The present invention relates generally to canopies, and more specifically to a system and method for canopies that feature hidden fasteners.
Canopies are structures that provide shade and protection from rain. Canopies are typically affixed to the sides of buildings near doors for shelter. Canopies are also used for aesthetic purposes to decorate buildings. Conventional canopies are assembled and welded together at the shop. After welding, the canopy is sanded and then painted or finished. The canopy is then shipped to the building and hoisted up to be secured to the building. Thus conventional canopies are size limited by the ability to fabricate them and move them in one-piece to the jobsite. Additionally a large canopy is difficult to hoist due to the weight and size. Furthermore, the one piece canopy cannot be resized at the jobsite as the assembly is welded together preventing on site job adjustment. Thus, there exists significant room for improvement in the art for overcoming these and other shortcomings of conventional systems and methods for canopies attached to the side of buildings.
The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.
Illustrative embodiments of the extruded aluminum canopy with hidden fasteners system and method are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
Referring now to
Canopy 101 can be cut to length in a shop or in at the installation site because the extruded members are shipped unassembled from the shop to the installation site. Furthermore, because the extruded members can be cut at the site before assembly the parts for the canopy can be adjusted at the site. For example, if the measured length of the canopy needed to be reduced, the back and front extruded members can be precisely cut to reduce the length of the canopy. Conventional welded canopies require a large amount of work to adjust the dimensions of the canopy. Since the canopy is assembled at the installation site, the amount of equipment to hoist the canopy up bit by bit is less than the amount of hoisting equipment needed for conventional welded canopies.
It should be apparent that the canopy 101 does not have fasteners viewable from underneath the canopy. The hidden fasteners of canopy 101 increase the aesthetic appeal of the canopy. Furthermore, the hidden fasteners require less finishing work and over time any corrosion due to a reaction between the fasteners and the extruded members is hidden from view.
Referring now also to
Referring now also to
To assemble the right angle assembly 301, the head of the bolts are slid into each track of the extruded members. The bracket 311 is then coupled to the bolts and secured by nuts. A colored matched filler, such as epoxy or silicone, is applied between the extruded members to fill any small gaps. Bracket 311 as illustrated is a right angle bracket and thereby forms a right angle assembly. Other shapes and angles are possible based upon the shape of the bracket. The finished corner as shown in
Referring now also to
To assemble the assembly 401, the head of the bolts are slid into each track of the extruded members. The bracket 411 is then coupled to the bolts and secured by nuts. A colored matched filler, such as epoxy or silicone, is applied between the extruded members to fill any small gaps. Bracket 411 as illustrated is a straight bracket and thereby forms a straight assembly. Other shapes and angles are possible based upon the shape of the bracket. Assembly 401 allows users to create canopies of various lengths without limitations based upon the length of the extruded members.
It should be apparent that a canopy can comprised of multiple right angle assemblies 301. Furthermore, it should be apparent that multiple right angle assemblies 301 can be joined together by straight assemblies 401 to form a canopy. Additionally, the parts of the canopy can be preassembled at a shop and shipped to the installation site. For example, two right angle assemblies 301 can be formed at a shop, shipped to the installation site, and then combined to form a canopy. Alternatively, four right angle assemblies 401 can be preassembled at the shop, shipped to the installation site, and then combined by assemblies 401 to form a canopy.
The system and method described above solves problems inherent in conventional canopies. First, conventional canopies are welded together and therefore require cutting, welding, sanding, and finishing to repair a damaged canopy. The improved system comprised of extruded members can be disassembled, damaged part replaced, and reassembled without the need to weld, sand, or refinish the canopy. Second, conventional canopies have exposed fasteners viewable from the front and underside of the canopy. The improved system hides the fasteners inside the canopy where they are less visible. Third, conventional systems are assembled and assembled at a shop and then trucked to the installation site, thereby limiting the size of canopy based at least upon the ability to move the conventional welded canopy. The improved system allows a canopy to be shipped unassembled and then assembled at the installation site. Furthermore, it is safer to hoist the canopy a piece at a time instead of a heavier completely assembled canopy.
A method for assembling a canopy having hidden fasteners; providing a first member having at least two tracks; providing a second member having at least two tracks; providing a bracket; providing a first set of fasteners; providing a second set of fasteners; sliding the first set of fasteners into the at least two tracks of the first member; sliding the second set of fasteners into the at least two tracks of the second member; and coupling the first member to the second member with the bracket and both the first set of fasteners and the second set of fasteners. Furthermore, by sizing the at least two tracks of the first member to prevent the first set of fasteners rotating relative to the first member; and by sizing the at least two tracks of the second member to prevent the second set of fasteners rotating relative to the first member the sets of fasteners can be retained by the tracks without the using shims or additional members inside the tracks other than the bolt or fastener. Because the members are not welded together they can be dissembled and reassembled to replace defective members by providing a third member having at least two tracks; uncoupling the first member to the second member with the bracket and both the first set of fasteners and the second set of fasteners; sliding the first set of fasteners out of the at least two tracks of the first member; sliding the first set of fasteners into the at least two tracks of the third member; and coupling the third member to the second member with the bracket and both the first set of fasteners and the second set of fasteners.
Referring now also to
It is apparent that a system with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14975014 | Dec 2015 | US |
Child | 15986334 | US |