Having Link Means Patents (Class 135/144)
  • Publication number: 20090165730
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Rovcal, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven J. Behrens
  • Patent number: 7533681
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut, which may include a strut member; a hollow tubular terminal end portion of the strut member having an inner surface; and a detachable looped eyelet having at least one loop and a pair of extending legs, the legs being springedly biased to engage the tubular terminal end of the strut, thereby frictionally holding the looped eyelet in place at the terminal end of the strut. The apparatus and method may also employ a holding plug, with first and second holding groove opposingly placed in the periphery of the holding plug, having at least a portion thereof that is shaped and sized to frictionally engage the inner surface of the tubular terminal end of the strut, to frictionally hold the holding plug in engagement with the strut. The detachable looped eyelet may also have at least two loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20090090408
    Abstract: A portable shelter for providing cover over an area, wherein the shelter is coupleable to a structure, the portable shelter comprising a first base member and a second base member, each of which are coupleable to the structure; two subframe assemblies, each subframe assembly comprising a vertical support member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupleable to a respective base member, at least two arm members, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each respective arm member is pivotally coupled to the second end of vertical support member, at least two brace members, each having a first end and a second end, each respective first end being coupled to the vertical support member and each respective second end being pivotably coupled to a respective arm member, a first coupling arrangement for pivotably coupling the respective first end of each arm member to the second end of the vertical support member, a second coupling arrangement, slideably coupled to
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Arthur J. Milano, JR., James Grevas
  • Publication number: 20090071521
    Abstract: The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and collapse the shelter without risking injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Bravo Sports
    Inventor: Ron Sy-Facunda
  • Patent number: 7497227
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20090032079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a framework of foldable frame tent, which is comprised of roof braces and relieving braces, wherein said roof brace includes the first brace and the second brace abutted together in pivoting connection, in which one end of the first brace is pivoted on the pivoting hub at the central top, and another end of the second brace is pivoted on the pole; and in the same way, said relieving brace also includes the first and the second relieving braces abutted together in pivoting connection, one end of the first relieving brace is pivoted on the middle portion of the first brace, the middle portion of the second relieving brace is pivoted on the middle portion the second brace together, and another end of the second relieving brace is pivoted on the pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ho Soon Choi
  • Patent number: 7472715
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least four panels, including a bottom panel, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel has 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 fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of the frame member. Each panel further includes a first side and a second side, with the first side of one panel coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel, and with the bottom panel resting on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20080289675
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Go Papa, LLLP
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Chao-Shun Ko
  • Patent number: 7448400
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a free-standing structure which includes an eight-sided roof perimeter; at least four geodesic structures extending from four sides of the eight-sided roof perimeter and supporting the perimeter; and at least four legs, each leg structurally corresponding with one of the at least four geodesic structures for upholding the free-standing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Norman L. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20080190474
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Dong Woog Seo
  • Patent number: 7409963
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Go Papa, LLLP
    Inventors: Steven E. Mallookis, Chao-Shun Ko
  • Patent number: 7389785
    Abstract: A frame tent system having a plurality of upright columns, a plurality of eave members, and a plurality of rafters. The plurality of members are inter-connected by a system of novel eave weldments. The eave weldment is preferably a four-way connector unit interconnecting the frame members of the tent system at major points of connection to form the frame tent system. The eave weldment is formed of a weldment plate and an insert tube disposed perpendicular to the weldment plate. The frame members of the tent system each include a channel for releasably receiving ends of the eave weldment. In particular, the channel disposed in the rafter receives a first end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the upright column receives a second end of the weldment plate; the channel disposed in the eave members receive an end of the insert tube thereby forming the frame tent system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: William A. Loudermilk, Richard D. Cook
  • Patent number: 7367348
    Abstract: A collapsible tent structure includes a side frame and a top frame. The side frame comprises posts. Each post comprises an upper end and an upper section. The top frame comprises a top connector and top rods. Each top rod comprises an outer end and an inner end. The inner end of the top rod is pivotally connected to the top connector. Each top rod comprises two struts, a sliding bracket, a fixed bracket and a sliding socket. Each strut comprises an upper end and a lower end. The fixed bracket is secured to the upper section of the post. The sliding bracket is inserted onto the upper section of the post. The sliding socket is secured to the upper end of the post. The upper ends of the struts are pivotally connected to the top rod near the outer end of the top rod, while the lower ends of the struts are pivotally connected to the sliding bracket and the fixed bracket, respectively. The outer end of the top end is connected to the sliding socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ming-Liang Tsai
    Inventors: Ming-liang Tsai, Chao-shun Ko
  • Patent number: 7357140
    Abstract: A collapsible structure comprises a first frame member including first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other allowing the collapsible structure to have a collapsed position and an expanded position. The collapsible structure further comprises a second frame member hingedly connected to the first frame member. The second frame member includes first and second segments hingedly interconnected with each other. A hinge member is employed to hingedly connect the first segment and the second segment. At least one of the first and second frame members includes a closed-loop configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Best Tide Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Sing Chu, Lai-Ha Wu
  • Patent number: 7350532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Weidan Wu
  • Publication number: 20070251562
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7231673
    Abstract: A portable shower stall, for allowing a person to bathe while seated in a wheelchair, for temporary installation in a kitchen having a sink having a basin and a hand sprayer. The shower stall has a frame having side panels and a rear panel that are selectively foldable, a top rail and a lower rail. A base tray extends below the frame and collects waste water. A curtain extends downwardly from the top rail and directs waste water into the base tray. The base tray has a front flap that selectively lowers to allow the person to roll the wheelchair into the base tray between the side walls and rear wall to bathe using the hand sprayer, while a pump returns waste water from the base tray to the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Care Giver Support Products, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Arnold, Rosemary Arnold
  • Patent number: 7131236
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: TVI Corporation
    Inventors: Chad Sample, Richard A. Esser
  • Patent number: 7059094
    Abstract: A frame structure has a structural unit containing six elongated posts, each post having first and second ends, the structural unit capable of having at least an unfolded state where the six posts are substantially contained in one plane and a folded state where the six posts extend substantially parallel to each other. The frame structure has post-midpoint joints formed in each of the posts for supporting the posts of the structural unit foldably at approximate midpoints of the posts; a central joint for supporting the posts of the structural unit at the first ends of each of the posts rotatably in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the unfolded state. The six posts of the structural unit are positioned in the unfolded state such that the posts extend radially from the central joint within substantially one plane, so that a line connecting the second ends of the six posts of the structural unit forms substantially an equilateral hexagon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventor: Koji Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 6904924
    Abstract: A frame tent having a triangular-shaped perimeter frame, a flexible canopy attached to said perimeter frame, three corner posts to support the perimeter frame at corners thereof, three cables each having one end attached to an upper end of an associated one of said corner posts and a free end attached to a common junction element, and a flying pole supported at one end by said common junction element and connected at another end to an interior surface of said canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Tentnology Ltd.
    Inventor: Gery Warner
  • Patent number: 6851439
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6779538
    Abstract: An erectable, collapsible frame (2) for a shelter (1), the frame (2) being erectable to support a canopy (3) in order to form the shelter. The frame (2) includes at least 3 legs (4), and a perimeter support assembly (12) extending between and interconnecting adjacent legs (4). A canopy peak support assembly (28) extends outwardly from the legs (4), when the frame (2) is erected, to define an underlying shelter space (S). The legs (4) and support assemblies (12,28) are pivotably interconnected to enable unfolding and folding for respective erection and collapse of the frame (2). A shelter (1) incorporating the frame (2) and canopy (3) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Gale Pacific Limited
    Inventors: Dominic Morgante, Fred Blochlinger, Mark Johnson, Mick Kusel, Nicholas Mark Reginald Pritchard
  • Patent number: 6776179
    Abstract: A quick-pitch/strike tent. The tent includes a frame and a cloth housing suspended on the frame. The frame and the cloth housing are connected together and the frame has multiple poles. Each pole has multiple joints to conveniently pitch or strike the tent. The frame and the cloth housing are connected together so that pitching the tent consists of just erecting the frame. The joints of the poles are conveniently struck so the cloth housing and the frame can be quickly struck for storage and transportation together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Sportsman Corporation
    Inventor: Yeong-Shu Chen
  • Patent number: 6752163
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6748962
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut, which may include a strut member; a hollow tubular terminal end portion of the strut member having an inner surface; and a detachable looped eyelet having at least one loop and a pair of extending legs, the legs being springedly biased to engage the tubular terminal end of the strut, thereby frictionally holding the looped eyelet in place at the terminal end of the strut. The apparatus and method may also employ a holding plug, with first and second holding groove opposingly placed in the periphery of the holding plug, having at least a portion thereof that is shaped and sized to frictionally engage the inner surface of the tubular terminal end of the strut, to frictionally hold the holding plug in engagement with the strut. The detachable looped eyelet may also have at least two loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040050008
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin J. Mintie, Jose Guadalupe Munoz
  • Patent number: 6705338
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least four panels, including a bottom panel, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel has 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 fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of the frame member. Each panel further includes a first side and a second side, with the first side of one panel coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel, and with the bottom panel resting on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6698441
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. Each panel has 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. One first side of the first panel is coupled to one side of the second panel, and one side of the third panel is coupled to the fabric of the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6684584
    Abstract: A shelter has a frame assembly (12), and a roof assembly (14) and flexible sidewall assembly (16) releasably connected thereto. The frame assembly (12) has a plurality of upright frame members (18) laterally spaced relative to each other, and a plurality of lateral frame members (20) extending laterally between and interconnecting the upright frame members (18). The flexible sidewall assembly (16) has a first sidewall frame (22), a second sidewall frame (24), and at least one flexible sidewall (26) connected at one end to the first sidewall frame (22) and connected at another end to the second sidewall frame (24) and extending therebetween. The flexible sidewall assembly (16) further has at least one tensioning device (68) connected to the flexible sidewall (26) for securing it in a taut condition to the frame assembly (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Brian L. Goldwitz
  • Patent number: 6591849
    Abstract: A portable shelter is disclosed. The portable shelter includes a canopy and a frame supporting the canopy. The frame of the portable shelter includes a plurality of support poles and a plurality of cross poles. Each cross pole of the portable shelter is pivotally coupled between adjacent support poles for rotation about an axis parallel to the support poles. Each support pole moves between an extended position in which the support pole extends perpendicular to the cross poles and a collapsed position in which the support pole extends along the cross poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas R. Swetish, William R. Baumann
  • Patent number: 6575185
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6550491
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable structure used for exhibition or sports (batting cage) applications including an expansion section with a plurality of expansion segments, each of which is self-contained. Each expansion segment is bounded by an upright member onto which an articulating arm is attached adjacent the tope and bottom. Each articulating arm bends at an elbow and folds flat against the upright members when each expansion segment is extended, the articulating arms straighten at the elbow and pivot in a scissor-type motion with respect to the upright members until the articulating arms are fully extended substantially straight. The expansion segments roll on rollers removably affixed to the upright members. The portable structure includes three positions, a transport position wherein large wheels or skids are suppled for easy manipulation of the device, an expansion segment wherein the expansion segments are extended or collapsed using smaller wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: World Patent Development Corporation
    Inventors: Dickie R. Bixler, Larry D. Lahman
  • Publication number: 20030066550
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable shelter has a quarter-spherical arcuate shape with an open face. A lightweight frame and covering allow for quick set-up and take-down. The shelter is suitable for protection from the sun and other elements, and also provides a degree of privacy to its occupants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Mohammed Saeed Rafe Al-Ghamdi
  • Publication number: 20030066552
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20030034061
    Abstract: A frame tent having a triangular-shaped perimeter frame, a flexible canopy attached to said perimeter frame, three corner posts to support the perimeter frame at corners thereof, three cables each having one end attached to an upper end of an associated one of said corner posts and a free end attached to a common junction element, and a flying pole supported at one end by said common junction element and connected at another end to an interior surface of said canopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Gery Warner
  • Publication number: 20030024562
    Abstract: A tent frame structure comprises an axis member and a plurality of brackets pivotally engaging with the axis member. Each bracket includes a first rod set, a second rod set pivotally engaging with the first rod set and a post means pivotally engaging with the second rod set. The post means is movable outwards to extend the first rod set, the second rod set and the post means for extending and stretching the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20020153034
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a collapsible support structure strut, which may include a strut member; a hollow tubular terminal end portion of the strut member having an inner surface; and a detachable looped eyelet having at least one loop and a pair of extending legs, the legs being springedly biased to engage the tubular terminal end of the strut, thereby frictionally holding the looped eyelet in place at the terminal end of the strut. The apparatus and method may also employ a holding plug, with first and second holding groove opposingly placed in the periphery of the holding plug, having at least a portion thereof that is shaped and sized to frictionally engage the inner surface of the tubular terminal end of the strut, to frictionally hold the holding plug in engagement with the strut. The detachable looped eyelet may also have at least two loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen F. Miller
  • Patent number: 6460556
    Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20020092555
    Abstract: A reinforcement structure for sun tent extension canopy is formed with a pair of extension frames extending from the top ends of the awning poles of the tent. Each extension frame is composed of an extension pole, a supporting pole, a reinforcing pole and clamps, wherein the extension pole has one end connected to the top end of the awning pole while the other end is connected to the supporting pole which has its other end connected to the awning pole. The extension pole comprises a pair of clamps and a receptacle which is to receive one end of the reinforcing pole which has its other end connected to another receptacle on a side pole in order to support the tent when a canopy is covered thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Ting-Hsing Chen, Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20020083971
    Abstract: A collapsible vehicle storage system having a pair of spaced apart, tapered side walls, where the distance therebetween is sufficient to accommodate a vehicle. The respective sides walls pivotally mount plural U-shaped support members, with adjacent members hinged together, where the members are covered by a flexible canopy, such as canvas. At least one ratchet arm is provided to manually pivot the respective U-shaped members from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry M. Blount
  • Patent number: 6412507
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6382224
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: United California Bank
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 6374843
    Abstract: A support structure for a collapsible shelter, includes legs and upper beams hinged together. Each upper beam is composed of two component rods connected with each other by a freely swinging hinge. Each leg has a sliding part thereon. There is provided an upper or upward stay bar between the sliding part on each leg and the component rods of the upper beam respectively. Both end connections of the top stay bar are freely swinging hinges. The leg has also a stop means thereon to limit motion of the sliding part in outspread state. The support structure does not need to be assembled and dismantled each time when it is to be used and can be easily and quickly spread out and collapsed, saving both time and manpower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Yinong Zou
  • Publication number: 20020036008
    Abstract: An integrated umbrella base stand and table having a collapsible frame that includes a center tube adapted for receiving the pole of an umbrella. From this central tube extend appendages that are supported by linking arms. The integrated umbrella base stand and table further includes a flexible surface and a base flange that are carried by the appendages of the frame. The surface of the table provides an area on which drinks and food may be placed and the base flange of the device is dimensioned to receive a weight to stabilize the integrated umbrella stand and table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: John H. Hickam, Sherman Olsen
  • Patent number: 6283136
    Abstract: A collapsible tent comprises top connecting means at the top of the tent; a plurality of upright legs; a slider slideably received on each upright leg; upper roof support bars pivotally connected to the top connecting means; lower roof support bars which each are connected at one end to its respective upper roof support bar and at the other end to a top of its respective upright leg; stay bars which each are connected at one end to its respective lower roof support bar and at the other end to the slider; a parallel bar assembly interconnecting adjacent ones of the upright legs, stay bars for supporting the lower support bars, each stay pivotally connected at one end to the upper part of its respective lower roof support bar and at the other end to the slider; stay bars for supporting the parallel bar assembly, each stay bar pivotally connected at one end to its respective parallel bar assembly and at the other end to the slider ; and stop means for maintaining the slider in position to maintain the tent in an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Fengchun Chen
  • Publication number: 20010013359
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20010005966
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Akira Meguro, Jin Mitsugi, Kazuhide Ando
  • Patent number: 6220265
    Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6209558
    Abstract: A foldable tent (10) comprising a frame (11) with a cover (12) and ground sheet (13) affixed thereto. The frame comprises a plurality of U-shaped frame members (14), each having a base (25) from which extend two arms (26& 27). The group of arms (26) are pivotally connected to each other, as are the group of arms (27). Each arm (26& 27) is rigidly attached to a base end member (32& 33) which is pivotally connected to the base (25), whereby in the folded position the arms (26& 27) fold parallel to the base (25) with the end members (32& 33) preferably lying normal to the base (25) and the arms (26& 27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Guiseppe Viglione
  • Patent number: 6173726
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Fiskars Inc.
    Inventor: Paul W. Talmadge