Abstract: This invention is a boat covering system with adjustable bracket devices clamped to the outer stanchions of a boat. Flexible support ribs extend across the boat and are inserted into the pair of brackets located on opposite sides of the boat. These flexible support ribs form the main framework for the boat cover. The brackets are adjustable around a plurality of axes for adjustability of the overall cover height and configuration.

Abstract: A structural system for a building wherein multiple elongate rigid structural members, in the nature of posts and beams, include internal tensioning cables which, upon an end joining of the structural members, are interlocked and tensioned to each other and relative to a fixed foundation.

Abstract: A frame for a bimini cover for a deck of a water craft. The support structure has a first end frame retained in a fixed position with respect to the deck and a second end frame pivotally connected to the first end frame. The frame has first and second support members each of which have a first end fixed to the deck and a second end fixed to the first end frame to define first triangular members to hold the first end frame in a fixed position with respect to the deck. The second end frame is moved from a closed position to an opened position to selectively extend a canopy over the deck. First and second strut members are secured to the first end frame and joined to the second end frame to define second triangular members. The strut members are adjustable after being joined to the second end frame to hold the second end frame at a fixed arcuate distance from the first end frame while maintaining a predetermined tension on the canopy.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve has two spaced rows of holes with the holes of one row axially offset lengthwise of the row of holes and a horizontal slot at right angles to the rows of holes, the sleeve fitted telescopically over two axially aligned and spaced tubes that hold up a cover, each tube having detents that fit respectively into one of the holes of the rows of holes and into the slot so that the lengthwise spacing between the tubes can be adjusted by repositioning a detent into a different hole in a different row of the holes to adjust the tension against a cover to be held upright by the tubes.

Abstract: Portable overhead sun screening structure and canopy are described for shading a surface. The canopy is comprised of at least one sheet spanning a matrix of reinforcing cords that extend to a marginal canopy edge, with beads affixed to the reinforcing cords adjacent the marginal edge. A plurality of elongated poles are spaced apart and set upright along the surface to be shaded. Collars are slidably mounted to the poles for elevational movement thereon. At least two elongated stay members are mounted to each collar, each stay being pivotable between an inoperative position substantially parallel to the associated pole, and an operative position substantially perpendicular to the pole. The stay members on each pole are angularly offset from one another about the associated pole to mount flexible guy cords. Opposed ends of the guy cords are releasable attached to selected stay members about the canopy perimeter.

Abstract: A canopy assembly (10) comprising a canopy fabric (20) and furling means (40) extending between a pair of supports (30). The furling means (40) runs through the canopy fabric such that the canopy may be unfurled from both sides of the furling means simultaneously. Both free corners (22, 24) of the unfurled canopy are tethered to the ground or posts (50) to provide a taut smooth canopy. The tension in the furling means (40) is adjustable such that it remains substantially straight and taut in a furling condition, and in an erected condition may be relaxed to conform to the curved shape of the canopy.

Abstract: A portable stressed arch structure is constructed by assembling an essentially flat, planar frame of straight, uncurved components, and then drawing two opposite sides together and securing them with tension cables to hold the frame in an arch configuration. The arched framework is then covered with a conventional tarp or the like, as desired. The structure may be formed substantially of conventional polyvinyl chloride or other plastic pipe or tube, and may also utilize modified or specially formed connectors and other components. Supplementary bracing and other components may be added as desired or as needed, depending upon anticipated loads and size of the completed structure. Structures may be formed having relatively widely spaced arched ribs, or alternatively may be constructed having two or more adjacent ribs joined by common specialized connectors.

Abstract: A method, compatible with existing re-usable space shuttle vehicles, for the fabrication and assembly of large modular orbiting structures in space providing gravity-free and artificial gravity environments, using a plurality of prefabricated, fully collapsible, multi-sided pod module enclosures from lightweight laminated material with significant structural integrity, transported into space in their high density storage mode, dispensed and expanded from a delivery apparatus and formed into voluminous structural enclosures by employing the use of a series of interior guide and tension cables, and with all such assembly work performed in a pressurized environment with little need for space suit activity.

Abstract: The shelter has a canopy supported by a frame made up of a pair of flexible lateral rods which are held parallel and apart by three horizontal struts. There is provision for disconnecting the struts from the lateral rods so that the frame may be stored compactly when not in use. A pair of upright poles support the upper end of each lateral rod and guys are attached to the lateral rods for bending them into an arcuate shape.

Abstract: A foldable tent is provided which achieves the desired stretch of a cloth tent body when fully pitched. The foldable tent includes a cylindrical center member comprising a top cylinder and a bottom cylinder detachably coupled to each other. A cylindrical slider having a notch on its inner surface is movably fitted over the center member. An elastic locking member is mounted in the to cylinder of the center member for locking the slider. The locking member has a locking projection snapping into the notch of the slider. A release mechanism for releasing the locking projection from the notch of the slider is received in the bottom cylinder. The tent framework further includes a plurality of ribs. Each the rib is hinged to a corresponding pipe frame and the slider at its opposed ends such that an angle formed between it and the top cylinder when pitching the tent is less than 90.degree.. This foldable tent is easily pitched and struck regardless of tent size.

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

Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having an awning and collapsible frame, the frame having either adjustable or fixed end caps at its corners bearing against reinforcing strips, and a center post unit forming a part of the frame is both spring-loaded and can be adjustably tensioned to regulate the tautness of the awning.

Abstract: A substantially cone-shaped tent comprises a plurality of rods connected to each other in the region of the top of the tent and arranged to extend divergingly downwardly to the ground on which the tent stands and bear thereagainst while each forming substantially a generatrix of an imagined cone, a substantially cone-shaped tent cloth adapted to bear on the outside of and be carried by the rods, and means adapted to interconnect adjacent rods at a distance from the top of the tent so as to hold them in a determined mutual position. Said interconnecting means comprise elongated rigid elements with a first engaging member at each end thereof, and the rods have second engaging members arranged to enter into engagement with the first engaging members arranged on the corresponding rigid elements when connecting adjacent rods by means of the rigid elements and by that hold two adjacent rods at a mutual distance defined by the rigid element.