Abstract: A system and method operable with a vehicle to selectively enclose a portion of the vehicle with a containment system. The containment system may be optional and/or configurable by a user. The containment system may be modular or configurable and may be used to cover any appropriate portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A play article including a floor having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface is positioned inside the play article, and one or more sidewalls extending from the floor. The play article further includes an audio device with an actuator configured to turn the audio device on and off from inside of the play article, and a coupling member that removably couples the audio device to the top surface of the floor. The coupling member has a pocket that houses the audio device and an attachment device that removably couples the pocket to the top surface of the floor.

Abstract: A roof that comprises a flexible, sun and rain resistant sheet constructed such that when suspended and extended to form the roof, design-integrated rain valleys are formed that channel water to and off the outside edges of the roof.

Abstract: A pull-down type device, including a base, a supporting plate, two locking tongues slidably positioned on the supporting plate, a cap and a pull rod; the supporting plate is fixed to the cap; each locking tongue has a body, a latch, a vertical column, and a slanted surface at a bottom end of the vertical column; the latch passes through a reset spring abutting against an inner side of the cap; a column having a body and an accommodation space is provided at the center of the base; a protrusion of the pull rod is fitted in the space. The space has a diameter larger than the column; slanted surfaces are provided at outer surfaces of the space, slidably cooperating with the slanted surfaces of the vertical columns; the space is located beneath the body of the locking tongue. The pull rod can be unlocked by pulling down the base.

Abstract: A tent including a sheet 100 forming an inner space S having two peaks P1, P2 and a supporting pole assembly 200 including a main pole member 210 installed upward in the inner space S and a pair of branch pole members 220, 230 branched from the main pole member 210 to support the sheet 100, thereby forming the two peaks P1, P2, is disclosed.

Abstract: A side wall apparatus used with a tent having a canopy and a tent frame having at least two upright poles. The apparatus includes a tent engagement component and a side wall retention component. The tent engagement component is configured to engage the canopy at or above a side wall cable. The side wall retention component includes a tent engagement end, a ground base end and an engagement end and the ground base end. The tent engagement end is rotationally engaged to the tent engagement component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular assembly shelter kit is provided for rapid deployment in a remote location. The shelter kit includes headers, footers, upper horizontal beams, lower horizontal beams, roof, floor, and wall panels, and vertical support columns. The horizontal beams have notched hooks which form cross joints when engaged with notched hooks of adjacent horizontal beams. The cross joints can be placed against the headers or footers, and caged into position by prongs of the vertical support columns. The horizontal beams can also include grooves for holding interior and exterior wall panels, and interior ledges for holding roof and floor panels. Unique geometrically designed components deployed military or humanitarian responders with the ability to quickly manufacture and install such shelters in a wide variety of environments.

Abstract: A portable structure including a base, a first wall panel and a second wall panel. The base includes a first post and a second post. The first wall panel includes a first outer corner extrusion and a second outer corner extrusion, the first outer corner extrusion adapted to partially enclose the first post and the second outer corner extrusion adapted to partially enclose the second post. The second wall panel includes a first inner corner extrusion adapted to fully enclose the first post when used in combination with the first outer corner extrusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel rooftop shading system for recreational vehicles (RVs) and a method of installing the same. The shading system comprises a sheet of material generally sized to cover the roof of an RV. The sheet is supported over the roof with support rods which extend across the width of the roof and maintain a curved shape of the sheet. The sheet is secured to the RV by two strap systems which extend from the front end and rear end of the sheet. This system allows the sheet to be secured to and elevated from the roof of the RV providing space and producing shade to the rooftop of the trailer body or RV.

Abstract: There is provided a tensegrity design system and a method for use in designing a complex tensegrity structure. In one implementation, such a method includes providing virtual building blocks selectable by a user for assembly of a desired tensegrity structure, receive user-selected building blocks from among the plurality of virtual building blocks from the user, and identifying connections among the user-selected building blocks based on user inputs to the tensegrity design system. The method also includes determining a network of forces for stabilizing a tensegrity structure corresponding to the desired tensegrity structure, based on the user-selected building blocks and their connections, and generating a simulation of the tensegrity structure corresponding to the desired tensegrity structure for display to the user.

Abstract: An air shower system, as described herein, is for use with a dust collector having an intake vacuum. The system includes a chamber having at least one vacuum orifice and at least one air blade orifice. The intake vacuum is functionally connected to the vacuum orifice(s). At least one air blade is created when the intake vacuum draws air from the exterior of the chamber into the interior of the chamber through the air blade orifice(s). The air blade(s) may be used for dislodging contaminants from an occupant within the chamber.

Abstract: A portable shelter framing system is disclosed herein. The portable shelter framing system includes a plurality of corner support members; a plurality of crossbeam members, each of the crossbeam members configured to be connected between a pair of the plurality of corner support members without the use of tools; and a plurality of roof frame members, each of the roof frame members configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of corner support members or one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools. In one or more embodiments, the portable shelter framing system further includes a plurality of connecting members, each of the connecting members configured to couple a respective one of the plurality of roof frame members to a respective one of the plurality of corner support members or to a respective one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible cage assembly including an outer covering and a support frame for supporting the outer covering in an upright position. The outer covering can have a top, bottom, front, back, first side, and second side. The support frame can include a top frame body and a bottom frame body, a first side member and a second side member each being pivotably coupled to the top frame body and bottom frame body, and a top support member coupled to the top frame body. The top support member can define a V-shaped portion. The frame can also include a U-shaped member have a first end and a second end, each of the first end and second end slidably and pivotably coupled to the bottom frame body. The U-shaped member is removably coupled to the V-shaped portion of the top support member in the upright position.

Abstract: A feline window seating apparatus for placement in a window frame encasing a window includes primary housing having a lower portion having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, the lower portion having an outer free edge extending between the opposed first and second ends that is selectively coupled to the window frame and an inner edge opposite the outer edge. The seating apparatus includes an upper portion having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, the upper portion having a lower edge extending between the first and the second ends and connected to the inner edge of the lower portion and an opposed upper edge such that the upper portion extends upwardly from the lower portion. The upper portion and lower portion collectively define an interior area and an open side extending between the inner free edge of the lower portion and the upper edge of the upper portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible ring light assembly comprising: a first arcuate tubular member and a second arcuate tubular member. The arcuate tubular members can be attached to and detached from each other. Each arcuate tubular member includes a plurality of standard light sockets adapted for use with a wide variety of bulbs. The ring light assembly has a diameter of at least about 24 inches.

Abstract: A suspended play structure includes a floor, a sidewall, and a roof that defines an inner space. The structure includes top and bottom ring structures that provide additional support to the play structure. The play structure can be suspended from a tree, a stand, a ceiling, or similar structure. The structure is collapsible for easy storage and can also include a removable cushion that can fit within an internal pocket. The structure can also include a removable string of LED lights within the inner space.

Abstract: A portable shower device comprising a shower pan having shower poles that extend a curtain beyond the perimeter of the shower pan and curtain poles. The poles lock into an extended position. The curtain is tapered conforming with the extended pole shape. The pan includes a pump powered from the self-contained power source. The shower can include a platform and a chair.

Abstract: A portable shelter framing system is disclosed herein. The portable shelter framing system includes a plurality of vertical support members; a plurality of crossbeam members, each of the crossbeam members configured to be connected between a pair of the plurality of vertical support members without the use of tools; and a plurality of roof frame members, each of the roof frame members configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of vertical support members or one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools. In one or more embodiments, the portable shelter framing system further includes a plurality of connecting members, each of the connecting members configured to couple a respective one of the plurality of roof frame members to a respective one of the plurality of vertical support members or to a respective one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic tent frame capable of preventing an upper coupler and a lower coupler from being rotated with respect to each other or preventing given gaps from being generated on the coupled portions of the upper coupler and the lower coupler even in a case where an automatic tent is not unfolded to its original shape by the reduction of the restoring force of an extension spring and thus falls down due to external impacts like wind, thus preventing support poles supporting main poles from being damaged to extend the life span of the automatic tent frame, and capable of reducing the length of a pipe module, while allowing the pipe module to have the same functions as in conventional one, thus upwardly lifting an outer surface of the automatic tent by the reduced length to increase the interior of the automatic tent by a maximum height.

Abstract: An inflatable exercise chamber (100) for performing exercise therein, the inflatable exercise chamber comprising (100): one or more walls (102) defining an enclosed space, wherein the wall (102) comprises an inner membrane (110, 210) and an outer membrane (112) defining an inflatable cavity (114) therebetween, wherein the inner membrane (110) of the wall is a gas-permeable membrane (210).

Abstract: A portable change room including a frame and a curtain member attached to the frame. The curtain extends around the frame so that in use the curtain forms a continuous wall defining a change space.

Abstract: A tent structure with an improved ventilation system includes a pole assembly, a lower section defined by a plurality of walls and a floor, and an upper section having an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer includes a first set of openings covered by an air permeable material. A perimeter of the inner layer is fixedly attached to a top portion of the lower section to form an enclosure. The outer layer is disposed above the inner layer and a second set of openings is formed between a perimeter of the outer layer and the top portion of the lower section. A first set of connecting members connects the inner and outer layers, and forms a space therebetween. A second set of connecting members connects the outer layer and the pole assembly.

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.

Abstract: A canopy having a base, at least one support extending vertically from the base, an extender coupled to the at least one support and configurable between a retracted position and an extended position, a roof coupled to the extender, and at least one panel pivotally coupled to the roof, the at least one panel pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the extender extends away from base as the extender is configured from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved, portable, collapsible, human shelter for outdoors, and a method of assembling, and using the same. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus for providing shelter for humans and animals, which is portable, collapsible, and easily transportable from location to location, and can be quickly assembled, and disassembled. The portable, collapsible apparatus, has a ceiling or roof, and wall or panels that are made of one or more layers of material, such as, corrugated material, plastic material, composite material, waterproof material, weatherproof material, Coroplast material, polyethylene material, polypropylene material, to name a few. Optionally, the inventive apparatus could also have an attachable or detachable base or floor. In one preferred method the improved, portable, collapsible, human shelter for outdoors, is made using, for example, an extruded corrugated plastic, to form a hunting blind.

Abstract: A tent skeleton including a plurality of foot poles, a plurality of eave poles that are articulated at their end portions and are radially arranged, an eave connecting device and a locating device for fixing the foot pole. The eave connecting device includes a connecting member body and an eave connecting member articulated to the connecting member body, the connecting member body is fixedly arranged on an end of the foot pole. The eave pole includes an outer tube, an inner tube and a retractable locking device. The outer tube is fixedly connected to the eave connecting member; the inner tube is slidably sleeved in the outer tube; the retractable locking device is arranged between the outer tube and the inner tube. A tent is further disclosed.

Abstract: A refuge shelter includes a container. The shelter includes a tent that is disposed in the container in an undeployed state. The tent includes an inflatable support structure which is inflatable from an undeployed state in the container to a deployed state, and a seal which seals the tent to the container in a deployed state. The support structure has a plurality of hoses interconnected by couplers. The hoses have an inside diameter of less than 5 inches. A gas flow apparatus. A refuge shelter for miners in a mine includes a container and a tent that is disposed in the container. The tent has a test support to which a sample of the external environment can be obtained from inside the tent when the tent is deployed. A method for providing a refuge chamber for miners in a mine.

Abstract: A collapsible portable shelter including at least a first strut and a second strut, each strut being resiliently flexible, a panel formed of a flexible material coupled with the first strut and the second strut, and an anchoring member for anchoring the panel relative to a surface. The first strut is received along a first side of the panel and the second strut is received along a second side of the panel, the second side opposing the first side. The first strut and the second strut each has a portion extending beyond a third side of the panel. In use, a part of said portion of each of the first strut and second strut is to be received in the surface to resist lateral movement of said part received in the ground. Furthermore, in use, orientation with respect to the surface can be varied by adjusting the anchoring member.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for a fabric covered canopy is disclosed. The tensioning apparatus is supported on a vertical post and is connected to a roof support beam. A hook is mounted to the tensioning apparatus and may be reciprocally moved along the longitudinal axis of the tensioning apparatus for adjustment of the tension of the fabric top of canopy.

Abstract: A frame structure for a portable structure, preferably a tent, has a hub capable of a plurality of configurations, each configuration adapted for receiving an associated end of a tent pole. Preferably, the tent pole is formed from a plurality of tent pole sections. Each tent pole section has a first end and a second end. At least one end of each of said plurality of tent pole sections has a ferrule associated with it. The ferrule is sized to receive an adjacent end of an associated tent pole section. Preferably the ferrule has a frustoconical shape. The structure also includes feet for receiving an end of each tent pole. The hub, tent poles and feet all are attached to the material used to define the tent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable sleeping assembly. The portable sleeping assembling includes a base for removably mounting to transport, one or more walls extending from the base, each wall including one or more rigid panels, and a roof from which the one or more walls extend such that movement of the one or more walls moves the roof relative to the base.

Abstract: An enclosure for enclosing an area including a frame and a canopy assembly. The frame includes an upper laterally-extending support, a first upstanding support coupled to a first end of the upper support, and a second upstanding support coupled to a second end of the upper support. The upper support is length-adjustable. The canopy assembly is connectable to the frame for defining an enclosed area, and includes a plurality of collars removably connectable to the frame, and at least one panel holdable in a plane defined by the supports of the frame. The circumference of at least one such collar is adjustable so that when the length of the upper support is adjusted, the collar circumference can be adjusted to accommodate the change in length.

Abstract: A canopy system for a swimming pool is provided. The system comprises a canopy frame sized so as to be capable of at least substantially covering the swimming pool. A number of vertical support posts are arranged around the swimming pool. The system further comprises a number of electric motors, each electric motor being arranged to drive an associated actuator arrangement engaging a corresponding one of the support posts. Each electric motor and associated actuator arrangement is attached to the canopy frame. A controller controls each of the motors to drive the associated actuator arrangement. The engagement of each associated actuator arrangement with each corresponding support post causes the canopy frame to be raised or lowered between a maximum and minimum height above ground level.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly tent that is easy to assemble, excellent in strength, and capable of being disassembled and compactly accommodated after use. The assembly tent is a tent assembled through coupling of a traverse beam member extending horizontally from two adjacent supporting columns at both ends of a coupling member, wherein coupling between the traverse beam member and the coupling member is formed by inserting, into one member of the traverse beam member and the coupling member, the other member in an axial direction.

Abstract: A portable hunting or wildlife observation structure is designed to fit to the bed of most pickup trucks. All components of the structure may be stored inside a lockable storage case, which also acts as a bed width adjustable bench seat for the user when the structure is assembled. The structure's five-sided structure may incorporate height adjustable shooting bars and a roof structure. A weatherproof camouflage material provides a surround and roof cover for the structure. Separate weatherproof camouflage material may be magnetically attached to conceal the truck.

Abstract: A tent has a floor, and a plurality of side walls connected to the floor. The tent additionally includes a plurality of external poles for supporting corners of the tent, and a clip attachable to at least one end of each external pole. The clip also includes a flange for attaching the clip to the tent side walls or floor. The system further includes a stake assembly for securing a lower end of each external pole directly into a ground surface on which the tent is disposed, which includes a sleeve portion having a linear channel for receiving a stake therethrough and a tent pole receptacle connected to the sleeve portion. The tent pole receptacle includes a channel for receiving a bottom end of a tent pole therein, wherein the stake assembly secures the tent pole disposed in the tent pole receptacle directly to the ground surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable shelter which is conveniently transportable, easy to set up, and structurally stable in a variety a situations. The portable shelter comprises a canopy which is supported by opposing side support structures connected by a lateral support member and canopy support beams. The portable shelter can be disassembled and/or folded for convenient transportation.

Abstract: A hammock enclosure including a rain fly, insect netting, and a load-bearing gear sling for providing the user of the hammock protection from rain, wind, and insects, and for permitting gear suspended above the ground surface to be stored in the same protected area, while providing access to the gear from both inside and outside of the enclosure, is described. The enclosure further includes opposing tubular end portions disposed in the rain fly through which the load-bearing suspension lines of the hammock pass, whereby protection is provided without having to deploy the enclosure such that it is centered over the hammock, once the tubular end portions are tightened about the suspension lines. The tubular portions further permit the present enclosure to be used with any camping hammock.

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.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portico for saddle-shaped tents. The portico includes a drape that is suspended from the saddle-frame of the saddle-shaped tent. The portico also includes a portico-frame that has a horizontal beam, which beam is attached to the lower edge of the drape. The portico-frame may also include posts. In one embodiment of the invention, the portico acts as a joiner to join two adjacent saddle-shaped tents. The invention includes tents and compound tent-structures that incorporate the portico.

Abstract: A framework of uprights interconnected by rods defines a rectangular area to support an inflatable canopy. The canopy includes an interior membrane and an exterior membrane to define an envelope. A skirt depending from the canopy is secured to the framework to retain the canopy in place. A framework mounted air pump provides a flow of air to inflate the envelope. A framework supported pole engages and supports at least the interior membrane.

Abstract: The present canopy device relates in general to a device that may be used to provide a level of protection from the sun and rain using natural elements such as sand and air. More specifically, the present canopy device utilizes a three part support system including two tethers that may be grounded, for example, with sand from the beach, or stakes, and a rod that may be grounded within said sand. Said tethers and rod may be attached to a cover, said cover fabricated in such a way as to capture flowing air. Unlike with an umbrella, the air may provide a further level of stability to the overall structure of the canopy device. The canopy device is also designed to be easily set up, taken down, and transported.

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.

Abstract: A cover assembly for an infant bed comprising a frame assembly adapted for mounting to the infant bed, a panel assembly supported by the frame assembly to define a covered area generally above the infant bed and extending around the periphery of the infant bed in use and a window panel for closing the opening.

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.

Abstract: A temporary shelter structure is disclosed which includes a structure body including walls and supporting rods providing support for the walls. The structure also includes a removable entrance portion permitting access to the inside of the structure body and a bottom portion that is contiguous with the ground surface. The bottom portion has a section which is removable. The removable portion is affixed to the bottom portion of the shelter and occupies a portion of the total surface area of the bottom portion. The removable bottom provides a way to place field equipment on the removable portion prior to setting the shelter over the field equipment for protection against the elements of nature.

Abstract: A system for structural support of light weight outdoor tents and shelters utilizing two or more hiking or trekking poles and a connecting light weight ridge pole assembly that serves as the roof support truss providing the occupant(s) will full head room use for the width of the ridge pole assembly.

Abstract: An arrow mounted blind or decoy offers portability, flexibility, and minimum weight while always being mounted to a bow. The arrow mounted blind or decoy can be quickly deployed and easily folded against the arrow to which it is affixed and stowed out of the way. A mount is attached to an arrow with clamp screws. Spars are attached to the mount with an internal shock cord that runs through the mount. Fabric having camouflage properties and various colors is attached to the spars. In a deployed position, a view hole in the fabric allows an arrow to be drawn in the bow and through the view hole, allowing the hunter to see through to observe game while concealing the hunter from the game. The internal shock cord will stretch allowing the spars to be removed from the mount and folded over and attached to the arrow with a clamp.

Abstract: A slide-top tent retrofit system for converting a frame tent to a slide-top tent is described. In some embodiments, the system comprises a retrofit end crown fitting that can attach to an original crown fitting using an original attachment means. In some embodiments this retrofit end crown fitting comprises a sliding channel and attaches to retrofit rafter beams, also comprising a sliding channel, which replace original rafter beams. The retrofit rafter beams can also attach to retrofit side eave fittings, which replace original side eave fittings. In larger tents comprising one or more original mid crown fittings, retrofit mid crown fittings can replace the original fittings and attach to retrofit rafter beams. In one embodiment, the retrofit end crown fitting attaches to the original end crown fitting using a pin and hole attachment system.