Having Adjustable Locking Means Patents (Class 135/142)
  • Patent number: 11926472
    Abstract: A number of implementations of an apparatus for supporting a floating roof in a storage tank are described. In one implementation, the apparatus includes at least two vertical support members coupled together at the top and bottom by spans members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Barbara Knight Revocable Trust
    Inventor: David L. Bush
  • Patent number: 11878224
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a system which includes a first vertical support, a second vertical support parallel to the first vertical support, a third vertical support parallel to the first vertical support, and a fourth vertical support parallel to the first vertical support, a first, second, third, and fourth elevation couplers releasably attachable proximate an end of the corresponding vertical supports, a first, second, third, and fourth outer horizontal members releasably coupleable to extend between the elevation couplers perpendicular to the vertical supports, and first and second inner horizontal member extending between the outer horizontal members to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the vertical supports and overlap each other to form an elevated grid suitable for a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Mountainville Commerce LLC
    Inventors: Bart Boggess, Jerry Boggess, Ian Boggess
  • Patent number: 10676276
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for raising a floating roof included in a storage tank whereby a first and a first opposite force are applied between a floor in the storage tank and an internal surface of the floating roof. An additional set of forces are also provided and are constrained according to the first and first opposite force, not only in magnitude, but in position. By constraining these forces to be applied orthogonally to the floating roof, horizontal shear forces can be resisted thus reducing the likelihood of failure of a cribbing unit. By increasing these forces, the roof is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Delta P Technology International, LLC
    Inventor: David L. Bush
  • Patent number: 10267056
    Abstract: A tent with an enhanced load-bearing capacity secures accessories and equipment. The tent includes an upper panel assembly having a front panel, a rear panel and a pair of side panels connecting the front and rear panels together, the front, rear and side panels forming a roof with an upper sloping surface, and a plurality of support legs coupled to the upper panel assembly, each support leg having an upper end coupled to the upper panel assembly and a lower end in contact with the ground surface, each support leg designed to slidably adjust to permit height adjustments of the roof above the ground surface. Each support leg and each panel in the upper panel assembly are designed to permit the attachment of one or more accessories or equipment thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Erik Lee Eastland
  • Patent number: 9375060
    Abstract: A collapsible umbrella with enhanced strength and storage capability is worn by a user. The umbrella includes a base frame having a pair of generally vertical telescoping members coupled to a foldable support member able to rest on a shoulder of the user, an upper frame coupled to the base frame and having a pair of elongated members, each elongated member detachably coupled to one of the pair of telescoping members, a water-resistant cover member coupled to the pair of elongated members, a support skeleton having a plurality of strut members coupled to the cover member, each strut member oriented generally parallel to other members of the plurality of strut members, and a plurality of tension cables connecting the base frame to both the upper frame and the water-resistant member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Armenak Bagramyan
  • Publication number: 20140283891
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a canopy structure comprises a plurality of support members, each comprising a first leg and a second leg telescopically slideable within the first leg to infinitely adjust a height of the canopy structure. The canopy structure can comprise a plurality of eaves comprising scissor-jack members moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The canopy structure can comprise a plurality of locking members. The locking members can be coupled to the first legs. The locking members can be adjustable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking members can be configured to apply a radial inward force received by an area of the second legs when the locking members are in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: BRAVO SPORTS
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Mark Groenhuyzen, Joseph C. Klingl
  • Patent number: 8814109
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a seat post assembly that is adjustable to an upper, intermediate, and lower seat post position using a locking member and a sleeve member coupled to an actuator for securing and releasing an inner tube with respect to an outer tube. The actuator may move the sleeve member to release the locking member from engagement with the outer tube to adjust the inner tube and thus the seat post assembly to the upper, intermediate, or lower seat post positions. The actuator and the sleeve may be biased into an initial position that urges the locking member into engagement with outer tube to lock the inner tube to the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Laird, John L. Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8689494
    Abstract: The present invention provides cold climatic protection to the hydro tanks and associated fluid conduits present on a frac pad. A modular endoskeleton is provided and covered by a plurality of rip resistant tarps. A heat entrapment canopy results which maintains an inner temperature above freezing even in extreme cold outside temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: TFL Distribution, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew B. Leavitt
  • Patent number: 8590553
    Abstract: Detent actuators may comprise an elongate arm member, a detent button actuating surface, a receiving region, and a mounting structure. The detent button actuating surface may be sized and configured to actuate a detent button. The receiving region may be sized and configured to receive at least one of a finger and a thumb. The mounting structure may be sized and configured to facilitate mounting of the elongate arm to a structure that is selectively slidable relative to a structure comprising the detent button. Additionally, foldable apparatus may comprise a post comprising a detent button, a fitting slidably coupled to the post, and a detent button actuator coupled to the fitting. Methods of operating a detent button may comprise applying a force to a receiving region of a detent button actuator and depressing the detent button with a detent button actuating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack Lovley, II, Mark Groenhuyzen, Ron Sy-Facunda
  • Patent number: 8166991
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8033289
    Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rectilinear central pole having axially opposed end portions. The pole includes a plurality of oppositely spaced female portions and a male portion slid ably engageable therewith. Each female portion has a plurality of apertures equidistantly spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. The male portion is medially nested between the female portions wherein the female portions are telescopically movable. The apparatus further includes first and second pairs of telescopically adjustable and rectilinear leg members connected to the opposed end portions of the pole and extending away therefrom, respectively. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting each of the first and second leg members about a fulcrum axis centrally registered with the pole and extending parallel thereto. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting the first and second members along a unique arcuate path and about a fulcrum axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Scott L. Buckley
  • Patent number: 7958903
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7921864
    Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7874303
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sliding device used on the supporting shaft, which utilizes the button to achieve singlehanded operation, utilizes horizontal slide of the bolt to achieve the steady locking of tiny clearance, and utilizes the active connection with relative turn and relative slide between the sliding base and the button to achieve transmission between the pressing of users and the horizontal slide of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignees: China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Xiamen Corporation
    Inventor: Wencang Xie
  • Publication number: 20100326485
    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, which is made of waterproof fabric, 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 for a user to gain entry to and exit the canopy area without having to pass through the front entrance, wherein the side entrance arrangement contains a side entrance opening formed on the corresponding sidewall of the canopy shelter, and comprise at least one entrance fabric operatively mounted on the corresponding sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
  • Patent number: 7735504
    Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7686026
    Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7682268
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7534220
    Abstract: A knee brace is provided with push button actuatable stops, wherein the stops are biased outward into angular locking positions and inwardly directed pressure on the push buttons releases the stops and permits angular adjustment of the stops. A pair of catch plates with locking recesses facing inward, are provided, and outwardly biased locking pins engage the recesses in both catch plates. Each of the stop assemblies has an outwardly directed plate extending over the outer cover plate, and this plate is coupled to the physical stop member around the outer edge of the outer cover plate. The cover plate has angular indicia thereon, which may be viewed through windows in the outwardly extending plate portions of the stop assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Ossur hf
    Inventors: David Cormier, Tracy E. Grim, Joseph M. Iglesias, Hugo A. Cobar, Janelle R. Batman, Irving Hu, Wendee Lee, Jacqueline Jones
  • Patent number: 7481236
    Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7448945
    Abstract: A mobile clean room has a substantially rectangular frame having an upper and lower portion and is formed of a plurality of metal tube members and transparent plastic wall panels affixed to the frame to form an end wall and front and rear walls. A floor plate is affixed to the lower portion of the frame. A plurality of locking swivel wheels is affixed to the lower portion of the frame. A ladder is mounted between the floor plate and the upper portion of the frame. A dust guard assembly is attached to the top of the frame and is movably mounted. A door is pivotally mounted to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Kyle B. Bessent
  • Patent number: 7267625
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7240687
    Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7188636
    Abstract: A portable enclosure apparatus is provided with a frame assembly having a bottom wall, an upper frame member and a single pair of vertical support members. The support members are easily length adjusted by a single user to vary the height of the system while in use. The frame assembly can be quickly disassembled for convenient storage and transport. A cover envelopes the frame assembly to complete the enclosure. A portable dust collector can be coupled with the cover to secure airborne debris moving into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Kanne, Brian Kenkel, David Kanne, Jimmy Judd
  • Patent number: 7185667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tent frame comprised of support frames having a side support and roof support. The spans of the support frames can be adjusted perpendicular to the ridge line without substituting structural members of different length. The tent frame of the present invention can be adjusted in a lateral distance by adding or removing support frames or by altering the distance between individual support frames. The present invention is also advantageous in that 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 or components. A canopy can be provided on either the inside or overtop of the tent frame. Providing the canopy on the inside of the tent frame is advantageous because adjustments to the span of a support frame of the tent frame does not require a subsequent adjustment to the canopy size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew A. Rottmann
  • Patent number: 7066676
    Abstract: A locating device for a retractable strut of a tent or a closet includes an engaging device, a sliding bracket, an upper strut and a lower strut. The sliding bracket is secured onto the lower strut. The upper strut is inserted into the lower strut and has an elastic buckle therein. The sliding bracket comprises a through hole for insertion of the elastic buckle. The engaging device has a pair of extension plates at respective sides and a stud at the inner center wall. The sliding bracket comprises a pair of slots at respective sides for insertion of the extension plates of the engaging device. By pressing the engaging device, the elastic buckle is urged to retract from the through hole of the sliding bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6981510
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6712083
    Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6575656
    Abstract: A pull pin assembly includes: a first pole having a first hole; a second pole having a second hole, and sliding in the first pole; a main body having a central hollow containing the first pole; a pull pin body extending radially from the central hollow, and having a space extending into the central hollow; a pull pin, having a circumferential stop, disposed in the space to move from a first position extending into the central hollow through the first hole to a second position outside the central hollow; a pull pin plug fit into the space and having a hollow containing the pull pin; and a biasing member biasing the pull pin toward the second position to lock the first and second poles; wherein the biasing member is disposed to bias the pull pin between the circumferential stop and the pull pin plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Caravan Canopy International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Tack Suh
  • Publication number: 20030056817
    Abstract: A canopy apparatus including a canopy element having a canopy material bounded by a canopy frame. The base frame element is removably attached to an object, and a connector element allows for the removal and attachment of the canopy element to the base frame element. The canopy element extends away from the base frame and reduces the glare on a screen resulting from direct lighting, such as sunlight, reduces eye strain and provides dust protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Bush Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Miller, Jose De La Cruz
  • Patent number: 6520196
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6516821
    Abstract: A stageless adjusting/locating device for various kinds of sticks enables both right-handed user and left-handed users to conveniently stagelessly adjust the length of a stick. The stick is composed of multiple telescopic fitting tubes including mother fitting tubes and daughter fitting tubes nested in the mother fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device is disposed at each of the mother and daughter fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device includes a screw member formed by a threaded rod having outer threads and a locking member composed of two semicylindrical bodies mating with the threaded rod. A fastening ring is fixedly fitted around the locking member. The inner circumferential faces of the two semicylindrical bodies are formed with inner threads. An upper and a lower end of the inner threads are formed with thick sections converging from thin sections. The inner wall faces of the thick sections are formed with semielliptic arch faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Shinichi Uemura
  • Patent number: 6508262
    Abstract: A folding tent frame for collapsible tents includes upright pole sets, fixed couplers, stoppers, movable couplers and traverse frame members. Specifically, each stopper is provided on the uppermost pole of the upright pole set at a position lower than the fixed coupler so as to prevent the lower pole of the upright pole set from moving up beyond the stopper and so that the movable coupler is slidable over the stopper and the lowest pole of the upright pole set, and is kept from moving up beyond the stopper. The lower pole is larger than the upper pole in cross section. The structure of this folding tent frame provides improved strength and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: San-E-Protent Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Takayama
  • Publication number: 20020124877
    Abstract: A portable shelter is provided which is particularly useful for shielding seated occupants in a boat and the like from the weather including wind and water spray. The shelter includes a base member and a generally U-shaped frame member which pivotally mounted on the base member for movement between an extended position in which the frame member extends upwardly from the base member and a collapsed position folded alongside the base member. Sheeted material is provided for spanning between base member and the frame member in the extended position. A tensioning mechanism is coupled between the base member and the frame member for biasing the frame member into the extended position with the sheeted material under tension. The tensioning mechanism is collapsible with the frame member into the collapsed position thus providing an easily portable shelter which is self supporting in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Dufort Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Claude Dufort
  • Patent number: 6363956
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20010029973
    Abstract: The erectable, collapsible shelter has a canopy with at least three sides and three corners, a leg assembly, and a perimeter truss linkage assembly having a plurality of perimeter truss pairs of link members connected to the leg assembly. The legs preferably have telescoping upper and lower sections with lower section for engagement with ground, and a slider member slidably mounted to the upper section of each of the legs. A canopy peak support assembly is provided that is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, with the canopy peak support assembly supporting the canopy above the top of the leg assembly in the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6263895
    Abstract: A connector system for tubing or piping which provides a male/female combination for the joining of tubes, pipes or the like for rapidly assembling and disassembling various structures such as temporary canopies, tents or the like. The system provides a male member having a spring loaded detent on the interior thereof and extending outwardly thereof with the female member, sized to be received over the male member, having a detent passing aperture through at least one side thereof for effectively and rapidly allowing joinder of units. To erect a supporting structure the connectors are provided at corners or within straight sections to join and extend straight sections. The straight sections are of selected lengths and each end thereof constitutes either a male or female connector for interconnect of the joining elements which may be straight or which may consist of a plurality of joining elements arranged angularly with respect to one another to achieve a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Song-Hyuk Bang
  • Patent number: 6202659
    Abstract: A sunshade device has a sunshade awning, a clamp device, an angle adjusting device, and an extensible support. The sunshade awning has a flexible steel ring and a fabric. The extensible support has an outer pipe, and an inner pipe inserted in the outer pipe. The clamp device has a lower tube, a first clamping plate, and a second clamping plate. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate clamp the flexible steel ring. The angle adjusting device has an upper sleeve inserted in the lower tube and a lower sleeve engaging with the upper sleeve. The lower sleeve has a lower pipe inserted in the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Chen-Hsiung Lin
    Inventor: Robert Sachs
  • Patent number: 6102059
    Abstract: A movable device for alternatingly covering and uncovering a vehicle is shown and described. The device includes a protective cover, a structural member, a lift member, and an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid and controlling the fluid to raise and lower the cover. The protective cover is constructed to receive at least a portion of the vehicle, such as a boat or a car. The structural member has an elongated hollow extending at least partially from a first end to a bottom end and ending at a termination point. A first end of the lift member is coupled to the protective cover and a second end of the lift member is reciprocally engaged with the hollow. The lift member can move with the protective cover between a first position in which the protective cover receives at least a portion of the vehicle and a second position in which the protective cover is separated from the vehicle. The space between the second end of the lift member and the termination point of the hollow defines a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Steven M. Miller
  • Patent number: 5718254
    Abstract: An adjustable bed canopy and curtain system including a sheet of fabric, at least four vertical post and a frame member. The frame member has a first pair of "L" shaped tubular members and a second pair of "L" shaped tubular members. Each of the first and second pair of "L" shaped tubular members have a lower elongated portion and an upper elongated portion. Each of the first and second pair of "L" shaped tubular members have a horizontal bar projecting from one of the lower elongated portions and capable of coupling with a horizontal bar of another of the lower elongated portions. The upper elongated portion, of each of the first pair of tubular members, receives the upper elongated portions of the second pair of tubular members when the horizontal bars of each tubular member are coupled. Each of the lower elongated portions, of each of the first and second tubular members, are positioned over one of the four vertical post when the first and second pair of tubular members are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: David A. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5640811
    Abstract: An improved framework is disclosed supporting a dome above an outdoor dome covering such as an outdoor swimming pool or other outdoor structure. The improved framework provides additional structural support by the inclusion of a circumferential row of rafter-braces connected by four-way connectors and interspersed with a plurality of biased rafter-braces. The biased rafter-braces are composed of a first tube having an open end sized to receive a second tube and to allow slidable and rotatable movement therebetween. A helical compression spring is disposed within the first tube to secure the first and second tubes together so that they provide a telescoping function by urging the first tube into a first four-way connector tube and the second tube into a second four-way connector tube over a range of distances between four-way connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Marvin L. Boyle, Beverly A. Boyle
  • Patent number: 5598668
    Abstract: The invention is an adjustable building frame comprising a plurality of interfitting parts. The frame includes a base having a pair of opposing receiving surfaces and several parallel roof members received and connected by and between the receiving surfaces. The roof members are generally perpendicularly to the opposing receiving surfaces of the base. Each roof member comprises at least two telescoping sections which may be telescoped together or apart to adjust the length of the roof member. Increasing the length of each roof member of the frame increases the height and volumetric area defined by the frame, and decreasing the length of the roof members decreases the height and volumetric area defined by the frame. A flexible cover is attachable to the roof members by a plurality of clasps or a flexible but more rigid cover is attachable to the roof members by a series of bolts. The cover ideally overlaps itself, so that it will expand or retract as the height of the frame is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Fred S. Isom
  • Patent number: 5595204
    Abstract: A multi-use collapsible sun-shade tent consists of a pair of lateral beams and two pairs of lengthwise beams, and four vertical posts and a sun-shade cloth, collapsibly combined together by means of connecters at four corners where the lateral beams and the lengthwise beams meet and at an intermediate portion where two half portions of each lateral beam are connected with each other. The four posts support the four corners where the lateral beams and the lengthwise beams meet and are structured able to be adjusted in height. The sun-shade cloth is held between the two lateral beams and possible to be wound around one collapsed half lateral beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Chyi-Ming Hwang
  • Patent number: 5593239
    Abstract: A telescoping support pole suitable for supporting tarpaulins or camouflage netting is described. The pole is made up of a plurality of tubes that nest within one another for storage. To deploy the pole, the tubes are extended in a telescoping fashion. Ball locks are provided for maintaining the extended poles in desired longitudinal relationships. The ball locks are activated by spring loaded collars that force balls into circumferential grooves formed in the outside surfaces of the inner telescoping tubes. The collars may be manually operated to release the ball lock mechanism to permit the pole length to be adjusted or to permit the tubes to be nested within one another for storage. Pivoting fixtures suitable for use at the upper end of the support pole are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Tracor, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley T. Sallee
  • Patent number: 5573027
    Abstract: A foldable tent frame includes a parallelepiped structure comprised of a rectangular front sub-frame having four front poles rotatably connected at four front corner members and a rectangular rear sub-frame having four rear poles rotatably connected at four rear corner members and four length-adjustable horizontal poles which are respectively rotatably connect between the front and rear corner members. Each front pole has two sections pivotally connected to a front joint member and each rear pole has two sections detachably connected a rear joint member. Four reinforcing bars respectively rotatably connected to the rear corner members extend diagonally to pivotally joint to a common central joint which includes two halves rotatably relative to each other. A brace pole, comprised of two sections detachably jointed by a joint member, is oriented upright and pivoted at two opposite ends thereof to every two horizontal poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Yu-Kuang Hsiung
  • Patent number: 5490532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Colorado Mineral Strike, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Albert W. Gebhard
  • Patent number: 5487402
    Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame whose members freely move between a maximum and a minimum dimension to enable selectively applying various sized shelter skins to the frame and to tauntly stretch the shelter skin thereon. The skin also comprises slidable tensioning means that stretch the skin over a portion of the frame. The upper portion of the shelter is partially supported by a lifting force applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignees: Michael S. Clary, Cynthia G. Clary
    Inventor: Michael S. Clary
  • Patent number: RE40657
    Abstract: A pull pin assembly includes: a first pole having a first hole; a second pole having a second hole, and sliding in the first pole; a main body having a central hollow containing the first pole; a pull pin body extending radially from the central hollow, and having a space extending into the central hollow; a pull pin, having a circumferential stop, disposed in the space to move from a first position extending into the central hollow through the first hole to a second position outside the central hollow; a pull pin plug fit into the space and having a hollow containing the pull pin; and a biasing member biasing the pull pin toward the second first position to lock the first and second poles; wherein the biasing member is disposed to bias the pull pin between the circumferential stop and the pull pin plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Caravan Canopy International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Tack Suh