Abstract: A tent including a structural member and an end cap insertable into the structural member and a method of forming a tent are provided. The structural member is preferably a rafter. The rafter has C-channels aligned with support troughs of the end cap. The C-channels and support troughs receive edge portions of a fabric panel therein to secure the fabric panel to the rafter. The end cap supports the weight of the fabric panel during assembly to reduce or avoid engagement of the fabric panel with corners of the C-channel or burs formed in the end of the C-channel of the rafter as the fabric panel is fed through the C-channel. The end cap may also include an optional tension push down bar assembly for providing additional tensioning of the fabric panel.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: Bases are disclosed that comprise a projecting portion designed to receive over it the hollow end of a pole or other elongate member, which may form part of a structure such as a pavilion or umbrella. The projecting portion of the base comprises wedges that move in response to the end of the pole moving over the projecting portion and in so moving, the wedges increase the effective cross section of the projecting portion to engage the inner surface of the end of the pole and to thereby stabilize the structure on a support surface, such as the ground. Braces are also disclosed that pull together adjacent poles of a pavilion to make the structure more rigid.

Abstract: An example method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter includes the steps of forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and attaching a plurality of rib intersections such as grommets at respective locations along the flexible loop. An alternative method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter includes forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop. An embodiment of a base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter includes a flexible loop and a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop. Each of the plurality of rib intersections forms an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib that supports the portable shelter.

Abstract: A portable structure includes first and second support poles, each having one lower end for resting on a ground surface. First and second connectors attach at upper ends of the first and second support poles, respectively and two or more linking poles connect the first support pole with the second support pole via the first and second connectors. The linking poles form obtuse angles with the first and second support poles at the first and second connectors. The linking poles form an eye shape between the first and second support poles when joined with the connectors.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the respective frame member to form the respective panel when the respective frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A connection system is provided to removably connect the first and second panels.

Abstract: Collapsible portable self-supporting shelter structures having from at least two component quad sections to seven or more component quad sections, which joined end to end form the width of the structure; and, said entire component sections optionally being joined side to side form a desired depth of the portable shelter. The resulting structure is a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable shelter having a clear span interior without supporting columns. Some versions of the collapsible portable self-supporting shelter structure due to its configuration may optionally contain a floating hub which is a top element extending above the structure's standard exterior matrix frame. The floating hub forms a high pitch atop the shelter, which high pitch causes the fabric, which covers the matrix frame, to be maintained in a taut downward-sloping condition over the shelter top surface so no rain or snow collects in the fabric at the top of the shelter.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable tent frame comprising a certain number of braces and connection sets connecting the adjacent braces, the connection set includes two connection pieces hinged together in dull connection, wherein one connection piece has a cut-away groove along the axial at the open end to form a pair of opposite groove sides, and a through cutting groove formed at the front side crossing the two sides of the cut-away groove; a second connection piece extends a tongue at the front end for plugging into the cut-away groove, and a slotted-eye is formed on the middle portion of the tongue, and coordinating to the cut-away groove, said tongue has a rim formed at the root, and a cam is ex-tended from the surface of the rim coordinating to the cutting groove.

Abstract: A protective shelter that may be used to protect observers, players, and others from inclement weather during a sporting event, for example, includes an arcuate-shaped, flexible cover with side portions configured to receive side frame members, which in turn are connected to elongated cover support members coupled to the cover. The various frame members and cover support members may be connected with a number of different types of couplers. In addition, a majority of the side frame members and support members may remain coupled to the flexible cover after the protective shelter has been disassembled and placed in a transportable configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a connector for connecting end portions of a plurality of tent poles that intersect with one another. In one embodiment, a connector for tent poles includes a body and first, second and third pole insertion holes formed in the body. In the connector for tent poles, the first and second pole insertion holes maintain a central angle of less than 180 degrees at an intersection point at which the center lines of the first and second pole insertion holes intersect with each other, the radius direction outsides of the first and second pole insertion holes from the intersection point are opened so as to be first and second openings, respectively, and first and second wall portions are formed at the radius direction insides of the first and second pole insertion holes, respectively.

Abstract: A portable containment unit including an enclosure, a base supporting the enclosure, the base having wheels attached thereto for moving the containment unit, an extension platform selectively coupled to the base and having wheels attached thereto, and an air machine on the extension platform. The containment unit may also include an auxiliary portion selectively coupled to the base for providing support to additional items, wherein the auxiliary portion is designed to be stored under the base. The enclosure may include a frame, a resilient tarp attached to the frame, and a portion that can be selectively opened. A shroud surrounds the portion that can be opened. The shroud includes an edge connector for coupling the portable containment unit to another portable containment unit. The enclosure can include a transparent portion.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially triangular frame sections connected by flexible joints at corners thereof. At least some of the interconnected frame sections share a collapsible tubular member as one side of the interconnected triangular frame sections and at least some of the ends of rigid tubular members of the interconnected frame sections are disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. An elongated flexible tensioning member extends through the shared collapsible tubular members and between the ends of the rigid tubular members disposed between adjacent shared collapsible tubular members. The rigid tubular members of some of the interconnected frame sections form a frame roof with ends thereof tied to form a flexible joint at the apex frame roof.

Abstract: A hub assembly for use in collapsible structures, said assembly having: a hub body (20) having a centre opening and a plurality of slots extending from the centre opening to a periphery of the hub body (20), a cover (22) disposable in the centre opening, a plurality of flexible members (24) having a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions, the first portion being disposed in the slots and a plurality of poles (26) coupled to the second portions of the flexible members (24) by a plurality of hinges (28), wherein the flexible members (24) are operable to move about a plurality of interface points (36) between the first portions and the second portions to rotate each of the poles having a constant rotating centre between a close position and an open position.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy frame having an improved roof and support structure. A collapsible canopy frame according to one embodiment includes a plurality of side poles; a plurality of edge scissor assemblies coupling adjacent side poles of the plurality of side poles to one another; a center pole for supporting a covering; a plurality of center pole ribs each coupling the center pole to a respective side pole of the plurality of side poles; and a plurality of center scissor assemblies coupling the plurality of edge scissor assemblies to the center pole.

Abstract: A hunting blind is made of lightweight material allowing the hunting blind to be collapsed and folded or rolled into a compact configuration. The compact configuration allows the easy storage and transportation of the hunting blind. The hunting blind may easily be carried by one person to any desired location and temporarily set up. In this manner, the hunter can place the blind anywhere, rather than building a blind of more permanent material, such as wood, but then being restricted to the one location where the blind is built. Cords attached to two sides of the blind create tension in the blind, causing flexible rods at the top of the side to bend into an arcuate shape. The rods then create an arched roof, providing increased head room in the blind and preventing accumulation of debris and rain water on the roof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sliding device used on the supporting shaft, which utilizes the button to achieve singlehanded operation, utilizes horizontal slide of the bolt to achieve the steady locking of tiny clearance, and utilizes the active connection with relative turn and relative slide between the sliding base and the button to achieve transmission between the pressing of users and the horizontal slide of the bolt.

Abstract: A portable solar cell canopy or tent with supports to elevate the canopy or tent and expose solar cells affixed thereon to the sun to collect energy for use within the tent. Flexible components, including spray-on solar cells, permit dismantling and reassembly of the entire apparatus into a portable kit for remote usages. The present invention provides energy in remote areas, such as drawing water from a deep well and providing emergency phone service, as well as providing energy in urban or other areas.

Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.

Abstract: An easy to use, reliable, easy to repair, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, multi-use modular system of poles and interconnections. An operator configures a number of structures using brackets, supports, segmented shafts, and interconnection components. The segmented shafts have both the ability to make an attachment to retain a particular configuration while being able to break down the shafts for transportation or storage. Some embodiments include a sleeve that protects the tip of a pole and provide a cushion and separation between a pole and a ferrule thereby reducing breakage and increase reliability. Broken components are easily replaced in the field. The configuration of the structure is changed by the user to quickly adapt to changing needs. Multiple components can be carried by separate members of a group and combined together to form a more complex structure to meet the needs of the group.

Abstract: A two-piece clamping system for creating a reinforced attachment point for tarpaulins or the like includes a “Y”-shaped bottom clamp with retaining slots on its bifurcated end, a securing groove within its body, and an extending tab with a grommet to receive a carabiner or hook for attaching the clamp to a support structure. An upper clamp portion includes two legs for retaining the tarpaulin within the slots on the bottom clamp. A mechanical fastener such as a screw and wing nut secure the tarpaulin's grommet within both halves of the clamping system thereby providing a quick and easy method for attaching a reinforcing clamping system to tarpaulins.

Abstract: An example method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter includes the steps of forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and attaching a plurality of rib intersections such as grommets at respective locations along the flexible loop. An alternative method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter includes forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop. An embodiment of a base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter includes a flexible loop and a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop. Each of the plurality of rib intersections forms an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib that supports the portable shelter.

Abstract: A portable structure includes first and second support poles, each having one lower end for resting on a ground surface. First and second connectors attach at upper ends of the first and second support poles, respectively and two or more linking poles connect the first support pole with the second support pole via the first and second connectors. The linking poles form obtuse angles with the first and second support poles at the first and second connectors. The linking poles form an eye shape between the first and second support poles when joined with the connectors.

Abstract: A connector for tent poles has a body consisting of a single piece on the whole, an approximate half part of the body constituting a first connection part which a single pole assembly passes through and is connected to, the other approximate half part of the body constituting a second connection part to which another pole assembly or a clip is connected, a pivot hole consisting of a base hole formed through the first connection part in a direction traversing a longitudinal axis of the body and having a size corresponding to an outer diameter of the pole assembly at a central point of a cross section of the first connection part and an expansion hole widely expanded in a radially outward direction of the body from both front and rear sides of the base hole so as to correspond to a swiveling trajectory of the pole assembly so that the pole assembly is able to swivel by a predetermined angle on any plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the body, around the base hole of a swivel center, and pivot protrusion

Abstract: An auxiliary modeling structure for playhouse comprises a frame body of playhouse, at least one auxiliary modeling unit, and at least one connecting module. The frame body has a bottom surface of a predetermined area and a cover enclosing the bottom surface. Each auxiliary modeling unit has an external surface which defines an attachable surface of a predetermined area. Each connecting module further includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The second connecting part is connectable with the first connecting part in a detachable manner; wherein one of the first and second connecting parts is furnished on the frame body, while the other one is furnished on the auxiliary modeling unit. By using the second connecting part to connect the first connecting part, the auxiliary modeling unit can be connected to the predetermined location of the frame body so as to make the playhouse shaped like a three-dimensional animal, fruit, daily utensil, transportation, or etc.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

Abstract: A supporting profile and connecting profile made of light metal for a self-supporting scaffold is disclosed. The profile is particularly for light construction halls and large tent structures, with at least one reinforcing insert extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile body made of a fiber composite material where in a cross section of the profile body that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile body at least one closed chamber is formed, in which the at least one reinforcing insert is fixated by material connection, form-fit and/or force-fit.

Abstract: A portable structure includes first and second support poles, each having one lower end for resting on a ground surface. First and second connectors attach at upper ends of the first and second support poles, respectively and two or more linking poles connect the first support pole with the second support pole via the first and second connectors. The linking poles form obtuse angles with the first and second support poles at the first and second connectors. The linking poles form an eye shape between the first and second support poles when joined with the connectors.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the respective frame member to form the respective panel when the respective frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A connection system is provided to removably connect the first and second panels.

Abstract: The present invention is a canopy structure comprising a frame and a canopy. The frame comprises a plurality of arms and legs, where each of the arms extends outwardly from a central connecting member to a leg, each arm and leg being joined by a leg connecting member. Preferably, each leg is telescopic and is lockable and the central connecting member preferably comprises a releasable locking mechanism. The present invention further comprises a mechanism by which the canopy surface can be tilted to angles relative to the ground.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: A lightweight, freestanding tent type shelter using a single removable arch pole tensioning the roof canopy between ground-level platform poles that form a perpendicular base for the arch pole. The platform poles are already-carried or found pole type objects such as trekking poles, sticks, skis, paddles and the like already at hand or easily located at a campsite, and the lower side edges of the canopy are provided with connectors for securing the canopy to the platform poles. The canopy has an embedded roof strut crossing the arch pole to add headroom and transfer arch tension to the front and rear ends of the shelter.

Abstract: An ice house including a collapsible frame assembly. The collapsible frame assembly includes at least one first pole with a connecting end having a plunger assembly. At least one second pole has a hollow end sized to telescopically engage with the plunger assembly and the first pole. The second pole has at least one detent proximate a connecting end sized to releasably engage with a plunger on the plunger assembly. An actuator assembly includes a first end secured to the connecting end of the second pole and a second end adapted to telescopically receive the plunger assembly and the first pole. The actuator assembly includes an actuator located over the detent and configured to flex between a relaxed position and a depressed position that disengages the plunger from the detent. A seat assembly is secured to the frame assembly and a cover having at least one door is attached to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A connector of instant set-up foldable tent frame articular includes an upper joint and a lower joint. The upper joint has (a) brackets to be connected with a lower joint, engaging portions formed at the lower end portion of said brackets for engagement with a locking lever, (c) a sloped surface formed between said brackets, and (d) a collar. The lower joint has (a) a connecting portion to be connected to said upper joint by insertion between said brackets, and (b) a sloped surface formed at the upper surface of said connecting portion. The articular connector is characterized in that the connecting portion of the lower joint is connected to the upper joint by insertion between said brackets of the upper joint by means of pin holes and a pin enabling said two joints to perform articular operations. A method of using the connector of instant set-up foldable tent frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a pole (11) for holding and/or supporting tent sheets (3, 5) that can be assembled from interconnecting segments (15) to make an arch (12), the individual segments (15) can be connected together by intermediate elements (16) that can be inserted into them and a tensioning element (21) can be suspended from each of these intermediate elements (16) on the inside of an arch (12), with the ability for the tensioning elements (21) to be tensioned in the area of the ends (13, 14) of the pole (11). This configuration means that the tent (1) is always stable and its interior is not partitioned off or subdivided by tensioning straps. Also, the tent (1) can be pitched and struck within a short period of time (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An locking assembly structured to removably and automatically secure an umbrella mast or other stanchion to a supporting base including a mounting structure secured to the base in interconnecting relation between the stanchion and the base. The locking assembly is connected to the mounting structure and includes a movable locking member positionable between a locked orientation and a released orientation. The locked and released orientations are respectively and at least partially defined by the locking member disposed into and out of interruptive engagement with a predetermined exterior surface portion of the stanchion on an interior of the mounting structure. Automatic disposition of the locking member between the released and locked orientations is facilitated by an end portion of the locking member configured and structured to both slidingly and interruptively engage the stanchion.

Abstract: Door mechanisms for simplified and unobstructed passage through an entranceway of a collapsible structure are disclosed. The door mechanism may include a fanning, swinging or sliding door configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the entranceway. The door mechanism may include a fastener to secure the door to the structure or to an adjacent door. The door mechanism may be provided as part of a stand-alone structure, or as a part of a structure adapted for use with other adjacent structures.

Abstract: A double tang articulating hub assembly used in combination with a collapsible self-supporting structure. The double tang articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required. The hub employs a plurality of one piece “forked plugs” each containing a cylindrical plug with two tangs and an integral post connecting the tangs allowing the forked plug to rotate.

Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut, which may include a strut member; a hollow tubular terminal end portion of the strut member having an inner surface; and a detachable looped eyelet having at least one loop and a pair of extending legs, the legs being springedly biased to engage the tubular terminal end of the strut, thereby frictionally holding the looped eyelet in place at the terminal end of the strut. The apparatus and method may also employ a holding plug, with first and second holding groove opposingly placed in the periphery of the holding plug, having at least a portion thereof that is shaped and sized to frictionally engage the inner surface of the tubular terminal end of the strut, to frictionally hold the holding plug in engagement with the strut. The detachable looped eyelet may also have at least two loop.

Abstract: A tent frame including at least one pivotal coupling for connecting a plurality of structural members is provided. The tent frame includes a plurality of structural members connected together to form a frame for supporting a fabric shell. The tent frame includes at least one coupling for connecting four of the structural members to one another. The coupling includes a plurality of connector portions adapted to engage corresponding connector portions of the structural members. The coupling permits pivotal movement of at least one of the structural members relative to other structural members connected to that coupling to facilitate assembly and erection of the tent frame.

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

Abstract: A collapsible self-supporting structure used in combination with an improved articulating hub assembly. The articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required.

Abstract: A connector for tent poles has a body consisting of a single piece on the whole, an approximate half part of the body constituting a first connection part which a single pole assembly passes through and is connected to, the other approximate half part of the body constituting a second connection part to which another pole assembly or a clip is connected, a pivot hole consisting of a base hole formed through the first connection part in a direction traversing a longitudinal axis of the body and having a size corresponding to an outer diameter of the pole assembly at a central point of a cross section of the first connection part and an expansion hole widely expanded in a radially outward direction of the body from both front and rear sides of the base hole so as to correspond to a swiveling trajectory of the pole assembly so that the pole assembly is able to swivel by a predetermined angle on any plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the body, around the base hole of a swivel center, and pivot protrusion

Abstract: A collapsible canopy frame is provided that includes a first truss bar having a surface that defines an opening; a second truss bar having a surface that defines an opening that is aligned with the first truss bar opening; and a connector assembly that pivotally connects the first truss bar to the second truss bar. The connector assembly includes a locking plate at a second end of the connector assembly having a base that defines first and second surfaces with an opening extending therebetween, wherein the first base surface abuts the second truss bar; and a fastener having a main body that extends through each of the first and second truss bar openings and the locking plate base opening. The fastener also includes spaced apart first and second arms each having a shoulder that laterally extends from the main body to abut the second base surface of the locking plate to pivotally connect the first truss bar to the second truss bar.

Abstract: A locking pin assembly includes a button that can be moved in a first direction from a first position to a second position, and a first biasing member for biasing the button to be normally in the first position. The locking pin assembly also includes a locking pin member that engages the button and is movable in a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, from a third position to a fourth position when the button is moved from the first position to the second position. The locking pin assembly also includes a second biasing member for biasing the locking pin member to be normally in the third position. The locking pin assembly can be used in a collapsible canopy frame to adjust the height of a telescoping side pole by fixing upper and lower sections to each other and/or to fix the edge scissor assemblies and the side poles in an opened position.

Abstract: A frame tent system having a plurality of upright columns, a plurality of eave members, and a plurality of rafters. The plurality of members are inter-connected by a system of novel eave weldments. The eave weldment is preferably a four-way connector unit interconnecting the frame members of the tent system at major points of connection to form the frame tent system. The eave weldment is formed of a weldment plate and an insert tube disposed perpendicular to the weldment plate. The frame members of the tent system each include a channel for releasably receiving ends of the eave weldment. In particular, the channel disposed in the rafter receives a first end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the upright column receives a second end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the eave members receive an end of the insert tube thereby forming the frame tent system.

Abstract: A tent pole fixer is provided that is mounted on the edge of a tent so as to connect an end portion of a pole. The tent pole fixer has one end portion coupled to an edge of a tent, a longitudinally middle portion to which the pole supporting the tent is coupled, and the other end portion coupled to the fly covering the tent, wherein the both end portions are able to relatively move up and down about the middle portion. The tent pole fixer has a benefit of improving air permeability of the tent with the securing of sufficient space between the tent and the fly.