Abstract: A portable shelter is provided which is particularly useful for shielding seated occupants in a boat and the like from the weather including wind and water spray. The shelter includes a base member and a generally U-shaped frame member which pivotally mounted on the base member for movement between an extended position in which the frame member extends upwardly from the base member and a collapsed position folded alongside the base member. Sheeted material is provided for spanning between base member and the frame member in the extended position. A tensioning mechanism is coupled between the base member and the frame member for biasing the frame member into the extended position with the sheeted material under tension. The tensioning mechanism is collapsible with the frame member into the collapsed position thus providing an easily portable shelter which is self supporting in the extended position.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure includes a series of fabric panels each tautly spread by a length of steel wire or other resiliently flexible, filiform material. The steel wire may form a closed loop, an open loop or a mere arc. The wire is selectively inserted into at least two of several pockets or fabric straps positioned around the periphery of the panel. The selection of the wire-holding pockets or straps defines the shape of the spread-out panel. Parts of the fabric which are not encompassed by a wire are held folded over it and against the spread-out portion. The shape of the structure can be quickly modified by repositioning of the wires.

Abstract: An umbrella with a chamber for storage of material such as an enclosure canopeum of netting. Included are mechanisms for transport and interchange of various canopeums. By turning a crank handle, netting is transported from its storage chamber to the edge of the umbrella canopy, where it can be lowered to the ground. The canopeum will then shield those under the umbrella from incursions by agents such as insect pests. Turning the crank in the opposite direction transports the canopeum to its stowed and protected position within the chamber. Canopeum accouterments facilitate attachment, removal, and interchange of canopeums having varied compositions, textures, and surface details.

Abstract: A window awning system comprises an awning fabric defining an upper edge with a hollow hem formed therein and a lower edge with grommets. An extrusion mounts on the wall. Apertures in a face portion receive wall fasteners and an outwardly extending C-shaped channel. A hem rope is contained within the hem. The hem and rope are then fed into the C-shaped channel. A pair of hollow wall posts have an inboard wall mounting end and an outboard free end. The inboard end has a flat rectangular plate. Each outboard free end receives an end cap. A perimeter cable has a central section passing through holes in the end caps and attaches to the extrusion by the use of metal wire crimps. A lashing rope passes through each grommet of the awning fabric and encompasses the perimeter cable with each pass for securement of the fabric from below.

Abstract: A hunting blind formed of a flat base panel having opposed first and second creases forming a first side panel and a second side panel, each of the side panels being foldable to first positions to lie parallel to the base panel or to second positions to extend at angles to the base panel, opposed surfaces of the panels having a camouflaged pattern thereon.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly has a main frame having a canopy, a plurality of ribs, a shaft, a runner, and a plurality of stretchers. The main frame is connected to a wall or stand by a connecting device. The connecting device includes a seat secured to the wall or stand, and a connecting tube having a first end pivotally connected to the seat. The connecting tube is adjustable in an overall length thereof. The connecting tube further has a second end for engaging with an upper end of the shaft of the main frame.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member. The single panel can further include an amusement feature provided thereon, or can be used as a cover for an object, a pool, pond, box, case or shelter, or can be used as a base with an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted. The single panels can even be combined to form structures having different configurations and utility.

Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: A collapsible awning having an automatic extending flounce is divided into a first portion spanning an awning casing and a primary front section, and a second portion spanning a flounce area between the primary front section and a secondary front section. Awning cloth suspended at one end by the awning casing extends across both the primary and the secondary front sections. Articulated arms connected to the awning casing in the primary front section maintain the front section spaced away distally from the casing when the awning is unfolded and the main part of the awning is stretched. Spring elements connected to the primary front section and the secondary front section maintain the secondary front section located outward away from the primary front section at an angle relative thereto and the flounce portion of the awning cloth between the primary front section and the secondary front section is maintained stretched as well when the awning is extended.

Abstract: A sunshade has a shade and at least two supports, with each support having a second end that is coupled to the shade at spaced-apart locations thereof. The sunshade also has a connector coupled to the first end of each support, the connector having a central portion that has a groove, and a leaf for coupling the first end of each support. The leaf is hingedly connected to the central portion by an integral thin section and has a locking member fitted inside the groove to hold the leaf at a fixed position with respect to the central portion. Each support of the sunshade can also have an adjustable length.

Abstract: A glare reducing hood for a laptop computer monitor made of a fabric closure structure attached to and supported by an endless frame member. The closure structure has a mounting end that defines a mounting end opening and a viewing end that defines a viewing end opening. The hood is mounted on the laptop computer by placing the mounting end about edges of the monitor and the computer user views the monitor through the viewing end opening. The frame member is resiliently collapsible allowing the frame member to be folded into a flat shape for storage and allowing it to spring into a useable shape forming the glare reducing hood that conforms with a particular laptop computer monitor.

Abstract: In an awning comprising a roller tube for winding up an awning fabric, wherein the roller tube is actuated in the winding direction by a torsion spring, provision is made for the roller tube to be disposed in a housing and supported with its one end in a first face-end cover of the housing, and for the torsion spring to be disposed in the interior of this first end of the roller tube, and for the roller tube to be supported in the region of its opposite second end via a bearing journal extending away from a face-end cover.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.

Abstract: A compact shade for the face of a sunbather or someone lying in the sun. The shade allows the circulation of air to flow about the sunbathers face, neck and head while tanning the rest of their body. The shade folds and can be used as a carrying case for personal goods.

Abstract: A collapsible fabric structure is described having two wall members, each having a coilable frame. When the structure is expanded, each frame forms a loop defining a pair of opposed sides. To collapse the wall members, each frame is coiled into three loops. To exert a separating force between the two wall members, an elongate arch forming member is provided having a pair of free ends, each connected to one of the wall members. The arch forming member is preferably a glass reinforced epoxy rod having helically wound fiber at its surface. The surface may take the form of a pyramid, cube or playhouse.

Abstract: A fixed geometry shelter system supported above the ground for receiving at least one person is provided. The fixed geometry shelter system comprises a shelter cover supported above the ground thereby defining a covered ground area. A first shelter opening tilts in a first general direction away from the covered ground area and has a first angle less than ninety (90°) degrees relative to the ground. A second shelter opening tilts in a second general direction away from the covered ground area and has a second angle less than ninety (90°) degrees.

Abstract: An orchard tent folding structure comprises two frame sets and a shelter member having a plurality of tubular members and a plastic cloth. The frame sets comprise a rod member which is provided with a power source to drive the rod member to turn, a sprocket wheel and a slide wheel linked with the sprocket wheel by a chain member. The sprocket wheel turns along with the rod member. The chain member is formed of a chain section and a steel cable section. The shelter member is fastened at one side with the chain section, and at other side with a first steel cable and a second steel cable of the frame sets.

Abstract: A structure includes a frame formed of a flexible endless band in an arched figure eight. The band includes roof sections extending from the cross-over point, wall sections extending from the roof sections and foot sections each extending between two of the wall sections. The band has a permanent deformation which may be an abrupt angle at each position between the roof sections and the wall sections. Sheet material extends across the loops of the figure eight frame, between adjacent roof sections to form a pitched roof and between at least three adjacent wall sections. A retainer at the cross-over point in the figure eight is attached to the endless band at two opposed positions and has a fixed position retaining the band at the two opposed positions fixed together. It may have a release position retaining the band at the two opposed positions rotatable relative to one another. The resilient endless band is collapsible into a configuration with six overlying coils.

Abstract: A tent having a fabric body defining an internal volume and a door for entering and exiting the internal volume and for providing ventilation to the internal volume. A continuous zipper is located on the periphery of the door and on the door opening. A pair of zipper slides is configured for traversing the continuous zipper enabling the door to completely open, completely close and open partially in any one of a number of orientations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lightweight collapsible enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to attach to or about a folding chair. The enclosure provides vertical and lateral spans about and above the folding chair. A canopy is disposed over the spans to create an enclosure. The enclosure is readily collapsible with a folding chair.

Abstract: A hand held sun shield having a frame, within the frame a material adapted to reflect or filter ultraviolet radiation. The sun shield includes a handle adapted to position the frame at any angular relationships parallel or perpendicular to the handle.

Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.

Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching. Another collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Abstract: A protective cover against insects for babies' and toddlers' enclosures such as cribs, playpens, strollers and the like includes an unstructured tubular body portion and an unstructured dome-shaped hood, both made of insect netting material which “breathes” and is transparent. The tubular body at its upper edge and the hood at its periphery each have a stretchable band or fastener that reduces the effective dimensions of the body edge and hood periphery so that the body may be drawn downwardly over the enclosure and be held in place by the reduced dimension of the edge and the hood is drawn downwardly over the top of the enclosure and its periphery overlaps the top edge of the body portion.

Abstract: A flame resistant, lightweight tent liner is disclosed. The tent liner is made from flame resistant polyester fibers. In one embodiment, the tent liner is opaque and white in appearance in order to provide maximum lighting inside a tent while at the same time preventing bystanders on the outside of the tent from looking into the tent.

Abstract: A canopy is formed of an oval flexible sheet of solar radiation and wind resistant material held in extended position by a resilient band and sized so that the band and sheet material are pulled into a saddle shape. Support for the canopy is provided by two flexible supports attached to the canopy at its edges and to a base structure, such as a wheel chair, stroller, patio rail or lawn chair. The supports are long enough so that the canopy can be adjusted to various positions above and alongside the occupant of the base structure for overhead and lateral shelter. The supports are nonresilient and are stiff enough to hold the canopy in the selected position into which it is placed.

Abstract: A sunshade device is transformable from a folded orientation into an unfolded, fully erected orientation supported on a surface. The sunshade device has a base panel having opposite first edges and supported on the surface when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation, and a pair of side wall panels. Each of the side wall panels has a first edge respectively connected to one of the first edges of the base panel along a connecting line disposed generally horizontal to the surface when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation. The side wall panels extend generally upright and are disposed in spaced-apart relation from each other when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation. A top panel has opposite edges respectively connected with second edges of the side wall panels opposite the first edges thereof for limiting a separation distance of the second edges of the side wall panels.

Abstract: A sunshade includes a flexible sheet with a hub generally positioned at its center. A plurality of radial arms are hinged to the hub about parallel axes which are perpendicular to the sheet. The outer ends of the arms are secured to the corners of the sheet. The sunshade is folded by pivoting the arms toward each other along a two-dimensional plane, so that it may be folded in the tight confines of an automobile's interior. In several embodiments, one or more arms are collapsible arms that facilitate the folding of the sheet. The collapsible arms are comprised of two sections connected by a bi-stable hinge, or comprised of spring-loaded telescoping sections. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet is of a wide rectangular shape supported by radial arms hinged to separate hubs positioned on left and right sections of the sheet. In yet another embodiment, the arms are all rigid, and the sheet includes a slit extending from its center to an edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an umbrella. The apparatus of the invention includes a base plate which is placed on the surface of the area in which the umbrella is desired, a hollow cylinder connected at its lower end to the base plate and extending upwardly therefrom for receipt and support of an umbrella shaft, and a jack for contacting the underside of a vehicle to place a downward force on the base plate.

Abstract: A playyard (10) includes a floor (12) and side panels (20) extending upwardly from the floor to provide an enclosure. At least one of the side panels has an opening (26) therethrough which is selectively covered by a pivotal door panel (30) to preclude access to and from the enclosure. The door panel (30) has a pair of retractable, spring-biased tube assemblies (40) that engage corners (16) which interconnect rails (18) that support the side panels.

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: 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: A fastening device for adjustably securing a flexible sheet comprising a first fastening component (62) having a recess (62a) formed therein. A portion of the flexible sheet is secured in the recess (62a) by cooperation of a second fastening component (61) after location of the portion in a desired position relative to the recess (62a). Canopies employing the fastening component are also disclosed.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided for storing objects. These collapsible structures can be easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a compact configuration. The collapsible structures have at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member.

Abstract: A selectively moveable umbrella (10) for use in providing shade during outdoor leisure and work-related activities, in which a support holds an umbrella post (36) with a first end (37) and a canopy (41) attached to a plurality of support ribs extending from a portion of the post near a second end (39) distal from the first end. The support attaches to a triangular base frame (12). An elongated handle (28) extends outwardly from under the canopy from a corner edge (13) of the base frame. Two back wheels (34) are attached to the base frame near an end remote from the handle and an additional support (24) depends from an end of the base frame remote from the back wheels. Using the handle, the base frame is moved in order to wheel the umbrella to a new position for shading outdoor activities.

Abstract: A portable bivouac shelter (10) is provided having an end pole (48) retaining on the top sheet (12) through a tunnel (46) for holding the top sheet (12) in a taught and semi-circular configuration. This permits the top sheet (12) to be held away from the bottom sheet (14) in an open configuration for enhanced ventilation. A top pole (54) is also provided across the top sheet 12 near the head end (20). The top pole (54) cooperates with the flexible end pole (48) to form a sloped roof over a user's head and to hold the top and bottom sheets (12) and (14) in a selected degree of an open configuration. Optional mounting snaps (62) in the interior (24) of the enclosure (18) enable a user to reconfigure the opening (26) without leaving the interior (24) of the shelter (10). The shelter (10) thus provides enhanced ventilation while the sloped roof formed by the top pole (54) prevents the entry of precipitation into the enclosure (18). Optional mosquito netting (32) is zippered on the interior of the opening (26).

Abstract: A detachable and collapsible weather shield for a wheelchair may be user-disposed in a user-selected orientation. The weather shield includes first and second generally inverted "U"-shaped frames, in which the distal leg ends of the second frame are pivotally joined by a coupler to a leg portion of the legs of the first frame. A flexible moisture resistant canopy extends over at least the top portion of the frames and preferably also extends downward to also cover a portion of the legs. A releasable pivotable anchor is secured to one and preferably both wheelchair push arm regions, and permits releasably and rotatably attaching the distal leg ends of the first frame to the wheelchair. The anchor permits user-adjustment of the relative angular orientation of the first frame (and thus of the weather shield) and/or the vertical height (including complete removal) of the weather shield relative to the ground. The anchor unit may be manually operable, or may be motorized.

Abstract: A portable collapsible shelter having particular use as a hunting blind. The shelter includes a plurality of generally C-shaped frame members and the upper ends of the frame members are connected to an upper connecting plate, while the lower portions of the frame members are connected to a lower connecting plate. A flexible cover is attached to the frame members and provides an enclosure. The frame members can be pivoted between a folded condition, where the frame members are in generally parallel relation, to an extended condition where the frame members extend radially from the connecting plates. The cover is provided with an access slit which extends the full height of the cover and can be closed through a fastener such as a zipper. An auxiliary panel can be connected to the side portion of the cover on either side of the slit. The panel extends outwardly from the cover and can be held in an outwardly bowed position by a ground stake.

Abstract: A tent has an elongate shell of limp material and a pair of self-erecting frames movable between an erect configuration in which the frames are capable of supporting the shell to define an interior space of the shell and a collapsed configuration in which the shell is compacted and stored in a storage bag. Each of the self-erecting frames comprises a plurality of frame members having an upper end and a lower end. A connecting system connects the upper ends of the frame members and biases the lower ends of the frame members apart to move the frame to its erect configuration. The frame members are movable against the bias of the connecting system to move the frame from its erect configuration to its collapsed configuration. In another embodiment, a portion of the shell comprises a mesh window panel to permit air flow in and out of the interior space of the tent. A window flap is connected to the shell adjacent the window panel for covering the window panel.

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: A combination stand and shelter for bicycles includes an anchored shelter made of two side members interconnected by a frame which also serves as a bike stand. A stiff sheet captured between the side members provides a weather shield for the front wheel of the bicycle, and also houses a storage bin for tools and spares. The rear portion of the bike may be covered, when desired, by drawing a flexible cover from a reel within the shelter, and securing its free end to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A personal shelter, such as a bivouac sack (10), tent or sleeping bag, for extracting internal moisture and venting. The personal shelter includes a top (14), bottom (12) and end (16) piece, and defines a foot end (17) and head end (18) at opposite ends of a longitudinal axis. The personal shelter also includes a first opening (40) at the foot end, a second opening (20) near the head end, and a semi-rigid duct (30) with an inlet end that is approximately colocated with the first opening and an outlet end that is approximately colocated with the second opening. The semi-rigid duct receives outside air through the first end, mixes the received outside air with moist air within the personal shelter, and exhausts the mixed air through the second end.

Abstract: An auxiliary roof for a building is provided including a building having a perimeter and a roof. A plurality of stanchions includes a pair of rear stanchions and a pair of front stanchions. Top ends of the rear stanchions have an equal height which is greater than that of the top ends of the front stanchions. A frame includes a pair of side members extending downwardly from top ends of the rear stanchions to top ends of the front stanchions. Also included is plurality of slats each defined by a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges, wherein one of the long edges of each slat is coupled between the side members of the frame in spaced parallel relationship. The slats have a raised orientation wherein the same reside at an acute angle for directing air toward the building.

Abstract: A playyard system includes a playyard structure and a canopy. The playyard structure is partially covered by the canopy which channels heat outward to provide improve shading and ventilation. Sides of the playyard structure have mesh panels with removable covers to further control shading and ventilation. Accordingly, the playyard system has improved thermal characteristics. Furthermore, the canopy allows visibility and easy access to the interior of the playyard structure.

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: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: A collapsible tent including a closed loop resilient coilable member, the member being distorted to form at least three support loops. Each support loop adjoins the other support loops along a single portion of its perimeter with the support loops having a common adjoining region. Each support loop has a perimeter substantially the same as that of the other support loops and a membrane attached to the perimeter of the support loop. The membrane extends between the opposing portions of the support loop to restrain the support loop. The tent further includes a base membrane attached to the perimeters of the support loops and extending between the support loops to restrain the support loops in relation to one another. When the tent is expanded, the support loops are in spaced relation to one another around the common adjoining region and are restrained by the membranes. The common adjoining region forms an apex of the tent and the membranes define walls and a base of the tent.

Abstract: The ground engaging restraint device (2) comprises a ground spike (4) and a clasp (6). Comprising the clasp is a head (48), a pin (50) and a pair of arms (52) having teeth (64). The ground spike has a receiver (12) having a bore (20) and circumferential notches (24), an elongated shaft (16) having a ground-engaging stop (18). In one embodiment the shaft has a plurality of interconnected webs (36), and in another embodiment the shaft has a helical blade (72) fixed concentrically about the shaft. A portion of an article (14) is placed over and inserted into the bore by placing the clasp over the receiver, causing the pin to enter the bore and frictionally engage the article between the pin and the bore. Teeth of a pair of arms engage a plurality of notches (24) on the receiver, removably retaining the clasp on the receiver.