Fitting Patents (Class 135/909)
  • Patent number: 10617069
    Abstract: A system for building a reconfigurable trellis includes at least one slidable pole connector configured to slide along a pole having either a circular or rectangular cross-section. The slidable pole connector includes a first portion configured to slide along a first pole and a second portion extending perpendicularly from the first portion and configured to receive an end of a second pole. The first portion may be in the form of a sleeve, which may be unitary or may include two detachably connected parts. A tightening mechanism may be provided to secure the first portion against the first pole and to prevent further sliding of the first portion when the connector is in a desired position. Several slidable pole connectors may be used with one another and with strand or rope connectors to secure a plurality of vertical poles, horizontal poles, and ropes, cables, strings, or or wires to one another in a variety of adjustable configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Kevin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 10422140
    Abstract: A support assembly for a screen enclosure includes a collar device having a sleeve section with a central passageway for receiving an upright post of the enclosure and permitting the sleeve section to be adjustably positioned and fastened to the post. At least one channel is attached exteriorly to the sleeve section for receiving and being secured to a respective structural beam such that the beam is supported by and extends transversely to the upright post. The structural beam includes wide front and back face sections interconnected by narrow top and bottom side sections. At least one of the face sections has a spline groove formed longitudinally therethrough for receiving a screen panel and complementary spline component to secure the screen panel to the structural beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Danny P. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9932734
    Abstract: Deck components comprising a post sleeve and flanges extending away from side walls of the post sleeve are described. The post sleeve has a rectangular cross section. Interior flanges can comprise attachment holes for affixing the interior flanges to box-frame-segments having square-cut edges. Box-frame-segments and box-frame-segment attachments with square-cut edges can abut the exterior surface of a post sleeve side wall. Use of the post sleeve can reduce or eliminate the need to produce beveled joints box-frame-segments and box-frame-segment attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Roger Winter
  • Patent number: 9579589
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a block assembly applied not only to an educational purpose for children but also to a model architecture and a simple real building, etc. In one aspect, there is provided a block assembly comprising: a plurality of first-rods, each first-rod having a first cross sectional area, wherein each first-rod is solid or hollow; a plurality of second-rods, each second-rod having a second cross sectional area larger than the first cross sectional area, wherein each second-rod is solid or hollow; a plurality of H shaped beams, each having a H shaped cross section; and at least one of first to fourth unit blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventors: Sangkil Lee, Youngsoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9032983
    Abstract: A connector device includes a male component pivotally coupled with a female component. The male component includes a projection extending from a first pole, with the projection having a first locking member. The female component includes a housing extending from a second pole, with the housing including a spring-biased engaging member and a second locking member at an upper portion of the housing. The male and female components are in a locked state when the engaging member is biased upward and the first and second locking members are engaged such that the first and second poles are fixedly aligned. The male and female components are in an unlocked state when the engaging member is biased downward and the first and second locking members are disengaged such that the first and second poles are pivotally movable with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Patent number: 8950417
    Abstract: A pole hub for a collapsible shelter, such as a tent, canopy, or sun-shade is configured and adapted to connect at least two pairs of poles to each other in manner such that the pairs of poles are able to pivot relative to each other about an axis, while each pair of poles remains generally rigid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Westfield Outdoor, Inc.
    Inventor: Baoqing Yang
  • Patent number: 8910648
    Abstract: A connector device for retaining a pair of pivotally connected tent poles. The connector device comprises male and female components coupled to one another to permit positioning of the poles such that the poles are axially aligned in an aligned configuration and such that the poles are pivoted 180 degrees substantially parallel and adjacent to each other in a folded configuration. The male component includes an axially extending first guiding member and a first locking member formed on the inner projection, and the female component includes a second guiding member and a second locking member. The first and second locking members are engaged so as to secure the poles in the aligned configuration, and the first and second guiding members are engaged when the poles are in the aligned and folded configurations so as to further secure the poles in the respective configurations and to prevent misalignment of the poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Ki Ho Jin
  • Patent number: 8727083
    Abstract: A fiberglass frame, serving as trunk frame, and including round rods, connection pieces, lateral rods, a handle rack and fastening pieces. The connection piece is provided with three connection ends, and each connection end is provided with an insertion slot. The round rod is inserted into the insertion slot in the connection piece to form a frame with the connection piece. The handle rack is located on a side of the frame and is provided with an upper fixing stand and a lower fixing stand, such that the upper fixing stand is connected to two the connection pieces on two sides through an upper lateral rod. The lower lateral rod runs through the lower fixing stand and is connected to two the connection pieces on two sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Chu Shan Lai
  • Patent number: 8528291
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Allred & Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie B. Allred, III, Michael D. Griswold, Michael J. Hall, Matthew A. Bush, Joseph Kummer
  • Patent number: 8051868
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Whitlow
  • 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: 6960044
    Abstract: A support frame kit for canopies and display racks includes vertical posts and horizontal rails which are coupled to one another by square sockets mounted on the posts which receive square pintles projecting from the ends of the rails. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the rails are secured to the posts by removable pins and provide support for a canopy which is attached at its periphery to peripheral rails by attachment loops. In another embodiment of the invention rails are joined by struts and project from couplings fixed to the posts to provide shelves of a display rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: C & W Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Van Wadsworth, Bill Moorer, Gene Combest
  • Patent number: 6896437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel fence connector (10) for mutually securing two hollow poles of a fence panel in a desired configuration. The connector (10) comprises a first pole-receiving region (12) for receiving a first pole and a second pole-receiving region (16) adapted to be received within a second pole. The first pole-receiving region (12) is moveable between a clamping configuration and a non-clamping configuration and the second pole-receiving region is moveable from a first position to a second position. The pole-receiving regions (12, 14) are arranged such that in use, positioning of the second pole onto the second pole-receiving region (14) causes the second pole-receiving region (14) to move into its second position, which movement causes the first pole-receiving region (12) to move from its non-clamping configuration into its clamping configuration (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: John Morgan, Mark Edward Bowman
  • Patent number: 6857246
    Abstract: A customizable enclosable frame assembly for providing a housing structure comprising an arrangement of elongated members connected by a plurality of connectors to define the frame assembly. The connectors include a plurality of knuckle joint assemblies for articulably connecting the elongated members. The connectors also include a plurality of slip-T members for connecting the elongated members to define a customizable, adjustable base of the customizable frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Erbetta, Henry C. Waters
  • Publication number: 20040103612
    Abstract: A connection device for connection of building members, and a building comprising members thus connected, exhibiting innovative function and effect which have not been found in the prior art. The connection device for connection of vertical members and horizontal members which comprise a building consists of a base body on which second connection portions are provided to be connected to first connection portions provided on building members such as vertical members, horizontal members, the first connection and the second connection being connected to each other by a first fitted annular body to be fitted by groove contact onto edges of both the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and a second fitted annular body adapted to be taper press fitted onto the first fitted annular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: TSUZUKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ko Jo, Hiroyuki Kotaki, Hiroyuki Kurata
  • Patent number: 6651682
    Abstract: An umbrella frame includes a hub, a center pole coupled to the hub for supporting the hub, and a plurality of ribs disposable into the hub. The ribs serve to extend, stretch or support the cover. The hub has a corresponding plurality of pairs of bores defined therein. One of the bores of each pair is used for deploying the ribs in a configuration to support the cover and the other for storing the ribs. One of the bores of the pair is inclined relative to a horizontal plane defined by the hub, and the other is vertical to a horizontal plane. Each rib has an end disposable into the hub and a spring lock to selectively lock into the hub. The pair of bores coact with the spring lock to selectively lock the rib in the bores in both the deployment and storage configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: James Woodward
  • Patent number: 6616212
    Abstract: A truck bed tarp support assembly for quick assembly to be positioned in a bed of a pickup truck to facilitate providing shelter over the pickup truck bed includes a plurality of tubes interconnected to from a support frame having a base that rests on the bottom of a pickup truck bed. A base portion of the support frame further has a pair of raised portions positioned to receive wheel wells in the pickup truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Richard L. Bishop
  • Patent number: 6539966
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cover for a hunting stand which can be removably attached to an existing hunting stand. The present invention is adaptable to fit many sizes and shapes of existing hunting stands; however, one of the common types that it is adaptable to fit is referred to as a tripod hunting stand which comprises an upper hunting stand mounted on a tripod set of legs. The present invention comprises a framework having means for attachment to the railing of the exising hunting stand. The present invention also has a canvas cover mounted thereon which cover has multiple windows provided therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: Leon L. Raines, Jr., Mike Ward
  • Patent number: 6478039
    Abstract: A side rail assembly including a side rail having two ends, and a fixture. The fixture is configured to be fixed at one end of the side rail, and defines a central hollow dimensioned to fit snugly around one of the plurality of uprights. The fixture further has a socket for receiving one end of the side rail, and hinged member. The hinged member defines one wall portion of the central hollow. The fixture is slidable around the upright when the hinged member is in an open position and fixture is fixed around the upright when the hinged member is in a closed position. A wedge portion of the hinged member defines a portion of the central hollow. A slot, dimensioned to receive the wedge portion of the hinged member when the hinged member is in the closed position, is also provided on the fixture. Lastly, a locking member is provided which is disposed to lock the hinged member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Caravan Canopy International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Tack Suh
  • Patent number: 6382223
    Abstract: A tent pole assembly and a connecting structure thereof include a reduced tube part of a prescribed length formed at an end, the reduced tube part being inserted into a tent pole section, and a reinforced rod disposed inside a start part of the reduced tube part to reinforce the start part, the reinforced rod having the external shape corresponding to the internal shape of the start part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jeh-kun Lah
  • Patent number: 6146050
    Abstract: A coupling device for rotatably coupling poles of a tepee tripod. A first clamp clamps onto an upper end of a first pole. A second clamp clamps onto an upper end of a second pole. A third clamp clamps onto an upper end of a third pole. First and second rotatable couplers rotatably couple the first clamp to the second clamp, and the first clamp to the third clamp. The first coupler is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, so as to allow relative rotation between the first and second clamps. The second coupler is rotatable about a second axis of rotation so as to allow relative rotation between the first and third clamps. The first and second axes of rotation lie in a plane generally perpendicular to a first longitudinal axis corresponding to the first pole when the first clamp is clamped onto the first pole. The first and second axes of rotation intersect the first longitudinal axis. The first and second axes of rotation are radially spaced apart relative to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Alexander Charles Marshall
  • Patent number: 6140576
    Abstract: Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) provides a portable and repeatable method for protecting assemblies during various stages of a manufacturing process. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) is light weight and can be deployed manually. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) is simple to use and shortens the time required for a manufacturing process. The invention provides a simple, accurate, low-cost, and repeatable method for using a portable EMI shielding apparatus for protecting a component or large subassembly during various stages of a manufacturing process. A portable collapsible frame is provided along with a removable protective covering which is mounted over the collapsible frame to create an EMI shield around the component or subassembly. Protective shield tent (100, 300, 400) can easily be moved from one location to another facilitating re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Melvin Kanne, Ian Mark Whiting
  • Patent number: 6089246
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an umbrella. The apparatus of the invention includes a base plate which is placed on the surface of the area in which the umbrella is desired, a hollow cylinder connected at its lower end to the base plate and extending upwardly therefrom for receipt and support of an umbrella shaft, and a jack for contacting the underside of a vehicle to place a downward force on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: John W. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5908043
    Abstract: This technical disclosure is for a structurally self-contained, RF-shielded enclosure which is rapidly deployable due to it's ultra light weight and ease of assembly. Assembled by one person in one half hour, the enclosure becomes an RF-shielded, free standing room within an existing non-secure room or environment. Lightweight metallized fabric is sewn together with rugged tent fabric and ballistics cloth. Fiberglass rods are connected to aluminum sleeves and unions to configure the room. A bulkhead assembly penetrates the side wall and provides filtered power and electronic signal interfaces. Honeycomb air guides and an electric fan facilitate air exchange within the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Bema, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned Z. Paes, Terry Phillips, Robert E. Thomas, Joseph H. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 5771912
    Abstract: An attachment system, for erecting a tent having a flexible tent shell and a tent pole cooperating with the tent shell, includes a securing cord attached to a portion of the tent shell and a claw disposed at an end of the pole. The attachment system further includes an enlarged region disposed along the securing cord, which engages the claw, thereby retaining the tent shell in an extended position. The tent may also include a tent fly having an attached fly cord. An enlarged region disposed along the fly cord engages the claw to secure the tent fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5752537
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible, freestanding shelter for protection from sun, wind and precipitation. Shelter is comprised of four struts (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) comprising two x elements juxtaposed and separated by releasably attached cross beams (14a, 14b, 14c). Rear adjustable stays (20a, 20b) strengthen and brace structure and, in combination with adjustable means (24a, 24b) used to lock position of x elements, provide a means of adjusting height of resulting frame. Shelter may be configured with visor arms (15a, 15b) attached to x element struts (8a, 9a). A cover (34) containing rigid rods or dowels (36a, 36b) on its front and rear edge is releasably attached to visor arms (15a, 15b) at front and pulled back over upper beams (14a, 14b) and held by adjustable cords (43a, 43b). Cover can be configured in a variety of ways to provide increasing or decreasing exposure to elements. (FIG. 4) Apparatus may be configured without beam 14a when front cover rod is in place thereby increasing head room. Referring to FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Bruce Kranzler
  • Patent number: 5660002
    Abstract: An easily assembled greenhouse apparatus includes a polymer tube frame formed with plastic tube frame members, some of which have a plurality of openings therein, which tubes are connected together with conventional plastic tube couplings. Each of a plurality of cover attaching members has a screen gripping portion and a tube attaching member for attaching to the polymer tube frame. A plastic covering extends over the polymer tube frame and is attached thereto with the plurality of cover attaching members attaching through the plastic covering and into one of the polymer tubing frame member openings. A door is formed with polymer tube frame members and has a polymer covering and a pair of hinge pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Albert R. Lashinger
  • Patent number: 5638853
    Abstract: A tent structure includes four poles interconnected by four scissors-type linkages forming a square structure and four intermediate pivot connecting members. Each pole comprises a fixed connector and a sliding connector. Each of the fixed connector and the sliding connector has three connecting seats with two connecting seats at respective outer sides adapted to receive and end of the scissors-type linkage and with one connecting seat positioned inbetween the two outer seats adapted to receive an end of a rod member. Each intermediate pivot connecting member has a board and a pair of pivoting member integrally formed on top portion of the board and are adapted as an interconnecting member between the poles and a head connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Tony M. L. Tsai
  • Patent number: 5546971
    Abstract: The shelter has a canopy supported by a frame made up of a pair of flexible lateral rods which are held parallel and apart by three horizontal struts. There is provision for disconnecting the struts from the lateral rods so that the frame may be stored compactly when not in use. A pair of upright poles support the upper end of each lateral rod and guys are attached to the lateral rods for bending them into an arcuate shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: William G. Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 5526614
    Abstract: A connector structure of assembled house truss is disclosed. The respective support members of the house truss are inserted and fixed in the connector by screws so that the support members can be quickly and easily assembled by a general person to form the house truss without welding operation and using any power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Chun-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 5335685
    Abstract: A readily assemblable and disassemblable tent, awning or canopy structure including tubular beams, rafters and uprights interconnected by slip fit junction fittings in telescope relation with respect to the beams, rafters and uprights, the improvement comprising a hold down channel assembly mounted on the upright member of the slip fit junction fitting, the channel member assembly including a rod pivotally mounted on the lower end of the channel member, a bail ring mounted on said rod, a strip of webbing attached to the tent, awning or canopy top and wrapped around the rod of the bail ring, and a tie down cable connected to the lower end of the bail for anchoring the tent structure to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Johnson Camping, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Dahulich
  • Patent number: 5331992
    Abstract: Time invention describes a canopy structure comprising a plurality of columns, a cover framework of structural members, and a cover. Each structural member is preferably supported on an upper end of a column using a novel joint assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Boris Gremont
  • Patent number: 5261436
    Abstract: A tent frame permits the roof and walls to be separately established, with consequent ease of erection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: David H. Funk
  • Patent number: 5201598
    Abstract: A locking sleeve (14) for holding the tensioned, internal elastic cord (22) of a compactable, collapsible tubular assembly (12-10) comprises a resilient member (14), in the shape of a slit tube. It is held in position within the tubular insert of the compactable, tubular assemblies by external barbs (16). The elastic cord is in turn held in position within the locking sleeve by an internal tongue (20) and prongs (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Frank V. Tehan
  • Patent number: 5144780
    Abstract: A plurality of members for temporary assembly into a rigid branch structure for supporting a cover to form an enclosure, including a plurality of elongated rigid, hollow posts defined by opposed pairs of flat post walls joined together along their respective marginal edges between spaced-apart terminal ends, the walls having formed therein at least one pair of apertures in spaced-apart, opposed relationship near each post terminal end and a series of elongated ribs extending inward from the walls and along the lengths of the posts between the apertures, a coupling for axially joining one post to another in rigid, axial, end-to-end alignment including a butt plate for transverse positioning between the terminal ends of the joined posts, at least two stems extending outward from the butt plate for insertion a distance into each hollow post end, each stem including two pairs of closely-spaced webs arranged in spaced-apart configuration and defined by opposed marginal edges spanning between the opposed walls of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Thomas G. Gieling, David Behoteguy, Ralph Dillon