Abstract: A compact shade for the face of a sunbather or someone lying in the sun. The shade allows the circulation of air to flow about the sunbathers face, neck and head while tanning the rest of their body. The shade folds and can be used as a carrying case for personal goods.

Abstract: A self-expanding, foldable, portable structure for temporary shelter. The structure includes two opposing flexible side panels each having a continuous respective border thereabout and a continuous frame member fabricated of a foldable spring material for expanding and maintaining each side panel in a generally flat expanded configuration. Two opposing flexible end panels, a flexible roof panel, and preferably a floor panel are disposed between and connected to the side panels. A tension member is positionable between two opposing aligned sites of opposing frame members for maintaining under pressure the frame members in a spaced relationship from each other. A mat member having a frame fabricated of a foldable spring material can be provided for insertion to provide an inside floor surface between the opposing side panels while simultaneously tensionally distancing the side panels from each other to aid in stabilization of side panel positioning.

Abstract: A collapsible tent comprising a closed loop resilient coilable tent member, the member being distorted to form at least three tent support nooses, each tent support noose adjoining the other tent support nooses along at least a portion of its perimeter. The tent support noose having a perimeter substantially the same as that of the other tent support nooses and a tent membrane attached to at least a portion of the perimeter of the tent support noose and extending between the opposing portions of the tent support noose to restrain the tent support noose. A common adjoining region loop member secured within the tent membrane. A collapsible hat includes a closed loop resilient coilable hat member, and a hat membrane attached to at least a portion of the perimeter of the hat member. The hat member forms a common adjoining tent region for the tent support nooses.

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 collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching. Another collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

Abstract: The present invention a collapsible shelter comprises spaced apart first and second upright pleated wall sections disposed substantially parallel to each other, first and second slanted pleated roof sections joined at upper ends to form a saw tooth roof peak, and joined at lower ends to upper ends of said wall section to form saw tooth wall-roof junctions, wherein said pleated wall sections together with said pleated roof sections form a tunnel member which is collapsible by folding said pleated sections onto each other in accordion style.

Abstract: A collapsible structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for covering portions of the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member. The structure can have a removable roof. 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. The overlaying side panels and frame members are then collapsed by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric frame members and side panels to substantially reduce the size of the shade structure.

Abstract: A mobile stressed arched shelter in the form of a tunnel that stands freely. The shelter is assembled by bending straight pipes to opposite sides of two parallel base legs. The base legs are held together by flat straps and are covered by a tarp. Openings and closings at each end of the shelter utilize folds in the tarp. The frame is made of PVC pipe providing mobility and size variations by adding or subtracting segments. The legs have bendable hinges allowing the structure to form over irregular terrain's. The base legs may be broken down for mobility. By mix matching components numerous shapes could be made and more than one shelter could be connected side by side to form multiple car garages.

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 collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.

Abstract: A collapsible play structure comprises one or more play modules connected together, each play module comprising at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a side panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. Each side panel further comprises at least three sides. The left side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the right side of an adjacent side panel, and the right side of each side panel is connected and hinged to the left side of another adjacent side panel. The bottom side of each side panel is adapted to rest on a supporting surface to support the play module.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching. Another collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Abstract: A portable and foldable shelter for use by ice fishermen and other outdoorsmen is described. A tripod of pole members, hingedly interconnected at one end, is covered with a canvas or plastics cover. A hinged tang is provided on the central pole member which can be secured to the ice and about which the erected shelter can be rotated to keep the open side thereof directly downwind in the event of a wind shift.

Abstract: The mosquito net of a mosquito-tight material (5) is characterized in that a closed, endless band (2) made of a flexible material is provided, which can be moved from an unstable balance position with a rolled-up or folded configuration into a stable balance position with an expanded configuration. Thereby the mosquito-tight material (5) is secured to the flexible band (2) in such a manner that in the expanded position an inner space, separated from the outer space by the mosquito-tight material, is created.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter/tent, such as for example an umbrella tent, has a collapsible frame with a plurality of legs that are erected by manually moving two clevises toward one another. The shelter/tent includes an improved locking mechanism that very securely maintains the structure in an erected position. The improved locking mechanism includes a generally vertical pin extending from one of the clevises that is received inside a socket supported on the other of said clevises. The socket has an engaging member therein that can engage a groove in the generally vertical pin after said generally vertical pin has been inserted into said socket. Preferably, the engaging member is spring biased into the groove. The shelter/tent also includes a variety of novel frame structures. An erection device for erecting a collapsible tent is also included. The erection device includes an elongated pole and a slide member that can be used to control relative movement of the clevises toward and away from one another.

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

Abstract: A blind having a support system and a sheet material secured to at least a portion of the support system. The support system includes a number (n) of horizontal support members and a number (n+1) of vertical support members, wherein n corresponds to an integer of 2 or greater, and a plurality of flexible joints connecting each vertical support member to at least one of the horizontal support members, with at least one of the vertical support members connected by one of the joints to at least two of the horizontal support members.

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, a fabric for partially covering the loop member, with the loop member substantially supporting the fabric in particular areas so that the fabric assumes the particular configuration of the loop member when in the expanded position of 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. The structure may include a third loop member having one side which is hingedly connected to one side of the first panel.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss framework that provides an elevated, raised canopy that can be gabled or have a high peak in a raised, extended configuration. The canopy is supported by at least three legs, and outer perimeter and central truss pairs of link members pivotally connected in scissors configurations. The link members of the perimeter truss pairs are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable from a first collapsed position extending horizontally between adjacent legs to a second extended position extending above the legs, to elevate the canopy in a gabled or high peaked configuration. In a preferred embodiment, tensioning cables may also be secured between the legs and a central support connected to the central truss pairs, to provide additional strength and stability to the framework of the shelter in a raised, extended configuration.

Abstract: A combination playyard and canopy assembly is provided. The playyard includes a top frame having first and second side rails and first and second end rails that define an opening. The canopy includes a mounting clip, frame members, and a cover. The frame members are pivotably coupled to the mounting clip for movement about a common pivot axis and the cover is attached to the frame members. The frame members are pivotable relative to the mounting clip between a first position in which the cover extends over the opening and a second position in which the cover is moved away from the opening to allow access to the interior region of the playyard. The mounting clip includes deformable members snapped onto the top frame to mount the canopy to the top frame. The bottom perimetral edge of the cover is attached to the top frame so that the cover encompasses the entire top frame when the frame members are in the first position.

Abstract: A sunshade device is transformable from a folded orientation into an unfolded, fully erected orientation supported on a surface. The sunshade device has a base panel having opposite first edges and supported on the surface when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation, and a pair of side wall panels. Each of the side wall panels has a first edge respectively connected to one of the first edges of the base panel along a connecting line disposed generally horizontal to the surface when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation. The side wall panels extend generally upright and are disposed in spaced-apart relation from each other when the sunshade device is in the erected orientation. A top panel has opposite edges respectively connected with second edges of the side wall panels opposite the first edges thereof for limiting a separation distance of the second edges of the side wall panels.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly removably mounts to outdoor furniture, such as a lounge chair, and includes a canopy structure having first and second pivotally movable frame members, and a foldable material canopy fitted to and extending between the frame members. A tensioning bar removably secures to the respective frame members at opposite ends to maintain the frame members separated so that the canopy is pulled taut, thereby blocking the sun's rays and creating an area of shade. A telescoping support arm attaches to the furniture at one end and to the first frame member at an opposite end and is adjustable in length to selectively position and maintain the expanded canopy throughout a range of adjusted positions relative to the furniture, thereby controlling the location of the created area of shade. The canopy structure collapses behind the furniture upon removing the tensioning bar and releasing the lower end of the support arm from attachment with the furniture.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A storable shelter deployable to a dihedral configuration. It includes a central pole with an upright axis, a pair of flexible rectangular panels and a control for them which includes at least one rotatably biased reel, an edge former for each panel, a strut for each panel which strut is rigid when the shelter is deployed, the edge formers extending as a straight body from both sides of the struts, a collar freely slidable on the pole and a mount on the collar rotably mounting the struts. The collar is raised to lower the struts and deploy the panels and lowered to enable the struts to move against the pole where upon the panels are wound on the reel or reels by the rotational bias of the reel or reels.

Abstract: A collapsible support structure for a covering. The support structure includes, at least, three apex poles with first ends pivotally connected together, so that, in use, the poles are able to be moved between a raised configuration, in which second opposite ends extend outwardly in different directions to create a pyramid-shaped frame and a collapsed configuration. The support structure also includes pairs of perimeter poles, with each pair forming an inverted "V" between the opposite ends of adjacent apex poles, when in the raised configuration, and a bracket device including struts, which extend between, and are pivotally attached to, respective apex poles intermediate their ends, along with a central flange element, in which the first connected ends of the apex poles and the central flange element may be pushed toward each other to obtain the raised configuration or pushed apart to obtain the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible portable bale shaped field blind for wildlife observers and hunters generally includes a cylindrical and collapsible tubular frame supported upon a sled-like base. The frame, when fully extended, has a cylindrical shape much like that of a hay bale. In a collapsed shape, the frame is completely folded down suitably into a sled base. The frame has a camouflage waterproof fabric fastened there over and cooperates with the folding of the frame. A stand-up hatchway which is covered by a camouflaged arcuate door frame is pivotally mounted on the top of the collapsible frame. A stretch cord is provided which biases the arcuate door frame into either the fully open or fully closed position. Windows and viewing slots are also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible structure is provided that includes at least a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel includes a flexible loop member that is adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for substantially covering the loop member. The loop members of the first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the upper edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, and at a second overlapping point along the bottom edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the first and second loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable. One side of the third panel is hingedly connected to either the left side or the right side of the first panel.

Abstract: A detachable and collapsible weather shield for a wheelchair may be user-disposed in a user-selected orientation. The weather shield includes first and second generally inverted "U"-shaped frames, in which the distal leg ends of the second frame are pivotally joined by a coupler to a leg portion of the legs of the first frame. A flexible moisture resistant canopy extends over at least the top portion of the frames and preferably also extends downward to also cover a portion of the legs. A releasable pivotable anchor is secured to one and preferably both wheelchair push arm regions, and permits releasably and rotatably attaching the distal leg ends of the first frame to the wheelchair. The anchor permits user-adjustment of the relative angular orientation of the first frame (and thus of the weather shield) and/or the vertical height (including complete removal) of the weather shield relative to the ground. The anchor unit may be manually operable, or may be motorized.

Abstract: A collapsible portable bale shaped field blind for wildlife observers and hunters generally includes a cylindrical and collapsible tubular frame supported upon a sled-like base. The frame, when fully extended, has a cylindrical shape much like that of a hay bale. In a collapsed shape, the frame is completely folded down suitably into a sled base. The frame has a camouflage waterproof fabric fastened there over and cooperates with the folding of the frame. A stand-up hatchway which is covered by a camouflaged arcuate door frame is pivotally mounted on the top of the collapsible frame. A stretch cord is provided which biases the arcuate door frame into either the fully open or fully closed position. Windows and viewing slots are also provided.

Abstract: A portable barrier apparatus is disclosed in this specification defining a multi-sectioned barrier for protection against wind and sand in various outdoor environments. Additionally the barrier may be assembled and used as a child or pet restraint enclosure, a privacy barrier, or a temporary personal effect storage site. The apparatus includes a connected plurality of flexible barrier panel members which may be supported in an upright manner with a plurality of pole members. The apparatus further includes a back pack or similar device for transporting the barrier in an undeployed configuration. The invention provides that the back pack can be independently utilized away from the barrier. The invention further provides an accessory enclosure structure which is attachable to the barrier.

Abstract: The devices and methods described relate to the prevention of the spreading of campfires which might create forest fires through the unintentional emission of embers and sparks. The invention encloses the campfire in a three dimensional space. It is self-supporting, is easily portable and transportable by selection of an appropriate shape and weight, and is compactable through folding or rolling by the use of rings or hinges. The principal geometric shape is pyramidal with the use of multiple panels. Further, these panels have two end panels which can be folded out to allow temporary access to the campfire.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter comprising frame and canopy, particularly suitable for sheltering a motor vehicle. The frame has a folding or collapsible quadrilateral, perimetric member for supporting a fabric canopy, and four removable, collapsible legs. Separate weighted feet are provided for the legs. The quadrilateral frame has hinged joints enabling folding of the frame. Rigid sleeves are slidably disposed upon the frame members for preventing folding or collapse when covering the hinged joints and enabling folding or collapse when slid away from the hinged joints. Optionally, tethers are provided to anchor the canopy to the motor vehicle. Each tether has a hook at one end, for engaging a hole formed in the canopy, and a suction cup at the other end for attaching to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A framework is provided for a tent canopy which is capable of being erected and collapsed quickly and simply. A cart is able to support the tent framework during erecting and collapsing and is used for transporting between erection sites. The framework has a center post which is pivotally attached to four roof beams which are oriented at 90 degree increments. Each roof beam is pivotally attached to a leg and each leg to two side bars, which side bars are linearly connectable to a mating side bar mounted on an adjacent leg. Each leg pivots to a vertical orientation and rests on the ground. The framework uses a cord and pulley apparatus for collapsing the cloth canopy which covers the framework.

Abstract: A knockdown portable shelter includes two spaced supports each formed of elongated members that can be separated from each other at couplings securing the elongated members to each other. The elongate members include leg portions and a roof portion. A sheet like covering material extends between the roof portion of the spaced supports and at least parts of the leg portions. The covering material is substantially more pliable along the direction extending between the two spaced supports than along a perpendicular direction. Hinges allow folding of the material along lines extending between corresponding couplings. Disconnection of elongate members at the couplings allows the covering material to be folded along the hinges and rolled up along the direction extending between the supports. One example of a suitable covering material is single face corrugated hollow core material. The elongate members are preferably hollow plastic tubes and the couplings are hollow plastic elbows made of PVC.

Abstract: A framework for a small-scale building. Specifically, the framework includes four poles, two joint beams, two crossbeams and a ridge beam. The top of each of the four poles is connected with one of the crossbeams and one of the joint beams by a moveable joint. The joint beams are divided at an intermediate point into joint beam portions. The joint beam portions and the ridge beam are connected at the intermediate point with a joint. Further, the crossbeams are divided at an intermediate point into cross beam portions and are connected at this intermediate point with another joint. Finally, the ridge beam is divided at an intermediate point into ridge beam portions and connected at a joint. Each of the joints is bendable, such that the framework may be assembled, folded and stored easily.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, freestanding shelter for protection from sun, wind and precipitation. Shelter is comprised of four struts (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) comprising two x elements juxtaposed and separated by releasably attached cross beams (14a, 14b, 14c). Rear adjustable stays (20a, 20b) strengthen and brace structure and, in combination with adjustable means (24a, 24b) used to lock position of x elements, provide a means of adjusting height of resulting frame. Shelter may be configured with visor arms (15a, 15b) attached to x element struts (8a, 9a). A cover (34) containing rigid rods or dowels (36a, 36b) on its front and rear edge is releasably attached to visor arms (15a, 15b) at front and pulled back over upper beams (14a, 14b) and held by adjustable cords (43a, 43b). Cover can be configured in a variety of ways to provide increasing or decreasing exposure to elements. (FIG. 4) Apparatus may be configured without beam 14a when front cover rod is in place thereby increasing head room. Referring to FIG.

Abstract: A sunshade device for use with a baby backpack formed for supporting a baby occupant therein includes a first mounting bracket coupled to a first flame portion of the baby backpack, and a second mounting bracket coupled to the second frame portion of the baby backpack. A U-shaped rear shade support includes a rear bight portion extending upwardly from the backpack having one end coupled to the first mounting bracket and an opposite end is coupled to the second mounting bracket. The baby backpack shade device further includes a U-shaped front shade support having a front bight portion extending upwardly from the backpack, and having a first end and an opposite second end pivotally coupled to the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, respectively. The front shade support is movable between a closed position, nested with the rear shade support, and a opened position, extending forwardly of the rear shade support.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable tent assembly including a frame having first and a second opposite side sections, each having a plurality of individual support members hingedly secured with one another and structured to independently move between an extended and a collapsed orientation. Further, the tent assembly includes a primary and secondary roof panel, constructed of at least one flexible material sheet, and disposed in spanning relation between the primary and secondary horizontal supports of each side section, a front and rear wall panel extend respectively between spaced apart forward support members and spaced apart rear support members, and first and second side wall panels disposed correspondingly between the horizontal support members and the forward, central and rear support members. Each of the various panels being structured to define a corresponding portion of the tent assembly without restricting full collapsibility thereof wherein the fully collapsed opposite side sections generally abut one another.

Abstract: A method, compatible with existing re-usable space shuttle vehicles, for the fabrication and assembly of large modular orbiting structures in space providing gravity-free and artificial gravity environments, using a plurality of prefabricated, fully collapsible, multi-sided pod module enclosures from lightweight laminated material with significant structural integrity, transported into space in their high density storage mode, dispensed and expanded from a delivery apparatus and formed into voluminous structural enclosures by employing the use of a series of interior guide and tension cables, and with all such assembly work performed in a pressurized environment with little need for space suit activity.

Abstract: A tent includes a canvas and a frame. The canvas includes a rectangular floor piece and two pairs of opposite triangular side pieces thereby forming a substantially pyramid-like structure, the rectangular floor piece having a loop at each of four corners thereof. The frame includes two flexible triangular members respectively mounted to three sides of each of one pair of opposite triangular side pieces with top vertices of the triangular members meeting at an apex of the canvas. Each flexible triangular member is collapsible such that the vertices thereof coincide with one another. A fastening member passes through the loops after the triangular members are collapsed to retain the triangular members in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable blind for hunters, which blind includes at least one panel characterized by a fixed frame and an adjustable frame telescoping into the fixed frame with camouflaged panels attached to the fixed frame and the adjustable frame for adjusting the height of the blind in the field. In a preferred embodiment the camouflaged panels are attached to the fixed frame and the adjustable frame by means of removable clips and multiple panels may be joined in hinged relationship by means of hinge clips to facilitate construction of a blind on substantially any terrain and in any desired configuration.

Abstract: A folding windbreak and shade screen comprising a plurality of sections attached by means of hinges. The folding windbreak and shade screen is secured in place in the dam configuration by means of ground stakes slidably disposed within lower housings attached to the sections. The ground stakes may be locked into upper housings in order to stack one folding windbreak and shade screen in the dam configuration atop another folding windbreak and shade screen in the dam configuration. The folding windbreak and shade screen may be installed in an arch configuration by means of arch stakes slidably disposed within arch housings, and a variety of guy lines.

Abstract: A self-erecting tent structure having a first substantially circular member of a certain dimension and providing at least a second circular member for attachment thereto. The second circular member is attached a points along the length of the first member by constraining the first circular member with a tie forming the circle into an ellipse of a desired dimension. A second circular member is constrained also into an ellipse with the ends portions of the circle formed into a "saddle shaped" by equally elevating the opposite ends of the longer axis of the ellipse of the second member; and aligning the "saddle shaped" member with the convexed side upward over the first elliptical member so that the bottom arcs of the saddle touch and are congruent with the opposite sides of the shorter axis of the first elliptical member. This saddle shaped member is then attached to the first elliptical member at the points where the two members meet, which are substantially equal on opposite sides of the member.