Abstract: A frame tent system having a plurality of upright columns, a plurality of eave members, and a plurality of rafters. The plurality of members are inter-connected by a system of novel eave weldments. The eave weldment is preferably a four-way connector unit interconnecting the frame members of the tent system at major points of connection to form the frame tent system. The eave weldment is formed of a weldment plate and an insert tube disposed perpendicular to the weldment plate. The frame members of the tent system each include a channel for releasably receiving ends of the eave weldment. In particular, the channel disposed in the rafter receives a first end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the upright column receives a second end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the eave members receive an end of the insert tube thereby forming the frame tent system.

Abstract: An aluminum frame for the construction of a sunshade with double layers of sunshade fabric which is adjustable to any kind of sunshade characterized in that on its one end it comprises a rectangular notch (1) to which a PVC frame is fitted on which the fabric of the exterior sunshade is glued or sewed and to the two adjacent sides there are two respective adjacent circular notches (3) to which the fabric of the interior sunshade is fitted. To the other end of the aluminum frame there is a circular notch (2) to which an advertising panel (8) can be fitted. In order for the invented frame to be used for the construction of greater surfaces, it is of rectangular shape with three notches (9), (10) and (11) on its upper part and three notches (12), (13), (14) on its lower part.

Abstract: A light-duty structural shed or house with skylights includes walls and a roof supported by a beam, wherein the walls have openings for doors and/or windows, and the roof is constituted of a ridge and two inclined top panels. Each of the inclined top panels has a width that is smaller than an inclined roof face of the shed or house, and the ridge is made of a flexible material that is fixedly connected to the inclined top panels at spaced joining positions. Several propping poles are sheathed across the ridge laterally with respect to the beam at the positions that are staggered between the spaced joining positions. Each of the propping poles is supported over the beam in such a way that a portion of the ridge located at one of the staggered positions between said spaced joining positions is propped up by the propping pole, thus creating a skylight that is substantially triangular in shape.

Abstract: An improved yurt assembly for facilitating easy yurt installation and increasing stability, comprising a plurality of expandable lattice wall sections, vertical posts and roof poles. Each lattice wall section includes a plurality of pivotally connected link members. Each of the vertical posts includes a groove on its top end for receiving one of the roof poles, a first slot near its top end, a second slot near its bottom end, and a plurality of intermediate slots between the first and second slots. The first and second and intermediate slots are adapted to receive topmost, bottommost and intermediate corners of the lattice wall sections. The corners of two adjacent lattice wall sections are received into each side of the slots of a vertical post, which maintains the height of the lattice and secures the wall sections during assembly.

Abstract: A rotatable hunting blind providing a 360° field of vision about the blind with almost one-hundred percent concealment is disclosed. Construction of the blind on a circular frame and the type of exterior covering which shields the hunter from the vision of prey is discussed. The method of operation of the rotatable blind is discussed.

Abstract: A kit of parts for an erectable shelter is provided. The kit of parts includes a floor, an at least semi-rigid wall portion with an entrance, and an at least semi-rigid roof portion. The wall structure is connectable to the floor without tools. The roof portion is connectable to the wall structure without tools.

Abstract: A shelter support includes a canopy and four legs each attached to and extending downwardly from the canopy. Each of the legs has an open bottom end. A plurality of couplers is provided and each is configured to releasably attach one of the legs to a ground support surface. Each of the couplers is rotatably coupled to one of the legs. Each of the couplers is configured for selectively adjusting a height of a corresponding one of the legs with respect to the ground support surface. The plurality of couplers includes four couplers.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses a garage tent comprising a frame, a roof canvas, and a wall canvas on which a door for entering and exiting of automobiles is provided, characterized in that a plurality of screen windows are provided on said wall canvas. In the structure mentioned above are concentrated advantages of the prior art and creative developments; therefore, the garage tent has the advantages such as strong wind-resistant ability, good ventilation inside, clear air, prevention of mosquitoes from entering, etc.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a free-standing structure which includes an eight-sided roof perimeter; at least four geodesic structures extending from four sides of the eight-sided roof perimeter and supporting the perimeter; and at least four legs, each leg structurally corresponding with one of the at least four geodesic structures for upholding the free-standing structure.

Abstract: A method for disassembling and packaging the canopy in a container, wherein the length of the container is 25% shorter than the length of each of the upright assemblies. To accommodate the shortened length, the width and/or the height of the container may be increased as necessary to still house all of the components of the canopy. Preferably, the length of the container is sufficiently short to accommodate placing the container in a traditional sedan automobile trunk.

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: A canopy of the type that is typically packaged in a kit form that permits consumers to assemble a group of pipe members into a canopy structure. Once assembled and erected, the canopy includes a series of vertical posts and a series of rafters that extend upwardly from the post. In order to provide additional structural support, especially to the rafters and to the roof structure formed by the rafters, a series of cross or brace members are interconnected between the vertical posts and the rafters. These cross or brace members are arranged in sets with each set including two brace members that extend between a pair of vertical posts and a pair of rafters. The brace members, vertical posts and rafters form a truss network that imparts structural strength and rigidity to the overall canopy frame structure.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that provides the user with a low cost, highly portable, and durable means of shading people or objects in a beach or similar outdoor setting. It is constructed of lightweight, noncorrosive parts that are easy to assemble by even a single person. The apparatus shades a rather large area and features a unique design that minimizes the need to reposition as the sun's rays change angles during the day. The apparatus also minimizes wind resistance and is further secured to the sand by four anchor points. Consequently, the user can easily carry the apparatus to the beach by hand, quickly assemble it, and then enjoy a day in the shade without worrying about the damaging effects of the beach environment.

Abstract: A dismountable outdoor shelter kit for mounting upon an outdoor surface characterized by its anticlinal canopy that has an apex for shedding water and dirt and for providing protection from the sun. The shelter kit includes canopy supporting members and bracing members designed to give the shelter kit structural stability once assembled. Each of the main supporting members of the shelter kit is made up of a plurality of mated members, including, a bottom foot member adapted for transferring structural loads from the anticlinal canopy to the outdoor surface; a middle vertical member mated to the bottom foot members; and, an anticlinal cantilevered member adapted to support the anticlinal canopy. The canopy made from a rectangular sheet of material having suitable characteristics of fire resistance. The sheet has valences, depending flaps fixed to the bottom edges of the sheet and a sleeve structure adapted for receiving a bracing rod in order to fix the sheet to the canopy support structure.

Abstract: The tent frame supports a traditional canopy, a tension canopy and a pagoda canopy and can be configured as a tent assembly kit. The tent frame includes uprights removably fitted into respective corner fittings along with generally horizontal tent frame cross members also fitted into the corner fittings. Canopy support members have one end removably coupled to the corner pieces and a crown fitting receives the other end of the canopy support member. A removable vertical extension piece is removably mounted atop the crown fitting such that when the extension piece is threaded to the crown fitting, the pagoda canopy can be utilized with the assembled tent frame or, in a different tent assembly without the extension piece, the tent frame retains and supports either the traditional canopy or the tension canopy.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsible structure comprising a plurality of panel elements, each having a coilable frame element and flexible material attached to the frame element. The panel elements are joined to define an enclosure having a roof portion and a bottom perimeter. The bottom perimeter rests on a supporting surface. The structure has at least one roof support rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a first location on the bottom perimeter, and the second end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a second location on the bottom perimeter. The at least one roof support rod is in supporting contact with the roof portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind or enclosure, to provide cover to a hunter or naturalist in the field, is provided with a scent-dampening liner. An enclosure according to one embodiment includes at least one wall, and a lining material disposed on a surface thereof. In the described embodiment, the lining material includes a binder and a multiplicity of carbon particles interspersed in the binder. The liner may be directly affixed to an inner wall surface. Alternatively, the lining material may be affixed to a separate fabric surface, which is attached to the inner wall. In another aspect, the enclosure includes screen panel sections pivotally connected in a sequence. In still another aspect, a tent-like structure is formed of flexible fabric and includes a roof section and a support structure.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind or enclosure, to provide cover to a hunter or naturalist in the field, is provided with a scent-dampening liner. An enclosure includes at least one wall, and a lining material disposed on a surface thereof. In a first illustrative embodiment, the lining material includes a binder and a multiplicity of carbon particles interspersed in the binder. The liner may be directly affixed to an inner wall surface. Alternatively, the lining material may be affixed to a separate fabric surface, which is attached to the inner wall. The enclosure may include screen panel sections pivotally connected in a sequence. Alternatively, the enclosure may be a tent-like structure which is formed of flexible fabric and includes a roof section and a support structure.

Abstract: A flat-faced interactive training soccer goal used for soccer practice. The soccer goal has a goal frame held in compression and a net and web frame held in tension for increased rebounding of a soccer ball. The flat-faced soccer goal includes a goal frame made up of a plurality of metal tube sections joined together by plurality of connector sleeves and a pair of corner elbow sleeves for forming a pair of upright posts and a horizontal crossbar. A top portion of the upright posts is joined to opposite ends of the crossbar using the corner elbow sleeves. The corner elbow sleeves are bent at an angle greater than 90 degrees and upward to 110 degrees for forming a trapezoid configuration with the crossbar being parallel to the ground surface. The upright posts are disposed outwardly and at an angle from the vertical. When the goal frame is installed, the upright posts are moved inwardly into a vertical position for forming a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: An adjustment device of an adjustable canopy of a swing set includes a fixed part, an engaging part, and an adjustable part. The fixed part is joined to the frame of a swing set, and has locating hooks. The engaging part is securely connected to the fixed part, and has engaging protrusions on an outer side, which have convexly curved surfaces, and plasticity. The adjustable part, to which a covering part of the canopy is connected, has concavely curved sections spaced around an annular inner side. The locating hooks are connected to the adjustable part such that the adjustable part can turn relative to the fixed part. The concavely curved portions contact the convexly curved protrusions. The inner side of the adjustable part depresses the convexly curved protrusions when force is exerted on the adjustable part so that the canopy covering part can be adjusted.

Abstract: An all-season awning system 10 is provided with an aesthetically pleasing protective valance 12 for use with associated permanent building structures 14. The awning system includes a peripheral frame 20 carrying a substantially planar main body portion 12, an elongate header member 24, first and second transverse support members 26, 28, and an elongate lateral support member 30 forming a planar of substantially rectangular front face surface 74 covered substantially entirely by a fabric valance member 32. The fabric valance member is carried on selected portions of the peripheral frame 20 using an attachment means including an elongate tube carried within a fold of the valance and received into a corresponding slot formed in an attachment member coupled with the lateral support member. The fabric valance member is selectively removable from the underlying peripheral frame as desired.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least four panels, including a bottom panel, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of the frame member. Each panel further includes a first side and a second side, with the first side of one panel coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel, and with the bottom panel resting on the surface.

Abstract: A lighting unit of a tent includes lamps, wires provided for connecting the lamps to power, and holding trenches formed along lower sides of upper rod portions of a supporting frame of the tent. Each of the holding trenches is made to have a slot narrower than a middle room thereof, and the lamps have a diameter bigger than width of the slot so as not to fall down when held in the trenches. Thus, the lamps are hidden in the holding trenches to not badly affect appearance of the tent. And, light emitting diodes can be used as the lamps to help make the tent attractive.

Abstract: Trellis structure including a frame body and a roof. The frame body is composed of multiple upright columns, press beams and support rods. The roof is composed of a ridge beam, multiple press beams and multiple support rods. The press beam is a hollow beam having an opening on one side. By means of multiple fixing members and bolts, the press beams are fixedly connected with the columns and the ridge beam to form a pattern of a house. The other side of the press beam is formed with a recessed insertion section. In cooperation with a press bar and a clamping plate, a light shading mesh is fixed around the frame body and on the top face of the roof to form a trellis with shading effect.

Abstract: A covering assembly includes a plurality of upright legs, and upper and lower canopy units. The lower canopy unit is mounted on top of the legs, and is formed with a ventilation opening. The upper canopy unit is mounted on top of the lower canopy unit, and is disposed above the ventilation opening. The upper canopy unit has a size sufficient to shield the ventilation opening while allowing air to be vented through the ventilation opening.

Abstract: An enclosure bed apparatus including a frame having legs connected to an upper structure, and a canopy affixed to the frame so as to define a three dimensional space therein. The upper structure includes side bars and end bars arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. The canopy includes a pair of sleeves at opposite sides of a top thereof which respectively receive the side bars of the upper structure therein. The canopy has vertical sleeve members extending downwardly so as to receive portions of the legs therein. The canopy has a pair of horizontal sleeves extending outwardly from a top thereof suitable for receiving respective end bars therein. The frame is arranged so as to be exterior of the three dimensional space defined by the canopy.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed herein for adjusting the length of a frame to fit a canopy tied onto and stretched over the frame. Each end of the frame includes a mounting bracket which is slid into an open end of a side tube with a friction fit. A sleeve is secured over the side tube with a flange engaging the outer end of the bracket. An adjusting nut and bolt engages both the flange and the bracket such that rotation of the nut against the flange causes the bracket to be moved axially within and of the side tube thereby lengthening the overall length of the frame relative to the canopy.

Abstract: A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.

Abstract: A space-dividing covered work space arrangement including a pair of opposed side modules each of a three-wall construction defined by an upright panel arrangement and a pair of upright end walls disposed at opposite ends thereof and projecting inwardly therefrom. A pair of canopies project inwardly from each of the opposed modules and are attached along inner edges thereof so as to define a continuous canopy assembly which overlies and encloses the work space from above.

Abstract: A cart corral for receiving shopping carts in a parking lot is designed to support a roof. Four spaced apart vertical posts are defined as a left front corner post, a right front corner, a left rear corner post, and a right rear corner post. Each of the posts has substantially an equal height and an outside diameter. Each of the posts has a lower end designed to contact a support surface and an upper end designed to support the roof. Replaceable polymerized sheathing surrounds each of the posts. The sheathing has an inner diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the posts and extends substantially the entire height of the posts. A first horizontal rail extends between the left rear and right rear corner posts and releasably engages the posts between the upper and lower ends. A second horizontal rail extends between the right rear and right front corner posts and releasably engages the posts between their upper and lower ends.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable structure used for exhibition or sports (batting cage) applications including an expansion section with a plurality of expansion segments, each of which is self-contained. Each expansion segment is bounded by an upright member onto which an articulating arm is attached adjacent the tope and bottom. Each articulating arm bends at an elbow and folds flat against the upright members when each expansion segment is extended, the articulating arms straighten at the elbow and pivot in a scissor-type motion with respect to the upright members until the articulating arms are fully extended substantially straight. The expansion segments roll on rollers removably affixed to the upright members. The portable structure includes three positions, a transport position wherein large wheels or skids are suppled for easy manipulation of the device, an expansion segment wherein the expansion segments are extended or collapsed using smaller wheels.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable shelter has a quarter-spherical arcuate shape with an open face. A lightweight frame and covering allow for quick set-up and take-down. The shelter is suitable for protection from the sun and other elements, and also provides a degree of privacy to its occupants.

Abstract: Novel slidable doors and sidewalls are adapted for use with collapsible protective enclosures (e.g., frame structure associated with a collapsible tent) such as tents, awnings, and restaurant patio shielding. The slidable doors and sidewalls, in addition to being flexible, may also be foldable, and, generally, slidably engage a slide track incorporated in such an enclosure. Further, the slidable doors and sidewalls generally comprise a flexible sheet that, in some embodiments, may also define openings therethrough and further comprise windows provided by semi-rigid thermoplastic resinous sheets. The present invention is also directed to collapsible protective enclosures comprising the above slidable doors and sidewalls, and to methods for retrofitting such enclosures with the above slidable doors and sidewalls, and to kits for accomplishing the same.

Abstract: A foldable board for use in a tent, addressing the inconvenience of conventional tents by providing a secure resting surface inside the tent. With conventional tents, it is troublesome to keep cups or opened beverage cans in the tent, because the ground is rough and bumpy, with considerable risk that the drink or other item will be upset or fall down on the ground, thereby soiling the tent or clothes and creating discomfort. So, cups and drink cans have to be supported between some props or held by a person. In order to address these inconveniences, a foldable board is provided, the back side of which is attached to the inside of a tent, the sides of which are also provided with props for securing goods, and the bottom of which is PVC laminated and sewn with bias. The bottom can be folded up and pulled down with hook and loop closures attached to the back prop and to a corresponding spot on the PVC laminated bottom prop.

Abstract: A demountable, wind-resistant sun shade canopy for shading childrens' play areas or other actively used areas. The canopy cover, being removably secured over a metal support structure, is comprised of vertical columns upon which are mounted at the upper end thereof respectively, uniquely configured bracket fittings, each bracket fitting providing secure mounting for a cantilever beam extending outwardly toward the perimeter of the area to be shaded, and providing secure mounting for a hip beam extending upward and toward the inner portion of the area to be shaded.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting merchandise on a paved surface which employs permanently installed anchors each having a vertical sleeve. Poles of common height are inserted within the sleeves of the anchors in a manner defining a three dimensional merchandising region. The tops of the poles are interconnected by tensioned cable assemblies from which informational signage is suspended and retained by lower disposed retainer tensioned cables. Merchandising bays are established between mutually adjacent poles and entrance and exit regions are established in conjunction with a shopper aisle. A canopy is supported by poles and anchors over a cash/wrap station at the exit region.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular shelter system that utilizes a series of identical enclosures, each made from barrier panels connected to define the shape of a modifiable dodecagon prism. The top cover of each enclosure can be flat or peaked at the center. The lightweight components are easily transported, assembled, disassembled, and/or re-assembled. The design allows two or many enclosures to cluster together without interstitial triangle prism volumes forming among them. Interior space within a cluster of enclosures can be increased, decreased, or re-arranged by simple addition, removal, or relocation of enclosures. Though the enclosures are each identical in shape, they can create a limitless variety of spatial areas and configurations, thus adapting to varied uses and requirements.

Abstract: A frame tent having a triangular-shaped perimeter frame, a flexible canopy attached to said perimeter frame, three corner posts to support the perimeter frame at corners thereof, three cables each having one end attached to an upper end of an associated one of said corner posts and a free end attached to a common junction element, and a flying pole supported at one end by said common junction element and connected at another end to an interior surface of said canopy.

Abstract: A tent is adapted for attachment to a cot. A preferred version of a tent includes a body made of fabric or similar sheet material, with a floor, two ends and two sides. A frame includes first and second frame poles carried within sleeves defined within the fabric body. Four to six fasteners secure the body to the frame of the cot. Each fastener passes around the frame, through a hole defined between the cot frame and cot fabric, and is secured to the bottom of the floor. A rain guard includes two opposed side panels and two opposed end panels. The rain guard prevents rain from pooling on the tent floor or on the horizontal fabric of the cot. Rain moving down the fabric body is guided past the tent floor and cot fabric, where it is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic wall structure and a method of making and erecting same. The pneumatic wall structure includes an inner flexible tent sheet, a central flexible tent sheet and an outer flexible tent sheet. The inner, the central and the outer flexible tent sheets are arranged to form a two-layer wall structure comprising (i) an inner layer formed by the inner tent sheet and the central tent sheet and, (ii) an outer layer formed by the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet. The inner layer is inflatable and provides a main support structure for the wall structure, and the outer layer forms a convection space into which an ambient air is capable of flowing. The inflatable support tubes are arranged between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet to provide redundancy to the main support structure and to provide a spacer between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of erecting a tent comprising two or more beam assemblies is provided. Each of the beam assemblies comprises a roof portion and a pair of legs for supporting the roof portion. A number of base members are secured to the ground at predetermined locations. The roof portions are pivotally connected to the base members and rotated upwardly from the ground while maintaining the connection to the base members. A first side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. A first leg is connected to the first side. The first leg is then connected to the base member. A second side of each of the roof portions is disconnected from an associated one of the base members and raised above the base member. The second leg is connected to the second side. The second leg is then connected to the base member.

Abstract: A structure comprising at least three essentially rigid legs, each having a top end, and a bottom end, with at least two connecting elements fitted on each leg and at least three elongate braces each having a first end and a second end and being fitted with at least four anchoring sites. Each brace is connected with two adjacent legs, and at least one of the anchoring sites is directly coupled with a respective connecting element of one adjacent leg, and at least one other of the anchoring sites is coupled via a tensioning member to another respective connecting element of the other adjacent leg.

Abstract: A tower type sunshade is disclosed, in which a conical roof tent can be formed in a simple manner without using any minor beams. The tower type sunshade according to the present invention includes four posts 1 and four lateral rods 2 respectively connected through four f-shaped connectors 3 to the four posts. Four major beams 4 are connected to the upper tips of the f shaped connectors 3 and to an X shaped connector 3a in the diagonal directions to form an X shaped contour. A tubular supporting rod 5 of a certain length is connected vertically to the upper tip of the X shaped connector 3a, and a roof tent cloth 6 having a peak part 6a is installed thereon, the peak part 6a being fitted to the upper tip of the tubular supporting rod 5. A securing rod 7 having a flange 7a is installed, the lower tip of the securing rod 7 being fitted into the upper tip portion of the tubular supporting rod 5.

Abstract: A protective covering device having a weather-resistant sheet of material wound about a spring-loaded roller, which material may be extended off the roller and over an object to be covered in a relatively easy manner, and which material may then be spring-assisted back onto the roller during the uncovering of such object. The spring-loaded roller is positioned with a housing that is either anchored to the same surface on which the object to be covered is positioned, or is mountable to a vertically-oriented surface located near one end of the object to be covered. The opposite end of the cover has a four-point multiple curved contour configuration to provide better wrapping both on the storage roller and about the end of a vehicle to be covered. Elastic attachments between the cover and the draw bar serve to draw it over the vehicle and provide convenient and efficient wrapping of the cover about the end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tent comprises a shell and a frame comprising a plurality of poles extending over the shell holding the shell up in an erect configuration in which the shell encloses a living space. Tension-taking trussing extends between the poles on the exterior of the shell to stabilize the tent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut comprising, which may include a strut member; a hollow tubular terminal end portion of the strut member having an inner surface; and a detachable looped eyelet having at least one loop and a pair of extending legs, the legs being springedly biased to engage the tubular terminal end of the strut, thereby frictionally holding the looped eyelet in place at the terminal end of the strut.

Abstract: A portable shelter is provided which is particularly useful for shielding seated occupants in a boat and the like from the weather including wind and water spray. The shelter includes a base member and a generally U-shaped frame member which pivotally mounted on the base member for movement between an extended position in which the frame member extends upwardly from the base member and a collapsed position folded alongside the base member. Sheeted material is provided for spanning between base member and the frame member in the extended position. A tensioning mechanism is coupled between the base member and the frame member for biasing the frame member into the extended position with the sheeted material under tension. The tensioning mechanism is collapsible with the frame member into the collapsed position thus providing an easily portable shelter which is self supporting in the extended position.

Abstract: A mobile canopy system providing shelter from the sun, rain, and wind. The canopy system contains at least two canopy system sections, each containing one centrally located support structure. A truss system is attached to the support structure, perpendicularly extending the length of the canopy system section. Canopy framing systems are perpendicularly connected to, and intervally spaced along, the truss system. Cross bars are perpendicularly connected to the ends of the canopy framing systems, extending the length of the canopy system section. The canopy lies in an inclined plane, suspended from the cross bars, providing adequate clearance for underlying activities including golf. The inclined canopy, suspended below the truss system and canopy framing systems, provides absorbing and deflective protection to the user from errantly hit objects, whereby the canopy absorbs the force of the errant object and deflects the object out and away from the participant under the canopy system.

Abstract: A joining system for tubular members which uses attaching members and stabilizing members. The stabilizing members are a ring like shape having a plurality of grooves. The attaching members are generally a bolt and wing nut combination. One tubular member is attached to another tubular member by a groove in a stabilizing member being positioned against a first tubular member, another groove of the stabilizing member being positioned against a second tubular member at a desired angle. The attaching member is positioned through holes in the tubular members and stabilizing members. Two wing nut wrenches for attaching tubular members to each other are also disclosed. One wing nut wrench has a variation in which it is used as a petcock wrench. Two jig systems for holding tubular members in place while holes are drilled therethrough are also disclosed, as is a method for joining tubular members.