Abstract: A canopy including a flexible cover and a framework. The cover carries two rods, one secured to each of the opposite sides of the cover. Each of the rods has a gear attached to each of its ends. Brackets attached to the four corners of the framework each include a socket sized to receive the rod end, and, also, each bracket includes a pawl. When the rod is positioned in the socket, the gear on the rod is aligned with the pawl on the bracket to complete a ratchet tensioning mechanism that can be operated to progressively tighten the cover over the framework. To install the cover, the cover is rolled up on the rods and placed on the framework. The cover is then unrolled from the rods towards opposite sides of the framework where the rods are secured in the bracket sockets, tightened by the ratchet mechanisms, and secured by a locking pin. The operation is simply reversed when the cover is to be stored on top of the framework, or removed for storage elsewhere.

Abstract: A modular fence tent includes plural connecting rods, plural supporting rods and a bottom cover, and both ends of each connecting rod have a connecting slot and a connecting block configured to be corresponsive to each other, and the plurality of connecting rods are connected sequentially to form an upper circular frame and a lower circular frame, and then the supporting rods are connected between the upper circular frame and the lower circular frame to form a fence-type frame, and finally the bottom cover covers the exterior of the fence-type frame to form the whole tent. The tent can be installed, removed, used, and stored conveniently. In addition, an elastic roof is combined to form the modular fence tent. The convenience and functionality of the tent are improved significantly and areas are well separated for kids' activities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure for solar modules, with an arrangement of posts mounted on a base. A carrier unit is pivotably mounted on each post, the carrier unit having two struts supporting a crossbeam. The ends of the struts facing away from the crossbeam are mounted in a pivot bearing. The crossbeam is mounted on the post by guide means so as to be movable. Receiving means for mounting solar modules are provided on the crossbeam. The inclination of the solar modules is defined by adjusting and fixing a pivot position of the carrier unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a connection member for a tent pole, and a detachable jig of the same. The connection member for a tent pole, which connects unit poles of which opposite end parts are internally formed with insertion holes, the connection member including: a pair of insert members which are respectively fitted in and fixed to insertion holes at end parts of a pair of adjacent unit poles; a connecting pipe body which is formed with a through hole in a middle thereof to be arranged between the insert members and includes opposite end parts respectively inserted the insertion holes of the unit poles; and an elastic cord which includes opposite end parts respectively fixed to the pair of insert members while being inserted in the through hole of the connecting pipe body and provides elasticity so that the end parts of the pair of adjacent unit poles can be in contact with each other.

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

Abstract: A portable shelter may be provided with ground assembly, flex poles, and a cover assembly. The ground assembly may include a ground sheet or pad having rigid elements, such as metal ground poles along opposite sides. The ground poles may extend through sleeves on the ground sheet. The ends of the flex poles can be attached to fittings on the ends of the ground poles, with the flex poles flexed into an arc when the shelter is set up. The cover assembly includes a flexible cover made for example of fabric effective at blocking sunlight. Flex pole attachment devices, such as snap-on clamp fittings, may be spaced apart along opposite ends of the cover for attaching the cover onto the flex poles. Ground pole attachment devices may be spaced apart along opposite sides of the cover for attaching the cover to the ground poles.

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.

Abstract: The present invention describes an air quality containment unit for isolating a construction, renovation or maintenance project. The air quality containment unit contains dust, molds and other air-borne pollutants using a filter, such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, to maintain a negative air pressure in the unit. The air quality containment unit includes at least one sealable orifice that allows workers to introduce, for example, an electrical cord into the unit without breaching containment.

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.

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

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

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

Abstract: A cover for a sandbox comprising a plurality of vertical poles situated around the perimeter of the sandbox and a cover assembly. The cover assembly comprises an outer frame, inner frame, and flexible cover. The inner frame comprises a plurality of support members, which support a flexible cover and are fixedly attached to the outer frame. Each vertical pole comprises a pulley system and a vertical slot. The pulley system is connected to the outer frame with an attachment means and is fully enclosed within the vertical pole except for a portion of the attachment means. The attachment means travels up and down within the vertical slot. Each vertical pole comprises a pole cover that is slightly shorter than the vertical slot and moves laterally to expose or conceal the vertical slot.

Abstract: A tube with an external channel of a complex geometry. The channel does not distort or collapse when the tube is bent 90 degrees with a 4-inch radius. Fabric may be inserted into and securely held in the external channel. The tube is suitable for constructing frames of fabric structures, such as dodgers and biminis for boats, tents, chairs, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable rod and a tent made from the rod. The retractable rod comprises a multitude of rigid skeleton joints having two axial end surfaces and side surfaces. The joints are connected through the convex-concave connection by two flexible ropes passing through the holes of the joints to form a rod. There is a storage compartment locating at one end of the rod which winds and stores the rod therein. The storage compartment comprises a shaft, a rod storage sleeve which is in an intermittent drive mode fixed to the shaft; one end of the two flexible ropes passes through the rod storage sleeve and is fixed to the shaft. The rod storage sleeve is supported and rotates between two rope-protecting boards. A tension part locates at the other end of the rod and the other end of the two flexible ropes is fixed to the tension part. The advantage of the invention is that the tent made from the retractable rod occupies a small storage space.

Abstract: A cover for a sandbox comprising a plurality of vertical poles situated around the perimeter of the sandbox and a cover assembly. The cover assembly comprises an outer frame, inner frame, and flexible cover. The inner frame comprises a plurality of support members, which support a flexible cover and are fixedly attached to the outer frame. Each vertical pole comprises a pulley system and a vertical slot. The pulley system is connected to the outer frame with an attachment means and is fully enclosed within the vertical pole except for a portion of the attachment means. The attachment means travels up and down within the vertical slot. Each vertical pole comprises a pole cover that is slightly shorter than the vertical slot and moves laterally to expose or conceal the vertical slot.

Abstract: In a tent roof having arched support elements (2, 3), over which a diaphragm (1) is stretched, at least three intersecting arched support elements (2, 3) are provided, whereby at least two support element ends (4) at a time are able to be fixed adjacent to one another on the foundation in an arch terminus area (12), at least three arch terminus areas (12) are provided, and traction elements (7) running approximately in an arched shape, which engage on the diaphragm (1), in particular on the diaphragm edge, are stretched toward the arch terminus areas (12).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide structures. For example, in one embodiment comprises a single support pole and a fabric covering. The single support pole comprises first and second hollow end members, each hollow end member comprising a first end having a fitting configured to engage with a fastener, and a second end configured to engage with an interior member, a plurality of hollow interior members each having two ends, and an elastic member having first and second ends, wherein the elastic member extends through the interior of each of the plurality of hollow interior members. The fabric covering comprises at least two fasteners, wherein the fabric covering is configured to be coupled to the support pole such that the fabric shell forms at least one wall and a roof for the structure, and wherein the fabric shell is configured to be coupled to the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible device including at least one retraction device, at least one collapsible compression frame having compression members, at least one tension member having at least one end connected to the at least one retraction device and running through a channel in each of the compression members and a flexible barrier attached to the at least one compression frame. The barrier having at least one channel through which the at least one compression frame passes.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for isolating hazardous agents and organisms from their handlers and the public. In particular, the present invention relates to modular negative pressure biological containment chambers.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsible structure comprising a plurality of panel elements, each having a coilable frame element and flexible material attached to the frame element. The panel elements are joined to define an enclosure having a roof portion and a bottom perimeter. The bottom perimeter rests on a supporting surface. The structure has at least one roof support rod having a first end and a second end. The first end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a first location on the bottom perimeter, and the second end of the at least one roof support rod is attached to a second location on the bottom perimeter. The at least one roof support rod is in supporting contact with the roof portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A bed-tent provides an enclosure over a mattress. The tent forms a canopy having spaced apart panels and a flexible cover extending between the panels. Each panel includes a hoop of flexible, resilient, strip material and a sheet of flexible fabric in the space within the hoop. Retainers secure the canopy on the mattress. A supporting frame holds the panels erect. The frame has stanchions disposed externally of the canopy and releasably connected to the panels. A frame member externally of the canopy above the cover holds the stanchions upright. The hoops can be twisted or wound into flat coils of reduced diameter so that the entire canopy can be conveniently stored in a small package. The legs and the frame member are made of segments that are normally held together by elastic cords. The segments can be pulled apart and separated for storage in a convenient package.

Abstract: The triangular, wedge shaped erectable shelter includes a canopy and a leg assembly supporting the canopy. A perimeter truss linkage assembly is connected to the leg assembly, and each of the perimeter truss pairs includes first and second link members pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration, with the outer end of each first link member connected to the upper end of a leg, and the outer end of each second link slidably connected to the leg. The shelter includes a flexible pole member removably mountable to the upper end of at least one of the legs of the shelter to extend across the shelter and support the canopy of the shelter. The flexible pole member is preferably removably mounted in an indexing hole in a bracket affixed to the upper end of at least one of the legs.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

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

Abstract: A modular elongated element (1), an intramodule tensile device (11), a pair of securing and linking devices (12), and an intermodule connector device (13), interconnected using the devices and methods disclosed herein, are used to construct a virtually limitless variety of inherently-tensile constructs. In the most elemental module, the intramodule tensile device (11) connects a pair of securing and linking devices (12) which are in turn secured to two ends (14) of the modular elongated element (1).

Abstract: A removable cover for a vehicle may be comprised in a kit. The removeable cover comprises a plurality of curved elongate support members, and a flexible cover. Each of the support members has a first end and a second end. The first end adapted to engage a predetermined portion of the vehicle, the second end adapted to engage a junction member, such that when the first end of each of the plurality of curved elongate support members are engaged to the predetermined portions of the vehicle the second end of each of the curved elongate support members are engaged to the junction member. The junction member being supportively positioned above the vehicle by the plurality of curved elongate support members. The flexible cover overlaying the support members and being engaged to the front and rear portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steel pole for a rectangular dome-shaped tent is disclosed wherein a plurality of unit rods 1 are made of an elastic steel pipe with a certain thickness. One end portion of each of the unit rods is press-formed into an insert part 1a for being inserted into an insert hollow 1b of another unit rod 1, the insert part having a proper length and a proper diameter. The unit rods consist of straight rods 1A and bent rods 1B, the bent rod 1B being bent at a certain angle to support a corner portion between the tent ceiling and the tent wall. Each steel pole consists of a plurality of the unit rods 1 in the form of a straight rod 1A or a bent rod 1B, and the rods 1 are arranged in a number and in an order suitable to pitch a dome-shaped tent. A flexible and elastic string s passes through the unit rods thus arranged for forming an arched pole. Two arched poles A and B are installed on the ground, the top portion of the arched poles crossing each other for pitching a rectangular dome-shaped tent 2.

Abstract: A multiple-fold automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft, a rib assembly including a top rib, a stretcher rib, at least an intermediate rib and a tail rib pivotally connected one another and pivotally connected to the central shaft, an opening spring, a plurality of closing springs and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the umbrella; with the intermediate rib formed by extrusion molding process to have a cross section of two-lobe shape having an inner joint and an outer joint respectively connected on opposite ends of the intermediate rib for pivotally connecting inner and outer ribs of the rib assembly for obtaining a light-weight and proper strength of the rib assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable shelter has a quarter-spherical arcuate shape with an open face. A lightweight frame and covering allow for quick set-up and take-down. The shelter is suitable for protection from the sun and other elements, and also provides a degree of privacy to its occupants.

Abstract: A tent pole and a connecting structure thereof include a shaft tube part of a prescribed length formed at an end portion of the tent pole, a stopper disposed outside a slanted part of the shaft tube part to restrict an inserted depth of the shaft tube part and a finishing member disposed at the end portion of the shaft tube part. The shaft tube part is inserted into the tent pole, and the finishing member performs a buffering action to the collision of the shaft tube part of the tent pole against the end portion of another tent pole to be connected with the shaft tube part when the tent poles are connected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ratio mechanism of an automatic multiple-folding umbrella, cooperating to cooperating to the opening mechanism, and main stick assembly and said handle control mechanism; wherein said terminal pulley of said ratio mechanism has a pulley for threading said inner stay wire over so that one end of said inner stay wire is fixed on said pulley assembly, and the another end is threaded through said pulley on said terminal pulley base, and the pulley of said pulley assembly, then passing through said terminal pulley base to be fixed on said locking head; said main stick is composed of four stick segments. Due to building up said switch, repeat press down said button can bring into being automatic opening and closing umbrella function.

Abstract: A tent comprising: a) a fabric covering including a plurality of longitudinal walls and end walls, wherein a first longitudinal wall has an opening having around its periphery a panel attachment means and wherein said longitudinal walls are sewn to said end walls; b) a support means positioned in proximity to each of said end walls sufficient to cause said longitudinal walls to form a triangle when affixed to a support means; and c) a panel containing a phase change material sufficient to heat said tent's interior when cold and cool said interior when hot.

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

Abstract: A multiple-fold automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft; a rib assembly pivotally secured to an upper notch and a lower runner on the central shaft; an opening spring and a plurality of closing springs for opening or closing the umbrella; and a control device including a push button, an opening controller having an upper latch for controlling the opening of the umbrella, a closing controller including a lower latch for controlling the closing of the umbrella, and a multiple-fold rope respectively sinuously wound on a plurality of rollers which are respectively mounted on an upper holder formed on an upper portion of the central shaft adjacent to the upper notch and on a lower holder formed on the lower runner for smoothly winding the rope on the rollers for enhancing a smooth opening or closing operation of the umbrella.

Abstract: A support structure for use primarily as a lightweight, portable, strong, and fracture resistant tent support and the like, and method for making thereof. The support structure includes a fiberglass core and a resilient outer layer of material that is at least 0.2 millimeters thick. Preferably, the outer layer is made of polyethylene that is between 0.5 to 0.6 millimeters thick, inclusive. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure is curved to conform with the shape of the tent it supports, thereby preventing the support structure from springing back when inadvertently released from the tent. More preferably, the support member includes a plurality of elongate curved sections that are detachably secured together to form the support member.

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 flexible structure is described having one or more deformable, resilient poles and one or more tension webs associated therewith, having strut members, and being coupled to the poles to maintain the pole(s) in a selected shape under tension and to impart strength and rigidity to the structure. A flexible membrane may also be provided to define a sheltered space.

Abstract: A tent comprising: a) a fabric covering including a plurality of longitudinal walls and end walls, wherein a first longitudinal wall has an opening having around its periphery a panel attachment means and wherein said longitudinal walls are sewn to said end walls; b) a support means positioned in proximity to each of said end walls sufficient to cause said longitudinal walls to form a triangle when affixed to a support means; and c) a panel containing a phase change material sufficient to heat said tent's interior when cold and cool said interior when hot.

Abstract: The triangular, wedge shaped erectable shelter includes a canopy and a leg assembly supporting the canopy. A perimeter truss linkage assembly is connected to the leg assembly, and each of the perimeter truss pairs includes first and second link members pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration, with the outer end of each first link member connected to the upper end of a leg, and the outer end of each second link slidably connected to the leg. The shelter includes a flexible pole member removably mountable to the upper end of at least one of the legs of the shelter to extend across the shelter and support the canopy of the shelter. The flexible pole member is preferably removably mounted in an indexing hole in a bracket affixed to the upper end of at least one of the legs.

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

Abstract: Provided with a tent pole including pipes formed of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic and combined with each other by means of a coupler, the tent pole including: a protective covering having the form of a tube of a soft synthetic resin, for coating the circumferential surface of the pipes; and a finishing portion formed by shrinking both ends of the protective covering by heating to enclose both ends of the pipes, for preventing removal of the protective covering from the pipes.

Abstract: A protective canopy constructed to discharge snow from the cover. A plurality of posts support cables on which a flexible cover is supported. A sleeve formed on the eave edge of the cover is provided with a pipe at each seam between adjacent panels of the cover. Elongated rods extend in the sleeve between the pipes. The rods normally provide a straight horizontal eave. If snow builds up unduly on the cover, the rods can bow downwardly so that chutes are formed to allow the snow to slide off. Clamp brackets are fitted around the pipes and pulled to pull the cover taut before being clamped to the cables to secure the cover in a taut condition.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and a canopy framework that provides a flexible, collapsible canopy that is capable of flexing and moving, in whole or in part, between a raised position and lower positions having a reduced profile from the raised position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting a flexible framework mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. Truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy which may be used to supply shelter from sun and rain for outdoor activities is provided and includes a post, a slide bracket slideably received on the post and a scissor assembly connected to the post and the bracket, respectively, and being formed by a plurality of scissor units connected in end-to-end relation. A plurality of pairs of upper and lower connecting members, each pair being pivotally connected with cover support members and strutting members, are pivotally connected to the ends of the cross members of the scissor units. Each strutting member is pivotally connected at one end thereof to the middle portion of its respective cover support member. A reeling device is attached to the post and has a cable fixedly attached to the slide bracket.

Abstract: A support framework for an umbrella-type tent, the tent including a fabric tent shell suspended from the support framework. The top and center hubs for the support framework are fabricated from a suitable material so as to provide increased strength to the top hub and the center hub. The fabric tent shell is tethered to the support framework to limit slippage of the fabric tent shell down the tent poles. The tent poles are segmented so as to provide foldable tent poles. A bungee cord keeper system is incorporated into the upper coupling for the segmented tent pole.

Abstract: A flexible structure is described having one or more deformable, resilient poles and one or more tension webs associated therewith and coupled thereto to maintain the pole(s) in a selected shape under tension and to impart strength and rigidity to the structure. A flexible membrane may also be provided to define a sheltered space. Also disclosed is a method for making such a structure.

Abstract: A locking device for tent poles capable of achieving a firm and easy coupling to poles and easily and conveniently replacing a broken pole piece without replacing the entire pole including the broken pole piece. The locking device includes a mushroom tip member having a fitting portion fitted in one end of a tent pole, a V-shaped longitudinal groove formed on a peripheral surface of the fitting portion of the mushroom tip member, a guide groove formed on the peripheral surface of the fitting portion of the mushroom tip member in such a manner that it crosses the longitudinal groove, and a protrusion radially inwardly protruded from an inner surface of the pole piece corresponding to the end of the tent pole. The protrusion is engagable in both the longitudinal groove and guide groove at the cross point between the longitudinal groove and guide groove.