Abstract: Tents are disclosed herein. A tent includes a plurality of support frames, each support frame being bent in a shape of an arch and having two ends configured to be fixed on a ground surface when the tent is assembled. Each support frame crosses over at least one other support frame when the tent is assembled. Each support frame is positioned such that the ends of the support frame are positioned on non-adjacent vertices of a polygonal base surface when the tent is assembled.

Abstract: A labor-saving tent frame includes an upper hub, a lower hub and a drawstring structure, wherein the upper hub is articulated with inner ends of a plurality of long ribs, the lower hub is articulated with inner ends of a plurality of short ribs, and outer ends of the short ribs are articulated with middle portions of the long ribs in one-to-one correspondence; the tent frame further includes a long-short-rib articulated torsion spring provided with a first force arm of the torsion spring and a second force arm of the torsion spring, and the long rib and the short rib are fixed to the first force arm and the second force arm of the torsion spring respectively; the drawstring structure includes a drawstring with which the upper hub and the lower hub may be pulled closer, and two pulling ends of the drawstring hang down below the lower hub.

Abstract: A shade canopy, particularly a shade canopy having an upper canopy and a lower canopy, is described. The shade canopy includes an upper canopy and a lower canopy. The lower canopy includes lower canopy sections radially disposed about a central portion of the upper canopy. Each of the lower canopy sections includes opposing end portions attached to the upper canopy. Each of the lower canopy sections also includes a middle portion extending between the opposing end portions, where the middle portion hangs belong the upper canopy.

Abstract: An easily portable and quick to assemble and disassemble windscreen for use with a vehicle such as a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A central bidirectional rotation locking mechanism for a folding tent includes a lock rod, an upper lock plate, and a lower lock plate assembly. The lower lock plate assembly includes a first lower plate, an unlocking plate, and a second lower plate. An elastic locking member and an unlocking mechanism used to control the elastic locking member to perform locking are disposed in the unlocking plate. The elastic locking member is used to lock the lock rod, and the unlocking plate is capable of bidirectional rotation. When the unlocking plate rotates, the unlocking mechanism is enabled to unlock the elastic locking member and the lock rod.

Abstract: A system includes a topper support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the topper support is configured for operative coupling to an upper end of an umbrella. The second end is positioned above the upper end of the umbrella when the first end is coupled to the upper end of the umbrella. The second end of the topper support is configured for operative coupling to an accessory topper. A system includes an umbrella, an accessory topper, and a topper support. The topper support is configured for operatively coupling the accessory topper to the umbrella. A system includes an umbrella, an accessory topper, and an adapter. The adapter is configured for operatively coupling the accessory topper to the umbrella. A system includes an umbrella having an accessory topper as a permanent component of the umbrella.

Abstract: A lightweight shelter for hikers that uses two trekking poles for support. This shelter includes an outer canopy (or “fly”) that is rectangle shaped at the base, and a sleeping area which is uniquely positioned on a diagonal relative to the rectangular outer wall. This shelter also includes a ridgeline supported by two trekking poles which are positioned on the crossing diagonal to the sleeping area and inwards from the base of the outer wall such that this shelter can erect into a stable position without additional support beyond what is provided by the canopy.

Abstract: A foldable canopy and method of use. The foldable canopy may include a foldable base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side and substantially parallel therewith; a foldable canopy portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; and wherein the first end of the foldable canopy portion may be attached to the first side of the foldable base portion and the second end of the foldable canopy portion may be attached to the second side of the foldable base portion, and wherein the foldable canopy portion may be attached to the foldable base portion such that in an unfolded state the foldable canopy portion is substantially arch shaped.

Abstract: A novel umbrella includes a support post, a housing supported thereby, spokes pivotally disposed about the housing, a canopy, and an actuator. The housing has a top hub and a bottom hub. The actuator slides the hubs together to pivot the spokes away from the housing, whereby the umbrella moves from a closed position to an open position. Rollers are retained within the top hub, and each spoke has a spoke cam attached to one end. The spokes pivot away from the housing by having a roller surface of each spoke cam slide along each respective roller. The actuator may include a beam pivotally disposed about the support post, a strut pivotally disposed about the support post and coupled to the beam, a car slide slideably disposed within the beam, and a cable coupled to the strut and the housing.

Abstract: A device for providing a storage mechanism to an assistive device is presented. The assistive device has a handle, a shaft and a ferrule. The assistive device provides the means for transferring of weight from a person to the ferrule. The storage mechanism, has a frame, a plurality of sides, a bottom and a top. The storage mechanism provides an area storing items while using the assistive device. The device has a coupling means that has a first clip and a second clip. The first clip is coupled to the second clip. Further, the first clip is securely coupled to the assistive device and the second clip is securely coupled to the storage mechanism. The storage mechanism may have a strap, preferably Velcro, that can be used to securely couple the bottom of the storage mechanism to the shaft of the assistive device.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter is presented. The collapsible shelter includes a bracket. The bracket include a socket for receiving an end of a pole for supporting the collapsible shelter. The bracket also includes a handle for receiving a fastener. The collapsible shelter also includes multiple legs for supporting the collapsible shelter. The bracket is coupled to one of the multiple legs.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the rain and sun protection of a golf cart roof using a rain and sun shield device. The rain and sun shield for a covered golf cart is semi-permanently attached to the roof of a golf cart. The device is easy to install; will retrofit to any standard golf cart roof; does not interfere with the parking and storing profile (i.e. are sized to fit within the perimeter of any standard golf cart roof when in the closed position) of a fleet of golf carts. The device is easily opened and closed to provide the golf cart user with added sun and rain protection when in use.

Abstract: A tent system includes a base system, a canopy, and one or more interconnecting members. The base system includes a first base member configured to mount to a vehicle, a second base member, and a hinge pivotally attaching the first base member to the second base member. The canopy includes a flexible membrane having a membrane edge and a canopy fastener coupled to at least a portion of the membrane edge and configured to mate with an interconnecting member fastener. The one or more interconnecting members include an interconnecting member body defining a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, an attachment member, and the interconnecting member fastener attached to the interconnecting member body along the second longitudinal edge and configured to mate with a plurality of different canopy fasteners.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a shade structure is presented. The tensioning system comprises a shade membrane coupling portion configured to couple to a shade membrane of the shade structure. The tensioning system also comprises a movement axis, along which the shade membrane coupling portion moves. In a first direction, the shade membrane coupling portion applies tension to the shade membrane and, in a second direction, releases tension applied to the shade membrane. The tensioning system also comprises a force translation mechanism configured to receive a rotational force and translate it into linear movement of the shade membrane coupling portion along the movement axis in the first and second direction.

Abstract: The invention features a shade apparatus adapted to provide shade to an individual or individuals while they are outside and in need of shade from sunlight. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention contemplate a shade apparatus that is easily portable and easily adapted to the sun's changing positions, thereby providing the individual/user with shade from sunlight.

Abstract: A shelter or tent having at least a pair of outer cover panels each upwardly extending from an outer cover panel lower edge to an outer cover ridgeline and a vestibule panel coupled to the outer cover panels which slidably couples to a tensioned guyline to travel between a vestibule closed condition and a vestibule open condition.

Abstract: A modular canopy structure is disclosed. The modular canopy structure may utilize component parts of industry standard scaffolding portions attached to a specifically designed bow beam (roof support portion). The bow beam mates with industry standard scaffolding portions that form a side wall of the canopy structure. Construction of the canopy structure (e.g., on-site assembly) is simplified over prior art temporary structures and the disclosed canopy structure provides strength and near 100% water resistance as well as other improvements based, in part, on sidewall sleeves, overlapping techniques, material usage, and other design considerations. In some cases, the disclosed canopy structure may be suitable for onsite construction projects (including welding), temporary housing in a disaster, or as a suitable temporary to semi-permanent structure for outdoor events (e.g., wedding, party, temporary building).

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, the collapsible structure includes a plurality of hinges and a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels are swingably connected by the plurality of hinges so as to form at least one arch when the collapsible structure is in an erected state and so as to become at least one stack of the plurality of panels in a collapsed state. The panels allow for the collapsible structure to maintain its structural integrity when erected but to have a compact and transportable configuration when collapsed.

Abstract: A canopy tension system for an umbrella. The umbrella comprises a frame having a pole with a rib assembly at one end, the rib assembly comprising a plurality of ribs an end cap assembly attached to a distal end of each rib, the end cap assembly including a channel with an adjustable depth for receiving the rib; and a canopy attached to the end cap assembly of each rib of the frame. The end cap assemblies are adapted to modify the tension of the canopy to prevent excessive or insufficient tension when the canopy is mounted by adjusting the depth of one or more channels before the distal end of the rib is inserted.

Abstract: A walking stick and a method of its use are described. A broad, flat, rigid base with a non-slip material adhered and/or affixed to the broad, flat, rigid base that extends out from a pivoting point. This pivoting point rotates 180 degrees around each of the three geometric axes, X, Y and Z. The broad, flat, rigid base can thus adjust to any angle in any direction, allowing it to conform upon contact and to lay flat against a sloped surface such as a pitched roof. A handle/support extends up from the pivoting point. A walker holds, controls and moves the roofing walking stick using the handle/support. With each movement, the broad, flat, rigid base with non-slip material adhered and/or affixed to the broad, flat, rigid base conforms upon contact and lays flat against the sloped surface giving the walker who is controlling the handle/support stability and traction while negotiating even a steep sloped surface such as the pitched roof of a structure.