Abstract: A foldable frame is disclosed. The foldable frame contains at least one multiple-fold frame assembly containing an inner intermediate stretcher rib containing a first end and a second end, an outer intermediate stretcher rib containing a first end and a second end, and an outer leverage arm containing a first end and a second end, wherein the inner intermediate stretcher rib's second end is pivotally coupled with the outer intermediate stretcher rib's second end, wherein the outer leverage arm's second end is pivotally coupled with the outer intermediate stretcher rib adjacent to the first end, wherein the outer leverage arm's second end is pivotally coupled with the outer intermediate stretcher rib a first distance from the first end.

Abstract: A variable area frame includes: extendable arms forming each side of a polygonal frame; and a coupling mechanism that couples adjoining two of the extendable arms so that these two extendable arms can move together, in order to allow adjoining two sides of the polygonal frame to extend and contract together. Each extendable arm includes a plurality of cross units each formed by pivotally coupling two rigid members, which cross each other to form an X-shape, via a middle coupling shaft, and an end coupling portion that pivotally couples ends of adjoining ones of the cross units.

Abstract: A canopy support structure includes first and second hubs coupled to and movable along the pole or first and second hubs of which one is coupled to and movable along a track. The first and second hubs are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure. A plurality of articulating arms is connected directly or indirectly to the first and second hubs. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. At least some of the sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms are connected directly to the first and second hubs and extend outward from the first and secondary hubs during expansion of the canopy support structure.

Abstract: An umbrella for removably securing to a surface, such as a vehicle. The umbrella includes a shaft having a handle on a first end and a canopy on an opposing second end. One or more ribs are secured to the canopy in order to support the canopy in an open configuration. Each rib includes one or more weights in order to stabilize the canopy when secured to a surface. One or more magnets are secured to a lower end of each rib in order to removably secure the umbrella to a magnetic surface for hands-free use. An upper end of each rib is hingedly secured to the shaft. The ribs are operably connected to an actuatable button in the handle so as to extend the ribs outward from the shaft in order to expand the canopy into the open configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an identity shielding device to be used when notable persons do not wish to have their photograph taken. In one embodiment, an identity shielding device has a shaft with first and second ends; a sliding splint slideably attached to the shaft; and a foldable framework attached to the sliding splint and the first end of the shaft, the framework being open at both ends, and having a collapsible shield affixed to the framework. The foldable framework includes both ribs and fasteners.

Abstract: A system is provided for protective elements that include, but is not limited to, an umbrella having a complete double canopy with pleats, a medially expanding frame, and a moisture mitigation vessel. The frame's linkage system and expanding double canopy enable their combined covering structure to take a downwardly concave form when fully deployed. Rounded outer frame edges provide enhanced safety. When retracted around the umbrella's stick, frame and canopy assume the form of a three dimensional envelope tapered up and down from its mid-section, thereby concentrated at top and bottom by the stick. This configuration provides canopy and frame with improved ability to move in and out of the invention's stick mounted moisture mitigation vessel. With an internal liner of wicking material and multiple surface apertures, the vessel encourages controlled release of evaporated moisture from the enclosed canopy.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-wind eccentric umbrella, with a shaft, a framework, an upper ring, a lower ring and a canopy, in which the framework is composed of ribs, stretchers and a main frame. The two ends on one side of a main frame that is cross-hinged by a first main brace and a second main brace through a main frame hinge axis are respectively hinged with the upper ring and the lower ring. The anti-wind eccentric umbrella has a rib vacant position and the rib vacant position and the ribs are distributed in 360°. The main frame is on the rib vacant position, the top notch is hinged with an auxiliary rib, the runner is hinged with an auxiliary stretcher and the auxiliary stretcher is at the rib vacant position at the outer side of that occupied by the main frame.

Abstract: A variable support structure with modular construction includes at least one support structure module, which is bounded by joints (114, 115, 126, 121) of a first joint set that lie in a first surface, and by joints (101, 102, 113, 108) of a second joint set that lie in a second surface, and with at least one joint (109) of a third joint set that lies outside of the first surface. At least some of the joints of the first and second joint sets have a fixable position relative to one another, especially being connectable with one another, by a guide mechanism. The at least one joint (109) of the third joint set is connected with at least two joints (114, 115, 113, 121) of the first and/or second joint set by a connecting element (39, 41, 43, 45) that transmits essentially only tension forces.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a center rod having an upper end to which a primary crown is attached. A primary runner is movable along the central rod toward/away from the primary crown for opening/closing the umbrella. Pairs of secondary crown and runner are equally spaced around the primary crown and runner. A first intermediate bar has opposite ends pivoted to the primary crown and each secondary runner. A second intermediate bar has opposite ends pivoted to the primary runner and each secondary crown. The first and second intermediate bars intersect and are pivoted to each other whereby a parallelogram linkage is formed, which drives the secondary runners simultaneously with the movement of the primary runner in opening/closing the umbrella. A first rib bar extends radially from each secondary crown and a stretcher bar is arranged between and having ends pivoted to each first rib bar and the associated secondary runner.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy which may be used to supply shelter from sun and rain for outdoor activities is provided and includes a post, a slide bracket slideably received on the post and a scissor assembly connected to the post and the bracket, respectively, and being formed by a plurality of scissor units connected in end-to-end relation. A plurality of pairs of upper and lower connecting members, each pair being pivotally connected with cover support members and strutting members, are pivotally connected to the ends of the cross members of the scissor units. Each strutting member is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the middle portion of its respective cover support member. A reeling device is attached to the post and has a cable fixedly attached to the slide bracket.