Abstract: A small, lightweight tent having enhanced comfort and stability includes a flexible covering having two generally similar side walls. Two resiliently flexible pole members are held flexed by the side walls so as to hold the side walls tense and thereby shape and support the tent. In this way, the tent is made freestanding. The tent further includes a flared top portion closed only by a net material to not only enhance ventilation of the tent, but also permit viewing of the sky.

Abstract: A tent that has three radially disposed alcoves, each with sufficient space to accommodate two people so that it can serve as a six-man tent. The frame is a free-standing vaulted pole system of fiber glass rods and aluminum tubing connected by ferrules or hub-like members, and the cover is a suitable light-weight flexible material which can be fitted on the frame assembly to be distended thereby. The aerodynamic design of the erected tent deflects heavy wind loads, and the light weight of the components and their compactness when disassembled provides a highly desirable back-pack tent for use by as many as six campers.

Abstract: Shelters and methods of making them are disclosed which include a basic module that has a frame over which a flexible fabric cover is fitted and appropriately attached so that when distended it will define the configuration of the module. A reinforced rigid plastics foam material is adhered to the outer surface of the flexible fabric cover, and a protective waterproof coating is adhered to the outer surface of the rigid plastics foam material. If desired, portions of the frame can then be removed leaving a self-sustaining shelter.