Hollow Rod Section (e.g., For Internal Cord Means) Patents (Class 135/127)
  • Patent number: 6038802
    Abstract: A display/screen system which is positionable upon a floor and is cooperable with a vertical support surface, such as a wall, includes a sheet of flexible material having an edge and a collapsible frame from which the sheet of material is suspended in a spread condition for use. The frame includes a horizontally-disposable section having two opposite ends and a pair of leg sections which are connectable to the horizontally-disposable section at the opposite ends thereof so as to depend generally downwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: John E. Tidwell
  • Patent number: 6019112
    Abstract: A home greenhouse kit including a semi-circular housing member that has an upper portion. The upper portion is formed by two layers of flexible sheeting and a plurality of elongated parallel rib channels formed between the two layers. A pair of ground panels of the semi-circular housing member is interconnected to the upper portion. A plurality inflatable tubes are sized for positioning within the plurality of elongated rib channels for giving the upper portion of the semi-circular housing member vertical integrity. A plurality of interior grommets are positioned about an arc of the upper portion. A pair of support poles forming a front support pole and a rear support pole are provided. Each support pole has a top end with an eyelet. Lastly, an elongated support rope is extended through the plurality of interior grommets. The support rope has a front portion extended through the eyelet of the front support pole and a rear portion extended through the eyelet of the rear support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Cameron Arthur Matlock
  • Patent number: 6000175
    Abstract: A portable protective structure includes a framework made of corner connectors and various poles, such as vertical supports, horizontal supports and roof supports. Certain of the support poles may be made of telescopic tubes of circular cross-section joined together by spring locks in the inner tube projecting into arcuate slots in the outer tube. Pairs of poles, such as horizontal poles, may be connected to a corner connector by the use of a resilient cord extending through the connector with a spring clip on each end of the cord inserted into the horizontal pole. The roof may include a peak having four sets of extending walls into which each roof pole or eave may be connected with the opposite end of each roof pole inserted into a corner connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Gale Australia Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: Harry Gale, deceased, Peter R. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5930971
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Diana C. Etheridge
  • Patent number: 5927311
    Abstract: A shelter having at least two spaced parallel longitudinal support rod members coupled to a sheet with the sheet carrying at least one transverse support rod members which assists in maintaining the longitudinal support rod members in spaced relation and in which the sheet and each transverse support rod member are slidable as a unit longitudinally relative the longitudinal support rod members. The longitudinal rod members may be rigid or flexible but preferably form an arched configuration. The longitudinal rod members are preferably received in elongate continuous sleeves coupled to the sheet but various other members for coupling may be provided including discrete sleeve segments or spaced loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Bill Jager
  • Patent number: 5924669
    Abstract: A collapsible frame for a light modifying flag frame comprising a plurality of rods detachably attached to a hub and extending substantially radially therefrom. The rods of the flag frame detachably attached to the hub such that the flag frame can be quickly set up and broken-down for ease of transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Russell Richins
    Inventor: Russell D. Richins
  • Patent number: 5921260
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5797412
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5787914
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible, water proof canopy especially adapted for use in a tree is provided. A flexible, collapsible frame is detachably coupled to the canopy along its perimeter. Means for suspending the canopy from a tree is disposed near the center of the canopy. Sufficient canopy material is provided so that when the canopy is suspended from the tree at said means, the canopy assumes an approximately conical shape. A user perched in a tree underneath the canopy is thereby partially protected from inclement weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis S. Greywall
  • Patent number: 5771912
    Abstract: An attachment system, for erecting a tent having a flexible tent shell and a tent pole cooperating with the tent shell, includes a securing cord attached to a portion of the tent shell and a claw disposed at an end of the pole. The attachment system further includes an enlarged region disposed along the securing cord, which engages the claw, thereby retaining the tent shell in an extended position. The tent may also include a tent fly having an attached fly cord. An enlarged region disposed along the fly cord engages the claw to secure the tent fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5720312
    Abstract: A collapsible and portable fishing shelter or survival unit for use in conjunction with a snowmobile. The snowmobile acts as the base for the unit, and adds stability to it. Structural members are releasably secured to the snowmobile, and a tarp covering is placed over the structural members to form the collapsible shelter. The seat or seats of the snowmobile form the seats of the collapsible shelter. The shelter may be erected at one location, and moved by the snowmobile to a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Chris Scheuermann
    Inventor: Chris Scheuermann
  • Patent number: 5709428
    Abstract: The present invention provides collapsible folding furniture that overcomes the limitations of past furniture configurations to achieve strong and lightweight furniture structures that have full size features and comfort but that are extremely compact, easy to set up, and that have no loose parts. A collapsible furniture support structure has a support surface extending between at least two side braces, and at least two leg supports for maintaining the support surface in a substantially horizontal position. A separate socket joint is provided that corresponds to each leg support. Each socket joint is slidingly engaged with an upper end of a corresponding leg support and engaged with an end of a side brace. A separate elastic cord is provided for each leg support, with each elastic cord connected between a corresponding leg support and socket joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Joel F. Hugghins
  • Patent number: 5683199
    Abstract: An end tip for an elastic-cord-connected compactable tubular assembly (14). The tip has an insertable body portion (10) which acts as the elastic cord retainer. Because of two longitudinal channels (11) and a connecting cross hole (12), the tensioned elastic cord (13) is doubly locked and anchored onto this insertable portion of the end tip with no knots required for attachment. The locked portions of elastic cord (13) also act as a wedge to secure the end tip within the ends of the tubular assembly (14) during use, yet allow the tip/cord to be removed by hand for repair of the tubular assembly, or for elastic cord retensioning or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Frank V. Tehan
  • Patent number: 5678361
    Abstract: A protruding ridge type rain diverter for a foldable roof for a tent, canopy, yurt, or other portable shelter is described, comprising: at least one elongated strip of foldable roof material sealedly attached to the roof along both long sides of the strip thereby forming an elongated pocket, and an elongated substantially transversely incompressible member positioned within each pocket, thereby maintaining each pocket in a protruding position relative to the roof. The position and shape of the pocket(s) facilitate flow of runoff from the roof away from entryway, door, and/or window openings of the portable shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Alan F. Bair
  • Patent number: 5632293
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Mark C. Carter
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5628336
    Abstract: The pole assembly of the tent makes the length of the pole assembly to be variable thereby tightening the tent so that the man's activity is comforted and the tent is easily disjointed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Jinwoong Ltd.
    Inventor: Youn-jae Lee
  • Patent number: 5597007
    Abstract: An improvement of a foldable tent frame, and particularly an improvement of joint portion is disclosed. The foldable tent frame includes a plurality of frame member segments 10 and a plurality of joint portions 11 to be coupled with each other through an injection molding using a molding die. The frame member segment 10 and the joint portion 11 are characterized in that the frame member segment is provided with a channel shape recess 17 having two side walls 19 and 19a and a planar bottom 18, and that the frame member segment is further provided with an elongate conical end portion, whereby the joint portion and the frame member segment are firmly integrally attached together. Thus a loose rotation of the joint portion relative to the frame member segment, or a detachment of the joint portion from the frame member segment is prevented, thereby providing a strong frame to support the tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Baejin Corporation
    Inventor: Dong S. Ju
  • Patent number: 5590674
    Abstract: A tent pole comprising first and elongated pole sections. One end portion of the first pole section has cavity and one end portion of the second pole section is receivable in the cavity. A coil spring extends over regions of the end portions of the outer surfaces of the first and second pole sections. The coil spring is coupled to the first and second pole sections so as to resiliently resist axial separation of the pole sections. The coil spring is sufficiently flexible so that the coil spring can be folded to allow the first and second pole sections to be in side-by-side relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Eppenbach
  • Patent number: 5582197
    Abstract: A multi-season, reversible tent adapted to accommodate prevailing solar conditions. Selected walls are constructed to include insulated liners and solar reflective and absorptive surfaces which cooperate with a longitudinal access opening. The walls assemble to an irregular triangular shape and can be reversed to optimally collect and reflect solar and thermal radiation in relation to one or more occupants and the prevailing conditions. Zippered reliefs at the door control the solar exposure of the wall surfaces and facilitate entry and egress. Multi-section, shock corded, end support frames are permanently contained at hemmed edges of the end walls. Adjoining pole ends are hinged to one another and longitudinal poles extend between eyelets at the hinge joints. Removeable cover, screen and window panels are supported to the door periphery. Rotating vents with overlapping apertures control interior temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Steven E. Dobberstein
  • Patent number: 5553648
    Abstract: A portable wall component is disclosed. The wall component comprises a pair of vertical posts. Each post has an upper component and a lower component with a hollow aperture extending therethrough. Each post also has a downwardly extending smaller cylindrical section at the bottom of the upper component and a complimentary cylindrical recess at the top of the lower post for receiving the smaller cylindrical section. An elastic band is located within each aperture extending along the length thereon and slightly beyond. A ring at the upper end of each upper component is coupled to the upper end of its associated band. A base component at the lower end of each lower component is coupled to the lower end of its associated band. A flexible sheet is provided with parallel upper and lower horizontal edges and parallel vertical end edges therebetween coupled to the posts. The flexible sheet has half-moon wind flaps cut therein and openings at the regions where the upper and lower components join.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Ardavan Goharjou
  • Patent number: 5546971
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: William G. Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 5511572
    Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5435024
    Abstract: A ground cover such as for use at the beach for picnics or sunbathing including a frame being a plurality of tube sections, each tube section having one end with a smaller diameter than another end of said tube section such that said smaller end of each tube is insertable into said larger end of a neighboring tube. The tube sections have arcuate shapes and each tubular section has ends joinable to ends of neighboring tubular sections to form a continuous frame. A flexible sheet cover has an elastic band around its perimeter providing that the cover be attachable to the frame when the frame is in its assembeled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Angela Capshaw
  • Patent number: 5423341
    Abstract: A method for raising, by an individual, a unitized foldable tent framework which has a perimetric interconnection of roof members that is formed to permit expansion and contraction of separation between lower ends of adjacent roof members, the perimetric interconnection being concentrically enclosed by sectioned tubular eave members. The raising is accomplished by placing the folded tent frame in a vertical position; extending outwards the lower ends of wall members; raising the pivotally connected upper ends of the roof members, past a location where the roof members are coplanar, to a proximate raised position; temporarily retaining the tent framework in that position by the perimetric interconnection; connecting the sectioned eave members between adjacent roof members, and, finally, locking the pivotal connection between roof, wall, and eave members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Rex W. Brady
  • Patent number: 5411047
    Abstract: A modular tent structure capable of withstanding high winds by minimizing the aerodynamic forces on the structure by use of a sectional design which acts through a series of negatively cambered air foils. A covering fabric is suspended between structural supports of the tent to provide a variety of patterns. Each pattern is subsequently based on a four, six, or eight-sided geodetic support member arrangement raised to common apical coupling points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Robert M. Reilly
  • Patent number: 5406753
    Abstract: The Invention relates specifically to an improved method of joining plastic socket fit piping components for vacuum, pressure, and structural applications where a leak and contamination free connection is needed. A unique Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seal is installed in a special Seal Groove located on the end of the male component. The male components are then inserted into the female sockets until contact is made between the Dual Face/Circumferential Elastomer Seals and the Female Socket Base Surfaces. The final assembly is evacuated with a vacuum pump to actuate and fully compress the seals. The final assembly is then checked for leaks. If the connections are to remain under vacuum and the ability to disassemble is advantageous, no further work is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventors: Charles Grenci, R. Dallas Clayton
  • Patent number: 5370145
    Abstract: A collapsible shield including flat spring frame and flexible sheet material. The frame substantially supporting the sheet material to form a shield. During the folding process for storage, the frames can be formed to a loop configuration by bending and having the ends of each frame held together by any suitable means such as coupling, retaining clip. The loop frames are collapsed by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric loop rings and layers of fabric to substantially reduce the size of the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Wen-Yu Wu