Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a wind umbrella, for providing a wind barrier with the functionality and convenience of an umbrella. The wind umbrella includes a central post, a spine assembly comprising a plurality of ribs and support rods, and a covering. Further, the wind umbrella includes a surface spike, multiple connectors, multiple hinges and multiple joints, which enable it as a collapsible device and securely anchor the wind umbrella in a surface. In operation, the present invention provides a user a lightweight, half umbrella like, portable device which when opened lays horizontally on the surface extending a barrier, generally quarter sphere in shape, perpendicularly from the ground up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the joints, using a unified protective joint cap, of jointed building panel systems having a plurality of building panels. The unified sealing member is applied on top of the jointing means of the panel system wherein no modifications or alternations of the jointing means is required. As such, the protective joint cap may be applied directly to a jointing system in need of repair without the requirement of resealing the jointing system. Furthermore, the protective joint cap does not require an anchoring means to be installed prior to application. The protective joint cap further preferably contains an incorporated extrusion suitable for maintaining a bead of liquified elastomeric sealant, such as RTV, which may be applied prior to the sealing member's installation.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete panel for use in forming the walls, floor, roof, ceiling, and/or foundation of a building is provided. The prefabricated concrete panel includes a concrete slab, a metal mesh embedded in the slab, an insulating panel adjacent to a surface of the concrete slab, one or more studs, upper and lower U-shaped tracks, and one or more connectors attached to the studs. A method of making the prefabricated concrete panels and a method of constructing a building using the prefabricated concrete panels are provided.

Abstract: A stake assembly includes a spike having a first end and a second end defining a longitudinal axis of the stake assembly. A flange is connected at the second end of the spike and extends laterally therefrom and defines the upper end of the substantially inflexible portion of the stake assembly. A resilient fastening member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly therefrom and is resilient in both lateral and longitudinal directions. A controlling member is connected to the spike, extends upwardly and is connected to the second end of the resilient fastening member. A tether or leash may be fastened to the second end of the resilient fastening member.

Abstract: A simple hanging parasol includes a hanging shank, and a parasol body combined beside the shank. The shank has a fix base fixed on top, a slide sleeve fitting movably around the shank. The parasol body has a plurality of ribs, a plurality of spreaders, a canopy, an upper ring, a lower ring, and an elastic pulling member. The ribs have inner ends pivotally connected radially with the upper ring located at the center of the canopy and one outer end pivotally connected with the slide sleeve. The lower ring has a tubular member to fit with a conical insert rod of the upper ring to keep the ribs expanded to support the canopy in expanding the parasol, and to separate from the insert rod in collapsing the parasol to lie along beside the shank. The pulling member pulls the lower ring to let the tubular member of the lower ring automatically fit with the insert rod of the upper ring in expanding the parasol.

Abstract: A connector (20) for quickly and easily connecting an anchor strap (50) having an upper end (52) and a lower end (56) to a sidewall bracket (73) of a manufactured home (70); the sidewall bracket 70 having an elongate horizonal slot (77). Connector (20) includes a central portion (22) including a cut (44) for connecting strap (50). An attachment portion (30), including a neck (31) and a head (34), is adapted to be maneuverable for easy attachment to slot (77). Attached connector (20) is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to an attached tensioned strap (50). A connector assembly (10) includes strap (50) already attached to connector (20). The method of using connector assembly (10) includes attaching strap (50) to an anchor (80).

Abstract: This invention is for a type of mechanism for umbrella self lock operation. It is composed of the swinging mechanism, lifting mechanism, stopping mechanism and clutch mechanism. Among them, the clutch mechanism includes a spooler with a hole in the middle section for rope to pass through. On the axial, there are stopper rings and elastic flexible keys. The front end of the spooler has screw thread section. The clutch axle box shall have ratchet and the on the ring diameter, there is positioning threads. It enters through the front-end thread section of the spooler. It will make the ratchet section and the elastic flexible keys joint together under normal conditions. Through handgrip thread, it joints together with the front-end thread section of the spooler. It will control the left and right rotating movement. Use pressure to engage the joint of axle box and the thread of the front cover, it forms auto self lock performance.

Abstract: A tensioned structure such as a house is disclosed. The house includes at least one wall panel placed under tension by bending the wall panel from a flat form to a curved form. The tension provides rigidity and thus strength to the wall panel. In a preferred form, the house includes two tensioned wall panels with the concave faces of the wall panels confronting each other such that a generally circular residential house is formed. A counter to oppose the tension engages the wall panels. The counter may include a roof or rafter support network, a portion of the floor or floor support, the wall panels themselves where the end edges of the wall panels are engaged to each other, or stainless steel straps running about the wall panels. The wall panel may be include material such as oriented strand board, steel, cement, plastic, or organic material such as grass.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted umbrella support is provided for use with a vehicle having a hitch receiver at the rearward end thereof. A hitch bar is selectively receivably mounted in the receiver and has a clevis secured to its rearward end. A support bar is selectively adjustably pivotally secured to the clevis and extends therefrom. The inner end of the support bar has a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed therein which are adapted to be selectively registered with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed in the clevis. A U-shaped locking pin is extended between the clevis and the support bar to lock the support bar in various positions with respect to the hitch bar. A hollow tube is secured to the outer end of the support bar and receives the pole of the umbrella therein. The umbrella may be pivotally moved from side to side with respect to the vehicle and may be moved towards the vehicle or away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp for controlling uplift on a metal roof. The clamp includes a unitary mounting body having a slot extending therethrough. This slot may be positioned over/about a standing seam on a metal roof and be appropriately secured thereto, such as by the use of blunt-nosed screws which engage the seam material.

Abstract: To produce a silo or tank, plates provided with joining flanges are made, both plates and flanges being produced from aluminium alloy. The plates are joined to one another in order to form rings, and said rings are joined to one another in order to form a silo or tank. In order to make the said joins between the shaped plates and between the rings watertight, according to the present invention sealing mastic is applied in a channel formed by two adjoining recesses, each made in the outward-facing free end of one of two flanges engaging on one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick type umbrella with reinforced frame including a shaft, which connects with a frame having several sets, such as six sets or eight sets, of main ribs and stretchers. The frame is to provide with two different rib-set structures alternately on the frame. One set is to provide a cord between a middle position of the stretcher and an outer position of the main rib, and the other set is to provide a movable joint at the outer end of the stretcher positioned on the relative main rib between two fixed rings. As the cord pulls the main rib tight and the movable joint functions on the main rib to release wind pressure, the stick type umbrella with the present invention can be quite useful and is capable of avoiding breakage.

Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for automatic opening umbrella, which mainly includes a runner having a middle connector and a lower connector. A main rib of umbrella frame has its inner end to connect with the upper joint. A supporting rib has its inner end to connect with the middle connector of the runner and has its outer end to connect with middle position of the main rib. A spring has its inner end to connect with the lower connector and has its outer end to connect with the outer end of the supporting rib. The spring will be tensioned as the umbrella is folded to provide a recovery force for automatic opening the umbrella.

Abstract: There is a walking cane, for supporting and balancing a user, and allowing a user to retard forward motion. The walking cane includes a base, having a wheel rotatably coupled thereto. The cane further includes a braking member, coupled to and positioned relatively above the base, having a contact portion that contacts the wheel to retard the wheel's rotation when a threshold downward force is applied to the cane.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: A chamfer for forming precast concrete wall panels used in tilt-up construction. The chamfer includes an elongate base portion and at least one chamfer portion coextensive with the lengthwise direction of the elongate base portion. The base portion defines a substantially horizontal base plane. The chamfer portion includes a first leg disposed upstanding relative to the base portion, and a second leg portion angularly disposed relative the first leg. The second leg further includes at least one flexible edge that projects beyond at least the base plane or the plane defined by the lengthwise direction extension of the first leg. Depending on which part of the second leg the edge is cantilevered from, it forms a sealed relationship between the chamfer and a casting surface, the chamfer and a plank used as part of the wall form, or both.

Abstract: Collapsible structures include one or more add-on panels chat are coupled to the underlying collapsible structure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, and utility of these collapsible structures. Each of these collapsible structures incorporate at least one foldable frame member, and fabric covering portions of the frame member. The collapsible structures can be collapsed into a smaller configuration by twisting and folding the at least one frame member.