Abstract: An awning keder includes an awning bead extending along a length of the keder that is sized for insertion into a keder rail, and a connecting panel coupled with the awning bead and extending along the length of the keder. The awning bead and the connecting panel are integrated into a one-piece keder. The one-piece component does not require additional assembly or alteration before welding onto a vinyl canopy, thereby cutting down on production time. The keder is also more durable and less susceptible to expansion or shrinkage resulting from environmental changes.

Abstract: Provided is a hybrid shelter comprising multiple rigid panels or panel sections comprising a floor section, a roof section, two side-wall sections, and two end-wall sections; a water-resistant soft-shell; and a case. The shelter is transitionable between an expanded configuration in which the side-wall sections and the end-wall sections are vertical and perpendicular to the floor section and a collapsed configuration in which the rigid panels and the soft-shell are folded or hinged and fully enclosed in the case. The soft-shell covers one or both sides of the roof section, the side-wall sections and the end-wall sections of the rigid panels in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A rack system including a rail assembly, a leg assembly and a vehicle assembly is disclosed. The rail assembly includes load support rails secured to a roof of a vehicle. The load support rails receive legs therein. The legs extend towards a ground surface. The legs include a telescopic portion which extends until the vehicle roof is elevated off of the vehicle. The legs are defined by a top leg portion and a bottom leg portion that are interconnected with a hinge. Once the legs are extended enough to elevate the roof from the vehicle, the vehicle can be operated while the rack system is left self-standing and self-supported.

Abstract: A spacer device for use in mounting an awning bracket to the side of a building having horizontally disposed and overlapping siding members. The spacer includes an upstanding rectangular plate having an upper end, a lower end, a first side edge, a second side edge, an inner side and an outer side. An upper screw opening is formed in the rectangular plate below the upper end thereof. A lower screw opening is formed in the rectangular plate above the lower end thereof. An upper hollow cylindrical shim extends from the inner side of the rectangular plate so that the interior thereof registers with the upper screw opening in the rectangular plate. A lower hollow cylindrical shim extends from the inner side of the rectangular plate so that the interior thereof registers with the lower screw opening in the rectangular plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tent for a vehicle, the tent comprising: a body frame connected to the vehicle and defining an interior space; at least one door introducing the interior space, the door comprising: a door frame; a first board located on one side of the door frame, and a second board located on the other side of the door frame, and wherein the first and the second board are connected to each other via a connecting member over one edge of the door frame, and wherein the first board comprises a first subboard, a second subboard, and a first tent cloth connecting between the first and the second subboard along the edge of the first and the second subboard.

Abstract: In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly configured to cover a barbecue grill, including a cover including an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section is configured to selectively cover and uncover a hood of the barbecue grill, wherein an inner surface of the upper section includes a loop; a stand including a hook, wherein the hook is configured to hold the loop such that the stand supports the upper section.

Abstract: A vehicle having a deployable workout assembly. The vehicle includes a frame that is slidably attached to the upper surface thereof. The frame includes a pair of support legs for supporting the longitudinal members aloft. The assembly further includes one or more crossbars extending across the members, which can be utilized for pull-ups and other such exercises. The support legs include one or more sets of spotters thereon, which can be utilized to support barbells and other such objects. In combination, the vehicle provides a mobile fitness center that can be deployed, utilized for exercise, and then stowed with minimal time and effort. The vehicle can additionally include various storage containers within the interior of the cargo area for storing weights and other objects.

Abstract: A self-contained shelter that may be used for survival purposes or recreational activities includes a number of floor panels, a number of which form an enclosure, which may be held together by one or more straps. Inside the enclosure are several more floor panels, an inflatable tent, and life-supporting accessories. The shelter, when the enclosure is secured, may be airdropped or trucked into an area that may have experienced a recent disaster, such as flooding, hurricanes, or earthquakes. For recreational purposes, the shelter may be placed in a motor vehicle. When the straps are released, the floor panels may be attached along their edges to each other to form a raised floor that is placed on a surface. A raised floor provides a buffer between the user of the shelter and the surface, which may be wet or muddy. The tent is inflated and attached to the floor and is supported by external beams and internal braces. The tent forms an air chamber that provides insulation from the outside.

Abstract: A method for disassembling and packaging the canopy in a container, wherein the length of the container is 25% shorter than the length of each of the upright assemblies. To accommodate the shortened length, the width and/or the height of the container may be increased as necessary to still house all of the components of the canopy. Preferably, the length of the container is sufficiently short to accommodate placing the container in a traditional sedan automobile trunk.

Abstract: A portable barrier apparatus is disclosed in this specification defining a multi-sectioned barrier for protection against wind and sand in various outdoor environments. Additionally the barrier may assembled and used as a child or pet restraint enclosure, a privacy barrier, or a temporary personal effect storage site. The apparatus includes a connected plurality of flexible barrier panel members which may be supported in an upright manner with a plurality of pole members. The apparatus further includes a protective panel member which generally covers the barrier panel members in an undeployed configuration. The invention provides a compact transport-configured package for user carrying of the barrier.

Abstract: A portable shelter is provided including a frame having a base and a collapsible upper portion. A cover is removably mounted on the upper portion of the frame. A pair of shoulder straps are each coupled to the base of the frame for allowing the same to be worn on a back of a user. Next provided is a bag mounted on the base for receiving the cover.

Abstract: A two layers half automatic foldable tent is comprised of a framework, an umbrella surface, and a tent cloth. The framework is enclosed on the outside of the tent, while the umbrella surface is expanded on the framework above the tent cloth, wherein the framework is presented as an expanding structure. The opening and closing of the umbrella frame is completed by a controlling rope. Any user may easily install the tent, the lower primary frame of the umbrella frame may be folded upwards as the framework is closed, thus it may be stored conveniently and may be carried. Another, since in the present invention, the umbrella surface and tent cloth are designed as the two layers type thus the sunlight, rain water and snow will not contact the tent directly, and the people within the tent will be safe and comfortable and the lifetime of a tent is prolonged.

Abstract: A self containing enclosure for protection from killer bees comprising an enclosure formed of a flexible transparent plastic material selected from the class of plastic materials. The enclosure is positionable about a vertically extending axis and has an oval cross sectional configuration. A circular aperture is formed in the upper half of the enclosure. A mesh is positioned in the aperture for allowing a user inside the enclosure to see therethrough and to breath therethrough. An opening is formed in the enclosure along a vertical extent thereof. The opening is provided with pile type fasteners adjacent to the opposite edges for overlapping and coupling therewith allowing a user to enter and exit.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating igloo and like structures comprising an inflatable form of a flexible air-impervious plastic having a base component, a roof component, and cylindrically shaped side walls with associated valve to inflate and deflate the form. The form is utilized with a chimney to create an igloo structure. During transport the form can be stored in a tubular canister and, along with the chimney, carried within a backpack.

Abstract: A sunshade comprising a plurality of U-shaped bails, pivotally joined together at each end by a plastic joint. A fabric web ensheathes the bails and creates a shade-providing canopy when the bails are spread apart from each other in fan-like fashion. A framing bail frames a fabric sleeve and provides means for supporting the sunshade in an upright position. The sleeve non-mechanically engages the sunshade to the back portion of a chair. A cover, that extends beyond the sleeve, is used when the portable sunshade is in a folded disposition. The ends of the cover are fastened together to keep the sunshade clamped shut. A strap is provided for ease of carrying the portable sunshade.

Abstract: The present invention is a complete self-contained portable blind used to conceal a hunter, nature photographer, or nature watcher. The blind is configured such that it fits within an easily carried storage container.

Abstract: A portable collapsible shelter for use at sporting events and the like includes a rectangular flexible enclosure having a viewing window in one wall thereof. The enclosure is supported by a frame which includes a central, hollow, telescoping support pole. The telescoping support pole permits the height of the shelter to be adjusted. When not in use, the entire shelter may be transported and stored within the telescoping support pole. In a second embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a vertical support pole and a plurality of ribs hinged for movement from a collapsed position alongside the pole to an extended position nearly perpendicular to the pole. The enclosure is left in place over the frame when the ribs are collapsed, and folded into a compact storage packet which is secured with a fastening band.

Abstract: A self-contained temporary shelter comprising an expandable/collapsible sleeping compartment for use in conjunction with a vehicle is described. The temporary shelter is accessible through the interior rear of the vehicle. The sleeping compartment comprises a collapsible/extendable canopy covering and a collapsible/expandable support structure. Said compartment, during non-use, is collapsed and housed in a manually removable container and use thereof requires no material modification to the vehicle. Dust and rain covers are disclosed which attach to the vehicle and comprise protective enclosure for open portals of the vehicle. The sleeping compartment when in the as used, extended or open position is supported at the distal end by terrain engaging columns and defines a sleeping area.

Abstract: A tent-hammock combination, in which up to five separate structures may be formed. The first is a hammock, the second is a hanging pup tent with the hammock serving as the floor of the tent, the third a lean-to, the fourth a ground pup tent, and the fifth a family-sized tent made by transforming and joining two group pup tents. The transition from ground pup tent to either the lean-to or family-sized tent is achieved by disconnecting the rear wall of the tent or pair of tents and pivoting its upwardly. In the lean-to version, the rear wall is pivoted until it is horizontal. In the family-sized tent, the rear wall is pivoted until it forms one continuous planar surface with the front wall, after which two such transformed tents are joined to form the large, family-sized tent. In the family-sized tent, two trianagular material inserts are used to fill in the vacant volume formed in each tent when the tent's rear wall has been pivoted upwardly.

Abstract: A fold-up umbrella is disclosed as including a telescoping tubular standard centrally supporting a flexible cover made of panels arranged in a circular pattern, ribs mounted on the standard and carrying the panels, a pivoted device adjustable to spread out the ribs and panels in a pattern varying between 180.degree. to 360.degree..

Abstract: A collapsibe tent for mounting on the roof of an automotive vehicle or other surface includes a two-piece foldable platform, a collapsible frame, and a tent cover which is drawn into a tubular form resembling the top of a Conestoga wagon when the platform is unfolded and the frame erected. The frame includes a front support arch and a rear support arch, each of which is pivotable from a horizontal position parallel to the platform to a vertical position perpendicular to the platform. When the arches are in the vertical position, each leg of the arch is automatically and releasably locked into place by means of a compression spring which is carried on the mounting pin which connects that leg to the platform and which biasingly urges the leg into a notch in the sidewall of the platform when the leg is in a vertical position.

Abstract: A portable shelter structure (10) of variable size consisting of an even number of individual, folding, modular units (12) which, in their folded condition, serve as shipping containers for the shelter. Rigid floor and rigid sidewall sections (22, 28) are hinged (24) along an adjacent edge allowing rotation of the sidewall section from a closed position to an upright position so that the sidewall is substantially perpendicular. Collapsible roof support beams (72) and flexible, collapsible roof covering units (14) are stored in a cavity created between the floor (22) and sidewall (28) sections when they are in their closed state. Collapsible end walls (16) having a door structure (17) therein can be stored in the modular unit cavity or in a separate vestibule packing unit (18) which attaches to the end wall as a separate closed space outside the end wall door.

Abstract: A dome-shaped shelter of a plurality of water-proof foldable light-weight panels. Each panel is of three sections, trapezoidal base and middle sections and a truncated triangular top section with a transverse seam joining the sections. Each foldable panel has lateral flanges on each side. The flange along one side is flat and vertical while the flange on the other side is of an inverted U-shape, so that it can loop over the flat vertical flange on the adjacent panel and a sping clip holding the flanges together. Apertures in the panels form doors or windows therein.

Abstract: A canopy for use on a vehicle such as a boat, tractor or the like is provided which is collapsable from an upright position to a collapsed position when the canopy strikes an object and which is conveniently detached from the vehicle and configured to a portable carrying position. The canopy preferably includes two U-shaped support members pivotally intercoupled at the ends thereof and adapted for a coupling with the side rails of the vehicle; a tarpaulin spanning the area between the cross bars of the members; and rubber straps coupled with the members and adapted for slidably coupling with the side rails. The canopy is configured so that when it is in an upright position on the vehicle and strikes an object, the canopy will collapse thereby preventing damage to the canopy, the vehicle, or an occupant. The canopy can also be placed in a storage position for convenient carrying.

Abstract: A collapsible tent structure in combination with a foldable storage case designed for mounting on the top of a vehicle. The storage case also provides for the base or floor structure of the tent, the tent including a plurality of frame members which are hingedly mounted within the storage case. When the case is spread open horizontally, the frame members are locked into a vertical position to support a tent cover. The tent is erected while mounted on top of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wind shelter device having flexible frame and pane portions which are supported upright by a plurality of detachable ballast containers. Included is a storage tube for receiving the shelter having the ballast containers acting as end caps for the tube.

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.