Abstract: The specification discloses a collapsible structure comprising at least one foldable frame element defining at least three corners of at least one wall element. A flexible material is connected to and extends about the at least one foldable frame element to define an interior space. The flexible material has integral fibers and at least a portion of the material allows the transmission of at least infrared and visible wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A camouflage cover for equipping an outdoor enclosure with three-dimensional nature effects includes a plurality of elongated nature-effect strands that drape over the enclosure in a substantially vertical arrangement. The vine-like nature-effect strands help conceal hard lines and corners of the enclosure structure. The cover may include adjustment straps that allow a single cover to adapt to a number of enclosure structures. The adjustment straps, where used, may include interwoven cords and cord locks for adjusting tension of the straps. The nature-effect strands may have different camouflage patterns so that an enclosure can have an appropriate camouflage scheme no matter what season or environment. Tiebacks may optionally be used to permit horizontal adjustment of the nature-effect strands, in order to prevent allow free access to windows and doorways. Auxiliary loops may also be provided to allow attachment of additional nature effects by a user.

Abstract: A surveillance shield comprising a rigid, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic panel, and at least one aperture defined by the panel, the aperture positioned in the panel such that a user may peer through the aperture while carrying the shield. The shield may also include a second mirrored plastic panel, each of the plastic panels having a frame member connected at an edge portion of the panels, the panels detachably connected to each other in a vertical attitude, each of the panels having a substantially optically correct outward facing surface to reflect accurately the surrounding environment and thereby substantially conceal the appearance of the shield. Preferably the aperture is positioned such that a user is substantially concealed by the shield while the user carries the shield and simultaneously peers through the shield to observe game, people or a target.

Abstract: A protective canopy housing (1) for a barbeque grill (2) having a canopy (6) with a vent opening on a top (22) with an elevated vent cover (8). The canopy is supported by supports (5a, b and c) attached to a grill by C-clamps (4a,b). The canopy housing can include side curtains (10a, b) which may be rolled up and secured along the sides of the canopy. The side curtains may include mesh and can be maintained in a down position during use to protect the users from insects. The curtains can be removably detachable. The canopy would preferably be made of heat-resistant material.

Abstract: A realistic appearing camouflage hunting blind that incorporates a photographic image of a hunting location. The visual appearance of the hunting blind mimics the actual environment so that from a distance, the hunting blind blends into the environment and is virtually undetectable. A photograph of an actual hunting location, like a Wisconsin forest, is taken and uploaded to a computer. The photograph is edited and printed onto substrate materials. The substrate materials are assembled to form a completed hunting blind.

Abstract: An insulated tent which has interior and exterior walls that are separated from each other by an atmosphere of low thermal conductivity. The atmosphere may be a partial vacuum or may include a gas with lower thermal conductivity than air. The walls may be kept separate by the pressure of the gas or by mechanical forces and the partial vacuum may be induced by means of a one-way valve which permits the escape of heated air from between the interior and exterior walls. Also disclosed are structures that reduce the effect of wind on the tent's exterior surface, including spoilers and convex windward edges, and structures that guide the flow of water on the interior and exterior surfaces of the tent.

Abstract: A portable outdoor enclosure includes a support frame and a three dimensional camouflage cover having a bi-layer construction that provides a high degree of unidirectional visibility. The cover includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer comprising a plurality of partial cutouts, the cutouts formed with a curvilinear incision pattern which are partially separable from the inner layer, the outer layer is attached to the inner layer at a plurality of spaced locations, and wherein the exterior-facing surfaces of both the outer layer and the inner layer are printed in a camouflage pattern and coloration. The inner layer of the cover includes a mesh upper portion permitting a high degree of outward visibility therethrough over a 360 degree horizontal visual field, and an opaque lower portion.

Abstract: An adaptable blind for ladder stands and tree stands includes a platform that secures to a tree stand or ladder stand associated platform. A frame is assembled upon the platform and includes a plurality of upwardly extending and arcuately configured poles, these collectively establishing a superstructure which defines a three dimensional interior. A cover is assembled over the frame and encloses the interior, at least one access location in the cover material permitting a user to ingress and egress to and from the interior. A combination seat and ladder can be separately provided and which is both secured to the tree or pole as well as supported upon or against the platform.

Abstract: The present invention describes chemical protective enclosure comprising a waterproof outer surface comprising an impermeable portion and an air diffusive portion, and further comprising a chemically adsorptive material substantially adjacent the air diffusive portion, wherein there is sufficient diffusion of breathable air into the chemical protective enclosure to sustain life.

Abstract: Digital photography and a dye-sublimation process are used to generate and affix, in sequence, each of a succession of photographs of a particular environment onto one or more fabric panels that form a camouflage hunting blind whereby the sequence of the photographs generate a 360° continuous panoramic view or realistic pattern that replicates the actual outdoor environment in which the blind is placed, such as a replication of the actual trees, bushes, and like foliage of the setting in which the blind is to be placed.

Abstract: A shelter system comprising a flexible canopy supported by a plurality of cylindrical tubular poles where the poles comprise a novel assembly for attaching the canopy, ground straps and auxiliary cables to the top of the poles, including an expansion plug disposed in the top end of each tubular pole for anchoring a shaft disposed coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the tube which shaft carries at least one bracket plate and a portion of the canopy.

Abstract: A plant protector includes a flexible cover having an apex, a base, plural sides and plural vertices defining intersections between adjacent sides, together with plural elongated frame members each respectively attached to the cover at one of the vertices. The frame members each have a first end proximate to the cover apex and a second end proximate to the cover base. The frame member first ends are mutually interconnected for pivoting at or below the cover apex. The pivotal interconnection may be provided by hinge connector hardware, but is more preferably provided by the cover itself functioning as a living hinge. The frame members are pivotable from an open position wherein the frame members are angled relative to each other to a collapsed position wherein the frame members are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A system for providing an anchor member on a fabric portion of a tent, such as a tent body or a tent fly, includes an anchor member and an anchor patch sewn to at least a portion of the anchor member with threads. The anchor patch is laminated to the fabric portion of the tent without the threads extending through the fabric portion of the tent. A tent including such a system is also disclosed, as well as the method of providing the anchor member on the fabric portion of the tent.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible blind including a flexible cover mounted on a support structure having a plurality of side walls and a top; wherein at least one side wall includes first and second opposite edges, and the opposite edges cooperatively defining a window; an elongated member extending across the opposite edges; and a selective fastener joined to one edge and adjustably joined to the strap, the fastener selectively being fixedly joinable to the elongated member.

Abstract: A flame-resistant fabric for shelters including a flame-resistant interior layer, an flame-resistant, insulating middle layer adjacent the interior layer, a flame-resistant exterior layer adjacent the insulating middle layer, and at least one threaded seam quilting the insulating middle layer between the interior layer and the exterior layer to form a flame-resistant fabric. The flame-resistant fabric is capable of being formed into a flame-resistant, insulated shelter for use in extreme weather.

Abstract: A protective shelter that can be used to provide protection within a war zone, and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, which is greater than the height of the said walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible foot pump made of a lightweight, collapsible material and filled with a foam like material which features large open cells to contain a large volume of air. The foam acting as a return spring for the pump.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved tensioned canopy shelter of the type used by backpackers. The canopy of the new shelter has a lower rear support and a higher front pole support with a horizontal ridge strut. The ridge strut spreads the forward end of the canopy's ridgeline into a catenary-tensioned panel, with dual catenary curves running from the ends of the ridge strut to the rear end of the canopy. The horizontal ridge strut can be supported by a single central upright pole, or it can alternately be supported at its ends by spaced upright poles for even greater stability and easier entry and exit through the front of the shelter, for example using two trekking-type poles. In the preferred form the ridge strut is provided with pole connections to allow either the single- or double-pole options. In a further preferred form, the ridge strut is removably held in a sleeve in such a manner that it may either be left in place or removed when the shelter is rolled up for storage.

Abstract: A barrier system for protection and resistance from externally started fires, forest fires and other fires that effect and start a structure burning from the outside inward. The barrier system comprising a specifically designed track system mounted onto the top of the structure, utilizing fire protective material hanging down the sides of the structure to create a fire resistant enclosure. The barrier system is designed to be assembled and set up in advance on the structure in preparation of a fire. The barrier system design allows for ease and quickness with installation. Pre-installation of the barrier system on a roof of a structure that is being fire protected is provided by sectional pieces that are delivered to the structure and then installed in advance. The barrier system sectional pieces are designed to be different lengths and are adapted to the unique dimensions of the structure.

Abstract: A rotatable hunting blind providing a 360° field of vision about the blind with almost one-hundred percent concealment is disclosed. Construction of the blind on a circular frame and the type of exterior covering which shields the hunter from the vision of prey is discussed. The method of operation of the rotatable blind is discussed.

Abstract: An improved yurt assembly for facilitating easy yurt installation and increasing stability, comprising a plurality of expandable lattice wall sections, vertical posts and roof poles. Each lattice wall section includes a plurality of pivotally connected link members. Each of the vertical posts includes a groove on its top end for receiving one of the roof poles, a first slot near its top end, a second slot near its bottom end, and a plurality of intermediate slots between the first and second slots. The first and second and intermediate slots are adapted to receive topmost, bottommost and intermediate corners of the lattice wall sections. The corners of two adjacent lattice wall sections are received into each side of the slots of a vertical post, which maintains the height of the lattice and secures the wall sections during assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a play structure assembly comprising a flexible sheet having a plurality of loops attached thereto. The type and location of the loops are described, as well as their use in forming a play area having multiple shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A portable ice fishing enclosure includes a flexible covering cooperatively engaged with a frame, and secured to an ice surface using a plurality of threaded anchor stakes. The frame may include a plurality of sub-frames, each of which includes a central hub and a plurality of semi-rigid poles extending radially outwardly from the central hub. The lower edge of the covering includes a skirt portion having reinforced through holes at outer edges thereof, which receive the anchor stakes therein. Ends of the skirt portions extend beyond the edges of side walls of the covering, so that the skirt portion ends may be placed in an aligned overlapping configuration. A kit is described for providing components of the enclosure, and a method of assembling the enclosure is described. The portable ice fishing enclosure is lightweight, easily assembled and disassembled, and constructed to withstand, and provide protection from, the harsh winter environment.

Abstract: A canopy system including a canopy frame and a canopy cover supported by the canopy frame. The canopy cover includes an inner solid portion, an outer solid portion, and a meshed portion disposed between the inner and outer solid portions and disposed proximately to an outer periphery of the canopy cover.

Abstract: A method of constructing a water-resistant corner for a tent or other fabric structure, and the corner formed therefrom. A protective panel may be laid over a flooring material sheet, and the sheet and the protective panel are folded into a corner. The formed corner may then be turned inside out, so that the protective panel is located on the outside of the newly-formed corner. The protective panel thereby covers the outermost corner of the flooring, and the seam formed at that corner. An interior waterproof layer, such as a waterproof sealing tape, may be attached on the inside of the inverted corner to act as a further moisture barrier.

Abstract: A method of constructing a water-resistant corner for a tent or other fabric structure, and the corner formed therefrom. A protective panel may be laid over a flooring material sheet, and the sheet and the protective panel are folded into a corner. The formed corner may then be turned inside out, so that the protective panel is located on the outside of the newly-formed corner. The protective panel thereby covers the outermost corner of the flooring, and the seam formed at that corner. An interior waterproof layer, such as a waterproof sealing tape, may be attached on the inside of the inverted corner to act as a further moisture barrier.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsible portable enclosure which is provided with 3-dimensional elements around portions of its perimeter. Various patterns, including but not limited to, pattern simulating leaves of various types of foliage are cut into a strip of fabric which is secured to the perimeter of the structure. The 3-dimensional elements protrude from the perimeter of the enclosure, move with the prevailing winds, and simulate the appearance and movement of leaves or foliage in the same environment. The enclosure further includes elastic strips to facilitate attachment of actual foliage to the exterior of the enclosure to improve its camouflage characteristics.

Abstract: A tent (10) having a fabric enclosure (16) which including a number of walls (18), a floor (22) having a floor perimeter (4) and a framework (14) which supports the fabric enclosure (16) and urges it to expand outwardly. The walls (18) meet the floor (22) and are attached together at a joining seam (25) near the floor perimeter (4). The floor (4) is preferably a tub floor (32) which is joined to the walls (18) at the joining seam (25) which is at a distance vertically removed from the ground plane. One or more skirts (34) are attached to the walls (18) at a distance vertically removed from the ground plane. The skirts (34) are attached external to the floor perimeter (4) and overlap a portion of the walls (18) so that the wall portion and floor perimeter (4) is protected from rainfall.

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: The specification describes a selectively reversible, portable enclosure comprising a collapsible framework having a flexible covering associated therewith, the flexible covering having opposite first and second surfaces each bearing a distinct color, pattern, or other indicia. Without disassociating the flexible covering from the collapsible framework, the enclosure is selectively transitionable between a first condition, wherein the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure, and a second condition, wherein the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilever beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilever beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut or otherwise secured over the entire structure.

Abstract: The invention is a portable, collapsible enclosure for protection from the elements in an outdoor environment. The tent-like enclosure is provided with one or more fabric coverings each bearing at least one color or camouflage pattern. The coverings are easily removable from the enclosure, and may be reversible, bearing one color or camouflage pattern on one side, and a different color or camouflage pattern on the reverse side. In this fashion, the same portable enclosure can be made to present a variety of appearances, depending on which covering is attached to the enclosure, and which side of the attached covering is exposed or outermost.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a tent construction having at least one panel manufactured from suitable cloth, and tent construction manufactured utilizing the method. A basic panel is manufactured from a material of desired properties and is provided with one or more covering panels or waterproof material that form part of the outer wall of the tent construction. The basic panel may consist of relatively narrow edges of durable material or of an entirely or partially closed panel of open, breathing material.

Abstract: A shelter having an internal frame comprised of a roof supported by legs. A canopy covers the roof of the frame to provide protection from the elements. The canopy is taughtly held onto the frame by cords which pass through sleeves in the front and back of the canopy and attach to the corner legs of the frame. To tension the canopy onto the frame, the corner legs are twisted to tension the cords and, in turn, the canopy. Upon tensioning the canopy, the corner legs are locked in the rotated position.

Abstract: A hunter concealment system for effectively concealing a hunter without physically interfering with the hunter. The hunter concealment system includes a frame structure having a plurality of openings, a first rail and a second rail on opposing sides of each opening, a recoil unit attached to an end of each opening, a camouflage sheet retained within the recoil unit, a first connector attached to a handle member of the camouflage sheet, and a second connector attached to the frame for catchably receiving the first connector. The hunter concealment system is positioned over a goose pit or other location for the purpose of selectively concealing the hunter. When the hunter desires, they simply engage the handle member thereby releasing the first connector which allows the recoil unit to automatically draw the camouflage sheet into the recoil unit.

Abstract: A dielectric, fire-resistant shelter apparatus is disclosed which affords temporary protection to individuals exposed to the open environment. The shelter apparatus includes a protective canopy which is movable between an open position for providing temporary cover and protection to individuals exposed to the environment and a closed, collapsed position for storage. The canopy is substantially dielectric and resistant to fire. A plurality of ribs interconnect with each other to support the canopy in its open position. Moreover, a plurality of struts are secured for supporting the ribs and canopy in the open position and for enabling the ribs and canopy to move to the closed collapsed position. Finally, at least one support element is provided for maintaining the relative positions of the struts, ribs and canopy when in the open position above a ground surface, the support element also being dielectric.

Abstract: A tent has a framework having at least two flexible strips bent with an intersection at central points of the strips as a top of the tent. A flexible ring is provided outside the flexible strips and adjacent to the top of the tent. A cloth is sheathed on the framework. The tent has a broad top space without a central pole, which is convenient to use in hunting or as a business site.

Abstract: A panel (10) for protecting a portion of a structure such as a window (11) includes a frame member (13) made up of four channel members (16-19) interconnected by corner members (20). One end of each channel member (16-19) includes an opening to receive an edge of a sheet (33) of flexible material. The sheet (33) is provided with a thickened area (34) near each edge thereof. A fabric locking and stretching member (15) closes the opening in each channel member (16-19) and engages the thickened area (34) of the fabric sheet (33) to stretch the sheet (33) within the frame member (13).

Abstract: A tip-up tent is provided, comprising a foldable tubular A-frame comprising four diagonal legs connected to a horizontal member, a hinged transparent flexible cover supported by the A-frame with each side of the cover having a lower flap with holes in each lower corner, and a plurality of arrow-shaped stakes, wherein the tip-up tent is held in place on ice by stakes driven into the ice through the holes or by snow piled up on the flaps. The tip-up tent has particular utility in connection with protecting an ice fishing tip-up from the wind and snow.

Abstract: A tent includes a shell, a frame including at least one flexible, resilient pole for extending over an exterior of the shell in an arch shape and for holding the shell up in an erect configuration in which the shell encloses a living space. The pole includes a plurality of sections, each section bounded by first and second points on the pole. A truss system includes a plurality of chords for tending to hold the pole in the arch shape. Each chord includes at least one tension-taking web extending along the exterior of the shell generally along a line from the first point to the second point of one of the pole sections to inhibit movement of the first and second points away from one another whereby the chords tend to hold the pole in the arch shape and stabilize the tent.

Abstract: A flexible shelter structure has an elongated flexible main pole having first and second ends terminating in a substantially common plane, such as the ground or a base. The pole typically assumes a substantially arcuate shape under tension. A plurality of spars are connected to the pole in a flexible floating arrangement to form a flexible frame. The spars typically assume a generally arcuate shape under tension but their ends do not terminate in the common plane. A membrane is connected to the flexible frame to tension the main pole and the spars and define a substantially sheltered space.

Abstract: A shielding assembly includes at least first and second elongate members and a shield movably mountable adjacent the shielding assembly. Each of the members are joinable together at a common point. The shield is movable in three dimensions relative to the shielding assembly so as to shield a user of the shielding assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible, self-supporting portable sun-screen apparatus includes a canopy support and a flexible canopy positioned over a frame of the canopy support. The canopy and canopy support are not affixed so that the canopy can be slid relative to the frame and offset relative to the canopy support to adjust for sun movement. Weights are provided to provide stability to the canopy and keep it in the desired position.

Abstract: A tarpaulin cover with a water-weighted tube around its perimeter is provided. A three-inch diameter tube is located around the perimeter of the invention just inside of a series of grommets. A fill nozzle that accepts a standard garden hose connection is provided on the perimeter. At the opposite side of the tarpaulin, a release nozzle is provided to aid in the rapid emptying of the invention. When filled with water, the invention is almost impossible to blow away in high winds. It is intended to eliminate the usage of rocks, logs and other materials that are commonly used to hold tarpaulins down.

Abstract: The triangular, wedge shaped erectable shelter includes a canopy and a leg assembly supporting the canopy. A perimeter truss linkage assembly is connected to the leg assembly, and each of the perimeter truss pairs includes first and second link members pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration, with the outer end of each first link member connected to the upper end of a leg, and the outer end of each second link slidably connected to the leg. The shelter includes a flexible pole member removably mountable to the upper end of at least one of the legs of the shelter to extend across the shelter and support the canopy of the shelter. The flexible pole member is preferably removably mounted in an indexing hole in a bracket affixed to the upper end of at least one of the legs.

Abstract: An all-season awning system 10 is provided with an aesthetically pleasing protective valance 12 for use with associated permanent building structures 14. The awning system includes a peripheral frame 20 carrying a substantially planar main body portion 12, an elongate header member 24, first and second transverse support members 26, 28, and an elongate lateral support member 30 forming a planar of substantially rectangular front face surface 74 covered substantially entirely by a fabric valance member 32. The fabric valance member is carried on selected portions of the peripheral frame 20 using an attachment means including an elongate tube carried within a fold of the valance and received into a corresponding slot formed in an attachment member coupled with the lateral support member. The fabric valance member is selectively removable from the underlying peripheral frame as desired.

Abstract: A tent (10) having a fabric enclosure (16) which including a number of walls (18), a floor (22) having a floor perimeter (4) and a framework (14) which supports the fabric enclosure (16) and urges it to expand outwardly. The walls (18) meet the floor (22) and are attached together at a joining seam (25) near the floor perimeter (4). The floor (4) is preferably a tub floor (32) which is joined to the walls (18) at the joining seam (25) which is at a distance vertically removed from the ground plane. One or more skirts (34) are attached to the walls (18) at a distance vertically removed from the ground plane. The skirts (34) are attached external to the floor perimeter (4) and overlap a portion of the walls (18) so that the wall portion and floor perimeter (4) is protected from rainfall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent having a plural suspension system with composite closing structure. It includes an overhead structure; support frame having top; a tarp mounted atop the frame and hanging from the frame to define top and side curtains, the curtains having a lower periphery which defines a bottom perimeter; and first plurality of cables, being curtain cables, and communicating with the overhead structure. The curtain cables are functionally connected to side curtains and adapted for raising and lowering side curtains relative to support frame. There is second plurality of cables, being frame cables, and communicating with the overhead structure and being connected to the frame and adapted to raise and lower the curtains by raising and lowering the first plurality of cables, and so as to raise and lower the frame and the tarp by raising and lowering the second set of cables.

Abstract: An insolation regulation, modulation and distribution device includes a support structure (1) for a cover for the space to be protected from the sun and control elements for moving the cover periodically in the plane thereof. The cover comprises at least one layer (2) which is provided with at least two types of zones (3, 4) having different light transmission properties, the distribution of which is predetermined.