Floor Or Base Structure Patents (Class 135/116)
  • Patent number: 11299906
    Abstract: A collapsible canopy with an improved locking mechanism. The collapsible canopy has at least three supporting legs. The collapsible canopy also has a central lock that is used for locking the collapsible canopy in an unfolded state and permits the collapsible canopy to be folded into a folded state when the central lock is unlocked. An outer retractable unit is connected between each adjacent supporting leg. An inner retractable unit having an inner end is connected between each supporting leg and the central lock. The inner end of the inner retractable unit is connected through the central lock. Reinforcement bars are pivotally connected between the outer retractable units and the inner retractable units, the reinforcement bars function to maintain the shape of the collapsible canopy when the collapsible canopy is in a locked and unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventors: Shengyong Yang, Jing Bian
  • Patent number: 11162273
    Abstract: The invention encompasses certain graphene-enhanced products for the outdoor industry, including tents, backpacks, hiking accessories, and apparel. Specific embodiments include (1) a tent comprising at least one flexible tent pole configured as an arch, connected to at least one fabric wall element that is connected to a second fabric element comprising a tent floor, wherein at least one of the tent pole and the first and second fabric elements is graphene enhanced; and (2) a backpack comprising a rigid frame, connected to a fabric sack portion, where at least one of the frame and the sack portion comprises graphene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Markus Hutnak
  • Patent number: 10753118
    Abstract: A portable shelter is provided with a flexible vestibule adapter and a flexible connector connected to the same wall, concentrically surrounding a door. Individual shelter elements may be deployed for functionally different end uses and are protected from weathering and damage when not in use, and the stored elements do not get in the way of other end uses. For example, the vestibule adapter and the flexible connector may be rolled up on themselves for storage individually or together, depending on the desired end-use configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Alaska Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Vesper
  • Patent number: 10731377
    Abstract: A backpack with incorporated and separable instant tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag cover allows the user to carry supplies within an enclosed back pack, which when deployed, becomes a no-set-up lightweight, portable, compactible shelter. The user can enter said structure easily, close it behind him or herself, and access his or her sleeping system and gear within. It may be used by hikers, campers, hunters, fishermen, disaster relief victims, military personnel, emergency rescue workers or anyone in need of a personal, portable, quick access, no set up, combined shelter and gear carrying system which is lightweight, provides privacy, protection from the elements, and ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: James Robert Cassetta
  • Patent number: 10618674
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, sturdy and compact aircraft cover that is suspended above the aircraft to provide protection from the damaging effects of the sun and other elements is described. The compact and lightweight aircraft cover is capable, when not deployed, to be carried within the cargo area of the airplane while the aircraft is in operation, and then deployed once the aircraft arrives at its destination. The aircraft cover is very lightweight while at the same time very strong, to allow for the cover to be carried inside the airplane while not adversely impacting the airplane's ability to carry additional fuel or additional passengers and baggage. Furthermore, the cover is designed to be quickly and easily deployed over an aircraft with minimal amount of user effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: DAVID & LISBETH POWER REVOCABLE TRUST
    Inventor: David J. Power
  • Patent number: 10597897
    Abstract: A collapsible canopy with an improved locking mechanism. The collapsible canopy has at least three supporting legs. The collapsible canopy also has a self-locking central lock that is used for locking the collapsible canopy in an unfolded state and permits the collapsible canopy to be folded into a folded state when the central lock is unlocked. An outer retractable unit is connected between each adjacent supporting leg. An inner retractable unit having an inner end is connected between each supporting leg and the central lock. The inner end of the inner retractable unit is connected through the central lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventors: Shengyong Yang, Jing Bian
  • Patent number: 10533758
    Abstract: The present invention includes a removable utility unit and/or removable utility room for providing one or more utilities to at least one of a controlled air, a sealable, a sterilizable, a sanitizable cleanroom comprising: at least one of a utility connection selected from air, water, gas, or electricity; and a substantially hermetic connector between the removable unit and the cleanroom, wherein the at least one of air, water, gas, or electricity are connectable to matching utility inputs in the cleanroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: G-CON MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Maik Wolfgang Jornitz, Sidney Backstrom, Troy Arledge
  • Patent number: 10465412
    Abstract: A tent system with utility rails is described. The hard shell tent system may include a first shell member, second shell member, utility rails, and an articulating mechanism. The first shell member may be adapted to mount to a roof of a vehicle. The second shell member may be adapted to mate with the first shell member and define an interior cavity when the tent system is in a closed position. The utility rails may be coupled to the second shell member and adapted to support items on top of the second shell member. The articulating mechanism may couple the first shell member to the second shell member and may transfer a weight of the second shell member and the utility rails to a roof of the vehicle when the tent system is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Thule, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan Michael Currid
  • Patent number: 10465413
    Abstract: A portable awning and table assembly includes a vehicle that has a cargo bed. A pair of first supports is each positionable in the cargo bed and a spool is rotatably coupled to between each of the first supports. A tarp is wrapped around the spool for storage and the tarp is selectively drawn off of the spool. A pair of second supports is spaceable a selected distance from the cargo bed. A pair of receivers is each coupled to a respective one of the second supports and engages the tarp when the tarp is drawn outwardly from the spool. In this way the tarp can shade an area therebeneath. A first table is removably coupled between the second supports having the first table is horizontally oriented for supporting objects. A second table is releasably coupled to the first table for increasing surface area for the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Larry Gaston
  • Patent number: 10364588
    Abstract: A shelter system includes a shelter. A shelter includes a number of vertical support legs and a collapsible truss section interconnecting the vertical support legs. The shelter system includes a canopy secured to the shelter. The shelter system includes a connection member connecting the canopy to a separate self-supporting tent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLP
    Inventor: Ronald L. Krenzel
  • Patent number: 10317909
    Abstract: Provided is a method and device for positioning a vehicle attachment point in a vehicle environment. On retrieving a plurality of object parameters relating to an object, a determination is made for a vehicle distance value relative to the vehicle attachment point in order to accommodate an object distance parameter that was retrieved from the plurality of object parameters. A vehicle environment assessment is then made relating to accommodating the physical characteristics of the object and the vehicle associated with the vehicle attachment point. Based on the assessment, vehicle attachment point positional data may be generated for positioning the vehicle attachment point relative to a vehicle environment based on at least the object distance parameter and the vehicle distance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kameron R. Hurst, Jonathan C. Hall, Cassandra R. Grant, Frankie B. Reed
  • Patent number: 10253602
    Abstract: A well screen assembly has a base pipe and one or more screen sections attached to the outer surface of the base pipe. The assembly also has one or more shunt tubes attached to the base pipe via top and bottom rings. The shunt tubes can be attached to the screen sections via B-rings and may be transport tubes or packing tubes. Connections are used for securing a jumper tube to adjoining shunt tubes of adjoining screen sections of the wellscreen assembly, which may be used in open or cased holes. At a well site, the joints of the wellscreens have timed threads so that the various shunt tubes can be aligned with one another along the assembly as the joints are made up. The connections of the present disclosure allow operators to install a jumper tubes between shunt tubes at the joint without needing to tighten fasteners or assembly components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Rodrigue, Floyd R. Simonds
  • Patent number: 10197888
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a collapsible light box. An apparatus includes a substantially cube-shaped structure comprising a top side, a bottom side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side. An inside of the structure is accessible through a front side of the structure, which is open. An apparatus includes one or more joints located on each of the right side and the left side of the structure. The one or more joints allow the structure to collapse into a substantially flat shape. An apparatus includes one or more support elements providing support for the top side of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron Johnson, Kelly Beffrey, Philip Beffrey, Daniel B. Lyke, Shane McKenna
  • Patent number: 10125517
    Abstract: A folding vehicle roof top tent. The fixed base is in a ladder shape and fixed to the vehicle roof, and one end of the fixed base is connected to one end of the movable base which is in a ladder shape by a pair of the connection block assemblies. Each of the connection block assembly comprises a first connection block connected to the fixed base, a second connection block connected to the movable base, and a main connection block, both the first connection block and the second connection block are hinged to the main connection block. The support is hinged to the main connection block. The tent cloth covers the support in a fixed manner, and bottom edges of the tent cloth are fixedly connected to the fixed base and the movable base simultaneously. One end of the telescopic ladder is hinged to the other end of the movable base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Mengfei Xu
  • Patent number: 10113330
    Abstract: A collapsible sun shelter that includes an arch support and a rollable flat mat that is configured to expand to include a canopy section and further includes a floor area portion, an upwardly deployable area portion at least two mat anchor points and at least two arch support openings. The rollable mat has an upwardly deployable area portion defined by an outer perimeter passing through at least one layer of the rollable flat mat such that the upwardly deployable area portion remains connected with the floor area portion when the upwardly deployable area portion is extended upwardly in a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University
    Inventors: Hala El-Wakeel, Fatima Al Doukhi
  • Patent number: 10046863
    Abstract: A mobile helicopter landing pad comprises a platform with one or more elongate, concave guiding channels for aligning a helicopter on the landing pad by forcing the helicopter's skates into a specific alignment upon landing. The guiding channels may have laterally disposed rollers or else be made of slick material to allow the helicopter to slide towards the base of the guiding channel under the helicopter's own weight. Additional crosswise rollers at the bottom of the guiding channel(s) may be provided to allow the helicopter to be moved forward or backward after landing. A blade locking arm swings upward and secures the top rotor. The pad may include a foldable enclosure that protects the helicopter after landing, and an electronic guidance system that assists the pilot during landing by providing instructions to the pilot or visual indications of the prevailing wind direction and velocity, through illuminated signals on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: I/O Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 9995057
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a frame for tents or canopies which alleviates standing water during rainy outdoor weather. The frame comprises a plurality of foot poles, a plurality of hinged beam assemblies, a plurality of frame supporting poles and a top plate. Each foot pole is hinged to one frame supporting pole, each frame supporting pole is connected to the top plate, and each hinged beam assembly connects two adjacent foot poles of the plurality of foot poles. The disclosed frame provides increased frame strength and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: NINGBO CASUALWAY LEISURE PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Guoxiang Wu
  • Patent number: 9812865
    Abstract: A mobile energy storage module is provided having a high energy storage capacity and output. An energy storage system having such energy storage modules and to a method for adjusting the energy storage system to the demands in the power supply grids is also disclosed. To achieve this, the mobile energy storage module comprises an enclosing module housing having at least one power connection interface and at least one data interface, and additionally comprises a flywheel module having a plurality of flywheel energy storage units, a vacuum module for generating a minimum vacuum required for operating the flywheel module, a cooling module for removing at least internal thermal loads during operation of the flywheel module, and a module control system that is configured to appropriately control the modules in the module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Enrichment Technology Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Ing. Christoph Treppmann, Ing. Rainer vor dem Esche, Thomas Bäumer, Dipl. Ing. Michael Sonnen, Christoph Schäfer, Christian Middendorf
  • Patent number: 9766336
    Abstract: Obstructions in a path of a vehicle may be determined by recording a plurality of measurements while the vehicle is traveling through a geographic area. The plurality of measurements may involve a velocity of the vehicle, positions relative to the vehicle of a plurality of objects in the geographic area. Also, a path of a vehicle may be determined. An obstruction in the path may be detected as an object of the plurality of objects that is in the path. Also, the obstruction may be determined to be a stationary obstruction as a function of the velocity of the vehicle and multiple positions of the obstruction relative to the vehicle measured over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Vishisht Vijay Gupta, Michael Prados
  • Patent number: 9752345
    Abstract: A convertible shelter system includes an enclosure having a removable side wall that selectively may be hinged to provide open access or to be held in an open position as a wind break. The convertible shelter system also includes the ability to fully remove the removable side wall on two enclosures having the same construction and to quickly and conveniently connect the remaining enclosure structures with a bridging panel, resulting in an enlarged, combined space while maintaining an essentially unobstructed ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Clam Corporation
    Inventor: John Matthew LaHood
  • Patent number: 9604702
    Abstract: A frame for a top of a boat in accordance with the present invention can be moved into an deployed position with the aid of a biasing member such that the manual effort required is minimized. When the frame is in the deployed position a locking member may be engaged to hold the frame and top in the deployed position. When the locking member is disengaged, the frame may be manually collapsed into a stowed position in a controlled and safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dowco, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin B. Hough, Kenneth Lauerance Stout
  • Patent number: 9574367
    Abstract: Aspects are directed to a collapsible privacy structure that has a low profile when in an un-deployed state to preserve the sight lines of observers. The collapsible privacy structure may then be deployed causing a canopy structure to extend upwardly forming an internal volume that provides privacy and seclusion to the user of the structure. The internal volume may be used for a bathroom, a shower, a medical evaluation/treatment space, and/or a changing space. Upon the departure of the user from the internal volume, the collapsible privacy structure may return to the low profile nature provided by the undeployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tinker L. Hatfield, Bryan N. Farris, William M. Dieter
  • Patent number: 9482025
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a self-contained folding shelter, including a rigid base with a first base portion and a second base portion and a hinge coupled to the first base portion and the second base portion. The hinge defines a hinge axis such that the first base portion and the second base portions are pivotally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The folding shelter further includes a first pair of rail members disposed along the sides of the first base portion and a second pair of rail members disposed along the sides of the second base portion. The first and second pairs of rail members extend generally orthogonal to the hinge axis. The first pair of rail members are aligned with the second pair of rail members when the first and second base portions are in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Brian J. Ludlow
  • Patent number: 9482027
    Abstract: A shelter includes a number of vertical support legs, and a mounting member coupled to vertical support legs. A collapsible truss section interconnects the vertical support legs to support a canopy. At least one buckle mechanism comprising a first releasably engageable body and a second releasably engageable body. The first releasably engageable body is attached to the collapsible truss section and is configured to receive the second releasably engageable body attached to the canopy thereby coupling the canopy to the collapsible truss section. Additional examples include a cable that spans between an adjacent pair of vertical support legs around a periphery of the shelter. The cable is seated within the channel of the mounting member. At least one curtain coupled to the cable by a releasably engageable fastener. The fastener is slidable along the cable to facilitate movement of the curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLP
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis, Chao-Shun Ko
  • Patent number: 9456580
    Abstract: A foldable bag frame and a pet bag using same are presented. The foldable bag frame includes four top support bars connected end-to-end in sequence, four bottom support bars connected end-to-end in sequence, and connecting rods. Each of the connecting rods consists of two hingedly-connected short-segment connecting rods. The foldable bag frame further includes a sleeve slidable along the connecting rod, and a spring fixedly connected to one end of the sleeve and sleeved over an outer side of the connecting rod, the other end of the spring being connected to the non-fixed end of a short-segment connecting rod. When the spring is in an initial state, the sleeve connected thereto covers the hinged portion of the connecting rod. By controlling foldability of the connecting rods, folding of the frame is conveniently achieved, making it possible to use a strong rigid material for the frame to meet stability during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TONGFU MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yaomin Ma, Wen Zhang
  • Patent number: 9388564
    Abstract: A modular adaptable housing architecture for building temporary shelters and residential units in emergency situations is provided and includes an oval cross-section, which can be increased and extended in a flexible manner, involving the mechanically articulated assembly of successive structural modules formed by pairs of crosswise-arranged ovoid frames in order to support a panel-based inner floor slab, with the shell being formed by sheets, while providing a level floor solution in which the floor is elevated above the ground using the curvature of the elliptical supporting section of each frame or retractable supporting parts of the frames. The result is a self-tensioning geometry shelter, which can be adapted to suit the terrain and occupancy requirements, which is stable, strong and environmentally friendly, and which can be transported in disassembled parts and quickly assembled at any location without requiring any additional work and enabling a finish typical of the locality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Defense And Space, S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Ros Garcia, Javier Camacho Diez, Luis Casillas Gamboa, Carlos Miguel Iglesias Sanz
  • Patent number: 9347680
    Abstract: The present invention provides a moving device and dust cover. The moving device includes a moving cart and a dust cover; the dust cover forming a dust-prevention space over the moving cart; the dust cover including an air-driver device, a vent tube and an outer cover; the air-driver device being disposed outside of outer cover for sucking in outside air and driving air into vent tube; the vent tube being connected to air-driver device and outer cover, for flowing of the air sucked in by air-driver device into the dust-prevention space formed by outer cover so that the space forming a positive pressure with respect to outside of outer cover; the outer cover performing filtering on the air flown in through vent tube. As such, the present invention accomplishes a better cleanroom result and provides easy disassembly and flexible usability to reduce the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Xindi Zhang
  • Patent number: 9010349
    Abstract: A bouldering mat/tent combination includes a mat having a first mat member and a second mat member hingedly connected to the first mat member along a transverse seam so that the mat is convertible between an open mat position and a closed mat position. A first storage pouch is attached to or defined by the mat. A tent membrane member is disposable within the first storage pouch. The tent membrane can be releasably connected to the mat with one or more releasable fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jason Heacock
  • Patent number: 8789549
    Abstract: A canopy anchoring system comprising a flexible anchoring sleeve of a cylindrical shape having a bore aperture positioned in the approximate center of the cylinder, the sleeve has a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the sleeve contains a first top orifice for filling the sleeve with a liquid, the bottom portion of the sleeve contains a bottom orifice for draining the liquid from the sleeve, the top orifice and the bottom orifice each have a closure device, the sleeve with the bore aperture is constructed to allow a canopy leg to slide completely through, the canopy leg has a foot and a foot capturing puncture protection pad provides protection for the sleeve and securely capture the foot of the canopy leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: William Rogers Barnes
  • Patent number: 8776812
    Abstract: A camping tent assembly having a removable inflatable mattress portion inserted into a floor portion, comprises a two-layered floor comprising a zippered edge which opens to receive the removable mattress, thereby allowing the mattress to occupy a space subjacent to the floor portion to provide a user with more interior space as compared to a conventional tent with a conventional air mattress placed above a floor portion. The mattress is inflated using a manual foot pump. The entire tent, including the deflated mattress, is simply folded or rolled up when breaking camp in much the same manner as a conventional tent. The mattress may be easily removed for repair or replacement as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Robert J. Forget
  • Patent number: 8651124
    Abstract: A tent including an integrated vestibule and a sleeping chamber having a dividable pocket for receiving at least one mattress therein and a plurality of tie-downs for tightening up loose pocket panel material when a mattress is not contained therein. The dividable pocket further includes a fastener for optionally and selectively dividing the pocket into discreet sections or a single section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Nage Colin Damas
  • Publication number: 20140014151
    Abstract: (FIG. 11) (ART-8) This sketched drawing show the Weather Dome in one form of its intended use. This drawing shows one three sided dome. Wind tunnel attached, vents closed, and tether ropes fastened on the wind side. Curtains and screens attached with screens closed, vents on the downwind side are open and tether rope fastened. The Weather Dome and a tent secured under the dome are assembled upon a raised ground cover. The windsock is provided to indicate wind direction. (FIG. 9, 10A, 10B) The (ART-7, 8) these drawings present the embodiment of possible usage an achievable assembled form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Dane Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20130240007
    Abstract: Portable devices comprising means for mounting an adjustable shade in a location for shielding one or more users from the environment are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher W. Ashton
  • Patent number: 8534305
    Abstract: A structure, e.g. a pop-up tent, usable in extremes of temperature, wind, and aridity. One side of the structure's fabric reflects heat, and the other absorbs heat. The structure is reversible, so that, depending which side is outside and which inside, the structure either rejects or absorbs ambient heat, making the structure cooler in hot environments, and warmer in cool environments. The structure can have a detachable base with a hollow chamber in which one can put thermally insulating fluid (e.g. water) to add further comfort, which also provides additional physical and thermal stability to the structure. An optional moisture collector is disposable inside to collect condensate for recycling, and the fabric of the structure can be hydrophobic to direct other condensate to the base and away from occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert C. Woodall, Felipe A. Garcia, Gregory A. Reitmeyer
  • Publication number: 20130220234
    Abstract: A floorless shelter has a closable door and a rear ventilation window that offers shelter in inclement weather for an owner/trainer and canine during housebreaking, as well as for use on a continuing basis. The floorless shelter also provides a specific area, recommended for housebreaking, which reduces distractions because it is enclosed. After repeatedly being taken to the structure, especially in inclement weather, the canine becomes conditioned to use the specific area and appreciate the protection from the elements that the structure provides. The floorless shelter makes the housebreaking and continued use both convenient and successful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Karen Louise Stevens
  • Publication number: 20130118540
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hunting blind. The hunting blind, in one embodiment, includes a base structure configured to support the weight of a human. The hunting blind, in this embodiment, further includes one or more sidewall structures coupleable to the base structure, wherein the one or more sidewall structures include a first portion extending upwardly from the base structure, and a second portion that slants outwardly from the first portion. The hunting blind, in this embodiment, further includes a roof structure positioned over the base structure and coupled to the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Clint A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8424549
    Abstract: A tent pole anchor apparatus that includes a barrel member and a cover disposed on the barrel member. The barrel member and cover together form an internal chamber that is filled with water so as to provide a significant weight for anchoring the barrel member. The barrel member has at least one drain to enable liquid to be removed from the barrel member. At least one of the barrel member and cover has a passage for receiving an adjustment strap that interconnects the barrel member with the tent pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Giffy Tent Barrels, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard G. Goldsmith, Richard N. St. Jean
  • Publication number: 20130061897
    Abstract: Shelter structures having a 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 perimeter of the shelter portion are provided. One or more external suspension webs may be provided at a transition region of the structure formed at the interface of upper and lower portions, or at a base portion of the structure, or intermediate transition and base regions of the structure. A lower enclosure portion may provide wall-like structures, or may form an open network of lines, straps, wires, or bands. In some embodiments, the upper and/or lower shelter portion(s) are provided as fabric structures; in some embodiments the upper and/or lower shelter portions are provided as rigid or semi-rigid panel-like structures. Support systems, kits for assembling structures, reinforcement features and methods for assembling structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: NOMADIC COMFORT LLC
    Inventors: Richard WEBSTER, Ann W. SPECKMAN
  • Patent number: 8371321
    Abstract: A free floating canopy shade system for use in a pool or at a beach. The canopy has four legs each leg supported by an open top float, each float having an outer tapered cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall being sized to receive a leg, an attachment to attach the leg to the float. The float being water tight and open at the top. Wherein an open shaded area is created beneath the canopy bounded only on four corners by each float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis R. Affolter
  • Publication number: 20130019913
    Abstract: A collapsible portable shelter unit when in the collapsed mode is light and compact to make transport and storage convenient, but when opened provides an enclosed space that can be used for various purposes, which has an integrated high strength structured frame by the action of the interlocking extrusions which also provide resistance to water and wind infiltration. As needed, exterior windows and doors, air conditioning, electrical supply and other customization as required by the users' needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Elite Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Yigal Zadok, Bryan Cole, Jeffrey Strohecker
  • Publication number: 20120138114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable enclosure assembly and method of using the same. The assembly includes at least a base, a housing mounted to the base and a cover secured inside the housing. The assembly also includes a means mounted on the housing to engage the cover into the housing and to disengage the cover from the housing such that the disengagement of the cover functions to enclose the object and the engagement of the coyer functions to uncover the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua Landsberger
  • Publication number: 20120125390
    Abstract: A tent comprises an integrated vestibule and a sleeping chamber having a dividable pocket for receiving at least one mattress therein and a plurality of tie-downs for tightening up loose pocket panel material when a mattress is not contained therein. The dividable pocket further includes a fastener for optionally and selectively dividing the pocket into discreet sections or a single section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Nage Colin Damas
  • Patent number: 8161992
    Abstract: A tent includes a fabric enclosure including a plurality of walls and a floor defining a floor perimeter. Each wall is coupled to the floor at a joining seam positioned at a vertical distance with respect to a ground plane. A skirt is coupled to each wall at the joining seam and extends external to the floor perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Northpole Limited
    Inventor: Robert Cantwell
  • Publication number: 20120037197
    Abstract: A shelter including panels of a first configuration secured to each other, the panels of the first configuration including a square main panel section, a fold-line extending from one corner to an opposite corner of the square main panel section allowing the square main panel section to fold along the fold-line, and a hinged flap extending from each edge of the square main panel section, each hinged flap secured to a hinged flap of an adjacent panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Earl Herbert Koepke, Gary Lee Koepke
  • Patent number: 8087423
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for providing protection against the sun, said apparatus including a rod assembly (2) and a fabric (3) or the like that is stretchable over said rod assembly, wherein the rod assembly (2) includes two rods (4), which intersect, are each resiliently bendable and can be braced in an arched manner by inserting the rod ends (5) into eyelets (7) at the ends (8) of two intersecting webbing straps (9) extending over a floor (27), over which the rods (4) can arch, with the rod ends (5) being subjected to tensile stressing, and which are pretensionable by inserting the rod ends (5) into straps (24) on a bottom longitudinal edge (23) of the fabric (3) for stretching the fabric (3) over the rod assembly (2), wherein a cross-strut (19) is supported in the intersection region (10) of the rods (4) to support the fabric (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Christina Knipschild
  • Patent number: 8075653
    Abstract: The present invention describes an air quality containment unit for isolating a construction, renovation or maintenance project. The air quality containment unit contains dust, molds and other air-borne pollutants using a filter, such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, to maintain a negative air pressure in the unit. The air quality containment unit includes at least one sealable orifice that allows workers to introduce, for example, an electrical cord into the unit without breaching containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald E. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20110209735
    Abstract: Housing for emergencies or for those in need could be a short-term solution or may be set up as a longer-term shelter. The shelter may be flexible to grow and change enough to accommodate the individual, the family and the community. The shelter is more substantial than a tent and easier to assemble and transport as compared to conventional shelters. The shelter can be transported in a standard size truck bed (for example, 4 feet by 8 feet) and erected by two individuals in a minimal amount of time, typically less than an hour. The walls of the shelter may include various features, including shelving, bathing facilities, sinks, beds, lighting, and the like. The shelters may be designed to be connected to external electric and water supplies. Optionally, the shelters may be designed as stand-alone, “off-the-grid” units. The ceiling of the shelter may include one or more solar panels to provide power for the shelter. The shelter's container provides the essentials needed to sustain life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Marian Rowan
  • Patent number: 8001986
    Abstract: An example method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter includes the steps of forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and attaching a plurality of rib intersections such as grommets at respective locations along the flexible loop. An alternative method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter includes forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop. An embodiment of a base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter includes a flexible loop and a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop. Each of the plurality of rib intersections forms an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib that supports the portable shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Morris W. Shumate
  • Publication number: 20110079259
    Abstract: A covering apparatus or play tent is designed to sit disposed around a suspended platform swing. The tent is attached to a platform swing. The swing which is suspended by a rope from the ceiling has the ability to move forward, backward, laterally, and to rotate in both directions. Thus, the occupants have the ability to experience all of these movements while remaining inside the tent that is attached to the swing. The tent can be made of light weight canvas and has four isosceles trapezoidal sides with one side acting as a door. The door has a small inset window made of mesh with a material flap for closure. The tent may have both a ceiling and a floor. The outside of the tent has three small panels of felt which are attached to the tent for use with stories and literacy concepts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Kristina Main, Herbert JP Goetz, Mark Payne
  • Publication number: 20110023922
    Abstract: A canopy anchor pad system that has a pad with a metal plate attached thereto and a fastening member that extends through the pad. The anchor pad system is attached to the leg of a canopy assembly and is of size and shape to accommodate a secondary weight such as a cooler that can be placed on the pad in order to anchor the leg of the canopy assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Rees, JR.