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Removable fastener Full Text
Abstract
A fastener is provided for removably engaging and holding sections of material, such as a tarp, without piercing the material. One piece of the fastener is a base with one end providing a contact surface for a support structure, and the other forming a substantially elliptical flange. The second piece is a frame having an opening that substantially defines a first ellipse having a first orientation, and a second ellipse having a second orientation. The second elliptical opening is partially occluded at its opposite ends. A section of material to be engaged and held is placed over the elliptical flange. The second piece is oriented to align the first elliptical opening and the elliptical flange, and is inserted over the elliptical flange and section of material to be held. The second piece is then rotated to align the second elliptical opening and elliptical flange. In this position, the occlusions of the second elliptical opening and the ends of the elliptical flange prevent…
Segmented articulated pole structure Full Text 
Abstract
A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.
Emergency shelter structure Full Text
Abstract
A shelter structure is disclosed having a substantially dome-shaped frame comprising a plurality of flexible resilient poles maintained under tension in substantially arcuate shape. The poles are arranged in intersecting relationship and form a plurality of pole crossings. Opposite ends of the poles terminate in a common plane such as the ground or a base. The pole arrangement creates a plurality of adjacent four-sided openings having pole crossings as vertices and sections of poles as sides. A plurality of tension harnesses interconnect diagonal vertices of adjacent openings, thereby providing strength and rigidity to the structure. The frame defines an interior volume and a membrane or covering is connected to the frame to substantially shelter the interior volume.
Lightweight flexible frame for shelter structure Full Text 
Abstract
A flexible shelter structure has an elongated flexible main pole having first and second ends terminating in a substantially common plane, such as the ground or a base. The pole typically assumes a substantially arcuate shape under tension. A plurality of spars are connected to the pole in a flexible floating arrangement to form a flexible frame. The spars typically assume a generally arcuate shape under tension but their ends do not terminate in the common plane. A membrane is connected to the flexible frame to tension the main pole and the spars and define a substantially sheltered space.
Orbit tent Full Text
Abstract
A tent is provided wherein a membrane is primarily kept under tension by a plurality of stressed poles wherein at least two sets of poles are used, radiating from at least two independent spaced points.
Tent Full Text 
Abstract
A tent is provided wherein the poles are a series of stressed, arcuate rods which surround a convex polyhedra such as a hemispherical structure. The arcuate rods are approximately in the configuration of segments of circles and they cross at a plurality of points and fit in sockets at each point of crossing and the crossing point is fastened to the membrane forming the tent.
Flexible vault structure Full Text
Abstract
A flexible vault structure is provided which includes a plurality of stressed poles which are held in their stressed condition by a member, usually a membrane, strung between the poles. The vault structure can be used as a storage vessel, tent, kite or the like.
Clip for gripping fabric or the like Full Text 
Abstract
A clip is provided which is adapted for fastening onto a flexible web such as a sheet of fabric. The clip is particularly adapted for fastening the fabric of a tent to supporting poles or stakes or for fastening webs together.
Clip for pole or cable Full Text
Abstract
A clip is disclosed for securing an object such as a tent fabric to an elongate support such as a pole or cable in a manner does not slide along the support but that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The clip includes a hook and a cam-shaped clamp that is manually rotated between an open position in which the cam surface of the clamp is retracted sufficiently to allow easy insertion of the pole or cable, and a clamping position in which the cam surface presses the pole or cable against the interior of the hook.
Clip for gripping fabric or the like Full Text 
Abstract
A clip is provided which is adapted for fastening onto a flexible web such as a sheet of fabric. The clip is particularly adapted for fastening the fabric of a tent to supporting poles or stakes or for fastening webs together.
Flexible vault structure having multiple piece poles Full Text
Abstract
A flexible vault structure is provided which includes a plurality of stressed poles each of which poles is composed of two or more short rod like members held together by connector elements.
Concave-convex structure with spaced fittings for intersecting flexible rods Full Text
Abstract
A concave-convex structure is composed of a plurality of pole or rod elements including at least two series of rows of such rods, the rods of each row being substantially parallel to one another. The rows are intersecting, but are uniform in respective orientation. The rods are stabilized at the intersections by fittings which permit relative sliding movement of restricted degree. These fittings are secured to a flexible membrane or body portion.
Flexible structure and method Full Text
Abstract
A flexible structure is described having one or more deformable, resilient poles and one or more tension webs associated therewith and coupled thereto to maintain the pole(s) in a selected shape under tension and to impart strength and rigidity to the structure. A flexible membrane may also be provided to define a sheltered space. Also disclosed is a method for making such a structure.
Collapsible chair Full Text 
Abstract
A collapsible chair is provided which can be easily fabricated from a sheet material such as plywood. The chair consists of two rocker elements, a seat and a back. The four elements can be stored and shipped flat and easily erected into chair form without the use of tools or fastening elements.
Foldable tent Full Text
Abstract
A foldable tent structure is provided wherein a plurality of pole clusters is utilized. Each pole cluster has three poles which form an inverted Y-shape, the poles being loosely connected at the center of the inverted Y so that each of the arms may articulate relative to each other. The poles forming the two arms of each inverted Y extend to the ground and the poles forming the stems of each Y extend upwardly and are connected to each other at the top of the structure. A foldable membrane is provided which is connected to both ends of each pole by a clip whereby a foldable tent structure is provided which may be assembled and disassembled repeatedly without separating the foldable membrane from the poles.
Foldable polyhedral structure Full Text 
Abstract
A foldable polyhedral structure is provided having a plurality of identical diamond-shaped polygons. A first set of diamond-shaped polygons radiates outwardly and downwardly from the top center of the structure and a second set of diamond-shaped polygons extends upwardly from ground level. The design of the polygonal faces is such that the structure folds into a flat compressed structure. A plurality of poles which extend along the edges of each diamond-shaped face will fold together with the structure. The structure may be used as a tent, a hat or as a supporting structure for solar collectors.
Monkey maze Full Text
Abstract
A climbing maze for children is provided by fastening together a plurality of rods. The maze includes three triangular members which are arranged with their apices resting on the ground and having the tops of the triangles intermeshed with each other and having a fourth triangular member arranged in a horizontal plane below the tops of the first three triangular members. The maze also includes three straight members resting on the ground and engaging the apices of the fourth triangular member and being lashed to the other triangular members where they cross. Preferably the rods are of ordinary plastic plumbing pipe.
Bubble machine with protective transparent dome Full Text 
Abstract
A device for forming bubbles in the nature of a toy or amusement device has a weighted base defining a space to contain a quantity of soapy solution. An air introduction conduit extends into the space, and the area is enclosed by a transparent dome
Flexible structure and method Full Text
Abstract
A flexible structure is described having one or more deformable, resilient poles and one or more tension webs associated therewith, having strut members, and being coupled to the poles to maintain the pole(s) in a selected shape under tension and to impart strength and rigidity to the structure. A flexible membrane may also be provided to define a sheltered space.
Pole connector for flexible structure Full Text 
Abstract
A connector connects the end segments of one or more poles and a flexible membrane to form a tent, canopy, kite or other flexible shelter or non-shelter structure. The connector has a first and a second body section that are adapted to mate via loosely coupled threads in one adaptation. A portion of a flexible membrane is retained between the two body sections. The first body section has an open end and is adapted to engage an end segment of a pole. The second body section is adapted to be fitted with a ring, hook, or other structure to which a guy wire, rope, or other pole may be connected.
Viewing toy Full Text
Abstract
A viewing toy is provided which may be held by a user in front of his eyes. The toy has a plurality of transparent openings and, when the toy is rotated by the user’s finger, a pleasant visual effect is obtained when viewing a visual target.
Concave-convex structure with spaced fittings for Full Text 
Abstract
A concave-convex structure is composed of a plurality of pole or rod elements including at least two series of rows of such rods, the rods of each row being substantially parallel to one another. The rows are intersecting, but are uniform in respective orientation. The rods are stabilized at the intersections by fittings which permit relative sliding movement of restricted degree. These fittings are secured to a flexible membrane or body portion.
Segmented articulated pole structure Full Text
Abstract
A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged in an alternating or offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.
Additional Shelter Systems’ Patents
In addition to the tent, dome and greenhouse structures which Shelter Systems markets, we hold patents on a variety of other items, from folding rocking chairs and optical toys to children’s climbing gyms.
Origami Dome™ Tent: An Amazing Folding Tensegrity dome shelter of rigid panels dome shelter that folds flat when not needed! When made as a Folding Tent with poles on the edges it folds into a tight bundle. Make one of cardboard. These patent drawings show how the Origami Dome™ Tent folds flat.
Pole Arch systems
A segmented, articulated pole member structure is constructed of pivotally interconnected, pole segments. The pole segments are arranged 1 offsetting fashion such that in their disassembled state they may be folded into a compact bundle for storage. In the assembled state, adjacent pole segments are retained under tension in fixed angular position relative to each other by a pivoting connection and an engagement loop or similar structure. Applications for the pole member structure include the construction of flexible structures such as tents and shelters, and support frames for mounting, supporting, or suspending articles in a desired shape.
More about Lever Pole Arch systems
Tent Loc™ Clip
A clip is disclosed for securing an object such as a tent fabric to an elongate support such as a pole or cable in a manner does not slide along the support but that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The clip includes a hook and a cam-shaped clamp that is manually rotated between an open position in which the cam surface of the clamp is retracted sufficiently to allow easy insertion of the pole or cable, and a clamping position in which the cam surface presses the pole or cable against the interior of the hook.
Slip on, twist the key and …The Tent Loc Locked On!
Rope Loc™ and Cable Loc™ Clip for Rope or Cable
A clip is disclosed for securing an object such as a tent fabric to an elongate support such as a pole or cable in a manner does not slide along the support but that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The clip includes a hook and a cam-shaped clamp that is manually rotated between an open position in which the cam surface of the clamp is retracted sufficiently to allow easy insertion of the pole or cable, and a clamping position in which the cam surface presses the pole or cable against the interior of the hook.
Rope and Cable Locks allow you to attach almost anything to a rope or cable in seconds!
More about Rope Loc ™ and Cable Locs ™
Web Tent ™
Shelter System’s patent on the Web Tent™ structure has just been allowed by the patent office. Oriented fibers in the white bands stabilizes and strengthens the pole structure.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A Web Tent™ structure is described having one or more deformable, resilient poles and one or more tension webs associated therewith and coupled thereto to maintain the pole(s) in a selected shape under tension and to impart strength and rigidity to the structure. A flexible membrane may also be provided to define a sheltered space. Also disclosed is a method for making such a structure.
What is needed therefor and what has been invented is a flexible structure that exhibits improved rigidity and strength over prior art structures, and that overcomes the foregoing deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, what is needed and what has been invented is a flexible structure comprising at least one deformable resilient pole with a tension web assembly coupled thereto in order to maintain the pole in a selected, e.g., a generally arcuate, shape under tension. The tension web assembly maintains the pole in its desired shape under tension and provides improved rigidity and strength when the structure is subjected to external load forces such as snow. wind, rain, etc. An underlying membrane may be coupled to the tension web assembly to provide a highly stable, rigid, and strong shelter structure, for example a tent.
Tent Pole Clip™ and Kite Clips™ Pole Connector for Flexible Structures
Tent pole clips allow you to attach aluminum, fiberglass, graphite, wooden and bamboo poles and wands to tent coverings, fabrics, flags, sails and kites.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A connector connects the end segments of one or more poles and a flexible membrane to form a tent, canopy, kite or other flexible shelter or non-shelter structure. The connector has a first and a second body section that are adapted to mate via loosely coupled threads in one adaptation. A portion of a flexible membrane is retained between the two body sections. The first body section has an open end and is adapted to engage an end segment of a pole. The second body section is adapted to be fitted with a ring, hook, or other structure to which a guy wire, rope, or other pole may be connected
