PORTABLE CANOPIES HAVING INTEGRATED AND INTER CONNECTABLE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Abstract

A portable shelter system can be comprised of two or more portable canopies and two or more drainage connectors. Each portable canopy can have an integrated drainage system with a drainage outlet in each vertical support member of its frame. The drainage connectors can link the integrated drainage systems of the portable canopies together. In the installed state, a portable canopy can have a first volume under its roof. When the portable canopies are in an installed state, the integrated drainage systems can transport rain striking each roof to the drainage outlets, allowing the rain collected by each integrated drainage system to be directed through the drainage connectors to one drainage location. In the transport state, each portable canopy can have a second volume that is at least five times less than its first volume.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the field of shelters and, more particularly, to portable canopies having integrated and inter-connectable drainage systems.

Portable shelters like the “pop-up” or portable canopy are owned and used by many people to provide protection from sun and rain during outdoor activities, such as parties and bar-be-ques. It is also common for small businesses use a portable canopy to protect goods that are for sale while at an outdoor event like a farmer's market. The portability of the portable canopy (also referred to as a party tent) is provided by a light-weight and collapsible support structure (e.g., frame) with an attached cover. The cover is a flexible material, which collapses for transport and storage. The flexible material is often a waterproof polyester fabric, which blocks a high percentage of ultra-violet (UV) rays from the sun. The support structure or frame is often formed from rust resistant steel poles able to telescope (with push-pins), which collapse into a small footprint for transport.

By design, portable canopies provide a relatively safe space for humans to gather during adverse weather conditions, such as rain. Thus, rain and adverse weather is one of the key considerations (another being UV protection) for the use of the portable canopies. Conventional canopies often permit water to pool on the canopy top. Eliminating the water pool generally requires a person positioned under the depressed area within which water pools to push against the depressed area. This manual manipulation of the flexible cover causes water to flow downwards off the side(s) of the canopy roof. Over time, exposure to a weight of intermittent water pools and manual water clearing actions deforms the contour of the cover, reducing the overall life of the canopy.

Utilizing a portable canopy having an integrated drainage system eliminates this problem. However, when multiple of these draining portable canopies are placed adjacent to each in order to increase the sheltered area, managing where the drained water of each canopy is redirected is problematic. What is needed is a means to consolidate the integrated drainage systems of the portable canopies in order to collect and redirect the water drainage as a whole.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention can include a portable shelter system comprised of two or more portable canopies having an installed state and a transport state and two or more drainage connectors. Each portable canopy can have an integrated drainage system with a drainage outlet in each vertical support member of its frame. The drainage connectors can link the integrated drainage systems of the portable canopies together. Each drainage connector can comprise two inlets that receive a drainage outlet from each portable canopy. Liquid collected by one connected drainage system can flow through the drainage connector into the second connected drainage system. In an installed state, each portable canopy can have a width, a length, and a height, which together establish a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons. In the installed state, the portable canopies can be positioned adjacent to each other at one side, combining their individual first volumes. A proximity of two pairs of adjacent vertical support members of the portable canopies can allow the attachment of a drainage connector to each pair. In the installed state, the integrated drainage systems can transport rain striking each roof to the drainage outlets, allowing the rain collected by each integrated drainage system to be directed through the drainage connectors to one drainage location. In the transport state, each portable canopy can have a second volume that is at least five times less than its respective first volume. Each portable canopy can be a temporary shelter configured to be repetitively altered between the installed state and the transport state. The transport state can facilitate transport of the portable canopies between locations and can diminish a storage footprint of the portable canopies while not in use.

Another aspect of the present invention can include a portable shelter system that includes at least two portable canopies having an installed state and a transport state and at least two drainage connectors. Each portable canopy can comprise a portable frame, a portable cover made from a flexible, water-resistant fabric, and an integrated drainage system. The portable frame can include vertical support members and roof support members. The integrated drainage system can include conduits for transporting liquids and a drainage outlet in each vertical support member. The drainage connectors can link the integrated drainage systems of the portable canopies together. Each drainage connector can comprise two inlets for receiving the drainage outlet from each portable canopy. Liquid collected by a first connected drainage system can flow through a drainage connector into a second connected drainage system. In an installed state, each portable canopy can have a width, a length, and a height, which together establish a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons. In the installed state, the portable canopies can be positioned adjacent to each other at one side, combining their individual first volumes. Thea proximity of two pairs of adjacent vertical support members of the portable canopies can allow the attachment of a drainage connector to each pair. In the installed state, the integrated drainage systems can transport rain striking each roof to the drainage outlets, allowing rain collected by each integrated drainage system to be directed through the drainage connectors to one drainage location. In a transport state, each portable canopy can have a second volume that is at least five times less than its respective first volume. Each portable canopy can be a temporary shelter configured to be repetitively altered between the installed state and the transport state. The transport state can facilitate transport of the portable canopies between locations and can diminish a storage footprint of each portable canopy while not in use.

Yet another aspect of the present invention can include a drainage connector comprised of a first inlet, a second inlet, and an interior channel. The first inlet can receive a drainage outlet of a first portable canopy having an integrated drainage system. The first portable canopy can be in an installed state that establishes a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons. In the installed state, the integrated drainage system can transport, via conduits, rain striking a roof of the first portable canopy to the drainage outlet. The second inlet can receiving a drainage outlet of a second portable canopy having an integrated drainage system. The second portable canopy can be in an installed state that establishes a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons. The first volume of the second portable canopy can be adjacent to the first volume of the first portable canopy. In the installed state, the integrated drainage system can transport, via conduits, rain striking a roof of the second portable canopy to the drainage outlet. The interior channel can connect the first inlet and the second inlet. Rain can be capable of flowing through the interior channel between the first inlet and the second inlet, resulting in the integrated drainage system of the first portable canopy being linked to the integrated drainage system of the second portable canopy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable shelter system that connects the drainage systems of multiple portable canopies in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram presenting the components of a portable canopy having an integrated and inter-connectable drainage system in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a portable canopy in an installed state and a transport state in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of a portable canopy with an integrated drainage system having open-able sides in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an open-able side embodiment of the portable canopy having internal drainage system conduits in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of multiple portable canopies 505, 510, and 515 having their drainage systems connected via drainage connectors in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 6A and 6B present enlarged illustrations of an integrated drainage system for the portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an arrangement for a portable canopy roof with a single drain in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 8A and 8B shows an air inflatable embodiment of the portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIGS. 8C and 8D shows conduits and contours of the portable canopy, which permit liquid to flow via gravity from the roof to an outlet can be shaped/formed at least in part due to an air pressure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure includes a portable canopy with included conduits for water redirection. The portable canopy, or portable shelter, is designed to be set-up and torn down rapidly for events, such as parties. Humans and objects shelter under the portable canopy for protection from rain and other environmental conditions, such as ultra-violet (UV) radiation. Unlike fixed structures, such as car ports or sheds, the portable canopy must be light-weight and able to be transported/stored easily. A portable canopy is formed using a portable frame having vertical and horizontal support members, which provide structural support. A cover, such as a flexible, water-resistant fabric, extends over the frame. The drainage system includes a set of conduits, such as pipes, for directing and transporting liquids. When installed (i.e., in an installed state), a volume under roof is created sufficient to shelter a number of humans.

The drainage system of the portable canopy directs rain (or other liquids) falling on the roof of the canopy to an outlet. The roof is contoured to minimize an accumulation or polling of water during a storm or other adverse weather condition, for which the portable canopy. The roof and water direction elements are further designed so that water does not fall off the sides of the canopy in chaotic ways; with the unfortunate, undesired, and conventionally common side effect of drenching humans being sheltered by the portably canopy as they enter and leave the shelter. Unlike conventional portable canopies (which have a solid roof formed by stretching the canopy over the frame and what lack water-redirection conduits), a top of the disclosed portable canopy can include a set of one or more drains. In one embodiment, each corner (assuming a rectangular portable shelter, which is common) includes a drain, which downwardly directs water to a conduit, which is integrated with vertical support members (i.e., support legs of the canopy). Embodiments exist where the conduits are adjacent to or otherwise tied to the legs, as opposed to being part of hollow legs, within which roof-striking water is directed. Horizontal conduits may direct water from the various corners to a centralized location or outlet. The horizontal conduits are integrated within horizontal support members (side supports of the frame) in embodiments and are adjacent to these horizontal support members in others. The horizontal conduits as referred herein mean the conduits (whether physically horizontal or not, which causes a flow of liquid across horizontal stretches of the canopy. In one embodiment, the horizontal conduits are a set of hoses or conduits between poles A and B. For example, at least a portion of the “horizontal conduits” are able to be integrated within the fabric of the canopy cover in embodiments. The outlet can include a fitting compatible with a hose (e.g., garden hose) fitting to allow water to be directed by the hose. A water storage bladder may be used on the other end of the hose in situations where no convenient run-off location is proximate to the portable canopy. All of the components of the portable shelter, including the conduits, must be light-weight, easily decomposable, and easily set-up/torn down due to the nature of use of the portable shelter. Bulky or heavy additions are not feasible for use of a portable canopy, which must be easily transportable in a transportation state.

Specialized drainage connectors can be used to connect the drainage system of two the portable canopies that are adjacent to each other. The drainage connector can connect the outlet ports of each drainage system that are adjacent to each other, allowing water to flow between the two drainage systems. The connector can also include an outlet port having a fitting for attaching a hose to redirect the water of both drainage systems to a more remote drainage location. Thus, the drainage systems of multiple portable canopies can be linked together in a variety of configurations without having to separately manage water drainage.

Portable canopies of the disclosure, in an installed state, provide at least a four foot by four foot by six foot space, which is often ten by ten feet, twelve by ten feet, or twenty by twenty feet, depending on the space desired for an event for which the portable canopy is used. Humans can typically stand under a portable canopy, which is why the height is generally at least six feet. In a transport state, the portable canopy consumes considerably less space, such as having a volume of 5 times less than that of the interior volume of the installed state canopy. Carrying bags with handles or wheels are often used to contain the elements (support poles, folded flexible canvas, conduits, etc.) of the portable canopy in the transport state. Support structures, often made of metal or other high-strength, low footprint materials are collapsed or otherwise deconstructed in the transport state. Vertical support members used as legs of the portable canopy are often telescoping or easily constructed from smaller linear segments joined through a push-pin type of coupler. The flexible canvas is folded upon itself to minimize space/volume consumption in the transport state, as well. Some components of some portable shelter are coupled directly to supports, which are often hinged for easy expansion and set-up/tear down, so that structures, such as a roof, can be easily expanded/contracted. Other portable shelters use ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other couplers to join the flexible fabric, which is removable, to a frame. In the installed state, a sufficient structural integrity to withstand environmental forces, inadvertent human contact, and storms is needed.

A first consideration for the transport state being reasonably portable includes the ease to move the portable shelter from location to location, such as within a standard vehicle. For this reason, the largest linear dimension of a portable structure is often five feet or less, as longer members have difficulty being transported in passenger vehicles. Diminishing the footprint and volume of the transport state canopy to fit in a trunk of a passenger vehicle is often preferred, but larger portable canopies are often designed for transport by truck or commercial transport, which lessens the restrictions on the largest linear dimension in embodiments. Other embodiments are contemplated for more “permanent” canopies, which have less stringent requirements for transport and storage especially with regard to the largest linear dimension. For example, many “party canopies” from professional service companies are less compact and have larger linear dimensions, such as the tent poles vertically supporting the canopy being a single solid metal leg of approximately seven to eight feet in length. A second consideration for the transport state is an ability to move the portable canopy on-site from a loading/unloading point to a position, where the canopy is to be set-up, which is typically an outdoor position. An overall weight and bulk are significant for this second consideration, especially when a bag is used to hold the entire portable shelter when in the transport state. Some larger commercial/rental portable canopies are heavy enough so that on-site transportation is performed, or intended to be performed, by multiple people lifting various components as a team.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a portable shelter system 100 that connects the drainage systems 110 of multiple portable canopies 105 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. As is common, people often arrange multiple conventional portable shelters adjacent to each other to increase an overall area that is protected from environmental factors like sun and rain. As taught in U.S. Pat. No. 9,714,521, a portable canopy 105 having a drainage system 110 can provide superior handling of rain/liquids that fall upon the canopy's 105 roof. Thus, it can logically follow that people would desire to utilize multiple portable canopies 105 having integrated drainage systems 110 in a similar fashion (i.e., to increase the amount of area protected).

Each portable canopy 105 can be erected adjacent to at least one other portable canopy 105. The components comprising a portable canopy 105 can be shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1A. Each portable canopy 105 can be comprised of a portable cover 125, a portable frame 130, and a drainage system 110. The portable cover 125 of the canopy 105 can be of a size, shape, and materials that is similar to the variety of existing canopies and compatible with the size, shape, and bearing capacity of the supporting portable frame 130. It can be preferred that the portable cover 125 be of a water-resistant material as rain or water accumulation is of concern. The material for the portable cover 125 is often also preferably resistant to ultra-violet (UV) radiation.

The portable cover 125 can be coupled to the portions of the portable frame 130 using conventional means. The portable frame 130 of the portable canopy 105 can support the cover 125 in embodiments. Support members may be largely at right angles that form a rectangular frame for a rectangular-shaped portable canopy 105. Portions of the portable frame 130 can be collapsible with an attached cover 125. The collapsible structure can be designed for easy expansion/contraction and may lock in place, such as with push-pins. When the portable frame 130 (in an installation state) is locked into place, edges of the cover 125 can be stretched along the sides of the support structure and the center of the cover 125 is lifted upwards to create the canopy shape, in embodiments. Many collapsible support structures, which are contemplated embodiments for portable frame 130, are configured to produce a quadrilateral (e.g., square or rectangular) frame.

The portable frame 130 can include multiple vertical support members 135, also referred to herein as legs 135, a perimeter frame 140, and roof support 145. The components of the portable frame 130 can be connected to each other using suitable means and can utilize approaches and/or techniques taught by conventional canopies. In one embodiment, the legs 135 can be vertical support members of the perimeter frame 140 itself. The legs 135 can be the vertical supports of the canopy 105 with the perimeter frame 140 laterally connecting the legs 135 to provide stability. Horizontal support between legs 135 can be provided from spacing elements that are part of the roof support 145 and/or based on other elements of the perimeter frame 140. In embodiments, lower (positioned close to the ground, or at least lower than the vertical midway point) supports may or may not exist for stability.

For simplicity in discussion, the portable canopy 105 can have four legs 135 whose positions are the corners of a square in the horizontal plane. It should be noted that the portable canopy 105 can utilize different quantities of legs 135 that are positioned to define other geometrical shapes in the horizontal plane without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. That is, the disclosure is not limited to a rectangular arrangement, and hexagonal, octagonal, and rectangular arrangements are also contemplated, which are each derivatives of the base discussion, which are easily understood and able to be formed by one of ordinary skill in light of the disclosure provided herein.

The roof support 145 can be the component of the portable canopy 105 that directly supports (i.e., comes into contact with) a roof portion of the cover 125. The roof support 145 of the portable canopy 105 can include angled support member(s) 155, horizontal support member(s) 160, and vertical support member(s) 165, collectively referred to as roof support members 150. While similar components are used in the support structures of conventional canopies, the orientation of the angled and horizontal members 155 and 160 can be unique to the portable canopy 105.

As in conventional canopies, a vertical support member 165 can lift a center point of the cover 125 a predetermined height above the height established by the legs 135. The horizontal support members 160 can connect the bottom of the vertical support member 165 to the perimeter frame 140. In one embodiment of the canopy 105, the horizontal support members 160 can be orthogonally connected (at a 90 degree angle) to the perimeter frame 140 with respect to the horizontal plane.

The angled support members 155 can be elements that comprise the hypotenuses of the right triangles that they form with the vertical support member 165 and horizontal support members 160. That is, the angled support members 155 can connect the top of the vertical support member 165 to the perimeter frame 140 at a point where the horizontal support members 160 connect to the perimeter frame 140. The cover 125 can directly rest upon the angled support members 155.

The angles of the roof support 145 can allow the cover 125 to naturally direct rain/liquids down towards the corners wherein elements of the drainage system 110 are installed in some embodiments. Conventional canopies with diagonal support of the cover 125 have support components or a natural contour that directs rain/liquid away from the corners towards the middle of the lateral face where the rain/liquid accumulates. The disclosure's roof directs rain/liquid towards the corners, by elevating a center point of the roof and permitting the flexible fabric of the cover 125 to naturally contour to direct roof-striking rain to a set of one or more drains 170. Other embodiments exist for the roof structure 145, such that the roof is slanted to direct rain towards a drain 170, such as conduits 175 are formed within the roof for water direction, and the like; all of which are within scope of the disclosure.

The drainage system 110 can include drains 170, conduits 175, and at least four drainage outlets 112, one per leg 135. A drain 170 can be an element that introduces one or more apertures in the cover 125 that allow rain/liquids to pass through to a connected conduit 175.

A conduit 175 can be the means that allows the rain/liquid to flow from the drain 170 to a designated outlet, such as a drainage outlet 112. For example, the conduit 175 can be a piece of tubing connected to the drain 170 with the outlet location being the opposite end of the tubing. As another example, the conduit 175 can be integrated into the legs 135. That is, the legs 135 can have a hollow, interior channel that is connected to the drains 170.

It should be noted that the drainage system 110 can handle substances other than rain/liquids, including, but not limited to, sand, soil particulates, snow, ice particulates, sleet, dust, ash, liquid solutions, other non-hazardous or non-detrimental liquids, and combinations thereof.

Without any additional components, the drainage system 110 of each erected portable canopy 105 can individually collect rain/liquids and discharge the collected rain/liquids out one or more of its drainage outlets 112. Such a configuration can result with three separate discharges of rain/liquids, one for each portable canopy 105. This configuration can oversaturate the surrounding area, when the discharge is not redirected from the drainage outlets 112, or, when the discharge is redirected via a hose and/or captured in a container/bladder, it can require a person to separately manage the discharge from each portable canopy 105, which is time consuming.

A drainage outlet 112 can include an integrated port or fitting or can be capable of having a fitting installed therein for use with a drainage connector 114. The drainage connector 114 can be a specialized component that links together the drainage systems 110 of two adjacent portable canopies 105. The drainage connector 114 can have two inlets, each connecting to a drainage outlet 112 in the adjacent legs 135 of the portable canopies 105.

Thus, in this example, the drainage connectors 114 can connect together the drainage systems 110 of all three portable canopies 105 in series. This can allow a redirection element 116 like a garden hose to be attached to a drainage outlet 112 of only one portable canopy 105 in order to transport the rain/liquids collected by all three portable canopies 105 to a single drainage location 118. Further, should the drainage location 118 become saturated, a person can simply reposition the one hose 116, instead of a separate hose 116 for each portable canopy 105, to change the drainage location 118 for all three portable canopies 105.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a portable canopy with an integrated drainage system in an installed state 210 and a transport state 230 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The portable canopy can be a temporary shelter configured to be repetitively altered between the installed state 210 and the transport state 230. The portable canopy in the installed state 210 can shelter people 202 and/or objects 204 in a volume defined by a length 220, a width 222, and a height 224. The volume can be the interior space of the portable canopy, which is a region under a roof 215. As shown, the portable canopy can be a rectangular structure with four sides. Embodiments can be contemplated having other numbers of sides (such as six or eight for hexagonal and octagonal structures) and even where the perimeter is circular or oval in shape. The sides of the portable canopy can be covered or open. Structural support for the portable shelter can be provided by a portable frame 254. A portable cover 252 can be supported by and extended over the portable frame 254.

The transport state 230 of the portable canopy can facilitate transport of the portable canopy between locations and can diminish a storage footprint of the portable canopy while not in use. The transport state 230 may include a container 235 within which the portable cover 252, portable frame 254, and drainage system conduits 250 fit. The container 235 can have a length 240, width 242, and height 244 that together create a transport volume. The transport volume can be at most one fifth of the volume formed by the length 220, width 222, and height 224 of the installed state 210.

FIG. 3 is an illustration 300 of an embodiment of a portable canopy with an integrated drainage system having open-able sides in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. In illustration 300, the portable canopy can have one or more open-able sides. The wall cover of a conventional portable canopy can remain down over the frame of the canopy, creating a portable four-walled structure. As shown in illustration 300, one or more of the four walls or sides of the portable canopy can be transitioned between a closed state and an open state.

A closed side 330, a side in the closed state, can have the cover of the portable canopy covering the frame on that side, creating a wall of material, as shown in illustration 300. That is, the cover can extend vertically from the roof 305 to a lower horizontal support member 320 and horizontally between the two vertical support members 315. An open side 325, a side in the open state, can have the cover removed from the frame on that side. For example, a portion of the cover can be rolled upwards and be affixed near to or directly to the roof 305.

Removal of the cover from an open side 325 can change the weight distribution of the portable canopy. Structural stability in the portable canopy's frame can be enhanced with one or more horizontal support members 320 connecting two vertical support members 315. In another embodiment, the horizontal support members 320 can be substituted with a horizontal liquid flow member of the drainage system. These horizontal liquid flow members can direct the flow of rain/liquid between the legs 315 (or horizontal stretches of the portable canopy cover). Embodiments can be contemplated where horizontal liquid flow members provide a minimal amount of structural support, in which case additional support elements can be utilized in conjunction with the flow members to ensure structural stability.

The vertical support members 315, legs, of the portable canopy can be hollow to concurrently function as structural support and drainage system conduits for transporting rain/liquids from drains 310 in the roof 305 to drainage outlets 360. The roof 305 can be contoured to ensure that rain/liquid is directed to the drain(s) 310 openings.

In some embodiments, the horizontal support member 320 can also act as conduits of the drainage system, having a hollow interior channel for transporting rain/liquids between the vertical support members 315 towards the drainage outlet 360, which located at the leg 315 of the portable canopy where the hose 335 is attached as shown in inset 345.

Although referred to as horizontal members, each shown horizontal support member 320 can have a downwardly slope with its lowest point above the position of the outlet 360. This slope can ensure that gravity will cause rain/liquids to flow between the legs 315, through the horizontal support member 320, and towards the drainage outlet 360 for release.

As previously discussed, the drainage outlet 360 can represent the port where the rain/liquid is to be discharged from the drainage system. As shown in inset 345, the drainage outlet 360 can be positioned near a bottom of a leg 315. The drainage outlet 360 can have a fitting 350, which is male or having a protruding connector, that is meant to mate with the female fitting 355 attached to the hose 330 to transport the rain/liquids to a drainage location 340 at the other end.

In other embodiments, the genders of the fittings 350 and 355 can be reversed or can be replaced with commensurate pairings. In another embodiment, the fittings 350 and 355 can be or be compatible with a universal quick connect adaptor system for garden hose attachments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an open-able side embodiment of the portable canopy having internal drainage system conduits 410 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The portable canopy of FIGS. 4A and 4B can be similar to the portable canopy presented in FIG. 3, but having an alternate implementation of the integrated drainage system in conjunction with sides that are able to transition between an open and a closed state.

Like the portable canopy of FIG. 3, the portable canopies of FIGS. 4A and 4B can have one or more wall or side that can be transitioned between a closed state and an open state. A closed side 410, a side in the closed state, can have its side cover 425 attached to the frame on that side, creating a wall of material. An open side 420, a side in the open state, can have its side cover 425 removed from the frame on that side. The side cover 425 can be rolled upwards and be affixed near to or directly to the roof 405 of the portable canopy.

Unlike FIG. 3, the open side 420 of the portable canopy in FIGS. 4A and 4B can lack a permanent horizontal support member connecting the vertical support members 415 (legs). In this particular embodiment, a horizontal conduit 430 of the drainage system can be integrated into a bottom area of each side cover 425. The horizontal conduits 430 can direct the flow of rain/liquid between the legs 415 when the side cover 425 is closed 410. When the side 420 is open, the horizontal conduit 430 can be used to aid in securing the side cover 425 in its upward position.

Transitioning an open side 420 to a closed side 410 can require attaching the horizontal conduit 430 to the leg fittings 435 on the corresponding legs 415. Once the open-able side is connected, the closed side 410 can then be sealed with the remainder of the cover via a coupler. For example, a zipper can be used to seal the edges of the side cover 425 when closed and the horizontal conduit 430 connected.

As shown in the enlarged inset 445 of FIG. 4B, the ends of the horizontal conduit 430 can terminate in a side fitting 450 meant to mate with a leg fitting 435. The leg fittings 435 can be the same or similar to a fitting used at the drainage outlet 440. Thus, when all sides of the portable canopy are closed 410, all the horizontal conduits 430 can be joined in a continuous circuit.

In one embodiment, leg fittings 435 can be used as drainage outlets 440. In another embodiment, the leg fittings 435 can be exclusively used for the drainage system, utilizing a connection system different than the drainage outlet 440.

In yet another embodiment, the leg fitting 435 can be a self-sealing fitting, which is closed normally, but opened when connected to the side fitting 450 of the horizontal conduit 430, thereby avoiding leakage when rain/liquid flows down a leg 415 of an open side 420. In a further embodiment, the side fitting 450 can be compressible, through a spring action, permitting the attachment through a simple push action. The two fittings 435 and 450 can utilize a quick-connect pairing (with compression) in one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustration 500 of multiple portable canopies 505, 510, and 515 having their drainage systems 525 connected via drainage connectors 530 in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. In illustration 500, three portable canopies 505, 510, and 515 having integrated drainage systems 525 can be installed in a line, as is common for sheltering a long outdoor area like a picnic.

In this configuration, two legs 520, indicated by solid black lines, of each adjacent portable canopy 505, 510, and 515 can be attached to a drainage connector 530, linking the drainage systems 525 of the adjacent portable canopies 505, 510, and 515. A close-up of this attachment can be presented in inset 535.

In inset 535, the left leg 540 can belong to portable canopy 1505 and the right leg 545 can belong to portable canopy 2510; alternately, the left and right leg 540 and 545 can belong to portable canopy 2510 and portable canopy 3515, respectively. Both legs 540 and 545 can include an internal conduit 542 and 547 to transport rain/liquid for their respect drainage systems 525. These internal conduits 542 and 547 can connect to the drainage outlets (not shown) of each leg 540 and 545.

The drainage connector 530 can connect to the drainage outlets, which are covered by the drainage connector 530 in this illustration 500, of each leg 540 and 545 with the appropriate fitting. The drainage connector 530 can have an interior channel that allows rain/liquid to flow between the two legs 540 and 545 and drainage systems 525. The direction of flow within the drainage connector 530 can vary based on which drainage outlet of the portable canopies 505, 510, and 515 is being used to discharge the collected rain/liquids.

The drainage connector 530 itself can include a drainage outlet 550. This drainage outlet 550 can be similar to the drainage outlets of the portable canopies 505, 510, and 515. The drainage outlet 550 of the drainage connector 530 can be capable of being connected to a commensurate fitting 557 of a hose 555 or other component being used to collect and/or transport the rain/liquid away from the portable canopies 505, 510, and 515.

In another embodiment, the drainage connector 530 can lack the drainage outlet 550. Such an embodiment can specialize the function of the drainage connector 530, with those not having drainage outlets 550 being only used to connect the drainage systems 525 and not used to discharge the collected rain/liquid.

It should be noted that a drainage connector 530 can be used on each pair of adjacent legs 520. Therefore, the portable canopies 505, 510, and 515 of illustration 500 can use a total of four drainage connectors 530—the two shown and two more on the opposite side. Using more drainage connectors 530 can increase the flow rate at which rain/liquid is transferred between the drainage systems 525 and discharged.

It should also be noted that other, non-linear configurations of portable canopies 505, 510, and 515 can be supported like four canopies connected in a square or an L-shape. The key point for the configuration can be adjacency of the legs 520 and/or drainage outlets so a drainage connector 530 can be properly attached.

FIG. 6A presents enlarged illustrations of an integrated drainage system for a portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of the drainage system that utilizes the leg of the canopy as a conduit 615 to transport rain/liquid. In such an embodiment, the drain 610 can be installed in the cover 605 of the portable canopy above or proximate to the leg. The drain 610 can be as simple as a hole made with a grommet (to keep the edges of the hole from fraying and/or tearing) and can include mesh or other means for preventing debris from passing into, and potentially blocking, the conduit 615. This embodiment can be particularly suited for canopies that are already designed to use hollow legs (e.g., pipes and tubes).

The interior channel 617 of the conduit 615 can be of a diameter to provide a flow rate that reduces the possibility for the rain/liquid to back-up and accumulate on the cover 605. The interior channel 617 can run the entire height of the leg with the rain/liquid exiting at an outlet location 620, such as the bottom of the leg and into the surrounding ground.

Alternately, the outlet location 620 can exist at/near another leg, which is connected by conduits 615 so that the respective interior channels 617 permit rain/liquid to flow to the outlet location 620. For example, a threaded hose connector can be integrated into the outlet location 620 (or at an outlet location 620 positioned on a different leg connected via conduits 615). A standard garden hose can then be connected to the outlet location 620 of the leg to empty the rain/liquid at a further distance, reducing the amount of rain/liquid discharged to the area around the canopy.

FIG. 6B shows another implementation of the integrated drainage system. The drain 630 can be installed within the cover 605 near to the leg 640. Since the leg 640 is not being used as a component of the drainage system, the drain 630 need not be positioned directly above or very close to the top of the leg 640. Additionally, the leg 640 need not be hollow as in 6A.

The conduit 635 can be a length of tubing that is attached to the drain 630 at one end and its open end can act as the outlet location 650. As shown in 6B, the end of the conduit 635 that attaches to the drain 630 can require a gradation in size like a funnel. The amount of gradation can depend on the size of the drain 630. The conduit 635 can be coupled/attached to the leg 640 using one or more securement means 645 to prevent the conduit 635 from being inadvertently moved. The securement means 645 can be implemented in a variety of ways that are commensurate with the leg 640 and conduit 635. The securement means 645 should not exert undue force upon the conduit 635 such that the conduit 635 is deformed or its functionality compromised. In one embodiment, the securement means 645 can be integrated into the leg 640.

The conduit 635 can vary in length, but should be of a length that positions the outlet location 650 near to the ground, or near a designated outlet. An advantage of this embodiment can be the ability to connect the outlet location 650 of the conduit 635 to a suitable container 655. The container 655 can be of any size or shape, providing it has an opening that allows the outlet location 650 to connect to or be placed within. The container 655 may be connected to the leg 640 or structure of the portable canopy, or may be externally connected via a hose.

The use of a container 655 (or water bladder) to collect the rain/liquid from the drainage system can have many benefits. Firstly, the saturation of the ground in the immediate area of the canopy can be reduced because the rain/liquid is collected and not discharged. The container 655 can be removed and remotely emptied when full. In one embodiment, the collected rain/liquid can be utilized. In a camping setting, the collected rain can be treated to become potable drinking water. In a backyard setting, the collected rain can be used to water plants and trees, reducing the amount of water paid for to perform that task.

The container 655 may be a reservoir included within the leg 640 (a wider portion allowing for a large base), which is designed to be filled with water to serve as a ballast and add stability to the portable canopy. This arrangement is advantageous in that the portable canopy is light-weight and of minimal bulk (for transport and minimization of a footprint), while still having the necessary structural weight. Multiple legs 640 can serve as support ballast adding stability and weight to the portable canopy's structure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an arrangement for a portable canopy roof with a single drain in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. A top roof surface 710 can be curved with a large surface area. This large surface area can be well-suited for advertisement(s) or banners. The roof surface 710 can have a center peak, where water rolls off the curve and is directed to the canopy roof sides. An entirety of the roof can be angled, with a directional flow shown by FIG. 7B to permit water of the roof surface 710 to be directed to a single corner drain 724. The drain 724 can be attached to one or more conduits 736, which may be integrated into the frame. Alternatively, the conduits 736 can spiral down a respective leg, until it comes to an outlet (not shown). The outlet can have a fitting to which an external hose 730 is attachable. The hose 730 can lead to a bladder 732, which stores water falling on the portable canopy roof.

Such an embodiment of the integrated drainage system can require additional orientation considerations when connecting multiple canopies together. For example, the leg and/or outlet where the conduit 736 is set to discharge can be positioned to be adjacent to the same leg/outlet on the adjacent portable canopy in order to connect both drainage systems with a drainage connector.

In one embodiment, the roof may be layered, to have a roof top 710 and roof bottom 720, which together direct liquid flow. Additional elements, such as side gutters (shown as roof sides) can aid in guiding the water flow in embodiments. FIGS. 7A and 7B can illustrate that the portable roof structure: may include water redirection conduits, may not direct water to each side, may be angled for water flow, may incorporate gutters, and other water direction elements. So long as the flow (of gravity) directs the water, via conduits 736, piping, and/or indentations to a lower level, etc., then the portable canopy can be able to direct the water striking the roof. Unlike standing structures, a number of strong challenges can exist in dealing with a portable canopy, as the structure must collapse into a light-weight one for storage/transport. Here, the top structure of the roof is largely supported fabric with a natural contour. The support structure forming the sloping shape can be reinforced with steel/plastic rods (the canopy frame) permitting easy storage with different roof structures.

FIGS. 8A and 8B shows an air inflatable embodiment of the portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. At least a portion of the flexible fabric of the canopy's cover can include an air chamber. The air chamber can be a volumetric region that is air tight, which allows air to be injected between the fabric regions. Insertion of air can be achieved through use of an air pump 810 via a pluggable air insertion nozzle 817. The air tight region can be formed from a separate material on an interior of the cover (which is hollow), in one embodiment.

In another embodiment, the cover can be stitched or otherwise coupled to an air-insertable volumetric region. The air-insertable material can be coupled to the frame in another embodiment, which adds structure and stability to the portable frame. In another embodiment, the water-proof material of the cover itself can be air-tight and can be pressurized by inserting air through the nozzle 817. The air pump 810 can be a mechanical (conventional) pump with a standard air fitting, in embodiments. In other embodiments, the air pump 810 can be an electrical air pump, such as a pump conventionally sold to inflate the tires of an automobile. In one embodiment, the air pump 810 can be integrated into the portable canopy itself, which is powered via a portable power source.

In the installed state 805 of the portable canopy, at least a portion of the set-up can be facilitated by insertion of air. That is, the frame members and/or portable cover 830 can be locked into place and stabilized when air is inserted. An air release value/plug can be used to withdraw the air to transition the portable canopy into the transport state 820. Thus, when the portable cover 830 (and decomposed frame members/conduits) are stored in a container 834, minimal to no bulk can be added the portable canopy.

The conduits and contours of the portable canopy, which permit liquid to flow via gravity from the roof to an outlet can be shaped/formed at least in part due to an air pressure as shown by FIGS. 8C and 8D. Specifically, the outer cover of the roof 850 cannot permit a flow of water to the drain 852 without pooling when deflated. When inflated with an air pump 810, however, the roof 850 can be angled to enable the flow of rain/liquid to the drain 852. A top view of such an arrangement can be shown in FIG. 8D, where a center point 855 rises above the drain 852 with conduits directing water flow to the drain 852. Use of air to create structure can be highly efficient in terms of weight, portability, and minimization of setup/teardown time. Water 854 can flow from the outlet (to a run-off or a storage bladder) after passing through conduits of the portable shelter when installed and inflated. In embodiments, pressurization of fabric regions by air can result in a “gutter” or a splash region that helps direct water flow through the drainage system.

Claims

1. A portable shelter system comprising: at least two portable canopies, each portable canopy having an integrated drainage system, wherein the integrated drainage system has a drainage outlet in each vertical support member of its frame;at least two drainage connectors for linking the integrated drainage systems of the at least two portable canopies together, wherein each drainage connector comprises two inlets that receive a drainage outlet from each portable canopy, wherein liquid collected by a first connected drainage system is able to flow through a drainage connector into a second connected drainage system;an installed state for each portable canopy having a width, a length, and a height, which together establish a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons, wherein, in the installed state, the at least two portable canopies are positioned adjacent to each other at one side, combining their individual first volumes, wherein a proximity of two pairs of adjacent vertical support members of the at least two portable canopies allows attachment of one of the at least two drainage connectors to each pair, wherein, in the installed state, the integrated drainage systems transport rain striking each roof to the drainage outlets, whereby the rain collected by each integrated drainage system is directed through drainage connectors to one drainage location; anda transport state for each portable canopy having a second volume that is at least five times less than its respective first volume, wherein each portable canopy is a temporary shelter configured to be repetitively altered between the installed state and the transport state, whereby the transport state facilitates transport of the at least two portable canopies between locations and diminishes a storage footprint of each portable canopy while not in use.

2. The portable shelter system of claim 1, wherein the width is at least four feet, the length is at least four feet, and the height is at least six feet for each portable canopy.

3. The portable shelter system of claim 1, wherein a longest linear dimension of the second volume is at most five feet for each portable canopy.

4. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein a portable canopy further comprises: a portable frame comprising vertical support members and roof support members; anda portable cover made from a flexible, water-resistant fabric structurally supported by the portable frame to create the roof.

5. The portable shelter system of claim 1, wherein the drainage outlets are designed to be attachable to an end of a hose for directing the liquids away from the at least two portable canopies.

6. The portable shelter system of claim 1, wherein the drainage connector includes a drainage outlet that is designed to be attachable to an end of a hose for directing the liquids away from the portable canopy.

7. The portable shelter system of claim 6, wherein the drainage outlet of the drainage connector is a quick connect fitting configured to be paired to a quick connect adaptor of a garden hose, the garden hose, when connected to the drainage outlet via the quick connect fitting and quick connect adaptor, is configured to direct the liquids away from the at least two portable canopies.

8. The portable shelter system of claim 1, wherein, in the installed state, at least one side, referred to as an open-able side, of each portable canopy has an open state and a closed state, wherein, in the open state, the open-able side is not covered by a portion of a canopy cover and material for said portion of the canopy cover is rolled up in a stable position near a portion of the roof , and wherein, in the closed state, the open-able side is covered by the portion of the canopy cover.

9. The portable shelter system of claim 8, wherein one conduit of the integrated drainage system, referred to as a side conduit, linearly extends through the open-able side such that the side conduit does not direct the liquids to the outlet when the open-able side is in the open state, wherein the side conduit attaches to other ones of the conduits when the open-able side is in the closed state such that the side conduit directs the liquids to the outlet when the open-able side is in the closed state.

10. A portable shelter system comprising: at least two portable canopies, each portable canopy comprising: a portable frame comprising vertical support members and roof support members;a portable cover made from a flexible, water-resistant fabric;an integrated drainage system comprising conduits for transporting liquids and a drainage outlet in each vertical support member;at least two drainage connectors for linking the integrated drainage systems of the at least two portable canopies together, wherein each drainage connector comprises two inlets for receiving the drainage outlet from each portable canopy, wherein liquid collected by a first connected drainage system is able to flow through a drainage connector into a second connected drainage system;an installed state for each portable canopy having a width, a length, and a height, which together establish a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons, wherein, in the installed state, the at least two portable canopies are positioned adjacent to each other at one side, combining their individual first volumes, wherein a proximity of two pairs of adjacent vertical support members of the at least two portable canopies allows attachment of one of the at least two drainage connectors to each pair, wherein, in the installed state, the integrated drainage systems transport rain striking each roof to the drainage outlets, whereby the rain collected by each integrated drainage system is directed through drainage connectors between the at least two portable canopies to one drainage location; anda transport state for each portable canopy having a second volume that is at least five times less than its respective first volume, wherein each portable canopy is a temporary shelter configured to be repetitively altered between the installed state and the transport state, whereby the transport state facilitates transport of the at least two portable canopies between locations and diminishes a storage footprint of each portable canopy while not in use.

11. The portable shelter system of claim 10, wherein the width is at least four feet, the length is at least four feet, and the height is at least six feet for each portable canopy.

12. The portable shelter system of claim 10, wherein a longest linear dimension of the second volume is at most five feet for each portable canopy.

13. The portable shelter system of claim 10, wherein the drainage outlets are designed to be attachable to an end of a hose for directing the liquids away from the at least two portable canopies.

14. The portable shelter system of claim 10, wherein the drainage connector includes a drainage outlet that is designed to be attachable to an end of a hose for directing the liquids away from the portable canopy.

15. The portable shelter system of claim 14, wherein the drainage outlet of the drainage connector is a quick connect fitting configured to be paired to a quick connect adaptor of a garden hose, the garden hose, when connected to the drainage outlet via the quick connect fitting and quick connect adaptor, is configured to direct the liquids away from the at least two portable canopies.

16. The portable shelter system of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the conduits are an interior volume of at least a portion of at least one of the vertical support members and the roof support members.

17. The portable shelter system of claim 11, wherein, in the installed state, at least one side, referred to as an open-able side, of each portable canopy has an open state and a closed state, wherein, in the open state, the open-able side is not covered by a portion of the portable cover and material for said portion of the portable cover is rolled up in a stable position near a portion of the roof , and wherein, in the closed state, the open-able side is covered by the portion of the portable cover.

18. A drainage connector comprising: a first inlet for receiving a drainage outlet of a first portable canopy having an integrated drainage system, wherein the first portable canopy is in an installed state that establishes a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons, wherein, in the installed state, the integrated drainage system transports, via conduits, rain striking a roof of the first portable canopy to the drainage outlet;a second inlet for receiving a drainage outlet of a second portable canopy having an integrated drainage system, wherein the second portable canopy is in an installed state that establishes a first volume under a roof for sheltering objects and persons, wherein the first volume of the second portable canopy is adjacent to the first volume of the first portable canopy, wherein, in the installed state, the integrated drainage system transports, via conduits, rain striking a roof of the second portable canopy to the drainage outlet; andan interior channel connecting the first inlet and the second inlet, wherein rain is able to flow through the interior channel between the first inlet and the second inlet, wherein the integrated drainage system of the first portable canopy is linked to the integrated drainage system of the second portable canopy.

19. The drainage connector of claim 18, further comprising: a drainage outlet capable of being attachable to an end of a hose for directing the rain away from the first and second portable canopies.

20. The drainage connector of claim 19, wherein the drainage outlet is a quick connect fitting configured to be paired to a quick connect adaptor of a garden hose, the garden hose, when connected to the drainage outlet via the quick connect fitting and quick connect adaptor, is configured to direct the rain away from the first and second portable canopies.