U.S. patent application number 16/285176 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for portable canopy having an integrated power system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Peter Aloumanis, Claudio Santiago Ribeiro. Invention is credited to Peter Aloumanis, Claudio Santiago Ribeiro.
Application Number | 20190357645 16/285176 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68615363 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190357645/US20190357645A1-20191128-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190357645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aloumanis; Peter ; et
al. |
November 28, 2019 |
PORTABLE CANOPY HAVING AN INTEGRATED POWER SYSTEM
Abstract
A portable canopy can comprise a portable frame, a portable
cover, an electrical power system and can transition between an
installed and transport state. The portable cover can be made from
a flexible, water-resistant fabric. The electrical power system can
be integrated into the portable frame, which includes a connection
point for receiving power from an extra low-voltage external power
source. In the installed state, a first volume under roof shelters
objects. The portable frame can provide a support structure for the
first volume and the portable cover. In the installed state, the
electrical power system can be connected to the external power
source to provide electric power to electric accessories via direct
contact with a designated area of an exterior surface of a
power-conveying member of the portable frame. The transport state
can have a second volume at least five times less than the first
volume.
Inventors: |
Aloumanis; Peter; (Boca
Raton, FL) ; Ribeiro; Claudio Santiago; (Evanston,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aloumanis; Peter
Ribeiro; Claudio Santiago |
Boca Raton
Evanston |
FL
IL |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68615363 |
Appl. No.: |
16/285176 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15431886 |
Feb 14, 2017 |
|
|
|
16285176 |
|
|
|
|
15007464 |
Jan 27, 2016 |
9714521 |
|
|
15431886 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 11/00 20130101;
A45B 2023/0018 20130101; A45B 23/00 20130101; A45B 25/18 20130101;
E04H 15/60 20130101; A45B 25/28 20130101; E04H 15/02 20130101; E04H
15/34 20130101; E04H 15/10 20130101; E04H 15/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45B 25/28 20060101
A45B025/28; A45B 25/18 20060101 A45B025/18; A45B 11/00 20060101
A45B011/00; A45B 23/00 20060101 A45B023/00 |
Claims
1. A 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 electrical power
system integrated into the portable frame, wherein at least one
vertical support member has a connection point for receiving power
from an extra low-voltage external power source that supplies less
than fifty volts; an installed state for the portable frame, the
portable cover, and the electrical power system having a width, a
length, and a height, which together establish a first volume,
wherein the first volume is a volume under a roof that shelters
objects within the first volume, wherein the portable frame
provides a support structure for the first volume, wherein, in the
installed state, the portable frame structurally supports the
portable cover, wherein, in the installed state, the electrical
power system is able to be connected to the external power source
to provide electric power to a corresponding electric accessory via
direct contact with a designated area of an exterior surface of a
power-conveying member of the portable frame; and a transport state
for the portable frame, the portable cover, and the electrical
power system having a second volume at least five times less than
the first volume, wherein the portable canopy is a temporary
shelter configured to be repetitively altered between the installed
state and the transport state, whereby the portable canopy, in the
installed state, shelters the objects in the first volume for
events during which the portable canopy is utilized, whereby the
portable canopy, in the transport state, facilitates transport of
the portable canopy between locations and diminishes a storage
footprint of the portable canopy while not in use for the
events.
2. The portable canopy 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.
3. The portable canopy of claim 1, further comprising: a drainage
system comprising conduits for transporting liquids, wherein, in
the installed state, the conduits transport rain striking the roof
to an outlet positioned at one of the vertical support members.
4. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the electric accessory
is coupled to the power-supplying member of the portable frame to
provide direct contact with the designated area and an installation
of the electric accessory, wherein a coupler of the electric
accessory is designed to receive power from the electrical power
system.
5. The portable canopy of claim 4, wherein the coupler is a clip of
a size and a shape to attach to the power-supplying member of the
portable frame with adequate conductive surface contact and to
support a weight of the electric accessory.
6. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the electric accessory
comprises one of a light, a digital sign, a lighted sign, a fan, a
misting fan, a strand of LED lights, and a wireless speaker.
7. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the external power
source is a rechargeable battery.
8. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the external power
source is a transformer connected to a power source, wherein said
transformer receive a voltage from the power source that is more
than fifty volts and reduces the received voltage to a predefined
extra low-voltage value commensurate with the electrical power
system.
9. The portable canopy of claim 1, wherein the electrical power
system further comprises: an electrical track element that is
attached to the electrical power system and roof support members
when the portable canopy is in the installed state, wherein said
electrical track element is suspended from the roof, allowing a
centralized interior location for electric accessories to be
installed.
10. The portable canopy of claim 9, wherein the electrical track
element is one of a straight bar, an S-shaped curved bar, an oval,
a square, and a circle.
11. A 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 electrical power
system integrated into the portable frame, wherein at least one
vertical support member has a connection point for receiving power
from an external power source that supplies less than fifty volts;
an installed state having a width, a length, and a height, which
together establish a first volume, wherein the first volume is a
volume under a roof that shelters objects within the first volume,
wherein the portable frame provides a support structure for the
first volume, wherein, in the installed state, the portable frame
structurally supports the portable cover, wherein, in the installed
state, the electrical power system is able to be connected to the
external power source to provide electric power to a corresponding
electric accessory via direct contact with a designated area of an
exterior surface of a power-conveying member of the portable frame;
and a transport state having a second volume at least five times
less than the first volume, wherein a longest linear dimension of
the second volume is at most five feet.
12. The portable canopy of claim 11, wherein the electric accessory
comprises one of a light, a digital sign, a lighted sign, a fan, a
misting fan, a strand of LED lights, and a wireless speaker.
13. The portable canopy of claim 11, wherein the electric accessory
is coupled to a power-supplying member of the portable frame to
provide direct contact with the designated area and an installation
of the electric accessory, wherein a coupler of the electric
accessory is designed to receive power from the electrical power
system.
14. The portable canopy of claim 13, wherein the coupler is a clip
of a size and a shape to attach to the power-supplying member of
the portable frame with adequate conductive surface contact and to
support a weight of the electric accessory.
15. The portable canopy of claim 11, wherein the external power
source is a rechargeable battery.
16. The portable canopy of claim 11, wherein the external power
source is a transformer connected to a power source, wherein said
transformer receive a voltage from the power source that is more
than fifty volts and reduces the received voltage to a predefined
extra low-voltage value commensurate with the electrical power
system.
17. The portable canopy of claim 11, wherein the electrical power
system further comprises: an electrical track element that is
attached to the electrical power system and roof support members
when the portable canopy is in the installed state, wherein said
electrical track element is suspended from the roof, allowing a
centralized interior location for electric accessories to be
installed.
18. A portable canopy comprising: a portable frame comprising
vertical support members and roof support members; an electrical
power system integrated into the portable frame, wherein at least
one vertical support member has a connection point for receiving
power from an external power source that supplies less than fifty
volts; a portable cover made from a flexible, water-resistant
fabric having strings of LED lights affixed to its underside,
wherein said portable cover has contact points for receiving
electric power from the electrical power system to operate the LED
lights; an installed state having a width, a length, and a height,
which together establish a first volume, wherein the first volume
is a volume under a roof that shelters objects within the first
volume, wherein the portable frame provides a support structure for
the first volume, wherein, in the installed state, the portable
frame structurally supports the portable cover, wherein, in the
installed state, the electrical power system is able to be
connected to the external power source to provide electric power to
a corresponding electric accessory via direct contact with a
designated area of an exterior surface of a power-conveying member
of the portable frame; and a transport state having a second volume
at least five times less than the first volume, wherein a longest
linear dimension of the second volume is at most five feet.
19. The portable canopy of claim 18, wherein the electric accessory
is coupled to the power-supplying member of the portable frame to
provide direct contact with the designated area and an installation
of the electric accessory, wherein a coupler of the electric
accessory is designed to receive power from the electrical power
system, wherein the at least one electric accessory comprises one
of a light, a digital sign, a lighted sign, a fan, a misting fan, a
strand of LED lights, and a wireless speaker.
20. The portable canopy of claim 19, wherein the coupler is a clip
of a size and a shape to attach to the power-supplying member of
the portable frame with adequate conductive surface contact and to
support a weight of the electric accessory.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This continuation-in-part application claims the benefit of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/431,886 filed 14 Feb. 2017
entitled "A Self-Draining Umbrella" and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/007,464 filed 27 Jan. 2016 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,714,521
entitled "A Self-Draining Canopy". The entire contents of U.S.
application Ser. Nos. 15/431,886 and 15/007,464 are incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of shelters and,
more particularly, to an integrated power system for a portable
canopy.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] Use of a portable canopy for night-time activities/events
requires additional hardware as well as access to power.
Electricity must be available to power standing lights or other
small appliances like a space heater or fan. Without access to an
external power source, the usefulness of a portable canopy is
limited to day-time activities/events.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram presenting the components of a
portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a portable canopy in an installed state
and a transport state in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the
portable canopy having an integrated power system in accordance
with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed
herein.
[0009] FIG. 4 presents illustrations of example electric
accessories for use with the integrated power system of a portable
canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements
disclosed herein.
[0010] FIG. 5 presents illustrations of two alternate
configurations for electric accessory connection points for a power
system integrated into a portable canopy in accordance with
embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
[0011] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the portable canopy having
integrated interior LED lighting and power system in accordance
with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed
herein.
[0012] FIGS. 7A and 7B present an enlarged illustration of a
drainage system for the portable canopy in accordance with
embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
[0013] FIGS. 8A and 8B show an arrangement for a portable canopy
roof with a single drain in accordance with embodiments of the
inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
[0014] FIGS. 9A and 9B show an open-able side configuration with
internal conduits in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 10A and 10B show the portable canopy with a downward
roof-slid action in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 11A and 11B shows an air inflatable embodiment of the
portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the inventive
arrangements disclosed herein.
[0017] FIGS. 11C and 11D 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
[0018] The disclosure includes a portable canopy with included
conduits for water redirection and an integrated electrical power
system for installing small electric accessories within and/or
around the portable canopy. 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 fluids. When installed (i.e., in an
installed state), a volume under roof is created sufficient to
shelter a number of humans.
[0019] The electrical power system can be integrated into various
elements of the portable canopy's frame like the vertical support
members (i.e., legs) and/or roof support members. An electrical
outlet can exist in one or more of the vertical support members to
connect to an external power source like a battery. Different types
of outlets can be included to accommodate different types of power
sources. The electrical power system can be designed to be a
low-voltage system, typically less than 18 volts, to minimize
electrical hazards in an open and potentially wet environment. As
such, the external power source can conform to the low-voltage
requirement directly; otherwise, an intermediary transformer can be
used to step-down the voltage of the external power supply to the
required level. Contemplated embodiments can have conductive
elements embedded within and not removable from the frame members;
those frame members being made of a non-conductive material to
prevent safety hazards. Other embodiments can utilize insulated
wiring that attaches to frame members in a non-permanent manner.
The electrical power system can allow a variety of compatible
low-voltage electric accessories, such as lights and fans, to be
used within and/or around the portable canopy.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram presenting the components of a
portable canopy 100 in accordance with embodiments of the
disclosure. The portable cover 105 of the canopy 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 110. It can be preferred that the
portable cover 105 be of a water-resistant material as rain or
water accumulation is of concern. The material for the portable
cover 105 is often also preferably resistant to ultra-violet (UV)
radiation.
[0023] The portable cover 105 can be coupled to the portions of the
portable frame 110 using conventional means. The portable frame 110
of the portable canopy 100 can support the cover 105 in
embodiments. Support members may be largely at right angles that
form a rectangular frame for a rectangular-shaped portable canopy
100. Portions of the portable frame 110 can be collapsible with an
attached cover 105. The collapsible structure can be designed for
easy expansion/contraction and may lock in place, such as with
push-pins. When the portable frame 110 (in an installation state)
is locked into place, edges of the cover 105 can be stretched along
the sides of the support structure and the center of the cover 105
is lifted upwards to create the canopy shape, in embodiments. Many
collapsible support structures, which are contemplated embodiments
for portable frame 110, are configured to produce a quadrilateral
(e.g., square or rectangular) frame.
[0024] The portable frame 110 can include multiple vertical support
members 115, also referred to herein as legs 115, a perimeter frame
120, and roof support 125. The components of the portable frame 110
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 115 are vertical support members of the
perimeter frame 120 itself. The legs 115 can be the vertical
supports of the canopy 100 with the perimeter frame 120 laterally
connecting the legs 115 to provide stability. Horizontal support
between legs 115 can be provided from spacing elements that are
part of the roof support 125 and/or based on other elements of the
perimeter frame 120. 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.
[0025] For simplicity in discussion, the portable canopy 100 can
have four legs 115 whose positions are the corners of a square in
the horizontal plane. It should be noted that the portable canopy
100 can utilize different quantities of legs 115 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.
[0026] The roof support 125 can be the component of the portable
canopy 100 that directly supports (i.e., comes into contact with) a
roof portion of the cover 105. The roof support 125 of the portable
canopy can include angled support member(s) 135, horizontal support
member(s) 140, and vertical support member(s) 145, collective
referred to as roof support members 130. While similar components
are used in the support structures of conventional canopies, the
orientation of the angled and horizontal members 135 and 140 can be
unique to the portable canopy 100.
[0027] As in conventional canopies, a vertical support member 145
can lift a center point of the cover 105 a predetermined height
above the height established by the legs 115. The horizontal
support members 140 can connect the bottom of the vertical support
member 145 to the perimeter frame 120. In one embodiment of the
canopy 100, the horizontal support members 140 can be orthogonally
connected (at a 90 degree angle) to the perimeter frame 120 with
respect to the horizontal plane.
[0028] The angled support members 135 can be elements that comprise
the hypotenuses of the right triangles that they form with the
vertical support member 145 and horizontal support members 140.
That is, the angled support members 135 can connect the top of the
vertical support member 145 to the perimeter frame 120 at a point
where the horizontal support members 140 connect to the perimeter
frame 120. The cover 105 can directly rest upon the angled support
members 135.
[0029] The angles of the roof support 125 can allow the cover 105
to naturally direct rain/water down towards the corners wherein
elements of a drainage system are installed in some embodiments.
Conventional canopies with diagonal support of the cover 105 have
support components or a natural contour that directs rain/water
away from the corners towards the middle of the lateral face where
the rain/water accumulates. The disclosure's roof directs
rain/water towards the corners, by elevating a center point of the
roof and permitting the flexible fabric of the cover to naturally
contour to direct roof-striking rain to a set of one or more
drains. Other embodiments exist for the roof structure, such that
the roof is slanted to direct rain towards a drain, such as
conduits are formed within the roof for water direction, and the
like; all of which are within scope of the disclosure.
[0030] A power system 150 can be integrated into elements of the
cover 105 and/or portable frame 110. The power system 150 can be an
extra low-voltage system, providing less than fifty volts, as
defined by the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC). It
can be preferred that the power system 150 be designed to provide a
voltage substantially lower than fifty volts to decrease potential
electrical safety hazards like fire, electric shocks, and shorts.
The power system 150 can require being connected to an external
power source 165 to distribute electricity through the cover 105
and/or portable frame 105 to various electric accessories 170
installed upon/within the canopy 100.
[0031] The external power source 165 can be the source of
electricity that the power system 150 transfers to the electric
accessories 170 for operation. Since the canopy 100 is a portable
structure, it can also be desired for the power source 165 to be
portable. Ideally, the power source 165 can directly provide power
in the extra low-voltage range like the 18V battery utilized by
many cordless power tools. Embodiments having a power source 165
greater than the extra low-voltage range, such as a large electric
generator or a household power outlet, can require the use of a
transformer (not shown) to reduce the voltage from the power source
165 to the extra low-voltage value required by the power system
150. The power source 165 can represent a variety of power
collection and/or storage means, including, but not limited to, a
chemical battery, a rechargeable battery, a non-rechargeable
battery, a portable solar power system, a portable wind power
system, and the like.
[0032] The power system 150 can be comprised of connection points
155 and wiring 160. The connection points 155 can represent the
areas of the cover 105 and/or portable frame 110 where electricity
can be transferred to an electric accessory 170. The quantity and
the form of the connection points 155 can vary based upon the
specific implementation of the power system 150 as well as the type
of electric accessories 170 being supported. One specific
connection point 155, represented by the white parallelogram, can
be for connecting to the power source 165. In some embodiments,
multiple connection points 155 can exist to accommodate connecting
to various types of power sources 165.
[0033] Wiring 160 can represent the means by which the power system
150 distributes power received from the power source 165 to the
connection points 155 and the electric accessories 170. The wiring
160 can conform to applicable electrical safety standards. In one
embodiment, the wiring 160 can be embedded within and not removable
from specific members 115, 120, and 130 of the portable frame 110;
making those members 115, 120, and 130 function similar to the
rails of a track lighting system. In another embodiment, the wiring
160 can be a removable component that is secured to the portable
frame 110 once the frame 110 is in the installed state. In such an
embodiment, the frame 110 can include the means to secure the
wiring 160 like clips and/or grooves.
[0034] The electric accessories 170 can represent a variety of
portable items capable of operating with the extra low-voltage
supplied by the power system 150. Since the canopy 100 is designed
for outdoor use, the electric accessories 170 can be items often
lacking or limited in an outdoor setting, including, but not
limited to, a light, a digital sign, a lighted sign, a fan, a
misting fan, a strand of LED lights, a wireless speaker, and the
like. The electric accessories 170 can improve the usage experience
of the canopy 100 for the humans being sheltered.
[0035] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a portable canopy in an installed state
210 and a transport state 230 in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure. The portable canopy is 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 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.
[0036] 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 and portable frame 254 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.
[0037] FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the
portable canopy 305 having an integrated power system 315 in
accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed
herein. In this embodiment, the portable canopy 305 can be a square
structure having four legs 310, one per corner. Each leg 310 can
have elements of the power system 315 integrated/embedded therein,
represented by the grey areas.
[0038] As shown in inset 325, each leg 310 can have two vertical
strips of a conductive inlay 330 on opposing sides; the size and/or
shape of the conductive inlay 330 can vary based upon
implementation. The conductive inlay 330 can be the element that
distributes power along the leg 310 and can also act as a
connection point (i.e., power outlet) for any attached electric
accessories (not shown), similar to the power distribution
principle for track lighting systems.
[0039] Additional safety elements, such as fuses and insulation,
can also be included in the legs 310 reduce electrical safety
hazards, particular since the canopy and/or legs 310 are likely to
encounter wet (i.e., rainy) conditions. These additional safety
elements can be required for embodiments that also include a
drainage system that utilizes the interior space of the legs 310 to
transport water.
[0040] One or more of the legs 310 can include an inlet connection
point 320 for connecting the power system 315 to an external power
source like the battery 340 shown in inset 335. In this example,
this connection point 320 can be shown near a bottom portion of a
leg 310; however, other placements of this inlet connection point
320 can be contemplated without departing from the spirit of the
present invention. Via the inlet connection point 320 the power
system 315 can be connected to a rechargeable battery 340 often
used by cordless power tools. It can be desired that the power
system 315 include an inlet connection point 320 for such batteries
340 as these batteries 340 are commonly used by people, readily
available, and already conform to the extra low-voltage power
range.
[0041] FIG. 4 presents illustrations of example electric
accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450 for use with the integrated
power system of a portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of
the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. The electric
accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450 can be utilized with the
embodiments of the integrated power systems shown in Figures.
[0042] These example electric accessories can include a fan 405, a
light 420, a misting 435, and a lighted sign 450. Each electric
accessory 405, 420, 435, and 450 can have a clip 410, 425, 440, and
455 for securing onto a power-supplying member (i.e., leg) of the
portable canopy. The clip 410, 425, 440, and 455 can be of a size,
shape, and strength to support the weight of the electric accessory
405, 420, 435, and 450 at a user-desired position (i.e., connection
point) on the power-supplying frame member.
[0043] Additionally, the clip 410, 425, 440, and 455 can be
required to ensure direct contact between the connection point of
the power-supplying frame member and a power receiver 415, 430,
445, and 460 element on an interior surface of the clip 410, 425,
440, and 455. The power receiver 415, 430, 445, and 460 can
represent a means for drawing in power from the connection point on
the power-supplying frame member. In these example electric
accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450, the power receiver 415, 430,
445, and 460 can be a component embedded within the interior
surface of the clip 410, 425, 440, and 455 that is meant to mate
with a connection point. Because the clip 410, 425, 440, and 455
has two prongs for attaching to the power-supply frame member, each
prong can include a power receiver 415, 430, 445, and 460.
[0044] For example, using the canopy 305 shown in FIG. 3, the fan
405 can be secured to a leg 310 of the canopy 305 via its clip 410.
The fan 405 can be positioned upon the leg 310 such that the power
receiver 415 is aligned with the conductive inlay 330. Improper
alignment of the fan's 405 (or any other electric accessory 420,
435, and 450) power receiver 415 upon the leg 310 can result in the
fan 305 failing to work due to inadequate contact between the power
receiver 415 and the conductive inlay 330.
[0045] The benefits of using the electric accessories 405, 420,
435, and 450 with a portable canopy having an integrated power
system should be emphasized. Firstly, multiple electric accessories
405, 420, 435, and 450 can be run using the same power system. For
example, a person can have two fans 405 and a light 420 attached
and powered by the same canopy. Comparable conventional accessories
can be individual battery-powered devices with separate battery
types and varying battery life. Therefore, the user can be required
to bring along a considerable quantity of replacement batteries,
whose weight can be prohibitive, whereas the power system would
require only one type of battery.
[0046] Secondly, the "plug-and-play" nature of the electric
accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450 and the power system can make
repositioning the electric accessories 405, 420, 435, and 450
within the canopy. While conventional battery-powered accessories
are also easily moved around, their placement can require other
objects to provide a desired height and/or angle, which are not
always available in outdoor settings. Thus, a user can be
restricted in their placement of their conventional battery-powered
accessories. However, using the presented electric accessories 405,
420, 435, and 450, when a user wants a light 420 to point in a
different direction, they can simply move the light 420 to a
power-supplying member of the canopy that provides the desired
direction without the need for any additional items.
[0047] Lastly, accessories that do not have a conventional
counterpart or whose conventional counterparts are unsuited for an
outdoor environment, such as the lighted sign 450, can be made for
use with the canopy. For example, portable canopies can be a
popular shelter for outdoor sales events like farmer's markets and
yard sales. Because access to electricity at such events can be
limited, if available at all, most vendors can rely on drawn or
printed signage. A portable canopy having an integrated power
system can allow for vendors to use lighted signage 450 to attract
buyers and lights 420 to improve visibility, especially after dusk,
which is another limiting factor.
[0048] FIG. 5 presents illustrations 500 and 550 of two alternate
configurations for electric accessory connection points 510 and 560
for a power system integrated into a portable canopy 505 and 555 in
accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed
herein. The power system integrated in the portable canopies 505
and 555 of illustrations 500 and 550 can be identical or similar to
the power system 315 of FIG. 3, where electricity is transferred
through specific members of the canopies 505 and 555 frame to
connection points 510 and 560 and connected electric accessories
like those presented in FIG. 4.
[0049] In illustration 500, the connection points 510 for the power
system can be angled support members for the roof of the portable
canopy 505. The roof support connection points 510 can be in
addition to any other connection points available in the vertical
support members, legs, of the portable canopy 505, as presented in
FIG. 3. Therefore, each of the angled support members would include
power delivery elements that mirror those in the legs, allowing a
user to also attach electric accessories at differing heights along
the angled support member.
[0050] In another configuration, each angled support member can
have a specific polarity 515. As shown in illustration 500,
adjacent angled support members can have opposite polarities 515.
Such a configuration can be used for larger electric accessories
that would connect to one or both pairs of opposing polarity 315
connection points 510. This alternating polarity approach can also
be used to support the configuration shown in illustration 550.
[0051] In illustration 550, the connection points for electric
accessories can be consolidated into a single track element 560.
The track element 560 can be similar to corresponding elements of a
track lighting systems. Specialized conductive elements can be used
to connect the track element 560 to roof support connection points
510. Because the track element 560 is at a lower height than the
roof support connection points 510, it can be easier for a user to
reach the track element 560 to attach/detach electric
accessories.
[0052] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the portable canopy 605
having integrated interior LED lighting 615 and power system in
accordance with embodiments of the inventive arrangements disclosed
herein. Portable canopy 605 can utilize an integrated power system
that is identical or similar to the power system 315 of FIG. 3,
where electricity is transferred through specific members of the
canopy 605 frame to connection points.
[0053] The roof cover 610 of the canopy 605 can have one or more
strings of LED lights 615 affixed to its underside. The LED light
strands 615 can be attached to the cover 610 in various ways,
including, but not limited to, glued, sewn, clipped, snapped,
threaded into transparent sleeves, and the like. The strands of LED
lights 615 can include a means to mate with one or more connection
points of the power system.
[0054] For example, as shown in inset 625, the strands of LED
lights 615 can affixed in such a manner as to follow the angled
roof support members. Thus, each strand of LED lights 615 can have
one or more power receiving elements like those used by the
electric accessories of FIG. 4 that draws power from the
power-supplying angled support members.
[0055] FIG. 7A presents enlarged illustrations of the drainage
system for a portable canopy in accordance with embodiments of the
inventive arrangements disclosed herein. FIG. 7A shows an
embodiment of the drainage system that utilizes the leg of the
canopy as a conduit 715 to transport rain/water. In such an
embodiment, the drain 710 can be installed in the cover 705 above
or proximate to the leg. The drain 710 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
715. This embodiment can be particularly suited for canopies that
are already designed to use hollow legs (e.g., pipes and
tubes).
[0056] The interior channel 717 of the conduit 715 can be of a
diameter to provide a flow rate that reduces the possibility for
the rain/water to back-up and accumulate on the cover 705. The
interior channel 717 can run the entire height of the leg with the
rain/water exiting at an outlet location 720, such as the bottom of
the leg and into the surrounding ground.
[0057] Alternately, the outlet location 720 can exist at/near
another leg, which is connected by conduits 715 so that the
respective interior channels 717 permit liquids to flow to the
outlet location 720. For example, a threaded hose connector can be
integrated into the outlet location 720 (or outlet positioned on a
different leg connected via conduits 715). A standard garden hose
can then be connected to the outlet location 720 of the leg to
empty the rain/water at a further distance, reducing the amount of
rain/water discharged to the area around the canopy.
[0058] With such an embodiment, additional safety design can be
required to the insulated the wiring and/or electricity carrying
elements of the power system embedded in the leg from accidental
contact with rain/water flowing through the leg. For example,
additional insulation between the interior channel 717 and the
wiring elements can be required.
[0059] FIG. 7B shows another implementation of the drainage system.
The drain 730 can be installed within the cover 705 near to the leg
740. Since the leg 740 is not being used as a component of the
drainage system, the drain 730 need not be positioned directly
above or very close to the top of the leg 740. Additionally, the
leg 740 need not be hollow as in 7A.
[0060] The conduit 735 can be a length of tubing that is attached
to the drain 730 at one end and the open end that can act as the
outlet location 750. As shown in 7B, the end of the conduit 735
that attaches to the drain 730 can require a gradation in size like
a funnel. The amount of gradation can depend on the size of the
drain 730. The conduit 735 can be coupled/attached to the leg 740
using one or more securement means 745 to prevent the conduit 735
from being inadvertently moved. The securement means 745 can be
implemented in a variety of ways that are commensurate with the leg
740 and conduit 735. The securement means 745 should not exert
undue force upon the conduit 735 such that the conduit 735 is
deformed or its functionality compromised. In one embodiment, the
securement means 735 can be integrated into the leg 740.
[0061] The conduit 735 can vary in length, but should be of a
length that positions the outlet location 750 near to the ground,
or near a designated outlet. An advantage of this embodiment can be
the ability to connect the outlet location 750 of the conduit 735
to a suitable container 755. The container 755 can be of any size
or shape, providing it has an opening that allows the outlet
location 750 to connect to or be placed within. The container 755
may be connected to the leg 740 or structure of the portable
canopy, or may be externally connected via a hose.
[0062] The use of a container 755 (or water bladder) to collect the
rain/water 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/water is collected and not
discharged. The container 755 can be removed and remotely emptied
when full. In one embodiment, the collected rain/water 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.
[0063] The container 755 may be a reservoir included within the leg
740 (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 740 can serve as support ballast
adding stability and weight to the portable canopy's structure.
[0064] FIGS. 8A and 8B 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 810 can
be curved with a large surface area. This large surface area can be
well-suited for advertisement(s) or banners. The roof surface 810
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. 8B to permit water of
the roof surface 810 to be directed to a single corner drain 824.
The drain 824 can be attached to one or more conduits 836, which
may be integrated into the frame. Alternatively, the conduits 836
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 830
is attachable. The hose 830 can lead to a bladder 832, which stores
water falling on the portable canopy roof.
[0065] In one embodiment, the roof may be layered, to have a roof
top 810 and roof bottom 820, which together direct liquid flow.
Additional elements, such as side gutters (shown as roof sides) can
aid in guiding the water flow in embodiments. FIG. 8A and 8B 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 836, 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, such as that detailed in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0066] FIGS. 9A and 9B show an open-able side configuration of the
portable canopy with internal conduits 910 in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure. In the state where a side is open and
rolled upwards (see FIG. 9A), a horizontal conduit 910 can be
contained linearly along the open side. When the side is allowed to
fold downward, as shown in FIG. 9B, the side's linear conduit 910
can run along a horizontal plane near the bottom. Each side leg (or
conduit 910) can include a leg fitting 920, which attaches to a
similar fitting of the side's conduit, referred to as side fitting
925. Thus, a lowered side permits a continuous conduit 910 to be
joined to the other conduits 910 of the portable canopy.
[0067] In one embodiment, the leg fitting 920 can be a self-sealing
fitting, which is closed normally, but opened when connected to the
linear conduit 910 of side fitting 925. Thus, there is no leakage
when a small amount of liquid flows downward on the leg to which a
side fitting 925 is attached. In a further embodiment, the fitting
920 can be compressible, through a spring action, permitting the
attachment through a simple push action. The two fittings 925 and
920 can utilize a quick-connect pairing (with compression) in one
embodiment. An outlet 940 can be positioned proximate to another
leg. Liquid can flow through the horizontal conduit 910 (having a
slight downward slope to direct liquid) towards the outlet 940,
when attached.
[0068] When the open-able side is connected, the side can be sealed
with the remainder of the canvas via a coupler. For example, a
zipper can be used to seal the edges of the side when closed and
joined to the conduits for water flow purposes.
[0069] FIGS. 10A and 10B show the portable canopy with a downward
roof-slid action in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. The inclusion of the roof slide 1020 permits an easy
way to raise a center point 1040 of the roof 1015 of the canopy.
Initially, the roof slide 1020 can be upwardly positioned on the
slide channel 1010 and the central point 1040 of the roof 1015 can
be relatively low. In this position, water would improperly pool on
the top of the roof 1015. Raising the roof 1015, however, can be a
challenge, as the roof 1015 sits above the height of most humans
installing the canopy. The roof slide 1020 can utilize a series of
pulleys and a slack 1025 rope so that a downward motion of the roof
slide 1020 along the slide channel 1010 removes the slack 1025 and
raises the center point 1040 to an increased height 1055 to a new
stable center point 1050. The slide channel 1010 can permit the
roof slide 1020 to lock in the down slide position 1035, when the
top of the roof 1015 reaches the center point 1050. As shown, each
leg can be equipped with a slide channel 1010 and a roof slide
1020. The number of slide(s) 1020 necessary can depend on the
pulley structure and positioning, so other embodiments are
contemplated with a single roof slide 1020 for raising the roof
1015 to the center point 1050.
[0070] Although shown as a pulley-based manual action, other slide
1020 embodiments are contemplated. For example, a slide/lock lever
can be used raise the roof 1015 to its height 1055 and to ensure
the center is at the center point 1050 in one embodiment. In
another embodiment, an electronic actuator can be powered by a
battery (not shown) and used to raise the portable canopy roof. In
another contemplated embodiment, a hydraulic (based on liquid
pressurization) or pneumonic (based on air pressure) can be
utilized to raise the roof 1015 from point 1040 to point 1050. One
of ordinary skill utilizing known mechanical redirections can
alter/perform derivatives of FIGS. 10A and 10B and still be within
the contemplated scope of the present invention.
[0071] FIGS. 11A and 11B 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 1110 via a pluggable air
insertion nozzle 1117. The air tight region can be formed from a
separate material on an interior of the cover (which is hollow), in
one embodiment.
[0072] 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 1117. The air pump 1110 can be a mechanical
(conventional) pump with a standard air fitting, in embodiments. In
other embodiments, the air pump 1110 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 1110 can be integrated
into the portable canopy itself, which is powered via the
integrated power system.
[0073] In the installed state 1120 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 1130 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 1130. Thus, when the
portable cover 1130 (and decomposed frame members/conduits) are
stored in a container 1134, minimal to no bulk can be added the
portable canopy.
[0074] 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. 11C and 11D. Specifically, the outer cover of the roof 1150
cannot permit a flow of water to the drain 1152 without pooling
when deflated. When inflated with an air pump 1110, however, the
roof 1150 can be angled to enable the flow of liquid to the drain
1152. A top view of such an arrangement can be shown in FIG. 11D,
where a center point 1155 rises above the drain 1152 with conduits
directing water flow to the drain 1152. Use of air to create
structure can be highly efficient in terms of weight, portability,
and minimization of setup/teardown time. Water 1154 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.
* * * * *