Abstract: A portable bivouac shelter (10) is provided having an end pole (48) retaining on the top sheet (12) through a tunnel (46) for holding the top sheet (12) in a taught and semi-circular configuration. This permits the top sheet (12) to be held away from the bottom sheet (14) in an open configuration for enhanced ventilation. A top pole (54) is also provided across the top sheet 12 near the head end (20). The top pole (54) cooperates with the flexible end pole (48) to form a sloped roof over a user's head and to hold the top and bottom sheets (12) and (14) in a selected degree of an open configuration. Optional mounting snaps (62) in the interior (24) of the enclosure (18) enable a user to reconfigure the opening (26) without leaving the interior (24) of the shelter (10). The shelter (10) thus provides enhanced ventilation while the sloped roof formed by the top pole (54) prevents the entry of precipitation into the enclosure (18). Optional mosquito netting (32) is zippered on the interior of the opening (26).

Abstract: A prefabricated collapsible awning frame system and method of forming the same. The awning frame system comprises a bracket assembly having a mounting plate that can be fixedly attached to a structure and a support member removably attached to the mounting plate. The frame system also includes at least one arm bar removably attached to the support member. A snap button is disposed with the support member and arm bar. The frame system may be assembled on the ground and the assembled frame system may be raised and removably attached to the mounting plate. To removably attach the support member and arm bar, the button head of the snap button is depressed and the support member or arm bar is slid onto the mounting plate or support member until the button head is aligned with the snap button opening. The support member and mounting plate may then be easily removed by depressing the button head and sliding the support member or arm bar using a reverse procedure.

Abstract: An inflatable tent construction 10 including a wall unit 11, and a roof unit 12 fabricated from fifteen side panels 40 wherein each side panel 40 comprises a panel member 30 surrounded by two inflatable side channels 21, 22, and an inflatable base channel 23 that define generally identically shaped equilateral triangles. The wall unit comprises first and second groups of five panel members 30, respectively, and the roof unit 12 comprises a third group of five panel members 30 to create the pentadecahedron configuration of the wall 11 and roof 12 units of the tent construction.

Abstract: A sun shade assembly (10) includes a shade means (11) including a flexible cover (13) attached to a plurality of support arms (14), the support arms being movable from a lowered position in which the cover is in a stowed attitude and a raised position in which the cover is in an operative shading attitude, and support means (12) having a mounting base (16) and a support structure (15) upstanding from said mounting base and extending in part above said shade means (11) for supporting said shade means offset from said mounting base, and a plurality of cables (44) connected to respective ones of the support arms (14) and disposed above the cover for maintaining the cover in the operative shading attitude.

Abstract: A canopy system for use when performing outside construction is provided. The canopy is particularly useful for use on a roof to protect the worker from rain, snow or sun and the canopy system comprises a plurality of adjustable brackets which are secured to the roof in spaced relation to form a desired canopy area, a plurality of rigid canopy support poles secured to the brackets and disposed in a substantially upright position, and a canopy member secured to the upper ends of the canopy support poles. A specially configured bracket is employed which comprises a rotatable and axially moveable member which member is fixedly positioned to a fixed member of the bracket and which moveable member is adapted to hold a canopy support pole in an upright position.

Abstract: Currently portable industrial camp shelters will be either wood frame construction or fabric tents. The former have restriction on size and require special skills and equipment to install on site. The latter require plumbing and electrical installation to be installed on site. The present invention combines the advantages of frame structures and tents in a portable collapsible shelter by modifying standard shipping container structures to provide fold-down side walls which extend the floor space of the container and are provided with a retractable fabric cover to enclose the extended space.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that include arcade-styled games for the fun and entertainment of both adults and children. These collapsible structures can be easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a compact configuration. The collapsible structures have at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member.

Abstract: A light-weight shelter to protect a user from exposure to chill winds and material entrained therein has a peripheral wall inclined inwardly. The upper edge of the wall is supported by substantially vertical elements which also hold down the lower edge of the wall. Wind-entrained material, upon contacting the outer surface of the inwardly inclined wall, initially will tend to move upward. The wind passes over a sheltered zone defined within the wall, and any entrained matter is slowed down by friction with the wall and eventually falls to accumulate around a bottom edge outside of the wall. In one aspect of the invention, the wall is attached to a base having an outwardly extending portion on which the initially entrained particulate matter accumulates, and one or more outwardly extending flanges are provided to extend outwardly from the wall to even more effectively intercept entrained particulate matter from oncoming wind. The wall may be made to any suitable height.

Abstract: A portable outdoor sleeping system is provided which includes a shelter portion, a detachable ground cover sheet, and one or more detachable sleeping bags. Each sleeping bag includes an elongate perimeter flap to which a fastener element is fixed for use in detachable securement of the sleeping bag to a fastener element of a corresponding sleeping bag outline flap. The sleeping bag outline flap defines a predetermined sleeping bag placement position such that other portions of the ground cover sheet may be reserved for a different use. The system also includes an inflatable cushion which has a projecting strip for use in securing the cushion to the floor.

Abstract: A portable sunshade (10) includes semi-hoop elements (16,18,20) for holding an elongated strip (28) of sun and air moisture impermeable material spaced apart to form an enclosure (44). Elements (18,20) can be pivoted past each other to replace the impermeable materials (28) with a netting piece (45) passing a part of incident sunlight. A strip (38) of soft-to-the-touch material extends over a part of strip (28) providing a body rest portion. A netting sheet (36) is removably located between material (28) and strip (38).

Abstract: A sleeping bag enclosure (10, 10', 100, 200, 200') is provided which includes an envelope (20, 20', 120, 220, 220') extending longitudinally from a closed end (26, 126, 226) to an open end (28, 128, 228). The sleeping bag enclosure (10, 10', 100, 200, 200') further includes a vented cover member (40, 40', 240) secured to the open end (28, 128, 228) of envelope (20, 20', 120, 220, 220') for forming a closure therefor. Vented cover member (40, 40', 240) includes a plurality of ventilation openings (42, 242) formed therethrough to allow air to be exchanged between the external environment and an internal space (34). The internal space (34) is maintained in an open condition to allow the user to be comfortably enclosed within the space (34).

Abstract: A portable tent is disclosed having an outer sidewall supported by a pair of flexible, plastic support poles. A double cushioned floor aligns the bottom of the tent, and is permanently seamed around the perimeter of the tent. An integral, inflatable air mattress is formed between the cushioned floor and a mattress upper surface, defining an air-tight, internal volume. On the exterior of the tent is at least one inflation valve.

Abstract: A tent is fabricated from a seamless spherical shell. The floor of the tent is established as a plane interiorly dividing the shell into two chambers. The floor peripherally contacts the inner surface of the shell, and is sealed against the inner surface of the spherical shell. The larger chamber serves as the living chamber, while a smaller air tight chamber is formed between the floor and the shell. The air tight chamber is provided with a valve communicating with the outside environment. When the tent is disassembled, and with the valve opened, the spherical shell will completely deflate and collapse. During erection of the tent, the air chamber valve remains open, and the shell's cap over the floor is manually pulled out away from the tent floor causing a vacuum to form in the smaller airtight chamber. Air immediately flows through the valve filling the air chamber, and by closure of this valve the air is trapped. The air cushions the floor to provide a self inflated air mattress.

Abstract: A modular shelter comprising a framework for supporting a cover sheet, the framework including at least two frames each composed of an upward curved arch having two ends, two upstanding legs, each leg having an upper end connected to a respective end of said arch by means of respective upward angled connecting members, each arch end attached to a respective upper end of said legs, each leg having a bottom end, and anchoring means for anchoring the bottom end of each leg to ground.

Abstract: An inflatable tent structure for single person use or multiple person use, comprising an inflatable tent and an automatically inflatable cushion placed in the tent, wherein the tent is made of two sheets of waterproof nylon PU cloths by means of cutting, adhering and sewing. At least a joint portion between two adjacent faces being is disposed with an inflating passage which can be inflated and expanded to stretch and support the tent. An inflating valve is disposed on the inflating passage and each long face of the tent is disposed with ventilating windows. The cushion is formed by an upper and a lower waterproof nylon PU cloths and a sponge layer sandwiched therebetween an inflating valve is disposed on a corner of the cushion. The cushion is adapted to be placed and secured on the bottom of the tent for a user to sit or lie thereon. The material of the tent structure is recoverable and can be burned without producing toxic gas.

Abstract: An air mattress for supporting an individual within a circular tent. The inventive device includes a circular upper web coupled to a circular lower web by a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An air valve is directed through the sidewall for permitting pneumatic inflation of the mattress. A plurality of spacing projections extend from the lower circular web and cooperate to support the mattress above a floor web of an associated tent.

Abstract: A portable collapsible shelter comprises a floor, pairs of corner posts, a horizontal brace extending between and pivotally attached to the corner posts of each pair, and built-in seats. The floor, corner posts, braces, and seats are foldable between respective erected and collapsed modes. In the collapsed mode, each corner post is folded into a stack, with the stacks of each pair thereof being coplanar. The associated brace is initially at the top of the stacks of folded corner posts. The brace folds into a stack located coplanar with and between the stacks of the associated corner posts when the floor is folded to its collapsed mode. The seats fold with the corner posts and lie on the floor when the corner posts are folded to their collapsed mode. Locking devices selectively prevent and enable folding of the floor, corner posts, and braces.

Abstract: A tent flooring system including a support structure having two separately inflatable bladder members; and a fastener assembly for securing the support structure beneath a tent. The first bladder member is provided with a non-slip surface for contact with the existing tent floor. The second bladder member has a plurality of multi-directional channeling structure protrusions extending therefrom for allowing water to pass under the first bladder member during a rainstorm or the like.

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.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable tent has a semi-cylindrical cover portion that fastens to a planar base portion. The cover portion is provided with rib air-passageways that, when inflated, support the cover portion in its semi-cylindrical configuration. Various configurations of the rib air-passageways connecting to edge air-passageways provided with air inflation valves are described. Generally, the rib air-passageways are segregated into two groups, so that the failure of a single rib air-passageway will not cause the deflation of all of the rib air-passageways. The inflation valve(s) are preferably disposed on a surface of the cover portion that will be interior the erected tent, so that the user may reinflate the tent without exiting the tent. The tent is sized and shaped so as to provide convenient, weatherproof, portable shelter for a user.

Abstract: A tethered, bridle supported insect proof protective enclosure having top side and end walls composed of insect proof net fabric with the walls having bottom weighting for establishing insect sealed engagement with the ground, floor or other surface on which the apparatus is installed. The top wall is provided with an integrated supporting framework composed of a plurality of jointed support rods having ends thereof received within support pockets attached to the top wall and supported at intermediate portions thereof by means of support rings extending from reinforced support patches that are attached to the top wall. An embodiment may be provided having a floor and being of a single or double bed width and having ingress and egress through closures such as zippers or releasable fastener material that are used at wall openings.

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.

Abstract: A canopy support for supporting a canopy above a bed or other desired area includes at least one support member including an elongated post positionable in an upright condition adjacent the bed or desired area and a base or other fastening members for maintaining the elongated post in an upright condition. Elongated support structure from which a canopy is to be supported is fixedly joined at one end to the support member so as to extend over the bed so that the elongated support structure is maintained in a free-standing condition above the bed or desired area and so that when the canopy is supported by the elongated support structure, the canopy overhangs the bed or desired area.

Abstract: A portable structure to be used by an individual in an upright or seated position. Such a structure will be assembled where desired by first assembling tube connectors and inserting the tube assemblies into the cup shaped receptors around the opposing major body components. This skeleton assembly will then be covered with a suitable flexible material using temporary "S" shaped hooks.

Abstract: A vehicle enclosure for storing and protecting a vehicle having a base plate; a cover disposed over the base plate to create an enclosed space therein adapted for receiving a vehicle; a hinge mechanism for pivotally coupling the cover to the base plate; a handle mechanism coupled to the cover for allowing the cover to be opened and closed; a retaining mechanism coupled between the base plate and cover for holding the cover open; and a retractable dolly coupled to the cover with the dolly having a retracted orientation for placing the vehicle enclosure in a stowed configuration and an extended orientation for placing the vehicle enclosure in a transportable configuration for moving it from one location to another.

Abstract: A lightweight fabric structure having a plurality of arches, and more particularly, a pavilion type tent structure having arches to define the periphery of the structure with a flexible fabric membrane in tension between the arches. Adjustable length tension bars are placed between adjacent arches to maintain tension and hold the arches upright. Adjacent segments of the membrane are sewn back-to-back to provide a reverse curve seam to increase the usable space inside the fabric structure without the use of a center support or tension lines.

Abstract: A tent assembly (10) for sheltering a personal riding vehicle and one or more people that is lightweight, compact and easy to set up is disclosed. The tent assembly (10) comprises a floor section (12) having one side (14) secured to the ground along side a parked vehicle and extending away from the vehicle, a wall section (32) connected to the side (16) of the floor section (12) farthest from the vehicle and a roof section (44) extending from the top of the wall section (32) over the floor section (12) and over the vehicle. The roof section (44) is secured to either the vehicle or to the ground on the opposite side of the vehicle from the floor section (12) and is supported at one side (46) by the wall and at an intermediate portion (50) by the vehicle. Storm flaps (52) may be connected to either end (70,72) of the roof section (44).

Abstract: A column base assembly for erecting temporary column structures, a base assembly held firmly in place by a vehicular tire resting thereon. The base assembly provides an easily erected column structure usable in a variety situations where a temporary structure can be erected near to a parked vehicle, such as signs, lights, sheds, tents or awnings. The base assembly provides a vertical receiving tube for holding a column, and a horizontal receiving tube attached to the vertical receiving tube for holding a beam. The column and beam can be used in cooperation to hold signage or other accessories. The base assembly provides a sturdy and stable column base erectable on hard surfaces, eliminating the need for staking.

Abstract: A suspension tent having two basic components, a tent body and a frame. The tent body, which is of unitary construction, is comprised of two separate compartments, an upper bed compartment, enclosed by a canopy being of an umbrella arrangement, and a lower storage compartment. Both compartments are accessible from the outside of the tent through openings in the tent body. These openings can be close by a cloth closure, such as a flap, and a screen flap which may be fastened about the opening by some fastener, such as a zipper. The frame is constructed of a plurality of telescopic tubular sections. The tent body is suspended from the frame by fasteners located about the periphery of the bed compartment at each of the four corners. This suspension of the tent body permits the weight of the bed compartment to be distributed to the frame, providing adequate support for the user. The tent body is also pulled taut and fastened to the frame at each corner about the periphery of the bottom of the storage compartment.

Abstract: A column base assembly for erecting temporary column structures, a base assembly held firmly in place by a vehicular tire resting thereon. The base assembly provides an easily erected column structure usable in a variety situations where a temporary structure can be erected near to a parked vehicle, such as signs, lights, sheds, tents or awnings. The base assembly provides a sturdy and stable column base erectable on hard surfaces, eliminating the need for staking.

Abstract: A fluid transmission conduit welding habitat is provided, having an outer air supportable arcuate dome which is mounted over a point to entrap welding slag, sparks, and the like. A fire-resistant shield is disposed around the interior of the dome. Air supplied to the dome for selectively suspending the habitat. A conduit, filter, or the like is provided through the top of the dome to permit discharge of smoke including particulate matter resulting from the welding procedure. The air supply may be in alignment with the smoke discharge whereby the supply of air forms a carrier fluid for transmitting the smoke and particulate matter out of the dome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding canopy like a sunshade, shelter for hiking, camping or similar, intended specially to provide protection for an area of ground against storms, sunshine or rain. The shelter (1) consists of a roof held up by a retractable system (3) fitted on a column (4) supported on the ground via a foot (5). The foot (5) has means for extending its radial arms (6) simply through the contact between a sliding ferrule on which the arms (6) are jointed and the ground. The invention concerns manufacturers of industrial sunshades and umbrellas.

Abstract: A somewhat curvilinear, four-sided pyramidal container is disclosed for housing and carriage of small household pets. The container provides a flexible fabric cover which defines optionally coverable mesh windows and an optionally coverable openable access door structure. The container carries a rigid bottom insert and is supported by a rod frame having a square, releasably intrerconnected bottom element formed of four interconnected semi-rigid rods and two arched, resiliently deformable support rods extending upwardly between opposed corners of the structure, all said rods carried in loops defined on the inner surface of the cover. The support rods are selectively removable to allow assembly and collapse of the structure for storage.

Abstract: A pet bed and enclosure device specifically designed for cats includes a spring support device from which is suspended a cloth panel bed. The spring support device includes an upper square frame supported over a lower square frame by two spring steel members attached at a rear section of the upper frame and angled forwardly and attached to the front section of the base frame. A fabric cover enclosure is supported by resilient support members pulled into a round shape by tab ends extending from each corner of the cover which wrap around the upper frame and hook onto horizontal hook members extending inwardly from the corners of the upper frame. A hole in the cover allows the cat to enter the enclosure and rest on the cloth bed that is springably supported.

Abstract: A circular mat having an outer rim that is reinforced by a steel ribbon keeps its shape while laid out and also allows for ready folding and storage. Tent stakes serves to hold the mat in place and a central hole allows the insertion of an umbrella. A shelter is capable of being erected over the mat using flexible, curved tent poles that inset into a pair of three way hinged tent steaks. This shelter serves to keep out the elements when the weather turns for the worse.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter has a pair of floor panels hinged together edge-to-edge, and front and rear wall panels hinged along the outer edges of the floor panels such that when the floor panels are collapsed in a side-by-side relationship, the wall panels are disposed closely adjacent one another. When the floor panel is unfolded and the wall panels are disposed in an upright position, various forms of covers may be mounted on the edges of the wall panels to form a shelter.

Abstract: A padded body, that is adapted to be used as a ground pad and as padded tent bottom is folded over a surfboard and secured in closed position. The surfboard is thus effectively protected while being shipped and stored. A tent is adapted to be connected to the tent bottom at the beach, so as to provide a comfortable padded-floor tent for use during the day or night. During shipment of the apparatus, the tent is secured adjacent the skegs of the surfboard.

Abstract: A tubular, ribbed, elevatable sleeping shelter that is compressible to a size convenient for carrying by an individual. In its preferred form, the shelter has three circular, sectioned ribs, each having a removable, handle-like projection across the bottom which serves as an elevating means. Each rib is comprised of four sections, the top section being smaller in circumference to allow its partial insertion inside the hinged side sections for consolidation purposes. The ribs are separated by braces along each side and the floor, and a cover is provided for the floor braces. The angular shape of the brace connections serves to hold the structure upright. Rotatable floor connections and optional use of adjustment extensions ensure that the unit sets firmly on the ground and reduces the risk of warping of the brace connections. A cover encloses the circumference of the ribs and is secured at the bottom between the ribs and elevating projections. A closure at each end is attachable by means of a double zipper.

Abstract: A subterranean well fluid transmission welding habitat is provided, having an outer air supportable arcuate dome which is mounted over the well entry point to entrap welding slag, sparks, and the like. A fire-resistant shield is disposed around the interior of the dome. Air supplied to the dome for selectively suspending the habitat. A conduit, filter, or the like is provided through the top of the dome to permit discharge of smoke including particulate matter resulting from the welding procedure. The air supply may be in alignment with the smoke discharge whereby the supply of air forms a carrier fluid for transmitting the smoke and particulate matter out of the dome.

Abstract: A tent with a tarpaulin comprising a plurality of lengths of fabric and a set of tent poles stretching out the tarpaulin and comprising a plurality of tent poles that can be fitted together, the tent poles forming two tension frames, namely a floor frame and a roof frame, which on the one hand stretch out the lengths of fabric of the tarpaulin and on the other are supported against one another in a statically defined manner by means of lengths of fabric and/or ropes. The floor frame stretches out a flat hollow body serving as the tent floor, while the roof frame stretches out the roof and wall region of the tent tarpaulin, this region being joined to the tent floor.

Abstract: A temporary shelter having an inflatable, tubular base frame with inflatable, tubular wall support ribs fixedly attached thereto, the ribs converging to near an apex of the shelter. Flexible, water-resistant wall portions are fixedly attached to the tubular base and wall support ribs. The base frame, wall support ribs and wall covering form a domed structure when the base frame and support ribs are inflated.

Abstract: A quick set-up tent is formed from a flexible cover structure which internally carries a collapsible support structure defined by pivotally interconnected, telescopable pole members which, in their retracted positions, may be pivoted inwardly against one another to form an axially foreshortened pole bundle about which the collapsed cover structure may be conveniently wrapped to orient the tent in a compact cylindrical storage and transport configuration. The cover structure is defined by a floor section to which stake loops are attached for securing the floor section to the ground in a relatively taut configuration, and a wall section formed by at least three mutually angulated wall portions intersecuring at side edge juncture areas along which the pole members are extendable.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible ice fishing shelter includes a frame assembly and a unitary covering assembly. The frame assembly includes a base, vertical and horizontal frame elements and the covering assembly is releasably attached to the frame by snap fasteners. Specially shaped runners are mounted on the base and permit the shelter to be moved across difficult terrain.

Abstract: The present invention includes a connector having rods with keys thereon. The keys engage slot in tubes comprising a frame for portable furniture. The connector also includes a foot which will apply a releasable breaking force to a surface supporting the portable furniture. The present invention also includes a portable bed using the connector invention and the inward suspension of the playpen. The present invention also includes a child enclosure using the connector of the present invention and suspended inwardly from horizontal support members.

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.

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.

Abstract: A portable shelter is set forth easily erected and disassembled for ready transport of same. Captured "U" shaped supports are secured within conduits formed by means of an elongate capture fabric secured to tent fabric structure to capture the supports therein. Linear supports are positioned within four corners of the tent fabric structure and are also captured in a similar capture fabric wherein the formed contents for securing the support elements therein are discontinuous medially of the tent height to enable visual manipulation and securement of the various supports together. Included in the portable structure is a removable floor formed with integral compartments for inflation thereof for selective use of the compartments as an air mattress. Additionally, luminescent portions are positioned overlying the entrance flaps to the structure for indication of orientation of the tent and positioning of the entranceway during periods of limited light.

Abstract: A Beach Mat with built-in Adjustable Sun Shade is described. The head of the mat contains elastic stays. These elastic stays permit the head of the mat to be shaped into an arc with the help of strings. Said arc becomes a sun shade. On relief of the tension of the stays by releasing the strings, the mat may be rolled into a small cylinder for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A portable shelter for use by ice fisherman is formed from two curved hollow shell halves joined together by cooperating VELCRO flange portions. One shell half is provided with a semicircular integrally formed floor. One shell half may be provided with a hinged or slidable door, while the other shell half is provided with a hooded vent. The portable ice fishing shelter may be transported to the site of use by nesting one shell half within the other shell half and towing the shelter over the surface of a frozen body of water in this condition. Upon arrival at the site of use, the shell halves are assembled to form an igloo-like shelter.