Abstract: A sunshade and corresponding canopy inclination adjustment mechanism are provided. The sunshade includes a canopy support structure and the inclination adjustment mechanism. The support structure includes a pair of support rods having a length axially extending between a base and a top end, a pair of coupling assemblies respectively connected to the top end of one of the support rods, and a canopy frame including a frame member having opposed end portions pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the coupling assemblies, the canopy being supported at least partially by the canopy frame. The inclination adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the angle of the canopy and includes an actuator, attached to the support structure, and including a rod engagement member operatively connected to the frame member, whereby operation of the actuator engages the frame member in pivoting via the rod engagement member, thereby pivoting the canopy frame.

Abstract: A five-device-in-one multi-function tea table, capable of functioning as a pet kennel, a storage locker, a table, a cooler, and an umbrella base, comprises: top and side and bottom frames attached to each other, solid and double-sized and pole-receiving panels respectively inserted into the top and side frames for the five-device-in-one multi-function tea table to function as a kennel or a grooming station or a pet-drying platform or a storage locker or a table or a cooler or an umbrella base, pole-receiving holes drilled into one of the panels, a pole-receiver-shaft attached to the top or side or bottom frame for attaching the five-device-in-one multi-function tea table to a fence post or to a tow hitch or to a pickup-truck utility hole, a waterproof bag having cord tunnels for securely holding rocks or sand or water to function as a ballast or as a cooler or as a cinch-sack or as a backpack, and a securing cord inserted into the cord tunnels for cinchably securing and protecting contents inside the waterpro

Abstract: The parasol includes a base having a pole, a head secured to one end of the pole and having a canvas filtering at least part of the rays of the sun, and a structure supporting the canvas and being deformable between an open configuration with the canvas outstretched, and a folded configuration with the canvas folded. The support structure includes a hoop or peripheral hoop, which is closed in on itself and lies in a plane in the open configuration. The parasol includes the canvas attached inside the peripheral hoop such that the canvas is stretched out inside the peripheral hoop in the open configuration.

Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.

Abstract: An asymmetrical umbrella includes a structure formed by a single frame member that is attached at its first and second ends to a handle and also attached to the handle at a third position along the frame member between the ends of the frame member such that the frame member passes through the handle at the third position. A sleeve collects two portions of the frame member together at a position opposite a periphery of the umbrella from the handle. A canopy is attached to the frame member. The umbrella is collapsible into a generally planar shape that is easily transportable.

Abstract: A method of controlling tint of a tintable window to account for occupant comfort in a room of a building. The tintable window is between the interior and exterior of the building. The method predicts a tint level for the tintable window at a future time based on a penetration depth of direct sunlight through the tintable window into the room at the future time and space type in the room. The method also provides instructions over a network to transition tint of the tintable window to the tint level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for the protection of marine vessels. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a canopy assembly for a boat. The canopy assembly includes a frame assembly having a frame member that is moveable with respect to an opposing member to which the frame member is rotatably attached thereto. The canopy assembly further includes one or more support members supporting the moveable frame member. The canopy assembly further includes one or more lift assists connected to the moveable frame member for assisting in the raising of the frame member with respect to the opposing member.

Abstract: A sun shading device having a shading canopy, a back shading panel, attached to legs. The legs and canopies are collapsible. The underside of the shading canopy includes a viewable electronic device holder for holding devices such as touch screen tablet computers or other device having a view screen. The shading canopy and the back shading panel of the sun shading device provide a shaded alcove in which a user can lie on his or her back to view an electronic device screen secured to the underside of the shading canopy.

Abstract: A blind assembly is configured to cover blind area. The blind assembly includes a frame assembly connected to ground near the blind area. A spring assembly is attached to the frame assembly and configured to bias the frame assembly away from the ground. A wire mesh is connected to the frame assembly with zip ties. The wire mesh is configured to support fast grass above the blind area in order to create a blind for a user.

Abstract: A multipurpose, portable, lightweight net frame system for protecting a person and/or articles from mosquitoes and other insects is disclosed. The net frame system includes an adjustable frame adapted to support a protective net. The adjustable frame includes, in some embodiments, a first support and a second support that are coupled to a pair of base supports in a pivoting and lockable or securable fashion. The net frame system can be configured to enclose a lounge chair having the seatback in a substantially upright position or in a substantially flattened or reclined position. The net frame system also can be configured in a collapsed state for ease of storing and/or transporting.

Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.

Abstract: A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to frictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.

Abstract: An automated shading system defines an environmental state as a discrete variable representing a history of values of a second discrete variable representing the ambient environment. The system executes a state-specific automated shading command upon occurrence of each state. Prior to usage, each automated shading command is initialized to one of two types of command, as a function of the corresponding state: an “adjust shading” command that causes an automatic adjustment to a predetermined shading setting, or a “do not adjust” command that causes no shading adjustment. The system also enables a user to directly adjust the shading to a selected setting via deliberate shading commands. After each deliberate shading adjustment, the system updates the automated shading command associated with the current state to an “adjust shading” command that, upon subsequent occurrence of the same state, will cause an automatic adjustment to the same selected setting.

Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.

Abstract: A work cubicle cover is described, designed to be positioned between one or more light fixtures providing room lighting in a human work space defined by a cubicle in the room. The cover is made up of a pliable sheet of mesh screen held in position over the work cubicle by the interaction of a spring wire construction which provides its support with the partitions defining individual cubicles in the room. The spring wire construction enables the work cubicle cover to be coiled when not in use.

Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.

Abstract: The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.

Abstract: A side post umbrella includes a side post to which a side arm is mounted by an arm retainer that is a tubular member receiving an end of the side arm therein. A rib skeleton is hung on the side arm and supports a shade. A shade rotating device is provided for rotating the side arm and thus the shade, including a cylinder rotatably received in the arm retainer and fixed to the side arm to be rotatable in unison therewith. A drive bar is pivotally connected to the cylinder for manually rotating the cylinder. A latch bar having a latch pin is movable with respect to the cylinder between a latched position where the latch pin engages a securing plate to secure the side arm and thus the shade at a corresponding angular position and a released position where the latch pin disengages the securing plate to allow for free rotation of the side arm and the shade. A helical spring is arranged between the latch bar and the cylinder to bias the latch pin toward the latched position.

Abstract: A top setting-up mechanism for folding tent includes an upper hub pivotally connected to inner ends of upper ribs of the tent, a lower hub pivotally connected to inner ends of stretchers of the tent, and a pull cord. A guiding tube having internal guiding ribs is fitted in the upper hub. An upper part of the lower hub is formed into a hollow retainer having external guiding grooves. When the pull cord is pulled, the retainer on the lower hub is brought into the guiding tube to enable quick and accurate coupling of the lower hub to the upper hub, and the guiding grooves on the retainer of the lower hub interfere with the guiding ribs on the guiding tube fitted in the upper hub to prevent the upper and the lower hub from turning relative to one another, and thereby ensures a stable erection of the tent.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a wind umbrella, for providing a wind barrier with the functionality and convenience of an umbrella. The wind umbrella includes a central post, a spine assembly comprising a plurality of ribs and support rods, and a covering. Further, the wind umbrella includes a surface spike, multiple connectors, multiple hinges and multiple joints, which enable it as a collapsible device and securely anchor the wind umbrella in a surface. In operation, the present invention provides a user a lightweight, half umbrella like, portable device which when opened lays horizontally on the surface extending a barrier, generally quarter sphere in shape, perpendicularly from the ground up.

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

Abstract: An umbrella support including an elongated post and a pivot plate secured to one end of the elongated post. A support tube has a slot at one of its ends that snugly receives the pivot plate. A threaded fastener penetrates the tube and the pivot plate to pivotally attach the tube to the elongated post.

Abstract: A sunshade comprises a main post, a canopy frame, and a tilting and rotating assembly mounted between the main post and the canopy frame. Rotation of a handle on the main post in a direction causes the canopy frame to move from a folded state to an unfolded state. Further rotation of the handle in the same direction causes the canopy frame to tilt, and still further rotation of the handle in the same direction causes the tilted canopy frame to turn relative to a longitudinal axis of the main post until an optimal shield is obtained.

Abstract: A canopy apparatus including a canopy element having a canopy material bounded by a canopy frame. The base frame element is removably attached to an object, and a connector element allows for the removal and attachment of the canopy element to the base frame element. The canopy element extends away from the base frame and reduces the glare on a screen resulting from direct lighting, such as sunlight, reduces eye strain and provides dust protection.

Abstract: A curtain is suspended by a hoop that is supported by retractable arms of which suction cups and/or hooks are attached. The entire curtain can be affixed to any smooth surface, such as that of a car door, or to structures such as fences, by way of the suction cups or hooks at the end of the retractable arms. The length of the curtain is such that it will provide needed privacy for one wishing to change clothes. The hoop and curtain are of flexible material to allow contraction and expansion for storage and use respectively.

Abstract: A screen includes a collapsible frame member having an arcuate member, and a strut member extending from the arcuate member such that a substantially three legged structure is formed. A covering extends between opposite sides of the arcuate member around the strut member.

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 canopy is formed of an oval flexible sheet of solar radiation and wind resistant material held in extended position by a resilient band and sized so that the band and sheet material are pulled into a saddle shape. Support for the canopy is provided by two flexible supports attached to the canopy at its edges and to a base structure, such as a wheel chair, stroller, patio rail or lawn chair. The supports are long enough so that the canopy can be adjusted to various positions above and alongside the occupant of the base structure for overhead and lateral shelter. The supports are nonresilient and are stiff enough to hold the canopy in the selected position into which it is placed.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for use in erecting tents, insect screen rooms, shade awnings, canopies and the like at camp sights, back yard patios and other outdoor venues. The collapsible frame includes a plurality of telescopic legs for providing vertical structural support and a plurality of corner pin joints with one of the pin joints fixedly mounted upon a corresponding one of each of the telescopic legs. A plurality of horizontal support arms is included with one of the arms positioned between every adjacent pair of telescopic legs and attached to the corresponding corner pin joints. A mid-span hinge which includes a sliding sleeve is centrally positioned along each of the horizontal support arms. The mid-span hinge is flexibly collapsible when the sleeve is disengaged and is rigidly inflexible when the sleeve is engaged. A bottom slider is adjustably mounted upon each of the telescopic legs and is attached to the horizontal support arms which are connected to the corresponding corner pin joint.

Abstract: A shading device includes an abbreviated height umbrella having a articulating ball attachment structure on both its upper and lower sides and attached to a pivoting arm through a series of universal connectors and joints having spherical articulating balls secured in articulating ball joints with tension force provided by joint retention screws. The umbrella can be either supported from the bottom or suspended from the top, to provide maximum articulation. A tripod folding stand has a body having an upper ribbed member for engagement with the clamp, and a series of three legs pivotally attached at an upper portion of the body and struts attached at a lower portion between the legs and body. The ends of the legs have pivotal spikes which can be pivoted to an open direction and directed into dirt or sand or other material, or used as hold down extensions.

Abstract: A detachable tee-top includes a framework having base portions fastened to two opposed sides of a center console of a boat and consisting of elongated tubes having fasteners fastened to the center console by threaded fasteners. The framework includes a further elongated tube for each of the elongated tubes making up the base portions with each of the further elongated tubes being sized to be slidably receivable within the upwardly facing opening of a respective one of the base portion elongated tubes. Thus, the further elongated tubes or pipes may easily be removed from the base portion elongated tubes when it is desired to remove the detachable tee-top from the associated vessel. The tee-top also includes a horizontally oriented support frame for a cover. Flexible straps attached to this support frame are stretched downwardly and attached to the base portions of the device to support the frame in high wind conditions. The framework is disclosed in two alternative configurations of elongated tubes.

Abstract: The umbrella frame is provided with a movable yoke at the upper end and a stationary yoke at an intermediate point. Ribs are pivotally mounted on the movable yoke and struts are pivotally mounted on the fixed yoke while being pivotally mounted to intermediate points on the ribs. A downward movement of the upper yoke causes the ribs to splay outwardly so as to open the umbrella. An articulated lever and link arrangement is connected to one rib and strut unit so that actuation of the lever causes the upper yoke to be pulled downwardly to open the umbrella. Passage of the lever by a bottom dead center position effects locking of the movable yoke in the lowered position.

Abstract: A tent structure includes four poles interconnected by four scissors-type linkages forming a square structure and four intermediate pivot connecting members. Each pole comprises a fixed connector and a sliding connector. Each of the fixed connector and the sliding connector has three connecting seats with two connecting seats at respective outer sides adapted to receive and end of the scissors-type linkage and with one connecting seat positioned inbetween the two outer seats adapted to receive an end of a rod member. Each intermediate pivot connecting member has a board and a pair of pivoting member integrally formed on top portion of the board and are adapted as an interconnecting member between the poles and a head connector.

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

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