Abstract: An apparatus for transferring force to a frame of a solar mirror array. The frame has at least one structural element. The apparatus includes a torque plate. The apparatus includes at least one node attached to and in contact with the plate which connects with the structural element. An apparatus for attaching a primary solar mirror frame array with a secondary mirror frame array. A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors.

Abstract: A foldable tent center lock device with a rotary unlocking structure, which includes a center telescopic rod. The center telescopic rod includes an outer tube and an inner tube. An upper end of the outer tube is fixedly provided with a top disc. A lower end of the inner tube is fixedly provided with a bottom disc assembly. The bottom disc assembly includes a bottom disc body, a rotating disc cooperating rotatably with the bottom disc body, and a locking member mounted cooperatively between the bottom disc body and the rotating disc and used for being in locking cooperation with the outer tube. The center telescopic rod can be retracted so that the foldable tent inner center lock is locked and a foldable tent is expanded. When the rotary disc rotates, the rotating disc unlocks the locking member, so that the center telescopic rod extends to fold the foldable tent.

Abstract: The pet privacy barrier creates a protected space. The protected space formed by the pet privacy barrier provides a companion animal with a sense of security that allows the companion animal to generate the excretions and eliminations that form the befoulment of the companion animal. The pet privacy barrier comprises a barrier structure, a detachable canopy, and a base carpet. The barrier structure mounts on the base carpet. The detachable canopy removably attaches to the barrier structure. The barrier structure is a vertical structure that forms a portion of the boundary of the protected space. The detachable canopy is an elevated horizontal structure that forms a portion of the boundary of the protected space. The base carpet forms the pedestal of the pet privacy barrier. The base carpet simulates turf to provide a more natural environment for the activities of the companion animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring force to a frame of a solar mirror array. The frame has at least one structural element. The apparatus includes a torque plate. The apparatus includes at least one node attached to and in contact with the plate which connects with the structural element. An apparatus for attaching a primary solar mirror frame array with a secondary mirror frame array. A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, an umbrella hub assembly comprises an a cylindrical portion and a socket coupled to the cylindrical portion. The socket can have a fixed end, a free end, and a cylindrical wall defining a concave space extending from the free end toward the fixed end. The socket can have an access aperture disposed through the cylindrical wall. The assembly can further include an umbrella rib comprising a first end, a second end, and an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis. The first end can be configured to be received in the concave space through the free end such that the socket engages the umbrella rib and such that the first end is accessible through the access aperture.

Abstract: A vehicle cover providing a user with the ability to maintain a clean (i.e., free of ice, frost, and snow build-up) windshield and vehicle while the vehicle is not in use during times of inclement weather. The vehicle cover is automatically deployable from a housing positioned on the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle cover can be actuated remotely using a remote controller causing outward deployment of a canopy over the vehicle. The vehicle cover further provides an electrical heating means within the canopy to melt snow or ice deposited upon an existing vehicle while parked.

Abstract: A car awning including a mounting frame, a main rolling mechanism and a hauling mechanism. The main rolling mechanism has a main rolling drum rotatably disposed on the mounting frame, two layers of first awning cloths are layered wound on the main rolling drum, and two first awning supporting poles connected to the two first awning cloths. The two first awning supporting poles are capable of moving towards opposite directions along a first path perpendicular to the axis of the main rolling drum. The hauling mechanism is used for hauling the two first awning supporting poles to move. By mounting the awning on the top of a car via the mounting frame, the car awning can shade sunshine for the car when the awning cloths are unfolded, and the car awning can be used as a luggage carrier when the awning cloths are rolled up.

Abstract: An inflatable tent assembly includes a trailer has a pair of wheels, a hitch and a body. The body has a plurality of storage compartments therein. The body has a front end, a back end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A generator is coupled to the trailer and the generator is positioned on the body. A blower is positioned in the trailer and the blower is positioned on the body. A tent is removably contained within the tent compartment and the tent is positionable on a support surface. The tent is selectively operationally coupled to the blower such that the blower inflates the tent into a standing position. Thus, the tent may be occupied.

Abstract: An articulated sun shade apparatus including a fan member disposed endwise upon an elongate telescopic arm portion, said arm portion rotationally connected at a first pivot point slidingly securable along the length of an elongate base portion, wherein said arm portion is securable between a stowed position, disposed in contact and parallel with the base portion, and a deployed position, pivoted away from said base portion, whereby the fan member is moveable between a collapsed situation and a flared situation to position a plurality of blade members adjacently within a circular section appropriate to cast shade with precision, as desired.

Abstract: The auto-erecting tent is a tent structure in which corners of said tent include automated telescoping members that work simultaneously to extend and retract thereby erecting or lower the tent as needed. Each of the telescoping members includes a motor that drives the telescoping member to extent and retract as needed. The tent is square or rectangular across a floor surface, and telescoping members are located at each corner of the floor surface. Two telescoping members are provided at a first edge, and are connected via a first lateral member whereas the remaining two telescoping members are connected via a second lateral member. A top, telescoping brace attaches to the first lateral member and the second lateral member in order to support a roof surface of the tent.

Abstract: A multi-functional sunshade is provided, including housing (1), raising and lowering mechanism (2) and folding mechanism (3), in which raising and lowering mechanism (2) connects to housing (1), and raising and lowering mechanism (2) drives folding mechanism (3) for spreading and drawing in. Housing (1) comprises housing body (11), motor. Raising and lowering mechanism (2) comprises: raising and lowering rod (21), raising and lowering platform (22) and raising and lowering seat (23), in which: motor set up in housing body (11) drives raising and lowering platform (22) to move along the axial direction of raising and lowering rod (21), which is installed in housing body (11) via raising and lowering seat (23). In case of equipment failure, it can draw in the sunshade cloth through an emergency mechanism and uses a plug-in buckle to increase the assembly efficiency substantially. It has a broad market prospect.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a portable canopy, comprises first, second, third and fourth posts. The posts are extendable and retractable in length and defines a geometric footprint on the ground. At least one arm is operably attached to and between adjacent posts of the first, second, third and fourth posts, the at least one arm forming a main frame within the geometric footprint. At least another arm extends outwardly from each of the posts to form at least first and second extension frames extending beyond the geometric footprint. The foldable frame includes a deployed position wherein the posts are extended and the at least one arm is transverse to the respective posts; and a folded position wherein the posts are retracted and bunched together with the at least one arm and oriented in a general same direction.

Abstract: A retractable eave structure of a foldable tent includes a pole assembly having a first end and an opposing second end. The pole assembly first end is pivotally coupled to a hub for pivotal movement between an open state and a folded state of the foldable tent. The pole assembly is retractable such that a length between the first and second ends is adjustable between the open and folded states of the foldable tent. An eave portion of the foldable tent is constructed of tent fabric and fixedly attached to and extends from a main portion of the foldable tent. The eave portion includes an outer perimeter having a housing portion. The outer end of the pole assembly is fixed within the housing portion such that in the open state the pole assembly is extended and the eave portion is substantially taut.

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

Abstract: A foldable frame includes two tubes, a rectangular tube and two base parts. The two tubes are pivotably or fixedly connected to the base parts. Two ends of the rectangular tube are connected to two respective extension portions of the two base parts by two pins, so that the two tubes are pivotable about the two pins. The frame can also be structured as one tube directly connected to the rectangular tube, and the other tube is pivotably connected to the base part. The extension of the base part is pivotably connected of the rectangular tube by a pin to form a single-point folding feature. An outer tube is rotatably movable between one of the tubes and the rectangular tube, and the outer tube hides the rectangular tube when the two tubes are arranged linearly.

Abstract: A foldable tent frame includes a base, a foldable tent frame rod mounted on the base, and a middle support rod for controlling the folding and unfolding of the tent frame rod; the top end of the middle support rod is pivotably connected to a fixed position on the tent frame rod, and the bottom end is slidably and pivotably connected to the base; when the middle support rod is erected via the bottom end sliding on the base, the tent frame rod is unfolded accordingly; when the middle support rod collapses via the bottom end sliding on the base, the tent frame rod is folded accordingly; the tent can be quickly folded or unfolded by controlling the sliding of the bottom end of the middle support rod on the base, and the foldable tent frame is structurally simple and easy to operate.

Abstract: A foldable tent includes a frame coupled to a canopy such that the frame and canopy are collectively collapsible from an open configuration to a folded configuration. The frame includes a plurality of spaced apart hubs positioned at an upper portion of the frame, at least one upper roof pole pivotally coupled with two adjacent hubs, a plurality of lower roof poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding hub and extending radially outward from each respective hub and away from the upper roof pole, and a plurality of collapsible side poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding lower roof pole. A canopy fixedly slidably coupled to the frame such that the canopy is positioned within a radially inner space surrounded by the frame when the tent is in the open configuration and collectively collapsed and folded into a compact folded configuration.

Abstract: A foldable solar energy collector has a base and a panel body. The base has an elevatable telescopic shaft mounted thereon. The panel body has a bottom board and multiple side panels pivotally mounted around a perimeter of the bottom board. Two foldable panels are respectively and pivotally mounted on two edges of each side panel. A link assembly is pivotally mounted between the panel body and the telescopic shaft and has multiple inside and outside links pivotally connected to each other. One end of each inside link away from a corresponding outside link is pivotally mounted on the telescopic shaft. One end of each outside link away from a corresponding inside link is pivotally mounted between adjacent two of the foldable panels. When the telescopic shaft is elevated, the link assembly is pulled to drive the panel body to unfold or fold, rendering convenience in operation and storage.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter includes an improved attachment of the roof poles to the legs. A shelter frame has a leg at each corner. Each leg may have an angled top edge or surface. A scissor assembly attaches adjacent legs to each other. An offset link pivotally attaches the roof poles to the legs, adjacent to the top of each leg. The roof poles can be rigidly attached to the offset link. Extension poles are attached to the roof poles with a bungee or similar elastic element.

Abstract: A transportable field containment system with transparent hood. The transportable field containment system being easily and rapidly deployable and transportable by virtue of its relatively small size and light weight, a collapsible transparent hood that covers the containment area over a work site on the ground, the hood including detachable or folding side panels and removable door panels. The system preferably includes an exhaust component that creates negative air pressure in the containment area under the hood, thereby drawing air that contains hazardous substances, that may be released while the work is being conducted, through one or more off-gas filters.

Abstract: A support frame for a tent comprising a pair of spaced-apart gables each gable comprising a pair of rafters hingedly connected relative to one another at their upper ends via an apex connector to form an apex, and a ridge beam connected at its opposite ends to the apexes and pivotally moveable relative to each apex about a substantially fixed axis, the fixed axis lying in a plane that is substantially parallel to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of a rafter.

Abstract: A portable retractable turbomachine enclosure canopy system includes a first rail member configured and disposed to be mounted to a first wall of the turbomachine enclosure, and a second rail member configured and disposed to be mounted to a second wall of the turbomachine enclosure. A first fixed canopy support member is mounted to the first rail member, and a second fixed canopy support member is mounted to the second rail member. A first sliding canopy support member is seated on the first rail member, and a second sliding canopy support member is seated on the second rail member. An adjustable canopy support element is moveably secured between the first and second fixed canopy support members to form a fixed canopy support, and an adjustable canopy support member is moveably secured between the first and second sliding canopy support members to form a sliding canopy support.

Abstract: A foldable tent having a frame assembly and a cover fixed to the frame assembly such that an enclosed area is provided when the tent is erected in an open configuration, and the frame assembly and cover are collectively compactly collapsed and folded together in a collapsed configuration of the tent. The frame assembly includes a plurality of independent frame members detached from each other. Each frame member has an upper frame member and a pair of side frame members, each comprising a plurality of pole sections. The upper frame member and the pair of side frame members are pivotally coupled together. A connector device pivotally couples a pair of upper frame member pole sections and permits positioning of the pole sections in a substantially aligned locked configuration or in a substantially parallel unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A tent structure with an improved ventilation system includes a pole assembly, a lower section defined by a plurality of walls and a floor, and an upper section having an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer includes a first set of openings covered by an air permeable material. A perimeter of the inner layer is fixedly attached to a top portion of the lower section to form an enclosure. The outer layer is disposed above the inner layer and a second set of openings is formed between a perimeter of the outer layer and the top portion of the lower section. A first set of connecting members connects the inner and outer layers, and forms a space therebetween. A second set of connecting members connects the outer layer and the pole assembly.

Abstract: A mobile environmental containment unit has an upper frame with a sealing surface, a flexible, transparent impermeable envelope with an open top and one or more access openings that depends from the upper frame, and a lower frame that is supported by the envelope. The upper frame of the unit is supported by telescoping support members with the sealing surface of the upper frame and the open top of the envelope fitted against a portion of a ceiling which is accessible by a workman via the one or more access openings and the open top of the envelope.

Abstract: A hunting blind is comprised of a frame and a fabric shell supported by and releasably attached to the frame. The frame is comprised of a pair of A-frame structures of similar configuration and each includes telescopic members forming legs and a cross-member that spans between the legs. Coupling assemblies pivotally attach the legs to the cross-member so that the legs can be selectively folded against or extended from the cross-member.

Abstract: An extendible height container is provided in which the corner elements telescope to extend the height of the container from standard ISO dimensions. An enlarged shelter can be formed from the container by providing sides which fold down to form the floor of the shelter and a flexible cover supported above the floor thus created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to use a shielded enclosure for exchanging secure data. One embodiment comprises an enclosure formed of electromagnetically shielding material that prevents an electromagnetic field from entering an interior of the enclosure or emitting from the interior of the enclosure, the enclosure sized to house a mobile electronic device; a receiver within an interior of the enclosure to receive data transferred wirelessly from a mobile electronic device placed within the enclosure; and a hardware interface having a first end external to the enclosure and a second end within the interior of the enclosure and coupled to the antenna, the hardware interface to transfer data wirelessly received by the receiver to a separate device exterior to the enclosure.

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

Abstract: A shelter for a motor vehicle or other movable object is moved from a fully retracted position to a fully deployed position by a combination of linear and pivotal movement. The shelter includes a frame assembly including parallel rails with pole holding subassemblies mounted on and movable along the rails. Arched poles with a collapsible canopy covering the poles are mounted on the pole holders, and linear movement of one pole holder on each rail will pull or push the poles into position because the poles are connected by the canopy. Poles on parallel rails will be moved simultaneously. Front and rear pole holders are pivoted to enclose both the front and rear of the shelter, and the entire assembly can be retracted to a generally horizontal storage position by movement of swing arms from a position aligned with the rails to a position in which the swing arms extend upright relative to the rails.

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

Abstract: A collapsible canopy frame is provided that includes elongated side poles each having a side and an end; and a plurality of wheel assemblies each having a mounting post and a wheel. The mounting post of each wheel assembly is supported on and extends transverse to a corresponding one of the elongated side poles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telescopic post for a folding structure, which can be used to move the structure from a raised deployed position to a folded position, and vice versa. The inventive post includes a lower element which can slide inside an upper element which is solidly connected to the structure. The lower part of the lower element rests on the ground to form a base. The upper element is solidly connected to a movement device, such as caster. The caster projects downward from the base in the folded position, but is withdrawn in the deployed position owing to the vertical movement of the upper element.

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

Abstract: A portable painting tent comprises a tall tripod frame with telescoping legs over which is draped a tent to control paint spray. Inside at the apex of the tripod, a swivel allows a standard house door, or other large items, to be hung from its top edge. A special bracket attaches to the top of the item, where it can be left unpainted, and the whole clips into a slot in the swivel. Both sides and edges of the item can be spray painted, and special handles are used to pick the wet item off the swivel and put it somewhere for drying. The whole tent can be folded up and carried away by collapsing the telescoping legs and folding them together in a tight bundle.

Abstract: The invention envisions a multi-purpose expandable-collapsible frame apparatus that may be used as a bed flame, gazebo, or awning. The apparatus utilizes a telescoping central support apparatus designed such that when a force is applied to the central support apparatus a plurality of floating arm assemblies expand outwardly from the central support apparatus. Furthermore, support straps and a cover add stability and utility to the frame apparatus.

Abstract: A hunting blind is comprised of a frame and a fabric shell supported by and releasably attached to the frame. The frame is comprised of a pair of A-frame structures of similar configuration and each includes telescopic members forming legs and a cross-member that spans between the legs. Coupling assemblies pivotally attach the legs to the cross-member so that the legs can be selectively folded against or extended from the cross-member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telescopic post for a folding structure, which can be used to move the structure from a raised deployed position to a folded position, and vice versa. The inventive post includes a lower element which can slide inside an upper element which is solidly connected to the structure. The lower part of of the lower element rests on the ground to form a base. The upper element is solidly connected to a movement device, such as caster. The caster projects downward from the base in the folded position, but is withdrawn in the deployed position owing to the vertical movement of the upper element.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy frame is provided that includes elongated side poles each having a side and an end; and a plurality of wheel assemblies each having a mounting post and a wheel. The mounting post of each wheel assembly is supported on and extends transverse to a corresponding one of the elongated side poles.

Abstract: A portable enclosure, easily erectable and collapsible, to provide environment control and prevent contaminants from being released from the enclosure. The enclosure provides a flexible envelope attached to the interior of the space defined by vertical and horizontal supports which can be erected and collapsed. When erected the enclosure functions as an anteroom and has removable panels in the sides and top. In use, the enclosure is sealed against a vertical or horizontal surface to be worked on and a panel from the side of the enclosure is opened and closed to provide access to the surface by the user. When collapsed the enclosure is a package approximately the size of an average golf club bag which is easily portable to another location. Ducting is provided to which negative pressure pumps are connected to maintain negative pressure within the enclosure and draw contaminants into the pump and then into a closed container.

Abstract: The quickly erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. The roof structure is formed by a pole members pivotally mounted to the upper ends of the legs so as to extend across the shelter, and movable between a lowered position and a raised, upwardly arching position. The pole members are pivotally coupled to a central hub, and each of the pole members is formed of pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the extendible perimeter assembly of link members adjacent to the legs, to support the pole members. The outer ends of the pole members are pivotally connected to the upper ends of the legs by pivoting link members that pivot between a lowered position and a raised position extending above the legs when the shelter is extended.

Abstract: A portable collapsible tent includes a cover, a roof frame with a central pole, inclined roof ribs and spreaders, extensible legs, and cross bars. The ribs and spreaders are pivotally and movably jointed at the central pole. A locking unit secures the roof frame when the tent is pitched. Each leg has at one end a fixed corner member that provides a four-way connection and a multi-way support member that movably engages and locks onto the leg to support two cross bars and an inclined rib connected thereto with three diagonal braces. A spring is positioned on the central pole to enable the collapsed tent to be opened easily. A lateral projecting foot member enables each leg to be anchored on the ground. Reinforcement ropes further secure the tent to the ground via the four-way connectors. The portable collapsible tent can be easily set up and collapsed without tools and has a strong structural integrity, able to withstand substantial stress and direct/indirect forces.

Abstract: A backpackable, collapsible blind designed to be mounted against a tree for use by hunters and others. The blind has a backpack-capable frame with canopy support arms that are collapsible against the frame for use as a backpack, a removable canopy, and a seat on a lower part of the frame that can be used to support a backpack load. The support arms define a unique upper/lower support structure for the canopy relative to the seat, with the canopy having a generally triangular opening located above the seat and a lower end or hem that hangs below the seat and the lower end of the frame for a baseless, open-bottomed blind that is useful for nearly any hunting situation.

Abstract: A portable enclosure, easily erectable and collapsible, to provide environment control and prevent contaminants from being released from the enclosure. The enclosure provides a flexible envelope attached to the interior of the space defined by vertical and horizontal supports which can be erected and collapsed. When erected the enclosure functions as an anteroom and has removable panels in the sides and top. In use, the enclosure is sealed against a vertical or horizontal surface to be worked on and a panel from the side of the enclosure is opened and closed to provide access to the surface by the user. When collapsed the enclosure is a package approximately the size of an average golf club bag which is easily portable to another location. Ducting is provided to which negative pressure pumps are connected to maintain negative pressure within the enclosure and draw contaminants into the pump and then into a closed container.

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: A collapsible canopy framework structure of a regular polygon comprises a plurality of supporting members and a center post, which are constituted as a column. A plurality of first frame assemblies comprises at least one frame unit with a pair of frames being pivoted in an X shape at their center to each other, in which the first frame assembly is mounted between the supporting member and the center post. The third frame assembly comprises at least one frame unit to be mounted between the supporting members to secure the gaps between the supporting members and provide a structural reinforcement to the upper portion of an overall structure. At least one flexible string is passed through the cross-points of the frame units of the first frame assembly on which a block nut structure is mounted and then fixed into the block nut structure to form a regular polygon of the supporting members and give a tension to the overall structure.

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: A demountable, wind-resistant sun shade canopy for shading childrens' play areas or other actively used areas. The canopy cover, being removably secured over a metal support structure, is comprised of vertical columns upon which are mounted at the upper end thereof respectively, uniquely configured bracket fittings, each bracket fitting providing secure mounting for a cantilever beam extending outwardly toward the perimeter of the area to be shaded, and providing secure mounting for a hip beam extending upward and toward the inner portion of the area to be shaded.

Abstract: A stageless adjusting/locating device for various kinds of sticks enables both right-handed user and left-handed users to conveniently stagelessly adjust the length of a stick. The stick is composed of multiple telescopic fitting tubes including mother fitting tubes and daughter fitting tubes nested in the mother fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device is disposed at each of the mother and daughter fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device includes a screw member formed by a threaded rod having outer threads and a locking member composed of two semicylindrical bodies mating with the threaded rod. A fastening ring is fixedly fitted around the locking member. The inner circumferential faces of the two semicylindrical bodies are formed with inner threads. An upper and a lower end of the inner threads are formed with thick sections converging from thin sections. The inner wall faces of the thick sections are formed with semielliptic arch faces.

Abstract: A portable shelter is provided which is particularly useful for shielding seated occupants in a boat and the like from the weather including wind and water spray. The shelter includes a base member and a generally U-shaped frame member which pivotally mounted on the base member for movement between an extended position in which the frame member extends upwardly from the base member and a collapsed position folded alongside the base member. Sheeted material is provided for spanning between base member and the frame member in the extended position. A tensioning mechanism is coupled between the base member and the frame member for biasing the frame member into the extended position with the sheeted material under tension. The tensioning mechanism is collapsible with the frame member into the collapsed position thus providing an easily portable shelter which is self supporting in the extended position.