Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable shelter assembly. The assembly includes a support; and an expandable shelter for being supported by the support and expanding to shelter at least one person. The shelter includes ribs extending from the support. Each rib includes one or more proximal elements pivotally mounted to the support. Each rib further includes a distal element extending from the proximal elements and configured to move outwardly to expand the shelter when the proximal elements pivot in a first direction. Advantageously, the distal elements may be simply pulled down one at a time to lift the connected proximal elements and extend the ribs, which is advantageous in windy conditions, or pulled down together to lift the proximal elements and extend the ribs.

Abstract: An umbrella like structure deployed in an inverted configuration that acts as a funnel and collection area to receive rainwater. The center of the umbrella is connected to a support structure which includes tubing that transfers the water to a collection tank via an irrigation system. The umbrella like structure has further applications as providing shade and additional protection for the vegetation underneath.

Abstract: A spring-loaded plug insert for facilitating a fitting of a canopy over a frame member of an outdoor shelter is disclosed herein. The spring-loaded plug insert includes a base member defining a cavity, the base member configured to be inserted into an opening of the frame member of the outdoor shelter; a displaceable plug member slidably received within the cavity of the base member, the displaceable plug member including an end portion for attaching to the canopy of the outdoor shelter; and a spring member configured to bias the displaceable plug member in an extended position relative to the base member. The displaceable plug member is configured to be displaced by a user to a retracted position relative to the base member in order to facilitate the fitting of the canopy over the frame member of the outdoor shelter. An outdoor shelter including the spring-loaded plug insert also is disclosed.

Abstract: A device to adjust the angle of rotation of a canopy of a sunshade comprises an upper clutch sleeve sleeved at a lower end of an upper tube of the sunshade, a lower clutch sleeve sleeved at an upper end of a lower tube, a rotary handle sleeve and a rotary shaft sleeved outside the upper tube and the lower tube, a rotary shaft rotationally inserted within one of the upper tube and the lower tube and fixedly connected with the other, a retaining ring disposed between the upper end of the rotary handle sleeve and the upper tube and elastically connected with the upper clutch sleeve or the upper tube, and a set of fitting parts.

Abstract: A palapa canopy collapsible frame including a cylindrical central support hub, a plurality of first frame members and second frame members pivotally connected to the cylindrical central support hub, and a plurality of vertical post connected to the first frame members. Each of the vertical posts including cross bar members that secure the vertical post to an adjacent first frame member.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind is provided. The collapsible hunting blind comprises a collapsible canopy having a shaft, an arm, a clamp, and a curtain configured to be draped over the canopy. The canopy is collapsible to provide ease of movement. The canopy and shaft are adjustable and rotatable to provide protection against sun, wind, or rain. The collapsible hunting blind may be affixed either to the ground or to a tree. The collapsible hunting blind camouflages a hunter.

Abstract: A shelter system is shown and described. A hub for a shelter system is shown and described. A frame for a shelter system is shown and described. In one embodiment, the shelter system includes a frame, a cover and a hub. The frame may be collapsible. The cover is configured to fit with the frame. The hub may include a receiver slot, a receiver sleeve and an attachment projection. The result is a shelter system with reduced set up time, effort and requirements and improved strength and ease of use. The inventions may also be considered a shelter kit and/or a shelter and hub method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hub for charging and other applications when camping or away from power infrastructure. The hub mounts on an elevated surface such as a structure wall or roof to remain out of the way but still accessible. The hub has a body and an attachment ring. The body has a cylindrical column of a first diameter and a base of a greater second diameter. The cylindrical column has an input port along top and exterior threading below the input port. The elongated base has an output port along a bottom. The input port connects to a power source, such as a solar panel, and feeds current to the output port. The cylindrical column passes through an opening of a structure and the attachment ring screws onto the threading exposed on the other side of the structure, thereby attached the hub to the structure.

Abstract: A method of installing a releasable shade membrane to a shade system is presented. The method comprises installing a tension release system within a structural component of the shade system. The tension release system comprises a threaded member configured to, when actuated, cause a coupling mechanism to move along an axis defined by the threaded member. The method also comprises coupling a shade membrane to the coupling mechanism. The method also comprises actuating the threaded member in a first direction, such that the coupling mechanism moves along the axis in a tensioning direction. The tension release system is configured to release applied tension upon actuation of the threaded member in a second direction, causing the coupling mechanism to move along the axis in a release direction. The release direction is substantially the reverse direction of the tensioning direction.

Abstract: A flexible portable silo for storing grains and bulk materials, comprising a flexible cylindrical wall and a flexible conical roof made of a flexible, foldable, tension bearing sheet membrane, and a single pressure bearing post, with outriggers installed at the top of the post. The flexible cylindrical wall and conical roof are then draped over the outriggers and post and filled with grain or other bulk material.

Abstract: A beach umbrella with a built-in sand hole digging apparatus. The digging apparatus includes a tube and a piston. The tube includes an interior sidewall forming a hollow core. The tube further includes a top end forming a top opening and a bottom end forming a bottom opening. The piston includes an elongated rod. The elongated rod includes a top end protruding from the top opening of the tube. A head is attached to the bottom end of the piston. The head is disposed within the hollow core of the tube and is slidably engaged with the sidewall.

Abstract: A back carrier frame includes a base. The base includes a body and a retaining device. The body includes a plurality of first pivotal portions. The retaining device is mounted to the body. A fixing seat includes an annular groove and a fixing portion. The retaining device is engaged in the annular groove to retain the fixing seat in place. The fixing portion extends out of the body. A support device includes at least three main supports. Each of the at least three main supports includes a second pivotal portion and a connection portion. The second pivotal portion of each of the at least three main supports is pivotably connected to one of the first pivotal portions. Each of two straps has two ends respectively coupled to two of the connection portions of the at least three main supports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable tent with a vent and corresponding rain fly for providing the tent with continuous ventilation while protecting the vent and interior of the tent from adverse weather conditions. The frame of the tent includes a hub, a plurality of roof poles and auxiliary poles pivotally coupled to the hub, and a plurality of leg poles coupled to the corresponding roof poles. Coupled to the frame is a canopy which includes the vent at a top portion of the canopy to allow air from continuously entering and exiting the interior of the tent. The rain fly is integral to the canopy and corresponding auxiliary pole, and is disposed proximate the vent. Thus, the foldable tent of the present invention is provided with secure and continuous ventilation, and is opened and folded without requiring additional assembly of components.

Abstract: A combined parasol and storage housing assembly (1) includes an expandable and collapsible shielding member (7) and a substantially hollow storage housing (3). The storage housing (3) is suitable for storing the shielding member (7) in its collapsed condition. The storage housing (3) further comprises a spine (15) and an elongated cover sheet (33). The cover sheet (33) is formed with a pair of substantially opposite longitudinal edges. Each edge of the pair of substantially opposite longitudinal edges is mounted to the spine (15) to form the storage housing. The cover sheet (33) is formed by cutting a sheet of flexible and resilient material to a length in accordance with a longitudinal size of the shielding member (7) in its collapsed state. The spine (15) is formed by cutting a length of rigid material, having a substantially continuous constant cross section, to a length in accordance with the longitudinal size of the shielding member (7) in its collapsed state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic tent frame capable of preventing an upper coupler and a lower coupler from being rotated with respect to each other or preventing given gaps from being generated on the coupled portions of the upper coupler and the lower coupler even in a case where an automatic tent is not unfolded to its original shape by the reduction of the restoring force of an extension spring and thus falls down due to external impacts like wind, thus preventing support poles supporting main poles from being damaged to extend the life span of the automatic tent frame, and capable of reducing the length of a pipe module, while allowing the pipe module to have the same functions as in conventional one, thus upwardly lifting an outer surface of the automatic tent by the reduced length to increase the interior of the automatic tent by a maximum height.

Abstract: Portable combination umbrella and tent and method of providing and making the same are disclosed. The umbrella has a frame, a handle, a first tier covering, and a second tier covering. The first tier covering and the second tier covering are coupled to the frame so that an overlapping area exists between the first tier covering and the second tier covering. A tent support is movably coupled to the frame. The tent support can be moved and adjusted in a number of tent positions and also stowed away as part of the umbrella. A tent covering is coupled to the umbrella. The tent support can support the tent covering in the tent positions. At least part of the tent covering can be folded up and stored in the overlapping area so that the portable umbrella and tent can be used as an umbrella.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attracting game animals such as a turkey. An asymmetric canopy is provided with the image of a game animal such as a turkey. The canopy is coupled to a shaft and a plurality of extensible rib assemblies. A runner provided along the shaft and coupled to the extensible rib assemblies deploys and collapses the canopy as the runner is moved back and forth. The canopy is provided with a truncated flat bottom so as not to interfere with a hunters feet when the hunter is moving and to reduce snagging of the canopy on weeds and brush. The canopy may be deployed and collapsed to mimic the action of a strutting tom turkey.

Abstract: A hunting blind is presently disclosed that includes a central support comprising a main body and an extendable portion, the extendable portion configured to maintain the hunting blind in an upright position, a gun rest secured to the main body of the central support opposite the extendable portion, a plurality of ribs pivotally secured to the main body of the central support, the ribs configured to rotate between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a screen comprising a plurality of opaque screen sections, each screen section secured to at least one rib and at least one other rib or the main body of the central support, each screen section comprising a flexible material such that the screen sections are collapsible, wherein when the ribs are in the open configuration, the screen is configured to obscure a hunter from a target.

Abstract: A portable sun screen and cooling apparatus for shading a user from direct sunlight while circulating cooled air. The portable sun screen and cooling apparatus provides a domed canopy with an air conditioning element that circulates cooled air throughout the domed canopy. The domed canopy comprises a hollow framework for redirecting the cooled air toward a user's upper body. An indicating element demonstrates a user's position should they become lost or separated from their companions.

Abstract: A portable and foldable shelter has a canopy frame with an arm hub adjacent to a top end of a canopy pole, and a sliding collar on the pole. The canopy frame also includes a plurality of arms with each arm having an outer arm segment attached to an inner arm segment via an arm hinge joint. The arm hinge joint may include a slider movable into a locking position where the inner and outer arm segments are rigidly fixed in a straight locked-out. A flexible cover is attached to or supported on canopy frame. The portable shelter is lightweight, highly compact when folded, easy to use, and easy carry.

Abstract: An umbrella holder having a base, a holder removably attachable to the base, and a plurality of stakes to secure the base to the ground. A top surface of the base has a section to store the holder when not in use. A bottom surface of the base has a plurality of stake holders to hold the stakes when not in use. The holder has two tubes attached by link arms to allow the two holders to be adjustable relative to each other. The base also has a central main hole and a plurality of auxiliary holes so that a pole can be inserted through at least one of the tubes and through the main hole so as to be perpendicular to the ground, or through one of the auxiliary holes so as to be non-perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: An umbrella system relating to the general protection of fixed outdoor umbrellas, especially during windy conditions. The umbrella system uses a supportive shaft equipped with a resiliently deformable region allowing omni-directional bending under wind loading. A preferred embodiment of the deformable region comprises a helical spring.

Abstract: A portable and foldable shelter has a canopy frame with an arm hub adjacent to a top end of a canopy pole, and a sliding collar on the pole. The canopy frame also includes a plurality of arms with each arm having an outer arm segment attached to an inner arm segment via an arm hinge joint. The arm hinge joint may include a slider movable into a locking position where the inner and outer arm segments are rigidly fixed in a straight locked-out. A flexible cover is attached to or supported on canopy frame. The portable shelter is lightweight, highly compact when folded, easy to use, and easy carry.

Abstract: A cover system includes a cover, a post, a table top, a counter weight assembly, and a base. The counter weight assembly has a cable extending through at least one pulley and connected to a counter weight. The counter weight assembly is connected to the post and the table top such that as the table top is raised, the post and cover are lowered.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes an awning frame, a supporting shaft and an adjustable rotation base including a base housing and a transportation arrangement. The base housing is arranged to couple with the supporting shaft to support the awning frame in an upright manner, and includes a plurality of transferring wheels. The transportation arrangement is provided at the base housing to operate the base housing between an idle mode and a transportation mode, wherein in the idle mode, the transferring wheels are suspenedly lifted up to position above the bottom edge of the base housing such the base housing is sat on the ground surface in a stationary manner, wherein in the transportation mode, the base housing is lifted up by air pressure for allowing the transferring wheels to move out of the receiving cavity at a position below the bottom edge of the base housing.

Abstract: A protective system for vegetation has an underground housing from which a protective canopy can be deployed. The canopy unfurls as it is deployed and its position above ground can be adjusted after it is fully unfurled. After use, the canopy can be furled and lowered back into the housing. A liquid delivery system allows use of anti-freeze or fertilizer to be delivered via the system. Deployment of the system can be done manually or automatically in response to a selected signal.

Abstract: Portable combination umbrella and tent and method of providing and making the same are disclosed. The umbrella has a frame, a handle, a first tier covering, and a second tier covering. The first tier covering and the second tier covering are coupled to the frame so that an overlapping area exists between the first tier covering and the second tier covering. A tent support is movably coupled to the frame. The tent support can be moved and adjusted in a number of tent positions and also stowed away as part of the umbrella. A tent covering is coupled to the umbrella. The tent support can support the tent covering in the tent positions. At least part of the tent covering can be folded up and stored in the overlapping area so that the portable umbrella and tent can be used as an umbrella.

Abstract: An assemble-free fast deployable light modifier with a back side light source mount is an umbrella shaped light modifier providing an extremely soft diffusive light; with attached light diffusers, it uniquely easily and quickly opens from the vertex of its hemisphere to the inside of it, and folds in hands promptly; having optical fibers increases a number of light source sensor triggering. Any assembling or disassembling operations are not required. With the features mentioned above it is the fastest deployable light modifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a support unit of a roof element comprising a frame and a fabric fixed on the frame and intended to be stretched between said frame and the support unit, said support unit comprising a central mast and being remarkable in that it comprises means of connecting assembled slidingly and in a lockable manner on said central mast and arranged in order to be fixed to the fabric, a plurality of cables fixed on the upper end of the central mast. This invention also has for object a lightweight shelter comprising a support unit according to the invention, a frame and a fabric, and a modular awning comprising a plurality of lightweight shelters. This invention relates finally to the methods for assembling said lightweight shelter and modular awning.

Abstract: An umbrella has a central shaft, a crown, a runner, a plurality of ribs, and a plurality of stretchers. The crown is a polygon each side of which includes a pivot pin mounted in a perpendicular direction to pivotally connect the upper end of a respective one of the ribs to the crown. The runner is a polygon and has a pivot pin mounted to each side in perpendicular direction to pivotally connect the lower end of a respective one of the stretchers to the runner. When the umbrella is closed, each of the ribs and the stretchers is collapsed in a tangential angle to set at one side of the central shaft and the runner and is not interfered with by the central shaft and the runner.

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring an umbrella having a generally cylindrical container structure, having a bottom panel area securely attached to the cylindrical center structure, the bottom panel having a generally concentric opening to the interior of the central structure which is adapted to permit an umbrella pole's lower portion to protrude therefrom for placement on a sand base. A panel with an upper opening is attached to the cylindrical central structure. The upper opening panel is configured to receive an umbrella pole and an amount of sand sufficient to provide support for the pole and ballast for the umbrella. At least one strap is attached at one end of the central structure and is of sufficient length to wrap over the umbrella pole runner and around the pole and through the spokes to secure the umbrella support structure, eliminating wobbling and keeping the umbrella from flying across the sand.

Abstract: A rotatable sunshade includes a pole rotatably coupled to a connection tube fixed to a base. A runner is slideably mounted around the pole to fold, unfold, or tilt a canopy. A control tube is slideably mounted around the pole. When the canopy is tilted and the control tube is in an engagement position, at least one tooth of the control tube engages with at least one tooth of a positioning ring fixed to the connection tube, and the pole is not rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the pole relative to the connection tube. When the canopy is tilted and the control tube is in a disengagement position, the at least one tooth of the control tube disengages from the at least one tooth of the positioning ring, and the pole is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the connection tube.

Abstract: The tent frame includes an upper hub with a plurality of ribs intended to extend outwardly and a lower hub having an equal number of stretchers. The ends of the stretchers are pivotally connected to the ribs. As the lower hub moves upwardly, the stretchers force the ribs outwardly to erect the tent. Flexible cords extend down from the upper hub through the lower hub and out apertures in the bottom of the lower hub. Pulling the cords apart from within the tent causes the lower hub to move upwardly toward the upper hub to erect the tent. Alternatively, the cords can be passed around pulleys in the lower hub and upwardly through apertures in the top of the upper hub. Pulling the cords apart from above the tent causes the lower hub to move upwardly toward the upper hub to erect the tent.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes an awning frame, a supporting shaft and an adjustable rotation base including a base housing and a transportation arrangement. The base housing is arranged to couple with the supporting shaft to support the awning frame in an upright manner, and includes a plurality of transferring wheels. The transportation arrangement is provided at the base housing to operate the base housing between an idle mode and a transportation mode, wherein in the idle mode, the transferring wheels are suspenedly lifted up to position above the bottom edge of the base housing such the base housing is sat on the ground surface in a stationary manner, wherein in the transportation mode, the base housing is lifted up by air pressure for allowing the transferring wheels to move out of the receiving cavity at a position below the bottom edge of the base housing.

Abstract: An umbrella stand includes a housing and an operation mechanism mounted on the housing. The operation mechanism includes a support frame mounted in the housing and having two receiving slots, two mounting plates each pivotally mounted on the support frame, two pivot shafts each mounted in the support frame and each extended through a respective one of the mounting plates, two castors each rotatably mounted on a respective one of the mounting plates, two mounting tubes secured on the support frame, a driven rod rotatably mounted in the mounting tubes, two pressing plates secured on the driven rod and each pressing a respective one of the mounting plates, and a control handle connected with the driven rod to rotate the driven rod. Thus, the housing is movable freely on the ground by operation of the operation mechanism.

Abstract: A tiltable sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a screw rod (511) that can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (277) in the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position to fold ribs (451), unfold the ribs (451), and tilt the ribs (451), respectively. The screw rod (511) has a large pitch portion (519) and a small pitch portion (517). When the follower (277) moves between the folded position and the unfolded position, the follower (277) moves along the large pitch portion (519) at a first speed. When the follower (277) moves between the unfolded position and the tilted position, the follower (277) moves along the small pitch portion (517) at a second speed smaller than the first speed.

Abstract: The Elevated Habitable Module is primarily an enclosed living space that folds to a very small size and deploys to a tall and large elevated living quarters. It is designed to be readily transported and erected by utilizing a light weight design that unfolds easily and is uncomplicated to assemble. The floor is secure from ground animals and people by elevating it off of ground level. The design also ensures important basic living features, such as electricity which is often not initially available on site in remote locations, and a method of collecting rain water along with filtration so it can be used for drinking or sanitation purposes. The supporting structure is suitable for a variety of places, including flat surfaces or rugged terrain.

Abstract: A tent includes a tent cloth and a tent frame to support the tent cloth. The tent frame comprises a top module and a plurality of supporting poles which are radially pivoted to the top module. The top module includes a modular main body, a top cap and a quick-pitch assembly. The modular main body includes a plurality of pivot sockets which are integrally formed with the modular main body. Each pivot socket is pivotally connected with a connector. The connector is further connected to the respective supporting pole. The connector has a top engaging portion at a pivot end thereof to mate with the quick-pitch assembly. The top cap is coupled to the modular main body to form a middle space. The quick-pitch assembly is located in the middle space and able to move up and down.

Abstract: A supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting. The support assembly includes a pole having one end coupled with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. In one embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a coupler attached to the end of the pole that fits over a central hub of the framework. In another embodiment, the pole is coupled with the framework by a threaded member that extends downwardly from the central hub and mates with a threaded end of the pole. The threaded member can be formed integral with the central hub or affixed to the central hub as a separate component. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy external loads.

Abstract: A sun shade designed for portability and selective angular orientation in a body of water. The device comprises an umbrella portion, together with at least two distally joined buoyant members to keep the umbrella from sinking. The umbrella portion's cover comprises generally opaque material to keep the sun's rays from penetrating. The user orients the expanded umbrella towards the sun and allows the umbrella to float on the buoyant members while the user is below the umbrella. The shape and selective angular orientation of the sun shade enable the user to block rays of the sun from 0° to 90° relative to the surface of the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection device installed on a top of a canopy tent, comprising: a main body having a hollow interior, a sliding member having an interior with a downwardly protruding cylinder, support poles each having one end hinged to the main body, and the other end connected to a tent pole for standing the tent fabric upright, a joint bar having one end hinged to the sliding member, and the other end having one side hinged to a first connection bar hinged to the support pole and the other side hinged to a second connection bar hinged to the main body; The hollow interior of the main body is equipped with a compression spring and a spring holder. The cylinder of the sliding member is fitted into the hollow interior of the main body from the top of the hollow interior to be movable in the upward and downward directions to set up or taken of the tent canopy.

Abstract: A camouflage blind for hunting, photography, and the like is described. The blind includes a central hub with a plurality of legs pivotally coupled thereto and coupled to a fabric cover at distal ends thereof. The legs are pivotable between a generally parallel closed orientation to a deployed orientation extending radially outwardly from the hub. Tension in the cover provides an over-center condition that retains the legs in the deployed orientation. The hub includes a mounting member with a faceted rod for coupling to a coupling member associated with a bow, stand, or other support. A support leg can be flexibly coupled to the mounting member to support the blind on a surface. A supplemental cover having an elastic band disposed in the perimeter thereof can be disposed on the blind to overlay the cover and thereby easily change or enhance camouflage patterns in the field.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an umbrella mechanism with an outer and inner shaft, a plurality of ribs connected with the outer shaft and a canopy supported by the plurality of ribs are provided. The plurality of ribs are configured into a substantially “V” shape when the umbrella mechanism is in a closed position, such that upon opening the umbrella into an open position, the plurality of ribs opens vertically before expanding horizontally, thus avoiding inadvertent contact of the umbrella with a user during the opening operation. The umbrella mechanism may be handheld or mounted to a structure such as a backpack, chair, table, patio or house, and may be operated by an enclosed motor. The motor may be powered by a battery, solar panel embedded into the canopy or an outside power source.

Abstract: A tent top assembly is mounted on top of a tent for connecting with a plurality of tent poles. The tent top assembly includes an upper module and a lower module. The upper module includes an upper seat, an upper press member and an upper lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The lower module includes a lower seat, a lower press member and a lower lid which are separately formed and connected with each other. The upper seat and the lower seat each have a plurality of engaging grooves which are spaced and arranged in a radial form for connection of connecting heads of the tent poles. There is no need for rivets or other fasteners when assembling the present invention, saving the cost and the time of assembly. The tent top assembly can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily.

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: The tent frame includes an upper hub with a plurality of ribs intended to extend outwardly and a lower hub having an equal number of stretchers. The ends of the stretchers are pivotally connected to the ribs. As the lower hub moves upwardly, the stretchers force the ribs outwardly to erect the tent. Flexible cords extend down from the upper hub through the lower hub and out apertures in the bottom of the lower hub. Pulling the cords apart from within the tent causes the lower hub to move upwardly toward the upper hub to erect the tent. Alternatively, the cords can be passed around pulleys in the lower hub and upwardly through apertures in the top of the upper hub. Pulling the cords apart from above the tent causes the lower hub to move upwardly toward the upper hub to erect the tent.

Abstract: A shade assembly adapted for use with deck and balcony settings. A shade cover piece is supported to a pole. The support pole includes a hub assembly for horizontally varying the diametric displacement of a number of stays and the shade cover and a hinge assembly for adjusting the angle of the shade cover relative to the support pole. Associated fasteners having channel and collar pieces adapted to rails, balusters and deck boards secure the support pole and shade cover to rails, balusters and/or deck boards of a deck, patio or balcony railing system. Split band collars compressively grip the support pole and rigidly anchor the support pole and cover piece to the railing. Alternative stay stops and non-marring fastener liners are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides umbrella anchors and accessories that facilitate the use of umbrellas over a wide variety of ground surfaces. An anchor may have a generally tubular shape with a bore that receives the bottom end of a pole of an umbrella. The anchor may have a tip that penetrates the ground in response to application of linear force, and a flange that limits the depth of penetration of the anchor into the ground and adds stability. Alternatively, an anchor may have a flange positioned distally to lie underneath a deck or other man-made surface. An anchor may have a flange that is angled relative to the remainder of the anchor to facilitate placement of the umbrella at a angle relative to ground level. A cover may prevent entry of debris into the anchor bore. Modular tables or accessory trays may be attached around the pole of the umbrella.

Abstract: A flexible sunshade includes an elastic element having a lower end mounted to an upper end of a pole. A hub is fixed to an upper end of the elastic element. A canopy is mounted to a plurality of ribs each having an end pivotably connected to the hub. A runner is slideably mounted to the pole. A first end of each of a plurality of stretchers is pivotably connected to the runner. A second end of each stretcher is pivotably connected to one of the ribs. When the canopy, the ribs, or the hub is subjected to a force at a non-parallel angle to a longitudinal axis of the pole, the elastic element flexes to cause the hub to flex in a direction of the force, absorbing at least a portion of the force acting on the flexible sunshade.

Abstract: A healthy sun-like rays umbrella includes at least one UV blue light emission device and a means for mounting the at least one UV blue light emission device onto at least one stretcher of the umbrella. At least one person using the umbrella will receive the benefits of the at least one UV blue light emission device for a seasonal affective disorder and a more versatile way to increase vitamin D levels.