MODULAR CANOPY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A modular canopy system for installation on a supporting surface, the system comprising: a. a centre plate comprising i. a canopy surface; ii. a first substantially planar securing surface extending at an acute angle from the canopy surface, wherein the canopy surface and the securing surface define a first securing portion at a first end of the canopy surface and a second securing portion at an opposing second end of the canopy surface; and b. first and second securing plates, each securing plate comprising i. a substantially planar surface; ii. a canopy engagement portion extending from the planar surface, the canopy engagement portion defining a receiving slot for receiving at least a portion of a respective first or second securing portion therein; and iii. a second substantially planar securing surface extending from the planar surface at an acute angle relative to the canopy engagement portion, wherein, when the first and second securing portions are receivable within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates such that the first and second securing surfaces extend along a common plane. The present invention also provide a method of assembly of such a modular canopy system.

Description

The present invention relates to a modular canopy system. In particular, the present invention relates to an adjustable modular canopy system for fitting to a canopy supporting structure such as above a door or window or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Canopies are well known and are conventionally fitted above door openings on the exterior of a structure to provide protection from the elements, whether rain or sunshine, for a user located there-beneath, for example when unlocking and/or opening the door. Such canopies may also be fitted on the exterior of a structure over a window opening, for example to shade the interior of the structure from sunlight.

Conventional canopies may be retractable or may be fixed. However, installing such canopies can be a complex process requiring skilled labour. Further, most canopies are of standard size and inappropriate for installing over windows or doors of non-standard dimensions.

There is therefore a need for a canopy design that is adjustable in dimension and which can be installed easily without the need for skilled labour.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art.

Aspects of the present invention are set out in the attached claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular canopy system for installation on a supporting surface, the system comprising:

• • a. a centre plate comprising
    • i. a canopy surface;
    • ii. a first substantially planar securing surface extending at an acute angle from the canopy surface, wherein the canopy surface and the securing surface define a first securing portion at a first end of the canopy surface and a second securing portion at an opposing second end of the canopy surface; and
  • b. first and second securing plates, each securing plate comprising
    • i. a substantially planar surface;
    • ii. a canopy engagement portion extending from the planar surface, the canopy engagement portion defining a receiving slot for receiving at least a portion of a respective first or second securing portion therein; and
    • iii. a second substantially planar securing surface extending from the planar surface at an acute angle relative to the canopy engagement portion,
  • wherein, when the first and second securing portions are receivable within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates such that the first and second securing surfaces extend along a common plane.

By extending along a common plane, first and second securing surfaces can be engaged with a substantially planar supporting surface, such as a vertical wall or the like, in order to install the assembled canopy in the desired location.

Canopy systems in accordance with the present invention are particularly useful for installation above the windows and doors of caravans, motorhomes, campervans and the like, where the window frames flex relative to the body of the vehicle during use and thus often become prone to letting in water during heavy rain. Once installed, the canopy system of the present invention diverts direct water access to the window/door frames. Not only does this prevent water leaking into the vehicle, it also prevents water droplets from obscuring the view from the windows.

In one embodiment, when the first and second securing portions are received within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates, the first and second securing surfaces define a substantially continuous planar surface. This allows a greater surface area for engagement with the supporting surface during installation, which facilitates a more secure engagement between the canopy assembly and the supporting surface, particularly when using adhesive or double-sided sticky tape to retain the canopy in place on the supporting surface.

In a further embodiment, the canopy surface is rectangular or square in shape. However, it is to be appreciated that the canopy could be any desired shape whether regular or irregular, provided that a straight edge is provided between the canopy surface and the first planar securing surface. For example, the canopy surface may comprise a curved or jagged edge opposing the straight edge between the canopy surface and the first securing surface.

The centre plate may comprise a rigid material. Alternatively, a portion, for example a centre portion, of the centre plate may comprise a flexible fabric or similar. This may be done to reduce the overall weight of the centre plate or may be purely for aesthetic reasons.

In a further embodiment, when the first and second securing portions are received within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates, each securing plate extends from the centre plate at an obtuse angle. Thus, the substantially planar surface of respective first and second securing plates serves to extend the protective surface of the canopy assembly beyond the width of the canopy surface itself. Thus, the overall width of the canopy assembly is greater than the width of the canopy surface.

Preferably, the first and second securing surfaces are provided with adhesive tape. Thus, once the centre plate is engaged with respective first and second securing plates, the first and second securing surfaces of the assembled canopy can be brought into contact with, and thus easily adhered to, the desired supporting surface, such as a vertical surface or the like. Conventional adhesive tape, referred to as ‘double sided’, may be attached to the surface of an object with a protective non-adhesive tape applied to the exposed surface of the adhesive layer. When the protective tape is removed, the adhesive surface is exposed and can be used to adhere the object to any desired surface. However, it is to be appreciated that any other suitable means of securing the assembled canopy system to the desired supporting surface known to the skilled person may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, the use of adhesive tape. For example, an adhesive layer may be applied to the securing surface after assembly of the canopy system. Alternatively, screws, clamps, clips, or the like may be used when installing the canopy system on a supporting surface.

In one embodiment, the modular canopy system further comprises a spacer having an adhesive surface for engagement with the supporting surface and an abutment for supporting a portion of an edge of the securing surface. Such a spacer will facilitate with the correct positioning of the centre plate and first and second securing plates prior to installation on the supporting surface, such as vertical surface or substantially vertical surface.

Preferably, the spacer further comprises a first surface for supporting a portion of the securing surface and wherein the first surface is rotatable relative to the abutment. This allows the centre plate to be offered up to the supporting surface on which it is to be installed prior to brining the canopy system into contact with the supporting surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a canopy comprising the steps of:

• • a. providing a modular canopy system according to a first aspect of the present invention; and
  • b. locating the first and second securing portions of the centre plate within receiving slots of respective securing plates to provide an assembled canopy system.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of cutting the centre plate to the desired width prior to step b. This allows the canopy surface width to be adjusted to the desired width prior to assembly of the canopy system. In this manner, the canopy system is fully adjustable to fit above both standard and non-standard door and windows. Alternatively, the canopy system may be adjusted to fit above ventilation outlets or any other area of potential fluid ingress, whether of standard width or otherwise. This allows a single modular canopy system to be provided and modified to suit preferred dimensions, thereby negating the need to supply multiple different sized canopy surfaces.

The canopy components may comprise any suitable material known to the skilled person and suitable for function including, but not limited to, plastics, fibreglass, metal, and the like.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of bringing the first and second securing surfaces into contact with a supporting structure to adhere the canopy system to the supporting structure. Such a canopy supporting structure may comprise a vertical wall, window frame, door frame, any other substantially non-horizontal surface, or the like.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: adhering two or more aligned spacers to the supporting surface; aligning an edge of the canopy securing surface with the abutment of the spacer and aligning the canopy securing surface with the first surface of the spacer; and rotating the first surface of the spacer to bring the canopy securing surface into engagement with the supporting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of an embodiment of a canopy system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along Arrow A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along Arrow B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along Arrow C of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view along Arrow D of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from the front of the canopy system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view from the rear of the canopy system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the rear of the canopy system of FIG. 1 in assembled configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the front of the canopy system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view from the rear of a spacer for use with the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. 10B is a rear view of the spacer of FIG. 10A; FIG. 10C is a view from a first side of the spacer of FIG. 10A; FIG. 10D is a front view of the spacer of FIG. 10A; and FIG. 10E is a perspective view form the front of the spacer of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a front view of the spacer of FIG. 10A in a folded configuration; FIG. 11B is a side view of the spacer of FIG. 10A in a folded configuration; and FIG. 11C is a perspective view from the front of the spacer of FIG. 10A in a folded configuration;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 (with the securing plates omitted) aligned with the spacer of FIG. 10A in a folded configuration and spaced from a vertical supporting surface;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 (with the securing plates omitted) aligned with the spacer of FIG. 10A in a folded configuration and engaged with a vertical supporting surface;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 (with the securing plates omitted) engaged with a vertical supporting surface and with the spacer of FIG. 10A removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Common figures references have been used throughout the figures to indicate common features.

FIGS. 1 to 10 show an embodiment of a modular canopy system 10 in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. Canopy system 10 comprises a centre plate 12 and first and second securing plates 14, 14′.

Centre plate 12 comprises a canopy surface 16 with an exposed edge 18, which is shown as a straight edge in the figures. However, it is to be appreciated that exposed edge 18 of canopy surface 16 may comprise any suitable contours including, but not limited to, scalloped, curved and/or crenelated contours. Further, canopy surface 16 is shown as a continuous surface in the figures. However, it is to be appreciated that, where canopy system 10 is intended for decorative purposes rather than to provide shelter from rain or sun, all, or part, of canopy surface 16 may be provided with decorative apertures of any desired shape.

Centre plate 12 further comprises a substantially planar securing surface 20 extending at a first acute angle x from canopy surface 16 and provided with double sided tape 21. Securing surface 20 and canopy surface 16 define a first securing portion 22 at a first end of the canopy surface 16, and a second securing portion 24 at a second end of the canopy surface 16.

First and second securing plates 14, 14′ are mirror images of one another. Each of first and second securing plates 14, 14′ comprise a substantially planar surface 26, 26′ and a canopy engagement portion 28, 28′ extending from surface 26, 26′, the canopy engagement portion defining a receiving slot 30, 30′ for receiving at least a portion of a respective first or second securing portion 22, 24 therein. First and second securing plates 14, 14′ each further comprise a securing surface 32, 32′ extending from surface 26, 26′ at an acute angle relative to the canopy engagement portion 28, 28′.

As first and second securing plates 14, 14′ are mirror images of one another, first securing 14 plate will now be described. However, it is to be appreciated that the same arrangement in mirror image form applies to second securing plate 14′. Receiving slot 30 comprises a first slot portion 34, and a second slot portion 36 extending at a second acute angle y from first slot portion 34. It is to be appreciate that first acute angle x of centre plate 12 is equal to second acute angle y of first securing plate 14.

When respective first and second securing portions 22, 24 of centre plate 12 are received within respective receiving slots 30, 30′ of securing plates 14, 14′, securing surface 20 and securing surfaces 32, 32′ extend along a common plane. Further, the portion of first securing portion 22 defined by securing surface 20 extends adjacent first slot portion 34 and the portion of first securing portion 22 defined by canopy surface 16 extends adjacent second slot portion 36 such that first and second securing surfaces 20, 32 extend along a common plane and define a substantially continuous planar surface.

Once modular canopy system 10 has been assembled by engaging respective first and second securing portions 22, 24 within respective receiving slots 30, 30′, the canopy assembly can be secured to a vertical surface. Securing surface 20 and securing surfaces 32, 32′ may be mounted on a supporting surface. Such a supporting surface includes a vertical surface, such as a wall, window frame, doorframe or the like such that securing surface 20 extends horizontally along the vertical supporting surface and canopy surface 16 extends at an acute angle downwards from securing surface 20 so as to provide a securely arranged protective and/or decorative canopy.

Canopy system 10 may be secured to the vertical securing surface by any preferred means. However, where canopy system 10 comprises lightweight materials such as, but not limited to, moulded plastic or aluminium or similar, canopy system 10 may be simply adhered to the vertical supporting surface using double sided sticky tape or other suitable adhesive known to the skilled person. Alternatively, where desired and in circumstances where modular canopy system 10 comprises materials of significant weight, canopy system 10 may be secured to the vertical supporting surface by any other suitable means including, but not limited to, screws, clamps, clips, or the like.

Thus, the canopy system of the present invention may be easily assembled without the need for skilled installation, complex fixings, and the like. The component parts are connected to one another by simple interlocking of adjacent component parts. This is possible due to the carefully designed contours of the component parts such that they fit into each other securely.

It is to be noted that the centre plate 12 may be provided in a range of different sizes such that the finally constructed canopy system is of the desired dimensions. Alternatively, centre plate 12 may be provided as a length that can be cut to the desired width by the user at the point of installation of the canopy system. This allows complete flexibility for a user to be able to ensure that the installed canopy system is of the desired size, even if this is a non-standard width.

Further, the centre plate 12 may comprise any desired shape and depth i.e., it may have scalloped edges, or be square rather than rectangular or have any other suitable contours and/or ornamentation. Thus, a user may select the centre plate 12 of desired design, together with suitable securing plates 14, 14′ to construct a bespoke canopy system to their specific requirements.

The canopy system 10 further comprises a spacer 100 as shown in FIGS. 10A to 11C. Spacer 100 comprises a first portion 102 and a second portion 104 with a living hinge 106 provided therebetween. The spacer 100 shown in the figures is a single piece plastic moulding with a section of reduced thickness to provide living hinge 106. However, it is to be appreciate that the spacer 100 could be formed from more than one component and an alternative form of hinge may be provided to perform the same function as living hinge 106. Spacer 100 may be made from any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood or any other suitable material which could include a hinge component.

First portion 102 comprises a first surface 108 and a second surface 110 opposing first surface 108 with an aperture 112 extending through first portion 102 from first surface 108 to second surface 110.

Second portion 104 comprises a third surface 114 located adjacent first surface 108 with living hinge 106 located therebetween. Second portion 104 is further provided with a fourth surface 116 opposing third surface 112.

Spacer 100 further comprises an abutment 118 extending from second portion 104. Abutment 118 comprises a first groove 120 and a second groove 122.

Second portion 104 is provided with a removable adhesive element 126 on fourth surface 116. Adhesive element 126 comprises a double-sided adhesive portion 128 adhered to fourth surface 116. A removable tab 132 is attached to double sided adhesive portion 128 and extends away from adhesive portion 128 and fourth surface 116. One surface 134 of double-sided adhesive portion 128 is adhered to fourth surface 116 and the opposing surface 136 of double sided adhesive portion 128 is provided with a removable shield (not shown).

When first portion 102 is folded about living hinge 106 to move first surface 108 in a direction towards fourth surface 114, abutment 118 extends through aperture 112 and spacer 100 is held in a folded configuration by virtue of edge 124 of aperture 112 being held within first groove 120 under frictional forces. Once in this folded configuration, first and second portions 102, 104 form an acute angle with one another and removable tab 132 no longer extends across a portion of second surface 110.

Removable shield (not shown) is then peeled away from the surface of adhesive portion 128 to expose a sticky adhesive surface 128.

Installation of canopy system 10 on a supporting surface 60, using spacers 100, is shown in FIGS. 12 to 15. Please note that first and second securing plates 14, 14′ would be present as part of assembled canopy system 10 during installation of canopy system 10 on a supporting surface 60, but have been omitted in FIGS. 12 to 15 for the purposes of clarity.

To install window canopy 10, two spacers 100 (spatially separated from one another) are aligned with the supporting surface on which the canopy system is to be installed, for example, substantially vertical surface 60 at the top of a window frame, such that abutment 118 of each spacer 100 is at the preferred level at which the lower edge of securing surface is to be installed. Spacers 100 are then pressed against supporting surface 60 such that spacers 100 become adhered to the supporting surface 60 via adhesive portion 128.

Once spacers 100 are adhered in place, assembled canopy system 10 (with the adhesive tape on securing surface 20 and securing plates 14, 14′ exposed) is offered up to spacer 100 such that the edge 50 of securing surface 20 is aligned with abutment 118 and securing surface 20 rests against first surface 108. In this position, securing surface is held at an angle (a) such that there is no contact between the adhesive tape on securing surface 20 or securing plates 14, 14′, and the supporting surface 60.

Once canopy system 10 has been accurately aligned with spacers 100, an installer manually applies force to move first portion 102 relative to second portion 104 such that the edge 124 of aperture 112 is moved out of groove 120 and into groove 122, thereby bringing the adhesive tape on securing surface 20 into contact with supporting surface 60.

At this stage, additional pressure may be applied by the installer to firmly press securing surface 20 and securing plates 14, 14′ of canopy system 10 into secure adhered engagement with supporting surface 60. Once canopy system 10 has been firmly adhered to vertical surface 60, the installer may pull on removable tab 132 to detach adhesive element 126 from second portion 104 of spacer 100 and from supporting surface 60. Once adhesive element 126 has been removed, spacer 100 is released from adhered engagement with supporting surface 60 and can be removed from the installed canopy system 10.

The final installed canopy system 10 is shown in FIG. 16. However, although first and second securing plates 14, 14′ would be part of the assembled and fully installed canopy system 10, plates 14, 14′ have been omitted in FIG. 16 for the purposes of clarity.

Although it will be appreciated that the use of the spacer 100 is optional when installing window canopy 10, in the absence of using the spacer 100 it is more difficult to ensure that the canopy system is accurately positioned during installation. As the adhesive used to secure the securing surface 20, and securing surfaces 32, 32′ of first and second securing plates 14, 14′, to the surface on which the canopy system 10 is to be mounted, is extremely strong, it is difficult if not impossible to reposition the canopy system, once adhered (even if only partially adhered) from the supporting surface 60 to attempt to reposition it. Therefore, the spacers 100 provide a means of accurately identifying the desired position at which the canopy system is to be secured to the supporting surface 60, as well as facilitating the offering up of the canopy system to the supporting surface 60 prior to the actual engagement of the supporting surface 60 by the canopy system.

The simple removal of the spacers 100 after installation of the canopy system 10 is possible due to the use of a removable adhesive element 126 on each spacer 100. Removable adhesive element 126 may comprises any suitable adhesive element known to the skilled person and suitable for function including, but not limited to the removable adhesive pad elements often used to hang items such as pictures and the like on walls and other surfaces. Such removable adhesive pad elements are conventionally left in place to adhere items to surfaces until such time as no longer required. At that point, the removable adhesive pad portion of the element can be removed from the supporting surface by gentle application of pressure to an attached tab to remove the element from the surface without leaving adhesive residue or associated marks behind. This principle is applied to the adhesive element 126 of spacers 100 of the present invention.

Finally, although the figures show tab 132 extending from adhesive portion 128 in a direction such that tab 132 extends across living hinge 106, it is to be appreciate that tab 132 may extend away from adhesive portion 128 in a direction transverse to that shown in the figures, if desired, provided that tab 132 does not interfere with the adhesion of canopy system 10 to the supporting surface 60 and can be accessed post-installation to facilitate removal of spacer 100 from supporting surface 60, as described above.

Claims

1. A modular canopy system for installation on a supporting surface, the system comprising: a. a centre plate comprisingi. a canopy surface;ii. a first substantially planar securing surface extending at an acute angle from the canopy surface, wherein the canopy surface and the securing surface define a first securing portion at a first end of the canopy surface and a second securing portion at an opposing second end of the canopy surface; andb. first and second securing plates, each securing plate comprisingi. a substantially planar surface;ii. a canopy engagement portion extending from the planar surface, the canopy engagement portion defining a receiving slot for receiving at least a portion of a respective first or second securing portion therein; andiii. a second substantially planar securing surface extending from the planar surface at an acute angle relative to the canopy engagement portion,wherein, when the first and second securing portions are receivable within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates such that the first and second securing surfaces extend along a common plane.

2. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the first and second securing portions are received within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates, the first and second securing surfaces define a substantially continuous planar surface.

3. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy surface is rectangular or square in shape.

4. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy surface comprises a curved edge.

5. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the centre plate comprises a rigid material.

6. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the first and second securing portions are received within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates, each securing plate extends from the centre plate at an acute angle.

7. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second securing surfaces are provided with adhesive tape.

8. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a spacer having an adhesive surface for engagement with the supporting surface and an abutment for supporting a portion of an edge of the securing surface.

9. A modular canopy system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spacer further comprises a first surface for supporting a portion of the securing surface and wherein the first surface is rotatable relative to the abutment.

10. A method of assembling a canopy comprising the steps of: a. providing a modular canopy system as claimed in claim; andb. locating the first and second securing portions of the centre plate within receiving slots of respective securing plates to provide an assembled canopy system.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of cutting the centre plate to a desired width prior to step b.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising the step of bringing the first and second securing surfaces into contact with a canopy supporting structure to adhere the canopy system to the canopy supporting structure.

13. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: c. adhering two or more aligned spacers to a canopy supporting surface;d. aligning an edge of the canopy securing surface with the abutment of the spacer and aligning the canopy securing surface with the first surface of the spacer; ande. rotating the first surface of the spacer to bring the canopy securing surface into engagement with the canopy supporting surface.