Abstract: A table umbrella apparatus having a base, an umbrella with an inner surface extending therealong, a tubular support affixed to and extending from the base and supporting the umbrella a desired distance above the base, and a fan connected to the tubular support. The fan has a fan blade mounted so as to rotate about a vertical axis. The fan directs air flow at least upwardly toward the umbrella. A motor is connected to the fan so as to rotate the fan blade in a desired direction. A baffle is affixed to umbrella so as to direct air from the fan along the inner surface of the umbrella. The umbrella has at least one adjustable slat extending outwardly from the inner surface so as to direct air flow from the fan to a desired location below the umbrella. A table is positioned around the tubular support and over the base.

Abstract: A collapsible blind and decoy apparatus (10) for attracting wild game wherein the apparatus (10) includes a blind/decoy unit (12) supported by a collapsible framework unit (11). The blind/decoy unit (12) includes a blind/decoy member (50) having a first sheet (51) of material (52) that is at least semi-transparent with a front surface (56) that is provided with an opaque decoy element (55) that is contoured, colored and configured to resemble a selected species of wild game for the purpose of attracting wild game towards the apparatus (10).

Abstract: A cam style hub and strut system for use in single panel fabric, cloth, or plastic units, or structures with an unlimited number of wall and/or roof panels. The purpose of the cam style hub is to compensate for certain fabric characteristics and to allow easier setup of structures containing flexible or rigid support struts connected to a central hub by lessening the distance of the diametrically opposing struts during assembly, and applying the force necessary to engage the self-supporting structure by engaging the cam, increasing the distance between the ends of the opposing struts. The amount the distance is increased can be dictated by materials used and the size of the panel. The hub may contain an optional “locking” feature activated when the hub cam is engaged for convenience and safety reasons. The principle can be used with any number of struts greater than one.

Abstract: A reconfigurable sun shade and shelter apparatus that includes a flexible shade cover that is substantially square attached to a plurality of support ribs and a central locking control hub, the support ribs each having an inside end that is pivotally connected to the central locking control hub and an outside end that is removably connected to the flexible shade cover, the central locking control hub further including locking pivot means for independently pivoting each of the plurality of support ribs such that each support pole can independently be positioned in any one of a plurality of pivot positions and be locked into that pivot position.

Abstract: A proposed wind and weather protection device is designed in the form of a collapsible pavilion. The collapsible pavilion is provided with a collapsible roof (1) formed from circular segments. In two preferential design variants, the maximum opening angle of the pavilion is 180°, 90° or 270°. The roof (1) consists of a central nodal element (2) on which several roof spars (11) are fixed. The roof spars (11) support a covering element (21) in the form of a circular segment. To extend the roof (1), at least one tensioning device is provided. The pavilion can have vertical side supports. Each side support is positioned at the outer end of each roof spar. Furthermore, the pavilion can be equipped with a side wall. A gathering device can be used to ensure that the covering element (21) does not hang too far down when folded.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter/tent, such as for example an umbrella tent, has a collapsible frame with a plurality of legs that are erected by manually moving two clevises toward one another. The shelter/tent includes an improved locking mechanism that very securely maintains the structure in an erected position. The improved locking mechanism includes a generally vertical pin extending from one of the clevises that is received inside a socket supported on the other of said clevises. The socket has an engaging member therein that can engage a groove in the generally vertical pin after said generally vertical pin has been inserted into said socket. Preferably, the engaging member is spring biased into the groove. The shelter/tent also includes a variety of novel frame structures. An erection device for erecting a collapsible tent is also included. The erection device includes an elongated pole and a slide member that can be used to control relative movement of the clevises toward and away from one another.

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: An adjustable umbrella apparatus is disclosed comprising an umbrella with a canopy and a rod. A connector is attached to the rod and has a pair of prongs extending therefrom. The connector is disposed within a channel formed in an umbrella base. The connector prongs are spring-loaded relative to the connector body within the channel and, when released, the prongs are urged through corresponding lock holes to retain the umbrella in a desired position relative to the umbrella base. When the spring-loaded prongs are compressed, the connector may be slid within the channel longitudinally or rotatably relative to the longitudinal axis of the channel. In this manner, the umbrella may be adjusted longitudinally and rotatably to a chosen orientation and held securely in place in that chosen orientation. The umbrella base is formed integral with or attachable to a framed chair such as a beach chair.

Abstract: A support framework for an umbrella-type tent, the tent including a fabric tent shell suspended from the support framework. The top and center hubs for the support framework are fabricated from a suitable material so as to provide increased strength to the top hub and the center hub. The fabric tent shell is tethered to the support framework to limit slippage of the fabric tent shell down the tent poles. The tent poles are segmented so as to provide foldable tent poles. A bungee cord keeper system is incorporated into the upper coupling for the segmented tent pole.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable static umbrella with a static mast (2) to which an arm (10) is secured by means of a hinge (12) allowing for the arm to be either adjusted into a use position or collapsed into a rest position and to be tipped about the hinge (12) tilting axle (14) perpendicular to the mast axis. The hinge (12) has toggle head (80) and a pair of shells (82, 82′) symmetrically inverted one to each other, encompassing the toggle head (80) therein and rotatably mounted about the tilting axle (14), while the pair of hinge shells (82, 82′) is provided with a length guide perpendicular to the tilting axle (14), in which the arm (10) is inserted.

Abstract: An umbrella skeleton is composed of a shaft, a runner fitted slidably over the shaft, a plurality of ribs arranged radially from the shaft such that ribs are fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the shaft, and a plurality of strut ribs fastened pivotally at one end thereof with the ribs and at other end thereof with the runner. The shaft is composed of a fiber-reinforced plastic core and a wooden sheath covering the core.

Abstract: The upright shade consists of an upright tube (1) and a shade structure made up of roof struts (7) which are joined to a mobile end crown (4) disposed at the top end of a push tube (3). Push tube (3) can be longitudinally displaced inside upright tube (1). Supporting struts (6) are provided, which are connected at their top ends to roof struts (7) in order to provide support, and at their bottom ends to a runner crown (5) which can be displaced along upright tube (1). Auxiliary struts (8) are also provided to coordinate the opening and closing movements of the roof struts (7) and supporting struts (6). Said auxiliary struts are articulated, and are arranged between a stationary crown (2) disposed at the top end of the upright tube, and the supporting struts (6). A steel or pneumatic spring is fitted inside upright tube (1) for partially automatic opening and closing of the shade. This allows end crown (4) to be moved in a partially automatic manner—i.e.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter/tent, such as for example an umbrella tent, has a collapsible frame with a plurality of legs that are erected by manually moving two clevises toward one another. The shelter/tent includes an improved locking mechanism that very securely maintains the structure in an erected position. The improved locking mechanism includes a generally vertical pin extending from one of the clevises that is received inside a socket supported on the other of said clevises. The socket has an engaging member therein that can engage a groove in the generally vertical pin after said generally vertical pin has been inserted into said socket. Preferably, the engaging member is spring biased into the groove. The shelter/tent also includes a variety of novel frame structures. An erection device for erecting a collapsible tent is also included. The erection device includes an elongated pole and a slide member that can be used to control relative movement of the clevises toward and away from one another.

Abstract: A compact umbrella anchor and method is disclosed that includes a bit with a pin member with an auger blade. The pin member has a small body to support the auger blade without interfering with operation of the larger blade surface. A retractable handle is built onto the tubular body of the umbrella anchor. The handle pivots between an open position and a closed position. Stops on the handle stop rotation at the open position so that the hand grips are directed radially outwardly. The handle has slots that are slightly undersized with respect to the tubular body or in other words the cross-section is slightly greater than a semi-circle, so as to cause the grips to snap gently into the closed position. An umbrella pole can be telescopically interconnected with the tubular body of the umbrella anchor.

Abstract: A portable shade device having dome shaped supporting structure of elongate, tubular members. An umbrella having UV blocking properties is clamped to the supporting structure with a clamping device that allows the umbrella to be positioned so as to provide shade to occupants of the device at all times of the day. A side wall member may also be attached to protect against reflected rays from water or sand. Additionally, a floor may form part of the device.

Abstract: A remotely or manually actuated electrically operated umbrella for use with larger canopies in outdoor settings like restaurants. The umbrella uses a gear and chain drive system to urge upward a traveling rod that in turn actuates a bracket to open and close the spokes of the umbrella. The rod is controlled by movements of a pulley turned by a motor. Two actuator pieces in connection with the pulley will contact "up" and "down" switches in order to automatically cut off the motor once the canopy has been closed or opened as the case may be.

Abstract: A free-standing ceiling structure including an elongate column member having a bottom end and a top end. A plurality of primary arms are attached to the column member and extend radially therefrom. Each primary arm includes first and second sub-arms extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of peripheral panel members are respectively attached to and supported by a primary arm and by the sub-arms attached to the primary arm. A plurality of central canopy members are attached to and supported by the primary arms. A plurality of secondary arms extend radially from the column member and are located below the primary arms. The outer end of each secondary arm includes a light fixture. The column member includes one or more utility devices for providing environmental control and communication services.

Abstract: A quick-erecting tent includes a collapsible frame and a canopy that is slidably connected to the frame. When the tent is erected, male and female structures will mate. These structures can be fastened together to prevent the tent from collapsing inadvertently. Stake rings are attached to the canopy using an elastic connection.

Abstract: An umbrella screen enclosure system for use with an outdoor umbrella providing a tether system that is attachable to the umbrella and is configured to form an exoskeleton over the umbrella. The exoskeleton is formed by affixing a plurality of individual tethers to the umbrella and over the spines of the umbrella. Also provided is a screening system that is attached to the exoskeleton by the use of coacting fasteners.

Abstract: In the case of the parasol or sunshade the bearing forces for holding the awning (1) are transferred laterally by means of an awning bar (3') constructed as a supporting arm, so that the said forces are transferred by means of its associated spreader bar (4') laterally to the central shaft of its spreading open device (5) and from the latter to the other awning bars (4). For this purpose, adjacent to the edge of the awning (1), the awning bar (3') is pivotably retained on a joint (10), which is provided on a holding device (9) displaceable on the parasol post or pole (6). The awning (1) is opened with the aid of a rope (12), which passes from a fixing point (13) below the holding device (9) to a spreading open device (5) located on the parasol top (2). By an upward sliding of the holding device (9) and simultaneous swinging out of the awning bar (3') away from the post (6), a tensile stress occurs on the rope (12) and as a result the awning (1) is opened.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind for attachment to an aiming device, such as an archery bow, a firearm, or other hunting device. The portable blind is a camouflage screen supported by a frame of stay rods extending from a central block. The central block has a first set of sockets for receiving the stay rods in an orientation in which the screen is extended and a second set of sockets for receiving the stay rods in an orientation in which the screen is collapsed. The blind is mounted to the bow or other aiming device by a mounting frame that allows the support frame and camouflage screen to be folded out of the way when carrying the aiming device. Alternative mounting frames are shown for a bow, for a firearm, and for a camera.

Abstract: A shading device includes an abbreviated height umbrella having a articulating ball attachment structure on both its upper and lower sides and attached to a pivoting arm through a series of universal connectors and joints having spherical articulating balls secured in articulating ball joints with tension force provided by joint retention screws. The umbrella can be either supported from the bottom or suspended from the top, to provide maximum articulation. A tripod folding stand has a body having an upper ribbed member for engagement with the clamp, and a series of three legs pivotally attached at an upper portion of the body and struts attached at a lower portion between the legs and body. The ends of the legs have pivotal spikes which can be pivoted to an open direction and directed into dirt or sand or other material, or used as hold down extensions.

Abstract: An umbrella supported by a mast located alongside the umbrella canopy. The umbrella canopy includes a radial arm connected to an element slidably mounted along the mast. A brace pivotably attaches to the arm and extends to the top of the mast. A flexible line extends from a winder within the mast, over a fixed pulley located at the top of a mast, a second pulley mounted on the sliding element, and then travels through the arm and around a third pulley located at the central region of the umbrella. This line operates the opening mechanism of the umbrella, and also selectively moves the slider element along the mast to adjust the tilt of the canopy assembly.

Abstract: A shade assembly engagable with a vehicle of a type including a body bounding a compartment for accommodating occupants, the shade assembly comprising a canopy, a support structure coupled with the canopy, a support member operably coupled with the support structure for moving the support structure from a first position to a second position for moving the canopy from a closed position to an open position, and an engagement mechanism for detachably engaging the support member with the body of the vehicle, the canopy to extend outwardly from the support member in the open position to substantially shade the compartment of the vehicle exteriorly of the compartment.

Abstract: An animal umbrella that is adaptable to a conventional animal harness and collar. The animal umbrella includes a saddle, saddle attaching apparatus, a vertical shank, vertical shank attaching apparatus, and a foldable canopy. The saddle is detachably mounted to the conventional animal harness and is pivotally mounted to the conventional animal collar. The saddle has a lower surface. The saddle attaching apparatus detachably mounts the saddle to the conventional animal harness. The vertical shank has a proximal end with a cross section and a distal end with a cross section. The vertical shank is detachably mounted to the saddle at the proximal end of the vertical shank. The vertical shank attaching apparatus detachably mounts the vertical shank to the saddle. And, the foldable canopy is mounted to the distal end of the vertical shank.

Abstract: An anchoring device particularly for securement of an umbrella, and may also be used in soft or hard materials. The anchoring device is comprised of a tubular body having an outer surface and an upper end and a tapering lower end, the lower end includes a penetrating tip extending longitudinally from the tubular body, the penetrating tip further having a plurality of lateral extensions capable of breaking hard ground, and a plurality of laterally extending baffles about the outer surface of the lower end of the tubular body, each of the baffles having a front edge proximal and a rear edge distal to the lower end of the tubular body. The front edges are substantially the same distance from the penetrating tip, whereby the lateral extensions break the ground or material preceding the front edges of the baffles as the body rotates.

Abstract: A combination beach towel, tote bag and beach umbrella system including a towel member, an umbrella member and an umbrella support. The towel member has a towel perimeter edge defining a towel shape, a drawstring sleeve provided adjacent to the towel perimeter, and a draw string having a first and second drawstring end positioned through the drawstring sleeve with the first and second drawstring ends extending out from the drawstring sleeve. The umbrella member has an umbrella perimeter defining an umbrella shape corresponding to the towel shape in a manner such that the umbrella perimeter and the towel perimeter can be placed in registration and four elongated, tubular shaped, fabric, pole attachment sleeves open at both ends thereof, each pole attachment sleeve attached to a first side of the umbrella member and extending from the umbrella perimeter radially toward the center of the umbrella member. The umbrella member and the towel members are securable together along their perimeters.

Abstract: The umbrella frame is provided with a movable yoke at the upper end and a stationary yoke at an intermediate point. Ribs are pivotally mounted on the movable yoke and struts are pivotally mounted on the fixed yoke while being pivotally mounted to intermediate points on the ribs. A downward movement of the upper yoke causes the ribs to splay outwardly so as to open the umbrella. An articulated lever and link arrangement is connected to one rib and strut unit so that actuation of the lever causes the upper yoke to be pulled downwardly to open the umbrella. Passage of the lever by a bottom dead center position effects locking of the movable yoke in the lowered position.

Abstract: A two layers half automatic foldable tent is comprised of a framework, an umbrella surface, and a tent cloth. The framework is enclosed on the outside of the tent, while the umbrella surface is expanded on the framework above the tent cloth, wherein the framework is presented as an expanding structure. The opening and closing of the umbrella frame is completed by a controlling rope. Any user may easily install the tent, the lower primary frame of the umbrella frame may be folded upwards as the framework is closed, thus it may be stored conveniently and may be carried. Another, since in the present invention, the umbrella surface and tent cloth are designed as the two layers type thus the sunlight, rain water and snow will not contact the tent directly, and the people within the tent will be safe and comfortable and the lifetime of a tent is prolonged.

Abstract: A sun shade assembly (10) includes a shade means (11) including a flexible cover (13) attached to a plurality of support arms (14), the support arms being movable from a lowered position in which the cover is in a stowed attitude and a raised position in which the cover is in an operative shading attitude, and support means (12) having a mounting base (16) and a support structure (15) upstanding from said mounting base and extending in part above said shade means (11) for supporting said shade means offset from said mounting base, and a plurality of cables (44) connected to respective ones of the support arms (14) and disposed above the cover for maintaining the cover in the operative shading attitude.

Abstract: An umbrella includes an elongated stick for connecting a handle to a cano and an elastic-driven mechanism for controlling operation of the canopy between an open end position and a closed end position by moving a slide mechanism, which is linked to the canopy, relative to the stick. The elastic is set under tension when the canopy occupies one of the end positions to bias the slide mechanism so that the canopy seeks the other end position. A latch releasably locks the slide mechanism when the canopy occupies the one end position.

Abstract: A combination umbrella and gazebo that can be used as an umbrella or a gazebo. The combination includes a frame, a canopy, and a side. The canopy is affixed to the frame and has an open position and a closed position. The side is affixed to the canopy and has an extended position in which the combination functions as the gazebo and a retracted position in which the combination functions as the umbrella. And, the side achieves its extended and retracted positions by turning a crank which causes a first cord that is operatively connected to eight second cords which are operatively connected to eight third cords which are operatively connected to the side to displace half as much as each of the eight third cords so as to reduce the amount of turning of the crank required to lower and raise the side.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, water proof canopy especially adapted for use in a tree is provided. A flexible, collapsible frame is detachably coupled to the canopy along its perimeter. Means for suspending the canopy from a tree is disposed near the center of the canopy. Sufficient canopy material is provided so that when the canopy is suspended from the tree at said means, the canopy assumes an approximately conical shape. A user perched in a tree underneath the canopy is thereby partially protected from inclement weather.

Abstract: An umbrella holder includes a container adapted to receive an umbrella handle. A clamp secures the container to a frame member of a golf cart or the like. A lever support has a pair of opposing arms connected on opposite sides of a slot formed in the container. A latch or lever is positioned between the opposing arms and is pivotable about a pivot axis extending therebetween. The latch has a boss that is receivable in a locking aperture formed in one of the opposing arms. A protrusion formed on the latch is moveable into the container via the slot in response to pivoting the latch between the opposing arms. The protrusion and the inside wall of the container coact to form an interstice smaller than the diameter of the umbrella handle when the boss is received in the receiving aperture.

Abstract: A cantilevered umbrella is supported from the apron of a pool by means of a base tube mounted in the apron, either horizontally just below the level of the deck formed by the apron, or vertically in the deck surface.

Abstract: A patio set including having a table having an upper surface and an opening in the upper surface, and an umbrella positionable within the opening in the table. The umbrella includes a shaft dimensioned to be inserted into the opening in the table, and a canopy having an upper end that is slidable relative to the shaft. Preferably, the canopy is movable between a raised position adjacent an upper end of the shaft and a lowered position adjacent a midportion of the shaft. A skirt extends down from the canopy and is movable relative to the canopy between a retracted position and an extended position. The skirt is designed to be in the retracted position when the canopy is in the raised position, thereby allowing standard use of the patio set, and is designed to be in the extended position when the canopy is in the lowered position, thereby providing substantially complete coverage to the table and chairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a canopy kit comprising a plurality of elongated pipes and a series of corner connectors and a package for containing the various kit components. An elongated container is provided and the various components of the kit, including the corner connectors and pipes, are disposed within the container such that the components of the kit structurally reinforce the total package and wherein the individual corner connectors are strategically disposed throughout the package so as to support the elongated pipes.

Abstract: A base used to support an overhead pole and canopy or umbrella. The base has a strong lower magnet and two spaced vertical members each of which has a plurality of pin positioning and retaining holes. A pivotally connected support arm is positioned between the vertical members and pivotally attached to the base at its lower end. A pole with a canopy may be mounted on the support arm's other upper end and oriented at a desired angle by inserting a pin into a positioning hole. A flexible gooseneck is provided in the pole's segments to join them together and permit added angular adjustments to the mounted attached canopy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a canopy operator for a supported canopy structure of the type having a support structure and an openable canopy attached to the support structure. The canopy operator comprises a conduit and a plurality of support ribs extending from the conduit to support the canopy. The support ribs comprise stiffenable tubes in communication with the conduit, the conduit and stiffenable tubes comprising a conduit system. A supply of non-gaseous material is in the conduit system, and the canopy operator also includes a pump for changing the pressure in the conduit system. The pump may be used to open the canopy by creating a vacuum in one embodiment or by pumping hydraulic fluid into the system in another embodiment. Support rods may extend alongside the stiffenable tubes. The support structure may be a central pole, as in a typical umbrella, or may be a structure such as a solid wall, edge or frame.

Abstract: A strutless umbrella includes a central post, either an inner plunger or tube, a canopy assembly including ribs pivotally mounted on the upper end of the central post. Links connect the ribs to the inner plunger or tube. Movement of one of the ribs moves the plunger or tube which moves the remaining ribs. A latch pin holds the umbrella in the open position.

Abstract: The umbrella frame is provided with a movable yoke at the upper end and a stationary yoke at an intermediate point. Ribs are pivotally mounted on the movable yoke and struts are pivotally mounted on the fixed yoke while being pivotally mounted to intermediate points on the ribs. A downward movement of the upper yoke causes the ribs to splay outwardly so as to open the umbrella. A crank mechanism is connected to the upper yoke via a cord so that upon cranking of the crank mechanism in one direction, the upper yoke is pulled downwardly to open the umbrella. A clutch assembly is also provided in the crank assembly to lock the crank assembly against the weight of the ribs and cover while allowing a reverse rotation of the crank mechanism under a manually applied force to permit the umbrella to close under the weight of the ribs and cover.

Abstract: An umbrella net for use in covering a patio umbrella, the umbrella net having an upper panel having a peripheral edge and a sleeve provided along the peripheral edge. The sleeve has an exposed section, and a first opening and a second opening positioned about the exposed section. The umbrella net further includes a drawstring held within the sleeve and having a first end extending from the first opening and a second end extending from the second opening. The umbrella net also has a wall panel having a top edge connected to the peripheral edge of the upper panel and a bottom edge, the wall panel being adapted to enclose a space defined under the patio umbrella. The drawstring may be used to adjust the height of the wall panel with respect to the ground.

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 hurricane shelter generally comprising a dome shaped cover and a cylindrically shaped base wall, designed to be sufficiently small and aesthetically pleasing to enable it to be located without difficulty near a home or a trailer and provide quick access to needed shelter in times of emergency. At other times, the dome can be raised on its own central column above the base wall to form an umbrella-like covering over the base wall. The column is designed to support a table top, making it possible to convert this safety structure into a shaded outdoor table, or in the case of a large shelter unit, into a gazebo, a useful addition to a home throughout the entire year in areas subject to hurricanes.

Abstract: A tent frame device comprising a hub from which radiates a multiplicity of ribs when the device is in use. The hub is provided with a multiplicity of retaining portions which extend in a tangential direction and which are spaced apart around the hub. A multiplicity of abutment portions are positioned outwardly of the retaining portions respectively. Respective rib-end portions are provided with respective recesses which are open in an intended upward direction and which receive the retaining portions respectively when the device is in use. The undersides of the rib-end portions abut the abutment portions. The invention extends to a tent frame comprising such a hub device and a multiplicity of ribs which radiate from the hub when the device is in use. It also extends to a frame having ribs which can each be folded at one or more joints having engagement means which maintain the relative orientation of the different parts of the rib.

Abstract: A stiff supportive covering with an attached net-like material that forms a tent-like enclosure for protection from flying insects when the stiff supportive covering is positioned atop a conventional umbrella in an open position and the net-like material is extended to the ground. The stiff supportive covering is preferably a circular-shaped plastic material and defines a relatively small circular opening permitting passage therethrough of the uppermost end of the conventional portable umbrella's supporting pole. The net-like material is attached about the circumference of the covering and has a length sufficient to extend to the ground. The net-like material has a plurality of weights attached at a lower edge thereby to retain the net-like material in contact with the ground.

Abstract: A stabilizing camouflaging blind which is attachable to an archery bow by means of a stabilizing rod adapted to fit the archery bow's stabilizer mounting hole. The stabilizer rod includes a round bracket and a sliding bracket to which the blinds support arms are attached. Included also is a camouflage curtain which attaches to the support arms and contains a sight window. The movement of the sliding bracket, which causes the support arms to extend and retract, determines the tautness of the camouflage curtain (ie: curtain is tightest when sliding bracket is in its foremost position). In addition, a predrilled hole, which is positioned to be below the sliding bracket in its foremost position, allows for the insertion of a security pin to hold the blind in its open position.

Abstract: A cantilevered canopy has four elements including an umbrella, a pole, a mounting bar and an anchoring means and can be mounted on the side of a swimming pool, or adjacent an area of utilization so as to afford shading protection to the user at a location remote from the point of support.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure for a cover means (8). The structure includes at least three apex poles (1) with first ends pivotally connected together (2) so that in use the poles are movable between a raised configuration in which the opposite ends (7) of the apex poles extend outwardly to create a pyramid shaped frame and a collapsed configuration. There are pairs of perimeter poles (6) with each pair forming an inverted V between the opposite ends of adjacent apex poles when in the raised position.