Abstract: A connecting device for attaching a lid to an insulated container. The connecting device has a barb arranged and configured to be inserted into a socket and to engage the walls of the socket upon rotation. The barb may engage the walls of the socket by displacing material or engaging receptors, such as threads, in the socket. The geometry of the barb is such that, after rotation, the barb remains connected to the body and lid without the aid of screws, rivets, or other means. The connecting device may also have a sliding or other connector for connecting the connecting device to the lid. The connector may be in the shape of a dovetail and the lid may have a recess configured to receive the dovetail.

Abstract: A tightly rolled sleeping bag. The tightly rolled sleeping bag is rolled using conventional equipment, but pressure is applied to an end of the sleeping bag so as to cause the sleeping bag to be more tightly rolled than previous sleeping bags. Rolling tines for a rolling machine for rolling the sleeping bag are tapered so as to aid in removal of the tightly rolled sleeping bag. A storage sack is provided for holding the sleeping bag. The storage sack is configurable between a first arrangement where the storage sack holds the sleeping bag in the tight configuration, and a second arrangement where the storage sack may be released and expands to hold the sleeping bag in a less tightly rolled configuration. To provide such a function, an expansion section is provided on the storage sack. A closure is provided on the expansion section.

Abstract: A ring and connector assembly for a tent. The ring and connector assembly is configured so that the connector attaches to the ring, such as via a loop that is attached to the connector and that extends around a portion of the ring. The ring is attached to the tent, for example at a floor edge of the tent, or at a corner of the tent. The connector is configured to be attached to a pole and may, for example, be a pin.

Abstract: A cot having a frame that is configured so that one end, such as the head end of the cot, is recessed within the other end, i.e., the foot end of the cot, when the cot is folded. As an example, the legs of one end may recess into the legs of the other end. To this end, the bifold cot may include a head portion having a tapered section forming a narrowed head end. This narrowed head end, or a leg or legs associated therewith, is received within the frame (or associated legs) for the foot portion of the bifold cot when the bifold cot is folded. A trifold cot is also provided that also has an extension that may be folded against the head portion, and the extension and the head portion may be folded and recessed at least partly within the frame at the foot portion.

Abstract: A tightly rolled sleeping bag. The tightly rolled sleeping bag is rolled using conventional equipment, but pressure is applied to an end of the sleeping bag so as to cause the sleeping bag to be more tightly rolled than previous sleeping bags. Rolling tines for a rolling machine for rolling the sleeping bag are tapered so as to aid in removal of the tightly rolled sleeping bag. A storage sack is provided for holding the sleeping bag. The storage sack is configurable between a first arrangement where the storage sack holds the sleeping bag in the tight configuration, and a second arrangement where the storage sack may be released and expands to hold the sleeping bag in a less tightly rolled configuration. To provide such a function, an expansion section is provided on the storage sack. A closure is provided on the expansion section.

Abstract: A cot and airbed combination. In accordance with an embodiment, a sleeve is provided for receiving the airbed, and attachment mechanisms, such as straps, clips, clasps, or other mechanisms, are provided for attaching the airbed and sleeve to the cot. The sleeve may be configured so that the sleeve and the airbed may be folded and stored with the cot. The sleeve may include protective covers that extend over hinges for the cot to protect the airbed when folding the cot and the airbed. An expandable sleeve or covering is also provided which may receive airbeds of varying thicknesses. The expandable sleeve includes an expansion section that permits the sleeve to be expanded from a first, smaller size, to a second, larger size. A closure may be provided for maintaining the expansion section in the first position.

Abstract: A base for a lantern. The base provides a stable platform for supporting the lantern and prevents tipping of the lantern. The base may be used with fuel burning lanterns or lanterns that utilize batteries or other power sources. The base includes foldable feet. The feet fold out of a plane of the base for storage, for example, downward from the plane. The base is turned over and the feet, when folded (upward when the base is upside down), extend upward around a portion of the lantern during storage. This configuration provides convenient, compact storage of the lantern and base, so that the base may be stored with the lantern and may protect the lantern in storage.

Abstract: A tent having window shelf that extends into a tent from the bottom of a window opening. The shelf may be formed, for example, by an inner covering of the window. The inner covering may include an outer support such as a pole so that it may maintain its configuration when folded down, and a fabric strip or other structure for maintaining the inner covering in a horizontal position so that it may serve as a shelf. A clasp or a plurality of clasps may be provided for attaching an inner covering of a tent window and permitting the inner covering to drape over the opening for the window without completely closing the opening.

Abstract: A ring and connector assembly for a tent. The ring and connector assembly is configured so that the connector attaches to the ring, such as via a loop that is attached to the connector and that extends around a portion of the ring. The ring is attached to the tent, for example at a floor edge of the tent, or at a corner of the tent. The connector is configured to be attached to a pole and may, for example, be a pin.

Abstract: Poles for a tent are attached along edges of sidewalls for the tent and are asymmetrically spaced from the edges. A middle portion of each pole is spaced apart a maximum distance from the central portion of the respective edge. The spacing then tapers down to the top and corner of the tent. In this manner, the pole has a somewhat parabolic shape relative to the edge.

Abstract: A gutter and downspout system that may be used with a tent, shelter, or other fabric structure. The gutter may be aligned along a rain fly edge to direct water away from the tent door or tent windows. After the rainwater is directed the proper distance to clear the tent door and/or windows, the water can fall from the rain fly to the ground or may be directed via a downspout to the ground. The gutter is formed of a flexible material that is sewn to the rain fly or to the canopy. The downspout may include, for example, a flexible ring at an upper portion connected to an elongate waterproof fabric tube. The end of the tube may be arranged and directed as wanted.

Abstract: A hub leg joint system is provided in which twisting of poles for a shelter is prevented. The hub leg joint system includes a hub having a socket or opening for receiving an end of a pole for a shelter. The opening and the end are configured so that the end may be inserted into the opening, but may not be rotated therein. As an example, the opening and the ends may have a cross section that is oblong in shape.

Abstract: A vent is provided on the lower portion of a tent. The lower portion is formed of a water-repellent material, and mesh material is provided at an upper portion of the tent. The vent may or may not use the stay described above. A flexible stay is also provided for a tent or canopy. The flexible stay is connected to upper and lower sections of a vent, and is formed of a construction that is resilient enough to support the vent during use, but is flexible enough so that the vent may be collapsed during storage.

Abstract: A sleeping bag that includes at least one clasp configured and arranged to hold sections of a sleeping bag together while the sleeping bag is rolled for storage. In use, when a user desires to roll the sleeping bag, sections of the sleeping bag are folded together, and the clasp or clasps are utilized to hold the sections of the sleeping bag together, which may help in maintaining alignment of the sections during rolling. In accordance with another embodiment, an inner liner extends along the inside of the sleeping bag and is exposed to part of the outer surface of the sleeping bag. The portion of the inner liner extending beyond the outer cover extends back over a section of the outer cover to form a cushion at the head of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ground stake comprising a shaft defining a shaft axis, the shaft further comprising a penetration end shaped to facilitate forcing of the the shaft into soil and a driving end for driving the shaft into soil, an attachment portion adapted to securely fasten an object to the stake, a short vane depending outward from the shaft axis, the short vane defining a backfill space between the short vane and the shaft axis, and wherein the short vane is effective in substantially resisting the removal of the shaft from soil into which it has been driven.

Abstract: A folding table brace lock assembly includes a clip base, a spring leaf, and a tube retainer. The clip base is attached to an underside of a table. The clip base has a slat between a closed rear end and an open front end. The slat forms a clip chamfer at the open front end. The spring leaf is mounted on the clip base at a mounted end and attached to the tube retainer at a free end. The tube retainer forms a retainer chamfer and a barb. The barb points inward to the closed rear end. As a table leg bar separates the clip chamfer and the retainer chamfer, the spring leaf flexes outward. As the bar passes the barb and contacts the closed rear end, the spring leaf flexes back, releasably trapping the leg bar between the slat, the spring leaf, the barb, and the closed rear end.