Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.

Abstract: A tent and tent frame structural members are provided. The structural members include utility channel to which devices such as hooks, carabineers and wire trays can be mounted to the structural member. More particularly, mounting structures of the devices insert into the utility channel and secure the devices to the structural members. The utility channel can include at least one undercut to prevent removal of the mounting structure, and ultimately the devices, from the structural member.

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: 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 Support frame for tarpaulin for use over boats in storage uses easy to assemble tube elements that are easily attached together without the use of tools in order to create a structure that allows for the laying of a tarpaulin.

Abstract: A flame-resistant fabric for shelters including a flame-resistant interior layer, an flame-resistant, insulating middle layer adjacent the interior layer, a flame-resistant exterior layer adjacent the insulating middle layer, and at least one threaded seam quilting the insulating middle layer between the interior layer and the exterior layer to form a flame-resistant fabric. The flame-resistant fabric is capable of being formed into a flame-resistant, insulated shelter for use in extreme weather.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.

Abstract: A shade structure includes a vertical column and a roof having a cover, a framework supporting the cover, and a mount attached for rotational adjustment to a top of the column and supporting the roof on the column. The framework includes a triangularly-shaped main beam arrangement comprising a plurality of beams secured together to form a triangle that lies in a vertical plane and that defines a peak and opposing first corners, with the mount being located between the peak and one of the opposing corners. The framework further includes a pair of transverse beams and a bracing beam secured to the triangular main beam arrangement that define opposing second corners. By this arrangement, an adjustable shade structure is provided that is able to withstand over 40 mph wind loads.

Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.

Abstract: A collapsible tent structure includes a side frame and a top frame. The side frame comprises posts. Each post comprises an upper end and an upper section. The top frame comprises a top connector and top rods. Each top rod comprises an outer end and an inner end. The inner end of the top rod is pivotally connected to the top connector. Each top rod comprises two struts, a sliding bracket, a fixed bracket and a sliding socket. Each strut comprises an upper end and a lower end. The fixed bracket is secured to the upper section of the post. The sliding bracket is inserted onto the upper section of the post. The sliding socket is secured to the upper end of the post. The upper ends of the struts are pivotally connected to the top rod near the outer end of the top rod, while the lower ends of the struts are pivotally connected to the sliding bracket and the fixed bracket, respectively. The outer end of the top end is connected to the sliding socket.

Abstract: A frame element includes a first scissor including a first and a second strut pivotably connected to each other at a first pivot point, a second scissor including a third and a fourth strut pivotably connected to each other at a second pivot point, and a hub to which the first and the third strut are pivotably connected, the first and second scissors being pivotable about the hub between a closed position in which the first, second, third, and fourth struts are substantially parallel to one another and an open, locked position in which the first and third struts define a non-zero angle with each other and abutment portions of the second and fourth struts contact receiving portions of the third and first struts, respectively, and prevent the first and third struts from pivoting beyond the non-zero angle.

Abstract: A canopy of the type that is typically packaged in a kit form that permits consumers to assemble a group of pipe members into a canopy structure. Once assembled and erected, the canopy includes a series of vertical posts and a series of rafters that extend upwardly from the post. In order to provide additional structural support, especially to the rafters and to the roof structure formed by the rafters, a series of cross or brace members are interconnected between the vertical posts and the rafters. These cross or brace members are arranged in sets with each set including two brace members that extend between a pair of vertical posts and a pair of rafters. The brace members, vertical posts and rafters form a truss network that imparts structural strength and rigidity to the overall canopy frame structure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a fluid-injectable internal bag layer, a base-material layer superposed on an external periphery of the internal bag layer and impregnated with a photo-curing resin, and an outer layer superposed on an external periphery of the base-material layer and having transparency. The base-material layer is formed of a composite member serving as a reinforcing fiber layer impregnated with the photo-curing resin, and a grid net superposed on the composite member and preventing flow of the photo-curing resin.

Abstract: A variable support structure with modular construction includes at least one support structure module, which is bounded by joints (114, 115, 126, 121) of a first joint set that lie in a first surface, and by joints (101, 102, 113, 108) of a second joint set that lie in a second surface, and with at least one joint (109) of a third joint set that lies outside of the first surface. At least some of the joints of the first and second joint sets have a fixable position relative to one another, especially being connectable with one another, by a guide mechanism. The at least one joint (109) of the third joint set is connected with at least two joints (114, 115, 113, 121) of the first and/or second joint set by a connecting element (39, 41, 43, 45) that transmits essentially only tension forces.

Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.

Abstract: The present invention includes a folding tent that can be moved to a folded position and mounted on a trailer for transporting. The tent can then be fanned out to an unfolded configuration and the trailer can be used to lift the tent upwardly. The legs are then folded downwardly into support relationship for the roof and the trailer can be moved.

Abstract: A shelter having an internal frame comprised of a roof supported by legs. A canopy covers the roof of the frame to provide protection from the elements. The canopy is taughtly held onto the frame by cords which pass through sleeves in the front and back of the canopy and attach to the corner legs of the frame. To tension the canopy onto the frame, the corner legs are twisted to tension the cords and, in turn, the canopy. Upon tensioning the canopy, the corner legs are locked in the rotated position.

Abstract: A tent skeleton frame assembly includes vertical poles, each of which defines a first side and a second side transverse to the first side, and includes a first vertical rod, a second vertical rod spaced apart from and aligned with the first vertical rod along the first side of a respective one of the vertical poles, a third vertical rod spaced apart from and aligned with the second vertical rod along the second side of the respective one of the vertical poles, and three elongated latticed plates. Each vertical rod is formed with two engaging grooves. Each latticed plate has opposite sides respectively engaging an adjacent pair of the engaging grooves in an adjacent pair of the vertical rods.

Abstract: A universally compliant and restorative internodal connector architecture system wherein a plurality of nodal members are interconnected by a spring and strut assembly in a manner that permits manual or actuated relocation of the nodal spacial definition using standard modules.

Abstract: A support and attachment brace for a collapsible display structure. The support and attachment brace is attachable between two vertically adjacent hubs of the collapsible display structure, and includes an elongated rigid bar or brace with opposing ends. A first end has a tab with an aperture adapted to receive and engage a fastening button projecting from a first hub assembly. The second end has a slide mechanism having a slide with an open notch. The slide is retractable so that the brace may be aligned with a fastening button projecting from the second hub without the need for forcing the hubs apart. Once in position, the slide is extendable so that the open notch is engaged with the fastening button of the second hub. The support and attachment brace is adapted so as to enable multiple support and attachment braces to be attached to the structure in a vertical column arrangement for providing vertical support and rigidity to the display structure.

Abstract: An improved structure of a framework is disclosed. The structure includes a plurality of connectors having provided with holes, and notch seats are employed in the framework for connecting side rods, slanting rods, and supporting device to form into a stable and conveniently foldable framework. The end section of the side rod is mounted with a rotatable connector for interlinking of the side rods. This facilitates the extension of the framework vertically and/or horizontally.

Abstract: Trellis structure including a frame body and a roof. The frame body is composed of multiple upright columns, press beams and support rods. The roof is composed of a ridge beam, multiple press beams and multiple support rods. The press beam is a hollow beam having an opening on one side. By means of multiple fixing members and bolts, the press beams are fixedly connected with the columns and the ridge beam to form a pattern of a house. The other side of the press beam is formed with a recessed insertion section. In cooperation with a press bar and a clamping plate, a light shading mesh is fixed around the frame body and on the top face of the roof to form a trellis with shading effect.

Abstract: A canopy of the type that is typically packaged in a kit form that permits consumers to assemble a group of pipe members into a canopy structure. Once assembled and erected, the canopy includes a series of vertical posts and a series of rafters that extend upwardly from the post. In order to provide additional structural support, especially to the rafters and to the roof structure formed by the rafters, a series of cross or brace members are interconnected between the vertical posts and the rafters. These cross or brace members are arranged in sets with each set including two brace members that extend between a pair of vertical posts and a pair of rafters. The brace members, vertical posts and rafters form a truss network that imparts structural strength and rigidity to the overall canopy frame structure.

Abstract: A shelter structure (10) having a pair of end frames (11) and a canopy frame (12) interconnecting the end frames (11). There are also provided a plurality of adjustable bracing members (19) interconnecting frame members (13, 16, 18) of the canopy frame (12). The adjustable bracing members (19) may be tensioned during installation of the shelter structure (10) to stabilise the canopy frame (12) against lateral or transverse forces.

Abstract: A modular command post system comprised of removable interconnecting truss elements is provided. The modular command post system is configured to provide shelter and infrastructure to support various electronic equipment used by occupants of the command post.

Abstract: A greenhouse has a frame of standard PVC tubes and PVC fittings. A rectangular base frame supports a plurality of vertical tubes, which, in turn, support a rectangular gable-type roof frame. Some of the tube-to-fitting couplings are friction-fit connections, some are glued connections and others are quick connect/disconnect connections for rapid assembly and disassembly of the greenhouse. A poly cover includes a center portion which extends from the base frame over the vertical tubes and the gabled roof frame and is coupled thereto by quick-connect/disconnect retainers, and a pair of end portions are releasably connected to respective ends of the center portion by double-pull zippers having box and pin connectors for variable, regulated ventilation and complete removal of the end portions.

Abstract: A space-dividing covered work space arrangement including a pair of opposed side modules each of a three-wall construction defined by an upright panel arrangement and a pair of upright end walls disposed at opposite ends thereof and projecting inwardly therefrom. A pair of canopies project inwardly from each of the opposed modules and are attached along inner edges thereof so as to define a continuous canopy assembly which overlies and encloses the work space from above.

Abstract: A cooler for an electronic device of the present invention is provided with a heatsink and a cross flow blower with an electric motor. The heatsink comprises a base and heat exchanging means made as flat disks, fins or flat plates. The base provides thermal contact with the electronic device and the heat exchanging means. The cross flow blower comprises a drum type impeller with an axis of rotation substantially normal to the base. The flat disks substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and located inside of the drum type impeller. The fins or flat plates substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and located outside of said drum type impeller. The heatsink further comprises heat-spreading means that provide thermal contact between the base and the flat disks and flat plates. The heat-spreading means may be heat-pipes.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular shelter system that utilizes a series of identical enclosures, each made from barrier panels connected to define the shape of a modifiable dodecagon prism. The top cover of each enclosure can be flat or peaked at the center. The lightweight components are easily transported, assembled, disassembled, and/or re-assembled. The design allows two or many enclosures to cluster together without interstitial triangle prism volumes forming among them. Interior space within a cluster of enclosures can be increased, decreased, or re-arranged by simple addition, removal, or relocation of enclosures. Though the enclosures are each identical in shape, they can create a limitless variety of spatial areas and configurations, thus adapting to varied uses and requirements.

Abstract: A mobile canopy system providing shelter from the sun, rain, and wind. The canopy system contains at least two canopy system sections, each containing one centrally located support structure. A truss system is attached to the support structure, perpendicularly extending the length of the canopy system section. Canopy framing systems are perpendicularly connected to, and intervally spaced along, the truss system. Cross bars are perpendicularly connected to the ends of the canopy framing systems, extending the length of the canopy system section. The canopy lies in an inclined plane, suspended from the cross bars, providing adequate clearance for underlying activities including golf. The inclined canopy, suspended below the truss system and canopy framing systems, provides absorbing and deflective protection to the user from errantly hit objects, whereby the canopy absorbs the force of the errant object and deflects the object out and away from the participant under the canopy system.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, the roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Comer support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.

Abstract: A portable shelter includes a frame having front and back arches joined by two skids at their bottom ends and a set of braces extending between the arches. A cover over the frame has a water impervious top panel and end and back panels that are an air pervious mesh. The shelter is particularly useful in sporting installations, for example golf driving ranges.

Abstract: A camouflage shelter (1) has a collapsible self-supporting subframe (3), which is assembled from a lattice of poles (4), which are coupled in an articulated manner at their ends and form scissor-like pairs. The poles (4) are rotatably connected at their intersections (7). The camouflage shelter (1) has a camouflage net (8) arranged loosely over outer bearing points (5) of the subframe (3) and consisting of a polyester mesh with a perforated structure, incorporated metal fibers and a coating which contains absorbent pigments.

Abstract: A collapsible tent frame is disclosed. The collapsible tent frame includes a polygonal framework having a plurality of joints arranged at corners thereof and a plurality of rail pole assemblies interconnecting the joints respectively, at least three leg pole assemblies extending downward from the joints of the polygonal framework and a roof framework having a plurality of rafter pole assemblies connected to the joints of the polygonal framework. The pole assemblies can be shortened when the collapsible tent frame is to be collapsed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-side shelter that may assume a collapsed configuration or an erected configuration. In particular, the present invention is directed to a truss that may assume a collapsed configuration or an erected configuration, and that may be used in the shelter.

Abstract: The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab.

Abstract: A portable protective structure includes a framework made of corner connectors and various poles, such as vertical supports, horizontal supports and roof supports. Certain of the support poles may be made of telescopic tubes of circular cross-section joined together by spring locks in the inner tube projecting into arcuate slots in the outer tube. Pairs of poles, such as horizontal poles, may be connected to a corner connector by the use of a resilient cord extending through the connector with a spring clip on each end of the cord inserted into the horizontal pole. The roof may include a peak having four sets of extending walls into which each roof pole or eave may be connected with the opposite end of each roof pole inserted into a corner connector.

Abstract: A mobile shelter which provides a canopy that protects from sun and rain. The canopy is mounted on a series of curved rib units that are connected to a triangular support system which is attached at each end to a truncated A-Frame support on wheels. The shelter is high enough to provide adequate clearance for activities such as golf. The shelter can span distances of up to 200 feet or more, and the canopy may be retractable.

Abstract: A structural system for a building wherein multiple elongate rigid structural members, in the nature of posts and beams, include internal tensioning cables which, upon an end joining of the structural members, are interlocked and tensioned to each other and relative to a fixed foundation.

Abstract: A party tent has a frame that includes an inner frame supported above an outer frame by a plurality of truss members. The inner frame is smaller than the outer frame in at least one dimensional aspect so that the span across the inner frame is less than the span across the outer frame. In the preferred embodiment, at least one cross member extends across the inner frame and supports a vertical member that extends away from the surface. During the assembly, the internal frame of the tent is put together so that the covering can be placed over this frame while it is at a height of less than six feet. The vertical members are then erected under the covering, thus lifting and stretching the covering for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. After the internal frame, vertical members, and covering are in place, a series of legs is positioned under the tent, thus supporting the tent in a normal fashion.

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.

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

Abstract: A plurality of independent U-shaped frame sections are articulately connected in an end series to form a flexible corridor. Each frame section is U-shaped being open at the bottom and supported on a wheel assembly and covered by a weatherproof fabric roof. Each is formed with collapsible side walls allowing collapsing in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A mobile shelter which provides a canopy that protects from sun and rain. The canopy is mounted on a series of curved rib units that are connected to a triangular support system which is attached at each end to A-Frame supports on wheels.

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.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible shelter is formed from a series of interconnected expandable and collapsible modules. Each module is formed from interconnected strut pairs pivotably attached at their ends to hub assemblies. The hub assemblies have outer and inner portions that are engageable and disengageable. A pair of struts is placed in a desired angular relationship by a first member for constraining a range of movement of the outer portions of the hub assemblies relative to one another and a releasable member for releasably constraining a range of movement of the inner portions of the hub assemblies relative to one another.

Abstract: Principal members of structures are manufactured as foldable assemblies of like size and shape structural members, foldable for handling, packaging, shipping, and storage, and unfolded into their respective principal member configurations. Each like size and shape structural member has its opposite end surfaces formed on a sixty degree bias, whereby one longitudinal edge surface is longer than the other opposite edge surface, thereby creating opposite trapezoidal side surfaces. Each of these members has two spaced holes formed along its centerline, and each of these holes is equally spaced from a respective bias end. Regarding relative design dimensions, the respective longitudinal centerline length of each like size and shaped structural member is given the formula dimension, L, then the space between holes, X, is equal to 0.464L, and the space from each hole to centerline end, Y, is equal to 0.268L.

Abstract: This invention provides an arcuate frame rib for the frame of a covered shelter. The arcuate rib includes an adjustable and pivotal base mounting at each end of the arc. The rib is formed by sections of tubing joined by a rigid coupler having an angled upper member with tube receivers at both ends to slideably receive the tubular sections, a lower member with tube guides at both ends to slideably receive and guide the tubular sections received in the tube receivers and a central body member joining the upper and lower members. The lower member generally includes a reinforcement that carries a double assembly pin receiving tab. Rib braces generally connect the lower members of successive rigid couplers to support the rib by being pinned to the double pin receiving tabs. For further reinforcement, there are generally knee braces formed of knee tubing strengthened by a gussett plate and clamped to the rib braces.