Abstract: A nominally floorless hikers' shelter having a raised, tensioned waterproof canopy supported off the ground by pole supports at the front and rear, in which the canopy has a catenary curved ridgeline tensioned between a higher vertical front support and a lower, outwardly-angled rear arch support. The shelter preferably has a hanging insect netting perimeter, including front and rear door panels and sidewalls, and floor-ready attachment structure for an optional floor to be attached to the support structure in the sleeping area defined by the netting without placing stress on the netting. In a first form the vertical front support is a straight pole; in a second form the vertical front support is a vertical arch. A multiple guyline/single-stake structure for guying out a tensioned shelter edge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure includes a series of fabric panels each tautly spread by a length of steel wire or other resiliently flexible, filiform material. The steel wire may form a closed loop, an open loop or a mere arc. The wire is selectively inserted into at least two of several pockets or fabric straps positioned around the periphery of the panel. The selection of the wire-holding pockets or straps defines the shape of the spread-out panel. Parts of the fabric which are not encompassed by a wire are held folded over it and against the spread-out portion. The shape of the structure can be quickly modified by repositioning of the wires.

Abstract: A photography lightbank is extendable axially and radially to a larger size by an extension ring, which is removably attachable to the distal (front) end of the lightbank shroud. Extension rod connectors are configured for attachment of extension rods, which support the extension ring in outstretched configuration, to the distal ends of the primary support rods that support the lightbank shroud, while releasable fasteners attach the proximal end of the extension ring to the distal end of the shroud.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A toys bracing bracket for mounting on a playpen or a play pad is detachable. It mainly includes a central pivot dock that has a first anchor section and a second anchor section to couple with a plurality of connection rods. Each of the connection rods is coupled with an elastic element so that the connection rods may be easily pulled and extended for mounting on the playpen or play pad, or be folded easily to facilitate carrying and storing, and to enhance safety.

Abstract: A transportable play design assembly with an open operative position, an alternative closed position and which may be folded to enclose play items therebetween when play time is concluded. The open operative position is utilized as a play surface. The alternative closed position is utilized as a transporting and storage device for play items. The alternative closed position further has a closing mechanism to prevent the play items from falling out of the assembly during transportation.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a two-ply web of material and a continuous loop frame. One or more handles may be attached to the structure or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible pet carrier (10) includes a base (12) with a shiftable frame (14) movable between a collapsed position and an extended use position; the carrier also has a flexible cover (16) which, with the base, forms a pet enclosure. The cover (16) has an animal doorway (66) as well as optional see-through windows (74). The frame (14) is preferably formed of flexible and resilient shape memory material allowing the frame to self-erect when unrestrained, without any manual manipulation or other intervention. Also, the carrier (10) preferably includes a top (18) which mates with the base to form a carrier housing, which restrains the popup frame (14) to retain it within the carrier housing. The top (18) may also be inverted and secured to the base (12) during use.

Abstract: A tent has a framework having at least two flexible strips bent with an intersection at central points of the strips as a top of the tent. A flexible ring is provided outside the flexible strips and adjacent to the top of the tent. A cloth is sheathed on the framework. The tent has a broad top space without a central pole, which is convenient to use in hunting or as a business site.

Abstract: A tent includes a shell, a frame including at least one flexible, resilient pole for extending over an exterior of the shell in an arch shape and for holding the shell up in an erect configuration in which the shell encloses a living space. The pole includes a plurality of sections, each section bounded by first and second points on the pole. A truss system includes a plurality of chords for tending to hold the pole in the arch shape. Each chord includes at least one tension-taking web extending along the exterior of the shell generally along a line from the first point to the second point of one of the pole sections to inhibit movement of the first and second points away from one another whereby the chords tend to hold the pole in the arch shape and stabilize the tent.

Abstract: A tent assembly for providing an easily pitched and ventilated tent structure. The tent assembly includes a main portion that can be held in an expanded position using lines and loops on an exterior of the main portion. The ends are closable and screen assemblies are provided adjacent each end of the main portion.

Abstract: A self-supporting boat cover includes a cover member having a plurality of sleeves that extends substantially longitudinally from a bow end of the cover member to a stern end. A corresponding plurality of flexible poles are insertable in the sleeves through either end of the sleeves and are releasably securable in the sleeves. The self-supporting boat cover is easily installed and inexpensive to manufacture. Additionally, the flexible poles can be readily disassembled into a plurality of pole sections into a compact and easily transportable configuration.

Abstract: Collapsible structures include one or more add-on panels that are coupled to the underlying collapsible structure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, and utility of these collapsible structures. Each of these collapsible structures incorporate at least one foldable frame member, and fabric covering portions of the frame member. The collapsible structures can be collapsed into a smaller configuration by twisting and folding the at least one frame member.

Abstract: A photography tent is constructed of panels of light weight, color corrected translucent nylon fabric, supported by a flexible frame. The frame allows the tent to be collapsed to a substantially flat condition. The translucent material allows an external light source to be used.

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.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A portable cover unit includes a fabric cover supported by a flexible frame. The fabric cover has sleeves that secure members of the flexible frame, which is constructed with primary frame members extending in a first direction and at least one secondary frame member extending in a second substantially perpendicular direction between the primary frame members. A plurality of connectors are attachable to an object to which the portable cover unit is installed, each including an aperture sized to receive the primary frame members. Structure is also provided for securing the fabric cover to the object to which the portable cover unit is installed. The portable cover unit can be mounted to any open portion of a vehicle such as a boat, golf cart or the like or can be used independently. The structure can be readily disassembled and stored in a compact package.

Abstract: An ATV enclosure includes a plurality of first elongate support members positionable adjacent front and rear corners of an ATV and overlap each other generally medially between the opposed end portions, respectively. The ATV enclosure further includes a plurality of second support members having opposed end portions removably connectable adjacent to front and rear corners of an ATV. The ATV enclosure further includes a cover attachable to a plurality of receiving members and is positionable above the plurality of first support members for defining a cavity therebeneath and for protecting an operator from the environment. The cover includes a body preferably including a ventilation portion formed therein and for allowing air to pass therethrough. The body may further include a plurality of access panels formed therein and a plurality of zippers attached thereto, respectively, for adjustably opening and closing same. A plurality of fastening members help secure the enclosure to an ATV.

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.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure includes a series of fabric panels each tautly spread by a length of steel wire or other resiliently flexible, filiform material. The steel wire may form a closed loop, an open loop or a mere arc. The wire is selectively inserted into at least two of several pockets or fabric straps positioned around the periphery of the panel. The selection of the wire-holding pockets or straps defines the shape of the spread-out panel. Parts of the fabric which are not encompassed by a wire are held folded over it and against the spread-out portion. The shape of the structure can be quickly modified by repositioning of the wires.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has first and second wall panels, each wall panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, a frame retaining sleeve for retaining the respective frame member, and a fabric material substantially covering each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. The foldable frame member for each wall panel further includes a top side and a bottom side, with the frame retaining sleeve of the first wall panel stitched along the length of its top side to the frame retaining sleeve along the length of the top side of the second wall panel to form a hinged connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support (12) for an erectable structure (10), in particular a canopy for a grandstand seating platform (98). The support (12) includes a pliable elongate main member in the form of a frame (26); a plurality of compression legs in the form of A-frames (28) mounted to the frame (26); restraint means in the form of tension wires (30) connected between the A-frames (28) and the frame (26); and an elongate tensionable element in the form of a cable (32). The support (12) is movable between a collapsed and an erect position by pivoting the support (12) about a pin joint (100), through which it is coupled to the seating platform. In a preferred embodiment, a structure 10r comprises three such supports (12r) coupled by purlins (16r) and including membranes (14r) to define a grandstand canopy.

Abstract: A collapsible shade device that includes two side panels connected by an intermediate sheet. Frame members are attached to the side panels and the frame members unfurl the side panels when the shade is in a deployed configuration, and the frame members can be coiled into a collapsed configuration for more convenient movement and storage of the shade device. One embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a car seat to inhibit temperature increases on the surface of the seat. Another embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a stroller to block sunlight, wind, insects, and the like from the stroller's occupant. Another embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a stroller to also protect the occupant from inclement weather.

Abstract: A collapsible sun shade adapted to be used with a chair is disclosed. The shade is made of spring steel or equivalent material and is adapted to be affixed to cover the seat portion of a lounge chair. The shade is unfolded under the force of the compressed spring and attached to the chair to provide shade over the seat of the chair.

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.

Abstract: A connector connects the end segments of one or more poles and a flexible membrane to form a tent, canopy, kite or other flexible shelter or non-shelter structure. The connector has a first and a second body section that are adapted to mate via loosely coupled threads in one adaptation. A portion of a flexible membrane is retained between the two body sections. The first body section has an open end and is adapted to engage an end segment of a pole. The second body section is adapted to be fitted with a ring, hook, or other structure to which a guy wire, rope, or other pole may be connected.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.

Abstract: A canopy for covering the top of a playyard, the canopy comprising a canopy cover, a canopy support adapted to be coupled to a playyard and configured to support the canopy cover, the canopy support includes a rod connector and four support rods, each support rod includes an inner end pivotably coupled to the rod connector and an outer end adapted to be coupled to one of four corner pieces included in the playyard to retain the canopy support on the playyard, and the rod connector includes a connector ring arranged to pass through apertures formed in the inner ends of each support rod to establish a pivot axis of each support rod about the connector ring and about which each support rod is free to pivot relative to the connector ring.

Abstract: A shelter structure is disclosed having a substantially dome-shaped frame comprising a plurality of flexible resilient poles maintained under tension in substantially arcuate shape. The poles are arranged in intersecting relationship and form a plurality of pole crossings. Opposite ends of the poles terminate in a common plane such as the ground or a base. The pole arrangement creates a plurality of adjacent four-sided openings having pole crossings as vertices and sections of poles as sides. A plurality of tension harnesses interconnect diagonal vertices of adjacent openings, thereby providing strength and rigidity to the structure. The frame defines an interior volume and a membrane or covering is connected to the frame to substantially shelter the interior volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic wall structure and a method of making and erecting same. The pneumatic wall structure includes an inner flexible tent sheet, a central flexible tent sheet and an outer flexible tent sheet. The inner, the central and the outer flexible tent sheets are arranged to form a two-layer wall structure comprising (i) an inner layer formed by the inner tent sheet and the central tent sheet and, (ii) an outer layer formed by the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet. The inner layer is inflatable and provides a main support structure for the wall structure, and the outer layer forms a convection space into which an ambient air is capable of flowing. The inflatable support tubes are arranged between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet to provide redundancy to the main support structure and to provide a spacer between the central tent sheet and the outer tent sheet.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure includes a series of fabric panels each tautly spread by a length of steel wire or other resiliently flexible, filiform material. The steel wire may form a closed loop, an open loop or a mere arc. The wire is selectively inserted into at least two of several pockets or fabric straps positioned around the periphery of the panel. The selection of the wire-holding pockets or straps defines the shape of the spread-out panel. Parts of the fabric which are not encompassed by a wire are held folded over it and against the spread-out portion. The shape of the structure can be quickly modified by repositioning of the wires.

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.

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.

Abstract: Collapsible panels are provided which incorporate two or more separate frame members. The frame members can be positioned at separate locations on the panel, or two or more frame members can be housed in the same frame retaining sleeve. One or more of the panels can be used to form collapsible structures. These collapsible structures can be easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a compact configuration.

Abstract: A tent comprises a shell and a frame comprising a plurality of poles extending over the shell holding the shell up in an erect configuration in which the shell encloses a living space. Tension-taking trussing extends between the poles on the exterior of the shell to stabilize the tent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut comprising, 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.

Abstract: A submersible system is provided for isolating a volume of water located above an underwater substrate and for analyzing the volume of water. The system includes a tent having a shape enclosing an area of underwater substrate and a volume of water immediately above the substrate. A support frame formed by frame members each including plural detachable sections for maintaining the shape of the tent. A securing assembly, comprising a peripheral flap held down by weights in the form of sandbags or a heavy chain serves to secure the tent to the substrate. A circulation system, located at least partially within the tent, provides circulation of the volume of water within the tent so as to maintain a circulating flow pattern within the tent. A flow through analytical system is provided for removing a portion of water from the enclosed volume of water and for analyzing at least one property of the portion of water.

Abstract: A playyard includes a retainer carried on a canopy frame support rod. The retainer is configured to be coupled to a retainer mount carried on a playyard frame so that a canopy cover attached to the canopy frame support rod is retained in place on the playground.

Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.

Abstract: A self-erecting structure includes a series of fabric panels each tautly spread by a length of steel wire or other resiliently flexible, filiform material. The steel wire may form a closed loop, an open loop or a mere arc. The wire is selectively inserted into at least two of several pockets or fabric straps positioned around the periphery of the panel. The selection of the wire-holding pockets or straps defines the shape of the spread-out panel. Parts of the fabric which are not encompassed by a wire are held folded over it and against the spread-out portion. The shape of the structure can be quickly modified by repositioning of the wires.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind for retrofitting to hunter's tree stands features arch-shaped concealment panels comprising a reconfigurable camouflage material attached via flexible rods to a lightweight support base. At the points of attachment to the support base, elbows permit the concealment panels to be variably inclined so that the enclosure size and the width of any openings can be varied. Options include a pouch to store hunting gear, an arrow quiver to store hunting arrows, a sheet of camouflage material to seal an opening between adjacent panels, and a ground stake to convert the invention to a ground blind.

Abstract: A playyard system including a playyard structure and a canopy is provided. The canopy is detachably mounted onto a top frame of the playyard structure by directly connecting support members of the canopy with improved connecting end portions to corresponding corner blocks of the playyard with improved connecting grooves thereby the playyard system may be manufactured with fewer component number and lower cost.

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.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member. The single panel can further include an amusement feature provided thereon, or can be used as a cover for an object, a pool, pond, box, case or shelter, or can be used as a base with an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted. The single panels can even be combined to form structures having different configurations and utility.

Abstract: A canopy structure includes a plurality of support beams and a plurality of flexible connecting panels therebetween. Each of the plurality of support beams is formed by an elongate spine extending along an arc and first and second tension panels extending from the strip non-parallel to one another. The connecting panels extend between and interconnect the first and second tension panels of adjacent support beams, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, each support beam includes a sleeve between the first and second tension panels, wherein the sleeve removably receives the spine. Each spine preferably comprises a strip that has a longitudinal length and a transverse width extending in a plane, wherein the strip is resiliently flexible in a direction non-parallel the plane and inflexible in a direction parallel to the plane and wherein the strip is arcuately deformed along its longitudinal length when inserted into the sleeve.

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.

Abstract: A glare reducing hood for a laptop computer monitor made of a fabric closure structure attached to and supported by an endless frame member. The closure structure has a mounting end that defines a mounting end opening and a viewing end that defines a viewing end opening. The hood is mounted on the laptop computer by placing the mounting end about edges of the monitor and the computer user views the monitor through the viewing end opening. The frame member is resiliently collapsible allowing the frame member to be folded into a flat shape for storage and allowing it to spring into a useable shape forming the glare reducing hood that conforms with a particular laptop computer monitor.

Abstract: A collapsible shade structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for substantially covering the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member, each side panel assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. Interconnecting portions of the fabric material form a hinge portion between each frame member. Alternatively, frame retaining sleeve portions may be used to interconnect and retain two or more frame members from two or more adjacent side panels and to act as hinge portions. The structure may be folded and stored by folding the side panels and their corresponding frame members on top of each other about the hinge portions to have the side panels and frame members overlying each other.

Abstract: A self-erecting, collapsible and foldable dome structure comprises an armature formed by two unconnected loops of resiliently flexible wire concentrically and orthogonally intersecting at the center of the structure, and being bent into a dome shaped configuration. The fabric cover comprises two commensurate cruciform sheets joined around their peripheries to form an envelope containing the armature, and a series of gore panels filing the gaps between the arms of the cruciform envelope.

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.