Abstract: A system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building to the framework or foundation of the building. Along each side of the fabric cover, a tie-down member is fastened so as to extend substantially from one end of the fabric cover to the opposite end. This member is most conveniently a pipe inserted in pockets formed along the sides of the fabric cover, the member being exposed at intervals by cut-outs in the pockets. A plurality of individually adjustable tensioning devices, such as a winch or come-along, are positioned along each side of the fabric cover and attached at one end to the tie-down member where it is exposed by the cut-outs and attached at the opposite end to the framework or ground anchoring foundation. The tensioning devices exert an adjustable force on the tie-down members in the direction of the ground anchoring foundation.

Abstract: A tent clip design for coupling with similar adjacent clips comprises a C-shaped upper portion (11) that can be snapped onto a tent pole (12), a webbing slot (19) at the bottom for attaching a loop of webbing (20) extending up from the tent (21) below, a laterally extending tongue (14) with a toothed lower surface (15) near its distal end, and a corresponding tongue slot (16) immediately below the tongue with a toothed upper surface (17) on its lower edge to join in locked engagement with the toothed lower surface (35) of tongue (34) of a similar adjacent tent clip (30) when two or more similar clips are aligned and pressed together. The portion of the clip below the tongue slot is made of flexible material and comprises flexible portion (18) of the clip.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having first and second flexible loop members, each loop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge and an opposing second edge. Each loop member is adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, with the two loop members overlapping each other at a first overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members. The loop members are further adapted to assume a deployed position in which one loop member is disposed at an angle with respect to the other loop member at the overlapping points, and with the loop members further defining six sides when in the deployed position. The structure also includes a flexible wall extending across at least two of the six sides.

Abstract: A portable awning producing shade adjacent to ball field fences and dugouts and similar situations comprised of a retractable awning wound around a roller tube, a housing for the awning and roller tube, telescoping legs, guy lines for lateral stability and a handle attached to the housing. The free end of the awning protrudes through an elongated slot in the housing and is attached by snap hooks to a fence. The other end of the awning is attached to the roller tube which is mounted inside of the housing. The housing is vertically supported by the telescoping legs and stabilized by the guy lines attached to the ground. The telescoping legs are attached to the housing by hinges so that the legs may fold adjacent to the housing for stowing. The housing has a handle and restraining straps attached to it for portability and includes storage areas at the ends of the housing provided for the guy lines and stakes. The restraining straps hold the legs parallel to the housing while stowed.

Abstract: An umbrella screen enclosure system for use with an outdoor umbrella providing a tether system that is attachable to the umbrella and is configured to form an exoskeleton over the umbrella. The exoskeleton is formed by affixing a plurality of individual tethers to the umbrella and over the spines of the umbrella. Also provided is a screening system that is attached to the exoskeleton by the use of coacting fasteners.

Abstract: An adjustable tarpaulin (11) that can be adjusted to various predetermined lengths, and more securely fastened. The adjustability of the adjustable tarpaulin (11) is provided by having one or more sets of valances of the top layer (23, 41) and the valances of the bottom layer (27, 43). Because the valances are free on one end, the length of each of the valance side edges may be adjusted as desired and the valances provide two different pull angles to share the load of the tarpaulin. By doing so, the adjustable tarpaulin (11) enables the tarpaulin to be adjusted between two or more prefixed sizes. Moreover the adjustable tarpaulin (11) can provide the distribution of the load from more than one angle so stress and the load will be distributed over two different sets of tie points (33).

Abstract: Cargo is covered by use of a tarp and a frame that extends over the tarp. A number of cords are connected to the tarp and a plurality of couplers interconnect the cords to the frame. The couplers releasably connect the tarp to the frame so that the tarp can be dropped onto the cargo once the frame is moved into a position over the cargo by, for example, a forklift. Preferably, the cords include free terminal end sections that can be pulled from ground level to disconnect the cords from the frame when desired, so that walking across the cargo can be avoided.

Abstract: A canopy structure, kit and method permits a user to custom configure a canopy shelter is almost unlimited curvilinear shapes. To accomplish this, a flexible sheet that is elastic in at least one, but preferably two dimensions may be secured over an area to be sheltered. Anchors connect the sheet either directly to the surface, such as the ground, or to an object, such as a tree or building, secured to the surface. A support pole is interposed between the surface and the sheet; and this support pole is sufficiently long to deform the sheet in the direction(s) of elasticity and thus exert a compression force on the pole. A plurality of support poles of varying lengths may be formed from identical pole sections, and base plates and dome elements may be used on the poles. The anchors are formed to engage the edge margin of the sheet at random locations, and these anchors, or alternative clasps, may engage the central portion of the sheet so that even greater design flexibility is possible.

Abstract: This technical disclosure is for a structurally self-contained, RF-shielded enclosure which is rapidly deployable due to it's ultra light weight and ease of assembly. Assembled by one person in one half hour, the enclosure becomes an RF-shielded, free standing room within an existing non-secure room or environment. Lightweight metallized fabric is sewn together with rugged tent fabric and ballistics cloth. Fiberglass rods are connected to aluminum sleeves and unions to configure the room. A bulkhead assembly penetrates the side wall and provides filtered power and electronic signal interfaces. Honeycomb air guides and an electric fan facilitate air exchange within the room.

Abstract: This invention is a very lightweight vertical wall tent including a waterproof cover or rain fly that can be erected or pitched by one person alone to form a semi-rigid roof-like structure with two identical rectangular planar surfaces each sloping at the same angle away from and symmetrically about a horizontal ridge, the rain fly held completely clear of the ground surface and in a fully functioning and stable position solely by single vertical ridge-end poles and guy ropes at each end of the ridge and by eight corner guy ropes, two at each of the four corners of the rain fly, all corner guy ropes connecting the corners of the rain fly to suitable anchors set in or on the surface on which the tent is pitched, prior to raising and supporting the ridge ends of the rain fly on the ridge-end poles, the corner guy ropes of the rain fly being adjustable and preset to specific lengths and their corresponding anchors being set at precise locations predetermined with respect to the final desired position of the erec

Abstract: A device for anchoring a corner of a beach blanket or towel to the sand of a beach. The device includes a clamp removably attachable to the corner of the beach blanket or the towel for enabling the corner to be anchored to the sand of the beach, and a spike removably receivable in an eyelet defined on the clamp, for anchoring the clamp and thus the corner of the beach blanket or towel to the sand of the beach. The spike includes a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the spike within the eyelet of the clamp.

Abstract: The apparatus can secure a building having a roof, with a plurality of lines and a plurality of ground anchors, which are planted around the building peripherally. The lines are adapted to be attached to the ground anchors and routed over the building. Netting material spans the lines at the roof. The apparatus may also have at least one cinch transversely spanning the lines at the roof of the building. At least one lashing may be directed transversely to the predetermined azimuthal direction and may be connected between one of the lines and one of the anchors. A plurality of tubular boots may separately encircle corresponding ones of the anchors for providing peripheral clearance around the anchors.

Abstract: A temporary shelter for use with an existing frame structure is provided. The temporary shelter has a flexible sheet having a pair of parallel slits. The flexible sheet encloses the frame structure to define an inner shelter space. A pair of zipper structures are provided. Each zipper structure has a separable zipper chain composed of two interlocking halves having fastening elements attached to flexible tapes. The fastening elements are interlocked and separated by a slider. The slider is operatively connected to the interlocking halves. Each flexible tape has an adhesive strip located on a back portion of the flexible tape and extends along side and parallel to the fastening elements.

Abstract: An inflatable building construction, in particular suitable for use as a tunnel greenhouse comprising a film which is kept in an operative condition doming a predetermined useful space through an air pressure that has been increased relative to the environment, and which film has longitudinal edges anchored to the ground, wherein, for anchoring the longitudinal edges of the film, at least one flexible hose or tube is used which lies on and/or against a longitudinal edge provided in a trench in the bottom and which is filled with a fluid under excess pressure, which hose or tube clamps the film edges in the trench.

Abstract: A sun shade (4), useful in particular to complement reclining surfaces (1), protects the skin during sun bathing against damaging solar radiation, such as UVB and UVC radiation. When the skin is exposed to sun rays, the intensive action of the UVB and UVC radiation fractions of sun light may cause not only sunburns, but also skin cancer in the long term. UVA radiation, however, which causes the desired sun tanning, is innocuous in this respect.

Abstract: A knockdown portable shelter includes two spaced supports each formed of elongated members that can be separated from each other at couplings securing the elongated members to each other. The elongate members include leg portions and a roof portion. A sheet like covering material extends between the roof portion of the spaced supports and at least parts of the leg portions. The covering material is substantially more pliable along the direction extending between the two spaced supports than along a perpendicular direction. Hinges allow folding of the material along lines extending between corresponding couplings. Disconnection of elongate members at the couplings allows the covering material to be folded along the hinges and rolled up along the direction extending between the supports. One example of a suitable covering material is single face corrugated hollow core material. The elongate members are preferably hollow plastic tubes and the couplings are hollow plastic elbows made of PVC.

Abstract: A canopy structure 50 a plurality of support posts 11, 12, 13, 14 arranged substantially in the form of an array 51, and a plurality of panels 10 mounted on the support posts to form a canopy cover 50. Each panel 10 is a rectangular sheet of flexible material 16 and a plurality of substantially inextensible support straps 17, 18, 19, 20 fixed to the sheet 16. A support strap extends along each side of the sheet 16. Each end of each support strap is mounted to a support post and an intermediate point is attached to the support strap of an adjacent panel. The support straps generally have a twin catenary configuration which draws fabric from the inner area of the panel towards the edge thereof. The panels are attached to the support posts and to each other by loops of webbing 30, connecting rings 31, and shackles. The loops of webbing 30 are typically reinforced to reduce the likelihood of failure thereof. A canopy panel 10 for use in the canopy structure described above is also included.

Abstract: An attachment system, for erecting a tent having a flexible tent shell and a tent pole cooperating with the tent shell, includes a securing cord attached to a portion of the tent shell and a claw disposed at an end of the pole. The attachment system further includes an enlarged region disposed along the securing cord, which engages the claw, thereby retaining the tent shell in an extended position. The tent may also include a tent fly having an attached fly cord. An enlarged region disposed along the fly cord engages the claw to secure the tent fly.

Abstract: A hunters ground blind including a frame portion. Further provided is cover system dimensioned for extending over the frame portion. Situated on the cover is a front window with a plurality of vertical strips and a penetrateable screen removably coupled thereover. Also included is a pair of inverted L-shaped slots formed in the cover system which are each adapted to allow the selective opening thereof when hunting various game.

Abstract: An easily and quickly deployable device for protecting against soiling of non-workpiece items during painting of a workpiece is provided by a device having at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section. The rigid section also acts as a housing for the flexible section. The device is folded open to protect non-workpiece items during the painting operation.

Abstract: An adjustable bed canopy and curtain system including a sheet of fabric, at least four vertical post and a frame member. The frame member has a first pair of "L" shaped tubular members and a second pair of "L" shaped tubular members. Each of the first and second pair of "L" shaped tubular members have a lower elongated portion and an upper elongated portion. Each of the first and second pair of "L" shaped tubular members have a horizontal bar projecting from one of the lower elongated portions and capable of coupling with a horizontal bar of another of the lower elongated portions. The upper elongated portion, of each of the first pair of tubular members, receives the upper elongated portions of the second pair of tubular members when the horizontal bars of each tubular member are coupled. Each of the lower elongated portions, of each of the first and second tubular members, are positioned over one of the four vertical post when the first and second pair of tubular members are coupled.

Abstract: Portable overhead sun screening structure and canopy are described for shading a surface. The canopy is comprised of at least one sheet spanning a matrix of reinforcing cords that extend to a marginal canopy edge, with beads affixed to the reinforcing cords adjacent the marginal edge. A plurality of elongated poles are spaced apart and set upright along the surface to be shaded. Collars are slidably mounted to the poles for elevational movement thereon. At least two elongated stay members are mounted to each collar, each stay being pivotable between an inoperative position substantially parallel to the associated pole, and an operative position substantially perpendicular to the pole. The stay members on each pole are angularly offset from one another about the associated pole to mount flexible guy cords. Opposed ends of the guy cords are releasable attached to selected stay members about the canopy perimeter.

Abstract: A portable soldier fighting cover having a pair of adjacent relatively rigid frames attached to an underlying waterproof flexible anchorage sheet, and defining a structure resistant to bending for spanning a military trench or foxhole, and further having a load bearing sheet attached to and overlying each frame for transmitting loads to the frame resulting from the weight of protective material such as sandbags or timber placed on the cover, and also from ballistic fragments and blast overpressure from near misses, and further having a pair of elongated straps attached to each frame and extending beyond the ends of the frames for securement to the ground for transmitting loads from the frame to the ground and for supporting the cover in the event of collapse of the foxhole side walls. Curtain sheets can be attached to the straps for service as revetments.

Abstract: A protruding ridge type rain diverter for a foldable roof for a tent, canopy, yurt, or other portable shelter is described, comprising: at least one elongated strip of foldable roof material sealedly attached to the roof along both long sides of the strip thereby forming an elongated pocket, and an elongated substantially transversely incompressible member positioned within each pocket, thereby maintaining each pocket in a protruding position relative to the roof. The position and shape of the pocket(s) facilitate flow of runoff from the roof away from entryway, door, and/or window openings of the portable shelter.

Abstract: By the unique usage of non-symmetrical loops, a pop-up tent is configured to have high substantially vertical walls with a floor area only slightly larger than the walled-in area. Thus, a pop-up tent is provided which can be used for both living and sleeping purposes. A method of folding the tent into a flat circular shape for ease of storage and transportation is disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A rain fly for use primarily on self-erecting enclosures which enclosures have sleeves for accommodating a wire or monofilament is disclosed. More specifically, this fly is characterized by a pair of monofilaments on the two sides of the fly which go from the front to the rear of the enclosure. The wires are secured interiorly of elongate sleeves at the lateral edges of the rain flap. The wires are proportioned to have their ends inserted into four sleeves flanking the internal wire of the tent. Means are provided for four stabilizers which extend front and rear and side to side. The function of the stabilizer is to assist in holding the fabric in spaced relationship from the enclosure to thereby permit ventilation. Optionally, a zipper-like opening is provided for a door cover, and a Velcro flap for securing one portion of the flap door cover for easy entrance.

Abstract: A canopy support system to support the canopy portion of a self-contained collapsible canopy type tent. The canopy support system has a plurality of interconnected resilient cord elements extending from a central hub to multiple support frame attachment points around the collapsible metal frame of the tent. The resilient cords are adjustable for required tension and provide intermediate canopy support between a central support pole and the perimeter support frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of fabric intended to be made into washable garments, and more specifically to the placement of an insecticide such as permethrin in the fabric by impregnation with polymeric binders and a cross-linking agent; or by surface coating with a polymeric binder and a thickening agent to improve the efficacy as an insect repellent and retention of the permethrin in the fabric as an effective insecticide through successive washings of the garments.

Abstract: A sauna fabricated from a tubular metal space frame mounting a circular plywood seat and shrouded by a vinyl and thermal shield skin having a clear plastic thermoformed hinged door therein with a magnetic door latch. A manually-actuated, timer-controlled electric infrared heater is located in a domical array in the top of the space frame assembly with the innermost dome serving as a reflector for the infrared heater.

Abstract: A canopy assembly (10) comprising a canopy fabric (20) and furling means (40) extending between a pair of supports (30). The furling means (40) runs through the canopy fabric such that the canopy may be unfurled from both sides of the furling means simultaneously. Both free corners (22, 24) of the unfurled canopy are tethered to the ground or posts (50) to provide a taut smooth canopy. The tension in the furling means (40) is adjustable such that it remains substantially straight and taut in a furling condition, and in an erected condition may be relaxed to conform to the curved shape of the canopy.

Abstract: An underground shelter for the protection of at least one person, comprising two substantially identical rigid panels which may be assembled together into a tunnel configuration and disassembled by distinct mechanical means arranged so as to permit a joined interfitting of both top parts of both panels, respectively, and a rigid connection between the bottom parts of the latter so that the buried panel may withstand side or transverse forces applied to the panel and resulting from the thrust exerted by the earth layer covering the tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire isolation device for a free standing structure. This device includes a left tarp and right tarp fabricated from a fire resistant material. The left tarp and right tarp are of a size to completely enclose the free standing structure. Attached to the left tarp and right tarp is a support structure, which is capable of moving from an upward position where the left tarp and the right tarp completely enclose the free standing structure to a downward position where the left and right tarp expose the free standing structure. This device also includes a moving mechanism for moving the plurality of support members from the downward position to the upward position.

Abstract: A tent having a ceiling comprised of a fixed permanent piece of clear flexible plastic material, The tent has a veil which shields or unshields the ceiling of the tent, the veil which when attached to the ceiling protects the interior from excessive heat, direct sunlight or an unencumbered view, or when removed permits an excellent celestial view, The veil functions from within the tents' interior structure. The veil spreads only across the interior surface Of the ceiling of the tent, connecting the outer peripheral edges of the veil to the interior edges of the ceiling, with VELCRO as a means of fastening. This benefit of being able to unshield, or shield the ceiling of the tent from within the interior of the tent structure gives great conveniences, such as privacy, comfort, security, and safety from inclement weather conditions and neighbors.

Abstract: Method for shielding, anchoring and containing an object such as a trailer or motor home in gale-force winds. A wind-permeable perforate sheet extends downwardly and outwardly from the top of the object or the roof of a home at an acute angle so as to surround a substantial portion of each of the sides with an inclined wind-permeable planar surface. The sheet is anchored to helical ground anchors via mechanical attachments which may also be used to tighten the sheet over the object or home. Apparatus for shielding, anchoring and containing an object such as a trailer or motor home in gale-force winds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self containing enclosure for protection from killer bees comprising an enclosure formed of a flexible transparent plastic material selected from the class of plastic materials. The enclosure is positionable about a vertically extending axis and has an oval cross sectional configuration. A circular aperture is formed in the upper half of the enclosure. A mesh is positioned in the aperture for allowing a user inside the enclosure to see therethrough and to breath therethrough. An opening is formed in the enclosure along a vertical extent thereof. The opening is provided with pile type fasteners adjacent to the opposite edges for overlapping and coupling therewith allowing a user to enter and exit.

Abstract: A building structure consisting of a framework of uprights and beams of profile material which is covered on the outside with sheet-like material such as plastic foil, wherein on at least the roof portion of the framework the foil is fixed with a longitudinal edge to a longitudinal beam connected to the framework and wherein a second longitudinal beam is fastened to the parallel opposite longitudinal edge of the foil and is driven for rotation on the central axis thereof such that the second beam winds itself into respectively out of the foil, such that opening and closing of said roof or wall portion of the foil covering can take place easily and under tension.

Abstract: An outdoor sunscreen formed without rope or pole connecting eyelets includes a fabric sheet having a reinforced margin. The reinforced margin is a two-layered structure and lengthwise receives a reinforcing band therein. This margin is formed by folding an edge of the sheet with the reinforcing band lengthwise placed in the folded edge and by fusion welding together inner surfaces of the folded edge through high frequency heating. A plurality of arcuate punched slits are formed on the reinforced margin for providing a rope reception hole. In the fabric sheet, wefts and warps of the reinforced margin are tightly woven such that a woven structure of the margin about each punched slit endures a tensile force applied thereto from a tightened rope.

Abstract: A sunshade which can be easily attached to and removed from the backstay of a sailboat. This sunshade is positioned so as not to interfere with the sail, and was designed to be attached behind the boom, so that it can be used under sail. This sunshade is constructed of two sheets shaped like isosceles triangles arranged with their bottom edges together to form a diamond shape, with a pair of spars fixed in place bisecting this diamond (perpendicular to the opening between the sheets). The sheets are not joined together, so that when the sunshade is attached to a boat, there is a space for the backstay to pass through. The spar combination is provided with multiple holes for adjustment when attached to the boat. This sunshade is suspended from the backstay with the spar combination topmost and the corners of the triangles at the bottom, being tied tightly to their respective sides of the boat.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of fabric intended to be made into washable end items, and more specifically to the placement of permethrin in the fabric, as an insecticide, and a synergist for retention of the permethrin in the fabric as an effective insecticide through successive washings of the end items.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having an awning and collapsible frame, the frame having either adjustable or fixed end caps at its corners bearing against reinforcing strips, and a center post unit forming a part of the frame is both spring-loaded and can be adjustably tensioned to regulate the tautness of the awning.

Abstract: A lightweight fabric structure is provided with a fabric membrane having a pocket type configuration formed along the center seam of the membrane with a T-shaped center pole positioned in the pocket. The lightweight fabric structure may have one or more pockets and corresponding T-shaped center poles. The pavilion type tent structure includes at least four side poles staked about the periphery of the structure with a flexible fabric membrane in tension between the side poles. The shape and configuration of the panels provide tension distribution over the entire fabric structure. The longitudinal center seam of the fabric membrane carries the maximum force. The T-shaped center poles with pocket configuration facilitates the redistribution of the forces from the point where multiple panels of the membrane converge at a single location.

Abstract: A lightweight fabric structure forming a pavilion type tent structure having fabric arches stretching from corner to corner, which define the periphery of the structure. Curved corner poles and a center hub with an extended rod are used to maintain tension and hold the arches upright. A base is provided at each corner to secure the corner poles and the fabric. The corner poles are extended from the base to tighten the fabric and achieve the desired tension needed to provide a smooth and wrinkle free fabric structure.

Abstract: A sunshade arrangement includes first and second pairs of telescopically retractable spaced posts, first and second tubes respectively mounted to upper ends of the first and second pairs of posts, a reel assembly, and a screen. Each post includes a device for controlling telescopical movement.

Abstract: A tent assembly capable of assuming multiple configurations includes a shell having side walls made of flexible material in which at least a portion of the flexible material is water vapor permeable, a fly of flexible water impermeable material and a frame to support the shell in a first erect configuration in which the shell substantially encloses a space sized to accommodate one or more occupants and the shell is not covered by the fly. The frame is further capable of supporting the shell and fly in a second erect configuration in which the shell encloses a space sized to accommodate one or more occupants and the fly canopies the shell to prevent substantial moisture from falling on the shell. Moreover, the frame is capable of supporting the fly in a third erect configuration in which the fly is suspended over and shelters a space sized to accommodate one or more occupants.

Abstract: The invention includes a securing structure comprising a first ring member, second and third ring members adjacent to the first ring member, a locking member, and a cord insertable through the second and third ring members, respectively, and engagable by the locking member. The invention also includes a free standing panel member comprising a panel; a plurality of ring members in the panel arranged in groups of at least three ring members adjacent one another; a plurality of support members; a plurality of anchoring members for accommodating the support members; and a plurality of cords each engagable by a locking member (e.g., a spring-actuated cord lock).

Abstract: A shelter for protecting young plants has a shell (10) made from a translucent resin material. Windows (28) are formed through a peripheral wall (16) on one side of the shell (10) for controlling the admission of light and air into the shelter. A hood (30) made from a transparent film of resin material covers the windows (28) to conserve heat and moisture within the shelter. The young plants are acclimated to their surroundings by progressively removing the hood (30) from the windows (28).

Abstract: A self erecting hunting blind is provided with a quick release opening. A self erecting structure is formed having a first lower loop and a second upper loop arranged transverse to the lower loop. The fabric covering the upper transverse loop is divided into longitudinal halves which are releasably held together by a quick release apparatus. Upon releasing the quick release, the transverse loop halves move away from each other and fold flat against the ground completely uncovering a hunter within the blind. The blind may be used on the ground or over a boat.

Abstract: A blind apparatus to camouflage a person in a natural habitat particularly while hunting wild game such as turkey. A skeletal frame made up of tubular spacers joined with connectors to form top and bottom frame parts that are held apart by spacer poles. A light impervious casing is supported by the frame to form a top, back and opposed sides of the blind. A netting is supported along the entrance way of the blind by the frame and provided with open spaces sufficient to allow line of sight observations into the natural habitat outside of the blind and penetration of an arrow or ballistic of a fire arm.

Abstract: A generally rectangular shelter with a readily assembled frame mounted on a base and covered with a flexible sheet material secured to the frame and base is provided. The base is normally of wood and is placed on the ground or other planar surface Spaced at a desirable distance along each side of the base are pivotal and adjustable supports fixed to the base. To the supports are connected a series of assembled frame ribs transverse to the length of shelter. The frame ribs are normally assembled in an arcuate shape from several pieces of tubing coupled together by a special coupler. The tubes are adapted to receive other tubes by having pin receiving tabs welded to them in appropriate places. Purlins or other spacers are connected between the frame ribs so that all the frame ribs may be drawn up from an assembled horizontal position to an upright position as a unit.

Abstract: A tent for screening the sunlight. The tent comprises a main sheet for screening the downwardly radiating sunlight, a plurality of front and rear tent poles for causing the main sheet to maintain its suspended shape, a plurality of ropes for being stretched to impart a tensile force to the main sheet, a pole support for supporting the tent poles as well as dispersing the vertical force generated in the poles and a detachable side sheet for intercepting the side radiating sunlight. The pole support comprises a base and a pair of pole support pipes which receive lower ends of the pipes. The base is embossed at its under surface with a raised figure to improve the frictional force between said pole support and the ground surface. The pole support pipes concentrate in the center of the base to have a V shape in cooperation with each other.