Abstract: An inflatable pet house module includes first and second inflatable units. The first inflatable unit includes an inflatable mattress and a mattress cover formed with an opening for insertion of the mattress thereinto. The second inflatable unit is coupled releasably to the first inflatable unit by a coupling unit, and includes an inflatable canopy body and a canopy cover formed with an opening for insertion of the canopy body thereinto. The canopy body has a middle portion provided with a middle heat-seal line unit to partition the canopy body into two canopy sections. The canopy body is bendable along the middle heat-seal line unit when inflated so as to place the canopy body in a standing position where the middle portion is propped up by the canopy sections to thereby enable the first and second inflatable units to cooperatively define a chamber.

Abstract: A nominally floorless hikers' shelter having a raised, tensioned waterproof canopy supported off the ground by pole supports at the front and rear, in which the canopy has a catenary curved ridgeline tensioned between a higher vertical front support and a lower, outwardly-angled rear arch support. The shelter preferably has a hanging insect netting perimeter, including front and rear door panels and sidewalls, and floor-ready attachment structure for an optional floor to be attached to the support structure in the sleeping area defined by the netting without placing stress on the netting. In a first form the vertical front support is a straight pole; in a second form the vertical front support is a vertical arch. A multiple guyline/single-stake structure for guying out a tensioned shelter edge is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nominally floorless hikers' shelter having a raised, tensioned waterproof canopy supported off the ground by pole supports at the front and rear, in which the canopy has a catenary curved ridgeline tensioned between a higher vertical front arch support and a lower, outwardly-angled rear arch support. The shelter is longitudinally tensioned through front and rear awnings extending from the front and rear arch supports. The front awning includes a novel guyline tensioning and ventilation structure in which spaced parallel guylines are attached to the awning at circumferentially spaced locations between the arch support and the lower edge of the awning, leaving an unbroken web of fabric tensioning the arch, and allowing lower portions of the awning to be selectively rolled up for ventilation. The shelter preferably has a hanging insect netting perimeter, including front and rear door panels and sidewalls.

Abstract: A camouflage net, in particular for covering persons and articles in the desert against detection in a thermal image, has a knitted fabric with a hole structure. The knitted fabric in this case has condensed and/or sealed-off regions.

Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilever beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilever beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut or otherwise secured over the entire structure.

Abstract: A sun shielding device to protect the head and neck of the user from the sun when lying prone on a relatively flat surface comprising a structural frame having a base support beam and two sides, and a cover means affixed to said structural frame.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting merchandise on a paved surface which employs permanently installed anchors each having a vertical sleeve. Poles of common height are inserted within the sleeves of the anchors in a manner defining a three dimensional merchandising region. The tops of the poles are interconnected by tensioned cable assemblies from which informational signage is suspended and retained by lower disposed retainer tensioned cables. Merchandising bays are established between mutually adjacent poles and entrance and exit regions are established in conjunction with a shopper aisle. A canopy is supported by poles and anchors over a cash/wrap station at the exit region.

Abstract: A tent skeleton frame assembly includes vertical poles, each of which defines a first side and a second side transverse to the first side, and includes a first vertical rod, a second vertical rod spaced apart from and aligned with the first vertical rod along the first side of a respective one of the vertical poles, a third vertical rod spaced apart from and aligned with the second vertical rod along the second side of the respective one of the vertical poles, and three elongated latticed plates. Each vertical rod is formed with two engaging grooves. Each latticed plate has opposite sides respectively engaging an adjacent pair of the engaging grooves in an adjacent pair of the vertical rods.

Abstract: Claimed is a non-porous, waterproof film having a water vapor permeability of at least 1000 g/m2 day, based on a thermoplastic polyurethane, wherein the polyurethane is composed of a) 40 to 52 wt. % of polyether glycol having an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the range of 2,0 to 4,3, with at least 30 wt. % of the polyurethane being composed of a polyether glycol having an atomic ratio of carbon to oxygen in the range of 2,0 to 2,4, b) 30 to 45 wt. % of polyisocyanate, calculated as 4,4′-diphenyl methane diisocyanate, c) 0,5 to 10 wt. % of araliphatic diol, and d) 5 to 20 wt. % of low-molecular weight chain extender, calculated as 1,4-butane diol, less the amount of araliphatic diol. Also claimed is the use of these films in rainwear, shoes, tents, seats, as mattress covers, as understating, in garments for medical purposes, and for the manufacture thereof of wound dressings.

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.

Abstract: A flexible fabric barrier may be formed to provide an enclosure for buildings and other structures to protect the structures from the effects of windstorms. The barrier is mounted to the building or structure by a track system that has a cleat with an elongated channel. A series of slides are dimensioned to move within the channel about turns in the channel and under side loads. Each of the slides has a D-ring slidably mounted thereon. The D-ring is connected to the barrier. The barrier may be stacked in a folded position with the slides in close proximity with each other and deployed by moving the slides along the channel to form an enclosure.

Abstract: A novel airplane shelter provides a plurality of arched vertical support members arranged axially along a line corresponding to the fuselage of an airplane to be sheltered. A cantilevered beam is attached to the apex of each arched vertical support member, forming a “spine” along the top of the aligned arched support members. The cantilevered beam is attached at one end to the rearwardmost arched support member, and the opposite end extends forwardly past the forwardmost arched support member to a point corresponding to the forwardmost point of an airplane to be sheltered. Separate lateral support members are placed at points corresponding to the wingtips of the airplane. The result is an open frame that defines a volume capable of enclosing an airplane. A covering material is placed over the open frame and stretched taut over the entire structure.

Abstract: An insolation regulation, modulation and distribution device includes a support structure (1) for a cover for the space to be protected from the sun and control elements for moving the cover periodically in the plane thereof. The cover comprises at least one layer (2) which is provided with at least two types of zones (3, 4) having different light transmission properties, the distribution of which is predetermined.

Abstract: A tent is provided with an inflatable support structure having a manually operated inflation pump associated with the inflatable support structure and the tent. The pump is fixedly attached to the tent such that the tent and the pump form a single, integrated unit. The pump is preferably movable between a storage position and a use position. While in the storage position, the pump is also preferably is hidden or camouflaged by the tent environment. The tent structure may also be enhanced with sound capabilities for increasing enjoyment and use of the tent.

Abstract: A durable, secure small storage device that protects small vehicles from the elements and theft, as well as provides a platform upon which sponsors can advertise. Sponsors can include any entity that seeks to advertise or convey a specialized message such as corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, or governmental entities. The storage device includes a frame having a cross rod component and an upwardly extending rod component for laterally supporting a vehicle. A rigid shell is pivotally connected to the frame at the cross rod component and provides shelter and protection for the vehicle stored inside. The invention further includes an advertising means for displaying advertisements of sponsors. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing site owners with such small vehicle storage devices at little or no cost using funds received from advertisers in return for advertising space in conjunction with the devices.

Abstract: In the present invention an inflatable tent comprising a pliable base is connected to a pliable shell. An inflatable support rib is connected to the pliable shell, and a support frame is connected to the pliable shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying a sheet material over an object, such as a load on a flatbed trailer. The apparatus is adapted to be mounted onto a forklift. The apparatus includes a framework having a tray portion, and a plurality of first rollers rotatably coupled to the tray portion. The apparatus further includes a drive system for automatically rotating the plurality of first rollers in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions to load the sheet material onto and out of the tray portion. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a second set of rollers rotatably coupled to the tray portion. The plurality of second rollers are located adjacent to and in parallel with the plurality of first rollers so that the rotation of the first rollers causes the rotation of the second rollers to cooperatively feed a sheet material onto and out of the tray portion.

Abstract: A shelter apparatus comprises an open box base member having a bottom panel and a peripheral, box side wall. A front and a rear shelter walls are removeably engaged in spaced apart vertical slots on the inside of the box side wall. A tension beam is engaged with, and extends between the front and rear shelter walls for rigidity. A fabric cover is extensive between opposing portions of the box side wall and is draped over and supported by the shelter walls. The fabric cover is joined with the front and rear shelter walls and the box side wall by a surface fastening means so that the box side wall, the front and rear shelter walls and the fabric cover enclose a space for a pet. The same elements may be stored within the box base member and secured by the tension beam.

Abstract: A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.

Abstract: A durable, secure small storage device that protects small vehicles from the elements and theft, as well as provides a platform upon which sponsors can advertise. Sponsors can include any entity that seeks to advertise or convey a specialized message such as corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, or governmental entities. The storage device includes a frame having a cross rod component and an upwardly extending rod component for laterally supporting a vehicle. A rigid shell is pivotally connected to the frame at the cross rod component and provides shelter and protection for the vehicle stored inside. The invention further includes an advertising means for displaying advertisements of sponsors. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing site owners with such small vehicle storage devices at little or no cost using funds received from advertisers in return for advertising space in conjunction with the devices.

Abstract: An inflatable temporary work shelter. In one embodiment, the shelter has an inflatable framework and a covering material. In a second embodiment the shelter could be formed of inflatable panels. The shelter includes a spine formed between two separate bearing frame members which, on inflation, contact each other. When inflated, for example, from a position beneath a structure such as an aeroplane wing suspending an engine pod by a pylon, the shelter will initially impinge against the engine pod and because the shelter is not fully inflated the spine will open and allow the shelter to continue to rise until fully inflated when the spine will be light on the pylon and the shelter will contain the engine.

Abstract: A Method for roofing a lightweight construction, comprises the steps of fastening a prefabricated trellis of metal wires to an upper frame of said light-weight construction, so that said trellis spans over an area of said lightweight construction, and putting a sheeting material on said trellis.

Abstract: A canopy assembly for sheltering a drive-up ordering station of a fast food restaurant can pivot out of the way when impacted by a vehicle and return automatically to a centered position. A centering feature mounted to a column supporting a roof structure engages a pivotal coupler to bias the roof to a center position. This feature includes a pivot post assembly extending across the cavity and through a pair of helical slots in the coupler. When a leading end of the roof assembly is struck by a vehicle, the coupler is rotated and the pivot post engages the slots so that the coupler translates upward. The coupler is biased by gravity to a centered position in which the top ends of the slots rest on the pivot post.

Abstract: A flexible blast curtain will reduce casualties and property damage in the event of a terrorist bombing by intercepting flying debris and dissipating over pressure through deflection of the curtain. The blast curtain may be attached directly to buildings or mounted on frames anchored in close proximity to buildings. The curtain provides complete visibility and easy pedestrian ingress and egress for the buildings.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting merchandise on a paved surface which employs permanently installed anchors each having a vertical sleeve. Poles of common height are inserted within the sleeves of the anchors in a manner defining a three dimensional merchandising region. The tops of the poles are interconnected by tensioned cable assemblies from which informational signage is suspended and retained by lower disposed retainer tensioned cables. Merchandising bays are established between mutually adjacent poles and entrance and exit regions are established in conjunction with a shopper aisle. A canopy is supported by poles and anchors over a cash/wrap station at the exit region.

Abstract: A connector connects the end segments of one or more poles and a flexible membrane to form a tent, canopy, kite or other flexible shelter or non-shelter structure. The connector has a first and a second body section that are adapted to mate via loosely coupled threads in one adaptation. A portion of a flexible membrane is retained between the two body sections. The first body section has an open end and is adapted to engage an end segment of a pole. The second body section is adapted to be fitted with a ring, hook, or other structure to which a guy wire, rope, or other pole may be connected.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the portable carport 10 comprises small diameter longitudinal members 14, large diameter longitudinal members 15, fixed lateral members 20, small diameter vertical legs 25, large diameter vertical legs 26, waterproof covering material 27, anchoring members 31, t-joints 40, and flexible removable rods 50. All components are assembled so as to shelter a typical vehicle 12.

Abstract: A durable, secure small storage device that protects small vehicles from the elements and theft, as well as provides a platform upon which sponsors can advertise. Sponsors can include any entity that seeks to advertise or convey a specialized message such as corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, or governmental entities. The storage device includes a frame having a cross rod component and an upwardly extending rod component for laterally supporting a vehicle. A rigid shell is pivotally connected to the frame at the cross rod component and provides shelter and protection for the vehicle stored inside. The invention further includes an advertising means for displaying advertisements of sponsors. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing site owners with such small vehicle storage devices at little or no cost using funds received from advertisers in return for advertising space in conjunction with the devices.

Abstract: A tent comprising: a) a fabric covering including a plurality of longitudinal walls and end walls, wherein a first longitudinal wall has an opening having around its periphery a panel attachment means and wherein said longitudinal walls are sewn to said end walls; b) a support means positioned in proximity to each of said end walls sufficient to cause said longitudinal walls to form a triangle when affixed to a support means; and c) a panel containing a phase change material sufficient to heat said tent's interior when cold and cool said interior when hot.

Abstract: A protective covering device having a weather-resistant sheet of material wound about a spring-loaded roller, which material may be extended off the roller and over an object to be covered in a relatively easy manner, and which material may then be spring-assisted back onto the roller during the uncovering of such object. The spring-loaded roller is positioned with a housing that is either anchored to the same surface on which the object to be covered is positioned, or is mountable to a vertically-oriented surface located near one end of the object to be covered. The opposite end of the cover has a four-point multiple curved contour configuration to provide better wrapping both on the storage roller and about the end of a vehicle to be covered. Elastic attachments between the cover and the draw bar serve to draw it over the vehicle and provide convenient and efficient wrapping of the cover about the end of the vehicle.

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

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

Abstract: A canopy assembly for sheltering a drive-up ordering station of a fast food restaurant can pivot out of the way when impacted by a vehicle and return automatically to a centered position. A centering feature mounted to a column supporting a roof structure engages a pivotal coupler to bias the roof to a center position. This feature includes a pivot post assembly extending across the cavity and through a pair of helical slots in the coupler. When a leading end of the roof assembly is struck by a vehicle, the coupler is rotated and the pivot post engages the slots so that the coupler translates upward. The coupler is biased by gravity to a centered position in which the top ends of the slots rest on the pivot post.

Abstract: A tent comprising: a) a fabric covering including a plurality of longitudinal walls and end walls, wherein a first longitudinal wall has an opening having around its periphery a panel attachment means and wherein said longitudinal walls are sewn to said end walls; b) a support means positioned in proximity to each of said end walls sufficient to cause said longitudinal walls to form a triangle when affixed to a support means; and c) a panel containing a phase change material sufficient to heat said tent's interior when cold and cool said interior when hot.

Abstract: This invention comprises a parked vehicle shade device called an auto sun buffer zone, which provides a buffer zone to keep the vehicle cool when parked outdoors under the sun. The shade device covers the top, front windshield, rear window, side windows, trunk and hood (all the upper surfaces) of the vehicle. A space (buffer zone) is provided between the top of the vehicle and the shade device, which provides a zone through which air can pass, which is more effective in cooling. The shade device provides protection to occupants in a parked vehicle sitting in the sun, and to the interior and exterior of an unoccupied vehicle.

Abstract: A plastic resin hutch has rigid ends spanned by a flexible cover disposed in grooves along the inside perimeter of the rigid ends. In one embodiment, the flexible cover is supported by metal rods attached to the rigid ends. In another embodiment, the cover is supported at the top by a channel and at the bottom by a radius both formed by flexing the cover along longitudinal kerf grooves on one side of the cover. The rigid ends are formed by a twin-sheet vacuum thermo-forming, blow molding or roto-molding process so as to include a door panel. The door panel includes a door that is partially cut free from the door panel so as to be integrally hinged to the door panel. The resin hutch may be transported in two shipping packages within the weight and size restrictions of common commercial couriers.

Abstract: A joining system for tubular members which uses attaching members and stabilizing members. The stabilizing members are a ring like shape having a plurality of grooves. The attaching members are generally a bolt and wing nut combination. One tubular member is attached to another tubular member by a groove in a stabilizing member being positioned against a first tubular member, another groove of the stabilizing member being positioned against a second tubular member at a desired angle. The attaching member is positioned through holes in the tubular members and stabilizing members. Two wing nut wrenches for attaching tubular members to each other are also disclosed. One wing nut wrench has a variation in which it is used as a petcock wrench. Two jig systems for holding tubular members in place while holes are drilled therethrough are also disclosed, as is a method for joining tubular members.

Abstract: The present odor-inhibiting enclosure includes a layer with an odor mitigating substance and an optional outer layer to prevent game animals from detecting human and human related odors. The odor inhibiting substance may adsorb odiferous substances, inhibit the formation of odiferous substances, or perform both functions. Embodiments of the present odor-inhibiting enclosure include hunting blinds, tent-like structures, and mantles. The latter embodiment may be used to envelope objects such as vehicles and supplies, which would otherwise emit odors, the odors detected by game animals.

Abstract: The present invention is a netting system (10) for use with bleachers and grandstands (11) to prevent children, persons, and debris from falling to the ground. A first end (12a) of a net (12) is operatively connected to a cable (18) proximate an attachment point (11a) proximate the top of the bleachers (11). Then, a second end (12b) of the net (12) is passed over the understructure (11c) of the bleachers (11) and then operatively connected to a cable (25) proximate an attachment point (11b) proximate the bottom of the bleachers (11).

Abstract: A multiple peak tent (1) structure which is mechanically simple and easy to assemble. The tent structure of this invention can span relatively large areas without inhibiting mobility under the tent through the use of ground extending support poles. The canopy (3) of the multiple peak tent (1) structure is supported by multiple masts (8) resting on a cable network (11). The cable network (11) is attached to the upper corners of the frame structure resulting in a tent having no supporting poles that extend to the ground in the covered area. The multiple peak tent (1) structure may be expanded modularly to span larger areas.

Abstract: A large multi-level tent that has an interior divided into two levels. The tent is a ¾ sphere that is supported by shaped tubes, a set of braces, and a top band. The platform has polyvinylchloride (PVC) posts to secure the platform to the ground. Each post extends upward to the full desired height for a two level living space. Metal brackets are secured to the vertical posts at each floor location. These brackets hold 2×4 horizontal wooden frame members. The frame members are reinforced with additional wood framing, similar to deck construction. Each deck is then covered with plywood sheathing to form a “floor” surface. After the platform is built, the tent is constructed around it. The tent has frame, which is covered by a canvas outer covering that is attached to all the tent frame elements.

Abstract: The present invention is an enclosure for sheltering a small aircraft, and provides an arcuate roof frame supported by a base frame. The roof frame has a fixed roof portion engaging a movable roof portion and a hydraulic system for adjusting the position of the movable roof. The fixed and movable roof portions are mutually engaged by a hinge system enabling vertical arcuate motion of the movable roof portion relative to the fixed roof portion. A fabric or thin sheet material cover is mounted over the fixed and the movable roofs so as to protect an aircraft stored within the shelter.

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

Abstract: An orchard tent folding structure comprises two frame sets and a shelter member having a plurality of tubular members and a plastic cloth. The frame sets comprise a rod member which is provided with a power source to drive the rod member to turn, a sprocket wheel and a slide wheel linked with the sprocket wheel by a chain member. The sprocket wheel turns along with the rod member. The chain member is formed of a chain section and a steel cable section. The shelter member is fastened at one side with the chain section, and at other side with a first steel cable and a second steel cable of the frame sets.

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

Abstract: A sun shade, for use by an individual in blocking the sun from the face and head of that individual, in conjunction with an article of outdoor furniture having a furniture member. The sun shade comprises a blocking panel, a clamp for attaching to the furniture member, and a extendible arm for positioning the blocking panel between. the face of the individual and the sun. The blocking panel includes a pair of blocking panel frame members which are selectively bowed outward to stretch a stretchable fabric panel therebetween to define the blocking panel, and selectively straighten to allow for storage of the sun shade while the stretchable fabric folds therebetween.

Abstract: A power sphere preferably used as part of a nanosatellite is formed using a plurality of flat panels solar arrays interconnected together by rotating hinges to approximate a spherical shape for use as an enclosure of a payload. The solar array panels are supported by an extending internal strut. The spherical shape provides attitude insensitive solar energy collection and heat radiation.

Abstract: A protective covering device having a weather-resistant sheet of material wound about a spring-loaded roller, which material may be extended off the roller and over an object to be covered in a relatively easy manner, and which material may then be spring-assisted back onto the roller during the uncovering of such object. Simple air buffered deceleration of the cover as it settles over the object to be covered is designed into the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A modular tent system that supports a number of detachable, weatherproof, self-supporting living quarter or storage pods. In a wall tent configuration, a primary tent is supported from a tubular framework. Each pod mounts to a covered access port of the primary tent. Each pod includes a separate support framework, side walls, floor and roof. Fasteners bordering the peripheral edges of the pod door flap and access port flap interconnect and secure the pod to the walls of the primary tent. Separate fasteners at the pod door flap and access port flap independently control access to the living space of the primary tent.

Abstract: A drive under new automotive hail protection roof hip-and-valley cable-tension type canopy is formed by a rectangular grid pattern of rigid post assemblies joined at their upper ends by longitudinally, transversely and diagonally extending cables forming a coextensive fabric roof support.