Abstract: A bracket assembly for a tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle. The bracket may have an axial bore and one or more vertical bores for receiving an end or socket of a bow assembly. The bracket may interchangeably hold a variety of bow assemblies, such as a traditional curved bow, a rod, one or more concentric tubes, or a combination of one or more tubes and a rod. The bracket assembly may comprise a plurality of brackets for holding a series of bow assemblies in place on a trailer or vehicle.

Abstract: A roof rack of a collapsible tent includes a tent rack and roof poles. The tent rack includes stand columns, tent poles and support poles. The top end of the stand column is fixedly disposed with a top base, a slide base is slidably connected to the stand column to slide up and down along the stand column, the first end of the tent pole is pivoted joint to the top base, the first end of the stand column is pivoted joint to the slide base, the second end of the support pole is pivoted joint to the tent pole; the stand column, the slide base, the tent pole and the support pole form a linkage mechanism, the slide base slides up and down along the stand column to drive the tent rack to unfold and fold; the roof pole is movably connected to the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A layout blind for use in a marshy environment or in a dry field with a support frame and a fabric cover. The frame is supported on extendible legs and has three foldable sections. A U-shaped head frame and a U-shaped foot frame are pivoted to the support frame. First and second U-shaped flap support frames are pivoted between the head frame and the foot frame and are foldable about a pivot hinge with a stop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a compensating ramp for a DC-DC converter having fixed frequency current mode control architecture are adaptive to an input voltage of the converter and an output voltage of the converter, and are programmable based on an inductor of the converter. The systems and methods include receiving the input voltage and the output voltage of the converter and outputting, based on the input voltage and the output voltage, a voltage reference or a current reference. The systems and methods include generating a voltage ramp based on the voltage reference or the current reference. A conversion gain associated with converting the voltage ramp to a compensating ramp current is set based on a user input corresponding to an inductance value of the inductor.

Abstract: A tent skeleton including a plurality of foot poles, a plurality of eave poles that are articulated at their end portions and are radially arranged, an eave connecting device and a locating device for fixing the foot pole. The eave connecting device includes a connecting member body and an eave connecting member articulated to the connecting member body, the connecting member body is fixedly arranged on an end of the foot pole. The eave pole includes an outer tube, an inner tube and a retractable locking device. The outer tube is fixedly connected to the eave connecting member; the inner tube is slidably sleeved in the outer tube; the retractable locking device is arranged between the outer tube and the inner tube. A tent is further disclosed.

Abstract: A ground blind broadly includes a frame assembly and a cover that define an interior space. The frame assembly includes an articulated frame with a plurality of frame sections. The frame sections are attached in series with one another and are pivotal into and out of a folded position. The articulated frame is shiftable between a collapsed configuration where each adjacent pair of frame sections is moved into a folded position so that the frame sections are stacked in series with one another and an erected configuration where each adjacent pair of frame sections is moved out of the folded position so that the articulated frame spans an erected area.

Abstract: A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss.

Abstract: A tent skeleton including a plurality of foot poles, a plurality of eave poles that are articulated at their end portions and are radially arranged, an eave connecting device and a locating device for fixing the foot pole. The eave connecting device includes a connecting member body and an eave connecting member articulated to the connecting member body, the connecting member body is fixedly arranged on an end of the foot pole. The eave pole includes an outer tube, an inner tube and a retractable locking device. The outer tube is fixedly connected to the eave connecting member; the inner tube is slidably sleeved in the outer tube; the retractable locking device is arranged between the outer tube and the inner tube. A tent is further disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable tent includes a hub, a base having a plurality of separate base members and a plurality of slots formed on the base members. The plurality of slots are uniformly spaced apart radially, each slot formed by first and second walls, each of the first and second walls integrally formed on the respective base member and substantially parallel to each other. A plurality of poles are included, with each pole having at least two sections coupled by a joint. Each pole includes an inner end and an outer end, each pole inner end pivotally coupled to a corresponding slot. The hub and poles define a periphery when the tent is in an open configuration. A canopy is positioned within the periphery, the canopy being slidably connected to the poles in the open configuration and a closed configuration.

Abstract: A bag support apparatus has a first support member, a first arm slidably received in the first support member so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a second support member, and a second arm slidably received in the second support member so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The first arm is linked to the second arm such that a movement of the first support member toward the second support member causes the first and second arms to move toward the retracted position and such that a movement of the first support member away from the second support member causes and first and second arms to move to the extended position. A scissor mechanism is linked to the first and second support members and to the first and second arms.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism and a tent frame using same are disclosed. The pivot mechanism includes a first unit having two spaced mounting brackets formed with a pivot hole each; and a second unit including a main body, two protruded shafts movably connected to two opposite side surfaces of the main body, and an elastic member connected to the protruded shafts. The protruded shafts can shift between a compressed position, in which a smallest distance between two protruded end surfaces of the protruded shafts is not larger than a distance between two facing sides of the mounting brackets, and a sprung-out position, in which the two protruded shafts are protruded from the side surfaces of the main body into the pivot holes on the mounting brackets. When the second unit is pushed to a proper position between the two mounting brackets, the protruded shafts will automatically extend into the pivot holes.

Abstract: A hunting blind includes frame formed by first and second tubular support poles into which first and second rods, respectively, are slideably received. A connector of the frame couples the first and second tubular support poles in a manner that enables those poles to pivot with respect to each other. A brace pole engages the connector. A sheet is attached to each of the first and second support poles and the first and second rods, such as by caps placed onto ends of the support poles and rods. When the rods are extended from the support poles, the sheet is held taut on the frame forming a wall held upright by the brace pole and behind which a hunter can sit. Another embodiment of the hunting blind is formed by connecting two such frames together to form an enclosure for a hunter.

Abstract: A ground blind broadly includes a frame assembly and a cover that define an interior space. The frame assembly includes an articulated frame with a plurality of frame sections. The frame sections are attached in series with one another and are pivotal into and out of a folded position. The articulated frame is shiftable between a collapsed configuration where each adjacent pair of frame sections is moved into a folded position so that the frame sections are stacked in series with one another and an erected configuration where each adjacent pair of frame sections is moved out of the folded position so that the articulated frame spans an erected area.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed an apparatus for forming a shelter comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart beams, a flexible barrier sheet extending between the pair of beams and at least two braces extending between the beams. Each of the braces are foldable along a plane defined by an adjacent portion of the pair or beams and may be formed of first and second elongate members substantially similar lengths pivotally connected to each other which are foldable to be substantially parallel to the beams in a first position and substantially perpendicular to the beams in a second position.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed an apparatus for forming a shelter comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart beams, a flexible barrier sheet extending between the pair of beams and at least two braces extending between the beams. Each of the braces are foldable along a plane defined by an adjacent portion of the pair or beams and may be formed of first and second elongate members substantially similar lengths pivotally connected to each other which are foldable to be substantially parallel to the beams in a first position and substantially perpendicular to the beams in a second position.

Abstract: A lattice support structure has lattice bars pivotally connected to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them, with the connecting lattice bars being connected directly or indirectly to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and increased on the folding apart of the lattice support structure.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shelter includes a first hub configured to be moveably coupled to a plurality of support linkages. The shelter excludes a second hub different than the first hub. The shelter includes a support linkage from the plurality of support linkages. The support linkage is pivotally coupled to the first hub. The support linkage is moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The support linkage includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member. An angle formed by an intersection between a longitudinal axis defined by the first member and a longitudinal axis defined by the second member is less than 180 degrees when the support linkage is in its collapsed configuration. The angle is greater than 180 degrees when the support linkage is in its expanded configuration.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: A manually retractable sportsman's blind releasably attached to a support provides a flexible camouflaged body having a mesh fabric window and supported on a frame comprised of plural elongate flexibly resilient stays pivotally attached to one another at proximate end portions to support the flexible camouflaged body and mesh fabric window in a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: A mini cabana device that can be employed in a freestanding condition or attached to a structure such as a beach chair, and that allows the user to limit the amount of sunlight, wind and/or other elements that come into contact with the portions of the user's body positioned within the interior of the device. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a pivoting shade that can be raised or lowered, a means for attaching the device to an object or the ground and a clip for holding a towel or sheet in a desired position relative to the device. Further, the device of the present invention can be setup or stowed-away with relatively minimal effort.

Abstract: A modular free-standing shelter including a frame and a cover. The frame has an upper plate and a lower plate, and a number of cover shafts are each pivotally connected at one end to the upper plate. A number of stretcher shafts are each pivotally connected between a respective one of the cover shafts and the lower plate. A separation shaft is affixed to one of the plates for separating the upper and lower plates at a predetermined distance. The cover is a skin having a predetermined shape that is engaged by the cover shafts.

Abstract: The corner brace of a framework of a quickly erectable canopy shelter is connected between portions of a perimeter truss assembly connected to a leg of the framework of the canopy shelter. The corner brace includes a corner brace mounting pin on a first link member of an outer truss of the perimeter truss assembly, and a support truss tube member pivotally and rotatably connected at one end to an outer truss on one side of the leg. The other end of the support truss tube member is removably connected to an outer truss on the other side of the leg. The support truss tube member of the corner brace may include a support truss clip that fits to a link member of the framework. The framework may also include a canopy framework support assembly for supporting a canopy.

Abstract: A pivot knuckle joint and a tent using the same are provided. The pivot knuckle joint includes a male joint and a female joint. A junction portion for being joined with a support tube is disposed at one end of the male joint and a pivot plate is disposed at the other end of the male joint. A shaft hole is opened on the pivot plate. A junction portion for being joined with a support tube is disposed at one end of the female joint and a first shaft disk and a second shaft disk are disposed at the other end of the female joint. A shaft hole is opened on the first and second shaft disks respectively. An accommodation space is formed at an inner side of the first and second shaft disks. When the pivot plate of the male joint is inserted into the accommodation space, a shaft rod penetrates through shaft holes of the male and female joints, so as to control a positioning status of the male and female joints, thereby unfolding or folding the tent rapidly.

Abstract: A collapsible privacy shelter includes an upper section, lower section, and roof section. The lower section includes a back wall, a pair of side walls pivotally connected to the back wall of the lower section and are operable to fold inward, a front wall pivotally connected to the plurality of side walls of the lower section, and a door pivotally connected to the front wall of the lower section.

Abstract: A freestanding, collapsible shelter is disclosed. The shelter includes a roof structure having a roof hub, a ridge poles pivotable from a deployed position to a stowed position, gable poles pivotable from a deployed position to a stowed position. The shelter further includes a freestanding leg section that supports the roof structure over a supporting surface when the shelter is disposed in its deployed position. The shelter may also include a canopy.

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: An extendible shelter connectable to a building has an extendible frame and a plurality of covers, connected to an outermost frame end, for covering the frame. Adjacent covers are connected to one another at outermost edge ends of their adjacent edges, which are threaded through a fastener. As the frame is extended outwardly away from the building, the adjacent edges are drawn through the fastener, which fastens the edges together to automatically fasten the adjacent covers. When the frame is retracted, the fastener unfastens the edges and covers. Anchor for locking wheels for the frame in fixed position on a ground surface over which the shelter extends are also disclosed.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: A collapsible tent structure includes a plurality of poles coupled with a plurality of linkages. The tent structure also includes a plurality of rods where each rod is pivotally coupled to each pole on one end and pivotally coupled to a hub on an opposite end. A plurality of struts are further included in the tent structure and each strut is pivotally coupled to each rod on one end and pivotally coupled to each pole on an opposite end, and a locking mechanism is coupled to each of the rods. A plurality of eaves, each pivotally coupled to a locking mechanism, extend radially outward beyond the poles when in an extended position and retracted radially inward of the poles when in a retracted position while the tent is in an open configuration.

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: The corner brace of a framework of a quickly erectable canopy shelter is connected between portions of a perimeter truss assembly connected to a leg of the framework of the canopy shelter. The corner brace includes a corner brace mounting pin on a first link member of an outer truss of the perimeter truss assembly, and a support truss tube member pivotally and rotatably connected at one end to an outer truss on one side of the leg. The other end of the support truss tube member is removably connected to an outer truss on the other side of the leg. The support truss tube member of the corner brace may include a support truss clip that fits to a link member of the framework. The framework may also include a canopy framework support assembly for supporting a canopy.

Abstract: A collapsible truss assembly is described herein. One component includes a layered u-bracket including a first u-bracket connected to the collapsible truss assembly, having a first channel, a first surface opposing the channel, and a first aperture that spans from the first surface to the first channel and is of a particular diameter. The layered u-bracket also includes a second u-bracket having a second channel, a second surface opposing the second channel, and a second aperture that spans from the second surface to the second channel and is of the particular diameter. For the layered u-bracket, the second channel is flush with the first surface, and the first and second apertures are aligned.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter assembly includes legs, a truss system, a cover, cover supporting rods and mounting brackets. Each of the legs has an upper and a lower end. The truss system is configured to link each pair of legs together and define a base perimeter. The brackets are adapted for mounting to the upper ends of the legs, for attaching to the rods at a predefined distance distal to ends of the rods and for defining an outer perimeter greater than the base perimeter. The cover is adapted for attaching about the ends of the rods for covering the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A freestanding, collapsible shelter is disclosed. The shelter includes a roof structure having a roof hub, a ridge poles pivotable from a deployed position to a stowed position, gable poles pivotable from a deployed position to a stowed position. The shelter further includes a freestanding leg section that supports the roof structure over a supporting surface when the shelter is disposed in its deployed position. The shelter may also include a canopy.

Abstract: A shelter or hunting blind that is easily extended and collapsed includes a frame and a surrounding skin detachably fixed to the frame. The frame includes an upper hub upper hub including a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface with a plurality of upper tabs extending downward from said bottom surface and a lower hub including a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface with a plurality of lower tabs extending upward from said top surface. A plurality of articulated leg assemblies pivotally connected respectively to said plurality of upper tabs, and a plurality of pusher rods pivotally connected between said plurality of articulated leg assemblies and said plurality of lower tabs. While extended, the blind includes one or more windows for viewing the desired pray.

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 foldable tent includes a frame unit, a driven mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The frame unit includes first and second upright posts, and a connecting rod rotatably interconnecting the first and second upright posts. The driven mechanism includes two supporting units, and two tent covers, each of which has a first securing portion connected fixedly to the connecting rod, and a second securing portion connected fixedly to a respective one of the supporting units. The driven mechanism is convertible between an unfolded state, where the tent covers are unwound, and a folded state, where the tent covers are wound on the connecting rod. The driving mechanism is mounted on the frame unit for driving the connecting rod to rotate to thereby convert the driven mechanism between the unfolded and folded states.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: The corner brace of a framework of a quickly erectable canopy shelter is connected between portions of a perimeter truss assembly connected to a leg of the framework of the canopy shelter. The corner brace includes a corner brace mounting pin on a first link member of an outer truss of the perimeter truss assembly, and a support truss tube member pivotally and rotatably connected at one end to an outer truss on one side of the leg. The other end of the support truss tube member is removably connected to an outer truss on the other side of the leg. The support truss tube member of the corner brace may include a support truss clip that fits to a link member of the framework. The framework may also include a canopy framework support assembly for supporting a canopy.

Abstract: The lightweight erectable canopy shelters include a plurality of legs connected together by an extendible perimeter assembly of link members. In one embodiment, 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 comprises pole sections hinged to permit downward folding and upward unfolding until they are fully extended. Corner support strut members are pivotally mounted to the legs, to be rotatable upwardly to engage and support the pole members.

Abstract: A mechanism that is comprised of two or more four-bar linkages is shown. Each linkage shares a common link with each adjacent linkage and the movement of said two or more linkages is synchronized by mechanical means such that said mechanism may move between a collapsed and an extended state. Said mechanical means may be in the form of additional links or geared connections.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter of the type having a canopy and a frame, the frame having mounting members with a stabilizer reduced friction pivot shafts and an adjustable locking member having a spring providing for easy adjustment of the height and breadth of the canopy.

Abstract: A portable decontamination system includes a preassembled shelter, convertible between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, and a fluid delivery system integral with the shelter. In the stowed configuration the shelter encloses a negligible volume. In the deployed configuration the shelter comprises a plurality of side walls, a plurality of end walls, and a roof. The walls and the roof define a central space. The fluid delivery system is configured to convey decontamination fluid into the shelter and to distribute decontamination fluid throughout at least a portion of the central space.

Abstract: A shelter of the type having collapsed and expanded configurations. In one of several example embodiments, the expanded configuration includes a tunnel-shaped portion forming a pair of opposing side walls and a roof section. The roof section has a peak positioned above the side walls and the tunnel-shaped portion may include opposing ends with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, each opening capable of accommodating an end wall. A first sheet is foldable along at least first and second crease lines to define the walls and roof section, the walls having an upper separation distance between the first and second crease lines when the shelter is expanded. The first sheet is segmented into panels with pairs of adjoining panels forming pleats each having a vertex extending from a crease line to an adjoining footing flap, the walls having a lower separation distance between footing flaps on different walls when the shelter is expanded.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shelter includes a first hub configured to be moveably coupled to a plurality of support linkages. The shelter excludes a second hub different than the first hub. The shelter includes a support linkage from the plurality of support linkages. The support linkage is pivotally coupled to the first hub. The support linkage is moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The support linkage includes a first member and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member. An angle formed by an intersection between a longitudinal axis defined by the first member and a longitudinal axis defined by the second member is less than 180 degrees when the support linkage is in its collapsed configuration. The angle is greater than 180 degrees when the support linkage is in its expanded configuration.

Abstract: A protective shelter that may be used to protect observers, players, and others from inclement weather during a sporting event, for example, includes an arcuate-shaped, flexible cover with side portions configured to receive side frame members, which in turn are connected to elongated cover support members coupled to the cover. The various frame members and cover support members may be connected with a number of different types of couplers. In addition, a majority of the side frame members and support members may remain coupled to the flexible cover after the protective shelter has been disassembled and placed in a transportable configuration.

Abstract: A joint structure of a fold type tent frame is provided. In the present invention the joint structure includes a plurality of pillars which support a tent, a plurality of horizontal frames which are supported by the pillars to form a roof, and a plurality of connectors which connect between the pillars and the frames and between the frames as a joint structure, includes semicircular rotators which are disposed at end portions of the frames and have bolt holes formed at central portions of the rotators, coupling parts disposed at each of the connectors to have coupling plates with bolt holes and upper coupling plates perpendicular to the coupling plates such that the rotators are coupled to the coupling parts, guide grooves or guide protrusions formed on the upper coupling plates at the inner side of the coupling parts, and guide protrusions or guide grooves formed on outer peripheral surfaces of the semicircular rotators to correspond to the guide grooves or guide protrusions.

Abstract: A layout blind for use in a marshy environment or in a dry field with a support frame and a fabric cover. The frame is supported on extendible legs and has three foldable sections. A U-shaped head frame and a U-shaped foot frame are pivoted to the support frame. First and second U-shaped flap support frames are pivoted between the head frame and the foot frame and are foldable about a pivot hinge with a stop.