Abstract: A foldable tent having a tent frame and tent cloth. The tent frame includes a top frame, cross beams, and stand columns connected below the top frame. The top frame includes top rods. Each top rod includes at least one branch rod. Each cross beam includes at least one cross rod. Each stand column includes at least one branch tube. There is a storage cavity within each branch tube. Each branch tube has at least one open end and is capable of storing at least one cross rod and/or at least one branch rod. The tent frame includes an unfolded state and a folded state. When the tent is in the folded state, the cross rods and the branch rods are stored in the storage cavities of the branch tubes.

Abstract: A half-pyramid backpacking type fabric shelter with sufficient stability to omit a front guyline and remain standing when the front entrance is open, and with improved head-room and useable floor space. The peak of the shelter canopy at the front entrance is supported by a vertical pole, and includes short forward and rear canopy ridgelines whose ends are located below the peak to receive the tips of a horizontal cross-strut crossing the vertical pole below the peak. The rear corners of the shelter canopy are preferably raised and structured by a triangular strut structure.

Abstract: An enhanced fabric panel has a fabric surface with at least one straight edge, and a row of pockets implemented on the fabric along the one straight edge, the pockets each having an opening facing upward, such that with the one straight edge lying along a ground line with the pockets filled with a weighty material such as sand, pebbles, water or another material having weight, and other edges supported on parts of a rigid structure provides resistance to deformation or movement by impinging wind.

Abstract: An adjustable frame connector comprising at least two fixed tubular legs and an adjustable tubular leg. The fixed legs have inner ends that are joined together, and have longitudinal axes that intersect each other at right angles. The adjustable leg has an inner end that is pivotally attached to the fixed legs at their juncture so that the adjustable leg can be moved from a first position wherein its longitudinal axis is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of a first one of the fixed tubular legs to a second position wherein its longitudinal axis is at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the first one of the fixed tubular legs. Releasable locking means allows the adjustable leg to be releasably locked into position relative to the first one of the fixed tubular legs at any selected location along the ninety degree arc between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A safety sign system comprises one or more traffic or informational signs, an expandable pole, a detachable umbrella canopy assembly, and a safety finial assembly. The signs are removably attached to a sleeve that surrounds a portion of a pole and rests upon a sign support. The sleeve with the signs attached swivels about the pole. The umbrella canopy assembly is attached to an upper end of the pole and may include additional features including reflective tape, vents, drop-down flaps, reflective coating, and lights. The safety finial assembly is removably attached to the top of the umbrella canopy assembly and may include flag supports, removable flags, and a safety light assembly. The safety sign system optionally further comprises a collapsible seat, a beverage holder, a satellite tracking device, a communication device, a base, and a control panel for operating the safety light and other features.

Abstract: The present invention is a hunting blind configured to attach to a tree. The hunting blind includes a top member with two ends and multiple arms. The top member wraps around the tree and each arm extends downward and outward away from the tree. The arms are staked into the ground in the desired position such that a hunter can sit in the opening formed by the hunting blind.

Abstract: A single pole tipi can be configured to employ a bow pole. The bow pole can serve to increase the internal space within the tipi. The bow pole can also serve to increase the tension in the tent material thereby increasing the strength of the tipi.

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: 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: A framework of uprights interconnected by rods defines a rectangular area to support an inflatable canopy. The canopy includes an interior membrane and an exterior membrane to define an envelope. A skirt depending from the canopy is secured to the framework to retain the canopy in place. A framework mounted air pump provides a flow of air to inflate the envelope. A framework supported pole engages and supports at least the interior membrane.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly of elements to collect solar energy and rain water. Solar energy is converted to electricity by either photovoltaic film or laminate panels or sheets mounted atop arcuate, curved canopy structures that are formed and positioned like “wings”. Rainwater is collected by the low-incidence arcuate curved wings and directed to a central trough along the wings' structural spine, which conducts it through a support column to a water container or vessel. In a preferred embodiment the vessel is an underground container extending parallel to and as long as the above-ground structural spine of the assembly.

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 a coupler at one end for coupling with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. The coupler has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall thereof. Each of the slots have an axial portion open at the top and a circumferential portion extending circumferentially from the axial portion. The axial portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be pushed over a central hub with spokes of the framework passing through the slots, and the circumferential portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be rotated into locking engagement with the spokes. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy loads.

Abstract: Shelter structures having an upper shelter portion supported (internally or externally) at an apex and one or more peripheral support elements supported by an external suspension web provided externally of a base region of the upper shelter portion are provided. The upper shelter portion provides a roof-like structure, while a lower enclosure portion may be connected, directly or indirectly, to the upper shelter portion and may provide wall-like structures that may include doors, vents, windows, and the like, or that may comprise an open network of lines, straps, wires, or bands. In tent embodiments, the upper shelter portion and the lower enclosure portion may be provided as fabric structures that, when erected, form tensioned fabric structures. Support systems, kits for assembling structures, reinforcement features and methods for assembling structures are also disclosed.

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 portable hunting blind which is easily set up to provide the hunter with a sit or stand to search position, and a stand to shoot position. The blind includes a frame which is foldable into a collapsed position and expandable into a support position. A shaped cover is supported by the frame to provide a plurality of front panels, a pair of side panels, and a rear panel. The front panels include horizontal slits for searching and vertical slits for shooting.

Abstract: Protective shelters for enclosing one or more persons and/or animals are described. A capsule can be a spherical or substantially spherical, water-tight shell surrounding a frame and forming an interior portion which accommodates the one or more persons and/or animal; and at least one sealable entry door configured to seal at least one opening formed in the shell.

Abstract: Portable shelters, shelter systems, and methods of deployment of such shelters are described. The shelters or housing units may be deployed in emergency housing situations and may be grouped into systems of shelters. One particular embodiment comprises a rigid top frame structure, a rigid bottom frame structure, and one or more collapsible support arms connecting the top frame structure to the bottom frame structure. The frame structures and the collapsible support arm(s) are sized and configured to form a shelter frame when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a fully extended position, and the top frame structure is brought into proximity with the bottom frame structure when the collapsible support arm(s) are in a collapsed position. Methods of rapid deployment of the shelters and systems of shelters are also described.

Abstract: A support assembly for a boat cover includes a first support member having a first end disposed adjacent to the boat cover and a second end having an opening, a second support member having a first end telescopically received within the opening, and a biasing element disposed between the first end of the second support member and the first end of the first support member. The biasing element biases the first support member away from the second support member and into engagement with the boat cover.

Abstract: A double tang articulating hub assembly used in combination with a collapsible self-supporting structure. The double tang articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required. The hub employs a plurality of one piece “forked plugs” each containing a cylindrical plug with two tangs and an integral post connecting the tangs allowing the forked plug to rotate.

Abstract: A covering structure with soil anchors is disclosed. The covering structure includes multiple support poles, a canopy provided on the support poles and multiple generally arcuate soil anchors attached to the canopy. Each soil anchor can be used to dig or burrow an anchor hole in sand or other loose soil in which the soil anchor is subsequently buried to anchor the canopy on the support poles.

Abstract: A drink holder device having a ground support, a leg extending from the ground support, and a plurality of arms extending from the leg. The arms are movable between a raised and a lowered position. At the end of each arm is one or more beverage holders. A lock holds the arm in position when raised.

Abstract: A support device for an associated cover member includes a hub defining a bore adapted to receive a tip of an associated support pole. A shell projects radially outwardly from the hub. The shell defines an outer surface adapted to support an associated cover member. In use, the device is installed on a tip of a support pole so that an end portion of the tip projects through the support device. The projecting end portion of the pole tip is inserted into a grommet or eyelet of a cover to be supported. The pole is positioned so that the cover is supported on the outer surface of the shell. The device can have an overall frusto-conical shape.

Abstract: The invention is an article of manufacture that has for its purpose, the anchoring of a pole, tube or rod in sand or other sediments. The principal anchoring element is a broad flange auger having a receptacle mounted on top of the auger for insertion of the bottom portion of the pole, tube, or rod, which is to be supported by the anchoring device. When not in use, and during transport to the location of use, the auger is covered by a tubular sheath, which covers the auger up to the receptacle on top, as a protection against the sharp edges of the auger. When removed from the auger, the sheath is used as a handle for turning the auger by use of a locking system that attaches the sheath or handle to the receptacle at the top of the auger. As the handle turns the auger, the auger penetrates the sediments, providing a stable anchor for the pole, tube, or rod. The round pointed end of the sheath may also be used for creating a starter hole in the beach sand or ground surface to begin the operation of the auger.

Abstract: A hollow pole has an open top end and a pointed bottom end; the open top end supports an additional pole. A ring member is permanently mounted about a mid-section of the hollow pole. A hammer sleeve having a length less than that of the hollow pole inserts over the hollow pole and around the ring member. A pair of weights are mounted within opposed ends of the hammer sleeve and surrounds the ring member. The ring member provides an upper and lower limit to the hammer sleeve. With the pointed bottom end of the hollow pole positioned on the ground, the hammer sleeve is pulled upward and slammed downward driving the pole into the ground. To remove the pole, the procedure is reversed whereby the hammer sleeve is slammed upwards away from the ground. The additional pole can support a plurality of different items, such as, for example, a beach umbrella or an attachment to a volley ball net.

Abstract: A tent is described that has a support system providing excellent head-room over the entire internal area. The tent is circular in cross section. A sidewall portion is joined at a defined transition to a generally conical roof section. Internally, there is a relatively narrow fabric tension shelf at the sidewall top transition. A top the tension shelf is a semi-flexible compression hoop. The top portion may have additional tension shelves and compression hoops, depending on the size of the tent. An internal center pole completes the support system. The pole, tension shelf, compression hoop, and fabric act together as an engineered unit to provide an exceptionally stable structure.

Abstract: A tent is described that has a support system providing excellent head-room over the entire internal area. The tent is circular in cross section. A sidewall portion is joined at a defined transition to a generally conical roof section. Internally, there is a relatively narrow fabric tension shelf at the sidewall top transition. Atop the tension shelf is a semi-flexible compression hoop. The top portion may have additional tension shelves and compression hoops, depending on the size of the tent. An internal center pole completes the support system. The pole, tension shelf, compression hoop, and fabric act together as an engineered unit to provide an exceptionally stable structure.

Abstract: A mounting device for a beach umbrella includes a hollow tubular base having an open tapered end adapted for penetrating a ground surface and an opposing open end adapted for receiving an elongated mounting post of the beach umbrella. At least one outwardly projecting support arm is attached to the tubular base, and is adapted for carrying beach items and accessories above the ground surface.

Abstract: A prefabricated, modular shelter system that utilizes a series of identical enclosures, each made from barrier panels connected to define the shape of a modifiable dodecagon prism. The top cover of each enclosure can be flat or peaked at the center. The lightweight components are easily transported, assembled, disassembled, and/or re-assembled. The design allows two or many enclosures to cluster together without interstitial triangle prism volumes forming among them. Interior space within a cluster of enclosures can be increased, decreased, or re-arranged by simple addition, removal, or relocation of enclosures. Though the enclosures are each identical in shape, they can create a limitless variety of spatial areas and configurations, thus adapting to varied uses and requirements.

Abstract: A frame tent having a triangular-shaped perimeter frame, a flexible canopy attached to said perimeter frame, three corner posts to support the perimeter frame at corners thereof, three cables each having one end attached to an upper end of an associated one of said corner posts and a free end attached to a common junction element, and a flying pole supported at one end by said common junction element and connected at another end to an interior surface of said canopy.

Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.

Abstract: A tower type sunshade is disclosed, in which a conical roof tent can be formed in a simple manner without using any minor beams. The tower type sunshade according to the present invention includes four posts 1 and four lateral rods 2 respectively connected through four f-shaped connectors 3 to the four posts. Four major beams 4 are connected to the upper tips of the f shaped connectors 3 and to an X shaped connector 3a in the diagonal directions to form an X shaped contour. A tubular supporting rod 5 of a certain length is connected vertically to the upper tip of the X shaped connector 3a, and a roof tent cloth 6 having a peak part 6a is installed thereon, the peak part 6a being fitted to the upper tip of the tubular supporting rod 5. A securing rod 7 having a flange 7a is installed, the lower tip of the securing rod 7 being fitted into the upper tip portion of the tubular supporting rod 5.

Abstract: A rotating device has a turning wheel, a threaded sleeve, and a nut. The turning wheel has a hub having a center hole, a wheel rim, and a plurality of spokes connected to the hub and the wheel rim. The threaded sleeve has a flange and an outer thread. The threaded sleeve is inserted through the center hole of the hub and a through hole of a table plate. The nut engages with the outer thread of the threaded sleeve. An umbrella has a center post inserted through the threaded sleeve.

Abstract: A sun protection device is proposed having a fanlike sunshade which includes rods which are mounted at one end in a manner which allows them to pivot about a first common axis for individual adjustment, so that the rods can be collapsed and spread apart by pivoting about this first axis, and which has a sunshade covering which is mounted between the rods, and the device also having a sunshade pole on which the rods are arranged via a pivot joint which has a pivot axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the sunshade pole. According to the invention, the pivot joint is designed in such a manner that in every position of the joint, the first pivot axis (11) lies in a plane with the longitudinal axis of the sunshade pole.

Abstract: An umbrella frame has a hollow shaft, an upper runner disposed on the hollow shaft, a lower runner receiving the hollow shaft, a winding device inserted through the hollow shaft, a pulley disposed on the hollow shaft, and a thread connected to the pulley and the winding device. A plurality of ribs are connected to the upper runner. A plurality of stretchers are connected to the lower runner and the ribs. A handle engages with the winding device.

Abstract: A tie-downs for a table umbrella for preventing damage to a table umbrella. The tie-downs for a table umbrella include a plurality of rigid elongate members which are essentially made of stiff wire with each having a first hook-like end and a second hook-like end both of which are adapted to attach to a table and an umbrella; and also includes a plurality of coupling members each of which is essentially a flat, rigid strip-like piece having a plurality of holes spaced therealong for coupling a respective pair of elongate members one of which is attached to the table and the other of which is attached to the umbrella.

Abstract: A sunshade base comprises a base adapted to engage with a support tube of a sunshade and two wheel assemblies each having a mounting plate and at least one wheel. The mounting plate is pivotally mounted to the base. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the mounting plate. The mounting plate is pivotable between a storage position in which the wheel does not contact the ground and an operative position in which the wheel is located on the ground and thus raises the base above the ground.

Abstract: An integrated umbrella base stand and table having a collapsible frame that includes a center tube adapted for receiving the pole of an umbrella. From this central tube extend appendages that are supported by linking arms. The integrated umbrella base stand and table further includes a flexible surface and a base flange that are carried by the appendages of the frame. The surface of the table provides an area on which drinks and food may be placed and the base flange of the device is dimensioned to receive a weight to stabilize the integrated umbrella stand and table.

Abstract: A reconfigurable reflective apparatus that includes a flexible reflector supported by a plurality of support ribs that are pivotally connected to a central locking control hub, wherein at least one support rib can be independently set in any one of a plurality of pivot positions.

Abstract: An auger is produced from a material such as plastic. The auger includes a shaft with a first pointed end having a thread member thereon. A second end of the auger includes an opening. Handles extend perpendicularly from the shaft and near the opening. The threads are formed in a manner to facilitate removal of the auger from a mold in which the auger may be formed using a plastic-type material. On opposite ends of the shaft, the thickness of the thread is increased to provide a clearance for the thread so that the completed auger may be readily removed from the mold.

Abstract: A collapsible blind and decoy apparatus (10) for attracting wild game wherein the apparatus (10) includes a blind/decoy unit (12) supported by a collapsible framework unit (11). The blind/decoy unit (12) includes a blind/decoy member (50) having a first sheet (51) of material (52) that is at least semi-transparent with a front surface (56) that is provided with an opaque decoy element (55) that is contoured, colored and configured to resemble a selected species of wild game for the purpose of attracting wild game towards the apparatus (10).

Abstract: A reconfigurable sun shade and shelter apparatus that includes a flexible shade cover that is substantially square attached to a plurality of support ribs and a central locking control hub, the support ribs each having an inside end that is pivotally connected to the central locking control hub and an outside end that is removably connected to the flexible shade cover, the central locking control hub further including locking pivot means for independently pivoting each of the plurality of support ribs such that each support pole can independently be positioned in any one of a plurality of pivot positions and be locked into that pivot position.

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

Abstract: An umbrella-shaped shelter includes a single vertical support member either permanently mounted to a support surface, such as the ground, or removably attached to a mounting base disposed on or in the support surface. The lower end of the vertical support member may be mounted in a concrete base, removably inserted in a tubular sleeve disposed in the support surface, or may be attached to the support surface using anchor bolts, or ground anchors. In one embodiment, the lower end of the vertical support member is attached to a base including outwardly extending, radially disposed base members which, in turn, are mounted to the support surface such as by ground anchors. Concentrically disposed about and attached to an upper end of the vertical support member by radially extending frame members is a circular ring. A fabric cover is disposed over a cap on the upper end of the vertical support member and about the circular ring.

Abstract: A compact umbrella anchor and method is disclosed that includes a bit with a pin member with an auger blade. The pin member has a small body to support the auger blade without interfering with operation of the larger blade surface. A retractable handle is built onto the tubular body of the umbrella anchor. The handle pivots between an open position and a closed position. Stops on the handle stop rotation at the open position so that the hand grips are directed radially outwardly. The handle has slots that are slightly undersized with respect to the tubular body or in other words the cross-section is slightly greater than a semi-circle, so as to cause the grips to snap gently into the closed position. An umbrella pole can be telescopically interconnected with the tubular body of the umbrella anchor.

Abstract: A flexible, collapsible screen for protecting outdoor table tops from bugs and flying insects is disclosed.

Abstract: A lightning shelter for people is formed from a plurality of elongate electrically conductive members first ends of which are held conjoined between a pair of metal plates. Each member extends away from and depends from its first end to define a frame and the second end of each member has an electrically conductive spike drivable into the ground on which the shelter stands. The outer surface of each elongate member is electrically insulated e.g. with a layer of polyethylene. A further electrically conductive member is removably mountable on the frame on the plates to extend normally away from said frame. In moving from its first to its second end each elongate member extend firstly through a curved portion (quarter circle) and then through a generally straight portion.

Abstract: A one-touch assembling collapsible tent frame is disclosed. In the tent frame, the pole ribs are quickly coupled to the tent frame through a one-touch motion. The tent frame is stably supported on the ground since the interval between the lower portions of side poles is wider than that of the upper portions when fully stretching the frame. The tent frame has a slider locking means capable of allowing a slider to be easily and safely locked to or released from a side pole. A tension adjusting means is provided at the center pole for selectively adjusting the spring force of a center pole spring at the outside of the center pole. The center pole thus tightly and stably stretches and sustains the roof of a canvas or other material of the tent and improves the appearance of the tent even when pitching the tent in the wind.

Abstract: A connector assembly for an upright shaft of a beach umbrella, includes first and second stem members and a tubular connecting member. The upright shaft portion includes a lower shaft portion and a hollow upper shaft portion. The lower shaft portion extends in an axial direction and is provided with an upwardly opened annular end portion. The upwardly opened annular end portion has a first inner annular wall with a first dimension. The upper shaft portion is provided with a downwardly opened annular end portion which can brought in the axial direction to connect with the upwardly opened annular end portion. The downwardly opened annular end portion has a second inner annular wall with a second dimension. The first and second stem members have first lower and upper stem portions press-fitted into the upwardly and downwardly opened end portions of the lower and upper shaft portions.

Abstract: A storable shelter deployable to a dihedral configuration. It includes a central pole with an upright axis, a pair of flexible rectangular panels and a control for them which includes at least one rotatably biased reel, an edge former for each panel, a strut for each panel which strut is rigid when the shelter is deployed, the edge formers extending as a straight body from both sides of the struts, a collar freely slidable on the pole and a mount on the collar rotably mounting the struts. The collar is raised to lower the struts and deploy the panels and lowered to enable the struts to move against the pole where upon the panels are wound on the reel or reels by the rotational bias of the reel or reels.

Abstract: A free-standing ceiling structure including an elongate column member having a bottom end and a top end. A plurality of primary arms are attached to the column member and extend radially therefrom. Each primary arm includes first and second sub-arms extending outwardly therefrom. A pair of peripheral panel members are respectively attached to and supported by a primary arm and by the sub-arms attached to the primary arm. A plurality of central canopy members are attached to and supported by the primary arms. A plurality of secondary arms extend radially from the column member and are located below the primary arms. The outer end of each secondary arm includes a light fixture. The column member includes one or more utility devices for providing environmental control and communication services.