Patent Application
20190203497
Umbrellas are designed to restrict or block, for example, rain, wind, and/or sunlight. Large umbrellas typically are used on patios and decks, and at yard, courtyard, sidewalk, and beach settings. Often, large umbrellas remain in a fixed location and typically they are constructed with a large center pole. Many tables intended for outdoor use are designed to incorporate a hole in the center of the table top so as to accept and incorporate the center pole of a large umbrella.
While there are many mechanical configurations for large umbrellas, the umbrellas remain difficult to operate. For example, significant force is required to extend and collapse the umbrella canopy using traditional hand-crank/gear designs. Other configurations incorporate one or more pulleys that can be complicated to manufacture, while unsuccessfully achieving ease of installation and/or operation. Yet other designs incorporate weights into the configuration, nevertheless requiring significant exertion of force on the part of the operator.
When not in use, outdoor furniture often is covered as a means of protecting the furniture from the elements, and to keep the furniture free from dust, dirt, and debris. In many cases, the furniture and/or large umbrella incorporated therein must be dissembled in order for the furniture to be fitted with standard outdoor furniture covers.
Disclosed herein is an umbrella configured to solve several existing deficiencies. The umbrella is configured for ease of operation, requiring very little effort on the part of the operator, even when constructed as a relatively large umbrella. This is achieved, in part, by use of a specially designed actuator arm used in conjunction with at least one pulley and counterbalanced weight system.
Moreover, the umbrella canopy and framework is configured to allow the entire canopy to be lowered while remaining fully extended, so as to form a cover for a table into which its center pole is situated. Additionally, the umbrella canopy can be constructed with an extendible skirt. When unfurled, the skirt can extend the canopy cover so as to form an enclosure that fully surrounds the table, table legs, and chairs, for example.
The terms “a” and “an” and variations thereof represent the phrase “at least one.” In all cases, the terms “comprising,” “comprises,” “including,” “includes,” “contains,” “having,” and any variations thereof should not be interpreted as limited to the elements listed thereafter but rather as open-ended terms, as though the phrase “at least” were appended thereafter.
The conjunction “or” is to be construed inclusively (i.e., one, another, or both), unless it is explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., by use of “either . . . or,” “only one of,” or similar language) or two or more of listed alternatives are mutually exclusive within the particular context, in which case “or” would encompass only those combinations involving non-mutually exclusive alternatives.
The term “substantially” is to be construed as meaning something that effectively possesses the same property or achieves the same function as that of the stated limit, and includes exactly the stated limit as well as insignificant deviations therefrom.
The term “approximately” is to be construed as meaning something having very nearly the stated value, and includes exactly the stated value as well as insignificant variations therefrom.
Unless otherwise specified, all words used herein carry their common meaning as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In cases where examples are listed, it is to be understood that combinations of any of the alternative examples are also envisioned. The scope of the invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, which serve merely as examples representative of the limitations recited in the issued claims resulting from this application, and the equivalents of those limitations.
Various features may be grouped together in example embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure, but this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claimed embodiment requires more features than are expressly recited in the corresponding claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a single disclosed example embodiment. Thus, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate disclosed embodiment. However, the present disclosure shall also be construed as implicitly disclosing any embodiment having any suitable set of one or more disclosed or claimed features (i.e., a set of features that are neither incompatible nor mutually exclusive) that appear in the present disclosure or the appended claims, including those sets that may not be explicitly disclosed herein. Conversely, the scope of the appended claims does not necessarily encompass the whole of the subject matter disclosed herein.
If the word “means” or the phrase “step for” does not appear in a claim, applicant does not intend to invoke the provisions of law relating to “means/function” or “step/function” claiming.
The abstract is provided as required as an aid to those searching for specific subject matter within the patent literature. However, the abstract is not intended to imply that any elements, features, or limitations recited therein are necessarily encompassed by any particular claim. The scope of subject matter encompassed by each claim shall be determined by the recitation of only that claim.
Certain elements of the umbrella include standard components that are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art. These components may be selected based upon the appropriateness of the materials from which they are made as well as features relating to their overall aesthetic appeal.
For example, the umbrella typically includes a base 102. The base 102 may be selected from a variety of shapes such that the overall design enables the central portion of the base 102 to accept the bottom portion of a pole 108 inserted into the top of the base 102, to extend downward vertically into the base 102, and to be held secure. The base 102 may include at least one base fitting sleeve 104 in order to accommodate a pole 108 having a circumference significantly smaller than the insertion point in the base 102, and optionally may be fitted with a base tightening screw 106 for added security and to prevent rotation of the pole 108. The base 102 may be weighted to prevent side-to-side movement of the pole 108, especially when strong winds exert force on the canopy 168. Selection of appropriate styles and materials for the base 102 are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art. The pole 108 comprises a cylindrical wall having inner and outer sides having a top portion, an elongated middle portion, and a bottom portion.
The umbrella typically includes a canopy 168 supported by struts 90, 92, as shown in
The canopy 168 may be supported by the struts 90, 92 in a fixed or moveable manner. For example, the canopy 168 may be attached directly onto the top side of the struts 90, 92, for example, by nails, screws, rivets, or bolts (not shown). The canopy 168 may have a means for reinforcement of the canopy 168 material at the point of attachment, such as metal grommets (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the struts 90, 92 are inserted into strut pockets (not shown) sewn into the underside of the canopy 168 near its periphery, the pockets having the open ends facing toward the pole 108 in order to accept the struts 90, 92 radiating outward therefrom. The manner for supporting the canopy 168 by the struts 90, 92 typically results in the struts 90, 92 terminating near the outermost periphery of the canopy 168 and serving to stretch the canopy 168 taut when fully extended.
In some embodiments, the central pole 108 terminates at the underside of the canopy 168, and the canopy 168 is continuous from edge to edge. In another embodiment shown in
Where a vent flap 172 is incorporated into the design, it is connected to the top portion of the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348 by any means deemed reasonable by a person having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the inner portion of the vent flap 172 may be connected by a reversible means, such as with substantially evenly placed snap closures 174. As used herein, the term “reversible” indicates that the connection is not permanent and may be connected and disconnected repeatedly. The outermost edge of the vent flap 172 is partially joined to the canopy 168. For example, the vent flap 172 typically is stitched to the canopy 168 at substantially equal intervals close enough together to allow the vent flap 172 to provide protection for the area exposed by the canopy hole 170, while allowing for circulation of air under the areas that remain unattached. Incorporation of a vent flap 172 is considered well within the skill of the art.
As shown in
It is to be understood that any such skirt 178 should extend substantially vertically downward from the outer periphery of the canopy 168, as shown in
The skirt 178 material may be selected based upon its intended function. For example, a skirt intended to be used for protection against insects might be constructed from durable mesh material, e.g., mosquito netting. A skirt 178 intended to function as a protective covering for furniture may be made of material similar to that of the canopy 168. Examples of appropriate materials include, but are not limited to natural or synthetic materials including cotton, canvas, nylon, and acrylic.
Optionally, such a skirt 178 can include an opening 180 in its side, as shown in
In another example shown in
Useful styles of openings are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art, and may be designed according to a variety of shapes and styles. In one embodiment, the opening is a slit having two sides of the opening meeting at their opposing edges. In another embodiment, the opening is a slit having two opposing sides of the opening overlapping to form a natural closure. Other embodiments may take the form of more elaborate designs, for example, where the opening has more than one pair of opposing sides, such as in the shape of a door.
The opening 180 optionally may include a means for sealing or securing the opening (not shown), such as with buttons, snaps, hooks, hook and eye connectors, hook and loop connectors, magnets, zippers, or ties.
The skirt 178 optionally may include a means for maintaining it in the downward position (not shown). For example, weighted material may be sewn into the hem along the bottom. Alternatively, the bottom hem may include external fasteners, such as loops, cords, or ties for connecting to one or more stationary objects. In another embodiment, a drawstring may be included in the hem to enable the skirt 178 to be gathered at the bottom and secured.
The skirt 178 may be retractable. Means and methods for retracting fabric are readily apparent to any person having skill in the art, and may be accomplished manually or mechanically. For example, the skirt 178 may be retracted by one or more drawstrings (not shown), such as in the manner of window blinds. Alternatively, the skirt 178 may be retracted with a combination of sidewinders and ratchets (not shown), such as in the manner of window shades. In another embodiment, mechanical means (not shown) for retraction may be motorized.
In the simplest of configurations, the skirt 178 may be retracted by manually gathering, folding, and/or rolling it toward the canopy 168 such that in its retracted position it is snug against the canopy 168. In a preferred embodiment, it is rolled inward and upward toward the canopy 168 so that it is positioned on the underside of the canopy 168 when it is retracted. Once retracted, the skirt 178 may be held in place, for example, by fasteners fitted with buttons, snaps, hook and eye connectors, hook and loop connectors, hooks, or ties (not shown). In one embodiment, the means used for securing the bottom of the skirt 178 in the unfurled position may double as the means used for securing the skirt 178 to the canopy 168 in the retracted position.
The skirt 178 may be configured to roll up or fold into a closable container located on the underside of the canopy 168, such as one or more cylindrical bags (not shown). Alternatively, the container may be sewn or otherwise attached to the skirt 178 itself, on the outer side at the top near the canopy 168. Where the container is sewn onto the skirt 178, it can be inverted around the skirt 178 after the skirt 178 is retracted, and optionally secured with a fastener.
The canopy 168 may include one or more valances 176 extending downward from its periphery, as seen in
As exemplified in
The canopy 168 is supported by a series of substantially evenly spaced struts 90, 92 radiating outward from the center of the frame near the pole 108, and terminating near the outer edges of the canopy 168, as previously described. Basic strut design is well-known and commonly understood by any person having ordinary skill in the art.
The struts 90, 92 may be straight, or they may include a delicate convex arch. The number of struts 90, 92 may vary depending on the size and shape of the canopy 168. It will be appreciated by any person having ordinary skill in the art that the size, shape, and material making up the canopy 168 will affect the optimal number of struts 90, 92 required to effectively support the canopy 168 and maintain it taut. The framework should have at least three struts 90, 92, and preferably four or more struts 90, 92. In a preferred embodiment, the framework will include six or more struts 90, 92. Large canopies may require eight or more struts 90, 92. In determining the optimal number of struts 90, 92, it is preferable to employ the lowest number of struts 90, 92 that perform the function satisfactorily, in order to minimize the overall weight of the frame. Selection of the material from which the struts 90, 92 are made is well within the skill of the art, and typically includes concern for strength and durability. Commonly used materials include, but are not limited to, steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, and resin.
In a preferred embodiment, the struts 90, 92 comprise a long upper strut arm 162, 262 pivotably connected to a short lower strut arm 160, 260. The upper 162, 262 and lower 160, 260 strut arms may be connected adjacent to one another with a pivot connector 164, or they may be connected centrally with a pivot connector 264 so that they are in alignment, in which case the lower strut arm 260 is connected to the underside of the upper strut arm 262. The pivot connection 164, 264 extends through both upper 162, 262 and lower 160, 260 strut arms, providing an axle about which the upper 162, 262 and lower 160, 260 strut arms rotate.
Each upper strut arm 162, 262 extends from its terminus at the outer edge of the canopy 168, slightly upward toward the center of the framework at the pole 108, terminating at a pivot connection 166 with the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348. The lower strut arm 160, 260 terminates at the pivot connection 164, 264 with the upper strut arm 162, 262, extends slightly downward toward the center of the framework at the pole 108, and terminates at a pivot connection 166 with the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340. Thus, when the canopy 168 is fully extended, the area bounded by the upper strut arm 162, 262, the lower strut arm 160, 260, the pole 108, the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348, and lower canopy support 140, 240, 340 forms a triangular shape.
In order to collapse the canopy 168, the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340 must be moved downward, off the sliding sleeve 136, and away from the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348. In so doing, the acute angle formed at the pivot connection 164, 264 of the upper 162, 262 and lower 160, 260 strut arms becomes increasingly larger, nearing 180° when the canopy 168 is fully collapsed. In this position, the upper 162, 262 and lower 160, 260 strut arms are substantially vertical and parallel to the pole 108.
Placement of the pivot connection 164, 264 for optimal performance of the strut 90, 92 is well within the skill of the art, and may occur anywhere along the length of the upper strut arm 162, 262. Preferably the pivot connection 164, 264 is at a point less than half the length of the upper strut arm 162, 262, and more preferably at a point less than one third the length of the upper strut arm 162, 262.
Central to the framework is a hollow pole 108 of appropriate proportions and strength to support the rest of the frame and the canopy 168, as well as any optional components such as a skirt 178, vent flap 172, and/or valance 176. Preferably, the pole 108 is cylindrical. The pole 108 has a bottom portion having a bottom end that preferably may be permanently mounted, planted into the ground, or inserted into a standard base 102. The elongated middle portion of the pole 108 extends upward, optimally through the center of a table, transecting the table top.
The length of the pole 108 should be sufficiently long such that when the canopy 168 is fully extended, adult persons may freely walk upright beneath the canopy 168 and any valance 176. Moreover, the pole 108 should be of sufficient length such that the lower strut arms 160, 260 are not in the direct field of vision of persons seated at the table when the canopy 168 is fully extended. The pole 108 should be of sufficient length such that the canopy 168 may be fully collapsed without the outer termini of the upper strut arms 162, 262, or the periphery of the canopy 168, coming into contact with the table top. Also, the pole 108 should be of sufficient length such that the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340 has sufficient room to move downward along the pole 108 until the canopy 168 is fully collapsed.
The top portion of the pole 108 has at least one pulley opening 182 in its cylindrical wall for mounting a fixed (Class 1) pulley 184 with a pulley mount 188 and allowing a cable 180 to run from the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348, over the top of the pulley 184 toward the internal hollow portion of the pole 108, and down the other side of the pulley 184 into the inside of the pole 108. The pulley opening 182 is located at a height above the sliding rail 114 and the highest reachable point of the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348, and may be disposed to either side of the sliding rail 114 or directly above it so long as the cable 180 does not contact the sliding rail 114. The pulley 184 may be mounted in any reasonable manner, for example, the pulley mount 188 is a nut and bolt combination. Where more than one cable 180 and pulley 184 pair is utilized, the pulley openings 182 in the side wall of the pole 108 should be staggered in height, and situated on the wall of the pole 108 in parallel, such that the pulleys 184 and cables 180 do not interfere with one another. Preferably, the cables 180 should enter the internal portion of the pole 108 from opposing sides. For large and/or heavy canopies and/or frames, multiple pulleys 184 may be required in order to provide balance to the system, as shown in
Preferably, the pulley 184 should include a guard 186 to ensure that the cable 180 does not become disengaged with the pulley 184, for example, during shipment. Pulley guards are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art and include, for example, fender guards, closed casing covers, and u-strips.
The pulley cable(s) 180 may be constructed from material appropriate for its purpose, considering factors such as strength and durability. Rope and steel are commonly used, with steel cable being preferable. The pulley cable(s) 180 should extend substantially vertically from the top of the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348 upward to its corresponding pulley(s) 184, as shown in
As shown in
The weight 190 located internally in the pole 108 is intended to counterbalance the combined weight of the components that are raised and lowered by the actuator 10, 20. The combined weight of the components may be variable, however. For example, a wet canopy 168 may weigh more than a dry canopy 168. Different skirt 178 attachments may weigh more or less than one another. Dirt and dust may build up on the pulleys 184 over time, or wear on the pulley(s) 184 and/or cable(s) 180 may increase friction, requiring adjustment of the counterbalanced weight in order to maintain ease of operation of the actuator 10, 20. An optional set of ballast weights 192 may be included to make adjustments to the combined weight of the components to be raised and lowered by the actuator 10, 20 such that it remains substantially counterbalanced with the weight 190 inside the pole 108.
The ballast weights 192 may be attached by any reasonable means to any of the other components making up the combined counterbalanced weight, so long as they do not interfere with any of the intended functions of those components. Preferably, the ballast weights 192 are located on the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348, and more preferably on or near the top of the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348 as shown in
The optimized actuator 10, 20 working in conjunction with the counterbalanced weight system provides an elegant and simple design requiring very little effort to operate, regardless of the size and weight of the canopy 168 and supporting framework.
The uppermost end of the pole 108 should be fitted with a cap in the case where the pole 108 terminates on the underside of the canopy 168. Where the pole 108 extends through a canopy hole 170, the uppermost end of the pole 108 may be fitted with a decorative finial. The cap or finial 197 prevents moisture, dirt, dust, and debris from entering the inner portion pole 108 and prevents exposure of sharp edges, as well as adding a decorative feature. These features are well-known within the state of the art.
When the stabilizing finial is inserted into the pole 108, the stabilizer 408 and stabilizer canal 410 maintains the cable 180 on the uppermost pulley 184, thus eliminating the need for a pulley guard 186, and serves to keep the pulley 184 stabilized. The finial plug 407 and sealing edge 409 prevent debris and moisture from entering the inner portion of the pole 108.
A sliding rail 114 runs vertically along the length of the pole 108, from its connection to the lower actuator arm support 120 at about the top of the bottom portion of the pole 108 to the top of the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348 when the canopy 168 is in the raised position, as seen in
The pole 108 and sliding rail 114 optionally may include a tilting mechanism 118 for arranging the canopy 168 at different angles and positions relative to the ground. Various tilting mechanisms 118 are common in the art and include, for example, knuckle tilts. The tilting mechanism 118 should form a smooth interface with the pole 108 and sliding rail 114 when not employed, enabling the sliding sleeve 136 to pass over it freely. The tilting mechanism 118 should be located below the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340 when the canopy is in the raised position, as shown in
The pole 108 may include an upper stop tab 110 and a lower stop tab 112, as shown in
The framework includes an actuator 10, 20 for raising and lowering the canopy 168 while it is in the extended position. The actuator 10, 20 comprises a lower actuator arm 126, 226 joined to an upper actuator arm 128, 228 by a pivot connection 130, 230 extending through both actuator arms 126, 128; 226, 228. The pivot connection forms an axle about which the actuator arms 126, 128; 226, 228 rotate. The upper 128 and lower 126 actuator arms may be pivotably connected adjacent to one another, or the upper 228 and lower 226 actuator arms may be pivotably connected centrally so that they are in alignment, in which case the upper actuator arm 228 is connected to the top side of the lower actuator arm 226, in the lower actuator arm channel 132, as shown in
As shown in
Proper determination of the relative lengths of the upper 128, 228 and lower 126, 226 actuator arms and placement of the actuator arm pivot connection 130, 230 is important to the overall design. These factors impact the overall ease of operation and the amount of force required by the operator to move the actuator 10, 20. Optimal placement of the pivot connection 130, 230 is capable of resulting in less than one pound of pressure required to move the canopy 168 using the actuator 10, 20.
As discussed herein, when the actuator 10, 20 is in the raised position, the portion of the lower actuator arm 126 extending outward past the pivot connection 130 overlaps with the upper actuator arm 128 when adjacently connected. Likewise, when the actuator 10, 20 is in the raised position, the portion of the portion of the lower actuator arm 226 extending outward past the pivot connection 230 folds over the upper actuator arm 228 when centrally connected, whereby the upper actuator arm 228 fits into the lower actuator arm channel 132. Therefore, the total length of the actuator 10, 20 in the raised position (Lr) is the sum of the lengths of the lower actuator arm 126, 226 measured from the pivot connection 130, 230 to the lower actuator arm support connection 124 (Ll), and the upper actuator arm 128, 228 measured from the pivot connection 130, 230 to its connection with the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348 (Lu). Therefore, Lr=Ll+Lu.
Adjusting the relative Ll and Lu ratio affects the amount of pressure required to operate the actuator 10,20. As shown in
As the actuator 10, 20 is raised, the angle formed at the pivot connection 130, 230 of the upper 128, 228 and lower 126, 226 actuator arms becomes increasingly large, nearing 180° when the actuator 10, 20 is fully raised. In this position, the actuator arms 126, 128; 226, 228 are substantially vertical and parallel to the pole 108.
When the actuator 10, 20 is in the raised position, the upper actuator arm 128 may lay against the outer side of the lower canopy support 140, 240 between pairs of stays 40, 47; 60, 67 supporting lower strut arms 160, 260, as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the upper 228 and lower 226 actuator arms are pivotably connected centrally and in alignment with the sliding rail 114, as shown in
The lower actuator arm 126, 226 may include a handle 198 on its underside, at the outer end for maximum leverage. When the actuator 10, 20 is in the raised position, this handle 198 is used to guide the actuator 10, 20 downward, thus raising the internal weight 190 in the pole 108 and lowering the canopy 168.
A magnet 196 may be placed near the handle 198, on the underside of the outer end of the lower actuator arm 126, 226. Depending on the strength of the magnet 196 and the method of placement on the lower actuator arm 126, 226, it may be preferable to position a hole (not shown) in the lower actuator arm 126, 226 opposite the magnet 196. The magnet 196 attracts the upper actuator arm 126, 228 when the actuator 10, 20 is in the raised position, thus securing the position and preventing any downward drift of the actuator 10, 20 resulting from the substantially counterbalanced weight system, especially on windy days when the canopy 168 may be shifting.
A lower actuator arm fastener (not shown) may be used to secure the lower actuator arm 126, 226 to the table and to maintain it in the lowered position, especially in windy conditions. In one embodiment, the handle 198 may be configured to attach to the peripheral edge of the table or underside thereof, where the table top is of sufficient diameter for its outer edges to terminate at or near the handle 198. Alternatively, a separate fastener may be attached to the lower actuator arm 126, 226 in a manner that does not interfere with the function of the lower actuator arm channel 132. Preferably, the fastener is movable along the lower actuator arm 126, 226, and it is adjustable in length to accommodate for table tops of various size and height. As an exemplary embodiment, a strap, bungee cord, or tie-down adjustable in position and length is attached to the lower actuator arm 126, 226. The other end of the strap terminates in a wide hook, the tip of which is placed on the underside of the table at the peripheral edge. In another embodiment, a carabiner is used rather than a hook, which may be attached to the underside of the table on existing framework or with a specially placed loop. Any suitable fastener mechanism may be used, such as a pin and hole, clasp mechanism, latch mechanism, etc.
The upper strut arms 162, 262 extend from the outer edges of the canopy 168 converging toward the pole 108, terminating at substantially evenly spaced pivot connections 166 to the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348. The lower strut arms 160, 260 extend from their pivot connections 164, 264 with their corresponding upper strut arms 162, 262, converging toward the pole 108 and terminating at substantially evenly spaced pivot connections 166 with the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340. The pivot connections 166 extend through the upper 162, 262 and lower 164, 264 strut arms, forming axles about which the upper 162, 262 and lower 164, 264 strut arms rotate.
Canopy supports come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, all of which are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art. The upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports should have an inner surface shape substantially the same as that of the pole 108. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface shape is substantially cylindrical to fit a cylindrical pole 108, and includes a rail groove 146, 154 to accommodate a sliding rail 114. The inner surface of the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports have a diameter slightly larger than that of the combined pole 108 and sliding sleeve 136, as described further herein, to enable attachment to the sliding sleeve 136 situated between the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports and the pole 108.
The outer configuration of the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports should be sufficient to reasonably enable permanent attachment of one or more pulley cables 180 to the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348, and pivotable attachment of substantially evenly spaced upper 162, 262 and lower 164, 264 strut arms to the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports. In the case of the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348, its configuration also should enable pivotable attachment of the upper actuator arm 128, 228, as described more fully herein The upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports each may include a neck portion 150, 142; 250, 242 at their respective bases.
In one embodiment, each upper 162, 262 and lower 164, 264 strut arm is pivotably connected between a pair of stays 30-38, 40-47, 50-58, 60-67, 70-77, 80-87 radiating outward from the central portion of the upper and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports. In this embodiment, the distance between the stays 30-38, 40-47, 50-58, 60-67, 70-77, 80-87 in each pair is slightly larger than the width of the corresponding upper 162, 262 or lower 164, 264 strut arm, enabling freedom of movement of the upper 162, 262 and lower 164, 264 strut arm around the strut arm stay connectors 166 while also providing stability. The strut arm stay connectors 166 extend through both stays in the stay pair 30-38, 40-47, 50-58, 60-67, 70-77, 80-87 and the corresponding upper 162, 262 and lower 164, 264 strut arm. Each stay pair 30-38, 40-47, 50-58, 60-67, 70-77, 80-87 and upper 162, 262 or lower 164, 264 strut arm combination may have a separate pivot connector 166. In an alternate embodiment, a single pivot connector, for example a ring-shaped connector (not shown), may form a continuous connector for all of the upper 162, 262 and lower 164, 264 strut arm/stay pair 30-38, 40-47, 50-58, 60-67, 70-77, 80-87 combinations. In another embodiment, the area between each stay pair 30-38, 40-47, 50-58, 60-67, 70-77, 80-87 constitutes an outward extension of the central portion of the canopy support so as to aesthetically hide the pivot connection(s) and to minimize the appearance of the protruding stays.
In one embodiment, the upper actuator arm 128 is pivotably connected to the upper canopy support 148, 248 between a pair of stays 38, 58 at the same level as the upper strut arm stay pairs 30-37, 50-57 corresponding to the upper strut arms 162, 262. In another embodiment, the upper actuator arm 128, 228 is pivotably connected to a side of the neck 150, 250 portion of the upper canopy support 348 at a level lower than the strut arm stay pairs 30-37, 50-57 corresponding to the upper strut arms 162, 262, either directly on the wall of the neck 150, 250 or between an additional pair of stays (not shown). In another embodiment, the upper actuator arm 128, 228 is pivotably connected to the upper canopy support on the bottom of the neck 150, 250 of the upper canopy support 348. Additional embodiments include pivotal connection of the upper actuator arm 128, 228 recessed in an upper canopy support neck groove 156 on the side of and/or or under the upper canopy support neck 150, 250. In this embodiment, an upper canopy support neck groove pivot connector extends horizontally from one side of the upper canopy support neck 150, 250, through the neck groove 156 and the upper actuator arm 128, 228, to the opposing side of the upper canopy support neck 150, 250. The upper canopy neck groove connector forms an axle about which the upper actuator arm 128, 228 rotates.
Placement of the stay pairs 30-38, 40-47, 50-58, 60-67, 70-77, 80-87 and strut arm stay pivot connectors 166 for the upper 162, 262 and lower 160, 260 strut arms on the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports depends on: a) the number of substantially evenly spaced struts 90, 92 around the circumference of the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports; b) the location of the connection of the upper actuator arm 128, 228 to the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348; and whether the strut arms 160, 162; 260, 262 and/or actuator arms 126, 128; 226, 228 are pivotably connected adjacently or centrally.
In an example shown in
In an example shown in
In an example shown in
In view of the foregoing non-restrictive examples, it should be appreciated that any person having ordinary skill in the art could configure an appropriate pair of upper and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports based upon the disclosure herein.
The upper canopy support 148, 248, 348, the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340, and the sliding sleeve 136 are connected such that the distance between the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports remains fixed, enabling operation of the actuator 10, 20 to result in raising and lowering of the canopy 168 while it remains fully extended. The sliding sleeve 136 should be substantially the same shape as the pole 108 except that it is discontinuous, having a vertical channel 138 along its entire length to expose the sliding rail 114. The inner circumference of the sliding sleeve 136 is slightly larger than that of the pole 108 around which it is fitted, to enable the sleeve to slide freely along the pole 108. The width of the sliding sleeve channel 138 is slightly larger than the width of the sliding rail 114.
As shown in
It may be preferable to use a quick-release means for the lower canopy support connector(s) 244, as it/they must be removed in order to slide the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340 off the sliding sleeve 136 and to increase the distance between the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports, thereby collapsing the canopy 168.
When the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports are connected to the sliding sleeve 136, the sliding sleeve 136 should extend from the top of the upper canopy support 148, 248, 348 to the bottom of the lower canopy support 140, 240, 340. The length of the sliding sleeve 136 and the corresponding distance between the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports is determined prior to connecting the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports to the sliding sleeve 136. The upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports should be situated on the pole 108, and all of the upper 162, 262 and lower 160, 260 strut arms should be connected thereto. By fully extending the canopy 168, the struts 90, 92 guide the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports to their proper positions for maintaining full extension of the canopy 168. The distance between the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports can be recorded, and the length of the sliding sleeve 136 determined accordingly.
When the upper 148, 248, 348 and lower 140, 240, 340 canopy supports are connected to the sliding sleeve 136, they operate as a single unit sliding up and down the pole 108 in response to operation of the actuator 10, 20.Once the distance between the upper canopy support 448 and lower canopy support 440 is determined, they may be manufactured together with the sliding sleeve 436 as a single unit, as shown in
In yet another embodiment shown in
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/486,942 filed on Apr. 18, 2017 (pending) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/478,592 filed on Mar. 29, 2017 (pending).
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62486942 | Apr 2017 | US | |
| 62478592 | Mar 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15940902 | Mar 2018 | US |
| Child | 16211002 | US |
