Abstract: A tonneau clamp including a link slidably coupled to tonneau cover; a clamping link pivotably coupled to the link and having a clamping surface; and a handle pivotably coupled to the link and the clamping link and moveable between lowered and upper positions. The handle can be pivotably coupled to the link at a first pivot joint and to the clamping link at a second pivot joint. Handle movement causes the clamping link to pivot relative to the link to raise the clamping surface from an unclamped position to a clamped position in which the clamping surface applies a clamping force against the underside of a ledge of a vehicle cargo box. In the unclamped position the first pivot joint is on a first side of a line and in the clamped position the first pivot joint is on a second side of the line opposite the first side.

Abstract: A hail guard for cars includes a net with a thick mesh applied to a structure having two center rods joined by a hinge, two multiple hinges applied to the free ends of the center rods, and four net-stretching rods hinged to each multiple hinge. Each multiple hinge has pins with vertical axes suited to allow the net-stretching rods to rotate and a rotation pin whose horizontal axis is orthogonal to the center rods, suited to allow the rotation of the set of net-stretching rods. The net-stretching rods are arranged so that two of them, when open, are opposed to each other and two other ones are generically diagonal. Two or more supports are hinged to the center rods and each free end of each support is provided with suction cups or magnets suited to allow the structure to be stably and removably applied to the car roof.

Abstract: A device for tensioning a dual-skin flexible wall capable of interaction with at least one rigid mount, the device being mounted at the opposite edges of two skins to be retained by the rigid mount. The device includes a cord designed to interact with a groove formed in the rigid mount, and an inflatable bead capable of spacing the two skins away from and parallel to each other. Once inflated, the inflatable bead has a substantially cylindrical shape and remains confined outside the volume occupied by the rigid mount.

Abstract: A tent including a structural member and an end cap insertable into the structural member and a method of forming a tent are provided. The structural member is preferably a rafter. The rafter has C-channels aligned with support troughs of the end cap. The C-channels and support troughs receive edge portions of a fabric panel therein to secure the fabric panel to the rafter. The end cap supports the weight of the fabric panel during assembly to reduce or avoid engagement of the fabric panel with corners of the C-channel or burs formed in the end of the C-channel of the rafter as the fabric panel is fed through the C-channel. The end cap may also include an optional tension push down bar assembly for providing additional tensioning of the fabric panel.

Abstract: A demountable building structure that is readily assembled from a set of components is disclosed. The building structure includes a plurality of arc frame members spaced along a length of the building structure. Each of the arc frame members extends from a first foot portion to a peak, and back to a second foot portion. Each of the arc frame members includes a plurality of beams. Each of the beams includes two opposed flanges. Each of the flanges has two bifurcated ends. The ends define c-shaped rope chases with openings. The building structure further includes bases slidably mateable with the first and second foot portions, and elongate membranes having beaded longitudinal edges. The membranes are stretched between adjacent of the arc frame members. The longitudinal edges are within the rope chases. Spreaders extend between adjacent of the arc frame members for urging apart the arc frame members from each other and for maintaining the membranes in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A tent pole bracket for use with a tent having a pole, which may comprise a body having a first end and a second end and a first side and a second side, the body including a wall defining an elongate cavity for receiving a tent pole, the cavity being open on the first end and open on the first side, and the body having a slot for receiving a strap, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A tent that includes a swivel portion is disclosed. The tent includes a canopy, a plurality of tent frame components and a swivel portion coupled to at least one of the tent frame components and the canopy. The swivel portion pivots between a relaxed position in which the canopy is in a relaxed state and a tensioned position in which the canopy is in a tensioned state.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, preferably one on each side of the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate is preferably attached to an end of the flexible cover and is configured to cooperatively engage the end plate engagement member or members. The end plate may be retained in an engaged position by the locking member. In alternate embodiments, a plurality of locking members are provided, preferably locking members that slide within a channel in the end plate.

Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilever beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilever beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut or otherwise secured over the entire structure.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, end plate engagement members attached to the support frame and first and second locking members movably connected with the end plate. The end plate may be retained in the fixed stretching position by first and second locking members that preferably slide within a channel in the end plate. In one embodiment, an elongated member is secured to the respective locking members and to a turn knob such that force can be placed upon each respective locking member by turning the turn knob and pulling the elongated member so as to draw each of the respective locking members away from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, preferably one on each side of the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate is preferably attached to an end of the flexible cover and is configured to cooperatively engage and pivot with respect to the end plate engagement member or members into and out of a fixed stretching position wherein the flexible cover can be correspondingly be tensed and relaxed. The end plate may be retained in the fixed stretching position by the locking member, in alternate embodiments, a plurality of locking members are provided, preferably locking members that slide within a channel in the end plate.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least four panels, including a bottom panel, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of the frame member. Each panel further includes a first side and a second side, with the first side of one panel coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel, and with the bottom panel resting on the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed herein for adjusting the length of a frame to fit a canopy tied onto and stretched over the frame. Each end of the frame includes a mounting bracket which is slid into an open end of a side tube with a friction fit. A sleeve is secured over the side tube with a flange engaging the outer end of the bracket. An adjusting nut and bolt engages both the flange and the bracket such that rotation of the nut against the flange causes the bracket to be moved axially within and of the side tube thereby lengthening the overall length of the frame relative to the canopy.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus can attach a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are preferably provided with complimentarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed. The end plate may be retained in the fixed stretching position by a latching member that operatively connects the end plate to the support frame or a locking member that operatively connects the support frame to the end plate.

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame assembly for a partition system is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a partition panel, a fabric covering the panel, and a frame component. The frame component automatically and evenly tensions the fabric about the panel. The frame component provided according to this method includes a support element, a lockable element, and an integral hinge defined between the support and lockable elements. The support element defines a cavity for receiving and supporting the panel. The lockable element extends from and is moveable relative to the support element. The panel is inserted into the cavity, and the fabric is mounted to the lockable element. Next, the lockable element is moved about the integral hinge such that the fabric mounted to the lockable element is automatically and evenly tensioned about the panel. A backing strip may be mounted to the frame component to protect the fabric from the integral hinge.

Abstract: In a tent assembly that includes a tent frame and a canopy, an anchoring device is used to secure the canopy on the tent frame, and includes a retaining unit, an anchor seat and an anchor block. The retaining unit includes an adjustable retaining sleeve to be sleeved on a tent pole of the tent frame, and a retention adjusting member for loosening and tightening the retaining sleeve on the tent pole for height adjustment. The anchor seat is connected to the retaining sleeve and is formed with a rope hole that permits a pull rope on the canopy to extend therethrough. The anchor block is connected to the pull rope, and is disposed below and is limited from moving upward by the anchor seat.

Abstract: A tonneau cover apparatus for attaching a flexible cover about a cargo box of a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck. The apparatus preferably includes, a support frame removably attached about the perimeter of a cargo box of the vehicle, an elongated end plate attached to an end of the flexible cover, an end plate engagement member attached to the support frame, a latching member movably attached to the support frame, and a locking member movably attached to the end plate. The end plate and the end plate engagement member are preferably provided with complementarily shaped surfaces which enable the end plate to engage with and swing around or pivot with respect to the support frame into and out of a fixed, stretching position where the flexible cover may be alternatively tensed and relaxed.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An umbrella-shaped shelter includes a single vertical support member either permanently mounted to a support surface, such as the ground, or removably attached to a mounting base disposed on or in the support surface. The lower end of the vertical support member may be mounted in a concrete base, removably inserted in a tubular sleeve disposed in the support surface, or may be attached to the support surface using anchor bolts, or ground anchors. In one embodiment, the lower end of the vertical support member is attached to a base including outwardly extending, radially disposed base members which, in turn, are mounted to the support surface such as by ground anchors. Concentrically disposed about and attached to an upper end of the vertical support member by radially extending frame members is a circular ring. A fabric cover is disposed over a cap on the upper end of the vertical support member and about the circular ring.

Abstract: A storable shelter deployable to a dihedral configuration. It includes a central pole with an upright axis, a pair of flexible rectangular panels and a control for them which includes at least one rotatably biased reel, an edge former for each panel, a strut for each panel which strut is rigid when the shelter is deployed, the edge formers extending as a straight body from both sides of the struts, a collar freely slidable on the pole and a mount on the collar rotably mounting the struts. The collar is raised to lower the struts and deploy the panels and lowered to enable the struts to move against the pole where upon the panels are wound on the reel or reels by the rotational bias of the reel or reels.

Abstract: This invention is a boat covering system with adjustable bracket devices clamped to the outer stanchions of a boat. Flexible support ribs extend across the boat and are inserted into the pair of brackets located on opposite sides of the boat. These flexible support ribs form the main framework for the boat cover. The brackets are adjustable around a plurality of axes for adjustability of the overall cover height and configuration.

Abstract: This invention is a very lightweight vertical wall tent including a waterproof cover or rain fly that can be erected or pitched by one person alone to form a semi-rigid roof-like structure with two identical rectangular planar surfaces each sloping at the same angle away from and symmetrically about a horizontal ridge, the rain fly held completely clear of the ground surface and in a fully functioning and stable position solely by single vertical ridge-end poles and guy ropes at each end of the ridge and by eight corner guy ropes, two at each of the four corners of the rain fly, all corner guy ropes connecting the corners of the rain fly to suitable anchors set in or on the surface on which the tent is pitched, prior to raising and supporting the ridge ends of the rain fly on the ridge-end poles, the corner guy ropes of the rain fly being adjustable and preset to specific lengths and their corresponding anchors being set at precise locations predetermined with respect to the final desired position of the erec

Abstract: A tailgate sealing arrangement for sport utility and other vehicles having a removable, flexible top. The sealing arrangement includes an elongated, rigid member attached to the lower section of the rear portion of the flexible top. The rigid member is removably mounted to extend across the tailgate opening and has a flexible seal depending downwardly from it. The tailgate in the preferred embodiment is mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and has a horizontally extending, flat, upper surface. In operation and as the tailgate is closed, the depending seal contacts and wipes across the flat, upper surface of the tailgate to form an effective sealing arrangement. All of this is done without having to disturb or otherwise manipulate the top.

Abstract: A structure including a collapsible and erectable frame on which a fabric skin is arranged to be mounted in use, the frame having a central hub with pivotal connections from which at least three legs radiate outwardly and downwardly when in the erected position. The central hub incorporates an upwardly projecting first fitting engageable with a central portion of the fabric skin, and each leg has a bend section which is provided with a second outwardly directed fitting and a third outer foot end fitting with which respective intermediate and lower end mounting portions of the fabric skin are engaged. The arrangement provides that the fabric skin is supported clear of contact with the frame except at the outer connections with the fittings and is maintained in a stable biaxial tensioned state by adjustment of the third foot end fitting between first and second positions on movement of a foot end lever.

Abstract: A system for holding canvas to a frame of a portable shelter or the like. An intermediate portion of a strip is attached to the canvas and the end portions are attached to a clip to form a loop which receives an endless elastomeric band which is attachable to a pair of spaced knobs on a frame member. At least one of the end portions is releasably attachable to the clip whereby the customer may easily replace a broken band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible shelter comprising a cloth of supple, sheet-like material and of at least one frame for stretching the sheet-like material, said frame being provided with at least one hub and with rods having high bending strength, said rods being hingably connected to the hub, in a plane perpendicular to the hub, and being hingable relative to the hub beyond a dead center, at least a number of said rods being connected at their free ends with the sheet-like material. The shelter includes a pull cord which is secured at one of its ends to the material and is positioned through a cord eyelet mounted at the free end of the rod so that the material can be pulled outward from the hub toward the free end of the rod, with the other end of the cord being releasably secured in a clamp located on the rod between the eyelet and the hub.

Abstract: A collapsible table includes four stretchers connected at four sides by four four-way pipe joints and two stretcher connectors, four upright supporting frames respectively and vertically connected to the four-way pipe joints at the bottom, a table cloth having four sleeves at four sides respectively mounted around the four stretchers, and a bracing device having four bracing bars radially suspended below the table cloth and respectively connected to either upright supporting frame by a respective clamping plate, and four anchoring devices respectively mounted on the upright supporting frames for fastening to the ground.

Abstract: The structure is adapted for frequent set-up and takedown and is designed to avoid roof sag and pocketing. The structure includes a framework having plural vertical supports and plural horizontal supports bridging between adjacent vertical supports. A removable roof cover is dimensioned to extend over and removably attached to the structural framework, and defines plural corners, with each corner positioned at an intersection of a horizontal support and a vertical support so as to define an intermediate roof field between adjacent corners. The vertical supports include elevated curves for lifting the corners of the roof cover, so as to form the intermediate field in a trough, the peripheral hem of the roof cover being removably attached to the vertical supports to draw the roof cover taut across the intermediate field and thereby avoid roof sag and pocketing.

Abstract: A portable shade structure includes a structural framework with space supports, and hook-receiving holes along some of the supports. A removable fabric cover fits across the structural framework, and has plural hooks attached at spaced locations dimensioned to removably fit into the hook-receiving holes of the support. Each hook has a curved return which permits the hook to be engaged within a corresponding hole, but which provides a smooth surface that reduces snagging when the hook is moved across, or is stored against the fabric cover.