Flexible Structure Patents (Class 135/125)
  • Patent number: 11577154
    Abstract: A game table and to a game equipment for playing a ball game with legs. The game table includes a table top structure with a see-through table top surface. The table top structure has a first and second table top ends and a first and second table top sides extending between the first and second table top ends. The game table further includes a first table side wall and a second table side wall extending downwards from the table top structure. The first and second table side walls being arranged to form a channel-like game space together with the table top structure, the channel-like game space having a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the channel-like game space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 4 FEET UNDER OY
    Inventors: Jarno Saarinen, Mika Korhonen
  • Patent number: 11505399
    Abstract: The electronic circuit bag encloses a printed circuit board under design in an arrangement that allows for easy portability and ensures that the printed circuit board remains sterile during the design phase. The electronic circuit bag has a carrying handle atop the bag. The electronic circuit bag attaches to a solid square base which provides storage and a repository for holding the printed circuit board in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: GIFTEDNESS AND CREATIVITY COMPANY
    Inventor: Alaa Suleiman Ghazai Al Harbi
  • Patent number: 11406198
    Abstract: A pop up cover for a crib is provided for providing a safe, comfortable and isolated environment for a child in a crib. The pop-up cover may be made of breathable fabric panels having an integrated frame, for example a flexible frame, which can be folded (collapsed) on itself, for example when folded in specific ways if appropriate force is applied and which keeps the fabric in a taught, open position when unfolded (preventing the panels form falling inwards onto each other). The pop up cover can be lightweight and compact, quick and easy to set up, dark inside and breathable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SLUMBERPOD LLC
    Inventors: Kathryn Beck Mallory, Louise Wingfield Childs, Maureen Carroll, Stephen Jones, Jeffrey Juskowich
  • Patent number: 11140997
    Abstract: A pop up cover for a crib is provided for providing a safe, comfortable and isolated environment for a child in a crib. The pop-up cover may be made of breathable fabric panels having an integrated frame, for example a flexible frame, which can be folded (collapsed) on itself, for example when folded in specific ways if appropriate force is applied and which keeps the fabric in a taught, open position when unfolded (preventing the panels form falling inwards onto each other). The pop up cover can be lightweight and compact, quick and easy to set up, dark inside and breathable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: DOVETAIL ESSENTIALS, LLC
    Inventors: Kathryn Beck Mallory, Louise Wingfield Childs
  • Patent number: 11111690
    Abstract: A system for providing shade onto a surface is described herein. The system includes a canopy configured for engagement with, and aerial suspension by, a frame. The frame includes a plurality of sections configured for end-to-end alignment from a left end to a right end of the frame. Each section is configured to engage with any adjacent sections to form the frame. The ends of the frame are secured to the surface, thereby aerially suspending the canopy and providing shade to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Shibumi Shade, Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Brooks Barnes, Alexander Griffith Slater, Scott Christian Barnes
  • Patent number: 10914096
    Abstract: A tent includes a domed-shaped modular frame and a tent cover attachable to the frame and having a door, a transparent top, and rain cover. The rain cover also has a transparent top. A shield is selectively positioned on the interior of the tent cover to cover the transparent top. The transparent top of the tent cover and rain cover are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Inventors: Holly Hovagimian-Beck, Brian Polk
  • Patent number: 10767387
    Abstract: A foldable hunting blind uses a hub assembly to easily expand into its final configuration with side supports used to stabilize the blind. Further, the foldable hunting blind includes apertures in each wall configured to hold and direct firearm muzzles away from hunters within the blind and a door through the front wall allowing a dog to easily enter and exit the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Jason Bird
  • Patent number: 10676956
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus include a modular tent comprising an upper tent portion having a first base surface area, wherein the upper tent portion does not include a floor surface; and a base extension that includes a floor surface having a second base surface area, the second base surface area being larger than the first base surface area, wherein the base extension is removably secured to the upper tent portion, wherein the base extension, when secured to the upper tent portion, results in a base surface area of the modular tent increasing to the second base surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Kalvani IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Bimal A. Kalvani
  • Patent number: 10667471
    Abstract: An agriculture protective cover for plants that can be easily assembled and disassembled by a single person. The cover includes a plurality of spaced apart base pairs interconnected by arch tubes over which a protective sheet is strung. The bases have a receiver at one end mounted over a stake and an aperture on an opposite end configured for receipt of a spike. The receiver includes upwardly bendable tabs on which the arch tubes are mounted. The arches may be interconnected with stabilizing tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Richard B. Babb
  • Patent number: 10233665
    Abstract: A combination tent includes a tent frame standing upright on the ground. An outer tent fabric is spread out and mounted on the tent frame. The outer tent fabric encloses an arched space having front and rear ends that are open. An outer tent door fabric is disposed on a first side of the outer tent fabric and is openable and closeable. An inner tent is disposed in the arched space and is connected to the first side of the outer tent fabric. An inner tent door fabric is disposed on a side of the inner tent, is aligned with the outer tent door fabric, and is openable and closeable. The arched space includes an open passage defined between another side of the inner tent and a second side of the outer tent fabric. The open passage extends from the front end to the rear end of the arched space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Wonderland Adventure Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Fang Lee
  • Patent number: 10087650
    Abstract: A system includes a blanket having a top surface; a plurality of attachment devices secured to the top surface; and a storage device secured to the top surface. The system further includes a collapsible shelter configured to fold and fit within the storage device, the collapsible shelter forming an inner cavity and having a bottom surface; and a plurality of fasteners secured to the bottom surface of the collapsible shelter. The plurality of fasteners are spaced apart from each other and configured to removably engage with the plurality of attachment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Ron Hobbs
  • Patent number: 9078497
    Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided that includes a hub body and a plurality of slots. The hub body extends between an outer periphery and a central aperture configured to receive an umbrella pole. The slots comprise a pivot zone configured to receive and retain a mounting pin of an umbrella rib or strut. The hub can be loaded in a generally horizontal direction. Deflectable surfaces enable rigid pins of the umbrella rib or strut to be engaged with the hub for pivoting therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Publication number: 20150101645
    Abstract: A dome hub includes a body and a spoke extending radially from the body. The spoke is configured to receive a dome strut. The spoke includes a strut band configured to receive an end of a dome strut. A dome assembly kit includes a strut and a hub. The hub retains the strut within a spoke without threaded fasteners when assembled. The spoke includes a strut band that receives an end of the strut when assembled. A dome assembly method includes using a hub with a spoke and a strut band. The method includes using a strut and inserting the strut into the spoke. The strut is retained within the spoke without threaded fasteners. The method includes sliding the strut toward a center of the hub until an end of the strut is positioned against the strut band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel D. Neville, Rex C. Haddock
  • Patent number: 8968048
    Abstract: An infant activity device comprising two or more arches configured for creating an activity space therebelow defined by a location of articulation of the arches, and further comprising an arch configuration member configured for displacement between different articulation configurations of the arches by sliding with respect to at least one arch and further configured for retaining the arches at any desired articulation configuration to thereby alter the activity space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Tiny Love Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoshana Oren, Fredrik Aboukrat, Giora Shachal
  • Patent number: 8899251
    Abstract: A canopy system comprising a shading element, a support element, and an attachment element member. The canopy system is adapted to provide shade over at least a portion of an above-ground container. The canopy system is configured to maintain its structure during slightly windy and mild weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Ricky Tong
  • Patent number: 8899253
    Abstract: A picnic table cover system, Lock-N-Leave Coverall™, that can be locked to a picnic table and provide a lockable storage volume for picnic articles and personal items thus protecting them from possible theft while also protecting them from flying insects, pests and ambient weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventors: Antonio Watson, Dana Watson
  • Patent number: 8851956
    Abstract: A playhouse has a main frame, a canopy mounted on and above the main frame, and two roof supporting frames. When the roof supporting frames cross each other, the canopy is propped up and expanded to construct the playhouse into a three-dimensional space. Thus, the playhouse does not collapse while children are bumping into the playhouse and is safe for use. When folding the playhouse, the roof supporting frames are inclined to overlap the main frame. Thus, the main frame and the roof supporting frames can be twisted into a figure of an “8” and then folded into a small size to reduce space that the playhouse occupies in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: D.J. Toys Enterprise Corp.
    Inventor: Li-Yang Niu
  • Patent number: 8789550
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Evrio, Inc.
    Inventors: John Livacich, Kendyl A Roman
  • Patent number: 8720461
    Abstract: A collapsible portable shelter including at least a first strut and a second strut, each strut being resiliently flexible, a panel formed of a flexible material coupled with the first strut and the second strut, and an anchoring member for anchoring the panel relative to a surface. The first strut is received along a first side of the panel and the second strut is received along a second side of the panel, the second side opposing the first side. The first strut and the second strut each has a portion extending beyond a third side of the panel. A portion of each of the first strut and second strut is to be received in the surface to resist lateral movement of said part received in the ground. The orientation of the panel with respect to the surface can be readily varied by adjusting the anchoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: John Alexander Nichols
  • Publication number: 20130333737
    Abstract: A shelter system including a base assembly and a flexible support assembly where the base assembly has two legs that are held together by at least two tension straps and the where the flexible support assembly has flexible support members and spanning poles and where the flexible support members of the flexible support assembly are securely attached to the base assembly at each end of the base system legs and where the entire flexible support assembly is then erected and covered, creating a self standing shelter system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Patent number: 8567448
    Abstract: A liner or core pipe which is suitable for insertion into a host pipe, the core pipe including, in certain aspects, a pipe made of temperature-resistant corrosion-resistant material and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end and a second end and a flow channel therethrough from the first end to the second end; first and second strengthening wraps around the pipe; a plurality of spaced-apart pulling tapes on the pipe; the pipe deformable to facilitate insertion into a host pipe, and a protective outer wrap on the pipe. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Smart Pipe Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Stringfellow, Stephen C. Catha, Kenneth R. Charboneau
  • Patent number: 8567424
    Abstract: A tent frame includes a plurality of structural members (PSM), each having a first end portion and a second end portion. The tent frame also includes a connecting member having a first part and a second part. The first end portion of each of the PSM couples to the first part, and the second end portion of each of the PSM couples to the second part, such that at least one of a tensional force, a bending force, a compressive force, and a torsional force is exerted on each of the PSM. One of the PSM and the connecting member form a first side of a tent frame. Another of the PSM and the connecting member form a second side of the tent frame. When the at least one of the tensional force, the bending force, the compressive force, and the torsional force is decreased, the tent frame expands longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory P. Hill, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130276847
    Abstract: A bathtub tent enclosure comprising a flexible supporting frame encased in fabric that opens in a figure-eight configuration and is adjustable in size to fit over a variety of sizes of water receptacles. The enclosure adheres to the bathtub or other water receptacle or a surface surrounding the bathtub or other receptacle with suction cups that are attached to adjustable-length cords. Fabric curtains overlap in the front and include adjustable-length cords that allow the curtain opening to be adjusted to a user's desired setting, from overlapping to fully open. The back of the enclosure includes a continuous sheet fabric curtain. The enclosure can be collapsed by holding the tent flat and twisting the flexible supporting frame over itself until it forms three overlapping continuous loops that lay flat, and can be inserted into a round fabric case for storage when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Vulich, Sarah O. Vulich
  • Patent number: 8387643
    Abstract: A self-erecting tent, provided with at least three resilient frame elements (1, 2, 3) formed into endless loops which stretch a tent covering, with the tent in erected position, while at least two of the frame elements (1, 2) cross adjacent an underside of the tent, at least, with the tent in erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Roy Bernardus Johannes Van Aalst
  • Patent number: 8365749
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony D. Overbaugh
  • Patent number: 8365751
    Abstract: Hunting blinds include a frame comprising two rod attachment structures at opposing longitudinal sides and a plurality of support attachment structures extending between and coupled to the two rod attachment structures. A rod is coupled to each of the two rod attachment structures, and a support member rod is coupled to each of the support attachment structures. Methods of using hunting blinds and methods of making hunting blinds are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Corporation
    Inventor: Darwin A. Clampitt
  • Patent number: 8342197
    Abstract: An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, dynamically configurable system of concealment and shelter. An operator configures a number of concealment blinds or shelters using shafts and covers or shells. Some embodiments include user adjustable domes. A hubless, dynamic blind or shelter comprises two or more cover shafts and an adjustable strap which provides a freestanding, flexible frame. The frame is covered with a cover or skin. The cover adjusts to the dynamic changes in the frame. In one embodiment the cover is an elastic net that changes shape but maintains tight skin. In another embodiment the cover has expansion panels and lace. Embodiments include layout blinds and boat blinds which incorporate a quick release clip 1260, and which may be used to observe or hunt waterfowl. The system includes a low cost method of tightening the skin on a cover to reduce wind movement and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Evrio, Inc.
    Inventors: Kendyl A. Román, John Livacich
  • Publication number: 20120318314
    Abstract: The modular shelter related to temporary building for keeping goods or people. The modular shelter utilizes some standardized shells for constructing walls of the modular shelter. Each of the shells can have sidewalls or ribs for strengthening the shells' curvature and strength. These standardized shells can further be stacked such that they become compact for storage and transportation. Multiple number of the modular shelter can also be joined together for providing extended shelters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Shinya Okuda
  • Patent number: 8257229
    Abstract: Play gyms and methods of operating the same are disclosed. A disclosed example includes a floor mat dimensioned to be positioned within a play yard and/or a bassinet. It also includes a play gym to suspend an object above the mat when the mat is positioned in the play yard and/or the bassinet, and at least one connector to couple the play gym to the mat when the mat is removed from the play gym and/or the bassinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Myers, Joseph Paul Sejnowski
  • Patent number: 8172703
    Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: William Coleman Lay
  • Publication number: 20120031321
    Abstract: A cover mechanism comprises a support frame with base supports and a multi-part expandable cover engaged with the base supports by grappling members or other means. The expandable cover may have a pliable exterior cover and a set of integral ribs, the expandable cover being foldable when not deployed and being expandable to form a self-supporting structure when deployed. The base supports may provide a sliding track for the grappling members to facilitate expansion of the cover. The base supports may be adapted to rest on the ground or buoyant so that the cover can be used with watercraft. The expandable cover may be deployed by pivoting it from a folded position to an upright position, sliding the cover along the base support tracks, and pivoting the cover from the front of the base supports downwards, forming an enclosure thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ying
  • Patent number: 8096311
    Abstract: A self-erecting tent, provided with at least three resilient frame elements (1, 2, 3) formed into endless loops which stretch a tent covering, with the tent in erected position, while at least two of the frame elements (1, 2) cross adjacent an underside of the tent, at least, with the tent in erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Roy Bernardus Johannes van Aalst
  • Patent number: 8087423
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for providing protection against the sun, said apparatus including a rod assembly (2) and a fabric (3) or the like that is stretchable over said rod assembly, wherein the rod assembly (2) includes two rods (4), which intersect, are each resiliently bendable and can be braced in an arched manner by inserting the rod ends (5) into eyelets (7) at the ends (8) of two intersecting webbing straps (9) extending over a floor (27), over which the rods (4) can arch, with the rod ends (5) being subjected to tensile stressing, and which are pretensionable by inserting the rod ends (5) into straps (24) on a bottom longitudinal edge (23) of the fabric (3) for stretching the fabric (3) over the rod assembly (2), wherein a cross-strut (19) is supported in the intersection region (10) of the rods (4) to support the fabric (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Christina Knipschild
  • Patent number: 8082700
    Abstract: A building structure with a tubular frame structure in a hut shape may be provided with cladding in the form of curved panels to provide a temporary or emergency shelter. These panels may consist of two spaced-apart plastic sheets fused together by parallel ribs serving as webs to provide parallel channels therein, e.g., Coroplast™-like sheeting. Such sheeting is preferably stiffening with one or more battens that are inserted through the hollow channels of the panel allowing them to be used as semi-rigid cladding over the entire building structure. The outer tubular members of the frame are all curved to improve rigidity. The frame includes channels for seating the panels as well as contribute to the structural integrity of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Housall Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Miles Kennedy, Mark Edey, Reinier Halbertsma, Aldo Balatti
  • Patent number: 8001987
    Abstract: A support system for tents and other shelters. The support system includes base support members that are in the shape of an arch. These base support members are secured in a desired configuration by an upper support member that is in the shape of a circle or other geometrical shape. A roof support may be added as well. The size and configuration of the shelter may be easily changed by adding or deleting the number of base support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Let's Go Aero, Inc.
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Patent number: 7950173
    Abstract: A portable sign including three legs movable between deployed and collapsed positions and a flexible covering bearing text, graphics or both includes a biasing mechanism urging the legs toward the deployed position. A support within the biasing mechanism secures three springs with the coils facing outward, one extension from each spring embedded in an upper support member and another extension movable within a plane tangential to a periphery of a lower support member and received by a hollow portion of one of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: DBK Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Maya P. Jedlicka
  • Patent number: 7926500
    Abstract: A collapsible free-standing frame structure includes N bowable resilient legs, where N is an integer greater than one, a multi-hinge, and a leg restraint. The multi-hinge includes a hinge body and N leg interconnectors for interconnecting the legs to the hinge body. The leg interconnectors are pivotally mounted to the hinge body for limited pivotal motion between closed positions, in which the interconnected legs are clustered around a central axis which extends through the hinge body, and open positions, in which the interconnected legs extend radially relative to the central axis. A pivot stop prevents the leg interconnectors from pivoting beyond the open positions. To erect the frame structure, the leg interconnectors are pivoted to their open positions, the interconnected legs are bowed against the pivot stop, and the distal ends of the bowed legs are attached to a leg restraint which maintains the legs in the bowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: DDF, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam S. Perez, Byron Glaser
  • Patent number: 7921863
    Abstract: A self-supporting, high-profile, insect net enclosure made of a fabric membrane that defines an interior rectangular space having two side walls, two end walls, a floor and ceiling with advanced insect protection properties, enhanced comfort, accessibility, ventilation, and lightweight storage characteristics, includes two resiliently flexible segmented poles having two angles each that separate three straight pole sections into one horizontal section and two vertical sections. The enclosure maintains a stable shape as the fabric membrane is pushed out by the poles contained within the interior rectangular space that are biased in place by the fabric membrane when the pole ends are positioned in opposite lower inside corners, with the vertical pole sections crossing diagonally, and the horizontal pole sections parallel to each other along top of side walls. The enclosure has a zipper door opening, and includes a fabric pouch that reverses to store the enclosure with poles for transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: David Edward Ways
  • Publication number: 20110048482
    Abstract: A shade system that includes a shade assembly fixedly or non-fixedly attached to an extension component. The device has a first mounting component at a first end for holding the shade assembly and allows the shade assembly to be positioned in three dimensions in multiple orientations. The extension component has a second mounting component at a second end for attaching the extension component to a mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Emerson T. Yerian
  • Patent number: 7841356
    Abstract: A tent shelter of the type that is erected by at least one arch pole and has multiple fabric walls that intersect to form substantially vertical corners when the shelter is erected. At each corner a strut-and-guy line support structure is provided for supporting and tensioning the fabric walls. Each strut structure includes two strut legs, each leg being integrated with a respective wall of a particular corner. The bottom ends of the strut legs are spread apart in the erected state of the shelter but are interconnected by a flexible strap. The top ends of each set of legs converge to form an inverted V shape. A guy line arrangement tensions each of the corners. The tent body can further be strengthened against severe weather by additional arch poles removably secured to the fabric body in an X configuration crossing the center arch and passing over the corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Henry C. Shires
  • Publication number: 20100126545
    Abstract: A rapidly deployable military vehicle repair facility has a shelter constructed so that in can be put up with three people and a 12 foot ladder. A special tool is utilized to mount sections of the shelter support poles into place for connection. The ends of the poles are color coded so that can be easily matched for assembly. The shelter front door has an integrated detachable particulate screen portion. When the dual filter/ventilation system is running 24,000 CFM of air is drawn in through the facility and exhausted through the rear exhaust systems (12,000 CFM per system). The integrated particulate screen prevents dirt, dust, and other contaminants from being drawn into the facility and damaging the vehicle finish while eliminating the need to replace disposable air intake filters—the integrated particulate screens also eliminate another potential waste product from the system—dirty, disposable fiberglass filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Todd J. Bullivant, Rand K. Drozdowicz, Thomas B. Schweers, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100101618
    Abstract: A self-erecting tent, provided with at least three resilient frame elements (1, 2, 3) formed into endless loops which stretch a tent covering, with the tent in erected position, while at least two of the frame elements (1, 2) cross adjacent an underside of the tent, at least, with the tent in erected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Roy Bernardus Johannes van Aalst
  • Patent number: 7673642
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Henry C. Shires
  • Patent number: 7516750
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20090090406
    Abstract: The tent (1) comprises a flexible fabric (11) and reinforcing means. This fabric (11) comprises sleeves, each of said sleeves being designed to accommodate a flexible hoop belonging to said reinforcing means. The tent (1) has a deployed position in which it comprises completely rectangular lateral faces (3, 6) arranged in a cylinder whose directrix is a regular polygon having an even number of sides, each of said sleeves extending round the periphery of a said respective face (3, 6), each of said hoops being in a working position in said sleeves, and said tent (1) has a flat position in which said sleeves are superposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Maximilien, Marc Legrand
  • Publication number: 20090050188
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has a base panel that includes separate first and second sides, a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the base panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The structure also includes first and second loops, each loop having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The first side of the base panel is coupled to the first loop, and the second side of the base panel is coupled to the second loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7398612
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have one or more support frames, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the frame member defining a periphery for the support frame. Where more than one support frame is provided, the support frames can be hingedly coupled to each other. The frame member(s) can be used, for example, to support panel pieces, objects and coverings, among others. In some embodiments, one or more objects can be coupled to and supported by the support frame(s). In other embodiments, a covering may be placed over the support frame(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 7392555
    Abstract: A bed-tent provides an enclosure over a mattress. The tent forms a canopy having panels each with a resilient, strip frame member and a sheet of flexible fabric. Retainers secure the canopy on the mattress. In some forms, a frame member disposed externally of the canopy helps to hold the panels and canopy upright. In other forms, the frame members are configured so that no additional support is needed to hold the panels and/or bed tent upright on a bed. The frame members may be readily adapted for use in curved or rectilinear panels to permit a wide range of bed tent designs and features. The frame members preferably can be twisted or wound into flat coils of reduced diameter or other form so that the entire canopy can be conveniently stored in a small package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Happy Camper, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Danaher
  • Patent number: 7201177
    Abstract: A collapsible tent provides insect protection for infants such as less than a year old while being small and portable enough for use in many public spaces. Excellent ventilation and visibility are provided by mosquito and no-see-um blocking fabric formed into a dome-like shape. Flexible support rods cross one another at the apex of the tent and reside within arch-shaped fabric channels. A detachable or alternatively attached ground barrier completes the enclosure. For storage, the flexible support rods are brought adjacent to one another to form a flat arch-shape with the pair of proximate ends then coiled toward the other pair to form a small circular shape that is readily retained within this compact shape by a carrying pouch. When the tent is erected, the carrying pouch is attachable to the tent to serve as a sunshade. A hanging support inside the tent may be used to suspend infant toys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Jennifer Cobb Anticoli, LaVonda Lynn Chandler
  • Patent number: 7178538
    Abstract: The specification describes a selectively reversible, portable enclosure comprising a collapsible framework having a flexible covering associated therewith, the flexible covering having opposite first and second surfaces each bearing a distinct color, pattern, or other indicia. Without disassociating the flexible covering from the collapsible framework, the enclosure is selectively transitionable between a first condition, wherein the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure, and a second condition, wherein the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert M. Ransom