Abstract: A portable, foldable beach screen provides privacy and protection from wind and blowing sand for a reclining individual. The screen is constructed from a single panel and is foldable into a compact and easily carried configuration. The screen may include a reflective material on one or both major surfaces and can carry advertising messages or other printing.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing vertically extending, generally straight-line tent zippers without reaching and bending. A first embodiment of the invention includes a first pulley removably mounted on a stake adjacent to and aligned with a lower end of the zipper. A pair of plates each is formed with a plurality of spaced peripheral openings and has a pulley rotatably mounted thereon adjacent to and aligned with another opening formed in the plate. The plates are placed together in a back-to-back relationship so that the plate openings are aligned with each other and with a plurality of corresponding openings formed in the intervening tent wall, for fastening the plates and attached pulleys on the tent adjacent to and aligned with the upper end of the zipper.

Abstract: A portable blind constructed for quick assembly and disassembly without the use of tools is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the portable blind includes four frame members having three interconnected sections, a cross member, and a canopy covering the frame. The three sections of each of the frame members of the frame are attached by tension spring interconnecting mechanisms which retain the sections together when disassembled and urge the sections together in assembly. The canopy is constructed as a unit and includes closable side panel windows with built in gun supports.

Abstract: This invention provides an inclement weather protective hood device against weather conditions for wheelchair occupants. The device comprises a symmetrical collapsible tubular detachable structure covered by a two toned transparent plastic covering, clear in front and sides, and tinted top and back. The two toned covering will permit chair occupant to have good visibility and to be seen more easily by pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Abstract: A foldable shelter having a frame that is comprised solely of a foldable arch and a pair of struts that are detachably connected to the arch and receive pockets of a flexible covering that is affixed to the arch so as to provide form for the shelter when erected.

Abstract: A portable negative air control unit and closure structure which can be utilized therewith to form enumerable different configurations. The basic unit includes a base which can be a shower containment pool, at least one closure structure having a door therein and top and side fabric walls which are removably attached to the closure structure, such as by zippers. The unit also can be attached to additional walls to form one of several interconnected units.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy for use with a chair or other free-standing device is described. The collapsible canopy of the present invention includes three hoop sections which are covered with material capable of blocking substantial amounts of sunlight. The respective hoop sections are coupled with a cross-coupled truss structure which extends to support the collapsible canopy over a chair or other freestanding device in an open position, and collapses to store the collapsible canopy in an extremely compact form in a closed position.

Abstract: A bonnet for lawn chairs and the like involves a canopy formed of a plurality of flexible, resilient bows, which are maintained in a generally U-shaped configuration, and a flexible covering attached to and interconnecting the bows along a substantial portion of their length. The bows are attached to a chair through two bow assembly bars, each of which have a separate attachment location, in linear spaced relationship, for each bow. Each bow is pivotally connected, with adjustable tension, at its ends between the two bow assembly bars at the separate spaced locations so as to permit each of the bows to be individually pivotable, fore and aft, thereby permitting variation of the canopy coverage and location. The bow assembly bars are removably clamped to the framework on opposing sides of a lawn chair. A flexible line, of less length than the bows, is used to directly interconnect the bow assembly bars so as to restrain the resilient bows to a generally U-shaped configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, especially for stabilizing soil material and other moldable compositions such as uncured concrete or the like, comprising a substantially elongated web sheet mounted on a support which forms a plurality of cells or pockets which can be manufactured from inexpensive raw material, which possibly can easily decompose, and requires a minimum transport volume. The device provides favorable anchoring in the ground which is to be soil stabilized and forms pockets or cells having walls extending vertically independent of the slope angle of the ground for stabilizing the soil even during heavy rain.

Abstract: A camping tent assembly for attachment to a van or for freestanding use is of a generally L-shaped configuration for direct attachment to the rear and one side of the van. The interior side walls of the tent which are demountably attached to the van include access openings to the rear and side van doors and collars to seal the interface therebetween. The interior side walls may be detached from the van without collapsing the tent, the van moved away, and conventional tent supports substituted to completely restore the tent to and allow its use in a freestanding orientation. A portable galley unit stored in the rear of the van and directly accessible from inside the tent provides a camping assembly for complete cooking, sleeping and living needs.

Abstract: A canopy apparatus (10) for conventional A-frame swing constructions (100) wherein the canopy apparatus (10) comprises a pair of support units (11) operatively connected to the horizontal support bar (103) of the swing set (100) and a cover unit (12) operatively attached to and suspended from the pair of support units (11).

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable self-supporting collapsible shelter having a supporting frame; a cover comprising a tent enclosure when erected and supported by the frame having at least two side walls spaced from each other at the same ends by a rear wall, a top wall (or roof) and a front wall; the cover having at least one continuous opening directed across one first wall and at least partially across two other walls spaced from each other at the same ends by the one first wall, in use said at least one continuous opening being closed and opened by at least one continuous closure mechanism being disengageable so as to open the at least one continuous opening and being engageable so as to close the at least one continuous opening, enclosing an article traversing the at least one continuous opening.

Abstract: A framework module for a modular building structure has a plurality of elongate frame members (10, 11, 12, 13) assembled to form two inverted V-frames oppositely inclined to the vertical, the two frames defining respective faces of first and second imaginary pyramids (19, 20). When two such modules are assembled together, one of the inverted V-frames of the second module defines an adjoining face of either the first or second pyramid defined by the first module.

Abstract: A tilting device for an umbrella includes an elongate connecting member connected to a control block, an upper bending head connected to an upper rod, and a lower bending head connected to a lower rod. The elongate connecting member has a pivot hole at the lower end. The upper bending head has a pair of downward extending plates each having a pinhole and an inclined slot. A spring member is mounted around the control block and the elongate connecting member. Each lateral side of the lower bending head is formed with a pinhole and an obtuse angular-shaped guide slot. The upper bending head is connected to the lower bending head and fixed in position by a pin. The lower end of the elongate connecting member is connected to the combination of the upper and lower bending head by a displacing pin extending through the guide slots, the inclined slots and the pivot hole.

Abstract: A tent-hammock combination, in which up to five separate structures may be formed. The first is a hammock, the second is a hanging pup tent with the hammock serving as the floor of the tent, the third a lean-to, the fourth a ground pup tent, and the fifth a family-sized tent made by transforming and joining two group pup tents. The transition from ground pup tent to either the lean-to or family-sized tent is achieved by disconnecting the rear wall of the tent or pair of tents and pivoting its upwardly. In the lean-to version, the rear wall is pivoted until it is horizontal. In the family-sized tent, the rear wall is pivoted until it forms one continuous planar surface with the front wall, after which two such transformed tents are joined to form the large, family-sized tent. In the family-sized tent, two trianagular material inserts are used to fill in the vacant volume formed in each tent when the tent's rear wall has been pivoted upwardly.

Abstract: A tent comprising a frame, sheet material on the frame formed into an enclosure having a base and a ceiling with an opening in the ceiling and an elongated pivot member having opposite ends and mounted for pivotal movement over the opening. A flexible flap is coupled to the sheet material and to the pivot member so that the pivot member can pivot to cause the flap to open and at least partially close the opening. A rain fly of flexible sheet material is adapted to overlie the opening and be supported by the pivot member above the opening to thereby close the opening and increase the vertical space available in the tent.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible beach shade for providing protection from the sun, wind, or observation, to a user. The beach shade, when developed, has a plurality of ribs pivoted around a common point at one end. The ribs are covered with flexible sheeting. The fan-like structure is mounted at the top of a pole, adapted to be implanted in the sand or other ground. The user may adjust the position of the planar fan-like structure in several degrees of freedom. The device retains a high degree of stability even when subjected to high and shifting winds under recreational conditions.

Abstract: A device for use in covering an automobile comprises a base frame upon which the front or rear tires of an automobile may be received. A spindle is supported above the base frame to which a flexible automobile cover is mounted. Two rollers are mounted adjacent the spindle through which the cover may be guided, pulled over an automobile with its front or rear tires positioned on the base frame and attached to the end of the automobile located beyond the device.

Abstract: A portable shelter is set forth easily erected and disassembled for ready transport of same. Captured "U" shaped supports are secured within conduits formed by means of an elongate capture fabric secured to tent fabric structure to capture the supports therein. Linear supports are positioned within four corners of the tent fabric structure and are also captured in a similar capture fabric wherein the formed contents for securing the support elements therein are discontinuous medially of the tent height to enable visual manipulation and securement of the various supports together. Included in the portable structure is a removable floor formed with integral compartments for inflation thereof for selective use of the compartments as an air mattress. Additionally, luminescent portions are positioned overlying the entrance flaps to the structure for indication of orientation of the tent and positioning of the entranceway during periods of limited light.

Abstract: An insulating flexible panel adapted to be releasably joined to like panels in side by side relationship, said panel comprising enclosure means for enclosing insulating material therein, said enclosure means presenting a first border and a second border, said second border extending generally outwardly of said enclosure, and releasable fastening means associated with said first and second borders adapted to releasably fasten said first border of one panel to said second border of another panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, especially for stabilizing soil material and other moldable compositions such as uncured concrete or the like, comprising a substantially elongated web sheet mounted on a support which forms a plurality of cells or pockets which can be manufactured from inexpensive raw material, which possibly can easily decompose, and which requires a minimum transport volume. The pockets or cells having walls extending vertically independent of the slope of the ground for stabilizing the soil even during heavy rain.

Abstract: A lightweight portable blind which includes a quick adjustable combination armrest/shooting rail, roof and roof support members, all of which attach to a folding outdoor chair using clamps. A camouflage slipcover encloses the entire blind so as to conceal the person inside.

Abstract: The present invention is a multipurpose infant shade adapted for attachment to a variety of infant furniture items. The shade includes a flexible, semi-rigid support arch member, symetrical left and right panel members, a top panel member and attachment elements for securing the shade to the furniture item. The various panel members are opaque to prevent bright light and other common radiation from reaching the infant. The shade is lightweight, portable and flexible so that it may be readily adapted to and exchanged among a variety of furniture items such as infant car seats, car beds, swings and strollers. For aesthetic purposes the panel materials may be selected to have attractive colors and patterns and the shade may be provided with a decorative ruffle.

Abstract: A portable blind for hunting having a support structure which is laterally expandable by interconnecting identical frames to each other and to a standard member, each frame having a connecting portion adapted to be received within a loop of an adjacent frame member. A camouflaged cover is clipped to the support structure. Vertical extending members are pivotally attached to frame members to provide additional vertical coverage.

Abstract: An awning structure having two vertical support members, one attached to each end of a horizontal bar; two horizontal projection bars, one attached to the bottom end of each of the supports; two rafter bars each attached to one of the projection bars and the header bar; and a front bar which is attached to the rafter bars. A fabric cover is removably attached to the header bar by a rope track extruding from the header bar. The fabric cover is removably attached to the front bar and projection bars by a plurality of velcro strips.

Abstract: A hammock comprising main supporting rods connected together by an extension member, support members connected to the main supporting rods through end connecting members, rod holding members pivotally connected to the end connecting members, a folding shade parasol attached to the rod holding members, and a hammock bed mounted on the connecting members.

Abstract: A hunting blind comprising an elongated frame assembly of sufficient length to extend over a hunter lying under the blind incorporates a pivotal canopy frame with ground engaging, side support flaps. The canopy frame is hingedly connected to one end of a top frame segment of a base frame supported on foldable legs. An elongated spring is connected between the canopy frame and the base frame. A hunter lying under the frame assembly may exert slight upward force on the canopy frame as he sits up, so as to thereby cause the spring to rapidly pull the canopy frame to an open position over the top frame segment. An unobstructed field of vision and fire is thus presented to the hunter as he sits up.

Abstract: This invention consists of a doll playhouse of generally triangular cross-section designed to give the appearance of a small tent. The playhouse has a handle at the apex of the playhouse so that the playhouse may be easily carried when not in use. The playhouse has a hollow interior in which a child can place dolls during fantasy play. The playhouse also has a window in one side wall, covered by a mesh, and comprising a window flap attached at the top edge of the window on the exterior of the tent playhouse. The window flap covers the window in the closed position, while in the open position the window flap is gathered up and tied in place by ribbons also affixed to the tent playhouse. The playhouse has a front opening covered by two triangular flaps extending from the side walls of the playhouse.

Abstract: A hunter's canopy is made up of a flexible cover, a bracket, spaced rods, an anchor cord, a spreading cord. Spaced pockets in the flexible cover receives the rods. Holes in the bracket receives an end of the rods, the anchor cord engages the bracket to attach the canopy to a tree. The spreading cord has hooks to attach to an edge of the cover around a tree to hold the canopy in extended use position.

Abstract: A portable, sun and wind shield having a flexible covering material and a collapsible frame for supporting said covering material is disclosed. The collapsible frame is comprised of at least two resilient support members secured at their respective ends by connecting means. An adjustable tensioning means is secured at the connecting means and is adapted to draw together the ends of the resilient support. The covering material is spanned between the resilient support members such that when the resilient support ends are drawn together and rotated in opposite direction about the connecting means, the covering material becomes tautly stretched.

Abstract: This invention relates to shelters which are readily adaptable in size and configuration to define an environment, preferably about plants, to control the amount of radiation, humidity, temperature and ventilation and to inhibit intrusion into the defined environment by deleterious vectors such as insects, unwanted microorganisms, weed seeds and the like.

Abstract: An adjustable awning structure which can be assembled for use or disassembled for shipping and storage has two sides. The size of one or both sides of the canvas can be adjusted. The supporting angle of one or both sides of the canavas can also be adjusted. After being disassembled, the whole structure can be reduced to a small bundle for shipping and storage. The awning finds particular use for a user who travels quite often. Moreover, since the structure has a considerable supporting strength, the size of the canvas can be suitably varied, if necessary.

Abstract: A foldable shade structure is presented. The structure is disposed around a rectangular center to which are coupled U-cross section inner and outer bases. Each of the four outer ends is hingedly coupled to a leg which comprises a leg base coupled to the outer base and at least one leg segment is smaller than the leg segment or leg base beneath it in the extended mode and fits into it in the folded mold. The leg then rotates 270.degree. to fit into the outer base which rotates 180.degree. to fit into the inner base and each of the four inner bases is folded together forming a rectangular center portion into which the shade can be folded and retained. A cord can then hold the composite together and can be coupled to a handle for carrying purposes.

Abstract: An improved wind shelter with an arm mechanism which urges arm segments interconnecting adjacent posts into a horizontal, aligned and opposing position when the wind shelter is in use and which urges such arm segments towards a position in which they are contiguous along their lengths when the wind shelter is collapsed for transportation, the fabric of the wind shelter having parallel pockets for receiving posts and an upper flap portion for removably attaching the fabric to the posts.

Abstract: A shelter for interior use within living space, office space or working space defining an enclosure extending from the floor to the ceiling and providing access through a ceiling opening for above-ceiling construction and/or repair while containing debris engendered as a consequence of such activities and/or falling objects.

Abstract: A combination carry bag and mat is provided which in an unfolded position can be utilized as a mat to lie upon that has built-in relatively rigid compartments to hold various items and a radio and which in a folded position can be utilized as a carry bag. In a modified form a built-in adjustable and collapsible sun shade protector is for a person when the person lies upon the mat.

Abstract: This canopy system is supported by alternate poles and features edge cords to stress the center of the canopy fabric to reduce sag. The cords are attached adjacent each edge of each canopy segment and resembles a bell curve with respect to that edge. Longitudinal stresses placed on each cord urge the cord to straighten. As the cords straighten, they tension the center of the fabric without undue strain on the edge fabric. The result is a large area canopy with few interior poles and few peak elevations to the affected by wind forces.

Abstract: A duck blind adapted for mounting on the gunwales of a boat hull includes separate bow, stern and central frame sections adapted for use on various size boats. Camouflage designed cover sections with windows are provided for each frame section and are removably connected by zippers to provide a cover over the entire boat. Desired access points or shooting stations from the boat to the outside are obtained by the stragetically arrangement of zippered fasteners. A reticulated camouflage type curtain is arranged inside the cover sections to provide concealment for the hunter when designated cover sections are unzippered. A separate zippered section in the central cover provides ingress and egress for the hunter's dog and the reticulated curtain can be arranged by appropriate zippering to provide an enclosure about the dog's station within the boat to protect the hunter from the water spray when the dog returns to the boat from the water and shakes itself off.

Abstract: An expandable multi-purpose utility shelter (10), designed in several sizes, which is quickly erectable by two to six persons. The structure has a sturdy metal frame (12, 16) with a durable fabric cover (11) attached to the inside of the frame. The frame (12, 16) comprises a series of ribs (12) which can be very quickly and easily extended from a compact folded configuration needed for easy transportation to a full sized shelter at erection. Adjacent ribs (12) are connected by a single reinforcing member (16) or by X-shaped reinforcing members (16a) on each side of the shelter. These reinforcing members serve as force transmitting means for opening and closing the shelter (10) and keeping adjacent ribs (12) stabilized and spaced equidistant. Individual reinforcing members (16 or 16a) are pivotally connected to the lower portion of one shelter leg and rollably or slidably connected to the upper portion of a next adjacent shelter leg.

Abstract: A sandshell umbrella is selectively collapsible and foldable so as to form in an erect position a generally sandshell-shaped shelter which is supported by struts at any desired height. The sandshell side walls are formed by a sheet of material which is relatively flexible and is supported by S-shaped struts formed generally of two similarly shaped and sized curved members, which are attached by a foldable joint so that the overall structure can be folded. An upper cross bar separates the two pairs of S-shaped struts at a top portion at an end of each of the S-shaped struts, and a lower cross bar separates the bottom ends of the S-shaped struts; the upper bar being generally shorter than the lower cross bar. Also, a cross support is disposed intermediate the upper and lower cross bars, so as to support the S-shaped strut members at their mid-sections. Each of the cross bars and the cross support member are foldable about a middle portion thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable shelter or tent enclosure having a self supporting frame structure that may be pivotally erected and collapsed for supporting a fabric cover. The frame comprises at least three substantially U-shaped frame members which are linked at the ends of each of the parallel side arms remote the top of the U at about a common point. At least two of the three frame members are braceable in an angularly spaced apart position by segments comprising a pair of laterally braced parallelograms pivotally linked to the pairs of side arms. The frame structure has a removably securable horizontal frame brace that is easily connected to and removed from the top of the laterally braced parallelogram of the frame and includes arms extending angularly downwardly to the side from the brace to the parallel side arms forming the base of the laterally braced parallelogram thereby providing an effective lateral brace to the frame.

Abstract: YA portable shelter primarily designed as a sunshade for automobiles which includes a pair of collapsible, hoop structures whose upper portions support a fabric shade and whose lower portions are hinged to pads on which the vehicle's tires are parked. A pair of collapsible compression members are locked between the sides of the hoops to maintain the hoops in shade providing positions.

Abstract: A foldable shelter has a framework with two major joints. A plurality of rib members, each of generally U-shaped configuration, is attached by the free ends of each rib member being connected at one of the major joints and the other free end being connected at the other major joint. A flexible cover is connected to the ribs and a clamp is coupled to each of the major joints for permitting the releasable attachment of the shelter to the framework of a lounge. The clamps are mounted rotatably with respect to the rib members and include wire springs which are pivotally mounted at respective joints. The axes of each of the respective joints intersect an axis of one of the major joints.

Abstract: A portable shelter having a tripod-type frame for supporting a fabric cover along the center thereof with the cover being spread by stretch bows retained upon the frame. Each of the legs of the tripod is adjustable as to height and pivot to provide a compact structure easily stowed in a hand-carry bag.

Abstract: A portable personal shelter formed of a sheet of water-repellant canvas or fabric having a semi-circular edge provided with a gusset through which is disposed a bowed flexible rod. The ends of the rod projecting from the gusset are provided with a ring to which is removably attached the end of a chordal member in the form of an elastic band provided at each end with a hook for attachment to a ring. A rope is attached to the center of the straight chordal edge of the sheet for attachment to a tree trunk or to a vertical post, with the chordal member engaged with the surface of the tree trunk or vertical post, thus forming a semi-conical roof for protecting a person from rain or snow. For easy transportation, the elastic band is doubled-up by passing through a ring and attaching both hooks to the same opposite rings such as to decrease the chordal length. While in the transportation mode, the shelter can be carried on the head of a person to provide protection against rain or snow while walking.

Abstract: A tent-like enclosure includes as the supporting frame a generally circular frame member pivotably mounted to and held within a generally U-shaped main frame member, both frame members being constructed of a plurality of flexible, resilient rods held in end-to-end relationship.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle covering system which includes a frame from which a flexible cover is supported by a number of cords from the frame. The cords run over a multiple pulley system and are wound on a winch, the operation of which serves to lower the cover over a vehicle located beneath it or raise the cover off the vehicle.

Abstract: A projecting structure (1) with at least two articulated stretching arms (17, 18) which can be adjustably tilted, for wind up tents, particularly sunshade tents, comprising an attachment or supporting bar (2) secured to the wall through adjustable brackets (3), a roller (13) for winding up the tent sheet (T), with a respective control winch (14), said roller being supported on the bar (2) parallel thereto between end supports (15) keyed and secured to the ends of said bar, said bar having slidably mounted thereon square-shaped support and articulation hubs (16), one for each of said articulated arms which stretch the tent sheet (T). The structure is characterized in that each of said square-shaped hubs (16) comprises an attachment hinge body (22) which is hinged, on one hand, to said hub co-axially with the square-shaped bar mounted therein and, on the other hand, to the carrier arm (17) of the respective pivoted stretching arm (17, 18) around an associated pivot (25).

Abstract: A foldable shelter is disclosed which is suitable for personal use on a beach. The shelter includes a number of ribs which are pivotally connected together at their ends so as to enable adjustment or folding of the shelter. The joints are of novel construction and provide for ease of manufacture and more independent movement of the respective ribs.

Abstract: A sunshade having a cover which can be folded together in fan-like manner and is supported by at least three support struts, at least the outer two support struts having one end pivoted to a bearing member which is swingable around at least one horizontal axis on a stand bar and can be locked in position thereon and the outer two support struts can be pivoted via a spreading slide by one spreading strut each, the spreading slide being displaceable and lockable on a central support strut which is fixed to the bearing member. In order to simplify handling even in case of larger dimensions, an adjustment bar is pivoted to the spreading slide by which adjustment bar the spreading slide can be displaced on the central support strut while the support struts are approximately parallel to the stand bar.