Closure, Viewing Window, Awning, Or Sunshade Patents (Class 135/117)
  • Patent number: 5806547
    Abstract: A combination umbrella and gazebo that can be used as an umbrella or a gazebo. The combination includes a frame, a canopy, and a side. The canopy is affixed to the frame and has an open position and a closed position. The side is affixed to the canopy and has an extended position in which the combination functions as the gazebo and a retracted position in which the combination functions as the umbrella. And, the side achieves its extended and retracted positions by turning a crank which causes a first cord that is operatively connected to eight second cords which are operatively connected to eight third cords which are operatively connected to the side to displace half as much as each of the eight third cords so as to reduce the amount of turning of the crank required to lower and raise the side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas S. Derlinga
  • Patent number: 5803104
    Abstract: A frame for a bimini cover for a deck of a water craft. The support structure has a first end frame retained in a fixed position with respect to the deck and a second end frame pivotally connected to the first end frame. The frame has first and second support members each of which have a first end fixed to the deck and a second end fixed to the first end frame to define first triangular members to hold the first end frame in a fixed position with respect to the deck. The second end frame is moved from a closed position to an opened position to selectively extend a canopy over the deck. First and second strut members are secured to the first end frame and joined to the second end frame to define second triangular members. The strut members are adjustable after being joined to the second end frame to hold the second end frame at a fixed arcuate distance from the first end frame while maintaining a predetermined tension on the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Randall Paul Pollen
  • Patent number: 5799680
    Abstract: A canopy system for use when performing outside construction is provided. The canopy is particularly useful for use on a roof to protect the worker from rain, snow or sun and the canopy system comprises a plurality of adjustable brackets which are secured to the roof in spaced relation to form a desired canopy area, a plurality of rigid canopy support poles secured to the brackets and disposed in a substantially upright position, and a canopy member secured to the upper ends of the canopy support poles. A specially configured bracket is employed which comprises a rotatable and axially moveable member which member is fixedly positioned to a fixed member of the bracket and which moveable member is adapted to hold a canopy support pole in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Russell C. Dorflinger
  • Patent number: 5771912
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Swetish
  • Patent number: 5765584
    Abstract: A tent has a two-ply door having an air venting fabric as a first ply and a waterproof fabric as a second ply. On the waterproof fabric, a continuous zipper which defines a c-shaped arcuate path is formed. The zipper starts at a side of the tent door and ends at the same side. Zipper slides are mounted on the zipper path, such that a pair of consecutively positioned zipper slides unzips the waterproof fabric to allow ventilation through the air venting fabric when the pair slides towards one another and zips the waterproof fabric to close off ventilation when the pair slides away from each other. Operation of a first of the pair provides ventilation through the top of the air venting fabric and operation of the other provides ventilation through the bottom of the air venting fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson Worldwide Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Heisler, James M. Remza
  • Patent number: 5762085
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Timmy J. Punch
  • Patent number: 5752537
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible, freestanding shelter for protection from sun, wind and precipitation. Shelter is comprised of four struts (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) comprising two x elements juxtaposed and separated by releasably attached cross beams (14a, 14b, 14c). Rear adjustable stays (20a, 20b) strengthen and brace structure and, in combination with adjustable means (24a, 24b) used to lock position of x elements, provide a means of adjusting height of resulting frame. Shelter may be configured with visor arms (15a, 15b) attached to x element struts (8a, 9a). A cover (34) containing rigid rods or dowels (36a, 36b) on its front and rear edge is releasably attached to visor arms (15a, 15b) at front and pulled back over upper beams (14a, 14b) and held by adjustable cords (43a, 43b). Cover can be configured in a variety of ways to provide increasing or decreasing exposure to elements. (FIG. 4) Apparatus may be configured without beam 14a when front cover rod is in place thereby increasing head room. Referring to FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Bruce Kranzler
  • Patent number: 5715552
    Abstract: A hammock comprises a hammock body, suspension belts or the like for suspending the hammock between two load bearing members, and a header and suspension cord assembly at each end of the hammock which spreads the weight of a load laterally across the width of the load. This assembly includes a reinforced header located at the head end and having a laterally extending row of apertures, a spreader bar dimensioned to fit in a sleeve in each header, and a suspension cord designed to couple the suspension belt to the row of apertures in the header. The hammock is enclosed by an enclosure which is suspended above the hammock body by a spinal cord. The enclosure creates a rain and insect free space for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: S. Sam DeAth
  • Patent number: 5709238
    Abstract: The present invention features a tent roof construction having a double, hollow, tubular joint. Vertical and side tubes that make up the tent-frame attach to this tubular joint. The improvement allows the tent-frame to be built quickly and without nuts and bolts (thus, allowing assembly and disassembly without tools) by using a second horizontal support tube, a tube which parallels the horizontal support tube of previous roof constructions. This second tube is located directly below the first horizontal support tube, thus allowing the canvas roof cover to be pulled over the first horizontal support tube and attached to the second horizontal support tube. Thus, the roof cover extends over the end of the roof frame and down the sides of the tent. The side covers extend up the inside of the tent-frame and attach to the first horizontal support tube, creating an overlap between the roof and side covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony Mattioli
  • Patent number: 5692534
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: James W. Brumfield
  • Patent number: 5664596
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5641192
    Abstract: An aerodynamic, lightweight, flexible material top for enclosing a flatbed of a wheeled vehicle having a front and rear, the top includes a series of inverted, U-shaped supports extending upwardly from and across the flatbed with a first support at the front and a last support at the rear. A flexible material is stretched over the supports and includes a fixed sleeve and a laterally adjustable sleeve which are secured about the first and last supports. At least a portion of the top is pivotally connected as to swing upwardly away from the flatbed to gain access under the top and to the flatbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Duane Smith, Chris A. Butler
  • Patent number: 5638851
    Abstract: A modular shelter comprising a framework for supporting a cover sheet, the framework including at least two frames each composed of an upward curved arch having two ends, two upstanding legs, each leg having an upper end connected to a respective end of said arch by means of respective upward angled connecting members, each arch end attached to a respective upper end of said legs, each leg having a bottom end, and anchoring means for anchoring the bottom end of each leg to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: David Baldwin
  • Patent number: 5638849
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a personal screen device that is adapted to be secured to the back surface of a conventional seat. This personal screen comprises of a shaft includes an upper portion and a lower portion. A shade is secured to the upper portion while the lower portion is adapted to be received within a first holding mechanism and a retaining mechanism. The holding mechanism and the retaining mechanism are secured on the back surface of the conventional seat. The screen of the present invention is designed to be adjustable so that the shade can be raised, lowered, rotated and/or tilted in order to provide an optimum means for blocking sun rays, rain, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Eugene Scott
  • Patent number: 5638850
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Daniel P. Hazinski, Sidney Samole
  • Patent number: 5634483
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Robert E. Gwin
  • Patent number: 5622197
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Trevor Valaire
  • Patent number: 5613512
    Abstract: A blind structure for a tree stand includes an outer beam secured across an outer end of the tree stand platform and an inner beam connected across the platform at a position spaced inwardly from the outer beam. Each beam has a pivotal socket member, positioned at each of its outer ends, which has a socket to receive an upwardly extending rod. A blind panel member has sleeves at its ends and at a medial region which are received over the rods to surround the tree stand platform on an outer end and along the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignees: David R. Forbes, Carman S. Forbes
    Inventor: Ron M. Bean
  • Patent number: 5609176
    Abstract: A combination walking stick and blind which includes a bi-support blind characterized by a pair of longitudinally half-round, elongated supports pivotally joined at one end, with the flat sides of the supports positioned in facing relationship and the supports fitted with camouflage netting or fabric designed to deploy when the bottoms of the supports are extended in pivoted relationship, and wrapped around the supports when and the supports are aligned, to define a walking stick. In another embodiment three supports define a tri-support blind, which supports may be configured as one-third-round supports that nest when joined together to define a walking stick. Camouflage netting or fabric is attached to the supports by means of looped securing straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Casey M. Weeks
  • Patent number: 5606986
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Eric M. Muise
  • Patent number: 5600922
    Abstract: A construction for fastening a sheet of transparent plastic material, such as a window, in an opening of an awning has a separable slide fastener to keep the window in place, while two elongated sealing elements in the form of profile pipings, having a matching profile functioning as a snap-on mounting, are used to provide for a separable waterproof joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mehler Vario System GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Stolz
  • Patent number: 5592960
    Abstract: A hunting blind is constructed of a set of reflectively mirrored wall panels with a camouflaged top cover, to form a rectangular structure which reflects the surrounding environment to conceal the structure of the blind. The wall panels are each preferably formed of a rigid sheet of reinforced closed cell foam material, with a sheet of mirrored clear plastic material bonded to one surface of the foam sheet. The mirrored surface of the plastic sheet is preferably secured directly to the foam sheet, thereby sandwiching the mirrored surface between the overlying clear plastic material and the foam panel to protect the mirrored surface from damage. The wall panels are rigidly but removably connected together with corner channel members to form a rigid, inflexible structure. A top closure or roof may be formed of a flexible camouflage sheet, or alternatively of rigid foam sheet having a camouflage pattern thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5592961
    Abstract: A portable booth is provided which includes a plurality of vertical sides, a top panel, and a bottom panel attached together to form an enclosure which can be twisted into a compact assembly unit. A first stiffener and second stiffener can be added to the enclosure to provide additional stability to the portable booth. The first and second stiffeners can each be twisted into a compact stiffener unit. Since the side panels can be easily twisted to form a compact assembly unit and the first and second stiffeners can each be twisted to form a compact stiffener unit, the portable booth is easy to assemble and disassemble, and easy to transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Anna H. K. Chin
  • Patent number: 5579796
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a portable shelter for an automobile which is lightweight and easily assembled. The invention utilizes base plates which are adjustably placed under the wheels of the sheltered vehicle for securely anchoring the shelter structure. Independently adjustable vertical support bars are attached to the base plates and support a canopy. Additionally, cross-braces which are adjustable in height and adjustable in length are positioned at tire height to that the vertical support bars of the structure can be securely braced against the vehicle tires. This provides superior lateral support against meteorological conditions without the need for external stakes or guide wires, and without contacting or damaging the body of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Mark D. Mallo, Gail M. Mallo
  • Patent number: 5579799
    Abstract: A collapsible shade structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for substantially covering the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member, each side panel assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. Interconnecting portions of the fabric material form a hinge portion between each frame member. Alternatively, frame retaining sleeve portions may be used to interconnect and retain two or more frame members from two or more adjacent side panels and to act as hinge portions. The structure may be folded and stored by folding the side panels and their corresponding frame members on top of each other about the hinge portions to have the side panels and frame members overlying each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5573026
    Abstract: The invention is a pre-fabricated boat lift canopy constructed of galvanized steel or aluminum tubing. All joints are crimped to a tight, permanent fit by using a special rolling tool. The canopy frame is mounted on "I" beams of existing boat lifts, docks, or pilings. The canopy frame is then covered with a water tight and sunlight resistant decorative canopy. Wind spoilers, in the form of canvas strips, are fastened to the peak of the canopy, a continuous strip, horizontally across the top, a strip at each end, and a third strip at the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Gary Griffith
  • Patent number: 5560385
    Abstract: A collapsible play structure has 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5531239
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle awning tightener including a generally planar rigid plate sized for receiving a user's foot thereon, the plate having an upper surface and a lower surface bounded by a front edge, a back edge, and a pair of side edges extended therebetween and with the rear edge of the plate positionable upon a recipient surface and the front edge extended upwards to thereby create an acute angle between the lower surface and the recipient surface; a hook removably couplable to an outboard portion of a cover of an awning; and a generally taut line having one end coupled to the hook and another end coupled to the plate, whereby when the user's foot is placed upon the plate and then applies a downward force, the hook pulls the outboard portion of the cover of the awning downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Delbert R. Hannah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5490532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Colorado Mineral Strike, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Albert W. Gebhard
  • Patent number: 5487402
    Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame whose members freely move between a maximum and a minimum dimension to enable selectively applying various sized shelter skins to the frame and to tauntly stretch the shelter skin thereon. The skin also comprises slidable tensioning means that stretch the skin over a portion of the frame. The upper portion of the shelter is partially supported by a lifting force applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignees: Michael S. Clary, Cynthia G. Clary
    Inventor: Michael S. Clary
  • Patent number: 5467794
    Abstract: A collapsible shade structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for substantially covering the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member, each side panel assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. Interconnecting portions of the fabric material form a hinge portion between each frame member. Alternatively, frame retaining sleeve portions may be used to interconnect and retain two or more frame members from two or more adjacent side panels and to act as hinge portions. The structure may be folded and stored by folding the side panels and their corresponding frame members on top of each other about the hinge portions to have the side panels and frame members overlying each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Posit Plus
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5458146
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Ron Gregg
  • Patent number: 5446580
    Abstract: A privacy screen for tanning. The screen has a top screen panel and four vertical lateral wall screen panels, combining to form a canopy lowered over and covering a portion of a sunbather's torso. The screen panels are made from a material impervious to light in the visible spectrum and permeable to UV-A light. The top and two lateral screen panels are stored on reels enclosed in respective housings. The remaining two lateral screen panels are fastened, as by hook and loop material, to vertical legs holding the top screen panel above and spaced apart from the sunbather. Legs are adjustable as to height of the privacy screen. The two lateral screen panel housings are integral with two of four legs, which hold the canopy in its assembled configuration. The two remaining legs have external surfaces bearing hook and loop material for assembly of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Frederick L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5437298
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Chen Y. Lin
  • Patent number: 5394897
    Abstract: A tent system interconnects any number of stand-alone tents (12) to form a tent network (10). The tents (12) are interconnected through connection modules (14). The tents (12) include at least two and preferably three openings (30) which serve as doorways. Various fasteners attach to the tents (12) near each opening (30). One fastener (54) removably couples to a complimentary fastener (34, 36) on the connection module. Another fastener (72) mates with a complimentary fastener (74) on a door panel (76), and yet another fastener (78) mates with a complimentary fastener (80) on a screen panel (82). The openings (30) are formed in tent panels (26) that slope downward and outward from the top of the tent (12). The connection modules (14) have flexible sheet material (32) sides (38, 40) with ends configured with a downward and inward slope that allows them to mate with the tent panels (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: Michael T. Ritchey, Bryce J. Leavitt
  • Patent number: 5373863
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable mirrored camouflage blind that incorporates a plurality of two-way mirrored panels positioned relative to each other side by side along a longitudinal edge, and flexible hinge means for flexibly connecting each of the plurality of two-way mirrored panels with an adjacent two-way mirrored panel whereby the plurality of two-way mirrored panels with the flexible hinge means form an accordion-like structure. Each of the plurality of two-way mirrored panels is optically constructed to produce undistorted reflections of objects located at near and far distances on an outer side of the plurality of two-way mirrored panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Ricci Prizio
  • Patent number: 5371966
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical hunting blind that can be supported on the ground or on a tower is formed of elongate arcuate panels and a domed roof which, in a preferred embodiment, have surface corrugations simulating the bark of a tree. A ladder-stand connected to the tower can be easily disconnected from the tower to serve as a leaning tree stand. Lower windows provide a view of the surroundings from a seated position and smaller peep windows above the lower windows provide a view from a standing position. The lower windows slide to cover the window opening in a closed position and completely uncover the window opening in a fully open position, and can be maintained at selective positions between the fully closed and fully open positions. The domed roof has a rain channel formed therein to capture and direct rain water downwardly and outwardly between the windows. One or more swivel chairs movably mounted in the enclosure are capable of revolving 360.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Rocky A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5363871
    Abstract: A rigid substantially planar sheet, preferably but not limited to a rectangular shape, having a central fold region and a pair of fold regions spaced from opposing ends of the rectangle with a fastener, preferably hook and loop (Velcro), disposed in the regions between each of the pair of folds and the sheet end. There is also provided an attachment device, preferably containing hook and loop thereon, for attachment to an infant seat or other device as well as to the fasteners on the sheet via the hook and loop for securing the sheet to the seat. The sheet is dimensioned to have a V shape at the central fold when attached to the fasteners and in operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventors: Michael L. Garrand, Margo A. Garrand
  • Patent number: 5327927
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Korea Tarpaulin, Inc.
    Inventor: Sei-Yoon Oh
  • Patent number: 5325807
    Abstract: A window assembly is formed having a receiving member set in contact with one surface of pliant sheet, a holding member set in contact with the other surface of the pliant sheet, with the sheet held fixedly between them. A frame cover is attached to the receiving members, and a rigid transparent pane is secured fixedly between the cover and the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Toshio Hidekura
    Inventor: Toshio Hidekura
  • Patent number: 5283993
    Abstract: A door system for a stressed fabric structure comprising a stationary arched anchor beam, the ends of which are supported on the base at one end of the structure, a plurality of movable arched beams of similar size and shape on the side of the anchor beam away from the structure and having supporting ends pivotally secured at the ends of the anchor beam, the movable beams to pivot along the same radial path about common pivot points at the ends, between raised, open position adjacent to the anchor beam and closed position in which the beams are spaced progressively from the anchor beam to the structure base. Fabric panels are secured to and extend between each of the anchor beam and its adjacent movable beam and adjacent pairs of movable beams so as to be under similar tension when the beams are in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Philip D. Sprung, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5277214
    Abstract: A tent structure arranged to afford protection to an individual during a tire changing procedure, wherein the tent structure includes a U-shaped base rib, with a plurality of intermediate ribs and a leading rib, with each of the ribs pivotally mounted relative to a central axle, with web members extending between the ribs to afford protection to an individual positioned within the tent structure. The tent organization includes magnet members mounted to the leading rib for magnetic adherence to a body panel of an associated vehicle to enhance positioning of the tent structure relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: William J. Tolley
  • Patent number: 5241772
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical hunting blind that can be supported on the ground or on a tower is formed of elongate arcuate panels and a domed roof which, in a preferred embodiment, have surface corrugations simulating the bark of a tree. A ladder-stand connected to the tower can be easily disconnected from the tower to serve as a leaning tree stand. Lower windows provide a view of the surroundings from a seated position and smaller peep windows above the lower windows provide a view from a standing position. The lower windows slide to cover the window opening in a closed position and completely uncover the window opening in a fully open position, and can be maintained at selective positions between the fully closed and fully open positions. A flexible cable having a control knob located between the windows opens and closes the windows without noise or visible arm movement. The domed roof has a rain channel formed therein to capture and direct rain water downwardly and outwardly between the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Rocky A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5242004
    Abstract: An awning structure of the type having a frame work in which some parts are bent into a radius, and a fabric cover secured snugly over the frame, the curved frame parts extending generally between a vertical and a lower portion, and some of the frame parts being of identical cross-section, defining a generally U-shaped channel, with opposed side walls, and a bottom wall joining the side walls, and the side walls defining an open mouth remote from the bottom wall, an intermediate bracing wall extending from the bottom wall between the side walls, the side walls and the intermediate wall lying in planes parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another, and the intermediate wall defining a free edge, terminating substantially adjacent the open mouth, a bridge wall extending between each side wall and the intermediate wall, the bridge wall being spaced inwardly from the open mouth, and defining a generally arch shape in section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Johann Stilling
  • Patent number: 5231809
    Abstract: A screen door entry system particularly useful for camper accessory screen enclosures is shown which is conveniently foldable for transporting and stowing when not in use. The entry system includes adjustable elements to engage with a camper canopy roller bar having different pitch angles for desired drainage, a door which is convertible between a single door and a Dutch door type, and anchor elements which are adapted to anchor the entry system at a selected location. The entry system in its folded condition is receivable in a carrying case for safe transporting and stowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Michael J. Benjamino
    Inventors: Michael J. Benjamino, Ronald E. Poore
  • Patent number: 5222513
    Abstract: A tent system having at least three tents, with each tent being free standing. Each of the tents is arranged about the perimeter of a common area, and, in a most preferred embodiment, each tent is arranged in a substantially uniform manner about the perimeter of the common area. Each of the tents has a front and rear wall and side walls with the front wall provided with a horizontally disposed eave line. Each of the tents is provided with an awning like structure which is secured to the front wall of each tent along the horizontally disposed eave line and which extends outwardly over the common area to form a section of a roof assembly, with the roof assembly covering a substantial portion of the common area. Each roof section is releasably secured to its adjacent roof section and this may be accomplished by means of a zipper, "Velcro" fastening tape or, snap fasteners and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Sarah M. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 5176774
    Abstract: The invention provides a multilayer plastic sheet of self-rollable maerial comprising at least two layers of material joined to one another at states of different relative stretch and capable of alternating between a relaxed and a tensioned state and of inherently assuming a rolled-up configuration in said relaxed state as a result of the different states of stretch of the respective layers and to retain said inherent property of spontaneous rolling up even after prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Roll Screens, Inc.
    Inventors: Josephe Laniado, Moshe Har-El
  • Patent number: 5099866
    Abstract: A protective play enclosure includes a frame having first and second rectangular frame members which are inclined relative to one another with end braces arranged in an X-configuration. A flexible floor extends between the bottom frame crossbars and a flexible wall of a netting material extends upwardly from the floor and is connecting to the frame top cross bars. The frame end braces are extendable and retractable for erecting and collapsing the enclosure. A frame top for the enclosure can be pivotally displaced to a position along one sidewall when an open topped enclosure is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Clorinda A. Solis, Jaime J. Solis
  • Patent number: 5035253
    Abstract: A rain runoff awning for collecting runoff from a tent canopy. Fabric is stretched between and secured to outwardly extending arms which are attached to the canopy frame. The fabric forms a gutter or trough along an edge of the canopy for receiving runoff from the canopy and directing the runoff away from entrance and exit areas of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Allan D. Bortles
  • Patent number: 5012832
    Abstract: A wind blocking screen comprises three flat panels of substantially rigid material joined together along integral fold lines to form a continuous row of panels which can be folded together into a flat configuration for storage and opened out at any desired angle to one another in an open, shielding configuration. Each panel has a handle opening adjacent the center of one of its edges which is positioned for alignment with corresponding openings in the other panels when they are folded flat, forming a hand grip for carrying the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: J. Clark Turner