U.S. patent application number 15/387414 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for canopy with overhang.
The applicant listed for this patent is BRAVO SPORTS. Invention is credited to Mark Groenhuyzen, Joseph C. Klingl, Jack B. Lovley, II.
Application Number | 20170292287 15/387414 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57590023 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170292287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lovley, II; Jack B. ; et
al. |
October 12, 2017 |
CANOPY WITH OVERHANG
Abstract
A canopy includes a frame assembly having a perimeter frame
portion, a central frame portion and multiple legs. The frame
assembly also includes one or more overhang frame portions, each of
which can include a main overhang frame member and a strut. Each
overhang frame portion can extend diagonally from the associated
corner of the frame assembly. The canopy also includes a cover,
which can be a fabric or flexible material cover capable of
collapsing along with the preferably collapsible frame assembly.
The cover can include a central portion located substantially
within an area defined by the perimeter frame portion and an
overhang portion, which surrounds or circumscribes the central
portion of the cover. The overhang frame portions can support an
overhang portion of the cover, which extends outwardly from the
perimeter frame portion. A support of the canopy can be configured
to leave a logo imprint on the ground.
Inventors: |
Lovley, II; Jack B.; (Lake
Forest, CA) ; Groenhuyzen; Mark; (Huntington Beach,
CA) ; Klingl; Joseph C.; (Los Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BRAVO SPORTS |
Santa Fe Springs |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57590023 |
Appl. No.: |
15/387414 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14455694 |
Aug 8, 2014 |
9528292 |
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15387414 |
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61988799 |
May 5, 2014 |
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61864489 |
Aug 9, 2013 |
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61864470 |
Aug 9, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/60 20130101;
E04H 15/50 20130101; E04H 15/64 20130101; E04H 15/48 20130101; E04H
15/58 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/50 20060101
E04H015/50; E04H 15/60 20060101 E04H015/60; E04H 15/64 20060101
E04H015/64 |
Claims
1. A collapsible canopy, comprising: a frame assembly comprising a
perimeter frame portion and an overhang frame portion; a cover
secured to the frame assembly, the cover comprising a central
portion and an overhang portion, wherein the overhang portion is
located at least partially outside of the perimeter frame portion;
wherein the overhang frame portion is automatically moved between a
collapsed position and a deployed position in response to movement
of the perimeter frame portion between a collapsed position and a
deployed position.
2. The collapsible canopy of claim 1, wherein the cover is secured
to the overhang frame portion in the collapsed position of the
overhang frame portion.
3. The collapsible canopy of claim 2, wherein the overhang frame
portion comprises a main overhang member, and wherein the cover
comprises a pocket which receives an end portion of the main
overhang member.
4. The collapsible canopy of claim 3, wherein the frame assembly
further comprises a central frame portion, wherein the main
overhang member is oriented at an angle that is substantially the
same as an angle of the central portion of the cover that is
supported by the central frame portion.
5. The collapsible canopy of claim 4, wherein the overhang frame
portion further comprises a strut extending between the main
overhang member and one or more of the perimeter frame portion, the
central frame portion and a leg of the frame assembly.
6. The collapsible canopy of claim 5, further comprising a slider
movable relative to the leg of the frame assembly and carrying
portions of one or both of the perimeter frame portion and the
central frame portion, wherein the strut is connected to the
slider.
7. The collapsible canopy of claim 1, wherein the cover further
comprises portions that engage the overhang frame portions.
8. The collapsible canopy of claim 7, further comprising a fastener
that couples the portions of the cover and the overhang frame
portions.
9. The collapsible canopy of claim 7, wherein the portions comprise
pockets that each receives a member of an associated one of the
overhang frame portions.
10. The collapsible canopy of claim 9, further comprising a
fastener that couples the pocket and the overhang frame portions.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications identified in a priority claim in
the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are hereby
incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present
disclosure.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] Embodiments relate to a canopy having an overhang portion.
In particular, embodiments relate to a collapsible canopy assembly
having a frame assembly incorporating overhang and other frame
members and attachment of a cover to the frame assembly.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Collapsible canopies are often used in residential and
commercial applications to provide shade or protection from the
elements with a quick and easy to set-up arrangement. While
improvements have been made to the early collapsible canopy
designs, a need still exists for further improvements and
refinements. For example, it can be desirable to provide increased
protection or coverage of the canopy for a given footprint. In
addition, it can be desirable to provide collapsible canopies
having an improved or more refined appearance.
SUMMARY
[0004] The systems, methods and devices described herein have
innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or
solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting
the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now
be summarized.
[0005] An embodiment involves a collapsible canopy including a
frame assembly comprising a perimeter frame portion and an overhang
frame portion. A cover is secured to the frame assembly, the cover
comprising a central portion and an overhang portion. The overhang
portion is located at least partially outside of the perimeter
frame portion. The overhang frame portion is automatically moved
between a collapsed position and a deployed position in response to
movement of the perimeter frame portion between a collapsed
position and a deployed position.
[0006] In some configurations, the cover is secured to the overhang
frame portion in the collapsed position of the overhang frame
portion. In some configurations, the overhang frame portion
comprises a main overhang member, and wherein the cover comprises a
pocket which receives an end portion of the main overhang member.
In some configurations, the frame assembly further comprises a
central frame portion, wherein the main overhang member is oriented
at an angle that is substantially the same as an angle of the
central portion of the cover that is supported by the central frame
portion. In some configurations, the overhang frame portion further
comprises a strut extending between the main overhang member and
one or more of the perimeter frame portion, the central frame
portion and a leg of the frame assembly. In some configurations, a
slider is movable relative to the leg of the frame assembly and
carrying portions of one or both of the perimeter frame portion and
the central frame portion, wherein the strut is connected to the
slider.
[0007] In some configurations, the cover further comprises portions
that engage the overhang frame portions. In some configurations, a
fastener couples the portions of the cover and the overhang frame
portions. In some configurations, the portions comprise pockets
that each receives a member of an associated one of the overhang
frame portions. In some configurations, a fastener couples the
pocket and the overhang frame portions.
[0008] An embodiment involves a collapsible canopy including a
frame assembly, comprising a plurality of legs, a perimeter frame
portion extending between and connecting the plurality of legs to
define a perimeter of the collapsible canopy, wherein each section
of the perimeter frame portion between adjacent legs includes a
plurality of straight frame members oriented substantially
perpendicular to the legs. A central frame portion extends between
and connects the plurality of legs within the perimeter of the
collapsible canopy. The central frame portion includes a plurality
of scissor-frames. An overhang frame portion includes a main
overhang frame member and an overhang strut extending outwardly
from each of the plurality of legs. The perimeter frame portion,
the central frame portion and the overhang frame portion are
coupled to each of the plurality of legs by a fixed bracket and a
sliding bracket, wherein movement of the sliding bracket moves the
perimeter frame portion, the central frame portion and the overhang
frame portion between a collapsed orientation and a deployed
orientation. A cover is secured to the frame assembly. The cover
comprises a central portion and an overhang portion, wherein the
central portion is supported by the central frame portion and the
overhang portion is located at least partially outside of the
perimeter frame portion and is supported by the overhang frame
portion.
[0009] In some configurations, each of the plurality of legs are
adjustable in height. In some configurations, the cover is secured
to the overhang frame portion in the collapsed position of the
overhang frame portion. In some configurations, the cover comprises
a pocket which receives an end portion of the main overhang
member.
[0010] An embodiment involves a collapsible canopy, comprising a
frame assembly comprising a plurality of legs, a perimeter frame
portion and a central frame portion. The central frame portion
comprises a center support. A cover is secured to the frame
assembly. The central frame portion comprises at least one central
frame section that extends between one of the plurality of legs and
the center support, wherein the frame section crosses from one side
to another of a line between a center of the one of the plurality
of legs and a center of the center support.
[0011] In some configurations, the at least one central frame
section comprises a plurality of central frame sections, each of
the central frame sections extending between each of the plurality
of legs and the center support. In some configurations, an overhang
frame portion extends outwardly from each of the plurality of legs,
wherein the cover comprises an overhang portion coupled to the
overhang frame portion. In some configurations, the overhang frame
portion is automatically moved between a collapsed position and a
deployed position in response to movement of the perimeter frame
portion and the center frame portion between a collapsed position
and a deployed position.
[0012] An embodiment involves an underside of a bottom portion of a
structural member, such as an underside of a foot of a canopy leg
or the like. The underside of the bottom portion of the structural
member can comprise an outer perimeter portion, a hollow interior
portion at least partially within the outer perimeter portion, and
a logo or design portion at least partially within the hollow
interior portion. The logo portion can comprise a three-dimensional
structure, wherein a perimeter of the logo portion is adjacent to
the hollow interior portion. Preferably, the logo portion can be
formed in a reversed orientation, such that the combination of the
outer perimeter portion, hollow interior portion, and logo portion
of the bottom portion of the foot is configured to leave an
impression of the logo portion on a ground surface that is in a
forward, not reversed, orientation. However, in other arrangements,
the logo portion may not be reversed.
[0013] In some arrangements, the logo portion comprises text. The
text of the logo portion can be formed in a reversed orientation,
such that the bottom portion of the foot is configured to leave an
impression of the text on a ground surface that is in a forward
legible, not reversed, orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers can be reused to
indicate general correspondence between reference elements. The
drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described
herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a canopy having an overhang
portion. The canopy includes a frame assembly and a cover secured
to the frame assembly.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of the
canopy of FIG. 1. The frame assembly includes several overhang
frame portions.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a corner of the frame
assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating an overhang frame portion.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of a section of an interior frame
portion of the frame assembly of FIG. 2. The illustrated section of
the interior frame portion extends from a corner to a center of the
frame assembly.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of an upper or fixed corner bracket and
related frame members of the frame assembly of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of a lower or sliding corner bracket
and related frame members of the frame assembly of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a corner of the canopy
illustrating a coupling of the cover to the overhang frame
portion.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a top-side of a bottom
portion of a structural member of an embodiment of the wheel
cover.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of an underside of the bottom
portion of the structural member of FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the underside of the bottom
portion of the structural member of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Embodiments of canopy systems, components and methods of
assembly and manufacture will now be described with reference to
the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like or
similar elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples
and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described
herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments,
examples and illustrations, and can include other uses of the
inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. The
terminology used in the description presented herein is not
intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner
simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed
description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In
addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel
features and no single feature is solely responsible for its
desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions
herein described.
[0026] Certain terminology may be used in the following description
for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be
limiting. For example, terms such as "above" and "below" refer to
directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such
as "front," "back," "left," "right," "rear," and "side" describe
the orientation and/or location of portions of the components or
elements within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which
is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings
describing the components or elements under discussion. Moreover,
terms such as "first," "second," "third," and so on may be used to
describe separate components. Such terminology may include the
words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words
of similar import.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1, a canopy 40 includes a frame
assembly or frame 42 and a cover 44. The frame 42 includes a
plurality of legs 46 that support the cover 44 above a surface on
which the canopy 40 is supported. In the illustrated arrangement, a
leg 46 is provided at or near each corner of the canopy 40. In some
configurations, additional legs are provided, such as along or near
a perimeter of the canopy 40. The cover 44 defines a first or
interior portion 48 within a perimeter defined by the legs 46.
Preferably, the cover 44 defines a second, exterior or overhang
portion 50 outside of the perimeter defined by the legs 46. The
overhang portion 50 can provide a desirable appearance to the
canopy 40 and/or provide additional shade compared to a canopy
having a perimeter of the same size but without an overhang
portion. The canopy 40 can also include curtains 52, which
preferably can be moved between a stowed orientation (as shown)
gathered at the legs 46 and a deployed orientation (not shown) to
define partial or full walls between adjacent legs 46.
[0028] In the illustrated configuration, the legs 46 are canted or
angled such that a lower end of the leg 46 is positioned outwardly
from an upper end of the leg 46. The overhang portion 50 can be
positioned outside of a perimeter defined by any portion of the
legs 46. For example, the overhang portion 50 can be outside of a
perimeter defined by upper ends of the legs 46. In some
configurations, the overhang portion 50 can extend outside of a
perimeter defined by lower ends of the legs 46. In other
configurations, the legs 46 can be generally or substantially
vertical. Preferably, the legs 46 are collapsible to move at least
between a stowed or collapsed position and an expanded or deployed
position. The legs 46 can also permit height adjustment between at
least two or more possible height positions. For example, the legs
46 can employ a biased pin-and-hole adjustment arrangement or can
be infinitely adjustable. An example of an infinitely adjustable
arrangement is described in Applicant's U.S. Patent Publication No.
2014/0090681, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 2, the frame 42 has a perimeter frame
portion 54 and a central frame portion 56, in addition to the
above-described legs 46. Preferably, the frame 42 also includes one
or more overhang frame portions 60 comprising one or more overhang
frame members, such as a main overhang frame member 62 and an
overhang support member, lift member or strut 64. The main overhang
frame member 62 can be in the form of an overhang tube and the
strut 64 can be in the form of a lift tube. In the illustrated
arrangement, an overhang frame portion 60 is provided at each
corner of the frame 42 or canopy 50. Each overhang frame portion 60
can extend diagonally from the associated corner of the frame 42,
or at approximately a 45 degree angle from each perimeter frame
portion 54 extending from the associated corner. In the illustrated
configuration, a longitudinal axis of the main overhang frame
member 62 passes through a center point of the associated leg 46,
as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The overhang strut 64 can be offset to
one side of the main overhang frame member 62 and coupled to a side
of the main overhang frame member 62, as shown in FIG. 6. If
desired, additional or alternative overhang frame portions can be
provided at locations other than the corners, such as on the
perimeter frame portion 54 between the corners, for example and
without limitation.
[0030] The cover 44 can be a fabric or flexible material cover
capable of collapsing along with the preferably collapsible frame
42. The cover 44 can be removable from the frame 42. Preferably,
the overhang frame portions 60 support an overhang portion of the
cover 44, which extends outwardly from the perimeter frame portion
54. Thus, as described above, the cover 44 can include the central
or interior portion 48 located substantially within an area defined
by the perimeter frame portion 54 and the overhang portion 50,
which surrounds or circumscribes the central portion 48 of the
cover 44.
[0031] The perimeter frame portion 54 can include sides or eaves
that extend between each of the frame legs 46. The perimeter frame
portion 54 can be constructed of linear or straight frame members
66 (e.g., horizontal or substantially perpendicular to the legs 46
when extended) that can be folded at one or more points along the
length of the frame members 66. In the illustrated arrangement, the
frame members 66 are rotatable about a pair of closely-spaced pivot
points, which can be defined by a bracket, such that the frame
members 66 can fold next to one another when the frame 42 is
collapsed. Two frame members 66 are illustrated; however, other
numbers of frame members 66 could be employed. Advantageously, the
linear or straight arrangement of the frame members 66 of the frame
portion 54 along the sides of the canopy 40 reduces the vertical
height of the frame to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of a user
bumping into the perimeter frame portion 54 when entering or
exiting the canopy 40, at least compared to arrangements in which
scissor-frames are incorporated in the perimeter frame.
[0032] The illustrated perimeter frame portion 54 also includes
struts 68 that provide support to the frame members 66. In
particular, each strut 68 attaches to the associated leg 46 at a
location spaced (e.g., below) from a location of attachment of the
frame member 66. Each strut 68 extends to an attachment point with
the frame member 66 that is spaced from the leg 46. Each end of the
strut 68 is rotatably attached to the frame member 66 or leg 46,
directly or indirectly, such as through a bracket (as described
below). Preferably, a strut 68 is provided for each frame member 66
of each of the perimeter frame portions 54.
[0033] The central frame portion 56 can extend between portions of
the perimeter frame portion 54, such as between corners of the
frame 42, and support the central portion of the cover 44. In the
illustrated arrangement, the central frame portion 56 includes a
plurality of struts, trusses or, preferably, scissor-frame
arrangements 70 that extend from the corners of the frame 42 and
connect to one another at an intermediate location (e.g., center
point or center location relative to one or more sides of the
canopy 40) within the area defined by the perimeter frame portion
54. In the illustrated arrangement, the scissor-frames 70 connect
to a center support 72 (which could be an interior support or one
of multiple interior supports in embodiments in which the support
72 is not centrally located and/or in which multiple supports are
provided). The center support 72 can be configured to extend above
the scissor-frames 70 when the canopy frame 42 is deployed and can
retract to approximately the tops of the scissor-frames 70 when the
canopy frame 42 is collapsed to provide a compact collapsed
arrangement.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 4, preferably, each of the
scissor-frames 70 cross from one side to the other side of a line
74 passing through centers of the associated leg 46 and the center
support 72. In FIG. 4, only the arms 70a of the scissor-frame 70
coupled to an upper portion (relative to the other arm 70b) of the
leg 46 and to an upper portion (relative to the other arm 70b) of
the center support 72 are shown. As is apparent from at least FIGS.
2, 5 and 6, the other arms 70b of the scissor-frame 70 are offset
to one side of the arms 70a. In at least some configurations, the
arms 70b also cross from one side to the other side of the line 74.
In the illustrated arrangement, one end of the scissor-frame 70 is
coupled to a side or other portion of the leg 46 and to a side or
other portion of the center support 72 on the opposite side of the
line 74. Additional details of a similar frame (not including the
overhang frame portions 60 or arms 70 that cross the line 74) are
described in Applicant's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013/0247948,
the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, preferably, the main overhang
member 62 of each overhang frame portion 60 is secured to an upper
portion, such as an upper corner, of the associated frame leg 46
and extends downwardly therefrom. In the illustrated arrangement,
the main overhang member 62 is coupled to a top support member or
top bracket 76 of the frame leg 46, preferably near connection
points for one or both of the perimeter frame portion 54 and
central frame portion 56. The main overhang member 62 can extend
downwardly at an angle similar to the angle (or pitch) of the
central frame portion 56 such that an angle or pitch of the cover
44 is substantially consistent between the central portion 48 and
the overhang portion. Alternatively, the main overhang member 62
can be oriented at a different angle or pitch from the central
frame portion 56 to achieve a desired end result (e.g., increased
shading). In the illustrated arrangement, the main overhang member
62 is separate from the central frame portion 56; however, in other
arrangements, the main overhang member 62 could be unitary with a
member or portion of the central frame portion 56.
[0036] The strut 64 of the overhang frame portion 60 preferably is
positioned below the main overhang member 62 and extends between
the main overhang member 62 and the perimeter frame portion 54,
central frame portion 56 or leg 46. In the illustrated arrangement,
a portion (e.g., end) of the strut 64 is coupled to a slider 80 on
the leg 46, which is movable relative to the leg 46. The slider 80
can support other frame portions, such as one or both of the
perimeter frame portion 54 and the central frame portion 56. In the
illustrated arrangement, the slider 80 pivotally supports the strut
64 and one or more members of the central frame portion 56 by any
suitable arrangement, including one or more tabs that receive a
pin, shaft or other type of axle member. The slider 80 and top
bracket 76 can be constructed of any suitable material, such as
plastic, metal or other materials. In some configurations, the top
bracket 76 can be constructed of one material (e.g., metal) and the
slider 80 can be constructed from a different material (e.g.,
plastic).
[0037] In an alternative arrangement, the strut 64 or lift tube can
be connected to a slider that is separate from the slider 80 or the
slider 80 can have portions that are separable from one another so
that slider portion coupled to the lift tube or strut 64 can be
movable with or separated for independent movement relative to the
other portion of the slider 80 that is coupled to other frame
members. Such an arrangement would permit the overhang frame
portion 60 to be deployed along with deployment of the main frame
portion of the canopy 50, but then be separately adjusted to alter
an angle or pitch of the overhang portion of the cover 44. Thus,
the overhang portion of the cover 44 could be adjusted similar to
the adjustable awning disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No.
7,775,229, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
[0038] Another portion (e.g., end) of the strut 64 is pivotally
coupled to an intermediate portion of the main overhang member 62.
Preferably, the strut 64 is coupled to the main overhang member 62
at a location beyond the midpoint of the main overhang member 62 or
a midpoint between the associated corner and an outer end of the
main overhang member 62. The strut 64 can be located beyond at
least about two-thirds of the length of the main overhang member 62
from the associated corner or at about three-fourths of the
distance between the associated corner and an outer end of the main
overhang member 62. Preferably, the overhang frame portions 60
(e.g., both the main overhang member 62 and the strut 64) can
pivot, fold or collapse relative to other portions of the frame 42
to permit the canopy 50 to be oriented in a collapsed state for
transport or storage. In the illustrated arrangement, the overhang
frame portions 60 (e.g., both the main overhang member 62 and the
strut 64) fold (e.g., downwardly) against (or substantially
parallel to) the adjacent leg 46. As described above, the main
overhang member 62 is pivotally supported by the top bracket 76 and
the strut 64 is pivotally supported by the slider 80. Such an
arrangement advantageously permits automatic and preferably
substantially simultaneous deployment and collapse of the overhang
frame portions 60 along with deployment and collapse of the main
frame portion of the canopy 50.
[0039] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the top bracket 76 and slider 80,
respectively. As described, the top bracket 76 can be attached to
an upper end or upper portion (at least with respect to the slider
80) of the leg 46 and can rotatably support frame members relative
to the leg 46, such as the straight frame members 66 of the
perimeter frame portion 54, the arm 70a of the scissor-frame 70 and
the main overhang frame member 62. The frame members can be
rotatably coupled to the top bracket 76 by any suitable
arrangement, such as a bolt-and-nut, pin or other type of shaft,
for example and without limitation.
[0040] The straight frame members 66 can be aligned with the sides
of the leg 46. The main overhang frame member 62 can extend
diagonally outward from an outer corner of the leg 46. As described
above, the arm 70a can extend inwardly and at least a longitudinal
axis of the arm 70a can be offset to one side of a center of the
leg 46. Preferably, the top bracket 76 includes generally U-shaped
bracket portions having tabs 82 that support each side of one or
both of the arm 70a of the scissor-frame 70 and the main overhang
frame member 62. If desired, the top bracket 76 could also support
each side of the straight frame members 66 of the perimeter frame
portion 54.
[0041] Each of the sliders 80 preferably are movable along each of
the legs 46 to allow the frame 42 to move between a collapsed
orientation and a deployed orientation. The slider 80 can be
secured in one or both of the collapsed or deployed positions by
any suitable arrangement. In the illustrated configuration, the
slider 80 is secured in the deployed orientation by a lock, such as
a biased pin-and-hole arrangement, for example and without
limitation.
[0042] The slider 80 can be configured to rotatably support frame
members relative to the leg 76 in a manner similar to the top
bracket 76. The frame members can be rotatably coupled to the
slider 80 by any suitable arrangement, such as a bolt-and-nut, pin
or other type of shaft, for example and without limitation. In the
illustrated arrangement, the slider 80 supports the struts 68 of
the perimeter frame portions 54, the arms 70b of the central frame
portion 56 and the overhang strut 64.
[0043] Preferably, the slider 80 supports these frame members in an
orientation corresponding to, but offset from, the associated frame
members of the top bracket 78 such that the frame members will be
appropriately positioned relative to one another. For example, the
perimeter struts 68 are spaced from the sides of the leg 46 by
approximately the width of the straight frame members 66 of the
perimeter frame portion 54 such that the perimeter struts 68 are
positioned to the outside of the straight frame members 66 of the
perimeter frame portion 54. Similarly, the arms 70b are positioned
to the side (e.g., away from the center of the leg 46 and/or line
74) of the arms 70a and the overhang strut 64 is positioned to the
side (e.g., away from the center of the leg 46 and/or line 74) of
the main overhang frame member 62.
[0044] In the illustrated arrangement, the slider 80 includes a
generally U-shaped bracket portion having tabs 84 that support each
side of the arm 70b of the scissor-frame 70. If desired, the top
bracket 76 could also support each side of the perimeter strut 68
and/or the overhang strut 64. However, in the illustrated
arrangement, the slider 80 includes a tab 86 that supports one side
of the overhang strut 64. Preferably, the tab 86 has a width that
is substantially equal to a width of the overhang strut 64 and/or
the main overhang frame member 62 or is otherwise configured to
provide suitable resistance to rotation of the overhang strut 64
about its longitudinal axis.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, the cover 44 is coupled to
the overhang frame portions 60 such that the cover 44 remains
coupled to the overhang frame portions 60 when the canopy 50 is
collapsed. In the illustrated arrangement, corners of the cover 44
are coupled to end portions of the overhang frame portions 60, in
particular the end portion of the main overhang member 62. The
cover 44 can be coupled to the overhang frame portions 60 by any
suitable arrangement, such as a retention member or arrangement on
the cover 44 that engages a portion of the overhang frame portions
60. In the illustrated arrangement, the corner portions of the
cover 44 include a pocket 90 that is configured to receive an end
portion of the main overhang member 62. The pocket 90 can be
constructed of the same material as the cover 44 and can include a
folded portion of the cover 44. In other words, the portion of the
cover 44 defining the pocket 90 can be unitary with at least a
portion of the cover 44 defining areas other than the pocket 90
and, preferably, at least portions of the overhang portion and/or
the central portion. Alternatively, the pocket 90 can be defined,
at least partially, by a separate piece of material coupled (e.g.,
sewn) to the cover 44.
[0046] In the illustrated arrangement, the pocket 90 defines a
closed end such that an end portion of the main overhang member 62
contacts the closed end of the pocket 90. Thus, tension of the
cover 44 may provide a sufficient retention force to retain the
cover 44 onto the overhang frame portion 60 or may be sufficient to
be the only means of retention of the cover 44 onto the frame 42.
However, supplemental coupling of the cover 44 to the frame 42
could also be provided, such as straps, for example. The pocket 90
(or any other portion of the cover 44) could include a fastener
assembly 100 to secure or assist in securing the cover 44 to the
overhang frame portion 60. Any suitable fastener assembly 100 can
be used, such as mechanical, friction-fit, snap-fit fasteners or
others. In the illustrated arrangement, the fastener assembly 100
is a removable fastener (in particular, a hook-and-loop fastener)
having a portion associated with the cover 44 and a portion
associated with the overhang frame portion 60. In particular, one
portion of the fastener assembly 100 is positioned within the
pocket 90 and the other portion of the fastener assembly 100 is
located on a portion of the overhang frame portion 60 that engages
the pocket 90. The portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 100 on the
main overhang member 62 can be wrapped around an entire
circumference or periphery of the main overhang member 62. The
portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 100 on the pocket 90 can be a
longitudinal strip. In other arrangements, the pocket 90 can be
entirely lined, or substantially entirely lined, with the portion
of the hook-and-loop fastener 100.
[0047] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an embodiment of a bottom portion 102
of a structural member (not shown), which can be a foot of a canopy
leg or the like. As shown in FIG. 8, which illustrates a top side
of the bottom portion 102, the bottom portion 102 can comprise a
base portion 120 and a connector portion 110. For example, the base
portion 120 can be configured to have a surface area wide enough to
provide stability to a structural member, such as a canopy leg. The
connector portion 110 can be configured to couple to the structural
member. In other embodiments, the connector portion 110 can
comprise the structural member and extend further upward. The
bottom portion 102, including the base portion 120, can comprise
plastic, metal, rubber, or any other suitable material. In
preferred embodiments, the base portion 120 can comprise
plastic.
[0048] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an underside of the bottom portion
102 of a structural member (not shown). The base portion 120 can
comprise an outer perimeter portion 122, a logo portion 124, and a
hollow interior portion 126. For example, the hollow interior
portion 126 can be located at least partially within the outer
perimeter portion 122, and the logo portion 124 can be at least
partially within the hollow interior portion 126. The hollow
interior portion can comprise a depth that is limited by the size
of the base portion 120. In some embodiments, the hollow interior
portion 126 can have a depth of, for example, approximately 2-3 mm.
In other configurations, the depth can be smaller or larger. The
logo portion 124 can comprise a three-dimensional structure,
wherein a perimeter of the logo portion 124 is adjacent to the
hollow interior portion 126. For example, the logo portion 124 can
comprise a bottom surface area 124a that is substantially parallel
to a horizontal direction of the base portion 120. The logo portion
124 can comprise a side surface area 124b that is generally or
substantially perpendicular to a horizontal direction of the base
portion 120 and which is adjacent to the hollow interior portion
126. The term "logo" is used herein in accordance with its ordinary
meaning. Thus, the term is intended to cover text, symbols or a
combination of the two. The word "logo" is used in the drawings in
an exemplary fashion. It is intended that an actual word mark
and/or symbol will be used. The actual "logo" can be of the company
that markets the canopy or of the end user, in the situation of a
commercial use, for example. In other embodiments, the logo portion
124 can comprise any other design, including any other text,
patterns, graphics, objects and structures. Thus, references or
descriptions in the present disclosure relating to "logos" can
equally apply to other designs, as well.
[0049] When the bottom portion 120 is used to support a structural
member on a ground surface, the bottom portion 120 can be
configured to leave an impression or stamp of the logo portion 124
on the ground surface. For example, the ground surface can comprise
dirt, mud, sand, grass, as well as any other surface capable of
receiving an imprint. When the bottom portion 120 is used to
support a structural member on the ground surface, portions of the
ground surface can rise to at least partially fill the hollow
interior portion 126, whereas the logo portion 124 prevents
portions of the ground surface from occupying its space.
Accordingly, when the structural member is moved, which can be used
to support a portable canopy structure, a visible indentation of
the logo portion 124 may remain on the ground surface.
[0050] In alternative embodiments, the logo portion 124 may
comprise a hollow interior, whereas the interior portion 126 may be
filled in. For example, in these embodiments, when the bottom
portion 120 is used to support a structural member on the ground
surface, portions of the ground surface can rise to at least
partially fill the logo portion 124. These embodiments also may
result in a visible indication of the logo portion 124 resulting on
the ground surface, but the logo would be raised, rather than
indented.
[0051] Preferably, the logo portion 124 can be formed in a reverse
orientation, such that the bottom portion 102 is configured to
leave an impression of the logo portion 124 on a ground surface
that is in a forward, not reverse, orientation. For example, as
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the logo portion 124 comprises the
text "LOGO" written in reverse, such that the bottom portion 102 is
configured to leave an indentation of the text "LOGO" on a ground
surface that is legible. In other embodiments, the logo portion 124
can comprise the mark EZUP.RTM., or text that spells any other word
or trademark and/or any other symbol. In other embodiments, the
logo portion 124 can comprise any other recognizable pattern.
[0052] In some arrangements, the logo portion comprises text. The
text of the logo portion can be formed in a reversed orientation,
such that the bottom portion of the foot is configured to leave an
impression of the text on a ground surface that is in a forward
legible, not reversed, orientation.
Conclusion
[0053] It should be emphasized that many variations and
modifications may be made to the herein-described embodiments, the
elements of which are to be understood as being among other
acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure
and protected by the following claims. Moreover, any of the steps
described herein can be performed simultaneously or in an order
different from the steps as ordered herein. Moreover, as should be
apparent, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments
disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to form
additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0054] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others,
"can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless
specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the
context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain
embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include,
certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional
language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements
and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments
or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for
deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these
features, elements and/or states are included or are to be
performed in any particular embodiment.
[0055] Moreover, the following terminology may have been used
herein. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for
example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more
items. The term "ones" refers to one, two, or more, and generally
applies to the selection of some or all of a quantity. The term
"plurality" refers to two or more of an item. The term "about" or
"approximately" means that quantities, dimensions, sizes,
formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not
be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as
desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors,
rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors
known to those of skill in the art. The term "substantially" means
that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be
achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for
example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy
limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art,
may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the
characteristic was intended to provide.
[0056] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a
range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is
used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be
interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values
explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also interpreted
to include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges
encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and
sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical
range of "about 1 to 5" should be interpreted to include not only
the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but should
also be interpreted to also include individual values and
sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this
numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and
sub-ranges such as "about 1 to about 3," "about 2 to about 4" and
"about 3 to about 5," "1 to 3," "2 to 4," "3 to 5," etc. This same
principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value
(e.g., "greater than about 1") and should apply regardless of the
breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. A
plurality of items may be presented in a common list for
convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though
each member of the list is individually identified as a separate
and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should
be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the
same list solely based on their presentation in a common group
without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms
"and" and "or" are used in conjunction with a list of items, they
are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the
listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed
items. The term "alternatively" refers to selection of one of two
or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to
only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed
alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
* * * * *