Abstract: A canopy system for increasing the coverage of multiple coverings has been disclosed. The canopy system includes a canopy portion and at least one fastener for removeably attaching the canopy portion to a first and second covering. The fastener can attach to unmodified portions of a covering so that the canopy system may be used with existing coverings and coverings not especially manufactured to couple with a canopy. The canopy system may advantageously include a support structure for supporting the canopy portion in a desired shape. The length of the canopy system can be adjustable and the system can be easily collapsed for storage and portability.

Abstract: An on-shore sail shade is provided which includes a sail secured to a mast and a boom with the sail shade being positioned on a patio or the like to provide desired shade protection. A foot portion of the sail is located close to the ground or supporting surface so that the sail shade will provide the desired shade during all daylight hours.

Abstract: A manually retractable sportsman's blind releasably attached to a support provides a flexible camouflaged body having a mesh fabric window and supported on a frame comprised of plural elongate flexibly resilient stays pivotally attached to one another at proximate end portions to support the flexible camouflaged body and mesh fabric window in a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: A blind accessory support bracket is disclosed. The bracket is configured to fit into the X-shaped framework of a hunting blind, tent, or portable structure. Abutments are located on either side of the bracket, containing the framework therebetween, and securing the bracket in place. The bracket may provide a variety of different supports, including a gun brace, a camera mount, or a shelf. When the bracket is located on framework near an opening of the blind, it may assist in aiming or shooting of a camera or gun at a target outside the blind.

Abstract: An intelligent outdoor sun shading device includes a shading system, an environmental sensor device and a functional controller. The shading system includes a supporting frame, a power source supported at the supporting frame, an awning frame suspendedly and movably supported by the supporting frame, and a sun shelter mounted to the awning frame to define a shading area under the sun shelter. The environmental sensor device is electrically linked to the power source and is installed to the shading system for detecting an environmental change of the shading system in responsive to the shading area thereof. The functional controller is electrically linked to the environmental sensor device and is operatively controlled the awning frame of the shading system, wherein when the functional controller receives a command signal from the environmental sensor device, the awning frame is automatically adjusted to regulate the shading area thereof in responsive to the environmental change of the shading system.

Abstract: Portable shelters, shelter systems, and methods of deployment of such shelters are described. The shelters or housing units may be deployed in emergency housing situations and may be grouped into systems of shelters. One particular embodiment comprises a rigid top frame structure, a rigid bottom frame structure, and one or more collapsible support arms connecting the top frame structure to the bottom frame structure. The frame structures and the collapsible support arm(s) are sized and configured to form a shelter frame when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a fully extended position, and the top frame structure is brought into proximity with the bottom frame structure when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a collapsed position. Methods of rapid deployment of the shelters and systems of shelters are also described.

Abstract: A controller unit for electrically controlling an outdoor shading device having an awning frame and a supporting frame, includes a operation housing mounted on the supporting frame of the outdoor shading device, wherein the operation housing has a surrounding wall; a control panel being supported on the surrounding wall of the operation housing at a predetermined location for controlling one or more electronic appliances of the outdoor shading device; and an electronic appliance holder assembly for holding at least an electronic appliance thereat and electrically linking with the control panel, wherein the holder assembly is located on the surrounding wall of the operation housing and being arranged that the electronic appliance holder assembly is located at an opposed side of the surrounding wall with respective to the control panel.

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.

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.

Abstract: An electrical system (60, 200) for a tent or shelter (98, 201). Wires (60) are routed through a tent or shelter (98, 201) either by attaching the wires to the tent or shelter, running the wires through hems, seams (100), or sleeves, or integrating the wires into the fabric for the tent or shelter. In accordance with an embodiment, an appliance (208) is connected to the wiring harness (60) and is mounted or attached in the tent or shelter. The appliance (208) may be mounted in a socket (234) that includes contacts that may engage a fixture or appliance, such as a light. An opposite end of a cord (222) leading to the socket is attachable to an electrical power supply, such as a battery pack (203).

Abstract: A floating canopy shade is constructed from a standard fixed or pop-up canopy by adding a set of floats adapted to hold the canopy legs and to provide drag to resist drifting and lifting in a small breeze. A kit converts a standard canopy assembly to a floating one.

Abstract: A hunting blind having adjustable height is described herein. The height of the hunting blind may be adjusted to fully or partially hide a hunter from their prey. In one embodiment, the height is adjusted through the use of adjustable length stabilization rods. To provide support for the blind's top edge while in use, in one example, a support rod is inserted through a channel disposed in or near the top edge of the hunting blind. The support rod may also be used to secure the hunting blind to a tree through the use of a strap wrapped around the tree, whereas the support rod is secured to the strap.

Abstract: A modular outdoor playpen apparatus including a room-sized enclosure, having an area in a range of 10 square feet to 20 square feet, the enclosure having a cushioned bottom wall, an open top, four side panels releasably hingedly attached to each other, a unitary cushioned padding removably disposed over all of the entire inner walls of the side panels, and a padded covering removably disposed over the bottom wall between the side panels. The apparatus also provides a canopy that attaches to the cushioned padding. In addition, a side wall having a greater height than the side panels is included which interchangeably releasably hindgedly attaches to one of the side panels.

Abstract: A mini cabana device that can be employed in a freestanding condition or attached to a structure such as a beach chair, and that allows the user to limit the amount of sunlight, wind and/or other elements that come into contact with the portions of the user's body positioned within the interior of the device. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a pivoting shade that can be raised or lowered, a means for attaching the device to an object or the ground and a clip for holding a towel or sheet in a desired position relative to the device. Further, the device of the present invention can be setup or stowed-away with relatively minimal effort.

Abstract: An expandable shelter having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration in which the shelter has the approximate dimensions of a standard International Organization for Standardization (ISO) freight container. The expandable shelter includes first and second substantially parallel corner posts disposed at a first end of the shelter. The expandable shelter also includes a ramp coupled with hinges at the first end of the shelter and is configured to fit securely on the interior of the first and second corner posts when in a closed configuration in which the ramp is disposed between the first and second corner posts. The expandable shelter has sufficient strength to withstand the forces of at least eight similar shelters stacked on top of the shelter.

Abstract: An overhead combined tent structure having a snap ring sleeved securely onto a vertical columnar object and which contains an adjustable clamping portion. A soft lining is assembled between the snap ring and vertical columnar object. A tent skeleton is composed of a plurality of racks and is extended outwards by taking the snap ring as a pivot and assembled crisscross to define a floor area. A plurality of single-opening connectors are used to connect the snap ring with various racks of the tent skeleton. The vertical plate is clamped by the snap ring and abutted externally onto the soft lining. A supporting leg assembly is linked to the floor area of the tent skeleton, made of a plurality of adjustable supports and protruded vertically to form a landing end. A universal swinging footstand is mated with the landing end of the adjustable support in a universal swinging state.

Abstract: A bed covering apparatus that prevents bed bugs from intrusion to an enclosed sleeping area, wherein the bed covering apparatus has a net for exclusion of insects, and also contains at least one slippery section to which bed bugs cannot adhere, thereby causing the bed bugs to fall from the netted sleeping area before they have an opportunity to enter the sleeping enclosure.

Abstract: Inflatable protective structures for sleeping, privacy and or containment are disclosed. A certain defined area that will consist of an inflatable sitting or sleeping area as well as a non inflatable area for such use as storage or changing. Said area to be enclosed by inflatable walls at two ends that are higher than the sleeping area high enough for a person to sit. Inflatable walls at each end act as support for a roof. Roof consisting of a light cloth like material which would enclose top, front and back and sides and bottom. Front and back of structure may include windows and a door for easy access. Alternatively cloth material could be partially removed with roof or walls only remaining. These Additional uses could be as a child or pet play pen and sleeping area. Unit could also be used without tent like covering.

Abstract: An electrical system (60, 200) for a tent or shelter (98, 201). Wires (60) are routed through a tent or shelter (98, 201) either by attaching the wires to the tent or shelter, running the wires through hems, seams (100), or sleeves, or integrating the wires into the fabric for the tent or shelter. In accordance with an embodiment, an appliance (208) is connected to the wiring harness (60) and is mounted or attached in the tent or shelter. The appliance (208) may be mounted in a socket (234) that includes contacts that may engage a fixture or appliance, such as a light. An opposite end of a cord (222) leading to the socket is attachable to an electrical power supply, such as a battery pack (203).

Abstract: An ice house including a collapsible frame assembly. The collapsible frame assembly includes at least one first pole with a connecting end having a plunger assembly. At least one second pole has a hollow end sized to telescopically engage with the plunger assembly and the first pole. The second pole has at least one detent proximate a connecting end sized to releasably engage with a plunger on the plunger assembly. An actuator assembly includes a first end secured to the connecting end of the second pole and a second end adapted to telescopically receive the plunger assembly and the first pole. The actuator assembly includes an actuator located over the detent and configured to flex between a relaxed position and a depressed position that disengages the plunger from the detent. A seat assembly is secured to the frame assembly and a cover having at least one door is attached to the frame assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, processes and system that allows thermal insulating and waterproofing of temporary and/or portable structures in such a manner that the underlying structures are insulated and waterproofed. Moreover, this system provides a rigid outer structure which allows the underlying structure to be removed and reused after the insulation and waterproofing system has been installed, leaving behind a rigid, insulated and waterproof physical structure.

Abstract: The invention envisions a multi-purpose expandable-collapsible frame apparatus that may be used as a bed frame. The apparatus utilizes a telescoping central support apparatus designed such that when a force is applied to the central support apparatus a plurality of floating arm assemblies expand outwardly from the central support apparatus. Furthermore, support straps and a covering member add stability and utility to the frame apparatus.

Abstract: A protective canopy housing (1) for a barbeque grill (2) having a canopy (6) with a vent opening on a top (22) with an elevated vent cover (8). The canopy is supported by supports (5a, b and c) attached to a grill by C-clamps (4a,b). The canopy housing can include side curtains (10a, b) which may be rolled up and secured along the sides of the canopy. The side curtains may include mesh and can be maintained in a down position during use to protect the users from insects. The curtains can be removably detachable. The canopy would preferably be made of heat-resistant material.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes a frame which attaches to outdoor furniture, in particular to a chair, and a canopy. Embodiments can be moved from an overhead position to a behind the chair position. The frames can be moved from a collapsed to a fully extended position. In embodiments the canopy can be positioned to contain the collapsed frame and chair in the carrying position.

Abstract: A collapsible privacy shelter includes an upper section, lower section, and roof section. The lower section includes a back wall, a pair of side walls pivotally connected to the back wall of the lower section and are operable to fold inward, a front wall pivotally connected to the plurality of side walls of the lower section, and a door pivotally connected to the front wall of the lower section.

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.

Abstract: An intelligent outdoor sun shading device includes a shading system, an environmental sensor device and a functional controller. The shading system includes a supporting frame, a power source supported at the supporting frame, an awning frame suspendedly and movably supported by the supporting frame, and a sun shelter mounted to the awning frame to define a shading area under the sun shelter. The environmental sensor device is electrically linked to the power source and is installed to the shading system for detecting an environmental change of the shading system in responsive to the shading area thereof. The functional controller is electrically linked to the environmental sensor device and is operatively controlled the awning frame of the shading system, wherein when the functional controller receives a command signal from the environmental sensor device, the awning frame is automatically adjusted to regulate the shading area thereof in responsive to the environmental change of the shading system.

Abstract: Porous adaptive membrane structures having movable membranes are provided. The structures can be made to change their gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications includes protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: Portable shelters, shelter systems, and methods of deployment of such shelters are described. The shelters or housing units may be deployed in emergency housing situations and may be grouped into systems of shelters. One particular embodiment comprises a rigid top frame structure, a rigid bottom frame structure, and one or more collapsible support arms connecting the top frame structure to the bottom frame structure. The frame structures and the collapsible support arm(s) are sized and configured to form a shelter frame when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a fully extended position, and the top frame structure is brought into proximity with the bottom frame structure when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a collapsed position. Methods of rapid deployment of the shelters and systems of shelters are also described.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable tent having low volume, high pressure inflatable support air passages formed from the overlap and sealing of the wall panels of the tent, and a kit including the tent and an inflating device.

Abstract: A canopy system for increasing the coverage of multiple umbrellas has been disclosed. The canopy system includes a canopy portion and at least one fastener for removeably attaching the canopy portion to a first and second umbrella. The fastener can attach to unmodified portions of an umbrella so that the canopy system may be used with existing umbrellas and umbrellas not especially manufactured to couple with a canopy. The canopy system may advantageously include a support structure for supporting the canopy portion in a desired shape. The length of the canopy system can be adjustable and the system can be easily collapsed for storage and portability.

Abstract: A wire tray and tent frame structural members are provided. The structural members include a utility channel or C-shaped channels to which wire trays can be mounted. More particularly, mounting structures of the wire tray insert into or otherwise engage the utility channel or engage the C-shaped channels and secure the wire tray to the structural members. The utility channel or C-shaped channels can include at least one undercut to prevent removal or disengagement of the mounting structure of the wire tray from the structural member. Similarly, methods of using the wire tray including resiliently biasing mounting structure of the wire tray to attach it to the structural member are provided.

Abstract: A structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form at least one panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A water tube is attached to the fabric material and connected to a water supply, and a water outlet is coupled to the water tube.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling two or more outdoor shading devices includes a plurality of control modules providing at the outdoor shading devices respectively to control an operation of the outdoor shading devices, and a central control unit remotely linked to the control modules to form a control network of the outdoor shading devices, wherein the central control unit is adapted for synchronously activating the outdoor shading devices to concurrently control the operation of the outdoor shading devices in responsive to an environmental change of the control network. Therefore, the outdoor shading devices are synchronously operated to optimize the performance thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an outdoor shelter, such as a hunting blind consisting of a rectangular structure with roof and floor. The outer surface is coated with a spray closed cell foam insulation material, such as spray polyurethane. The foam is coated with a waterproof flexible membrane, such as a waterproof flexible latex paint.

Abstract: Housing for emergencies or for those in need could be a short-term solution or may be set up as a longer-term shelter. The shelter may be flexible to grow and change enough to accommodate the individual, the family and the community. The shelter is more substantial than a tent and easier to assemble and transport as compared to conventional shelters. The shelter can be transported in a standard size truck bed (for example, 4 feet by 8 feet) and erected by two individuals in a minimal amount of time, typically less than an hour. The walls of the shelter may include various features, including shelving, bathing facilities, sinks, beds, lighting, and the like. The shelters may be designed to be connected to external electric and water supplies. Optionally, the shelters may be designed as stand-alone, “off-the-grid” units. The ceiling of the shelter may include one or more solar panels to provide power for the shelter. The shelter's container provides the essentials needed to sustain life.

Abstract: A mobile shelter system having deployed and non-deployed configurations. The shelter system includes a towable trailer and a plurality of functional components for use in the deployed configuration. The functional components include a temperature control unit configured to output one or more of heated and cooled air, and an electric generator configured to provide power to the temperature control unit. In the non-deployed configuration, all of the functional components are positioned on the trailer and the system is configured to be towed over rugged terrain by an off-road vehicle.

Abstract: A system for structural support of light weight outdoor tents and shelters utilizing two or more hiking or trekking poles and a connecting light weight ridge pole assembly that serves as the roof support truss providing the occupant(s) will full head room use for the width of the ridge pole assembly.

Abstract: A self-contained shelter that may be used for survival purposes or recreational activities includes a number of floor panels, a number of which form an enclosure, which may be held together by one or more straps. Inside the enclosure are several more floor panels, an inflatable tent, and life-supporting accessories. The shelter, when the enclosure is secured, may be airdropped or trucked into an area that may have experienced a recent disaster, such as flooding, hurricanes, or earthquakes. For recreational purposes, the shelter may be placed in a motor vehicle. When the straps are released, the floor panels may be attached along their edges to each other to form a raised floor that is placed on a surface. A raised floor provides a buffer between the user of the shelter and the surface, which may be wet or muddy. The tent is inflated and attached to the floor and is supported by external beams and internal braces. The tent forms an air chamber that provides insulation from the outside.

Abstract: A hunting chair with a hunting blind attachment that encircles the chair is disclosed, as well as an attachable camouflage roof covering, all of which may be folded and disassembled in such a way that it fits into a self-contained pack that may be carried on a hunter's back. The chair includes an adjustable, pivoting backrest, a pivoting gun rest with telescoping legs for height adjustment, folding legs, a pouch to contain the disassembled elements, and shoulder straps for carrying the apparatus. In its disassembled state, the roof poles, roof fabric, and blind fabric are packed into a pouch on the back side of the backrest, and the chair is folded into a carrying position. Detachable shoulder straps may be attached to the underside of the seat section, so that the entire chair and blind combination may be carried on a hunter's back into the field.

Abstract: A portable confinement device for confining a person upon a mattress is provided. The device includes a frame and a flexible enclosure. The enclosure is supported by and sits upon the frame to stabilize the device from tipping over. A mattress may be received into the interior space of the enclosure. The enclosure includes an opening for allowing a person to enter or exit the interior space of the enclosure. All openings of the enclosure are designed to be unfastened only from outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A tent capable of power generation essentially includes a tent body, a flexible solar cell, and an energy storage device, wherein the flexible solar cell is laid over the tent body. When the tent body is exposed to sunlight, the flexible solar cell absorbs the energy of sunlight and converts the light energy into electric energy, which is then stored in the energy storage device. Thus, the tent not only blocks sunlight but also generates electricity therefrom.

Abstract: An intelligent outdoor sun shading device includes a shading system, an environmental sensor device and a functional controller. The shading system includes a supporting frame, a power source supported at the supporting frame, an awning frame suspendedly and movably supported by the supporting frame, and a sun shelter mounted to the awning frame to define a shading area under the sun shelter. The environmental sensor device is electrically linked to the power source and is installed to the shading system for detecting an environmental change of the shading system in responsive to the shading area thereof. The functional controller is electrically linked to the environmental sensor device and is operatively controlled the awning frame of the shading system, wherein when the functional controller receives a command signal from the environmental sensor device, the awning frame is automatically adjusted to regulate the shading area thereof in responsive to the environmental change of the shading system.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an assembly use with a wall where the assembly is selectively adjusted between a stored position, an awning position, and a screen room position. The assembly includes a bag configured to be removably attached to the wall, a canopy configured to be deployed from the bag, at least one base assembly attached to one of the bag or the wall, a plurality of poles removably attached to the at least one base assembly for supporting the canopy, and at least one sidewall removably engaging an edge of the canopy where the at least one sidewall is deployed in the screen room position. The bag is configured to receive at least one of the canopy, the plurality of poles, and the at least one sidewall, when the assembly is in the stored position.

Abstract: An outdoor apparatus, such as a table or tower with integrated air conditioning for providing thermally conditioned air to users. The apparatus disperses conditioned air to people in the vicinity, more specifically directing vents to both the people's head region and torso region. A fan within the pedestal has a fan inlet communicative with the ambient air inlet for drawing ambient air into the pedestal for thermal conditioning and also has a fan outlet communicative with the conditioned air outlets for supplying conditioned air to users. A heat exchanger is interposed between the ambient air inlet and the fan inlet, and a working fluid supply is fluidly communicative with the heat exchanger for thermally conditioning the ambient air. The tabletop embodiment enhances the cooling by utilizing the table to entrapping the conditioned air about the person's torso.

Abstract: A dual purpose portable apparatus is provided for carrying a harvested game animal or for providing a protective shelter for a person. The apparatus includes a housing formed of a flexible, foldable material defining a chamber therein, the chamber adapted to receive a body and head portion of the harvested game animal or the person seeking shelter therein. Openings are provided for receiving the hind and fore legs of the harvested game animal and a gap formed in a forward end of the housing allows for passage of the antlers. Edges of the housing are disposed above the openings when the housing is in a closed configuration so as to substantially retard leakage of fluid through the openings and between the edges of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to insecticide-impregnated nets made of textile fibers, which nets have a small mesh size, and their use for the protection against pests.

Abstract: A structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form at least one panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A water tube is attached to the fabric material and connected to a water supply, and a water outlet is coupled to the water tube.

Abstract: A bike rack having a plurality of bike supports arranged symmetrically about a vertical axis. The bike supports include an upper portion with a V-shaped cross-section. A valance is disposed over each of the plurality of bike supports.

Abstract: A top support structure of a tent frame includes a top pivot holder (1), to which a plurality of support poles (10) are pivotally coupled. An elastic member (9) is provided between each support pole and the pivot holder. The elastic member folds and stores elasticity energy when the tent frame is folded and automatically springs the support poles when the elasticity energy is released. A control holder (2) is pivotally coupled to the bottom of the pivot holder, and the control holder has lock pieces (211) which can prop the support poles up to limit their rotation and release grooves (212) adjacent to the lock pieces which can release the limitation. On the top of pivot grooves (12) of the pivot holder are provided with position-limited devices (D) to prevent the support poles from rotating upwards.