Arched Structure Patents (Class 135/906)
  • Patent number: 11641809
    Abstract: Self-supporting inflatable grow tents include a base surface, a top surface, and a plurality of sidewalls. The sidewalls include an integrated lighting system. The inflatable grow tents include a plurality of support members configured to structurally support the grow tent when inflated, and an air circulation assembly including an air blower and a carbon filter. The grow tents include a lighting system configured to provide a standard deviation of average photosynthetic active radiation that is from about 2 to about 8 within the grow tent when the lighting system is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Elliott Gruskin
  • Patent number: 10624813
    Abstract: A device and associated method for the dispensation of mists for therapeutic use, comprising: a dispensing member (2) for dispensing an air flow (3) within which micronized particles of a liquid or solid therapeutic substance are dispersed; a chamber (11) having at least one inlet (12) for said air flow (3) generated by the dispensing member (2) and at least one outlet (13) for said air flow (3) present inside the chamber (11) itself; and a communication conduit (10) interposed between said dispensing member (2) and said chamber (11) in order to introduce the air flow (3) into the chamber (11) itself; said chamber (11) being switchable between an operative condition of maximum volume in which it internally defines a space (20) for containing at least one user, and a non-operative condition of minimum volume suitable for transport and/or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Roberto Monterenzi
  • Patent number: 10357072
    Abstract: A wearable accessory 100 is disclosed herein. In a described embodiment, the wearable accessory 100 is configured in the form of a head protector 102 having at least one connector 150,180 and a plurality of accessory members 104 having respective attachment mechanisms 122. Each attachment mechanism 122 is releasably engageable to the at least one connector 150,180. The wearable accessory 100 may be configured as other types of accessories and a connector for use with the wearable accessory 100 is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Shong Voon Bonnie Chong
  • Patent number: 10280644
    Abstract: A portable dwelling assembly that has a dome shape and a door assembly. The dome assembly is provided with a base ring and top ring connected by a plurality of wall segments. Connected to the exterior of the dome assembly is a covering with optional flaps to allow for greater ventilation. Anchoring devices are attached around the exterior of the dwelling to provide additional stability during adverse weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Terry Bunce
  • Patent number: 9485956
    Abstract: A pet stroller having a frame assembly and a cloth platform enclosure connected to a platform enclosure member that defines a base and a sidewall of a pet seating area. Upper and lower canopy bars are pivotably connected to the handle and are pivotable to extend or retract a canopy over the pet seating area. A cloth canopy assembly is connected to the handle and the upper and lower canopy bars. A latch assembly clamps the lower canopy bar to the platform enclosure member to form an enclosed pet seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Vermont Juvenile Furniture, Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 9271474
    Abstract: A pet stroller having a frame assembly and a cloth platform enclosure connected to a platform enclosure member that defines a base and a sidewall of a pet seating area. Upper and lower canopy bars are pivotably connected to the rear pivot blocks that are pivotable to extend or retract a canopy over the pet seating area. A cloth canopy assembly is connected to the handle and the upper and lower canopy bars. A latch assembly is connected to the platform enclosure member and is movable to a latched position in which it clamps the lower canopy bar to the platform enclosure member to form an enclosed pet seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Vermont Juvenile Furniture Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 9016299
    Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8844550
    Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8756876
    Abstract: The portable structure will generally have a pod from which a suite frame and suite may be deployed. The suite will allow personnel to administer to many critical demands and activities. The portable structure may be deployed upon any terrain, whether level or uneven, rigid or soft, and both the pod and the suite may be leveled independently. Additionally, the portable structure may incorporate at least one cocoon section wherein the cocoon section comprises at least one interior layer contacting a mesh covering placed over the suite frame, at least one thermal layer affixed to the interior layer, wherein the thermal layer includes heat adding and heat removal members capable of removing or adding heat to the mesh covering or a substance adjacent the at least one thermal layer and at least one exterior layer affixed to the thermal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Orr
  • Patent number: 8701689
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portico for saddle-shaped tents. The portico includes a drape that is suspended from the saddle-frame of the saddle-shaped tent. The portico also includes a portico-frame that has a horizontal beam, which beam is attached to the lower edge of the drape. The portico-frame may also include posts. In one embodiment of the invention, the portico acts as a joiner to join two adjacent saddle-shaped tents. The invention includes tents and compound tent-structures that incorporate the portico.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: 0798555 B.C. Ltd.
    Inventor: Gerhard Allan Warner
  • Patent number: 8602043
    Abstract: A boat storage canopy fitted to a boat storage lift has an entry portion, raised center portion and shore side portion with downwardly depending curtains on first and second sides and the shore side end with a hinged curtain at the entry end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel J. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8602044
    Abstract: Disclosed are structures and methods of assembling and positioning an improved tent assembly where members of the assembly use flexible hollow sleeve structures with integral fabric hub intersections that are held in tension in combination with compression members that can be used for a variety of applications. Disclosed techniques make assembling tent assemblies significantly easier than known prior art since the intersecting flexible hollow sleeve structures can be made continuous. In addition, the improved tent assembly is significantly stronger when deployed with compression members because the hollow sleeve structures, with integral fabric hub intersections, can be tensioned, thus significantly increasing the strength of the overall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Slingfin, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin S. Zemitis
  • Patent number: 8567424
    Abstract: A tent frame includes a plurality of structural members (PSM), each having a first end portion and a second end portion. The tent frame also includes a connecting member having a first part and a second part. The first end portion of each of the PSM couples to the first part, and the second end portion of each of the PSM couples to the second part, such that at least one of a tensional force, a bending force, a compressive force, and a torsional force is exerted on each of the PSM. One of the PSM and the connecting member form a first side of a tent frame. Another of the PSM and the connecting member form a second side of the tent frame. When the at least one of the tensional force, the bending force, the compressive force, and the torsional force is decreased, the tent frame expands longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory P. Hill, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8549792
    Abstract: A protective shelter offering opposite outer supports and a roof structure extending between the supports, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material defining an inner skin to provide a first level of protection in the roof structure, and the tray members are arranged to be supported by transverse beams, wherein the transverse beams are arranged to be supported at their respective ends by the opposite outer supports and wherein the transverse beams form a transverse beam bridge across the shelter such that the height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite supports is substantially the same as the height of said supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hesco Bastion Limited
    Inventor: James Heselden
  • Patent number: 8434270
    Abstract: A protective shelter that provides protection within a war zone and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, is greater than the height of the said walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hesco Bastion Limited
    Inventor: James Heselden
  • Patent number: 8365749
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony D. Overbaugh
  • Patent number: 8291648
    Abstract: The portable structure will generally have a pod from which a suite frame and suite may be deployed. The suite will allow personnel to administer to many critical demands and activities. The portable structure may be deployed upon any terrain, whether level or uneven, rigid or soft, and both the pod and the suite may be leveled independently. Additionally, the portable structure may incorporate at least one cocoon section wherein the cocoon section comprises at least one interior layer contacting a mesh covering placed over the suite frame, at least one thermal layer affixed to the interior layer, wherein the thermal layer includes heat adding and heat removal members capable of removing or adding heat to the mesh covering or a substance adjacent the at least one thermal layer and at least one exterior layer affixed to the thermal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Orr
  • Patent number: 8267106
    Abstract: A shelter for a motor vehicle or other movable object is moved from a fully retracted position to a fully deployed position by a combination of linear and pivotal movement. The shelter includes a frame assembly including parallel rails with pole holding subassemblies mounted on and movable along the rails. Arched poles with a collapsible canopy covering the poles are mounted on the pole holders, and linear movement of one pole holder on each rail will pull or push the poles into position because the poles are connected by the canopy. Poles on parallel rails will be moved simultaneously. Front and rear pole holders are pivoted to enclose both the front and rear of the shelter, and the entire assembly can be retracted to a generally horizontal storage position by movement of swing arms from a position aligned with the rails to a position in which the swing arms extend upright relative to the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald Jordache, Gereon Elmer Poquette
  • Patent number: 8082700
    Abstract: A building structure with a tubular frame structure in a hut shape may be provided with cladding in the form of curved panels to provide a temporary or emergency shelter. These panels may consist of two spaced-apart plastic sheets fused together by parallel ribs serving as webs to provide parallel channels therein, e.g., Coroplastâ„¢-like sheeting. Such sheeting is preferably stiffening with one or more battens that are inserted through the hollow channels of the panel allowing them to be used as semi-rigid cladding over the entire building structure. The outer tubular members of the frame are all curved to improve rigidity. The frame includes channels for seating the panels as well as contribute to the structural integrity of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Housall Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Miles Kennedy, Mark Edey, Reinier Halbertsma, Aldo Balatti
  • Patent number: 8061378
    Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7938134
    Abstract: A protective shelter that may be used to protect observers, players, and others from inclement weather during a sporting event, for example, includes an arcuate-shaped, flexible cover with side portions configured to receive side frame members, which in turn are connected to elongated cover support members coupled to the cover. The various frame members and cover support members may be connected with a number of different types of couplers. In addition, a majority of the side frame members and support members may remain coupled to the flexible cover after the protective shelter has been disassembled and placed in a transportable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Adams
  • Patent number: 7886757
    Abstract: A portable temporary aircraft hanger that includes a lightweight frame covered with a durable, main outer cover. The frame includes a plurality of transverse frame members attached to a rigid base frame. Each frame member includes two opposite straight lower sections, two curved eave sections, two straight roof sections and a curved, central peak section. Adjacent frame members are interconnected by a plurality of purlins. Disposed over one end opening is a flexible end cover. Formed on one end panel of the shelter is wide rectangular door opening designed to allow wide equipment, such as a winged aircraft to easily enter and exit the shelter. In the first embodiment, the door opening is covered by two hinged door panels including a longitudinally aligned sliding door section. Disposed above the wide opening is an optional upper opening which is selectively closed and opened by a retractable door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Doug Hotes
  • Patent number: 7856761
    Abstract: A protective shelter that can be used to provide protection within a war zone, and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, which is greater than the height of the said walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hesco Bastion Limited
    Inventor: James Heselden
  • Patent number: 7836907
    Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7735502
    Abstract: A compact, temporary shelter that includes at least two vertical frame members aligned transversely over a base frame. Each frame member includes two opposite straight lower sections, two curved eave sections, two optional straight roof sections and a curved, central peak section. Adjacent frame members are interconnected by a plurality of purlins. The shelter includes an inner liner disposed over the inside surfaces of the frame members. The inner liner creates wall air spaces between two adjacent frame members and an upper attic and a lower living space that are partially isolated. When attached to an HVAC unit, air from the living space and flows and circulates into the wall air spaces between the frame members and into the attic. From the attic, air travels through a vent opening formed on an end cover to the outside environment. Located inside the shelter is a flexible air sock that connects at one end to the output port on the HVAC unit to evenly distribute the air into the living space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas T. Hotes
  • Patent number: 7654277
    Abstract: A portable shade. An illustrative embodiment of the portable shade includes a canopy; a plurality of generally elongated, curved, spaced-apart tent poles carried by the canopy; and a plurality of anchor units receiving the plurality of tent poles, respectively. Each of the anchor units comprises an anchor plate, a striker plate pivotally carried by the anchor plate and a pole receptacle pivotally carried by the striker plate and receiving a corresponding one of the tent poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventors: Don C. Brewer, Nicole Brewer
  • Patent number: 7380562
    Abstract: An internal support structure for a tent having a shell is disclosed. The internal support structure comprises at least one internal support structure configured to provide structural support to the shell, the internal support structure having a pair of gussets each having a member extending from the gussets. The members are configured to engage the shell and provide structural support to the shell. The internal support structure is disposed adjacent to the shell without occupying space in the middle portion of an internal space defined by the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne G. Dahulich
  • Patent number: 7263805
    Abstract: A low shelter swimming pool roof system is provided. The system can include, over a portion (P?) at least of its length, juxtaposed roof elements (I?) and juxtaposed roof elements (I). The distance that delimits the external chord of each of the longitudinal edges (220a?) and (220b?) of the roof elements (I?) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof arcs (210?) can be shorter than the distance which delimits the internal chord of the two longitudinal edges (220a) and (220b) the roof elements (I) of the other portion (P) resting on the support edge (S) of the pool and connected by two roof bows (210). Such an arrangement enables the first portion (P?) of roof elements (I?) to be nested in the second portion (P) of relatively larger roof elements (I) thereby partially exposing the pool over a length corresponding to the displacement of the mobile portion (P?) of roof elements (I?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Abrisud
    Inventor: Serge Chapus
  • Patent number: 7077147
    Abstract: A collapsible and foldable canvas structure has only two structural panels, each formed by a piece of fabric material spread across and secured about its periphery to a resiliently flexible wire frame. One of the panels is laid flat on the ground or other supporting surface; the other rises vertically from a median section of the first and is held by straps or by sheets of fabric material not structured or framed by any wire but joined to the top of the vertical panel and to the outer edges of the flat one. A window cut on the center of the vertical panel provides access from one side to the other. The panels are substantially commensurate. They can be brought back together and twisted along with the remaining components of the structure into a compact package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Genevieve Shiu
    Inventors: Wai Hang Louie, Genevieve Shiu, Robert Hsu
  • Patent number: 7007706
    Abstract: A shelter structure having a pair of end frames and a canopy frame interconnecting the end frames. There are also provided a plurality of adjustable bracing members interconnecting frame members of the canopy frame. The adjustable bracing members may be tensioned during installation of the shelter structure to stabilize the canopy frame against lateral or transverse forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherstopper Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Graham Allan Pinnell, Daniel Robert Flynn, Alan Ned Netherway
  • Patent number: 7004183
    Abstract: A shelter structure is disclosed having a substantially dome-shaped frame comprising a plurality of flexible resilient poles maintained under tension in substantially arcuate shape. The poles are arranged in intersecting relationship and form a plurality of pole crossings. Opposite ends of the poles terminate in a common plane such as the ground or a base. The pole arrangement creates a plurality of adjacent four-sided openings having pole crossings as vertices and sections of poles as sides. A plurality of tension harnesses interconnect diagonal vertices of adjacent openings, thereby providing strength and rigidity to the structure. The frame defines an interior volume and a membrane or covering is connected to the frame to substantially shelter the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Gillis
  • Publication number: 20030098054
    Abstract: A waterproof vehicle parking shade device includes a shade having a space for receiving and parking a vehicle, a bottom board mounted on a bottom of the shade, multiple inflatable strips mounted on a peripheral face of the shade and capable of supporting the entire shade after inflation, and a door plate secured on one end of the shade for closing and sealing the shade, to prevent water from entering the shade, thereby preventing the vehicle in the shade from being soaked in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Hong Yuan Yang
  • Publication number: 20030019515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic wall structure and a method of making and erecting same. The pneumatic wall structure includes an inner flexible tent sheet, a central flexible tent sheet and an outer flexible tent sheet. The inner, the central and the outer flexible tent sheets are arranged to form a two-layer wall structure comprising (i) an inner layer formed by the inner tent sheet and the central tent sheet and, (ii) an outer layer formed by the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet. The inner layer is inflatable and provides a main support structure for the wall structure, and the outer layer forms a convection space into which an ambient air is capable of flowing. The inflatable support tubes are arranged between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet to provide redundancy to the main support structure and to provide a spacer between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Albert Fritzche, Peter Geiselhart
  • Patent number: 6367496
    Abstract: A portable shelter includes a frame having front and back arches joined by two skids at their bottom ends and a set of braces extending between the arches. A cover over the frame has a water impervious top panel and end and back panels that are an air pervious mesh. The shelter is particularly useful in sporting installations, for example golf driving ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Dryrainge Equipment Company Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Rempel, Richard Johnson, Benjamin Libby, Allan Fulton
  • Patent number: 6332290
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a canopy which can be inflated, deployed and retracted, respectively, having a plurality of longitudinal inflatable beams arranged side by side, a device for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, and a device for the foundation or ballasting of the canopy. Each of the inflatable beams is formed by a tubular envelope which is closed at its two ends by a mechanical leaktight confinement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: S.A. Spironef Technologies
    Inventor: Guy Robert Delamare
  • Patent number: 6276382
    Abstract: An Adjustable Canopy, for use in combination with a picnic table or the like, to protect the users from the elements and which is quickly and easily removable in anticipation of severe conditions. Furthermore, a new design of Picnic Table, for use with the Adjustable Canopy, which has no significant obstructions to entry or exit and which can be Pivotable, thereby allowing an unlimited range of adjustments to impede the elements, regardless of the originating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Lyle D. Bindschatel, Debra L. Bindschatel
  • Patent number: 6266932
    Abstract: The bow module portable modular structure of the present invention includes: (a) a rigid, spaced apart, parallel array of arches, each lying in a vertical plane and spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, wherein each arch is formed of a unitary generally semi-circular bow member having rigid bracing members mountable thereto within a perimeter of the bow member, and (b) a rigid, spaced apart, substantially parallel array of cross-bracing bows mountable to the array of arches so as to be generally perpendicular to each arch, the array of cross-bracing bows radially spaced apart about a center of curvature of each arch in the array of arches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Harry Norman Van Tassel
  • Patent number: 6155280
    Abstract: The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Billy R. Powell, Toney A. Powell, David R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6145526
    Abstract: A system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building to the framework or foundation of the building. Along each side of the fabric cover, a tie-down member is fastened so as to extend substantially from one end of the fabric cover to the opposite end. This member is most conveniently a pipe inserted in pockets formed along the sides of the fabric cover, the member being exposed at intervals by cut-outs in the pockets. A plurality of individually adjustable tensioning devices, such as a winch or come-along, are positioned along each side of the fabric cover and attached at one end to the tie-down member where it is exposed by the cut-outs and attached at the opposite end to the framework or ground anchoring foundation. The tensioning devices exert an adjustable force on the tie-down members in the direction of the ground anchoring foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Cover-All Shelter Systems
    Inventors: Richard Quiring, Nathan Stobbe
  • Patent number: 5950649
    Abstract: An arch element (1") for protecting roofs has at least one tubular arch (2) held in the curved state by at least one brace (4). The ends of arch and brace (2, 4) are interconnected by end connectors (3). In order to keep the brace (2) out of the direct connection between both end connectors (3) and to guide it along the arch (2) at a certain distance thereof, a flat connecting part (5) is arranged between and joined to arch and brace (2, 4). By using three arches (2), two braces (4) designed as bracing booms, four fabric or plastic connecting surfaces (5) that join the braces (4) to the arches (2), and three spacers (10) that keep the outer arches (2) apart, an unsupported, dimensionally stable three-dimensional arch element (1") is obtained that may be used directly as a shade or associated to other arch elements to carry roof surfaces. By using arches (2), spacers (10) and end connectors (3) that can be plugged into each other, the arch element (1") may be dismounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Gerig Grafik Design
    Inventor: Thomas Gerig
  • Patent number: 5655559
    Abstract: A shelter has two hinge assemblies on opposite sides and a series of hoops radiating from the hinge assemblies to support a canopy. The shelter may be opened from either end. Each hinge assembly includes two arms that support respective halves of the support hoops. The arms pivot about a lateral pivot axis so that when the shelter is opened, one of the arms will pivot upwardly so that the hoops carried by it will lie flat on top of the hoops attached to the other hinge arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Allen J. Zembik
    Inventors: Allen J. Zembik, Ronald R. Lefebvre, Glen Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 5238014
    Abstract: A backbone-type framework for tents or houses, comprising a rope, a plurality of backbone links connected in series by said rope; a hand winch located at one end of said framework to tension or release the rope; a rope-reverser located at the other end of said framework; each of the backbone links comprises a tube link and two end caps, said end cap has tube portion and an end plate, said tube portion can be inserted into said tube link, said end plate has two holes, the outer end surface of said end plate is oblique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: China Shenyang Damo Camp Equipment Institute
    Inventor: Yongsheng Cai