Abstract: A retractable sun shade, comprising at least one fabric section affixed to a boom, the boom supported and slideably engaged to a track at an intermediate portion of the boom, the track supported by a frame, and at least one flexible drawing element affixed to the boom at the intermediate portion, for drawing the boom in a first direction along the track to extend the sun shade and for drawing the boom in an opposite direction along the track to retract the sun shade.

Abstract: A method of pulling a sheet of flexible material includes forming a row of a plurality of lengthwise slits in a sheet of material; providing at least one pull device; and providing at least one cable winch. A tubular pull rod is inserted through the plurality of slits. A pull device preferably includes a first pull strap, a second pull strap, a spreader bar and a strap ring. First and second pull devices are positioned near opposing sides of the sheet of material. First and second winches are secured to the floor on one sidewall of the building. The sheet of material is laid on the floor at an opposing sidewall of the building. Cables from the first and second winches are pulled over struts in the building and secured to the first and second pull devices. The sheet of flexible material is pulled to the one sidewall.

Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a container of liquid includes: a drive shaft including a drive pin; an engagement device configured for moving axially on the drive shaft when the drive pin engages the engagement device, the engagement device including at least one first engagement mechanism; and a first engagement hub rotatably mounted to the drive shaft and configured for being driven by the engagement device, the first engagement hub including at least one second engagement mechanism which includes at least one magnet configured for pulling the at least one first engagement mechanism and thereby for facilitating an engagement of the at least one first engagement mechanism with said at least one second engagement mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable canopy assembly includes a recoiling member that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. A mount is attached to the recoiling member and is configured to engage a dwelling surface. A canopy has an attached end, a free end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The attached end extends through the canopy aperture and is attached to the spindle of the recoiling member. The recoiling member retracts the canopy into the recoiling member when the spindle rotates in the first direction. A pair of legs each is pivotally attached to the canopy adjacent to the free end. A pair of side panels each has a fixable end and a hanging end. Each of the first and second lateral edges has one of the fixable ends removably coupled thereto.

Abstract: An electrical equipment rack, such as a computer server rack, with a protective shield to protect the electrical equipment rack and equipment thereon from water damage is described. In general, the shield is constructed of a curved polycarbonate shell fastened to an aluminum frame having arc-shaped end sections attached to spaced elongated side rails. The aluminum frame is attachable to threaded rod hangers of the type that are used in most server rack rooms. Multiple shields may be fastened together end-to-end to increase the length of the overall shield, to extend over the entire length of the server racks or cabinets needed to be protected. Gaskets such as neoprene seals are compressed between shield sections to prevent water from penetrating between the fastened sections. Deployable curtains are fastened to the elongated side rails to further protect the electrical equipment rack from water damage.

Abstract: A retractable umbrella includes an umbrella holder, a retractable tube, a pulling rod, a rainshade screen, and a dripping guide. The umbrella holder is for receiving a regular umbrella and holding water dripped from the regular umbrella. The retractable tube comprises retractable reels, and it is attached on a door frame of a car. Each of the retractable reels is disposed in the retractable tube. The pulling rod is attached to a rim portion of the door accepting frame of the car. The rainshade screen comprises an outer edge, an inner edge, a front edge, and a rear edge. The outer edge is attached to the retractable reels of the retractable tube. The inner edge is attached to the pulling rod. The front edge connects front portions of the inner and outer edges. The rear edge connects rear portions of the inner and outer edges.

Abstract: A retractable umbrella includes a retractable tube, a pulling rod, a rainshade screen, and a drip water collector. The retractable tube comprises retractable reels, and it is attached on a door frame of a car. Each of the retractable reels is disposed in the retractable tube. The pulling rod is attached to a rim portion of the door accepting frame of the car. The rainshade screen comprises an outer edge, an inner edge, a front edge, and a rear edge. The outer edge is attached to the retractable reels of the retractable tube. The inner edge is attached to the pulling rod. The front edge connects front portions of the inner and outer edges. The rear edge connects rear portions of the inner and outer edges. The drip water collector collects water dripped from the rainshade screen, and is disposed at an inner portion of door of the car.

Abstract: A door assembly for use in a shelter, wherein the shelter comprises an outer frame assembly comprising a plurality of intercoupled members forming a coverable structure and a cover for covering the outer frame assembly, wherein the door assembly comprises a door frame comprising a plurality of intercoupled members; and a retractable door arrangement coupled to the door frame, wherein the retractable door arrangement comprises a door comprised of flexible material that can be extended to enclose the shelter or retracted to provide an opening into the shelter; wherein the door assembly does not rigidly connect to the outer frame assembly of the shelter during normal usage thereof. In addition, a shelter system comprising the outer frame assembly, the cover and a door frame comprising a plurality of intercoupled members and a retractable door arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A retractable rain cover is attachable to a golf cart has a rigid frame extending aft from the rear roofline of a golf cart and over a golf bag carried at the rear of the cart. A flexible canopy is movable along the frame from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the stowed position the canopy is contained either rolled up in a housing along the rear roofline or is in a lay flat condition disposed within the footprint of the golf cart roof. In the deployed position the canopy extends along the frame and overlies the golf bag at the rear of the cart. Also, the canopy has a closable opening positioned to align with the upper end of the golf bag when the canopy is in a deployed position thereby permitting direct access through the deployed canopy to any golf club in the bag.

Abstract: A hunter concealment system for effectively concealing a hunter without physically interfering with the hunter. The hunter concealment system includes a frame structure having a plurality of openings, a first rail and a second rail on opposing sides of each opening, a recoil unit attached to an end of each opening, a camouflage sheet retained within the recoil unit, a first connector attached to a handle member of the camouflage sheet, and a second connector attached to the frame for catchably receiving the first connector. The hunter concealment system is positioned over a goose pit or other location for the purpose of selectively concealing the hunter. When the hunter desires, they simply engage the handle member thereby releasing the first connector which allows the recoil unit to automatically draw the camouflage sheet into the recoil unit.

Abstract: A spool for use with a swimming pool cover or with a shade cover. The spool has a roller assembly, and a cover (not shown) may be wound onto the roller assembly or unwound from the assembly. The roller assembly has a pre-tensioned rubber strip that when viewed in transverse cross-section is substantially rectangular in shape and two opposing sides of the rectangle are notched. This strip is tensioned when the cover is unwound from the spool and a locking mechanism retains the cover in a desired unwound position against the tension of the rubber strip.

Abstract: A garden enclosure kit is provided for protecting a planted area from frost and the like. The kit includes a frame structure arranged to be supported on the ground about the planted area. Sheeted material is supported on a roller arranged to be selectively coupled to the frame structure to define an enclosure. The sheeted material includes an elongate main sheet having a coupled end coupled to the roller and a free end arranged to be coupled to the frame structure spaced from the roller for defining a cover extending over the planted area. The sheeted material also includes a plurality of side sheets formed integrally with the main sheet which are arranged to be suspended from respective sides of the main sheet in an extended position of the sheeted material for enclosing the planted area. When the use of the enclosure is no longer required, the side sheets are folded across the main sheet so that the sheeted material may be rolled onto the roller.

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 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 flexible cover is rolled from a second longitudinal edge of a trailer opening, over spanning members, and any load held in the trailer, to an opposite first longitudinal edge. A harness, which may be a "V"-shaped pair of ropes, is mounted to a mid-point along a longitudinal free edge of the flexible cover. The opposite edge of the flexible cover is fixed to the first longitudinal edge of the trailer. The harness is sized so as to be positionable laterally from the second longitudinal edge to the first longitudinal edge of the flexible cover, across, so as to lay on and extend laterally from, an upper surface of the flexible cover when the flexible cover is unrolled so as to be deployed across the trailer opening. When the flexible cover is rolled-up the harness is correspondingly rolled-up in contact with the upper surface of the flexible cover in the storage position.

Abstract: A rain shielding canopy for use with an automobile comprising a housing assembly securely mounted to the roof and windshield pillar of the automobile. The housing assembly accommodates a roll rotatably mounted within the housing, a waterproof cover wound around the roll, and a wind-up spring in operative engagement with the roll such that the waterproof cover extends and retracts from the housing assembly as the door of the vehicle is opened and closed. A mounting strip is fastened to the door which has a plurality of attachment hooks attached thereto. The waterproof cover is provided with a plurality of hook receiving means for releasably engaging with the attachment hooks on the mounting strip. When the rain shielding canopy is properly installed on an automobile, the waterproof cover extends from the housing assembly to protect the area between the door and the vehicle against rain, as the door is opened.

Abstract: Improved veranda tent of the type whereby the winding and unwinding mechanism is provided in a top casing (2) and whereby the deployment lath (8) of the tent cloth (3) can be moved in guides, characterized in that the aforementioned guides each are formed by two parts, namely fixed guides (4-5) and movable guides (6-7), whereby these movable guides (6-7) are movable in lengthwise direction in respect to the fixed guides (4-5) and whereby the movable guides (6-7) are movable in respect to the deployment lath (8).

Abstract: An automatically extendible and retractable awning for a vehicle. Awning material is connected at one end to a recreational vehicle and at the other end to a roller assembly, said roller assembly which is movable between a stored position where the awning material is wrapped around the roller assembly and is positioned adjacent the recreational vehicle and an extended position where the awning material extends away from the recreational vehicle. Mechanism provides energy to the roller assembly to effectuate movement of the roller assembly between the extended and the stored positions. Two support arm assemblies, each being mounted at one end to the recreational vehicle and at the other end to the roller assembly are movable between a stored position where the support arm assemblies are close and generally parallel to the side of the recreational vehicle and an extended position where the support arm assemblies extend away from the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: An automatically extendible and retractable awning for a vehicle. Awning material is connected at one end to a recreational vehicle and at the other end to a roller assembly, said roller assembly which is movable between a stored position where the awning material is wrapped around the roller assembly and is positioned adjacent the recreational vehicle and an extended position where the awning material extends away from the recreational vehicle. Mechanism provides energy to the roller assembly to effectuate movement of the roller assembly between the extended and the stored positions. Two support arm assemblies, each being mounted at one end to the recreational vehicle and at the other end to the roller assembly are movable between a stored position where the support arm assemblies are close and generally parallel to the side of the recreational vehicle and an extended position where the support arm assemblies extend away from the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: An outdoor studio for moderating the effects of direct sunlight to be utilized in camera work comprising a screening apparatus, including at least one panel of a scrim material, a self-supporting frame including a plurality of interconnected frame sections for providing support to the screening apparatus, a means for stabilizing the frame and a means for attaching the edges of the scrim material panel to the frame. One embodiment of the inventive outdoor studio further comprises a platform, which may include interconnected modular platform sections, for supporting and mounting the frame. The frame itself may comprise a boxlike rectangularly shaped frame, an overarching quonset hut like structure, or any other appropriate frame structure. The scrim material which may he hung over and clamped onto and over the frame, or may be rolled out vertically and horizontally between uprights and eaves of the frame, can also be attached to the frame by strings or snaps.

Abstract: A retractable awning for a recreational vehicle slide-out which prevents rain, snow and other debris from collecting on the roof of the slide-out. The awning is provided with an inner edge secured to the adjacent wall of the recreational vehicle immediately above the slide-out roof. The opposite edge of the awning is connected to a roller journaled on arms pivotally mounted on the outer face of the slide-out. A locking mechanism automatically prevents rotation of the roller when the slide-out is in a retracted position to prevent billowing of the awning when the recreational vehicle travels and automatically allows rotation of the roller when the slide-out moves away from the retracted position to wind and unwind the awning onto the roller. The lock mechanism includes a lock arm which blocks rotation of the roller only when the slide-out is in the retracted position so that no operations or manipulations are required by the operator to lock or unlock the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A canopy assembly (10) comprising a canopy fabric (20) and furling means (40) extending between a pair of supports (30). The furling means (40) runs through the canopy fabric such that the canopy may be unfurled from both sides of the furling means simultaneously. Both free corners (22, 24) of the unfurled canopy are tethered to the ground or posts (50) to provide a taut smooth canopy. The tension in the furling means (40) is adjustable such that it remains substantially straight and taut in a furling condition, and in an erected condition may be relaxed to conform to the curved shape of the canopy.

Abstract: An automatically extendible and retractable awning for a vehicle. Awning material is connected at one end to a recreational vehicle and at the other end to a roller assembly, said roller assembly which is movable between a stored position where the awning material is wrapped around the roller assembly and is positioned adjacent the recreational vehicle and an extended position where the awning material extends away from the recreational vehicle. Mechanism provides energy to the roller assembly to effectuate movement of the roller assembly between the extended and the stored positions. Two support arm assemblies, each being mounted at one end to the recreational vehicle and at the other end to the roller assembly are movable between a stored position where the support arm assemblies are close and generally parallel to the side of the recreational vehicle and an extended position where the support arm assemblies extend away from the recreational vehicle.

Abstract: A foldable, adjustable-height, canopy support which can support up to four independent rectangular canopy-segments. The segments are cantilevered from a single mast. All support elements remain interconnected and fold parallel for storing and ease of portage. The support may include integral canopy-segments which retract onto elongated rollers when not in use. A demountable foot having clamps for attaching the bottom end of the mast to a solid object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular building system is adapted for the construction of various temporary and semi-permanent relatively light structures, such as yard storage sheds, greenhouses, gazebos, sun rooms and the like. The system includes various modular framing elements, with base and header plate components each containing a integral roller having an extendible and retractable flexible wall or roof panel respectively attached thereto. Thus, the frame members may be assembled to form the desired structure, with the wall and roof panels being selectively extended from the base and header plate members as desired to close various respective wall or roof portions of the structure as desired. The extendible and retractable wall and roof panels may be formed of transparent, translucent, or opaque thin and flexible sheet materials as desired, either of woven or non-woven materials, metal or plastic screen, etc. The frame components are preferably formed of a plastic such as polyvinyl chloride; other materials may be used.

Abstract: A sunshade arrangement includes first and second pairs of telescopically retractable spaced posts, first and second tubes respectively mounted to upper ends of the first and second pairs of posts, a reel assembly, and a screen. Each post includes a device for controlling telescopical movement.

Abstract: A vehicle shading system has a control system which automatically deploys and retracts an awning for shading a recreational vehicle. Several mechanisms are mounted atop and in the side of the vehicle for providing shade on different areas adjacent to the vehicle as well as on the vehicle itself. In one configuration, shade is simultaneously provided for both one side and one portion of the roof of the vehicle. In another configuration, shade is provided for both sides and the entire roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mechanism for storing an automotive vehicle covering, that includes a reel structure in near adjacency to the vehicle for winding the covering into a compact package. The covering may be pulled off the reel structure and directly onto the vehicle. After placement of the covering on the vehicle the covering is detached from the reel structure. The reel structure can be swung away from the vehicle when necessary to permit use of the space normally occupied by the reel structure.

Abstract: An apparatus including an agricultural planter, including a plurality of rotatable wheel members and an overlying support surface for securing a series of seed containers thereon. The apparatus includes a flexible impermeable cover web extending from a rear end framework member of the planter to overlie the planter and the associated containers. Flexible side flaps are provided preventing moisture and debris from entering the seed containers laterally thereof.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a car comprising a flexible roll-up cover and a positioning arrangement for the cover. The positioning arrangement includes a roller on which the cover can be wound and rear and front sleeves that can be mounted on the car to extend horizontally from side to side above the car at its rear and front ends. Each sleeve slidably receives extension tubes that can be slid out laterally. The flexible cover has a central top segment which extends between the rear and front sleeves, front, back and side flap segments which hang down from the top segment, and an end segment connecting the top segment to the roller so that the entire cover can be wound on the roller. The side flap segments carry straps at their front and rear edges with VELCRO hook-and-loop fastener elements. When the side flap segments hand down the straps attach them to the front and back flap segments.

Abstract: A combination cot and backpack having first and second equal sized rigid frame sections which are hinged together at one end and pivot between a closed position to form a backpack and an open position to form an elevated cot. First and second sheets of flexible material are laced tautly between side portions of the first and second frame sections. A third frame section telescopes out from the second frame section to provide additional length for the cot. The third frame section is covered by a third sheet which unfolds from the second sheet and is held tautly by connectors underneath. The frame sections are made of tubular aluminum and have rigid downwardly extending u-shaped cross portions which provide legs for the elevated cot. Removable elongated storage pouches fit between the hinged frame sections in the closed position. A detachable carrying harness extends from a closure strap with a buckle which extends around the pack to hold it in the closed position.

Abstract: A fire protection device for a structure using a fire resistant sheet material compacted in a folded condition in a housing on the roof of the structure so that when deployed from the housing it can be unfolded to quickly envelop the structure.

Abstract: A device for use in covering an automobile comprises a base frame upon which the front or rear tires of an automobile may be received. A spindle is supported above the base frame to which a flexible automobile cover is mounted. Two rollers are mounted adjacent the spindle through which the cover may be guided, pulled over an automobile with its front or rear tires positioned on the base frame and attached to the end of the automobile located beyond the device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shelter used to protect plants or crops from damage by animals and adverse environmental conditions, which comprises a framework; at least one ridge pole supported by the framework; at least one pulley block supported in the ridge pole; at least one network frame, one side of which is hinged in the framework, the opposite side of which is hoisted by the pulley block; and a water-proof sheet which is supported by and covers and network frame; whereby the water-proof sheet can be hoisted up to the elevated position for cultivating plants and lowered to cover the crops for preventing them from being blown away by wind.

Abstract: A tarp assembly for covering an open top of a truck trailer has a tarp with a longitudinal edge fixed to one side of the trailer. A roll bar secured to the free edge of the tarp is rotated with a crank rod to roll the tarp to an open position and unroll the tarp to a closed position. A hold bar fixed to the free edge of the tarp with a plurality of straps is adapted to engage hooks secured to a side of the trailer to hold the tarp in a closed position. The hooks guide the straps and retain the hold bar in alignment for mutual engagement with the hooks.

Abstract: A shading device capable of compactly storing a flexible shade on a biased, window-shade type spring roller and controlled to deliver the shade selectively to either its operative shading or compact storage orientation.

Abstract: An awning assembly for a travel trailer or a mobile home which includes a flexible awning covering wound on a roller which is rotatable on a fixed shaft carried by a supporting frame, includes a latch apparatus comprising a cylindrical end plate rotatable with the roller and closing one end thereof, and a cap disposed adjacent to the end plate and fixed to the frame and the shaft. The end plate has a cylindrical portion coaxial with the shaft which projects toward the cap and defines a cavity having a plurality of equiangularly spaced-apart keeper recesses around the perimeter thereof. A latch handle pivots on the cap about an axis parallel to the shaft and carries a latch pin which extends parallel to the shaft for movement with the handle between a latching position disposed in one of the keeper recesses to latch the roller against rotation and an unlatching position disposed in the cavity but out of the recesses to accommodate free rotation of the roller.

Abstract: A tent-like enclosure includes as the supporting frame a generally circular frame member pivotably mounted to and held within a generally U-shaped main frame member, both frame members being constructed of a plurality of flexible, resilient rods held in end-to-end relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus for drawing taut a cover sheet over a box opening such as a truck box or a walled building of rectangular plan form provides stop members mounted on a longer sidewall presenting stop surfaces spaced below a longitudinal edge, the surfaces forming a socket for captively seating a tubular or bar shaped roller to which the sheet is tangentially attached. The sheet is fully unwound from the roller in covering the opening, and an overhanging sheet portion is tensioned by a fractional turn of the roller additionally in the unwinding direction, causing the roller to press upwardly against a stop surface engaging the top of the roller and to press inwarldy against a stop surface, with the overhanging portion disposed as a rain-shedding eaves maintaining a seal at the longitudinal edge and terminating under a clamp tangent to the roller.

Abstract: A projecting structure (1) with at least two articulated stretching arms (17, 18) which can be adjustably tilted, for wind up tents, particularly sunshade tents, comprising an attachment or supporting bar (2) secured to the wall through adjustable brackets (3), a roller (13) for winding up the tent sheet (T), with a respective control winch (14), said roller being supported on the bar (2) parallel thereto between end supports (15) keyed and secured to the ends of said bar, said bar having slidably mounted thereon square-shaped support and articulation hubs (16), one for each of said articulated arms which stretch the tent sheet (T). The structure is characterized in that each of said square-shaped hubs (16) comprises an attachment hinge body (22) which is hinged, on one hand, to said hub co-axially with the square-shaped bar mounted therein and, on the other hand, to the carrier arm (17) of the respective pivoted stretching arm (17, 18) around an associated pivot (25).

Abstract: A tent structure of light-weight reinforced plastic sheet covers the hatch of a barge for weather protection of contents. The cover is stored in compact form aboard the barge for quick erection by a winch system when use is required. The array is secured over the coaming by fastening the cover to the deck at a series of positions with claw hook and chain assemblies. By erecting stored ridge poles to extend above the coaming, the cover thereover provides a pup-tent form which sheds water as a roof, permits loading above the coaming level, and permits loading or unloading in foul weather from the side. Very light-weight reinforced plastic permits a low cost throw-away type assembly with little manpower necessary for erection and produces maximum cargo capacity pay-load and lower maintenance cost by replacement of heavier steel hatch covers.