Abstract: A vehicle attached shielding assembly for protecting a user from the elements includes a base that is configured to couple to a vehicle proximate to a door of the vehicle. An umbrella is coupled to the base. The umbrella is selectively configurable in a stowed configuration, wherein the umbrella is positioned such that the vehicle is drivable. The umbrella also is selectively configurable in an extended configuration, wherein the umbrella is configured to shield a user who is positioned under the umbrella from elements, such as sunshine and rain. In the extended configuration, the umbrella also is configured to prevent the elements from entering the vehicle when the door and a window that is coupled to the door are opened.

Abstract: A cane comprises a handle, a foot, and a flexible flat spring member connecting the handle and the foot. The flexible flat spring member may be positioned to flex forwardly in a direction of travel of a user. The handle end may project rearward from a vertical center of the flat spring member. The cane may further comprise a flexible tube shrouding the flat spring member. The cane may further comprise a rigid strut member aligned with the flat spring member for selectively locking the flat spring member into a rigid condition and a first notch positioned for selectively engaging a lower end of the rigid strut member, such that the flat spring member is locked into a rigid condition when the lower end of the rigid strut member is engaged with the first notch.

Abstract: A portable shelter with low emissivity is provided for sheltering materials or human occupants at a remote location. The shelter has a flexible, multi-layer cover, including a vinyl material, reflective material located inside and immediately adjacent to the vinyl material, and insulation material located inside the reflective material. The low-? vinyl cover is lightweight and thermally efficient. The shelter may be adapted for use with interior-climate control equipment at the remote location.

Abstract: A device for providing hands-optional mobility to a visually impaired toddler is disclosed. The device has a frame with vertical rods that connect to a toddler's body with a fastener. Curved surfaces at the distal ends of the rods slide along the floor and transmit tactile sensations to the toddler. Advantageously, the vertical rods are sufficiently flexible that the toddler cannot utilize the rods as walking aids.

Abstract: A portable, insulated shelter consists of flexible inner and outer layers, lightweight fabric panels located therebetween, and connected to each other, a suitable support frame, and a system, such as a HVAC unit and a suitable connector, for actively controlling the interior environment of the shelter. The shelter may be used to protect and provide livable conditions in harsh, remote locations. Methods of selectively installing and removing the fabric panels are also provided, along with methods of setting up and disassembling the shelter.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy and method of erecting a collapsible canopy comprised of earth anchors, flexible members, and a canopy cover. The collapsible canopy is comprised of four earth anchors, flexible members, and a canopy cover. The method of erecting a collapsible canopy comprises the steps of using a ground template to sequentially determine the proper locations of the earth anchors in the ground, securing each earth anchor into the ground at its proper location as determined by the ground template, securing the canopy frame into the earth anchors, and securing the canopy cover to the canopy frame and/or earth anchors. The result is a collapsible canopy that is braced in all directions to withstand high winds, and a method of erecting a structurally robust collapsible canopy that one person can complete, alone, and in inclement weather.

Abstract: An opening and closing structure for an umbrella combining automatic and non-automatic modes including an electric mechanism, a cranking mechanism and a clutch structure is described herein. The electric mechanism includes a screw rod, a motor and a first transmission element. The motor is configured to drive rotation of the screw rod, and the first transmission element is mounted at the screw rod. The cranking mechanism includes a second transmission element and a cranking handle. The second transmission element is engaged with the first transmission element, and the second transmission element is connected with the cranking handle via the clutch structure. The invention overturns a conventional method of using an electric umbrella, and provides a manual lifting-and-lowering function under the premise of maintaining a electric lifting-and-lowering function, that is, in case of insufficient or no power supply, the umbrella can be opened and closed through the cranking handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-retaining device (70) for securing to a pole handle (1), comprising an insert opening (71) for the hand, a first exit opening (72) for the back of the hand, and a second exit opening (73) for the thumb. The hand-retaining device according to the invention further has a first elastic strip (74) which is led between the thumb and the other fingers and on which a coupling element (79) is provided that can be secured in or on the pole handle in a removable mechanism in a self-latching manner. The invention further relates to a pole handle to which the handle loop according to the invention can be optimally secured.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, sturdy and compact aircraft cover that is suspended above the aircraft to provide protection from the damaging effects of the sun and other elements is described. The compact and lightweight aircraft cover is capable, when not deployed, to be carried within the cargo area of the airplane while the aircraft is in operation, and then deployed once the aircraft arrives at its destination. The aircraft cover is very lightweight while at the same time very strong, to allow for the cover to be carried inside the airplane while not adversely impacting the airplane's ability to carry additional fuel or additional passengers and baggage. Furthermore, the cover is designed to be quickly and easily deployed over an aircraft with minimal amount of user effort.

Abstract: A foldable tent includes a tent cloth, a plurality of support frame poles to support the tent cloth, and a tent top supporting device. The tent top supporting device includes a cover, a plurality of connection sleeves, and a plurality of inwardly concave recesses. The plurality of inwardly concave recesses is disposed at a peripheral side of the cover. Each recess includes a first side wall and a second side wall disposed on two sides of the recess, and an inner side wall adjacent a center of the cover. Each respective connection sleeve is flippably or rotatably disposed in a corresponding recess, and has one end connected to an end of a corresponding support frame pole. When the foldable tent is unfolded, a side wall of the other end of the corresponding connection sleeve comes into contact and matches with the inner side wall of the corresponding recess.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

Abstract: A beach umbrella anchor with an integral shovel. The beach umbrella anchor has a central member with a handle at a first end and a shovel at a second end. An aperture is positioned in between the first end and the second end of the central member where a first end of a length of rope can be inserted and secured. A second end of the rope is then attached to a beach umbrella, which is planted in the ground. The shovel is used to dig a hole large enough to encompass the beach umbrella anchor, which is then buried within the hole. This securely anchors a beach umbrella such that it can stay in a desired position in windy conditions.

Abstract: A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an umbrella proximate a mounting location for a ski pylon comprises an elongated member having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end defines features for securing the member first end to a ski pylon mount. The second end defining features for securing the member second end to a central shaft of an umbrella.

Abstract: A combination cane and reaching device within the cane body having a longitudinal axis and terminating in a pair of grabber ends which are concealed by a stopper at a distal end of the cane. The grabber ends are exposed when the rubber bottom of the cane is removed. The grabber ends are actuated when the cane handle at the proximal end is gripped and squeezed. The combination cane and reaching device is capable of being collapsed by folding the cane body back upon itself. This feature allows the cane to be stored in an unobtrusive manner. The combination cane and reaching device also contains a flashlight in the handle.

Abstract: This invention provides an adjustable canopy system for a workspace that includes a perimeter frame that exerts tension on a fabric piece, and defines illustratively, an ovular outline shape. The fabric piece can include a central/spine rod that is external, or internal of the fabric, so as to define a V-shaped cross section. The canopy element is mounted on an arm assembly so that it rotates to adjust tilt. The arm assembly also includes a multi-dimensional joint that allows for motion in a plurality of degrees of freedom. Illustratively, the multi-dimensional joint exerts selectable holding friction that retains the joint at a predetermined orientation, but allows movement under appropriate biasing force by a user. The multi-dimensional joint is mounted on the end of an upright. A base clamp is mounted with respect to a slot/groove or on an edge of the desktop.

Abstract: A modular fence tent includes plural connecting rods, plural supporting rods and a bottom cover, and both ends of each connecting rod have a connecting slot and a connecting block configured to be corresponsive to each other, and the plurality of connecting rods are connected sequentially to form an upper circular frame and a lower circular frame, and then the supporting rods are connected between the upper circular frame and the lower circular frame to form a fence-type frame, and finally the bottom cover covers the exterior of the fence-type frame to form the whole tent. The tent can be installed, removed, used, and stored conveniently. In addition, an elastic roof is combined to form the modular fence tent. The convenience and functionality of the tent are improved significantly and areas are well separated for kids' activities.

Abstract: A forearm crutch has a cane assembly including a main cane and a hand grip mounted on the main cane, an adjustable base slidably mounted on the main cane, a forearm support assembly including a forearm support cane securely attached to the adjustable base and a cuff mounted on the forearm support cane, and a first locking assembly selectively locks the adjustable base in place on the main cane. When the first locking assembly is unlocked, the adjustable base and the forearm support assembly can slide along the main cane. By sliding the adjustable base and the forearm support assembly downward, the forearm crutch can be shortened and occupy small room, so as to be suitable for storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tent having a retractable roof. A plurality of poles extend substantially perpendicular to the ground. A roof frame is fastened to the plurality of poles and a tarpaulin is attached on the roof frame. At least one of the plurality of poles is divided into an upper pole and a lower pole, and a connection mechanism detachably connects the upper pole and the lower pole.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lightweight, packable, all-terrain cot, tent or other apparatus that is designed to fit a multitude of configurations for use in different terrain situations. The apparatus is uniquely supported by a series of arch rods, tail and head bars, and sets of cables, that provide support for weight placed on the apparatus in a variety of environments regardless of whether the setting for said apparatus is a flat surface.