Abstract: Methods and systems for equipping a toilet with hygiene and safety features by controlling and reducing potential escape of liquid waste from the toilet.

Abstract: A flower protector includes a tubular translucent shield having a ventilated topside face and a plurality of supporting base arms. A locking mechanism secures the shield in place. The shield is capable of being manipulated between a fully extended state and a fully collapsed state to effectively cover the foliage.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel blending and application of technologies that creates a low cost, disposable bio-secure environment to temporarily hold, and where required to transport, patients who are suspected of having an infectious or contagious disease requiring contact isolation precautions. Upon initial presentation of such patients, health care facilities are able to hold such patients while they are initially assessed and then, if need be, transported to an appropriate biosafety level unit. The described Environmental Unit differs significantly from current products in many ways. The unique design provides a unit that is disposable and relatively inexpensive. The frame is designed to integrate with hospital stretchers and beds. The unit is large enough for a patient to sit up and allows movement of arms and legs and the ability to eat and drink while isolated on a bed.

Abstract: A retractable canopy assembly includes a retractable canopy frame having a first bow, a second bow, and a pair of connecting segments. The first bow, second bow, and connecting segments may be coupled with a fixed frame. In a first, open position of the retractable canopy frame, a canopy carried by the retractable canopy frame covers and protects contents within a transport apparatus to which the retractable canopy frame is coupled. In a second, closed position of the retractable canopy frame, the first bow, second bow, and pair of connecting segments generally align with respective portions of the fixed frame.

Abstract: A flip-over portable shelter that includes a sled, a flip-over frame assembly and an outer covering. The flip-over frame assembly is pivotally connected to the sled and the outer covering includes an enlarged doorway that wraps around a corner for access through two adjacent walls, without obstruction by the flip-over frame assembly. The flip-over portable shelter also optionally includes a removable floor.

Abstract: A portable shower includes an enclosure that converts between a two-dimensional collapsed configuration and a three-dimensional upright configuration defining a space therein for a person. The enclosure is self-extending and free-standing in the upright configuration, and desirably has a height of at least 4 feet. The enclosure includes a liner, preferably tubular in shape when extended, and an integrally attached collapsible skeleton such as an elastic coil, preferably helical. The elastic coil has a sufficient relaxed size and spring constant to self-expand the liner when constraints are released. A water reservoir connects to a shower sprayer through a hose, and may be integrated in the wall of the enclosure. For instance, a helical sleeve around the liner may constrain both the elastic coil and the hose. A foot pump may be provided along the hose and within the enclosure for easy propulsion of water from the reservoir to the sprayer.

Abstract: A connecting member acts as a seam connecting the side panels and the top panels of a tent. The tent side panels define a keder for engagement with a first channel of the connecting member. The top panels also define a keder for engagement with a second channel of the connecting member. The user inserts an end of the side keder into the corresponding first channel of the connecting member. Once the end of the side keder is engaged by the connecting member, the connecting member is horizontally pushed toward the opposite end of the side panel until the connecting member reaches the opposite end of the side panel. The user then inserts an end of the top keder into the corresponding second channel of the connecting member. The second channel of the connecting member (along with the side wall) is horizontally pushed along the top keder until the channel is in receipt of the entire length of the top keder.

Abstract: A portable screening assembly for provision of privacy in public spaces includes a pair of rings. A sleeve and a plurality of slats are coupled to and extend between the rings. The sleeve is open ended. The slats are coupled to and coiledly positioned on the sleeve. The slats are elastic rendering them compressible. A plurality of couplers is coupled to the sleeve proximate to a top of the sleeve. The slats, in a resting position, place the sleeve is in an extended configuration to screen a user who is positioned in the sleeve. The slats are configured to be compressed to position the slats and the sleeve in a compressed configuration. The couplers are configured to support the sleeve on shoulders of the user. The couplers also are positionable to mutually couple to retain the slats and the sleeve in the compressed configuration.

Abstract: The portable pop-up tent includes a cover, a self-supporting frame, and a retaining strap. The portable pop-up tent is a self-erecting structure that is used to create a private space within a public setting. The self-supporting frame is a spring-loaded structure. The springs within the spring-loaded structure are arranged such that the springs will cause the self-supporting frame to extend into a rectangular block shape without intervention from a person. The covering encloses the self-supporting frame for the purpose of creating the private space. The retaining strap holds the self-supporting frame and the cover in position when the self-supporting frame is placed in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure includes a frame assembly and an outer shell. The frame assembly includes frame sections. The outer shell is removably attachable to the frame assembly so that the frame assembly and outer shell cooperatively define an interior space. The outer shell includes at least one shell segment removably attachable to a corresponding frame section.

Abstract: A tensioning device for tensioning a radome fabric (7, 8), which device comprises a substantially circular, upper tensioning profile (3, 5) and a substantially circular, lower tensioning profile (4, 6), which is disposed in parallel with and axially displaced relative to the upper tensioning profile, between which tensioning profiles the radome fabric is tensioned in order to form a radome (1), wherein at least one of the tensioning profiles (3, 4, 5, 6) comprises a fabric contact portion (9), which exhibits a convex contact surface (10) for interacting with an edge portion of the radome fabric.

Abstract: A collapsible stacking rack is constructed of end assemblies and friction-fit crossmembers. The crossmembers feature slots that engage in slots formed between the vertical members of the end assembles and turn-ups on the ends of horizontal members of the end assemblies. As a result, a box-like construction results from simply fitting the crossmembers into place, resulting in a strong rack that may be easily disassembled for storage or transport without tools or connectors. An optional roof formed of truss assemblies may be fitted into place and connected to the side assemblies by means of sleeves. Such roof is held in place by gravity, such that it may be easily removed or fitted into place as desired. A pliable fabric material is fitted over the truss assemblies to protect material within the stacking rack.

Abstract: A portable shelter is configured to be quickly and easily deployed and configured for use as a temporary shelter, such as during disaster situations. In one embodiment, the shelter includes an elongate body having a first and second body portions, the first and second body portions are configured to be folded according to different first and second folding pattern. The elongate body is collapsible and expandable between a first, expanded configuration and a second, collapsed configuration. The elongate body has a longitudinal length extending from the elongate body's first end to its second, opposite end. In the first, expanded configuration the second body is substantially flat along the longitudinal length and the first body defines a substantially c-shaped cavity that extends along the longitudinal length. In the second, collapsed configuration the second body is folded and compressed along the longitudinal length such that the second body extends into the c-shaped cavity.

Abstract: A portable shelter is erectable on a support surface for providing short to long term housing for humans. In general, the shelter includes a foundation, a floor supported by the foundation, and an enclosure. The shelter defines an interior which may be inhabited by a human. The shelter may include front, rear, side, and top walls, all of which may be folded to define inboard and outboard folds which enhance the structural integrity of the walls. The floor of the structure may include indentations corresponding to inboard folds of one or more walls for receiving the inboard folds for enhancing structural integrity of the shelter. The floor may be folded to form upstanding portions adjacent the indentations for securing the inboard folds in the indentations. Moreover, the walls may be folded to define feet which engage the support surface.

Abstract: A self-mounting modular structure comprises profiled peripheral columns (1, T) which exhibit upper overlapped and spaced fulcrums (2, 2?), wherein the rear portions of two series of crosspieces (3, 3?) engage, the front ends whereof connect to upper (4) and lower (41) fulcrums of the central support rack (5) of a control unit (6) the stem whereof (7) connects, through a coaxial joint (8) and movable radial levers (9), to the front extensions (3?) of the lower crosspieces (31). In feedback, the stem (7) rises and pushes the columns (1, T) outwards, which move on standard or roller tracked wheels (11), causing the lifting in the middle and “at the ceiling” of the crosspieces (3, 3?), located within the same columns. Peripheral section bars (19), also comprised in closure in the peripheral columns (1, T), delimit the structure with roll-up sheets (21), along with an upper cover (22) engaged, in the middle, with said rack (5).

Abstract: A collapsible mosquito spring net assembly includes a support structure having a front support ring, a back support ring, and a spring coil support. A mosquito net covers the support structure. The collapsible mosquito spring net assembly further includes closure elements and a net cover assembly including a net, an elastic element, and an elastic pull for opening and closing the spring net assembly. The collapsible mosquito spring net optionally comprises an outer lower cover. A method for protecting users from exposure to insects includes: providing a collapsible mosquito spring net assembly; setting up the mosquito spring net assembly on the floor, ground, or other surface by releasing the closure elements; and securing the net cover assembly from inside the mosquito spring net assembly by pulling taut the elastic pull.

Abstract: A portable, insulated shelter consists of flexible inner and outer layers, lightweight fabric panels located therebetween, and connected to each other, a suitable support frame, and a system, such as a HVAC unit and a suitable connector, for actively controlling the interior environment of the shelter. The shelter may be used to protect and provide livable conditions in harsh, remote locations. Methods of selectively installing and removing the fabric panels are also provided, along with methods of setting up and disassembling the shelter.

Abstract: A mobile isolation unit which forms a chemical and biological barrier that is has a substantially rectangular-parallelepiped shaped enclosure and a frame system configured to support the enclosure in the suspended position so as to create and internal and external environment. The enclosure may also be equipped with at least one opening for access into and out of the enclosure, a zipper for opening and closing the access port, at least one biomedical port, and a plurality of support points configured to support the enclosed in the suspended position when the frame is in an open position so that a patient can be placed in and out of the enclosure. A method for isolating and treating a patient using the mobile isolation unit is also provided.

Abstract: Play gyms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a floor mat dimensioned to be positioned within a play yard and/or a bassinet. It also includes a play gym to suspend an object above the mat when the mat is positioned in the play yard and/or the bassinet, and at least one connector to couple the play gym to the mat when the mat is removed from the play gym and/or the bassinet.

Abstract: A portable barrier includes a pedestal assembly and a cover assembly. The pedestal assembly includes (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs include a first lateral leg having a first free leg end, and a second lateral leg having a second free leg end, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first lateral leg and the second lateral leg. The cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms include a first lateral arm having a first free arm end and a second lateral arm having a second free arm end, and (ii) a covering connected to the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm. The portable barrier is configured to be moved between a protection mode and a storage mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a false ceiling intended to be suspended inside a lightweight housing module provided with at least one stretched fabric referred to as exterior forming its roof and fixed along its lower peripheral edge on a rigid frame, the false ceiling being of double inverted curvature and comprising a fabric referred to as interior being, on the one hand, suspended inside said lightweight housing module under the exterior fabric and, on the other hand, fixed by its exterior peripheral edge to said frame, the false ceiling being remarkable in that said interior fabric comprises in its central portion an orifice of dimensions that are sufficient to allow for the passing of an operator and in that said interior fabric is sufficiently resistant and stretched in order to support the weight of at least one operator. This invention further relates to its method of assembly.

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: A portable sign including three legs movable between deployed and collapsed positions and a flexible covering bearing text, graphics or both includes a biasing mechanism urging the legs toward the deployed position. A support within the biasing mechanism secures three springs with the coils facing outward, one extension from each spring embedded in an upper support member and another extension movable within a plane tangential to a periphery of a lower support member and received by a hollow portion of one of the legs.

Abstract: A structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form at least one panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A water tube is attached to the fabric material and connected to a water supply, and a water outlet is coupled to the water tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable tent frame comprising a certain number of braces and connection sets connecting the adjacent braces, the connection set includes two connection pieces hinged together in dull connection, wherein one connection piece has a cut-away groove along the axial at the open end to form a pair of opposite groove sides, and a through cutting groove formed at the front side crossing the two sides of the cut-away groove; a second connection piece extends a tongue at the front end for plugging into the cut-away groove, and a slotted-eye is formed on the middle portion of the tongue, and coordinating to the cut-away groove, said tongue has a rim formed at the root, and a cam is ex-tended from the surface of the rim coordinating to the cutting groove.

Abstract: A shelter of the type having collapsed and expanded configurations. In one of several example embodiments, the expanded configuration includes a tunnel-shaped portion forming a pair of opposing side walls and a roof section. The roof section has a peak positioned above the side walls and the tunnel-shaped portion may include opposing ends with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, each opening capable of accommodating an end wall. A first sheet is foldable along at least first and second crease lines to define the walls and roof section, the walls having an upper separation distance between the first and second crease lines when the shelter is expanded. The first sheet is segmented into panels with pairs of adjoining panels forming pleats each having a vertex extending from a crease line to an adjoining footing flap, the walls having a lower separation distance between footing flaps on different walls when the shelter is expanded.

Abstract: A hunting blind is made of lightweight material allowing the hunting blind to be collapsed and folded or rolled into a compact configuration. The compact configuration allows the easy storage and transportation of the hunting blind. The hunting blind may easily be carried by one person to any desired location and temporarily set up. In this manner, the hunter can place the blind anywhere, rather than building a blind of more permanent material, such as wood, but then being restricted to the one location where the blind is built. Cords attached to two sides of the blind create tension in the blind, causing flexible rods at the top of the side to bend into an arcuate shape. The rods then create an arched roof, providing increased head room in the blind and preventing accumulation of debris and rain water on the roof.

Abstract: A shelter of the type having collapsed and expanded configurations. In one of several example embodiments, the expanded configuration includes a tunnel-shaped portion forming a pair of opposing side walls and a roof section. The roof section has a peak positioned above the side walls and the tunnel-shaped portion may include opposing ends with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, each opening capable of accommodating an end wall. A first sheet is foldable along at least first and second crease lines to define the walls and roof section, the walls having an upper separation distance between the first and second crease lines when the shelter is expanded. The first sheet is segmented into panels with pairs of adjoining panels forming pleats each having a vertex extending from a crease line to an adjoining footing flap, the walls having a lower separation distance between footing flaps on different walls when the shelter is expanded.

Abstract: A tent having a wind resistant tubular frame comprises: a frame having a) multiple frame legs, each leg having a lower portion lockingly hinged to an upper portion, wherein the lower portion can be swung open from a storage position in which the upper and lower portions are adjacent to each other, and then locked in an open operable position; and, b) a crown to which the an inner end portion of the upper portion of each one of the multiple legs is hinged generally laterally thereto, wherein the legs can be laterally rotated from a storage position in which they are adjacent to each other to an operable, spaced apart position in which the frame legs radiate outwardly from the crown; and, a canvas, shaped to cover one of an inner and outer sides of the frame. In a preferred aspect of this invention the tent further comprises a door side leg for opening an entire segment of the tent between two tent frame legs for convenient entry of large equipment.

Abstract: An insulating construction. The construction is formed from a blank construction having a square or rectangular central portion and a side section attached to each side of the central portion. Two wing sections are attached to each of two opposing side sections. The wing sections are attachable to an adjacent side section free of a wing section. Then the blank construction is folded in a three dimensional configuration, it supported by a rod construction.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter assembly includes legs, a truss system, a cover, cover supporting rods and mounting brackets. Each of the legs has an upper and a lower end. The truss system is configured to link each pair of legs together and define a base perimeter. The brackets are adapted for mounting to the upper ends of the legs, for attaching to the rods at a predefined distance distal to ends of the rods and for defining an outer perimeter greater than the base perimeter. The cover is adapted for attaching about the ends of the rods for covering the outer perimeter.

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: An easy to carry, transport, fold/unfold and store sleeping apparatus is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a collapsible dome attached to a sleeping compartment. The sleeping compartment may also be attached to a sleeping mat (e.g., air inflatable sleeping mat) for insulating the user from the cold ground and rocks. The sleeping mat may be attached to a rigid panel for providing a generally flat surface for the user to sleep upon. The sleeping compartment, sleeping mat and rigid panels may be folded around the collapsed dome to collapse the sleeping apparatus for storage and transport. Sides of the folded apparatus may be zippered to prevent entrance of undesirable material (e.g., rodents, dust, etc.) during storage and transport of the apparatus.

Abstract: A collapsible structure with a self-locking mechanism includes a first hub, at least two struts pivotable connected at a first ends thereof to the first hub and movable relative to each another between a folded position and an expanded position, and a tension member adapted to limit pivotable movement of at least two struts such that, when in the expanded position, the at least two struts define an angle of less than 180°. The structure further includes a locking hub and at least two locking struts pivotably connected at first ends thereof to the locking hub and, at seconds ends thereof, to connection points on respective ones of the at least two struts. A method of erecting a structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular, collapsible, multifunctional tent or shelter. Specifically, the tent is comprised of at least two interior structures with a central space between them that form a frame which can be covered by a fabric or similar material. Each interior structure is comprised of at least three vertical arches and two horizontal rectangular frames so as to form a tent structure with a built-in berth. The horizontal rectangular frames can be vertically collapsed to form a multifunctional space. A plurality of interior structures can be attached together to form different-sized shelters.

Abstract: A support structure (1) is provided comprising a plurality of curved surfaces A, B hingedly interconnected along their edges such as to provide effective deployment in two separate stages. Preferably, the structure has only two curved surfaces hingedly interconnected at a single non-planar hinge line. In FIG. 1(a), the two sheets A, B are coplanar in that they lie in the same horizontal plane, permitting the structure to be in a flat, first stage deployment position. In Figure (b), the structure is fully deployed in a second stage deployment position by bringing sheet A out of plane through some angle in relation to the position of sheet B, resulting in both sheets becoming curved. The structure has utility in various space-based as well as terrestrial reflective and absorbing applications, and bears definite advantage in terms of weight saving, high stiffness and well-defined surface precision.

Abstract: A lightweight, deployable, portable shelter is described. The portable shelter may be a tent. The tent can be used indoors as well as outdoors. The structure of the portable shelter is determined by compression elements and tensile members such that the compression elements do not touch. The forces acting on each component of the structure are axially-loaded, thereby taking advantage of the characteristics of the compression elements and tensile members to provide a tent with improved strength.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A mechanically deployable, expandable and collapsible structure is provided. The structure includes at least one scissor assembly made up of a first and a second strut, a first spacer disposed between the first end of the first strut and the first end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position, and a second spacer disposed between the second end of the first strut and the second end of the second strut when the scissor assembly is in the expanded position. A tension member is connected to the first and second struts. The tension member is arranged such that the scissor assembly is moved from the folded position when there is slack in the tension member to the expanded position when the slack in the tension member is taken up.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.

Abstract: An integrated, foldable shelter for protecting a worker engaged in installing fiber optic connections on the exterior of a house or other structure comprising two foldable sides that are joined directly to one another at one point of a triangular-shaped roof of the shelter at one end to form an inverted “V” shape cross-section and the sides being indirectly joined at opposite corners of the roof at the other end of the shelter to form a generally trapezoidal (e.g., rectangular) cross-section at that end. The end with the trapezoidal cross-section has a retractable, i.e., rollup, door that can be opened when placed against the wall of the structure adjacent the working area, thereby enabling the worker to access the working area on the exterior wall of the structure while providing protection against the elements.

Abstract: A walkway cover system for covering a walkway to prevent snow and ice from accumulating thereon. The walkway cover system includes a collapsible walkway cover unit comprising a frame including a series of relatively rigid frame members, a series of flexible battens operatively connecting the frame members, and a cover member of a flexible sheet material. Each of the frame members forms a continuous loop including an elongated, straight base portion provided to extend substantially transverse the walkway and a slanted top portion disposed opposite the base portion. The cover member is attached to the frame so as to cover the slanted top portions of the frame members and form an enclosed passage through the frame. The collapsible walkway cover unit is convertible between an expanded operative state provided to be placed over the walkway and a collapsible state provided for storing when not in use.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.

Abstract: A portable vehicle cover (10) includes a base frame (12) and a plurality of transversely extending hoop members (14). Each hoop member is adapted to be releasably connectable with the frame such that at least two of the hoop members substantially extend diagonally across the frame in a cruciform orientation. A flexible cover (16) is engagable with the hoop members to form a weather shield for a vehicle.

Abstract: A bar table shelter includes a roof member comprising top central connection assembly which further includes a multi-direction connector with multiple radius claw sleeves for receiving corresponding equal-numbered long bones inserted therein in one-touch manner, at the central top place of which there is a vertically erecting fastener pole for fastening a tarpaulin cloth; a standing frame member comprising at least three upright panels, which provides a bar table support frame and a shelter surrounding frame to support the roof member, each upright panel includes two upright pole members with different heights and at least a pair of lateral bars between the two upright pole members; a top connection assembly having top positioned lateral beams at middle place of which there is a U-shaped fork supporting the roof member, the lateral beam preferably is a arc shaped one, which positioned between the roof member and the standing frame.

Abstract: A bed-tent provides an enclosure over a mattress. The tent forms a canopy having panels each with a resilient, strip frame member and a sheet of flexible fabric. Retainers secure the canopy on the mattress. In some forms, a frame member disposed externally of the canopy helps to hold the panels and canopy upright. In other forms, the frame members are configured so that no additional support is needed to hold the panels and/or bed tent upright on a bed. The frame members may be readily adapted for use in curved or rectilinear panels to permit a wide range of bed tent designs and features. The frame members preferably can be twisted or wound into flat coils of reduced diameter or other form so that the entire canopy can be conveniently stored in a small package.

Abstract: A collapsible structure comprises a first frame member including first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other allowing the collapsible structure to have a collapsed position and an expanded position. The collapsible structure further comprises a second frame member hingedly connected to the first frame member. The second frame member includes first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other. A hinge member is employed to hingedly connect the first segment and the second segment. At least one of the first and second frame members includes a closed-loop configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tent frame. The tent frame comprises a hollow supporting body having a bottom-opened cylinder extending downward from an inner top surface thereof, a columnar slider axially coupled to the bottom-opened cylinder in a vertically movable manner and formed at an outer circumference thereof with racks, first elastic means coupled at a first end thereof to the supporting body and at a second end thereof to the columnar slider so as to provide the columnar slider with a vertical movement force, and main poles rotatably coupled around the supporting body so as to be unfolded through rotation. The main poles are formed at their first ends with pinions to engage with the racks of the columnar slider. With such a simplified structure, the tent frame of the present invention can be rapidly and easily folded or unfolded, and the completely unfolded state of the frame can be simply maintained.

Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame that is separately collapsible in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction of the shelter to facilitate transportation and storage of the shelter. The frame includes a plurality of ribs, each rib comprising two support legs and at least three roof members forming a generally inverted U-shape when in an erect configuration. The support legs and the roof members are connected with foldable joints such that each rib may be collapsed in the transverse direction to a collapsed configuration wherein width of the rib is narrower in the collapsed configuration than when in the erect configuration. The frame also includes a wall support system connecting adjacent ribs. The wall support system is collapsible in the longitudinal direction to adjust the relative position between adjacent ribs.

Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.