Abstract: A shelter system having an erecting frame system and a protective skin system. The erecting frame system has at least two A-frame legs and at least one tensioning element. The A-frame legs each comprise at least one elongated structural member, each of the A-frame legs coalescing with at least one other A-frame leg with at least one connection. The tensioning element is at least temporarily affixed to a free end of each of the at least two A-frame legs, and comprises at least one elongated structural element capable of generating a tension force to draw the free ends of the A-frame legs towards one another, thereby at least temporarily lifting the connection to a predetermined height above the free end of each A-frame leg. A protective skin system is also provided with at least one side plane, one roof plane, and one end plane.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy frame includes a plurality of side poles, a plurality of edge scissor assemblies coupling adjacent side poles from among the plurality of side poles to each other, a center pole to support a canopy covering, a plurality of center pole ribs each coupling the center pole to a respective side pole of the adjacent side poles; a plurality of support members coupling the plurality of center pole ribs to the adjacent side poles, the plurality of support members being coupled to the plurality of center pole ribs through respective joints that are movable along respective center pole ribs from among the plurality of center pole ribs, and one or more tension members coupled to the plurality of center pole ribs.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy frame includes a plurality of side poles, a plurality of edge scissor assemblies coupling adjacent side poles from among the plurality of side poles to each other, a center pole to support a canopy covering, a plurality of center pole ribs each coupling the center pole to a respective side pole of the adjacent side poles; a plurality of support members coupling the plurality of center pole ribs to the adjacent side poles, the plurality of support members being coupled to the plurality of center pole ribs through respective joints that are movable along respective center pole ribs from among the plurality of center pole ribs, and one or more tension members coupled to the plurality of center pole ribs.

Abstract: A foldable play yard includes a plurality of corner posts; a plurality of top rails, each of the top rails rotatably connected to two of the plurality of corner posts to define a polygonal shape; a plurality of reversing links, each of the plurality of reversing links rotatably connected to one of the plurality of corner posts; a central hub; a plurality of lower linkage assemblies, each of the lower linkage assemblies rotatably connected to one of the plurality of reversing links and rotatably connected to the central hub; and a plurality of post linkage assemblies, each of the post linkage assemblies rotatably connected to one of more of the top rails and rotatably connected to one of the reversing links. Lowering the central hub causes each of the lower linkage assemblies to rotate relative to the corner posts in a first direction.

Abstract: An expandable canopy frame including a plurality of legs coupled to each other through a plurality of rib members scissor-type coupled together, with upper ends of certain of the rib members being respectively coupled to top ends of the legs, and lower ends of certain of the rib members being respectively coupled to a slider mechanism slidably mounted to each of the respective legs; a roof assembly for supporting a canopy; and a releasable locking assembly, coupled to the roof assembly, for facilitating the expansion of the expandable canopy into an expanded position and for maintaining the canopy in the expanded position; wherein the expandable canopy in its expanded position has a plurality of sides, and wherein the releasable locking assembly is closer to one of the sides than to the remaining sides of the expandable canopy in its expanded position.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting an accessory element to a mounting structure, in particular for connecting a fabric of an awning, tent or sun sail to a mounting structure such as a wall of a building or an outer surface of a vehicle. The connection system includes a receiving member provided on the mounting structure and defining a receiving groove extending along an extension path, and an adapter having an engaging section and a receiving section. The engaging section is configured such that an engagement with the receiving groove is caused by an insertion movement of the engaging section into the receiving groove, the insertion movement having at least a translatory component in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension path.

Abstract: Supporting framework of a tent with a roof having a pyramid shape, a supporting structure comprising at least four supports, at least three outer scissor-type grid sections for each outer side of the supporting framework, a device for attaching the roof to the central post, central diagonal bars extending from the central post, wherein the central diagonal bars are connected to the outer scissor-type grid sections via scissor-type grid sections directed inwards into the tent, and wherein the central post is extended by means of a handling bar—for the formation of the apex of the roof, and wherein the handling bar or the central post can be connected to the central diagonal bars.

Abstract: The present invention is a malleable bed cover that transforms a child's bed to resemble a predetermined object such as an automobile, train, boat, fort, airplane, castle, dollhouse, or a white blank cover to create a personalized design. The bed cover changes shape to provide the child with space for imagination play through the use of accessories, markers and attachable toys.

Abstract: An assembly structured to form a customizable, variably configured geometric structure, which includes a plurality of hubs each having an interior chamber and a plurality of housings. Each housing includes an open ended interior channel communicating with the interior chamber of a common hub. A plurality of elastic links are each retained within and extend outwardly from a different one of said interior channels, wherein at least one elastic link of each hub is retained within a housing and connected to one other of said plurality of hubs. A predetermined number of the plurality of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs. A plurality of the closed, continuously configured array of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizable, variably configured geometric structures.

Abstract: A protective barrier system is provided, the protective barrier system comprising: at least one support member configured for coupling to a surface; a frame comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the at least one support member; a barrier material coupled to and suspended between the upper portion and the lower portion of the frame, the barrier material forming an enclosure having an interior and an exterior; and a door positioned relative to the enclosure and configured to provide access to the interior of the enclosure, wherein the barrier material is spaced from the at least one support member; and wherein the frame provides shape and structure to the barrier material.

Abstract: Embodiments of racks are assembled on floating devices to secure mobile devices, foldable sunshades and foldable tents. A rack is composed of rack poles, pole holders, a hub, a cup lock, a pipe connector or a hub bottom screw. The pole holders are fixed around a floating device. The pole top ends may be inserted into the receptacles of a hub. A cup lock may cover the hub to lock the pole top ends in the receptacles. A pipe connector may connect to a hub with its top screw and connect to a mobile device holder or a pouch with its bottom end. Embodiments of foldable sunshades may be secured on the rack with elastic straps and hooks. Embodiments of foldable tents with a bottom hook-side belt of hook-and-loop may bind with a loop-side belt of hook-and-loop fixed on an inflatable raft or boat or on a low-profile hard-hull boat.

Abstract: A plant cover transformable between collapsed and expanded states and including: a frame including a plurality of rods; a foldable canopy secured to the rods; and a pivoting support assembly operatively coupled to the frame. The pivoting support assembly includes: a brace having a central base and a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly from the central base and defining a longitudinally extending socket, a pivot support defining a pivot axis, and a latch receiver; and a plurality of rod supports pivotally coupled to a respective projection of the plurality of projections of the brace. Each rod support including a split hearing collar at one end pivotally mounted to the pivot support of a corresponding projection and a latch member at the opposite end, the latch member engaging the latch receiver to secure the corresponding rod support in the open position.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy and method of erecting a collapsible canopy comprised of earth anchors, flexible members, and a canopy cover. The collapsible canopy is comprised of four earth anchors, flexible members, and a canopy cover. The method of erecting a collapsible canopy comprises the steps of using a ground template to sequentially determine the proper locations of the earth anchors in the ground, securing each earth anchor into the ground at its proper location as determined by the ground template, securing the canopy frame into the earth anchors, and securing the canopy cover to the canopy frame and/or earth anchors. The result is a collapsible canopy that is braced in all directions to withstand high winds, and a method of erecting a structurally robust collapsible canopy that one person can complete, alone, and in inclement weather.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ram assembly for use on the top of a tent where tops of supporting rods of the tent are connected to a top connecting seat. The ram assembly includes at least one ram connected to the top connecting seat and located between two adjacent supporting rods. The ram assembly supports an eave tarpaulin and allows the eave tarpaulin to unfold. The eave tarpaulin is located on the top of the tent and between at least the two adjacent supporting rods. An outer edge of the cave tarpaulin sleeves on the ram. The ram assembly is an elastic telescopic rod.

Abstract: Example lateral sealing members for use with weather barriers are disclosed. An example lateral sealing member includes a lateral sealing member being vertically elongate. The lateral sealing member has a J-shaped cross-section extending between an attached end and a tip of the lateral sealing member. The lateral sealing member has a groove along the tip. The lateral sealing member is movable between an activated configuration and a relaxed configuration. The tip to extend farther into a vehicle pathway when the lateral sealing member is in the relaxed configuration than when the lateral sealing member is in the activated configuration. A tip seal is provided along the tip of the lateral sealing member. The tip seal is to protrude in the groove.

Abstract: Method of deployment of portable shelters is described. The shelters or housing units may be deployed in emergency housing situations and may be grouped into systems of shelters.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle's side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A retractable eave structure of a foldable tent includes a pole assembly having a first end and an opposing second end. The pole assembly first end is pivotally coupled to a hub for pivotal movement between an open state and a folded state of the foldable tent. The pole assembly is retractable such that a length between the first and second ends is adjustable between the open and folded states of the foldable tent. An eave portion of the foldable tent is constructed of tent fabric and fixedly attached to and extends from a main portion of the foldable tent. The eave portion includes an outer perimeter having a housing portion. The outer end of the pole assembly is fixed within the housing portion such that in the open state the pole assembly is extended and the eave portion is substantially taut.

Abstract: Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock are disclosed herein. An example seal assembly comprises a face panel to be coupled to a projection panel, where the face panel has a front side, a back side and an edge spaced apart from the projection panel. A bulb is positioned adjacent the edge of the face panel. A seal flap is attached to the bulb such that the seal flap projects from an outer surface of the bulb and toward a doorway of a loading dock when the seal assembly is coupled to a wall of the loading dock.

Abstract: A structure including a first end panel, a second end panel, and a side panel that spans between the first end panel and the second end panel. The various panels are supported by a plurality of hubs and rods. When erected, the structure appears similar in shape to a hay bale. The structure may be manually collapsed into a very compact form for transport and storage.

Abstract: Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock are disclosed. An example seal assembly includes a projection panel mountable to extend outward from the wall in proximity with a doorway. A first face panel extends from the projection panel in front of the doorway when the projection panel is mounted to the wall, where the first face panel has a first distal edge spaced apart from the projection panel. A second face panel extends from the projection panel in front of the doorway when the projection panel is mounted to the wall, where the second face panel having a second distal edge spaced apart from the projection panel.

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: 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lightweight housing module comprising at least one stretched fabric intended to form the roof of said module and fixed along its lower edge on a rigid frame maintained at a distance from the ground by a plurality of lateral posts, remarkable in that it comprises vertical panels and/or opening frames in order to close in a substantially sealed manner its vertical facades and a false ceiling arranged in order to be arranged under said fabric inside said lightweight housing module and fixed to the frame. This invention also relates to a modular building remarkable in that it comprises a plurality of lightweight housing modules, according to the invention, arranged next to one another, and a system for sealing between the adjacent lightweight housing modules. This invention also relates to their method of assembly.

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.

Abstract: A load-absorbing device introduces load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-shaped structures into supporting structures (10). At least one load-absorbing part (36, 40) can be anchored on the supporting structure (10) via a bearing element (24). The load-absorbing part (36, 40) has a transmission body (36) forming a convexly shaped transmission surface guided on the bearing element (24) on a carrier surface formed from surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface.

Abstract: A load-absorbing device initiates load forces such as cable forces or tensioning forces of sheet-shaped structures into supporting structures (10). At least one bearing element (24, 80) is anchored on supporting structure (10). A tie rod (40) of a load-absorbing part (36, 40) is connected to the bearing element. A connection device (50) for tension members (16; 98) cooperates with the tie bar (40). The connection device (50) has at least one connection wing (66) projecting laterally from the longitudinal axis (A) and forming at least one connection point (69a) offset with respect to the longitudinal axis (A).

Abstract: A modified A-frame tent or tarp shelter in which the fly or outer canopy is supported by two upright poles spaced apart on either side of a rectangular footprint. The poles are oppositely offset from the midpoint of the footprint on their respective sides, such that the canopy ridgeline between the poles crosses the footprint diagonally. Two corners of the canopy corresponding to corners of the footprint farthest from their respective (same-side) poles are raised and tensioned by short struts that, in cooperation with the offset poles, create a sidewall effect across the ends of the canopy over the head and foot ends of the footprint. The canopy may further include vestibule portions extending to the sides of the footprint, and the struts may also engage the vestibule portions at their respective corners.

Abstract: A shelter system including a base assembly and a flexible support assembly where the base assembly has two legs that are held together by at least two tension straps and the where the flexible support assembly has flexible support members and spanning poles and where the flexible support members of the flexible support assembly are securely attached to the base assembly at each end of the base system legs and where the entire flexible support assembly is then erected and covered, creating a self standing shelter system.

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.

Abstract: The portable enclosure with an elastically sealed opening includes a base and a frame mounted thereon. The frame is formed from a pair of tensioned frame rods having central portions crossing one another. A fabric covering is secured to the frame to define a hollow enclosure. At least one substantially vertically extending opening is formed through the fabric covering. A lower end of the opening is positioned adjacent the base. Fabric sleeves are secured on opposite sides of the opening. An elastic loop extends through the sleeves around the opening. A tensioned rod is mounted on an upper end of the frame, one end thereof being positioned adjacent an upper end of the opening and supporting an upper end of the elastic loop. This support of the elastic loop creates elastic tension therein, which elastically seals the opening.

Abstract: Protective shelters for enclosing one or more persons and/or animals are described. A capsule can be a spherical or substantially spherical, water-tight shell surrounding a frame and forming an interior portion which accommodates the one or more persons and/or animal; and at least one sealable entry door configured to seal at least one opening formed in the shell.

Abstract: A tent includes a tent cloth and a tent frame to support the tent cloth. The tent frame comprises a top module and a plurality of supporting poles which are radially pivoted to the top module. The top module includes a modular main body, a top cap and a quick-pitch assembly. The modular main body includes a plurality of pivot sockets which are integrally formed with the modular main body. Each pivot socket is pivotally connected with a connector. The connector is further connected to the respective supporting pole. The connector has a top engaging portion at a pivot end thereof to mate with the quick-pitch assembly. The top cap is coupled to the modular main body to form a middle space. The quick-pitch assembly is located in the middle space and able to move up and down.

Abstract: A modular pool cover support frame is provided having standardized modular components that are easily assembled, disassembled, stored and shipped and when assembled are held together by compressive forces exerted by the weight of the pool cover. The modular support frame includes standardized spanning components and standardized connecting components for connecting the standardized spanning components which together with a tensioning device holds the modular components together employing the weight of standard pool covers and forces exerted on the pool cover.

Abstract: A tent frame is disclosed including at least three support legs. The at least three support legs may have a connected end and a free end and may include a collapsible truss with at least two compression members, a hinge situated between the compression members, and a tension member extending from a first point near the free end to a second point near the connected end. The at least three support legs may be joined at their respective connected ends. A tent is also disclosed including a collapsible frame and a shell adapted to cover the frame, the shell having at least one window opening and at least one window curtain covering the at least one window opening, the at least one window curtain being adapted to slidably open and close. A method of setting up a tent is also described.

Abstract: A modular free-standing shelter including a frame and a cover. The frame has an upper plate and a lower plate, and a number of cover shafts are each pivotally connected at one end to the upper plate. A number of stretcher shafts are each pivotally connected between a respective one of the cover shafts and the lower plate. A separation shaft is affixed to one of the plates for separating the upper and lower plates at a predetermined distance. The cover is a skin having a predetermined shape that is engaged by the cover shafts.

Abstract: The invention envisions a multi-purpose expandable-collapsible frame apparatus that may be used as a bed frame. The apparatus utilizes a telescoping central support apparatus designed such that when a force is applied to the central support apparatus a plurality of floating arm assemblies expand outwardly from the central support apparatus. Furthermore, support straps and a covering member add stability and utility to the frame apparatus.

Abstract: A tent including a structural member and an end cap insertable into the structural member and a method of forming a tent are provided. The structural member is preferably a rafter. The rafter has C-channels aligned with support troughs of the end cap. The C-channels and support troughs receive edge portions of a fabric panel therein to secure the fabric panel to the rafter. The end cap supports the weight of the fabric panel during assembly to reduce or avoid engagement of the fabric panel with corners of the C-channel or burs formed in the end of the C-channel of the rafter as the fabric panel is fed through the C-channel. The end cap may also include an optional tension push down bar assembly for providing additional tensioning of the fabric panel.

Abstract: Deployable structures and methods for assembling the same including a structural mechanism defining a columnar space comprising a plurality of structural members, a plurality of couplings and a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the couplings interconnects three of the structural members and each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and one of the structural members. Each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and an end of one of the structural members not interconnected with one of the couplings. A columnar space, devoid of any structural members, is centrally located within the structural mechanism. Each of the couplings interconnects two of three structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes and the third of the three structural members is interconnected such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the other two structural members.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially triangular frame sections connected by flexible joints at corners thereof. At least some of the interconnected frame sections share a collapsible tubular member as one side of the interconnected triangular frame sections and at least some of the ends of rigid tubular members of the interconnected frame sections are disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. An elongated flexible tensioning member extends through the shared collapsible tubular members and between the ends of the rigid tubular members disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. The rigid tubular members of some of the interconnected frame sections form a frame roof with ends thereof tied to form a flexible joint at the apex frame roof.

Abstract: A configuration, all components of which are man portable in some embodiments, for holding panels to protect assets against external force and impacts from airborne projectiles. An open box-like stackable frame module holds panels along a side of the frame. Multiple frames are connected to construct a protective barrier, such as a wall. Frames include provisions for connection in a vertical configuration so as to allow stacking of the frames to increase the height of the barrier. A method of installing is also provided.

Abstract: A shade structure having a suspended mast with a tubular body non-removably secured between at least two suspended mast support segments forming a suspended engagement. The shade structure has at least a first flange plate connecting a first mast transition segment to a first cantilever rafter and a second flange plate connecting a second mast transition segment to a second cantilever rafter. At least one column extension assembly simultaneously supports the cantilever rafters and connects each cantilever rafter to a column. A fabric canopy is disposed over and around the suspended mast and over the suspended mast support segments and cantilever rafters. Means to engage the fabric canopy is used with each cantilever rafter on a second cantilever rafter end and tensioning means secured to at least one of the cantilever rafter or the suspended mast is used for tensioning the fabric canopy.

Abstract: A tent frame includes two main supporting units, a connecting rod unit interconnecting the main supporting units, and two oblique supporting units. Each main supporting unit includes two foot rods, first and second corner connectors mounted respectively on the foot rods, an intermediate connector, a first supporting rod interconnecting the first corner connector and a first rod connecting portion of the intermediate connector, and a second supporting rod interconnecting the second corner connector and a second rod connecting portion of the intermediate connector. Each oblique supporting unit is mounted on a respective one of the main supporting units, and includes a first strut interconnecting the first corner connector and the second rod connecting portion, and a second strut interconnecting the second corner connector and the first rod connecting portion.

Abstract: A tent frame comprising support frames having side support and roof support members. Spans of the support frames are adjustable perpendicular to a ridge line of the tent frame without substituting structural members of different length. The tent frame is laterally adjusted by adding or removing support frames or by altering the distance between individual support frames. The tent frame is adaptable on uneven terrain and is capable of following irregular ground contour without delay in erection or changes in length and details in the structural members. A canopy can be provided overtop of the tent frame, or on the inside of the tent frame so that adjustments to the span do not require adjustment to the canopy size. The canopy is removably attached to the frame to cover the whole area or only partially cover the area under the tent, or can be removed fully.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind includes a blind awning and a collapsible frame to fold the blind awning between a folded position and a setup position. The blind awning comprises two sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a top wall. The collapsible frame includes a retention frame and two tensional loops. The retention frame is detachably coupling between the sidewalls to retain a distance therebetween, wherein when the retention frame is released from the sidewalls, the sidewalls are adapted to overlap with each other. The two tensional loops are provided at the sidewalls respectively for providing a tensional force thereat at the setup position to stretch out the sidewalls in a tensional manner, wherein when each of the tensional loops is twist-folded to reduce the tensional force at the respective sidewall, the overlapped sidewalls are adapted to twist-fold into a compact structure at the folded position.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind includes a blind awning and a collapsible frame. The blind awning includes two sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a top wall. The collapsible frame includes a retention frame and two tensional frames. The retention frame is detachably coupling between the sidewalls to retain a distance therebetween at the setup position, wherein when the retention frame is released from the sidewalls, the sidewalls are adapted to overlap with each other at the folded position. The two tensional frames are provided at the sidewalls respectively for providing a tensional force thereat at the setup position to stretch out the sidewalls in a tensional manner. When each of the tensional frames is actuated to reduce the tensional force at the respective sidewall of the blind awning, the sidewall is adapted to overlappedly fold into a compact structure at the folded position.

Abstract: A tent and method of assembling a tent is provided. The tent includes a connecting strip for connecting first and second panels of a fabric shell of the tent. The connecting strip slides axially along sides of the adjacent panels during assembly to connect them together. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting strip and sides of the connected panels utilize cooperating keder strips and keder channels to cooperatingly connect the two panels. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting strip is flexible to permit using connecting strips that are longer than the legs of the tent.

Abstract: A mechanism that is comprised of two or more four-bar linkages is shown. Each linkage shares a common link with each adjacent linkage and the movement of said two or more linkages is synchronized by mechanical means such that said mechanism may move between a collapsed and an extended state. Said mechanical means may be in the form of additional links or geared connections.