Abstract: The present invention relates to an on-site mobile facility for shielding from wind exerting a wind load on the facility, rain or snow when constructing, renovating or assembling a building, a bridge or a wind turbine, the on-site mobile facility covering an area having boundaries and corners, comprising: a plurality of modules, each module having a module roof structure, the module roof structures being mounted as a facility roof structure connecting horizontal beams of the module roof structures, the facility roof structure having edges and the horizontal beams defining the edges which are supported by legs, the legs and the beams defining side areas, the side areas being covered by a shielding arrangement, the shielding arrangement of the side area comprising elongated elements, and cover material, such as tarpaulin, being arranged between the elements and connected therewith, wherein the on-site mobile facility further comprises a guide system for guiding the shielding arrangement of the side area, the gu

Abstract: Protection system for the mechanized covering of plant crops which are usually planted in rows, of the type in which vertical poles (1) are arranged along the rows and have heights greater than those of the crowns of the plants to be protected, the poles being interconnected by longitudinal (3) and transverse (2) cables to form an overhead supporting lattice roof structure, the system comprising means for mechanizing the steps of extending flexible protective sheets (4) over the roof structure and removing them therefrom, characterized in that: the poles (1) are in a staggered or grid arrangement such that they are transversely aligned in even-numbered rows (F2, F4, etc.) only and in odd-numbered rows (F1, F3, etc.

Abstract: A solar shade includes a rigid frame, a flexible cover, and a supporting member to shade a portable enclosure. The solar shade provides cover to an area beyond a footprint of the portable enclosure and does not require attachment to the ground. When attached to a portable enclosure, the solar shade enables unobstructed movement around a perimeter of the portable structure by virtue of not attaching to the ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lightweight housing module comprising at least one stretched fabric intended to form the roof of said module and fixed along its lower edge on a rigid frame maintained at a distance from the ground by a plurality of lateral posts, remarkable in that it comprises vertical panels and/or opening frames in order to close in a substantially sealed manner its vertical facades and a false ceiling arranged in order to be arranged under said fabric inside said lightweight housing module and fixed to the frame. This invention also relates to a modular building remarkable in that it comprises a plurality of lightweight housing modules, according to the invention, arranged next to one another, and a system for sealing between the adjacent lightweight housing modules. This invention also relates to their method of assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portico for saddle-shaped tents. The portico includes a drape that is suspended from the saddle-frame of the saddle-shaped tent. The portico also includes a portico-frame that has a horizontal beam, which beam is attached to the lower edge of the drape. The portico-frame may also include posts. In one embodiment of the invention, the portico acts as a joiner to join two adjacent saddle-shaped tents. The invention includes tents and compound tent-structures that incorporate the portico.

Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.

Abstract: A demountable building structure that is readily assembled from a set of components is disclosed. The building structure includes a plurality of arc frame members spaced along a length of the building structure. Each of the arc frame members extends from a first foot portion to a peak, and back to a second foot portion. Each of the arc frame members includes a plurality of beams. Each of the beams includes two opposed flanges. Each of the flanges has two bifurcated ends. The ends define c-shaped rope chases with openings. The building structure further includes bases slidably mateable with the first and second foot portions, and elongate membranes having beaded longitudinal edges. The membranes are stretched between adjacent of the arc frame members. The longitudinal edges are within the rope chases. Spreaders extend between adjacent of the arc frame members for urging apart the arc frame members from each other and for maintaining the membranes in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A wall panel which can be used to provide a lower, more rigid, perimeter wall to an air supported structure. The wall panels may be attached to the earth via a hinged connection to provide for improved ease of raising the air supported structure and to allow for flexing, or may be rigidly attached. The wall panels will generally be modular and interchangeable.

Abstract: A tent frame comprising support frames having side support and roof support members. Spans of the support frames are adjustable perpendicular to a ridge line of the tent frame without substituting structural members of different length. The tent frame is laterally adjusted by adding or removing support frames or by altering the distance between individual support frames. The tent frame is adaptable on uneven terrain and is capable of following irregular ground contour without delay in erection or changes in length and details in the structural members. A canopy can be provided overtop of the tent frame, or on the inside of the tent frame so that adjustments to the span do not require adjustment to the canopy size. The canopy is removably attached to the frame to cover the whole area or only partially cover the area under the tent, or can be removed fully.

Abstract: A swimming pool gap securement assembly prevents the accessibility of persons, animals or other objects into swimming pools, because of gaps left between the edges of a swimming pool cover and the surfaces of vertically rising decorative landscape obstructions associated therewith. The assembly provides one or more protective extensions of a swimming pool cover which covers any gaps present when a swimming pool cover encounters these vertically rising obstructions. These panels, one for each gap encountered, are generally of triangular shape, of the same fabric as the main pool cover or any other pool cover materials, and are sewn into, or otherwise attached to, the reinforced webbing at the edge of the pool cover. The lower horizontal edge and the vertical end edge of the wing extension panel have an attached edge strip with a linear array of holes engageable with one or more anchors imbedded into the deck or on the side of the obstruction itself.

Abstract: This invention concerns a structural sky roof which allows structure complexes composed of one or several houses, parks, gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, shopping malls, parking lots, school-like structures to be protected against all adverse atmospheric effects originating from the sky and which covers all those structures almost like an umbrella.

Abstract: A variable support structure with modular construction includes at least one support structure module, which is bounded by joints (114, 115, 126, 121) of a first joint set that lie in a first surface, and by joints (101, 102, 113, 108) of a second joint set that lie in a second surface, and with at least one joint (109) of a third joint set that lies outside of the first surface. At least some of the joints of the first and second joint sets have a fixable position relative to one another, especially being connectable with one another, by a guide mechanism. The at least one joint (109) of the third joint set is connected with at least two joints (114, 115, 113, 121) of the first and/or second joint set by a connecting element (39, 41, 43, 45) that transmits essentially only tension forces.

Abstract: A lighting unit of a tent includes lamps, wires provided for connecting the lamps to power, and holding trenches formed along lower sides of upper rod portions of a supporting frame of the tent. Each of the holding trenches is made to have a slot narrower than a middle room thereof, and the lamps have a diameter bigger than width of the slot so as not to fall down when held in the trenches. Thus, the lamps are hidden in the holding trenches to not badly affect appearance of the tent. And, light emitting diodes can be used as the lamps to help make the tent attractive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a landfill site covering system. The system comprises a plurality of freely mobile support members (2) with a cable array (20 22, 24) secured to the support members (2) to form a supporting framework. Covering material (26, 28) is attached to thc supporting framework to form an enclosure.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a center post having an upper end to which a crown is mounted. A number of ribs are pivoted to and radially extend from the crown. A runner is movably mounted to the center post. A stretcher is arranged between and pivoted to the runner and each rib. A canopy is attached to and supported by the ribs. An inner threaded member is mounted to the runner. A threaded rod engages the inner threaded member and is coupled to an output spindle of a motor by a reduction gear set whereby the rotation of the motor spindle is transmitted to the rod and the rotation of the rod causes the runner to move thereby opening/closing the umbrella. The motor is controlled by a control circuit that is in turn controlled by a remote control unit.

Abstract: A modular command post system comprised of removable interconnecting truss elements is provided. The modular command post system is configured to provide shelter and infrastructure to support various electronic equipment used by occupants of the command post.

Abstract: An umbrella a fixed ring secured on top of a rod, a middle ring and a lower ring slidably engaged on the rod, a number of main staves having inner ends rotatably securing to the middle ring, a number of upper staves pivotally coupled between the fixed ring and the main staves, and a number of stave supports each having an inner end rotatably coupled to the lower ring and an outer end secured to the middle portion of the main staves. The main staves and the stave supports are made of composite materials for increasing the strength and for reducing the weight of the umbrella.

Abstract: A folding tent frame for collapsible tents includes upright pole sets, fixed couplers, stoppers, movable couplers and traverse frame members. Specifically, each stopper is provided on the uppermost pole of the upright pole set at a position lower than the fixed coupler so as to prevent the lower pole of the upright pole set from moving up beyond the stopper and so that the movable coupler is slidable over the stopper and the lowest pole of the upright pole set, and is kept from moving up beyond the stopper. The lower pole is larger than the upper pole in cross section. The structure of this folding tent frame provides improved strength and stability.

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: Fixing structure for large-size sunshade, including a series of chain elements, a locating seat and a locating pin. The series of chain elements are composed of several identically-sized chain elements looped with each other and tied to a middle section of a sunshade pull cord. Two ends of the series of chain elements are respectively connected with an upper cord body and a lower cord body of the pull cord. The locating seat is locked on a lower end of the sunshade stem and has two cantilevers parallel to each other. The two cantilevers define therebetween a split for the chain element to pass therethrough. Each of the cantilevers is formed with a locating notch opposite to the other. The locating pin is a rectangular bar member having a length able to cross two sides of the split. The locating pin has a width corresponding to the width of the locating notch of the locating seat.

Abstract: A system for securing the fabric cover of a fabric covered building to the framework or foundation of the building. Along each side of the fabric cover, a tie-down member is fastened so as to extend substantially from one end of the fabric cover to the opposite end. This member is most conveniently a pipe inserted in pockets formed along the sides of the fabric cover, the member being exposed at intervals by cut-outs in the pockets. A plurality of individually adjustable tensioning devices, such as a winch or come-along, are positioned along each side of the fabric cover and attached at one end to the tie-down member where it is exposed by the cut-outs and attached at the opposite end to the framework or ground anchoring foundation. The tensioning devices exert an adjustable force on the tie-down members in the direction of the ground anchoring foundation.

Abstract: A folding frame system includes a roof assembly including at least three pivotably attached strut pairs, adjacent pairs of the at least three pivotably attached strut pairs defining at least three corners of the roof assembly. The roof assembly is movable between a roof assembly closed position in which struts of the at least three strut pairs are disposed parallel to each other and a roof assembly open position in which struts of the at least three strut pairs are locked in non-parallel positions and ends of the struts of each strut pair of the at least three strut pairs define a rectangle. The folding frame system also includes a folding leg assembly disposed at each of the at least three corners of the roof assembly. Each folding leg assembly includes a leg strut assembly. The leg strut assembly includes a top leg strut and a tubular bottom leg strut in which the top leg strut is telescopingly slidable between a top leg strut closed position and a top leg strut open position.

Abstract: A supporting shaft of a sunshade of the present invention includes plurality of supporting rods separately disposed together to form a main shaft, an upper connecting cap and a lower connecting cap separately connected to upper ends and lower ends of the main shaft respectively as the securing means, a sliding block movably fitted around the main shaft. Stretching ribs provided to stretch open or fold close the sunshade are pivoted to the sliding block. Plurality of bent pipes are separately coupled to corners of the sunshade so that the supporting rods, separated, can be coupled thereto to change the sunshade into a tent with the supporting rods supporting the sunshade from the corners.

Abstract: A structural system for a building wherein multiple elongate rigid structural members, in the nature of posts and beams, include internal tensioning cables which, upon an end joining of the structural members, are interlocked and tensioned to each other and relative to a fixed foundation.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus (10) for a tent pole (16) includes a skid plate assembly (12) separably joined to a wheeled bracket (14). In use, a lower end of the pole (16) is received within a pipe section (20) and the upper pole end engages the tent. The wheeled bracket is pulled along the ground by a cable (58) until the tent is raised at which time pins (50,52) are removed separating the wheeled bracket (24) from the plate assembly (12) for storage.

Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.

Abstract: A self-supporting structure protects individuals from solar ultraviolet radiation without obstructing their views. The structure is formed from a substantially transparent substrate to which is applied an ultraviolet radiation absorbing material. A photochromic component can also be added to the substrate. The structure can be used as a golf cart or marine vessel canopy, as a building awning or canopy, as a window blind, or for any other application where a substantially transparent self-supporting structure that absorbs ultraviolet radiation is needed.

Abstract: A temporary shelter for use with an existing frame structure is provided. The temporary shelter has a flexible sheet having a pair of parallel slits. The flexible sheet encloses the frame structure to define an inner shelter space. A pair of zipper structures are provided. Each zipper structure has a separable zipper chain composed of two interlocking halves having fastening elements attached to flexible tapes. The fastening elements are interlocked and separated by a slider. The slider is operatively connected to the interlocking halves. Each flexible tape has an adhesive strip located on a back portion of the flexible tape and extends along side and parallel to the fastening elements.

Abstract: A canopy structure 50 a plurality of support posts 11, 12, 13, 14 arranged substantially in the form of an array 51, and a plurality of panels 10 mounted on the support posts to form a canopy cover 50. Each panel 10 is a rectangular sheet of flexible material 16 and a plurality of substantially inextensible support straps 17, 18, 19, 20 fixed to the sheet 16. A support strap extends along each side of the sheet 16. Each end of each support strap is mounted to a support post and an intermediate point is attached to the support strap of an adjacent panel. The support straps generally have a twin catenary configuration which draws fabric from the inner area of the panel towards the edge thereof. The panels are attached to the support posts and to each other by loops of webbing 30, connecting rings 31, and shackles. The loops of webbing 30 are typically reinforced to reduce the likelihood of failure thereof. A canopy panel 10 for use in the canopy structure described above is also included.

Abstract: A party tent has a frame that includes an inner frame supported above an outer frame by a plurality of truss members. The inner frame is smaller than the outer frame in at least one dimensional aspect so that the span across the inner frame is less than the span across the outer frame. In the preferred embodiment, at least one cross member extends across the inner frame and supports a vertical member that extends away from the surface. During the assembly, the internal frame of the tent is put together so that the covering can be placed over this frame while it is at a height of less than six feet. The vertical members are then erected under the covering, thus lifting and stretching the covering for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. After the internal frame, vertical members, and covering are in place, a series of legs is positioned under the tent, thus supporting the tent in a normal fashion.

Abstract: An improved framework is disclosed supporting a dome above an outdoor dome covering such as an outdoor swimming pool or other outdoor structure. The improved framework provides additional structural support by the inclusion of a circumferential row of rafter-braces connected by four-way connectors and interspersed with a plurality of biased rafter-braces. The biased rafter-braces are composed of a first tube having an open end sized to receive a second tube and to allow slidable and rotatable movement therebetween. A helical compression spring is disposed within the first tube to secure the first and second tubes together so that they provide a telescoping function by urging the first tube into a first four-way connector tube and the second tube into a second four-way connector tube over a range of distances between four-way connectors.

Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a pre-fabricated boat lift canopy constructed of galvanized steel or aluminum tubing. All joints are crimped to a tight, permanent fit by using a special rolling tool. The canopy frame is mounted on "I" beams of existing boat lifts, docks, or pilings. The canopy frame is then covered with a water tight and sunlight resistant decorative canopy. Wind spoilers, in the form of canvas strips, are fastened to the peak of the canopy, a continuous strip, horizontally across the top, a strip at each end, and a third strip at the center.

Abstract: An improved umbrella framework having a powerful strutting action is provided. The umbrella framework includes a strut frame member situated at the underside of a first umbrella frame member. The outer end of the strut frame member is connected to the outer end of a second umbrella frame member. The center of the strut frame member is connected to a support strut and the inner end is connected to a center guide. The center guide is installed onto the umbrella pole between a positioning ring and an upper guide. A sliding guide is disposed on the umbrella pole below the positioning ring. The sliding guide is operated to open the umbrella, whereupon the support strut effectively actuates the movement of the commonly connected strut frame member, the second umbrella frame member and the tail umbrella frame member.

Abstract: A substantially cone-shaped tent comprises a plurality of rods connected to each other in the region of the top of the tent and arranged to extend divergingly downwardly to the ground on which the tent stands and bear thereagainst while each forming substantially a generatrix of an imagined cone, a substantially cone-shaped tent cloth adapted to bear on the outside of and be carried by the rods, and means adapted to interconnect adjacent rods at a distance from the top of the tent so as to hold them in a determined mutual position. Said interconnecting means comprise elongated rigid elements with a first engaging member at each end thereof, and the rods have second engaging members arranged to enter into engagement with the first engaging members arranged on the corresponding rigid elements when connecting adjacent rods by means of the rigid elements and by that hold two adjacent rods at a mutual distance defined by the rigid element.

Abstract: An improved crank handle assembly for a shade umbrella suitable for patio or beach use, which has a bolt and a crank formed as a unitary member where the head of the bolt is insert molded into the hub of the crank in its manufacture. An annular spacer is mounted on each end of the bolt. An end of the bolt has a reduced threaded portion, which receives a washer and a nut, and the main body of the bolt forms a shoulder adjacent to the threaded portion. The washer abuts against the shoulder and one of the spacers at one end of the bolt. Tightening of the nut causes the washer to bottom out against the shoulder, and the annular spacers to abut against the umbrella pole applying a predetermined amount of compressive force to the crank handle assembly and the umbrella pole.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover (10) for enclosing a swimming pool or similar space. The cover (10) has a frame assembly (19), which generally is comprised of a plurality of opposed side support brackets (22) arranged in pairs on each side of pool (12), and a plurality of opposed end bracket assemblies (54) arranged in pairs along each end of pool. Support cables (64) extend across the pool, supported on each pair of side support bracket assemblies (22). A track assembly (20) is mounted on and supported by the support cables (64). A cover panel assembly (21) is mounted to the frame assembly (19) by the track assembly (20) and includes top cover panels (122), end cover panels (126), and corner panel assemblies (127), connected in series by the track assembly (20) for covering the top sides and ends of the pool.

Abstract: A tent including a fabric which contains firstly a substantially non-stretching peripheral cable and secondly substantially non-stretching cables, each substantially non-stretching cable extending from a pole to the vicinity of a perimeter edge of the fabric such as a corner. The tent further includes a support provided at each corner, at a height at least equal to that of the perimetric edge of the fabric when the tent is in a raised position, and a winch for hooking on the end of the cables extending from the pole and for tensioning the cables. The tent, applicable as a circus tent, can be raised and lowered rapidly.

Abstract: A collapsible framework capable of being manipulated between a collapsed condition and an expanded, locked condition includes a plurality of legs and a plurality of collapsible quad sections. The legs are disposed generally in parallel with one another and in a bundle when the framework is in the collapsed condition. Each quad section includes two split step scissor units and two step scissor units. Each split step scissor unit is joined at one end to a respective leg, and including two arms that are pivotally joined, at least one of the arms being telescopic and including means for locking the arm at a predetermined length. Each step scissor unit is joined at one end to the other end of a respective split step scissor and at its other end to the other step scissor unit, and each step scissor unit includes two arms that are pivotally joined, at least one of the arms being telescopic and including means for locking the arm at a second predetermined length.

Abstract: A tent system having at least three tents, with each tent being free standing. Each of the tents is arranged about the perimeter of a common area, and, in a most preferred embodiment, each tent is arranged in a substantially uniform manner about the perimeter of the common area. Each of the tents has a front and rear wall and side walls with the front wall provided with a horizontally disposed eave line. Each of the tents is provided with an awning like structure which is secured to the front wall of each tent along the horizontally disposed eave line and which extends outwardly over the common area to form a section of a roof assembly, with the roof assembly covering a substantial portion of the common area. Each roof section is releasably secured to its adjacent roof section and this may be accomplished by means of a zipper, "Velcro" fastening tape or, snap fasteners and the like.

Abstract: A portable pavilion which is easy to assemble, break down and transport is disclosed. The portable pavilion comprises a framework and coverings. The framework is assembled from a multiplicity of each of a series of five basic standardized relatively compact elements and can be covered with canvas, clear material or screen etc. Attached serving tables and the like can also be provided. A number of portable pavilions can be assembled in close proximity to one another with open sides thereof interconnected to form a larger structure. Assembly of a portable pavilion can be facilitated by use of a removable telescoping center pole.

Abstract: An all-purpose modular canopy system including a canopy frame formed of a plurality of interconnected sections, the sections being formed of welded tubular elements. The sections are modular in configuration including end and central portions whereby the sections may be selectively assembled to produce the desired length. The canopy frame includes transversely disposed brace elements associated with supporting columns and adjustable fittings to facilitate alignment of the columns and canopy frame, and the canopy frame is covered by a flexible covering using a lacing system between the frame and covering to maintain covering tension. The covering may include a skirt cooperating with skirt stabilizers formed in the canopy frame corners for maintaining the skirt properly oriented.

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.