U.S. patent application number 12/459540 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-03 for shelter having an extendable roof.
This patent application is currently assigned to ShelterLogic LLC. Invention is credited to Brian L. Goldwitz.
Application Number | 20090293927 12/459540 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43706274 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090293927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldwitz; Brian L. |
December 3, 2009 |
Shelter having an extendable roof
Abstract
A canopy has a frame with a plurality of legs for defining a
main area of protection, an auxiliary leg for defining an auxiliary
area of protection adjacent the main area of protection, the
auxiliary leg capable of being removed and a roof frame supported
by the uprights. A tarp, secured to the frame, has a main section
for covering the main area, and an auxiliary section adjacent the
main section. The auxiliary section is (i) extendable between the
legs and the auxiliary leg to cover the auxiliary area, (ii)
extendable between the legs and the support surface to provide
additional cover to the main area as a wall, and (iii) storable
such that only the main section covers the main area and the at
least one auxiliary leg is removed.
Inventors: |
Goldwitz; Brian L.; (Orange,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTHUR G. SCHAIER;CARMODY & TORRANCE LLP
50 LEAVENWORTH STREET, P.O. BOX 1110
WATERBURY
CT
06721
US
|
Assignee: |
ShelterLogic LLC
|
Family ID: |
43706274 |
Appl. No.: |
12/459540 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11068258 |
Feb 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
12459540 |
|
|
|
|
10793369 |
Mar 4, 2004 |
7296584 |
|
|
11068258 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/121 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/34 20060101
E04H015/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2004 |
CN |
200420020474.4 |
Mar 12, 2004 |
CN |
200420020757.9 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An auxiliary kit that provides additional shelter, the
auxiliary kit for use in combination with a shelter assembly,
wherein the shelter assembly comprises (i) at least four legs and a
plurality of rails all of which are coupleable to form a shelter
structure; (ii) a tarp for covering the shelter structure, wherein
the tarp has a first side corner section, a second side corner
section, a first opposing side corner section and a second opposing
side corner section, each of which is associatable with a
respective one of the at least four legs; and (iii) a cord section
associated with the first side corner section, the second side
corner section, the first opposing side corner section and the
second opposing side corner section, wherein the securing of each
cord section to its associated leg assists in maintaining the tarp
in position when covering the shelter structure, wherein the
auxiliary kit comprises: at least two auxiliary posts; at least one
auxiliary tarp that is supportable and maintainable above the
ground by and between the at least two auxiliary posts and the
shelter assembly; and at least two clamping assemblies, wherein
each clamping assembly comprises: an auxiliary cord and a clamp;
wherein for the first clamping assembly, the clamp is securable to
the first side corner section and for the second clamping assembly,
the clamp is securable to the first opposing side corner section;
wherein when the auxiliary tarp is supported and maintained above
the ground by and between the at least two auxiliary posts, the
first side corner section is maintained secured to the shelter
structure by at least one end of the auxiliary cord being secured
to the clamp and the other end of the auxiliary cord being secured
to the leg associated with the first side corner section; and the
first opposing side corner section is maintained secured to the
shelter structure by at least one end of the auxiliary cord being
secured to the clamp and the other end of the auxiliary cord being
secured to the leg associated with the first opposing side corner
section; and when the auxiliary tarp is to be secured to the
shelter structure to provide a side wall to the shelter structure,
the first side corner section is maintained secured to the shelter
structure by at least the cord section associated with the first
side corner section being secured to the leg associated with the
first side corner section and the first opposing side corner
section is maintained secured to the shelter structure by at least
the cord section associated with the first opposing side corner
section being secured to the leg associated with the first opposing
side corner section.
22. The auxiliary kit as claimed in claim 21, wherein when the at
least one auxiliary tarp is supported and maintained above the
ground by and between the at least two auxiliary posts and the
shelter assembly (i) the cord section associated with the first
side corner section is left unsecured to the leg associated with
the first side corner section and (ii) the cord section associated
with the first opposing side corner section is left unsecured to
the leg associated with the first opposing side corner section.
23. The auxiliary kit as claimed in claim 21, wherein each post has
an interlocking male and female portion wherein the male portion
includes at least one protuberance that causes at least one of the
male and female portion to deform upon interlocking.
24. The auxiliary kit as claimed in claim 21, wherein the tarp
forms a valance parallel to the sides for preventing water from
passing between a main section and an auxiliary area.
25. The auxiliary kit as claimed in claim 21, wherein the auxiliary
tarp sags and deforms when water collects thereon, wherein the
auxiliary tarp forms at least one stiffening ridge to define the
point and is slightly slanted for creating areas of water flow.
26. The auxiliary kit as claimed in claim 21, wherein the auxiliary
section includes a stiff ridge for shaping deformation of the
auxiliary section when water collects thereon.
27. The auxiliary kit as claimed in claim 26, wherein the stiff
ridge is selected from the group consisting of a seam sewn into the
auxiliary section, a rod inserted into a sleeve formed in the
auxiliary section, and combinations thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent
Application Nos. 200420020474.4, filed Feb. 27, 2004, and
200420020757.9, filed Mar. 12, 2004, each of which is incorporated
herein by reference. This application also claims priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/793,369 filed Mar. 4, 2004, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The subject disclosure relates generally to shelters, and
more particularly to an improved shelter that can provide
additional protection when desired. Even more particularly, the
subject disclosure relates to a shelter including a canopy that
selectively extends.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Over the years, many tents and other shelters having
collapsible frames have been introduced. Such structures are
commonly used to provide shelter during camping trips, picnics,
parties, military operations, and other outdoor activities. One
advantageous feature of such structures is their ability to provide
relief from weather elements when desired but allow removal when no
longer needed.
[0006] However, prior art shelters have several problems. The
shelters are unable to vary their configuration easily to suit
varying demands. Some prior shelter frames also allow the overlying
canopy to sag in an unsightly manner or be blown loose. Moreover,
varying the configuration can be a challenging task even when
multiple people are involved in the assembly. In view of these
apparent shortcomings, many attempts at overcoming these
difficulties have been patented, such as: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,635;
5,511,572; 5,555,681; 5,632,293; 5,638,853; 5,701,923; 5,797,412;
5,813,425; and 6,173,726 (each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety).
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,681 to Cawthon discloses a building
system that is modular in that a plurality of differently shaped
buildings 10, 12 may be constructed from the same basic part set.
The foundation of the buildings 10, 12 includes base plates 14 and
headers 16 that are oriented horizontally. Vertical stud members 18
extend vertically between the base plates 14 and headers 16.
Connectors 22 couple the components 14, 16, 18 together. Rafters 20
also terminate within the connectors 22 to form a roof structure.
Wall panels 24 and roof panels 26 enclose the buildings 10, 12 and
are selectively extendible from and retractable into the respective
associated base plate members 14 and headers 16. This is an
essential purpose of the buildings of Cawthon to selectively store
the panels 24, 26 to allow enjoyment of ambient weather. However,
once the building takes shape, major effort is required to
reconfigure the space. Thus, it would be desirable to build a
shelter that can quickly and easily be modified to have additional
space that is protected from the elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present disclosure is directed to a canopy including a
frame assembly including a plurality of legs upstanding from a
support surface. A resilient tarp covers the frame assembly. The
resilient tarp has a main section for substantially defining a main
area of protection, an auxiliary section for substantially defining
an auxiliary area of protection and an overhang. A plurality of
cords attach the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a
plurality of positions including: i) a set up position wherein the
main section substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary
section is stored; and ii) a set up position wherein the main
section substantially covers the main area, the auxiliary section
substantially covers the auxiliary area, and at least one of the
plurality of cords extends at least partially over the auxiliary
area.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention is a canopy providing
shelter on a support surface. The canopy includes a frame assembly
with a plurality of legs for defining a main area of protection,
two auxiliary legs for defining an auxiliary area of protection
adjacent the main area of protection, and a roof frame supported by
the plurality of uprights. A resilient tarp secures to the frame
assembly. The tarp includes a main section for substantially
covering the main area, and an auxiliary section adjacent the main
section, wherein the auxiliary section is (i) extendable between
the plurality of legs and the at least one auxiliary leg to
substantially cover the auxiliary area, (ii) extendable between the
plurality of legs and the support surface to provide additional
cover to the main area, and (iii) storable such that only the main
section substantially covers the main area.
[0010] Still another aspect of the invention is a canopy having a
plurality of upright assemblies for defining a main area and an
auxiliary area of protection, each upright having an interlocking
male and female portion wherein the male portion includes at least
one protuberance that causes at least one of the male and female
portion to deform upon interlocking. A resilient tarp covering the
main area and the auxiliary area whereby a plurality of cords
attach the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a plurality of
positions including: i) a first position wherein the resilient tarp
substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area is
exposed; and ii) a second position wherein the resilient tarp
substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area. Still
another aspect of the invention is directed to a kit that allows a
traditional canopy to be outfitted with an auxiliary area of
protection.
[0011] It should be appreciated that the present invention can be
implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without
limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, and a
method for applications now known and later developed. These and
other features of the system disclosed herein will become more
readily apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the following
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled collapsible
shelter having one auxiliary area covered in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of the
shelter of FIG. 1 with the auxiliary portion of the tarp serving as
a wall.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tarp of the canopy of
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a portion of a leg assembly of the frame assembly
of FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a localized view of the interconnection of a male
portion and female portion of a leg assembly of the frame assembly
of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIGS. 7A-C are varying possible cross-sectional views of the
interconnection of the leg assembly of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a localized view of the connection of the tarp to
the frame for the canopy of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a preferred corner of the tarp
of the canopy of FIG. 8.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a localized view of an alternative connection of
a tarp to a frame for a canopy in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the subject disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a localized view of another alternative
connection of a tarp to a frame for a canopy in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 12A is an end plan view of a clamp for a canopy in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure in
a partially assembled state.
[0025] FIG. 12B is an end plan view of the clamp of FIG. 12A in an
assembled state.
[0026] FIG. 12C is an inside plan view of the nut side of the clamp
of FIG. 12A.
[0027] FIG. 12D is an inside plan view of the bolt side of the
clamp of FIG. 12A.
[0028] FIG. 13 is an end plan view of another clamp for a canopy in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure in
an assembled state.
[0029] FIG. 14A is an inside plan view of one portion of another
clamp for a canopy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
subject disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the portion of FIG.
14A along line B-B.
[0031] FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the portion of FIG.
14A along line C-C.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an assembled collapsible
shelter having two auxiliary area covered in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a localized view of still another alternative
connection of a tarp to a frame for a canopy in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with canopies and temporary shelters. The
advantages, and other features of the system disclosed herein, will
become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the
art from the following detailed description of certain preferred
embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth
representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein
like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. For
simplicity and clarity throughout this disclosure, only enough
reference numerals with tag lines that are sufficient for
understanding have been shown.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a canopy 100 in accordance with the
present disclosure includes a frame assembly 102 for mounting a
tarp 104 thereon. The canopy 100 provides shelter from the elements
yet can be easily erected and modified for varying the amount and
configuration of protection from weather elements. The canopy 100
is shown in the raised, unfolded or "set-up" position with the tarp
104 fully extended. As a result, two areas of protection result: i)
the main section 106; and ii) the auxiliary section 108. A main
portion 110 of the tarp 104 covers the main section 106 and another
auxiliary portion 112 covers the auxiliary section 108. Preferably,
the tarp 104 also includes a hem or overhang portion 111. In
another embodiment, the overhang portion 111 extends the full
length of the tarp 104.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, the tarp 104 is arranged so that
the canopy 100 only provides protection for main section 106. As
shown, the auxiliary portion 112 of the tarp 104 that alternatively
covers the auxiliary section 108 becomes a wall for the canopy 100.
When configured as a wall, the auxiliary portion 112 may attach to
the frame assembly 102 by cords, attach to another portion of tarp
such as an adjacent wall by a zipper and the like.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary
portion 112 of the tarp 104 is detached from the main portion 110
when not desired. As a result, the canopy 100 appears like a
traditional prior art canopy. The means for detaching the auxiliary
portion 112 may be a combination of hook/loop fabric, snaps, clips,
straps and holes, a zipper, and the like. In other embodiments, the
auxiliary portion 112 is rolled or folded at suspended from the
frame assembly 102 in a substantially concealed manner. The tarp
104 may be formed of any of a number of different transparent,
translucent, and or opaque materials such as canvas, non-woven
sheets or as woven fabric materials. Plastic may also be used to
form the canopy, as desired, and the canopy may include a design or
designs thereon (not shown), depending upon the nature of the
material used for the canopy and other factors.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, the frame assembly 102 includes eight
leg assemblies 109 adapted to rest on a support surface to
substantially define the main section 106 and support a roof
assembly 114. For example, it should be understood that the frame
assembly 102 and, thereby the canopy 100, according to the subject
disclosure may include more or less than eight leg assemblies 106
to form configurations other than cubic and the like. Preferably,
each of the leg assemblies 109 is the same. The roof assembly 114
includes a plurality of 3-way connectors 116 and 4-way connectors
118 for interconnecting horizontal and angled rails 120 upon the
leg assemblies 109.
[0039] Referring again to FIG. 1, additional auxiliary leg
assemblies 113 are required in order to further support the
auxiliary portion 112. Preferably, auxiliary cords 132 and anchors
134 are attached to the auxiliary leg assemblies 113 and the
auxiliary portion 112 attaches to the leg assemblies 113 to further
support the canopy 100. In another embodiment, the cords 132 are
only attached to the auxiliary portion 112 and in another, the
cords 132 are attached to the leg assemblies 113 and the tarp 104.
It is envisioned that intermediate the leg assemblies 113, the
auxiliary portion 112 may forms a plurality of troughs for
desirably channeling rainwater off the sides of the shelter 100.
Each of the frame assembly components is preferably formed of a
plastic material. It has been found that polyvinyl chloride (pvc)
plastics, particularly in high density configuration, are excellent
for use in the manufacture of the components of the present
structure because pvc plastics are impervious to corrosion and hold
up well in extremes of loading, sunlight, weather, and other
conditions. Other materials, such as powder coated metal tubing,
may be substituted for the above pvc or other plastics, as
desired.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the leg assemblies 109, 113 and
rails 120 preferably include multiple portions 122. Each portion
122 may terminate in a smaller neck 124 to facilitate insertion and
coupling. Further, to interlock the portions 122, protuberances 126
are formed in the inner radius of a portion 122. It is also
envisioned that the 3-way connectors 116 and 4-way connectors 118
may utilize protuberance advantageously as well. In a preferred
embodiment, the protuberances form a line and are spaced half an
inch apart along the line and equidistant around the circumference.
In another embodiment, there is only a single line of three
protuberances. In still another embodiment, only a single
protuberance is required. Alternatively, the location and number of
protuberances may be varied as would be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject
disclosure.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7A, when the portions 122 have
substantially equivalent wall thickness, the protuberances 126
cause each portion 122 to deform. The portion deformation creates
tension that allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the
portions. When the outer portion 122 has a thicker wall compared to
the inner portion 122 mated therewith, the deformation is largely
isolated to the inner portion as shown in FIG. 7B. Conversely, when
the inner portion 122 has a thicker wall compared to the outer
portion 122 mated therewith, the deformation is largely isolated to
the outer portion as shown in FIG. 7C.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, after assembling the frame
assembly 102, the tarp 104 is secured thereto. It will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that each corner
of the canopy 100 includes an arrangement as that shown in FIG. 8.
In a preferred embodiment, the tarp 104 is attached to the frame
assembly 102 by a plurality of cords 128, 130. The cords 128, 130
pass through a sleeve (not shown) formed in the overhang portion
111 of the tarp 104. Cord 128 passes out of the sleeve and secures
the main portion 110 to the frame assembly 102. Means for attaching
the cords 128, 130 to the frame assembly are shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,367,495 issued Apr. 9, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/282,283 filed Oct. 28, 2002 and the applications noted above,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0043] As best seen in FIG. 9, additional fabric in the corners of
the overhang portion 111 is layered to provide strength and form an
edge sleeves 140. The edge sleeves 140 extend to the end of the
overhang portion 111. Although cord 128 exits the sleeve
substantially above the main section 106, cord 130 passes through
an edge sleeve 140 of the main portion substantially above the
auxiliary section 108. The cord 130 is also secured to the frame
assembly 102. As a result, the tarp 104 is attractively and
effectively retained against the frame assembly 102. In another
embodiment, the cords 128, 130 are elastic and/or attach within
holes formed in the frame assembly 102. In another embodiment, the
separately formed auxiliary portion 112 is directly sashed or
otherwise secured to the frame assembly 102. In the embodiment
where the overhang portion 111 extends the full length of the tarp
104, a cord secures the auxiliary section 112 to a leg assembly
113. In still another embodiment, only cord 128 is used to secure
the tarp 104.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative method for securing
a corner of the main portion 110 to the frame assembly 102 is
shown. The cords 128, 130 attach to an eye-hook 160. However, cord
130 does not pass the entire length of the main portion 110.
Instead, cord 130 merely passes through the edge sleeve 140 so that
both ends of the cord 130 attach to the eye-hook 160. Thus, cord
130 forms a short loop through the edge sleeve 140 for securing the
tarp 104 to the leg assembly 109 at the corner. In another
embodiment, a single cord 128 exits normally, secures to the
eye-hook 160 then passes through the edge sleeve 140 so that the
short loop is accomplished with a single cord. In still another
embodiment, the single cord 128 passes first through the edge
sleeve 140 to the eye-hook 160 and is secured thereto. A remaining
portion of the single cord 128 then is passed through the edge
sleeve 140 again to further strengthen the attachment of the tarp
104 to the frame assembly 102.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 11, a valence 240 serves to prevent water
from passing between the main portion 210 and the auxiliary portion
212. In one embodiment, the valence 240 forms a gutter to channel
water off the front and back corners of the main portion. In
another embodiment, the valence 240 forms a pocket for retaining a
cord for further attachment to the leg assembly 213. Another
alternative method for securing a corner of a main portion 210 to a
canopy 200 is also shown in FIG. 11. As will be appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the canopy 200
utilizes the same principles of the canopy 100 described above.
Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "2"
instead of the numeral "1" are used to indicate like elements
whenever possible. As shown, a clamp 250 couples the cords 228, 230
together. In an alternative embodiment, the clamp 250 attaches
directly to the main portion 210 of the tarp 204. In both
embodiment, rope 230 and clamp 250 can be used to not only secure
the tarp 204, but facilitate rerouting rope 228 during adding and
removing the auxiliary portion 212.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-D, the clamp 250 has opposing
portions 252, 254 that form respective hollows 260 for receiving
cords 228, 230. The opposing portions 252, 254 are coupled together
by pair of nuts 256 and bolts 258. To attach the clamp 250, the
opposing sides 252, 254 are loosely coupled together and cords 228,
230 are passed through the hollows 260 as shown in FIG. 12A. The
tarp 204 may or may not be included between the opposing portions
252, 254. Upon tightening the bolts 258, the cords 228, 230 are
compressed and retained between the opposing portions 252, 254. As
a result, the auxiliary portion 212 may be easily added to the main
portion 210 because the cord 228 may serve the intended purpose of
securing the outermost corner while the additional cord 230 secures
the tarp 204 at the corner of the main portion 210. This provides
the further benefit that the auxiliary portion 212 may be added to
canopy 200 not originally intended to include the auxiliary portion
212.
[0047] The hollows 260 also include bumps or ridges 264 formed
transverse to the cords 228, 230 to increase the holding retention
thereon. The ridges 264 may be formed on one or both of the
opposing sides 252, 254. Preferably, the opposing sides 252, 254
form a pathway 266 so that the cord 230 can centrally exit the
clamp 250. As a result, the weight carried by the clamp 250 is
evenly distributed. In the embodiment shown, the hollows 260 and
pathways 266 are shaped and configured to receive cords having an 8
mm. diameter. It is envisioned that the side 252 may include
depressions for insertion of the nuts 256 therein. The clamp 250 is
preferably constructed from a strong plastic, aluminum or the
like.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 13, another alternative clamp 350 sized
for receiving 3 mm. cords is shown. As will be appreciated by those
of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the clamp 350 utilizes the
same principles of the clamp 250 described above. Accordingly, like
reference numerals preceded by the numeral "3" instead of the
numeral "2" are used to indicate like elements whenever
possible.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 14A-C, still another alternative side 452
of a clamp is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art, the side 452 utilizes the same
principles of the clamp 450 described above. Accordingly, like
reference numerals preceded by the numeral "4" instead of the
numeral "2" are used to indicate like elements whenever possible.
The side 452 includes two pathways 466 for varying the point at
which the cord 230 exits. Of course, the cord 230 may not exit via
either pathway 466 as may be desired for the particular
configuration.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of an assembled
collapsible shelter 200 having two auxiliary areas 208 covered in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure is
shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art, the shelter 300 utilizes the same principles of the
shelter 100 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals
preceded by the numeral "3" instead of the numeral "1" are used to
indicate like elements whenever possible to simplify the subject
description.
[0051] The auxiliary portions 312A, 312B include one or more
stiffening ridges 350. The stiffening ridge 350 may be a seam sewn
into the fabric, a rod inserted into a sleeve or the like. The
purpose of the stiffening ridge 350 is to control the manner is
which rainwater may collect on the auxiliary portion 312. On
auxiliary portion 312A, the stiffening ridge 350 is shaped and
formed to direct collected water towards the sides of the shelter
300. Alternatively on auxiliary portion 312B, the stiffening ridge
50 is shaped and formed to direct collected water towards the front
of the shelter 300. Dashed lines 360 indicate a manner in which the
auxiliary portions 312A, 312B sags to collect rainwater.
Preferably, the auxiliary portions 312A, 312B sag to a certain
point at which deformation occurs. During deformation, the water is
released to allow the auxiliary portions 312A, 312B to
substantially return to shape. In another embodiment, the auxiliary
sections 312A, 312B do not have any stiffening ridges but are
allowed to sag/collect water and deform to release. In still
another embodiment, the outer legs 313 are relatively shorter than
the inner legs 309. As a result, the auxiliary portions 312A, 312B
are slanted to further increase the propensity of water to flow off
to the sides of the shelter 300.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 16, as will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the canopy 400 utilizes the
same principles of the canopies described above. Accordingly, like
reference numerals preceded by the numeral "4" instead of the
numerals "1", "2" or "3" are used to indicate like elements
whenever possible. A valence 440 serves to prevent water from
passing between the main portion 410 and the auxiliary portion 412.
To assembly the auxiliary section 412, a clamp 450 couples the
cords 428, 430 together while the cord 428 is secured to the leg
413. Subsequently, the cord 428 can be released so that the valence
440 can be raised to rest on the auxiliary section 412 and prevent
rain and wind from passing therebetween. The cord 428 may be passed
onto the auxiliary section 412 as shown and, optionally coupled to
the cord 428 from the opposing corner. Alternatively, the cord 428
is rolled for storage within the valence 440. It is envisioned that
a plurality of mechanisms may serve the purpose of the clamp 450 as
would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent
art based upon review of the subject disclosure. In an alternative
embodiment, the valence 440 includes a hole (not shown) reinforced
with a grommet at the approximate location of the leg 413. As a
result, the cord 428 can exit the valence 440 and secured the tarp
to the leg 413 while the very end of the valence 440 may still be
raised onto the auxiliary portion 412.
[0053] It is envisioned that numerous variations are possible
beyond those specifically described here and such would be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the
subject disclosure. For example, the canopy may have two auxiliary
sections on opposing sides of the main section. Of course, either
or both auxiliary sections may be completely detachable. For
another example, the main section of the canopy may be octagonal
with a plurality of auxiliary sections that are various shapes such
as triangular, trapezoidal and the like.
[0054] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to
the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *