockets and corresponding T-shaped center poles. The pavilion type tent structure includes at least four side poles staked about the periphery of the structure with a flexible fabric membrane in tension between the side poles. The shape and configuration of the panels provide tension distribution over the entire fabric structure. The longitudinal center seam of the fabric membrane carries the maximum force. The T-shaped center poles with pocket configuration facilitates the redistribution of the forces from the point where multiple panels of the membrane converge at a single location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Bill Moss, Inc.
    Inventor: C. William Moss
  • Patent number: 5439016
    Abstract: A substantially cone-shaped tent comprises a plurality of rods connected to each other in the region of the top of the tent and arranged to extend divergingly downwardly to the ground on which the tent stands and bear thereagainst while each forming substantially a generatrix of an imagined cone, a substantially cone-shaped tent cloth adapted to bear on the outside of and be carried by the rods, and means adapted to interconnect adjacent rods at a distance from the top of the tent so as to hold them in a determined mutual position. Said interconnecting means comprise elongated rigid elements with a first engaging member at each end thereof, and the rods have second engaging members arranged to enter into engagement with the first engaging members arranged on the corresponding rigid elements when connecting adjacent rods by means of the rigid elements and by that hold two adjacent rods at a mutual distance defined by the rigid element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Bengt Grahn
  • Patent number: 5439018
    Abstract: A tent includes a canvas and a frame. The canvas includes a rectangular floor piece and two pairs of opposite triangular side pieces thereby forming a substantially pyramid-like structure, the rectangular floor piece having a loop at each of four corners thereof. The frame includes two flexible triangular members respectively mounted to three sides of each of one pair of opposite triangular side pieces with top vertices of the triangular members meeting at an apex of the canvas. Each flexible triangular member is collapsible such that the vertices thereof coincide with one another. A fastening member passes through the loops after the triangular members are collapsed to retain the triangular members in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Tzung-Lin Tsai
  • Patent number: 5400541
    Abstract: A tepee tent for a tripod tree stand comprising of a tree stand having a post constituting a center platform support with a lower end and having an elevated upper end, an upper platform positionable in a horizontal orientation and secured adjacent to the upper end of the post, a chair formed of a backrest and seat mounted to the post above the upper surface of the platform, a tent in the form of a tepee formed with a plurality of side walls having lower large edges coupled together positioned on the ground and having upper edges coupled together beneath the upper platform and having a base coupled at its edges to the lower edges of the side walls, the side and base being coupled together at their adjacent edges to form a shelter, and a door formed into one of the side walls adjacent to the base for allowing an entrance and an egress to the space within the shelter space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventors: Anthony Ennamorato, Pamela Ennamorato
  • Patent number: 5222325
    Abstract: The tree protector is made of a plurality of adjacently positioned trapezoidal panels having one lateral side provided with tabs and another lateral side with corresponding slots for hooking the tabls of an adjacent panel. Each panel has a plurality of narrow elongated openings disposed substantially parallel to the slots having a maximum width of about 0.25 inches for allowing air circulation and preventing accumulation of snow inside the protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Jerry-Frantz Angus
  • Patent number: 5193327
    Abstract: A portable pavilion which is easy to assemble, break down and transport is disclosed. The portable pavilion comprises a framework and coverings. The framework is assembled from a multiplicity of each of a series of five basic standardized relatively compact elements and can be covered with canvas, clear material or screen etc. Attached serving tables and the like can also be provided. A number of portable pavilions can be assembled in close proximity to one another with open sides thereof interconnected to form a larger structure. Assembly of a portable pavilion can be facilitated by use of a removable telescoping center pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: Lynn F. Goodenberger
  • Patent number: 5048551
    Abstract: A floating insect screen for personal use on a pool or lake comprising a floating base member defining a large central opening to surround the user, relatively upright vertical members attached to said base member, and a mesh material attached between and to said upright members and said base member. The mesh material forms a closed interior where the only entry is from the water by way of the opening in the base member, so that insects are prevented form reaching the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: James W. Schelfhaudt
  • Patent number: 5000211
    Abstract: A modular tent structure comprises a canopy structure (20) including a peripheral frame (23) adapted to support a covering roof sheet (24) and comprising collapsible sides, each constituted by a central crown joint structure to each side of which is pivoted a laterally extending support member (34), and a tie member releasably interconnecting the crown joint structure and the pivotally-connected laterally-extending support members (34). An axially-extendible mast structure is disposed centrally of the peripheral frame and is adjustable to vary tension in the covering roof sheet (24). Bracing means releasably interconnect the central mast structure and each central crown joint of the peripheral frame (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Aquila Shelters Limited
    Inventors: Roger L. Speare, William I. Liddell
  • Patent number: 4844108
    Abstract: A tent supported by a center pole in which the center pole serves as a chimney for a stove disposed within the tent. A water jacket surrounds the center pole for heating water stored in the water jacket. The center pole is formed from pole segments with are nested on top of another through a slip fit connection, whereby the center pole can be disassembled for transporting and storing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Pyromid, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 4838292
    Abstract: A teepee structure having a plurality of circumferentially spaced poles of different lengths forming a conical frame covered by an insulated cover member or skin and mounted upon a cylindrical foundation wall submerged in the ground. The upper end portions of the longest poles are fastened to a top ring member which is covered by a cap member covering the ring member, upper end portions of the poles and the upper end portions of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Sebree J. Allen
  • Patent number: 4838293
    Abstract: A tepee tent using a combination of rigid and non-rigid tent poles to define a frame structure for supporting a truncated inner cover, the base of the tepee tent being defined by the shaped floor panel secured to ground by pegs, and an outer cover encompassing the frame structure and providing a spacing between the inner cover and the outer cover to improve ventilation therebetween. The outer cover is secured to the rigid tent poles by fasteners. The upper extremities of the rigid and non-rigid tent poles are commonly supported by an apex cup having sockets for securing the rigid tent poles and having hooks for supporting the non-rigid tent poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Terry Novak
  • Patent number: 4744381
    Abstract: A ventilating system for a tepee includes an uppermost portion of a wall of a tepee, a substantially horizontally disposed opening defined by a top of the uppermost portion, a support disposed above a center of the opening, and a cone-shaped cap having a vertex, a base and a pivot point located on a top side of the wall, wherein the pivot point is rotatably supported by the support and wherein a bottommost portion of the base, opposite from the pivot point, rests on an outer annular surface of the uppermost portion, such that the cap is rotatable about the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Wayne Pritchett
  • Patent number: 4601301
    Abstract: An umbrella without a center post supporting structure with a continuous lazy tong structure around the periphery of the canopy with the lazy tong structure connected on one side along its periphery to a supporting arm pivotally connected at its opposite end to a composite handle. The composite handle includes a substantially U shaped arm with one end pivotally connected to the supporting arm, a first slide connected to the grasping handle and at least partially slidable in the U shaped arm, a second slide pivotally connected to the first slide and slidable in the U shaped arm, a lower block firmly attached at the bottom of the U shaped arm and slidable on the first slide, an upper block slidable on the U shaped arm and connected to the lazy tong structure, and stops on the first and second slides on opposite sides of the upper block and on the side of the U shaped arm between the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Terry Hermanson
  • Patent number: 4554937
    Abstract: A portable, free-standing shelter for hunters and the like is of generally frusto-conical configuration and has a base and upwardly inclined sidewalls terminating in an open top. The sidewalls are defined by a plurality of panels of generally triangular or trapezoidal configuration, having top and bottom edges connected by upwardly convergent opposite sides. Hinged connecting means interconnect adjacent sides of the panels in articulated relation so that the bottom edges of the panels define the base of the shelter and the top edges of the panels define the open top thereof. The connected panels may then be arranged into various configurations, including a substantially open shelter or screen, or a closed or partially closed shelter as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventor: Dennis V. Irwin
  • Patent number: 4488565
    Abstract: A hay rack top which is designed to fit on conventional hay rack enclosures or bunks in order to protect hay bales and hay placed in the enclosure from the elements, which includes multiple, shaped braces designed for clamping in spaced relationship to the top ring of a conventional hay rack and extending upwardly and inwardly to support a flexible cover secured on the arms of the braces by means of a draw string tightened around shoulders shaped in the braces. The braces are easily removed from the hay rack by loosening the clamps, and the top can be quickly and easily removed from the braces by loosening the draw string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Inventor: Douglas D. Smith
  • Patent number: 4423849
    Abstract: A self-supporting structure is provided which may be useful for a plant stand or as a support for garden crops, or other purposes. The structure includes three legs and a clinch plate having a hole therethrough for each leg, the holes being slightly larger than the legs and extending through the clinch plate at angles relative to the axis of the group of holes and relative to the axis of the radius of each hole. The legs extend through the clinch plate and converge in frictional binding relation to each other at a zone of convergence spaced from the clinch plate. That zone of convergence and the engagement of the legs with the upper and lower edges of the holes through the clinch plate provide the only support for the structure and it is self-supporting without any extraneous means such as glue, nails, or the like. A table top may be supported on or adjacent the upper ends of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: Henry M. Kramer
    Inventor: Peter J. Jordan