Connector Patents (Class 135/120.3)
  • Patent number: 11519193
    Abstract: An umbrella assembly includes a rotation base. The rotation base can include a foot pedal for alternately enabling rotation and locking rotation of the umbrella assembly relative to the base. The actuator assembly can include a pin held in place by a clip for locking and enabling the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Zhun-An Ma
  • Patent number: 11499334
    Abstract: An improved pole frame structure of a foldable tent includes upright poles, side cross support rod assemblies, and a top support rod unit. The top support rod unit includes a top module provided with a limiting component, top support rod assemblies, and oblique support rods. One end of each oblique support rod is connected to the respective top support rod assembly by means of a slider provided with a stopper, and the other end of the oblique support rod is pivotally connected to the respective side cross support rod assembly. The structure enhances, by means of the stopper and the limiting component, the stability of the oblique support rods supporting tent cloth, and prevents the tent cloth from being damaged by the oblique support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Campvalley (Xiamen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang ho Baik, Renhua Chen
  • Patent number: 11243007
    Abstract: An integrated system and process provides integrated control of the environment within a personal space. A tent or other structure suitable for forming a personal space, is in contact with, and may enclose, a user station. The system includes a control system, main controller, control modules, sensors, environmental units and other controllers that operate in an integrated fashion to provide a controlled environment within the personal space. The tent may enclose all or portions of the control system, main controller, control modules, sensors, environmental units and other controllers. Portions of the control system, main controller, control modules, sensors, environmental units and other controllers may reside outside tent. A process for providing environmental control of the personal space includes learning capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: BETELGEUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Randal S. Barber, Robert A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 11072942
    Abstract: A novel canopy frame hub, or bracket, that features insert openings on all four sides to receive attachment pegs of outdoor accessories, such as flags, banners, awnings, racks, garbage bags, drink holders, tables, shelves, gutters, and tents. The frame hub encompass a leg of a traditional canopy frame and may be adjusted vertically to a desired height by sliding the bracket along the frame leg. The hub may then be fixated at the desired height via the twisting of a fixed screw inserted through an opening in one side of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: Martin Dotterweich, Charles Brewer
  • Patent number: 11041339
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a screen apparatus is provided. The screen apparatus is comprised of a base and a screen case. Disposed within the base are a power inverter, one or more batteries, a fuse panel, and a first screen roller. Disposed within the screen case is a second screen roller. The screen case is further provided with a means for hanging the screen case from a stable structure. The screen case is pulled away from the base to expose a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Edward Miller, Michael Ray Blair
  • Patent number: 10584511
    Abstract: A duck blind is formed from first and a second panel assemblies. The first panel assembly has a first height and the second panel assembly has a second height that is less than the first height. Hunters can sit with their backs to the first panel assembly and stand to shoot over the second panel assembly. Improvements for blind windows in the panel coverings are disclosed. A flexible clear window cover covers the window opening from the inside. When a hunter wants to open the window, a releasable fastener system along the upper edge of the window cover can be disconnected and the clear window cover will swing down out of the way. An elevated blind formed from panels is disclosed. A hexagonal array of panels is positioned on a hexagonal platform to improve visibility from the blind in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Good Sportsman Marketing, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Micah Slaughter
  • Patent number: 10543054
    Abstract: Sterilization packaging systems with features for sealing a volume against an ingress of contaminants are provided. Such features include a sealing assembly, where the sealing assembly includes a sheet of sterilization material and a clamp for sealing the sheet of sterilization material against a container to seal the volume of the container from contaminants. Also provided is a sealing assembly including a sheet of sterilization material and a clamp having open position and clamped positions. The clamp is configured to extend about a perimeter of a container, the sheet of sterilization material is disposed between the container and the clamp when the clamp is in the clamped position to seal a volume of the container, and the clamp is held in the clamped position by a latch. Exemplary sterilization packaging systems may include other features as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: O&M Halyard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajay Y. Houde, Joseph D. Hurdle, Joseph A. Cesa, Michelle N. Farmer, Prasad Shrikishna Potnis
  • Patent number: 10161159
    Abstract: A foot assembly for a V-leg assembly of a folding frame system includes a first U-shaped bracket having two legs connected by a web, a second U-shaped bracket having two legs connected b a web, a cylindrical foot member, and a pivot pin extending through a hole in the web of the first bracket, a hole in the foot member, and a hole in the web of the second bracket so that the first bracket, the foot member, and the second bracket are all pivotable relative to one another about the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: World Shelters, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Zeigler
  • Patent number: 10012006
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tent having a retractable roof. A plurality of poles extend substantially perpendicular to the ground. A roof frame is fastened to the plurality of poles and a tarpaulin is attached on the roof frame. At least one of the plurality of poles is divided into an upper pole and a lower pole, and a connection mechanism detachably connects the upper pole and the lower pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianping Xie
  • Patent number: 9926715
    Abstract: A deployable sheltering assembly for a vehicle includes a set of four supports and a panel, which is flexible. Each support comprises a rod that is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from a plate. The rod comprises a plurality of nested sections and is selectively extensible. The rod is configured to extend from the plate adjacent to a side of the vehicle. A first coupler is coupled to a top of the rod. Each of a set of four second couplers is coupled proximate to a respective corner of the panel. The plates are configured to position singly under the wheels of the vehicle. The supports are positioned singly proximate to each wheel of the vehicle. Each second coupler is positioned to couple to a respective first coupler to couple the panel to the supports so that the panel is configured to shelter the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: James Morrison
  • Patent number: 9494984
    Abstract: A fixing structure of a removable electronic device adapted for fixing an electronic device to a bay includes a handle body, a backplane, a screw member, and an elastic member. The handle body has front and rear faces, the front face is formed with an opening, and the opening is formed with a stopping mechanism. The backplane is disposed at the rear face of the handle body, the backplane is formed with a perforation, and the perforation corresponds to the opening. The screw member is disposed inside of the handle body, the screw member is stopped by the stopping mechanism, and the screw member extends passing through the backplane via the perforation. The elastic member is disposed between the screw member and the backplane. The backplane is fixed at the electronic device, the screw member is connected to the bay, and the electronic device is fixed to the bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wei-Chih Sun
  • Patent number: 9038648
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tent having a retractable roof. A plurality of poles extend substantially perpendicular to the ground. A roof frame is fastened to the plurality of poles and a tarpaulin is attached on the roof frame. At least one of the plurality of poles is divided into an upper pole and a lower pole, and a connection mechanism detachably connects the upper pole and the lower pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Yotrio Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianping Xie
  • Publication number: 20150136191
    Abstract: An adjustable frame connector comprising at least two fixed tubular legs and an adjustable tubular leg. The fixed legs have inner ends that are joined together, and have longitudinal axes that intersect each other at right angles. The adjustable leg has an inner end that is pivotally attached to the fixed legs at their juncture so that the adjustable leg can be moved from a first position wherein its longitudinal axis is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of a first one of the fixed tubular legs to a second position wherein its longitudinal axis is at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the first one of the fixed tubular legs. Releasable locking means allows the adjustable leg to be releasably locked into position relative to the first one of the fixed tubular legs at any selected location along the ninety degree arc between its first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael A. Carbaugh, Alroy C. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9032983
    Abstract: A connector device includes a male component pivotally coupled with a female component. The male component includes a projection extending from a first pole, with the projection having a first locking member. The female component includes a housing extending from a second pole, with the housing including a spring-biased engaging member and a second locking member at an upper portion of the housing. The male and female components are in a locked state when the engaging member is biased upward and the first and second locking members are engaged such that the first and second poles are fixedly aligned. The male and female components are in an unlocked state when the engaging member is biased downward and the first and second locking members are disengaged such that the first and second poles are pivotally movable with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Publication number: 20150129008
    Abstract: A tent hub assembly has a hub, a base, and a biasing member. The hub has a central member in a central aperture and a plurality of arms pivotally connected to tent poles. The base has a shaft and a plurality of walls, with the central member slidably disposed in the shaft. Each wall has an elongated guide slot for receiving a pin which passes through a second hole of a respective pole in the pole slot. The biasing member is disposed in the shaft to bias the central member upward to bias the hub upward from the base. With the poles in an open configuration, the pins are in a locking position in the elongated slot; and, when the poles are moved to a closed configuration, the pins are moved from the locking position to an unlocked position in the elongated slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Patent number: 8985130
    Abstract: A magnetically assisted coupling comprises at least two shaft segments. Each shaft segment has opposed ends and a hollow core. Adjacent segment ends are configured in a probe/socket configuration such that one segment end is configured to receive the adjacent segment end. Magnets of opposite polarity are mounted within said hollow core of adjacent segment ends, such that the magnet in the socket is positioned at a bottom of the socket, while the magnet in the probe defines a probe end. When adjacent segment ends are brought into close proximity the magnets attract each other and draw the probe end into the socket until the magnets are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: EdgeWater International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Howarth, Alan Gnann, Shawn Bannon Szczesiul
  • Patent number: 8978680
    Abstract: An erectable canopy framework comprising a base frame and a roof frame. The roof frame is operative to support a canopy above the base frame and is removably mountable to the base frame. The base frame includes a plurality of upright support members, a plurality of cross members, each interconnecting adjacent upright support members, and a plurality of mounts disposed on the upright support members. Each mount includes a mount opening and each cross member includes a scissor assembly to permit movement of the base frame between expanded and a collapsed states. The mounts are operative to fasten the cross members to the upright support members. The roof frame includes a plurality of rafters each connectable to a corresponding mount opening. The framework comprises a plurality of rafter fittings each adapted for insertion into a corresponding mount opening and connectable to a corresponding rafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: KD Kanopy Inc.
    Inventor: Matt Kayser
  • Patent number: 8910648
    Abstract: A connector device for retaining a pair of pivotally connected tent poles. The connector device comprises male and female components coupled to one another to permit positioning of the poles such that the poles are axially aligned in an aligned configuration and such that the poles are pivoted 180 degrees substantially parallel and adjacent to each other in a folded configuration. The male component includes an axially extending first guiding member and a first locking member formed on the inner projection, and the female component includes a second guiding member and a second locking member. The first and second locking members are engaged so as to secure the poles in the aligned configuration, and the first and second guiding members are engaged when the poles are in the aligned and folded configurations so as to further secure the poles in the respective configurations and to prevent misalignment of the poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Publication number: 20140352746
    Abstract: A modular wall system for use in trade shows includes an upstanding column having a surface, a panel having an end, and a connecting bracket for detachably connecting the end of the panel to the column. The connecting bracket includes male and female interengageable parts, where the female part is attached to the end of the panel and the male part is attached to the surface of the column. The female part includes a slot extending in a direction along the length of the surface of the column. The slot includes opposing outwardly inclined sides. The male part includes opposing sides corresponding in shape to the slot sides and received within the slot to connect the end of the panel and column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Glenmore Industries LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Connors
  • Patent number: 8899251
    Abstract: A canopy system comprising a shading element, a support element, and an attachment element member. The canopy system is adapted to provide shade over at least a portion of an above-ground container. The canopy system is configured to maintain its structure during slightly windy and mild weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Ricky Tong
  • Publication number: 20140338710
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with a collapsible mechanism at the top of a collapsible tent, which comprises a top base and at least two sets of supporting pole sets. The top base comprises an upper pivot base, a lower pivot base and a vertical pole to fix the upper pivot base and the lower pivot base; at least two sets of supporting pole sets are connected to the top base and arranged annularly; each of the supporting pole set comprises a sub-pole, a connecting base and a supporting pole, a first end of the sub-pole is pivot joint with the lower pivot base, a second end of the sub-pole is pivot joint with the supporting pole, the connecting base is pivot joint with the upper pivot base, the connecting base is slidably connected to the sub-pole and form a flexible structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: XIAMEN ROADZUP OUTDOOR PRODUCTS CO.,LTD
    Inventor: Changjiu Huang
  • Publication number: 20140338711
    Abstract: Described is a control structure for unfolding and folding a collapsible device or shelter. The control structure includes a sliding seat that is pivotally connected to adapter members, which are in turn connected to poles, e.g., tent poles. The tent poles are also pivotally connected to a lower support, and a resilient member (e.g., a spring) forces a separating between the sliding seat the the lower support. The resilient member biases the sliding seat toward the lower support to maintain the control structure in an unfolded position when open, and in a folded position when closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: CAMPVALLEY (XIAMEN) CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20140251400
    Abstract: A connector device connects tent poles and includes a tubular member having an interior with an interior surface having a detent and a lower aperture for receiving a lower tent pole into the interior. A top member on the tubular member has an upper aperture for receiving an upper tent pole into the interior of the tubular member. The detent secures the lower tent pole to the tubular member in a snap-fit engagement and the upper pole is releasably lockable with the lower pole. Another connector device includes a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface having a tent fly fastener for fastening a tent fly, a slit extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a fastener receptacle to receive a fastener oriented perpendicular to the slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Patent number: 8789550
    Abstract: An easy to use, reliable, easy to repair, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, multi-use modular system of poles and interconnections. An operator configures a number of structures using brackets, supports, segmented shafts, and interconnection components. The segmented shafts have both the ability to make an attachment to retain a particular configuration while being able to break down the shafts for transportation or storage. Some embodiments include a sleeve that protects the tip of a pole and provide a cushion and separation between a pole and a ferrule thereby reducing breakage and increase reliability. Broken components are easily replaced in the field. The configuration of the structure is changed by the user to quickly adapt to changing needs. Multiple components can be carried by separate members of a group and combined together to form a more complex structure to meet the needs of the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Evrio, Inc.
    Inventors: John Livacich, Kendyl A Roman
  • Publication number: 20140202511
    Abstract: A mechanism for folding and unfolding the top of a tent comprises a connecting seat, a sliding seat and an elastic telescopic part, wherein the connecting seat is connected with a tent top rod in a pivoted mode, and the sliding seat is connected with a connecting part in a pivoted mode and moves up and down with respect to the connecting seat. The other end of the connecting part is connected onto the tent top rod in a pivoted mode. The middle portion of the connecting seat extends downwards to form an accommodating seat which accommodates the elastic telescopic part. The upper portion of the sliding seat forms a sinking seat which has an outer diameter larger than that of the accommodating seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CAMPVALLEY (XIAMEN) CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20140190541
    Abstract: A canopy shelter bracket for increased structural integrity. The canopy shelter bracket can include an inner portion, an intermediate portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion integrally connected to form a generally “F” shape or an “S” shape. The inner portion, first outer portion, and/or the second outer portion can include holes for receiving a fastener therethrough to fasten the brackets to cross members. A single fastener can be used to fasten multiple cross members to the bracket. The first and/or second outer portions can additionally serve to space apart a first cross member from a second cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: BRAVO SPORTS
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Joseph C. Klingl, Mark Groenhuyzen
  • Patent number: 8763621
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-functional instant tent collapsible from an open configuration to a collapsed configuration. The instant tent comprises an instant set-up frame which is coupled to an outer surface of a rain fly. An inner surface of the rain fly is detachably coupled to an outer surface of an enclosed inner tent. The instant tent is configured such that the frame, rain fly and inner tent remain coupled together in the collapsed configuration in a compact state for easy storage and transport. In the open configuration, the instant tent could be used as an enclosed shelter when the inner tent and rain fly are attached to each other, and as an open shelter when the inner tent is detached and removed from the instant tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Publication number: 20140137913
    Abstract: A connector device includes a male component pivotally coupled with a female component. The male component includes a projection extending from a first pole, with the projection having a first locking member. The female component includes a housing extending from a second pole, with the housing including a spring-biased engaging member and a second locking member at an upper portion of the housing. The male and female components are in a locked state when the engaging member is biased upward and the first and second locking members are engaged such that the first and second poles are fixedly aligned. The male and female components are in an unlocked state when the engaging member is biased downward and the first and second locking members are disengaged such that the first and second poles are pivotally movable with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: KI HO JIN
  • Publication number: 20140130837
    Abstract: A mechanism for facilitating the release of a components employed on an expandable and collapsible canopy having a spring-biased projection penetrating an opening in the component, the mechanism comprising a sturdy flap comprising a thumb press portion which is sufficiently large enough to lower the force per square inch required to release the mechanism, wherein the flap is rotatably secured to the mechanism so that the thumb press portion may be rotated into contact with the projection by a user when in use so that the thumb press portion is substantially perpendicular to the projection upon engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PACIFIC CASUAL LLC, A CALIFORNIA COMPANY
    Inventor: RON SY-FACUNDA
  • Patent number: 8701690
    Abstract: The present invention relates to horizontal frame tensile structures (“HFTS”) of the kind employing corner elements to interconnect beams and posts. The corner elements of the invention comprise 1) two arms that engage the ends of adjacent beams, and 2) a leg that engages the top of a post. The arms are splayed so as to produce canted corner angles. Optionally, or additionally, the leg angle of the corner element is canted. Canting the corner angle and/or the leg angle causes the beams to bow upwards and/or outwards, thereby effectively increasing the angle in the horizontal plane between adjacent beams. This bow in the beams is reduced or eliminated when the membrane is attached to the frame, thereby providing straight beams and an aesthetically pleasing profile and introducing beneficial increased tension into the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: 0798555 B.C. Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerhard Allan Warner
  • Patent number: 8640722
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8613177
    Abstract: A self-mounting modular structure comprises profiled peripheral columns (1, T) which exhibit upper overlapped and spaced fulcrums (2, 2?), wherein the rear portions of two series of crosspieces (3, 3?) engage, the front ends whereof connect to upper (4) and lower (41) fulcrums of the central support rack (5) of a control unit (6) the stem whereof (7) connects, through a coaxial joint (8) and movable radial levers (9), to the front extensions (3?) of the lower crosspieces (31). In feedback, the stem (7) rises and pushes the columns (1, T) outwards, which move on standard or roller tracked wheels (11), causing the lifting in the middle and “at the ceiling” of the crosspieces (3, 3?), located within the same columns. Peripheral section bars (19), also comprised in closure in the peripheral columns (1, T), delimit the structure with roll-up sheets (21), along with an upper cover (22) engaged, in the middle, with said rack (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Tiziano Pili
  • Patent number: 8590553
    Abstract: Detent actuators may comprise an elongate arm member, a detent button actuating surface, a receiving region, and a mounting structure. The detent button actuating surface may be sized and configured to actuate a detent button. The receiving region may be sized and configured to receive at least one of a finger and a thumb. The mounting structure may be sized and configured to facilitate mounting of the elongate arm to a structure that is selectively slidable relative to a structure comprising the detent button. Additionally, foldable apparatus may comprise a post comprising a detent button, a fitting slidably coupled to the post, and a detent button actuator coupled to the fitting. Methods of operating a detent button may comprise applying a force to a receiving region of a detent button actuator and depressing the detent button with a detent button actuating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack Lovley, II, Mark Groenhuyzen, Ron Sy-Facunda
  • Patent number: 8573240
    Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLP
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Patent number: 8567423
    Abstract: A pole mount is adapted for locating an elongated pole adjacent a supporting surface. The pole mount includes an enlarged base with an elongated flexible neck. The flexible neck has a proximal end adjacent the base, and a distal end extending outwardly substantially perpendicular to the base. The neck may define a range of universal flexibility between its proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the neck defines an open top adapted for receiving a free end of the elongated pole. A cam lever operates to releasably lock the free end of the elongated pole inside the flexible neck of the pole mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: James B. Combs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8522806
    Abstract: An outdoor canopy includes a canopy frame, a canopy shelter and a side entrance arrangement. The canopy frame includes a roof frame and a legs frame downwardly extended from the roof frame to form a canopy area. The canopy shelter is waterproof and is detachably fastening at the canopy frame to define a ceiling wall, a front wall, a rear wall and two sidewalls for enclosing the canopy area therewithin. The side entrance arrangement is formed on one of the sidewalls of the canopy shelter to serve as an additional entrance, which includes a side entrance opening formed on the corresponding sidewall of the canopy shelter and comprises at least one entrance fabric operatively mounted on the corresponding sidewall. The roof frame further comprises an addition support arrangement cooperatively and detachably engaged with the horizontal bars for creating a three-point support to reinforce the canopy frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ma, Oliver Joen-An
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 8499778
    Abstract: A tent is safely unfolded or folded when used and requires less time to unfold or fold and can be pitched automatically as well as manually to solve the problems of the prior art. In the tent, a worm gear and worm wheels are combined and tent connecting rods are attached to the worm wheels, respectively, so that when the worm wheels are moved, the tent connecting rods are moved to fold or unfold the tent. The worm wheel can be manually moved within the tent or the worm wheel can be automatically operated by providing a motor controlled through a remove controller so that the tent connecting rods can be unfolded or folded. In the tent, a central cavity part of a worm wheel body may be used as an air vent, and used as a passage for a smoke outlet from a heater in the winter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Woogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Joon Ha, Ki Yun Ha
  • Publication number: 20130125945
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130125946
    Abstract: A temporary shelter for use in a variety of situations, and the various components (bracket and tarp clamp) that are used in the construction of the shelter is disclosed. In particular, such a shelter may be used to cover an outdoor swimming pool, serve as a greenhouse, or serve as a temporary shelter from snow. The temporary shelter has a structural frame having a base frame and a rib frame, a sheet for covering the rib frame, one or more tarp clamps for stretching the sheet over the rib frame and one or more attachment members for securing the sheet to the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ALVEUS INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Denis Bourdon
  • Patent number: 8408225
    Abstract: A collapsible shelter is described herein. One embodiment includes at least three leg members, at least three base members, wherein the each base member includes an opening to receive one of the at least three leg members at an angle less than 90° relative to the bottom surface of the base member, at least two accordion-type collapsible truss assemblies connected to each leg via an upper corner connection mechanism and a lower corner connection mechanism, each accordion-type truss including at least four truss members interconnected by at least two pivotal v-joints and at least two pivotal x-joints, wherein the at least two pivotal v-joints each include two truss members coupled together with a coupling mechanism through openings in the two truss members, wherein the openings in the two truss members are configured to reduce shearing forces in the truss members by the coupling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Patent number: 8356615
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130017055
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus for use in securing or transporting a tarpaulin or other sheet of material. The apparatus may include a body, a securing device configured to secure the apparatus to the ground, a connecting member mechanically coupling the securing device to the body, a handle mechanically coupled to the body, and a joining device configured to removably join the apparatus to an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Michael C. Vieira, James Adamson
  • Publication number: 20120318314
    Abstract: The modular shelter related to temporary building for keeping goods or people. The modular shelter utilizes some standardized shells for constructing walls of the modular shelter. Each of the shells can have sidewalls or ribs for strengthening the shells' curvature and strength. These standardized shells can further be stacked such that they become compact for storage and transportation. Multiple number of the modular shelter can also be joined together for providing extended shelters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Shinya Okuda
  • Publication number: 20120211041
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. CARTER
  • Patent number: 8225808
    Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLC.
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Steven B. Mallookis
  • Publication number: 20120167935
    Abstract: Disclosed are a connection member for a tent pole, and a detachable jig of the same. The connection member for a tent pole, which connects unit poles of which opposite end parts are internally formed with insertion holes, the connection member including: a pair of insert members which are respectively fitted in and fixed to insertion holes at end parts of a pair of adjacent unit poles; a connecting pipe body which is formed with a through hole in a middle thereof to be arranged between the insert members and includes opposite end parts respectively inserted the insertion holes of the unit poles; and an elastic cord which includes opposite end parts respectively fixed to the pair of insert members while being inserted in the through hole of the connecting pipe body and provides elasticity so that the end parts of the pair of adjacent unit poles can be in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: YONAN ALUMINUM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoon Bok Lee
  • Patent number: 8205627
    Abstract: A quick folding structure for a post unit of a tent frame includes upper, middle and lower posts, an upper connector, and a lower connector. The upper connector is disposed between the upper and middle posts and includes a first upper connecting portion and a second upper connecting portion. The lower connector is disposed between the middle and lower posts and includes a first lower connecting portion and a second lower connecting portion. A wire rope has a first end secured to the first upper connecting portion and a second end connected to a pin. A spring and the pin are disposed in a ladder-shaped trough of the first lower connecting portion. Two ends of the spring engage with the ladder-shaped trough and a first end of the pin, respectively. A second end of the pin faces an engaging notch of the second lower connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Qyield (Xiamen) Camping Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nanqing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8166991
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20120090655
    Abstract: Support profile (1) of the tube type having external grooves for joining two covers (10, 11) provided with bulb strings (14, 15) which are welded along the joining areas of the covers, the external grooves (5, 6) of the support profile have an approximately S-shaped cross section (4) as the bulb strings (14, 15) of the covers are provided in the upper cavity (5) and the lower cavity (6) of the S-shaped cross section, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Gunnar Strand
  • 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