A deployable Kiriform flexure includes first and second sections. The first section of the Kiriform flexure includes a plurality of curved fins arranged about a central axis. The second section of the Kiriform flexure includes a plurality of curved fins arranged about a central axis. Each fin of the second section is joined with a fin of the first section such that the first and second sections share a common central axis in a configuration that produces out-of-plane elastic buckling of the fins to actuate the Kiriform flexure from a substantially flat structure that extends substantially only in two dimensions orthogonal to the central axis to an expanded structure extending substantially in a third dimension parallel to the central axis when at least one of the first and second sections is rotated relative to the other section.

A night sky viewing tent structure having specific features for enhanced night sky viewing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the night sky viewing tent structure comprises roof cut-outs to allow telescope lenses to extend through the roof for star viewing while still protecting users. In other embodiments, the tent structure roof cover is at least partially transparent with one or more sections providing magnification for improved night sky viewing. In another embodiment, the tent structure covering is at least partially photochromic, such that it is clear in low light conditions, and substantially tinted in full light or day light conditions. In other embodiments, the tent structure cover is manufactured with one or more coatings to absorb ultraviolet rays of less than 400 nanometers. In various embodiments, the night sky viewing tent structure is formed using at least one flexible rib element and a cover element.

Disclosed is a combination-type large tent frame assembly which improves the frame structure of a one-touch-type automatic tent so as to be easy to handle and use, and more particularly, which uses both a roof structure formed using the structure of conventional automatically foldable poles and a manually assembled prop structure including a plurality of prop members connected in a fitting manner in the longitudinal direction. The combination-type large tent frame assembly includes an upper frame including automatically foldable poles radially connected to a center head so as to form the roof structure, a lower frame including props, each prop formed by connecting a plurality of prop members in a row, and connectors configured to connect the upper frame and the lower frame to form a single body.

A multi-purpose shelter includes a covering fabric, a first rod member, a plurality of loop straps, a plurality of cords and at least a weight member. The covering fabric has a plurality of side edges, and a first pocket extending along a transverse direction thereof. The first rod member has a forward end, a backward end, and a main portion extending between the forward end and the backward end. The main portion passes through the first pocket of the covering fabric, and is folded to form a curved contour between the forward end and the backward end to be erected on a support surface. Each cord connects the covering fabric to a support surface in a stretched manner. The weight member is detachably attached on one of the forward end and the backward end of the first rod member for providing a secure support to the multi-purpose shelter.

A portable bivouac sack configured to be self-deploy when released from its compact storage configuration. The bivouac sack comprises an elongated bag shell made of waterproof material with an elongated ground piece and a top panel. The sack is closed on one end, open at an opposite end, and configured to receive a sleeping bag. The top panel is shorter than the ground piece to form a transverse opening into the bag shell and a longitudinally aligned pan. Disposed over the pan is a self-deploying frame that folds into a compact circular configuration for storage and automatically unfolds and self-deploys when released to form an expanded frame. Attached to the frame is a flexible outer cover that expands with the frame to form a dome over the pan. The frame cover extends downward towards the pan and a sliding connector selective attaches the frame cover to the pan to provide egress and ingress to the protected area under the dome. An optional outer cover is provided that fits over the dome.

Disclosed herein are novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user. The personal pop-up pods can provide a user with privacy and/or protection from the surrounding elements. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can remain mobile, i.e., able to move from one location to another while using a personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can selectively gain access to the area surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other points of access.

Disclosed herein are novel personal pop-up pods designed for a single user. The personal pop-up pods can provide a user with privacy and/or protection from the surrounding elements. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can remain mobile, i.e., able to move from one location to another while using a personal pop-up pod. The personal pop-up pods are designed such that a user can selectively gain access to the area surrounding the pop-up pod by opening windows and other points of access.

A foldable modular structure for a fast-erecting shelter comprising the assembly of profiled sections that form at least two opposing arches linked by at least two purlins, including one ridge purlin. A first end of the ridge purlin is linked by a hinge to a first ridge part of a first arch, said hinge comprising first pivoting means allowing said ridge purlin to pivot on a transverse axis, parallel to the plane of the arch, in order to allow the purlin to fold parallel to said arch, and second pivoting means allowing the ridge purlin to pivot on an axis perpendicular to the plane of the arch, and the second end of the ridge purlin comprises linking means for linking with a second ridge part of a second arch, said linking means being arranged to provide a dismountable but rigid link between the ridge purlin and said second linking part.

The invention relates to a canopy for protection against elements. It is especially relevant for a boat or a pleasure vessel but may also be used in places where protection from the sun is desirable, e.g. terraces. The canopy has a centrally located anchoring point for a line and at least one side anchoring rope. The canopy comprises a continuous resilient frame arranged in a channel around the circumference of the canopy. The central anchoring point comprises an in-the-canopy-located plate through which the central line is led and a splint that constitutes the anchoring point for the line.