U.S. patent application number 17/182610 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for canopy for lightweight vehicle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Textron Inc.. Invention is credited to Stephen Christopher Campbell, Jacob Rutledge Kuglar, Matthew James Zaremba.
Application Number | 20220266918 17/182610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006519830 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220266918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zaremba; Matthew James ; et
al. |
August 25, 2022 |
CANOPY FOR LIGHTWEIGHT VEHICLE
Abstract
A canopy for a lightweight vehicle comprising a canopy main
panel mountable to a hollow front canopy downspout-strut. The main
panel including a first water channel extending, a second water
channel extending, a forward water channel integrally and fluidly
connected to the first water channel and the second water channel.
The main panel additionally including at least one water egress
orifice formed in a bottom of an intermediate portion of the
forward water channel, and a spout extending from a perimeter of
each egress orifice, the spout integrally formed with and extending
from an underside of the main panel, wherein each spout is
structured and operable to extend into a water ingress opening in
the front canopy downspout-strut of the vehicle when the canopy
main panel is mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut.
Inventors: |
Zaremba; Matthew James;
(Evans, GA) ; Kuglar; Jacob Rutledge; (Martinez,
GA) ; Campbell; Stephen Christopher; (Augusta,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Textron Inc. |
Providence |
RI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006519830 |
Appl. No.: |
17/182610 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 25/07 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62D 25/07 20060101
B62D025/07 |
Claims
1. A canopy for a lightweight vehicle, said canopy comprising: a
canopy main panel mountable to a hollow front canopy
downspout-strut and at least one rearward canopy strut of the
vehicle, wherein the main panel comprises: a first main
longitudinal water channel extending along a first longitudinal
edge portion of the canopy main panel; a second main longitudinal
water channel extending along a second longitudinal edge portion of
the canopy main panel; a forward lateral water channel extending
along a forward lateral edge portion of the canopy main panel and
integrally and fluidly connected to a forward end of the first main
longitudinal water channel and a forward end of the second main
longitudinal water channel; at least one water egress orifice
formed in a bottom of an intermediate portion of the forward
lateral water channel; and at least one spout extending from a
perimeter of the at least one egress orifice, the at least one
spout integrally formed with and extending from an underside of the
canopy main panel, wherein the at least one spout is structured and
operable to extend into a water ingress opening in the front canopy
downspout-strut of the vehicle when the canopy main panel is
mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut.
2. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the main panel further comprises
a passenger handle assembly, the passenger handle assembly
comprising: at least one handle retention structure integrally
formed with or connected to an underside of the canopy main panel;
and a handle pivotally and retractably disposed and retained within
the at least one handle retention structure.
3. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the main panel further comprises
a rearward lateral water channel extending laterally along a
rearward end portion of the canopy main panel and integrally and
fluidly connected to a rearward end portion of the first main
longitudinal water channel and a rearward end portion of the second
main longitudinal water channel, the rearward lateral water channel
structured and operable to direct water into the end portions of
the first and second main longitudinal water channels, wherein the
rearward end portions of the first and second main longitudinal
water channels are open along a rearward edge of the canopy main
panel such that water can exit the first and second main
longitudinal water channels via the open end portions.
4. The canopy of claim 3, wherein the main panel further comprises
a recessed extension connection section that extends from the
rearward lateral water channel to a rearward end of the canopy main
panel, the recessed extension connection section having a recessed
top surface relative to a top surface of the canopy main panel
extending forward of the rearward lateral water channel.
5. The canopy of claim 4 further comprising a canopy extension
panel connectable to the recessed extension connection section of
the canopy main panel such that the rearward lateral water channel
is disposed between the canopy extension panel and the canopy main
panel, and a top surface of the canopy extension panel is coplanar
with the top surface of the canopy main panel.
6. The canopy of claim 5 wherein the canopy extension panel
comprises; a first extension longitudinal water channel extending
along a first longitudinal edge portion of the canopy extension
panel and fluidly connected to the first main longitudinal water
channel, the first extension longitudinal water channel comprising
a termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit
the first extension longitudinal water channel at a distal end of a
sidewall of the first extension longitudinal water channel; and a
second extension longitudinal water channel extending along a
second longitudinal edge portion of the canopy extension panel and
fluidly connected to the second main longitudinal water channel,
the second extension longitudinal water channel comprising a
termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit the
second extension longitudinal water channel at a distal end of a
sidewall of the second extension longitudinal water channel.
7. A canopy system for a lightweight vehicle, said canopy system
comprising: a hollow front canopy downspout-strut comprising: a
header comprising at least one water ingress opening in a
connection face of the header such that the water ingress opening
is fluidly connected with an internal lumen of the front canopy
downspout-strut; a first downspout leg extending from a first end
of the header and mountable to at least a first portion of a body
of the vehicle such that a distal end of the first leg is directed
away from a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a second
downspout leg extending from a second end of the header and
mountable to at least a second portion of a body of the vehicle
such that a distal end of the second leg is directed away from the
passenger compartment of the vehicle; and a canopy, the canopy
comprising: a canopy main panel mountable to the front canopy
downspout-strut, wherein the main panel comprises a first main
longitudinal water channel extending along a first longitudinal
edge portion of the canopy main panel; a second main longitudinal
water channel extending along a second longitudinal edge portion of
the canopy main panel; a forward lateral water channel extending
along a forward lateral edge portion of the canopy main panel and
integrally and fluidly connected to a forward end of the first main
longitudinal water channel and a forward end of the second main
longitudinal water channel; at least one water egress orifice
formed in a bottom of an intermediate portion of the forward
lateral water channel; and at least one spout extending from a
perimeter of the at least one egress orifice, the at least one
spout integrally formed with and extending from an underside of the
canopy main panel, wherein the at least one spout is structured and
operable to extend into the water ingress opening in the header of
the front canopy downspout-strut of the vehicle when the canopy
main panel is mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut such that
water flowing through the forward lateral water channel will flow
through the at least one water egress orifice and into the internal
lumen of the front canopy downspout-strut header whereafter the
water will through the first and second downspout legs and be
discharged from the distal ends thereof.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the main panel further comprises
a passenger handle assembly, the passenger handle assembly
comprising: at least one handle retention structure integrally
formed with or connected to an underside of the canopy main panel;
and a handle pivotally and retractably disposed and retained within
the at least one handle retention structure.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the main panel further comprises
a rearward lateral water channel extending laterally along a
rearward end portion of the canopy main panel and integrally and
fluidly connected to a rearward end portion of the first main
longitudinal water channel and a rearward end portion of the second
main longitudinal water channel, the rearward lateral water channel
structured and operable to direct water into the end portions of
the first and second main longitudinal water channels, wherein the
rearward end portions of the first and second main longitudinal
water channels are open along a rearward edge of the canopy main
panel such that water can exit the first and second main
longitudinal water channels via the open end portions.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the main panel further comprises
a recessed extension connection section that extends from the
rearward lateral water channel to a rearward end of the canopy main
panel, the recessed extension connection section having a recessed
top surface relative to a top surface of the canopy main panel
extending forward of the rearward lateral water channel.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the canopy further comprises a
canopy extension panel connectable to the recessed extension
connection section of the canopy main panel such that the rearward
lateral water channel is disposed between the canopy extension
panel and the canopy main panel, and a top surface of the canopy
extension panel is coplanar with the top surface of the canopy main
panel.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the canopy extension panel
comprises; a first extension longitudinal water channel extending
along a first longitudinal edge portion of the canopy extension
panel and fluidly connected to the first main longitudinal water
channel, the first extension longitudinal water channel comprising
a termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit
the first extension longitudinal water channel at a distal end of a
sidewall of the first extension longitudinal water channel; and a
second extension longitudinal water channel extending along a
second longitudinal edge portion of the canopy extension panel and
fluidly connected to the second main longitudinal water channel,
the second extension longitudinal water channel comprising a
termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit the
second extension longitudinal water channel at a distal end of a
sidewall of the second extension longitudinal water channel.
13. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the header, the
first downspout leg and the second downspout leg, comprises a
dovetailed shaped accessory attachment channel, wherein each
accessory attachment channel comprises: a mouth; a base having a
width greater than a width of the mouth; a pair of opposing angled
walls extending between the mouth and base; and an off-center wire
duct recessed within the base such that a longitudinal center line
of the wire duct is offset and non-coaxial with a longitudinal
center line of the base, thereby defining a first base section and
a second base section wherein the first base section is wider than
the second base section such that the first base section provides a
bolt stop that prevents a bolt threaded into a chamfered sided
pinch nut disposable within the accessory attachment channel from
extending into the wire duct.
14. The system of claim 7, wherein the canopy system further
comprises at least one chamfered sided pinch nut, wherein the at
least one chamfered sided pinch nut is structured and operable to
bindingly engage the angled walls such that the at least one
chamfered side pinch nut can be lodged within the accessory
attachment channel.
15. A lightweight vehicle, said vehicle comprising: a chassis; a
body mounted to the chassis; a passenger compartment supported by
the chassis, the passenger compartment comprising: a dash console;
a floorboard; and a passenger seating structure; and a canopy
system mounted to the body and disposed above at least the
passenger compartment, said canopy system comprising: a hollow
front canopy downspout-strut comprising: a header comprising at
least one water ingress opening in a connection face of the header
such that the water ingress opening is fluidly connected with an
internal lumen of the front canopy downspout-strut; a first
downspout leg extending from a first end of the header and
mountable to a first portion of the body such that a distal end of
the first leg is directed away from the passenger compartment; a
second downspout leg extending from a second end of the header and
mountable to a second portion of a body such that a distal end of
the second leg is directed away from the passenger compartment; and
a canopy, the canopy comprising: a canopy main panel mountable to
the front canopy downspout-strut, wherein the main panel comprises:
a first main longitudinal water channel extending along a first
longitudinal edge portion of the canopy main panel; a second main
longitudinal water channel extending along a second longitudinal
edge portion of the canopy main panel; a forward lateral water
channel extending along a forward lateral edge portion of the
canopy main panel and integrally and fluidly connected to a forward
end of the first main longitudinal water channel and a forward end
of the second main longitudinal water channel; at least one water
egress orifice formed in a bottom of an intermediate portion of the
forward lateral water channel; and at least one spout extending
from a perimeter of the at least one egress orifice, the at least
one spout integrally formed with and extending from an underside of
the canopy main panel, wherein the at least one spout is structured
and operable to extend into the water ingress opening in the header
of the front canopy downspout-strut of the vehicle when the canopy
main panel is mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut such that
water flowing through the forward lateral water channel will flow
through the at least one water egress orifice and into the internal
lumen of the front canopy downspout-strut header whereafter the
water will through the first and second downspout legs and be
discharged from the distal ends thereof.
16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the main panel further
comprises a passenger handle assembly, the passenger handle
assembly comprising: at least one handle retention structure
integrally formed with or connected to an underside of the canopy
main panel; and a handle pivotally and retractably disposed and
retained within the at least one handle retention structure.
17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the main panel further
comprises a rearward lateral water channel extending laterally
along a rearward end portion of the canopy main panel and
integrally and fluidly connected to a rearward end portion of the
first main longitudinal water channel and a rearward end portion of
the second main longitudinal water channel, the rearward lateral
water channel structured and operable to direct water into the end
portions of the first and second main longitudinal water channels,
wherein the rearward end portions of the first and second main
longitudinal water channels are open along a rearward edge of the
canopy main panel such that water can exit the first and second
main longitudinal water channels via the open end portions.
18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the main panel further
comprising a recessed extension connection section that extends
rearward from the rearward lateral water channel to a rearward end
of the canopy main panel, the recessed extension connection section
having a recessed top surface relative to a top surface of the
canopy main panel extending forward of the rearward lateral water
channel.
19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein the canopy further comprises a
canopy extension panel connectable to the recessed extension
connection section of the canopy main panel such that the rearward
lateral water channel is disposed between the canopy extension
panel and the canopy main panel, and a top surface of the canopy
extension panel is coplanar with the top surface of the canopy main
panel.
20. The vehicle of claim 19 wherein the canopy extension panel
comprises; a first extension longitudinal water channel extending
along a first longitudinal edge portion of the canopy extension
panel and fluidly connected to the first main longitudinal water
channel, the first extension longitudinal water channel comprising
a termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit
the first extension longitudinal water channel at a distal end of a
sidewall of the first extension longitudinal water channel; and a
second extension longitudinal water channel extending along a
second longitudinal edge portion of the canopy extension panel and
fluidly connected to the second main longitudinal water channel,
the second extension longitudinal water channel comprising a
termination end structured and operable to direct water to exit the
second extension longitudinal water channel at a distal end of a
sidewall of the second extension longitudinal water channel.
21. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein at least one of the header,
the first downspout leg and the second downspout leg, comprises a
dovetailed shaped accessory attachment channel, wherein each
accessory attachment channel comprises: a mouth; a base having a
width greater than a width of the mouth; a pair of opposing angled
walls extending between the mouth and base; and an off-center wire
duct recessed within the base such that a longitudinal center line
of the wire duct is offset and non-coaxial with a longitudinal
center line of the base, thereby defining a first base section and
a second base section wherein the first base section is wider than
the second base section such that the first base section provides a
bolt stop that prevents a bolt threaded into a chamfered side pinch
nut disposable within the accessory attachment channel from
extending into the wire duct.
22. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the canopy system further
comprises at least one chamfered side pinch nut, wherein the at
least one chamfered side pinch nut is structured and operable to
bindingly engage the angled walls such that the at least one
chamfered side pinch nut can be lodged within the accessory
attachment channel.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present teachings relate to lightweight vehicle canopies
and more particularly to various features and supports structures
thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0003] Commonly, golf cars and other lightweight vehicles such as
maintenance vehicles, cargo vehicles, shuttle/service vehicles,
etc. have a standard length canopy (e.g., 50 to 58 inches in
length) that covers the passenger compartment leaving vehicle
structure located rearward of the passenger compartment uncovered.
In various instances it is desirable to have a longer canopy that,
in addition to covering the passenger compartment, will also cover
the vehicle structure rearward of the main passenger seating
structure that is structured and operable to provide seating for
the vehicle operator and a passenger. For example, in various
instances it is desirable to have a longer canopy that will cover a
second row passenger seating structure (e.g., a rearward facing
seating structure), a golf bag well (and golf bags disposed
therein), at least a portion of a cargo bed, etc. For example, golf
cars are often repurposed for use in consumer applications as
lightweight personal transportation vehicles, wherein the vehicles
are modified by adding rear seats to accommodate additional
passengers. In such instances, the old existing (standard length)
canopy and corresponding support struts are removed and discarded
and replaced with a new longer increased length canopy (e.g., 76 to
84 inches, or longer, in length) that is supported by new and
additional struts that must be mounted to the vehicle body and/or
framework.
[0004] However, in many instances such increased length canopies
are significantly more expensive and of lesser quality than the
standard canopies. Lesser quality in this case is characterized by
the lack of strength, propensity to deform and warp, and lack of
consistent manufacturing tolerances that make it difficult to
achieve desired fit, finish, and durability.
[0005] Additionally, many known canopies have poor water management
performance in rainy conditions. Most know canopies have a rounded
shape and lack adequate water drains resulting in water dripping
onto occupants in seated in the passenger compartment.
[0006] Furthermore, strut mounted accessories such as mirrors,
speakers, windshields and other types of accessories for such
vehicles are often difficult to install and mount to the canopy
struts often have poor fit and finish. For example, in many
instances drilling holes in the canopy struts is often required,
electrical wiring is exposed, and the quality of fastening is poor
such that the accessory rattles, moves and/or does not stay in
place.
[0007] Still further, often it is desirable to equip such vehicles
with a passenger compartment enclosure to provide the passenger
compartment with protection from environmental elements such as
rain, snow, wind, etc. such enclosures are typically soft
enclosures made from a flexible material such as canvas, plastic,
cloth, etch. However, often such soft enclosures have a poor fit
and finish and difficult and time consuming to install.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure provides vehicle canopy system that
addresses the above mentioned shortcomings of the known vehicle
canopies.
[0009] In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a
canopy for a lightweight vehicle comprising a canopy main panel
mountable to a hollow front canopy downspout-strut. The main panel
including a first water channel extending, a second water channel
extending, a forward water channel integrally and fluidly connected
to the first water channel and the second water channel. The main
panel additionally including at least one water egress orifice
formed in a bottom of an intermediate portion of the forward water
channel, and a spout extending from a perimeter of each egress
orifice, the spout integrally formed with and extending from an
underside of the main panel, wherein each spout is structured and
operable to extend into a water ingress opening in the front canopy
downspout-strut of the vehicle when the canopy main panel is
mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut.
[0010] In various other embodiments, the present disclosure
provides a canopy system for a lightweight vehicle, wherein the
canopy system comprising a hollow front canopy downspout-strut. The
hollow front canopy downspout-strut comprises a header having at
least one water ingress opening in a connection face of the header
such that the water ingress opening is fluidly connected with an
internal lumen of the front canopy downspout-strut. The hollow
front canopy downspout-strut additionally comprises a first
downspout leg extending from a first end of the header and
mountable to at least a first portion of a body of the vehicle such
that a distal end of the first leg is directed away from a
passenger compartment of the vehicle, and a second downspout leg
extending from a second end of the header and mountable to at least
a second portion of a body of the vehicle such that a distal end of
the second leg is directed away from the passenger compartment of
the vehicle. The canopy system further comprises a canopy
comprising a canopy main panel mountable to the front canopy
downspout-strut. In various instances, the main panel comprises a
first main longitudinal water channel extending along a first
longitudinal edge portion of the canopy main panel, a second main
longitudinal water channel extending along a second longitudinal
edge portion of the canopy main panel, and a forward lateral water
channel extending along a forward lateral edge portion of the
canopy main panel and integrally and fluidly connected to a forward
end of the first main longitudinal water channel and a forward end
of the second main longitudinal water channel. The main panel
additionally comprises at least one water egress orifice formed in
a bottom of an intermediate portion of the forward lateral water
channel, and at least one spout extending from a perimeter of the
at least one egress orifice, the at least one spout integrally
formed with and extending from an underside of the canopy main
panel. The at least one spout is structured and operable to extend
into the water ingress opening in the header of the front canopy
downspout-strut of the vehicle when the canopy main panel is
mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut such that water flowing
through the forward lateral water channel will flow through the at
least one water egress orifice and into the internal lumen of the
front canopy downspout-strut header whereafter the water will
through the first and second downspout legs and be discharged from
the distal ends thereof.
[0011] In yet other various embodiments, the present disclosure
provides a lightweight vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a
chassis, a body mounted to the chassis, and a passenger compartment
supported by the chassis. The passenger compartment includes a dash
console, a floorboard, and a passenger seating structure. The
vehicle additionally includes a canopy system mounted to the body
and disposed above at least the passenger compartment, wherein the
canopy system includes a hollow front canopy downspout-strut
comprising a header having at least one water ingress opening in a
connection face of the header such that the water ingress opening
is fluidly connected with an internal lumen of the front canopy
downspout-strut. The hollow front canopy downspout-strut
additionally includes a first downspout leg extending from a first
end of the header and mountable to a first portion of the body such
that a distal end of the first leg is directed away from the
passenger compartment, and a second downspout leg extending from a
second end of the header and mountable to a second portion of a
body such that a distal end of the second leg is directed away from
the passenger compartment. The canopy system additionally includes
a canopy, wherein the canopy comprises a canopy main panel
mountable to the front canopy downspout-strut. The main panel
comprises a first main longitudinal water channel extending along a
first longitudinal edge portion of the canopy main panel, a second
main longitudinal water channel extending along a second
longitudinal edge portion of the canopy main panel, and a forward
lateral water channel extending along a forward lateral edge
portion of the canopy main panel and integrally and fluidly
connected to a forward end of the first main longitudinal water
channel and a forward end of the second main longitudinal water
channel. The canopy main panel further comprises at least one water
egress orifice formed in a bottom of an intermediate portion of the
forward lateral water channel, and at least one spout extending
from a perimeter of the at least one egress orifice, such that the
at least one spout is integrally formed with and extending from an
underside of the canopy main panel. The at least one spout is
structured and operable to extend into the water ingress opening in
the header of the front canopy downspout-strut of the vehicle when
the canopy main panel is mounted to the front canopy
downspout-strut such that water flowing through the forward lateral
water channel will flow through the at least one water egress
orifice and into the internal lumen of the front canopy
downspout-strut header whereafter the water will through the first
and second downspout legs and be discharged from the distal ends
thereof.
[0012] While the present disclosure is primarily directed
generically to lightweight vehicles, it should be understood that
the canopy system disclosed herein can have application to all
types of lightweight vehicles that are not designated for use on
roadways, e.g., golf cars, maintenance vehicles, cargo vehicles,
shuttle vehicles, worksite vehicles, etc.
[0013] This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing
various example embodiments of the present disclosure so as to
provide a basic understanding of various aspects of the teachings
herein. Various embodiments, aspects, and advantages will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, the principles of the described embodiments.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the description and
specific examples set forth herein are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present teachings.
DRAWINGS
[0014] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
teachings in any way.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a low speed utility vehicle,
exemplarily illustrated as passenger transport, comprising a water
channel and downspout canopy system in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a low speed utility vehicle,
exemplarily illustrated as a cargo vehicle, comprising the water
channel and downspout canopy system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance
with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a low speed utility vehicle,
exemplarily illustrated as a golf car, comprising the water channel
and downspout canopy system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the water channel and
downspout canopy system shown if FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in accordance
with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the water channel
and downspout canopy system shown if FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of a main panel of the water channel
and downspout canopy system shown if FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a low speed utility vehicle,
exemplarily illustrated as passenger transport, comprising the
water channel and downspout canopy system shown in FIGS. 1 through
6 including an extension panel, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the extension panel of the
water channel and downspout canopy system shown in FIG. 7, in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top of a canopy of the canopy water channel and
downspout shown in FIGS. 1-7 including the main panel and the
extension panel connected thereto, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the canopy of the canopy
water channel and downspout shown in FIGS. 1-9 including the main
panel and the extension panel connected thereto, in accordance with
various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of the water channel
and downspout canopy system shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 including
an enclosure assembly, in accordance with various embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the water channel and
downspout canopy system including an enclosure assembly shown in
FIG. 11, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 12A is an illustration of lateral cross-section of each
longitudinal water channel of the water channel and downspout
canopy system shown in shown in FIGS. 1-12 having an enclosure
mounting rail of the enclosure assembly disposed and/or mounted
therein, and exemplarily illustrating how a lateral cross-sectional
shape or profile of the mounting rail is substantially the same as
the lateral cross-sectional shape or profile of the longitudinal
water channels, in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure
[0028] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a front
canopy downspout-strut and or a rear strut of the water channel and
downspout canopy system shown in FIGS. 1 through 12 comprising a
dovetail accessory attachment channel, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 14 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the portion
of the front canopy downspout-strut and/or rear strut of the water
channel and downspout canopy system shown in FIGS. 1 through 12
comprising the dovetail accessory attachment channel, in accordance
with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a top view of a section of the portion of the
front canopy downspout-strut and/or rear strut of the water channel
and downspout canopy system shown in FIGS. 1 through 12 comprising
the dovetail accessory attachment channel with a chamfered edge
pinch nut disposed within the dovetail accessory attachment
channel, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 16 is an view of the chamfered edge pinch nut disposed
shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with various embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a side view of the chamfered edge pinch nut
disposed shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in accordance with various
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a section of the portion of
the front canopy downspout-strut and/or rear strut with an
accessory attached thereto utilizing the chamfered edge pinch nut,
in accordance with various embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the
front canopy downspout-strut and/or rear strut of the water channel
and downspout canopy system shown in FIGS. 1 through 18
illustrating an off-center wire duct and a bolt stop, in accordance
with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, application,
or uses. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals
will be used to refer to like elements. Additionally, the
embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to
limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following
detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and
described so that others skilled in the art can utilize their
teachings. As well, it should be understood that the drawings are
intended to illustrate and plainly disclose presently envisioned
embodiments to one of skill in the art but are not intended to be
manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products and
may include simplified conceptual views to facilitate understanding
or explanation. As well, the relative size and arrangement of the
components may differ from that shown and still operate within the
spirit of the invention.
[0037] As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any
implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is
not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over
other implementations. All of the implementations described below
are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in
the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit
the scope of the appended claims.
[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" may be
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising",
"including", and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the
presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of
one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and
operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily
requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or
illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of
performance. It is also to be understood that additional or
alternative steps can be employed.
[0039] When an element, object, device, apparatus, component,
region or section, etc., is referred to as being "on", "engaged to
or with", "connected to or with", or "coupled to or with" another
element, object, device, apparatus, component, region or section,
etc., it can be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to or
with the other element, object, device, apparatus, component,
region or section, etc., or intervening elements, objects, devices,
apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., can be present.
In contrast, when an element, object, device, apparatus, component,
region or section, etc., is referred to as being "directly on",
"directly engaged to", "directly connected to", or "directly
coupled to" another element, object, device, apparatus, component,
region or section, etc., there may be no intervening elements,
objects, devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections,
etc., present. Other words used to describe the relationship
between elements, objects, devices, apparatuses, components,
regions or sections, etc., should be interpreted in a like fashion
(e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus
"directly adjacent", etc.).
[0040] As used herein the phrase "operably connected to" will be
understood to mean two are more elements, objects, devices,
apparatuses, components, etc., that are directly or indirectly
connected to each other in an operational and/or cooperative manner
such that operation or function of at least one of the elements,
objects, devices, apparatuses, components, etc., imparts are causes
operation or function of at least one other of the elements,
objects, devices, apparatuses, components, etc. Such imparting or
causing of operation or function can be unilateral or
bilateral.
[0041] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For
example, A and/or B includes A alone, or B alone, or both A and
B.
[0042] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used
herein to describe various elements, objects, devices, apparatuses,
components, regions or sections, etc., these elements, objects,
devices, apparatuses, components, regions or sections, etc., should
not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to
distinguish one element, object, device, apparatus, component,
region or section, etc., from another element, object, device,
apparatus, component, region or section, etc., and do not
necessarily imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by
the context.
[0043] Moreover, it will be understood that various directions such
as "upper", "lower", "bottom", "top", "left", "right", "first",
"second" and so forth are made only with respect to explanation in
conjunction with the drawings, and that components may be oriented
differently, for instance, during transportation and manufacturing
as well as operation. Because many varying and different
embodiments may be made within the scope of the concept(s) taught
herein, and because many modifications may be made in the
embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that the
details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and
non-limiting.
[0044] As used herein, the word "forward" and the phrase "forward
of" are used to describe the direction from a named component or
structure toward the front of the disclosed vehicle. Similarly, as
used herein, the word "rearward" and the phrase "rearward of" are
used to describe the direction from a named component or structure
toward the rear of the disclosed vehicle.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in various embodiments, the
present disclosure provides a lightweight vehicle 10 (e.g., a golf
car) that generally includes a chassis or frame 14, a body 16
mounted to the chassis 14, a pair of rear wheels 18 and a pair of
front wheels 22 operationally connected to the chassis 14, and a
passenger compartment 26 defined by the body 16 and supported by
the chassis 14. As used herein, the word "wheel(s)" will be
understood to mean the structure consisting of the respective tire
mounted on the respective wheel, also known as the rim or hub,
particularly, the compilation of the tire and wheel/rim/hub. The
passenger compartment 26 generally includes a dash console 30, a
floorboard 34, and a main passenger seating structure 38 structured
and operable to provide seating for one or more golf car occupants,
e.g., a driver and one or more passengers. The dash console 30 can
include one or more instrument displays, gauges, vehicle control
devices and/or storage compartments. For example, in various
instances the dash console 30 can include one or more of a vehicle
On/Off key switch for controlling the operation mode of the vehicle
10, a forward/neutral/reverse selector, one or more small accessory
storage pockets, one or more telemetry gauges/readouts (e.g., a
speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauge, etc.) an electronic
display (e.g., an LCD display that can have touch capabilities), a
radio, and/or various other vehicle controls. The floorboard 34 is
structured and operable to enclose a bottom of, and provide a floor
for, the passenger compartment 26. The passenger compartment 26
additionally includes a steering wheel 42 for use by the operator
to control the directional movement of the vehicle 10, a brake
pedal 46 for use by the operator to control slowing and stopping of
the vehicle 10, and an accelerator pedal 50 for use by the operator
to control the torque delivered by a prime mover(s) 54 to one or
more of the rear and/or front wheels 18 and/or 22.
[0046] As described above, the vehicle 10 includes a prime mover 54
operatively connected to a drivetrain 58 that is operatively
connected to at least one of the rear and/or front wheels 18 and/or
22 (via a rear axle assembly not shown, but readily understood by
one skilled in the art). The prime mover 54 can be any device that
is structured and operable to generate torque (e.g., motive force,
e.g., power) utilized to provide motive force for the vehicle 10
via the drivetrain 58. For example, the prime mover 54 can be an
internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric motor, a hybrid
combination of an ICE and an electric motor, or any other suitable
motive power source and remain within the scope of the present
disclosure. Although the drivetrain 58 of the present disclosure
will, by way of example, will be shown and described herein as
structured and operable to deliver motive force to the rear
wheel(s) 18 (via the rear axle assembly not shown, but readily
understood by one skilled in the art), it should be understood
that, in various embodiments, the drivetrain 58 of the present
disclosure can be structured and operable to deliver motive force
to the front wheel(s) 22 (via a front axle assembly not shown, but
readily understood by one skilled in the art), and remain within
the scope of the present disclosure. In yet other embodiments, it
is envisioned that drivetrain 58, as described herein can be
implemented in a four-wheel drive vehicle operable to deliver
motive force (i.e., power/torque) generated by the prime mover 54
to one or more of the front wheel(s) 22 and/or rear wheel(s)
18.
[0047] In various embodiment, the vehicle 10 can additionally
include an auxiliary passenger seating structure 60 disposed
rearward of the main passenger seating structure 38 and the
passenger compartment 26 (FIG. 1). In various instances the
auxiliary passenger seating structure 60 can be a convertible to
cargo deck (FIG. 2). In various other embodiments, wherein the
vehicle 10 is a golf car, the golf car 10 can include a bag well 66
disposed rearward of the main passenger seating structure 38 and
the passenger compartment 26 (FIG. 3).
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the vehicle 10
further includes a water channel and downspout canopy system 62
mounted to the vehicle body 16 and/or chassis 14 and disposed over
and around the passenger compartment 26. The canopy system 62 is
structured and operable to protect passengers of the vehicle 10
from rain, water and sun, and to channel or direct water or rain or
other liquid away from the passenger as described below. In various
embodiments the canopy system 65 comprises a hollow front canopy
downspout-strut 70 that is mountable to a front cowl 74 and/or the
chassis 14 and/or other forward structure of the vehicle 10, at
least one rear canopy strut 78 that is mountable to a rear deck
and/or chassis 14 and/or other rearward structure of the vehicle 10
(e.g., the passenger seating structure, a golf bag retention brace,
etc.), and a canopy 82 mountable to the front downspout-strut 70
and the rear strut(s) 78. More particularly, in various
embodiments, the hollow front canopy downspout-strut 70 comprises a
header 70A, a first downspout leg 70B extending from, connected to
and/or integrally formed with a first end of the header 70A, and a
second downspout leg 70C extending from, connected to and/or
integrally formed with a second end of the header 70A, and the
canopy 82 comprises a canopy main panel 82A that is mountable to
the front downspout-strut header 70A and the rear strut(s) 78. The
canopy main panel 82A is mountable to the header 70A of the front
canopy downspout-strut 70 using any suitable connection method,
manner, means, device, system or mechanism (e.g., clamps, nut and
bolts, screws, etc.)
[0049] As with the first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C, the
front downspout-strut header 70A is also hollow. The front
downspout-strut header 70A comprises at least one water ingress
opening 86 formed in a canopy connection face 72 of the header 70A.
The water ingress opening(s) 86 is/are open to and fluidly
connected with an internal lumen 90 of the front canopy
downspout-strut 70. More particularly, the internal lumen 90
extends through the entire front downspout-strut 70 (e.g., extends
through the entire length of the header 70A and the entire length
of the first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C) such that the
water ingress opening(s) 86 is/are fluidly connected with open
distal ends 94 and 98 of the first and second downspout legs 70B
and 70C, respectively. The canopy main panel 82A is mounted to the
front canopy downspout strut 70 and the rear canopy strut(s) 78
such that, when the vehicle 10 is disposed on substantially level
ground, the canopy main panel 82A is angled forward such that the
rear portion of the canopy main panel 82A is elevated with regard
to, or disposed higher than, the front portion of the canopy main
panel 82A and water will flow (via gravitational forces) will flow
from the rear potion to the front portion of the canopy main panel
82A. Therefore, when the vehicle 10 is disposed such that at least
a portion of the rear portion of the canopy main panel 82A is
elevated with regard to, or disposed higher than, the front
portion, water, rain or other liquid that falls on, lands on or is
otherwise disposed on the canopy main panel 82A will shed or flow
into a first and/or a second main longitudinal water channel 102
and/or 106, then flow forward within the first and/or second main
longitudinal water channels 102 and/or 106 into the forward lateral
water channel 110.
[0050] Subsequently, water flowing within the forward lateral water
channel 110 will enter the front canopy downspout-strut internal
lumen 90 via the water ingress opening(s) 86 and then flow through
internal lumen 90 extending through the header top side 70 and the
first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C and exit or discharge
from the internal lumen 90 via the open distal ends 94 and 98 of
the first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C. More specifically,
the first downspout leg 70B extends from the first end of the
header 70A and is mountable to the front cowl 74 and/or the chassis
14 and/or other forward structure of the vehicle 10 such that the
distal end 94 directed away from the passenger compartment 26,
thereby directing the water/rain//fluid away from any passenger
sitting in the main seating structure 38. Similarly, the second
downspout leg 70C extends from the second end of the header 70A and
is mountable to the front cowl 74 and/or the chassis 14 and/or
other forward structure of the vehicle 10 such that the distal end
98 is directed away from the passenger compartment 26, thereby
directing the water/rain/fluid away from any passenger sitting in
the main seating structure 38.
[0051] Moreover, the water ingress opening(s) 86 are disposed
within an intermediate portion header 70A. As used herein, an
intermediate portion of the header 70A will be understood to mean
that the water ingress opening(s) 86 are formed in any portion of
the header 70A that is inward from the corners of the front canopy
downspout-strut 70 where the first and second downspout legs 70B
and 70C join or merge into the header 70A, and toward a center line
A of the header 70A. That is, the water ingress opening(s) 86 are
not disposed above or in alignment with the portion of the internal
lumen 90 that extends through the first and second downspout legs
70B and 70C. Rather, the water ingress opening(s) 86 open directly
into the portion of the internal lumen 90 that is within the
intermediate portion of the header 70A inward from the corners of
the header 70A and toward the center line A. Hence, water or liquid
entering the internal lumen 90 via the water ingress opening(s) 86
will not flow directly into the portion of the internal lumen 90
within the first and second downspout legs 70B and 70B, but rather
will flow through the water ingress opening(s) 86 into the portion
of the internal lumen 90 within the header 70A, then flow along the
portion of the internal lumen 90 within the header 70A toward the
corners of the front canopy downspout-strut 70, then flow into the
portion of the internal lumen 90 within the first and second
downspout legs 70B and 70B.
[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in various
embodiments, the canopy main panel 82A comprises the first main
longitudinal water channel 102 recessed within and extending along
a first longitudinal edge portion 104 of the canopy main panel 82A,
and the second main longitudinal water channel 106 recessed within
and extending along a second longitudinal edge portion 108 of the
canopy main panel 82A. Additionally, an exterior wall of the first
main longitudinal water channel 102 (i.e., a wall of the first main
longitudinal water channel 102 that is furthest away from a
centerline C) is formed by or defined by a first sidewall 116 of
the canopy main panel 82A, and an exterior wall of the second main
longitudinal water channel 106 (i.e., a wall of the second main
longitudinal water channel 102 that is furthest away from a
centerline C) is formed by or defined by a second sidewall 120 of
the canopy main panel 82A. In such embodiments, the canopy main
panel 82A further comprises a forward lateral water channel 110
recessed within and extending along a forward lateral edge portion
112 of the canopy main panel 82A and integrally and fluidly
connected to a forward end 102A of the first main longitudinal
water channel 102 and a forward end 106A of the second main
longitudinal water channel 106. In various embodiments, the canopy
main panel 82A additionally includes at least one water egress
orifice 114 formed in and extending through a bottom of an
intermediate portion of the forward lateral water channel 110. As
used herein, an intermediate portion of the forward lateral water
channel 110 will be understood to mean that the water egress
orifice(s) 114 are formed in and extend through the bottom of any
portion of the forward lateral water channel 110 that is inward
toward a centerline C of the canopy main panel 82A from the corners
of the canopy main panel 82A where the first and second main
longitudinal water channels 102 and 106 join or merge into the
forward lateral water channel 110. That is, when the canopy main
panel 82A is mounted to the front canopy downspout-strut 70 the
water egress orifice(s) 114 are aligned with the water ingress
openings 86 and not aligned with any portion of the internal lumen
90 within either the first or second downspout legs 70B and 70C of
front canopy downspout-strut 70.
[0053] In various embodiments, the canopy main panel 82A further
comprises a spout or funnel 118 integrally formed with and disposed
around a perimeter of each respective egress orifice 114 and
extending from an underside of the canopy main panel 82A. Each
spout 118 is structured and operable to extend into a respective
one of the water ingress opening(s) 86 in the header 70A of the
forward canopy downspout-strut 70 when the canopy main panel 82A is
mounted to the forward canopy downspout-strut 70. Accordingly,
water flowing through the forward lateral water channel 110 will
flow into and through the water egress orifice(s) 114 of the canopy
main panel 82A, then into and through the water ingress opening(s)
86 and into the portion of the internal lumen 90 within the forward
canopy downspout-strut header 70A. The water will then flow through
the portion of the internal lumen 90 within the forward canopy
downspout-strut header 70A and into the portions of the internal
lumen 90 within first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C,
whereafter the water will flow through the portions of the internal
lumen 90 within the first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C and
be discharged from the distal ends 94 and 98 of the first and
second downspout legs 70B and 70C. As described above, the distal
ends 94 and 98 of the first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C
are mounted to the vehicle 10 such that the distal ends 94 and 98,
and the internal lumen 90 therewithin are directed away from the
passenger compartment 26. Therefore, the water or liquid flowing
through the main canopy panel first and second main longitudinal
channels and forward lateral channel 102, 106 and 110 and into
internal lumen 90, via the water egress orifice(s) 114 and water
ingress opening(s) 86, will flow through the internal lumen 90 and
be discharged from the distal ends 94 and 98 of the first and
second downspout legs 70B and 70C and directed away from any
passenger(s) sitting in the main seating structure 38.
[0054] As described above, although the present disclosure is
described with regard to a generic lightweight vehicle, it should
be understood that the canopy system 62 disclosed herein can have
application to all types of lightweight vehicles that are not
designated for use on roadways, e.g., golf cars, maintenance
vehicles, cargo vehicles, shuttle vehicles, worksite vehicles,
etc.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6, in various
embodiments, the main panel includes a rearward lateral water
channel 122 recessed within and extending laterally along a
rearward end portion of the canopy main panel 82A. The rearward
lateral water channel 122 is integrally and fluidly connected to a
rearward end portion 102B of the first main longitudinal water
channel 102 and a rearward end portion 106B of the second main
longitudinal water channel 106. The rearward lateral water channel
122 is structured and operable to direct water into the end
portions 102B and 106B of the first and second main longitudinal
water channels 102 and 106. In various embodiments, the rearward
end portions 102B and 106B of the first and second main
longitudinal water channels 102 and 106 are open along a rearward
end or edge 126 of the canopy main panel 82A (i.e., not closed or
blocked, do not include a rearward wall) such that water can exit
the first and second main longitudinal water channels 102 and 106
via the open end portions 102B and 106B if the vehicle 10 is
oriented such that the forward lateral edge portion 112 of the
canopy main panel 82A is positioned at a higher elevation than the
rear edge 126 of the canopy main panel 82A (e.g., when the vehicle
is moving up or positioned on a hill or incline). Accordingly, in
such uphill orientations, water, rain or other liquid that enters
the rearward lateral water channel 122 will flow through the
rearward lateral water channel 122 and into the open end portions
102B and 106B of the first and second main longitudinal water
channels 102 and 106, whereafter the water/rain/liquid will be
discharged from the canopy main panel 82A away from the passenger
compartment 26 (and passengers therewithin), via the first and
second main longitudinal water channel open end portions 102B and
106B.
[0056] In various embodiments, the canopy main panel 82A further
comprises a recessed extension connection section 130 that extends
rearward from the rearward lateral water channel 122 to the
rearward edge or end of the canopy main panel 82A. The recessed
extension connection section 130 has a top surface 130A extending
rearward from the rearward lateral water channel 122 that is
recessed relative to a top surface 82AA of the canopy main panel
82A extending forward from the rearward lateral water channel 122
(e.g., lower than the top surface 82AA of the canopy main panel 82A
extending forward from the rearward lateral water channel 122). As
described below, the recessed extension connection section 130 is
structured and operable to allow a canopy extension panel 82B (FIG.
7) to be connected to the canopy main panel 82A such that a top
surface 82BA of the canopy extension panel 82B is substantially
coplanar with the top surface 82AA of the canopy main panel 82A
along the length of the of the rearward lateral water channel
122.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, as described
above, in various embodiments the water channel and downspout
canopy system 62 can additionally include a canopy extension panel
82B that is connectable to the canopy main panel 82A via the
recessed connection section 130. The canopy extension panel 82B is
connectable to the canopy main panel 82A such that the rearward
lateral water channel 122 is disposed between the canopy extension
panel 82B and the canopy main panel 82A. The canopy extension panel
82B extends over and protects the rear portion of the vehicle 10
from rain, water and sun. Moreover, as described below, the canopy
extension panel 82 channels or directs water or rain or other
liquid away from the rear portion of the vehicle 10, for example
away from passengers seated in the auxiliary seating structure 60,
or golf clubs and bags stored in bag well 66, or items stored on a
rear cargo deck.
[0058] As described above, the canopy extension panel 82B connects
to canopy main panel 82A via the recessed extension connection
section 130 such that the top surface 82BA of the canopy extension
panel 82B is substantially coplanar with the top surface 82AA of
the canopy main panel 82A along the length of the of the rearward
lateral water channel 122. That is, the canopy extension panel top
surface 82BA has substantially the same contour and lateral
cross-sectional profile as the canopy main panel top surface 82AA.
Therefore, any longitudinal line extending across the canopy main
panel top surface 82AA parallel with the center line C will be
substantially colinear with a respective longitudinal line
extending across the canopy extension panel top surface 82BA.
Moreover, when the canopy extension panel 82B is mounted to the
canopy main channel 82A, a front wall of the rearward lateral water
channel 122, defined by canopy main panel 82A, and a rear wall of
the rearward lateral water channel 122, defined in part by canopy
main panel 82A and in part by the canopy extension panel 82B, will
have substantially the same height at any point along the length of
the rearward lateral water channel 122. That is, the rearward
lateral water channel 122 will have substantially the same depth
relative to the top surfaces 82AA and 82BA of the canopy main and
extension panels 82A and 82B at any given point along the length of
the rearward lateral water channel.
[0059] Referring particularly to FIGS. 8 and 9, the canopy
extension panel 82B comprises a first extension longitudinal water
channel 142 that extends along a first longitudinal edge portion
146 of the canopy extension panel 82B and a second extension
longitudinal water channel 144 that extends along a second
longitudinal edge portion 152 of the canopy extension panel 82B.
When the canopy extension panel 82B is connected to the canopy main
panel 82A, the first extension longitudinal water channel 142
aligns with and is fluidly connected to the first main longitudinal
water channel 102. Similarly, when the canopy extension panel 82B
is connected to the canopy main panel 82A, the second extension
longitudinal water channel 144 aligns with and is fluidly connected
to the second main longitudinal water channel 106. The first and
second extension longitudinal water channels 142 and 144 each
comprise a termination end 142A and 144A, respectively, that are
abutted by a raised tail portion 148 formed along a rearward
lateral edge portion of the canopy extension panel 82B. The first
and second extension longitudinal water channels 142 and 144 are
structured and operable to direct water, rain or other liquid that
may fall on the canopy extension panel 82B into the first and
second main longitudinal water channels 102 and 106 of the canopy
main panel 82A, which will in turn direct the water, rain or other
liquid into the internal lumen 90 of the front canopy
downspout-struct 70 as described above.
[0060] The first extension longitudinal water channel 142 includes
an exterior sidewall 150 and an interior sidewall 154 that extend
along the length of and define the first extension longitudinal
water channel 142. In various instances, the first extension
longitudinal water channel exterior sidewall 150 is structured or
formed such that a distal end portion 150A has a shorter or lower
height from the bottom of the first extension longitudinal water
channel 142 than a proximal end 150B portion. Therefore, in
instances where the vehicle 10 is oriented such that the forward
lateral edge portion 112 of the canopy 82 is positioned at a higher
elevation than a rear edge 158 of the canopy 82 and/or of the
canopy extension panel 82B (e.g., when the vehicle is moving up or
positioned on a hill or incline), the first extension longitudinal
water channel 142 is structured and operable to direct water to
exit the channel 142 at the distal end 150A of the exterior
sidewall 150. Hence, water, rain or other liquid can exit the first
extension longitudinal water channel 142 via the exterior wall
sidewall distal end portion 150A. Accordingly, in such uphill
orientations, water, rain or other liquid that enters the first
main longitudinal water channel 102 and/or the first extension
longitudinal water channel 142 will flow through the first
extension longitudinal water channel 142 to the termination end
142A, whereafter the water/rain/liquid will be discharged from the
canopy extension panel 82B away from the passenger compartment 26
(and passengers therewithin), via the lower exterior sidewall
distal end portion 150A. Additionally, the first extension
longitudinal water channel 142 comprises an end wall 162 provided
by and/or defined by the raise tail portion 148 of the canopy
extension panel 82B. The end wall 162 has a taller or higher height
from the bottom of the first extension longitudinal water channel
142 than the channel exterior sidewall distal end 150A, thereby
forcing water within the first extension longitudinal channel 142
to exit and be discharged from the first extension longitudinal
channel 142 via the lower exterior sidewall distal end portion
150A.
[0061] The second extension longitudinal water channel 144 includes
an exterior sidewall 166 and an interior sidewall 178 that extend
along the length of and define the second extension longitudinal
water channel 144. In various instances, the second extension
longitudinal water channel exterior sidewall 166 is structured or
formed such that a distal end portion 166A has a shorter or lower
height from the bottom of the second extension longitudinal water
channel 144 than a proximal end 166B portion. Therefore, in
instances where the vehicle 10 is oriented such that the forward
lateral edge portion 112 of the canopy 82 is positioned at a higher
elevation than the rear edge 158 of the canopy 82 and/or of the
canopy extension panel 82B (e.g., when the vehicle is moving up or
positioned on a hill or incline), the second extension longitudinal
water channel 144 is structured and operable to direct water to
exit the channel 144 at the distal end 166A of the exterior
sidewall 166. Hence, water, rain or other liquid can exit the first
extension longitudinal water channel 142 via the exterior wall
sidewall distal end portion 150A. Accordingly, in such uphill
orientations, water, rain or other liquid that enters the second
main longitudinal water channel 106 and/or the second extension
longitudinal water channel 144 will flow through the second
extension longitudinal channel 144 to the termination end 144A,
whereafter the water/rain/liquid will be discharged from the canopy
extension panel 82B away from the passenger compartment 26 (and
passengers therewithin), via the lower exterior sidewall distal end
portion 166A. Additionally, the second extension longitudinal water
channel 144 comprises an end wall 182 provided by and/or defined by
the raise tail portion 148 of the canopy extension panel 82B. The
end wall 182 has a taller or higher height from the bottom of the
second extension longitudinal water channel 144 than the channel
exterior sidewall distal end 166A, thereby forcing water within the
second extension longitudinal channel 144 to exit and be discharged
from the second extension longitudinal channel 144 via the lower
exterior sidewall distal end portion 166A.
[0062] As exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 10, in various
embodiments, the canopy main panel 82A includes a plurality of
apertures, holes or boss receptacles 134 that extend into and/or
through the recessed extension connection section 130.
Additionally, the canopy extension panel 82B includes a plurality
of alignment and connection bosses 138 that extend from an
underside and along a leading edge portion of the canopy extension
panel 82B. The boss receptacles 134 and bosses 138 are located in
the respective canopy main and extension panels 82A and 82B such
that when the when the bosses 138 are inserted into the boss
receptacles 134 to connect the canopy extension panel 82B to the
canopy main panel 82A, the first and second main longitudinal water
channels 102 and 106 respectively align with the first and second
extension longitudinal water channels 142 and 144, and the top
surface 82BA of the canopy extension panel 82B is substantially
coplanar with the top surface 82AA of the canopy main panel 82A, as
described above. Bolts, screws or other fixation devices can be
inserted into and through bosses 138 and/or the boss receptacles
134 to fixedly connect the extension panel 82B to the main panel
82A. Additionally, in various embodiments, the canopy system 62 can
include brackets or braces 186 that are connectable to the
underside of the canopy main panel 82A and the underside of the
canopy extension panel 82B, using any suitable connection device,
apparatus, means or method (e.g., bolts, screws or other fixation
device) to support the canopy extension panel 82B such that the
canopy extension panel 82B is cantilevered from the canopy main
panel 82A.
[0063] As exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7 and 10, in various
embodiments, the canopy system 62 can further include one or more
retractable handle assembly 190 for use by passengers to assist in
entering and/or exiting the vehicle passenger compartment 26. The
retractable handle assembly 190 generally comprises at least one
handle retention structure 194 integrally formed with or connected
to the underside of the canopy main panel 82A, and a handle 198
pivotally, and in various instances retractably, disposed and
retained within the at least one handle retention structure 194.
The handle 198 is pivotal between an Open position and a Closed
position (both shown in FIG. 4). In the Open position, the handle
198 extends downward toward the floorboard 34 such that it is
accessible to be grasped by a vehicle passenger to assist in
entering and/or exiting the vehicle passenger compartment 26. When
in the Closed position, the handle 198 is folded up to be
substantially parallel with the underside of the canopy main panel
82A such that it does not interfere with or impede with a passenger
entering or exiting the passenger cabin 26 without use of the
handle 198, or leaning into the passenger cabin 26 while standing
on the ground outside the passenger cabin 26. Moreover, in various
embodiments, the retractable handle assembly 190 can include a
biasing device 202 (.e.g., a spring or other suitable biasing
device) that is structured and operable to bias the handle to the
Closed position such that when the handle 198 is not being used
(e.g., no grasped by a passenger) the handle 198 will automatically
retract to the Closed position.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 12A, in various
embodiments the water channel and downspout canopy system 62 can
further include a vehicle enclosure assembly 206. The enclosure
assembly 206 generally comprises a first enclosure mounting rail
206A, a second enclosure mounting rail 206B, a rear enclosure
mounting rail 206C and an enclosure curtain 206D. The enclosure
assembly 206 is structured and operable to enclose and protect the
passenger compartment 26, the auxiliary seating structure 60, the
back deck, and/or the golf bag well 66 from environmental elements
such as rain, wind, snow, dirt, dust, cold, etc. In such
embodiments, the canopy 82 comprises a plurality of enclosure rail
fasteners 210 connected to or integrally formed with the canopy 82
and disposed within the first and second canopy main and extension
longitudinal water channels 102, 106, 142 and 144 and along a
rearward edge of the canopy tail portion 148. The enclosure rail
fasteners 210 can comprise any fastener suitable for fixedly
mounting the first, second and rear enclosure mounting rails 206A,
206B and 206C to the canopy first and second canopy main and
extension longitudinal water channels 102, 106, 142 and 144 and the
canopy tail portion 148 (e.g., snaps, grommets, screw or bolt
bosses, screws, bolt or rivet orifices, etc.). The first and second
enclosure mounting rails 206A and 206B have a lateral
cross-sectional profile, shape or form that is substantially the
same as the lateral cross-sectional shape or profile of the first
and second canopy main and, in various instances, extension
longitudinal water channels 102, 106, 142 and 144 and the first and
second sidewalls of the main canopy and, in various instances, the
extension panel sidewalls 116, 120 124 and 128, such that the first
and second enclosure mounting rails 206A and 206B will form a liner
disposed within the first and second canopy main and, in various
instances, the extension longitudinal water channels 102, 106, 142
and 144 and over the main canopy and, in various instances, the
extension panel sidewalls 116, 120 124 and 128, whereby the first
and second enclosure mounting rails 206A and 206B will provide the
water channels in which the water, rain or other liquid will
flow.
[0065] More specifically, the first and second enclosure mounting
rails 206A and 206B have a lateral cross-sectional profile, shape
or form that has a bottom and channel walls and a sidewall that
have substantially the same cross-sectional profile, form or shape
as the bottom, channels walls and sidewall of the first and second
canopy main and, in various instances, extension longitudinal water
channels 102, 106, 142 and 144 and the first and second sidewalls
of the main canopy and, in various instances, the extension panel
sidewalls 116, 120 124 and 128, such that the first and second
enclosure mounting rails 206A and 206B will form a liner disposed
within the first and second canopy main and extension longitudinal
water channels 102, 106, 142 and 144 and over the sidewalls 116,
120, 124 and 128, whereby the first and second enclosure mounting
rails 206A and 206B will provide the water channels in which the
water, rain or other liquid will flow. It should be understood that
although FIG. 12A exemplarily illustrates the lateral cross-section
of the second main and, in various instances, the extension
longitudinal water channels 106 and 144, FIG. 12A is equally
applicable and illustrating of the lateral cross-section of the
first main and, in various instances, the extension longitudinal
water channels 102 and 142, as one skilled in the art would readily
understand such is simply a mirror image of what is shown in FIG.
12A.
[0066] In various embodiments, the enclosure curtain 206D can be
fixedly connected to the first, second and rear enclosure mounting
rails 206A, 206B and 206C. In such embodiments, the enclosure
assembly 206 can be mounted to the canopy 82 by: 1) connecting the
first enclosure mounting rail 206A to the canopy 82 within the
first canopy main and extension longitudinal water channels 102 and
142 such that the first enclosure mounting rail 206A is supported
by the main panel first sidewall 116 and a first sidewall 124 of
the extension panel 82B; 2) connecting the second enclosure
mounting rail 206B to the canopy 82 within the second canopy main
and extension longitudinal water channels 106 and 144 such that the
second enclosure mounting rail 206B is supported by the main panel
second sidewall 120 and a second sidewall 128 of the extension
panel 82B; and 3) connecting the rear enclosure mounting rail 206C
to the tail portion 148 of canopy 82. Once the first, second and
rear enclosure mounting rails 206A, 206B and 206C are connected to
the canopy 82, the enclosure curtain 206D will extend downward from
the canopy 82 and be draped around the sides and rear perimeter of
the vehicle 10. In various instances of such embodiments, the
enclosure assembly can further include front strut rails 214 to
which front edges of the curtain 206D are fixedly or removably
connected. The front strut rails 214 are connectable (via any
suitable fastening means, method or device, e.g., snaps, screws or
bolts, rivets, etc.) to the first and second downspout legs 70B and
70C of the front canopy downspout-strut 70, thereby securing the
front edges of the curtain 206D to the front canopy downspout-strut
70.
[0067] Alternatively, in various other embodiments, the enclosure
curtain 206D can be removably connectable to the first, second and
rear enclosure mounting rails 206A, 206B and 206C. In such
embodiments, the enclosure assembly 206 can be mounted to the
canopy 82 by: 1) connecting the first enclosure mounting rail 206A
to the canopy 82 within the first canopy main and extension
longitudinal water channels 102 and 142 such that the first
enclosure mounting rail 206A is supported by the main panel first
sidewall 116 and the first sidewall 124 of the extension panel 82B;
2) connecting the second enclosure mounting rail 206B to the canopy
82 within the second canopy main and extension longitudinal water
channels 106 and 144 such that the second enclosure mounting rail
206B is supported by the main panel second sidewall 120 and a
second sidewall 128 of the extension panel 82B; 3) connecting the
rear enclosure mounting rail 206C to the tail portion 148 of canopy
82; and 4) connecting the enclosure curtain 206D to the first,
second and rear enclosure mounting rails 206A, 206B and 206C,
whereby the enclosure curtain 206D will extend downward from the
canopy 82 and be draped around the sides and rear perimeter of the
vehicle 10. The enclosure curtain can be removably connectable to
the first, second and rear enclosure mounting rails 206A, 206B and
206C using any suitable connecting means, manner or device (e.g.,
snaps, clips, screws or bolts, rivets, interlocking fasteners or
strips, interlocking hook and loop connectors (e.g., Velcro.RTM.,
etc.). In various instances of such embodiments, the enclosure
assembly can further include front strut rails 214 to which front
edges of the curtain 206D are fixedly or removably connected. The
front strut rails 214 are connectable (via any suitable fastening
means, method or device, e.g., snaps, screws or bolts, rivets,
etc.) to the first and second downspout legs 70B and 70C of the
front canopy downspout-strut 70, thereby securing the front edges
of the curtain 206D to the front canopy downspout-strut 70.
[0068] It is envisioned that the enclosure curtain 206D can include
one or more access panels, flaps, openings and/or doors that allow
passengers to access, enter and/or exit the passenger compartment
26, the auxiliary seating structure 60, the back deck, and/or the
golf bag well 66. In various embodiments, the enclosure curtain
206D can have a single-piece configuration such that enclosure
curtain 206D is a single unified unit that is connected to, or is
removably connectable to, the first, second and rear enclosure
mounting rails 206A, 206B and 206C and wraps around the vehicle
from first downspout leg 70B of the front canopy downspout-strut 70
to the second downspout leg 70C. Alternatively, in various
embodiments, the enclosure curtain 206D can have a multi-piece unit
configuration such that enclosure curtain 206D comprises a
plurality separate independent sections or pieces that are each
separately connected to or removable connectable to one or more of
the first, second and rear enclosure mounting rails 206A, 206B and
206C. In such multi-piece embodiments, the separate independent
sections or pieces can be connectable to each other via any
suitable connection means, manner or device (e.g., zippers, snaps,
clips, interlocking hook and loop connectors, etc.) to provide an
assembled multi-piece curtain 206D that wraps around the vehicle
from first downspout leg 70B of the front canopy downspout-strut 70
to the second downspout leg 70C.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17 18 and 19, in various embodiments, the front canopy
downspout-strut 70 and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78 can comprise
a dovetailed shaped accessory attachment channel 218 (sometime
referred to herein as the dovetailed channel 218) that is
structured and operable to provide a means or manner for attaching
accessories (e.g., mirrors, speakers, windshields and other types
of accessories) to the respective front canopy downspout-strut 70
and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78 utilizing a chamfered side pinch
nut 222, as described below. More particularly, at least one of the
front canopy downspout-strut header 70A, the first downspout leg
70B, the second downspout leg 70C and/or the rear canopy strut(s)
78 comprises the dovetailed channel 218. Generally, as described
further below, any desired vehicle accessory can be mounted or
attached to the front canopy downspout-strut 70 and/or the rear
canopy strut(s) 78 by inserting the pinch nut 222 into the
dovetailed channel 218, then turning or rotating the pinch nut 222
within the dovetailed channel 218 such that the pinch nut 222 will
bindingly engage with the dovetailed channel 218 (e.g., become
pinched, bound, or lodged within the dovetailed channel 218).
Thereafter, an accessory can be threadingly connected to the pinch
nut (and hence the respective front canopy downspout-strut 70
and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78) via threaded stud of the
accessory, or a bolt, or a threaded rod and secondary nut.
[0070] In various embodiments, the dovetailed channel 218 comprises
a mouth 226 and a base 230 having a width W that is greater than a
width M of the mouth 226, thereby defining a pair of opposing
angled or beveled walls 232 that extend between the mouth 226 and
the base 230. Particularly, the walls 232 form an angle .beta. with
the base 230 that is less than 90.degree.. The pinch nut 222
generally includes opposing first and second flat sides 234,
opposing angled or beveled sides 238 having rounded corners, and a
threaded bore 242. The first and second flat sides 238 are
substantially straight along their entire length and form
substantially a 90.degree. angle with a base 246 of the pinch nut
222. In various instances, the base 246 has a length Y, extending
between angled sides 238, that is substantially equal to the width
W of the base 230 of the dovetailed channel 218. Additionally, the
base 246 has a width Z that is substantially equal to or slightly
less than the width M of the mouth 226 of the dovetailed channel
218. The angled sides 238 include a substantially flat straight
portion 238A and a rounded corner portion 238B. The flat portions
238A form an angle .theta. with the bottom 246 of the pinch nut
222. In various embodiments, the angle .theta. of the pinch nut
flat portions 238A can be substantially equal to the angle .beta.
of the dovetailed channel walls 234 such that when the pinch nut
222 is disposed within the dovetailed channel, and the flat
portions 238A of the pinch nut 222 are aligned with (e.g.,
substantially parallel with) the dovetailed channel walls 234, the
pinch nut 222 can be easily slid and moved along the length of and
within the dovetailed channel 218.
[0071] The rounded corner portions 238B of the pinch nut angled
sides 238 have a curved length C that extends from a junction 238C
between the flat portion 238A and the rounded portion 238B to a
junction 238D between the rounded portion 238B and the respective
flat side 234. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the angle of the rounded
portions 238B relative to the base 246 at the junction 238C is 8
(i.e., the same as the angle of the flat portion 238A). Notably,
the angle of the rounded portions 238B progressively decreases
(i.e., progressive gets smaller or more acute) across the curved
length C from the junction 238C to the junction 238D such that the
angle of the rounded portions 238B relative to the base 246 at the
junction 238D is a. As described above, the angle .alpha. of the
rounded portions 238B at the junction 238D is smaller than the
angle .theta. of the rounded portions 238B at the junction 238C.
Therefore, the length D of the junction 238C is shorter than the
length E of the junction 238D. Moreover, the angle .alpha. of the
rounded portions 238B at the junction 238D is smaller than the
angle .beta. formed between the dovetailed channel walls 232 and
base 230, and the length D of the junction 238C is shorter than the
length F of the dovetailed channel walls 232.
[0072] Due to the rounded corner portions 238B and the angle
.alpha. of the rounded portions 238B at the junction 238D being
smaller (or more acute) than the angle .beta. formed between the
dovetailed channel walls 232 and base 230, when the pinch nut 222
is inserted into the dovetailed channel 218, as exemplarily
illustrated in FIG. 15, the pinch nut 222 can be rotated in the
direction shown in FIG. 15. Moreover, as the pinch nut 222 is
rotated, the rounded portions 238B of the angled sides 238 of the
pinch nut 222 will slide under the beveled sidewalls 232 of the
dovetailed channel 218. As the pinch nut 222 is further rotated,
the pinch nut 222 rounded corner portion 238B will be advanced
between the dovetailed channel beveled sidewalls 232 and base 230
such that the angle of a contact area of the rounded corner portion
238B that is in contact with the dovetailed channel beveled
sidewalls 232 will continuously increase until contact area angle
of the rounded corner portion 238B is substantially equal to the
angle .beta. of the dovetailed channel walls 234, thereby causing
the pinch nut 222 to become pinched, lodged or bound between
dovetailed channel sidewalls 232 and base 230. Therefore, but
turning or rotating the pinch nut 222 within the dovetailed channel
218, the pinch nut 222 will become bindingly engaged and retained,
or locked, within dovetailed channel 218.
[0073] The pinch nut 222 can be turn or rotated within the
dovetailed channel 218 using any suitable means, manner or device.
For example, in various embodiments the pinch nut 222 can further
include an annular slotted boss 250 extending from a top face of
the pinch nut 222. The annular slotted boss 250 generally includes
a cylindrical body 250A having a turning implement slot 250B formed
therein. The turning implement slot 250B is structured and operable
to receive any turning implement, such as a screwdriver, a coin, a
key, etc., suitable to for inserting into the turning implement
slot 250B and causing the pinch nut 222 to turn or rotate within
the dovetailed channel 218 by turning the turning the turning
implement. It is envisioned that in various embodiments, the pinch
nut 222 can be toollessly locked or retained in place (as described
above) by utilizing the annular slotted boss 250 to hand-rotate the
pinch nut 222 within the dovetailed channel 218 to lock or retain
the pinch nut 222 in the desired location within the dovetailed
channel 218. In such instances, once the pinch nut 222 is inserted
into the dovetail channel 218 at the desired location of the front
canopy down-spout strut 70 and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78, the
annular slotted boss 250 can be grasped by hand and rotated to
bindingly engage the pinch nut 222 within the dovetailed channel
218 as described above.
[0074] The process of bindingly engaging the pinch nut 222 within
the dovetailed channel 218, and thereby retaining, or locking, the
pinch nut 222 at a desired location within the dovetailed channel
218 has been described above. It should be readily understood the
process of removing the pinch nut 222 from the dovetailed channel
218, or moving the pinch nut 222 within the dovetailed channel
simply the reverse of process to bindingly engage the pinch nut 222
within the dovetailed channel 218. That is, to remove or move the
pinch nut 222 from or within the dovetailed channel 218, the pinch
nut 222 can be rotated in a direction opposite that shown in FIG.
15 to disengage the corner portions 238B of the angled sides 238
from the beveled walls 232 of the dovetailed channel 218,
whereafter the pinch nut 222 can be removed from the dovetailed
channel 218 and/or moved to and engaged at a different location
within the dovetailed channel 218.
[0075] As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 18, once the pinch nut
222 is bindingly engaged and retained/locked at a desired location
within the dovetailed channel 218 of any portion of the front
canopy downspout-strut 70 and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78, a
vehicle accessory 254 (e.g., a mirrors, a speaker, a windshield and
other type of accessories) can be connected to the front canopy
downspout-strut 70 and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78 utilizing the
threaded bore 242. For example, a threaded rod can be threadingly
engaged within the threaded bore 242, whereafter the accessory 254
can be disposed on the threaded rod (via a hole or slot in the
accessory 254) and retained on the threaded rod by threading a nut
(e.g., hex-sided nut, a wing-nut or a thumb nut) onto the threaded
rod and tightening or advancing the nut such that the accessory 254
is bound between the nut and the top of the pinch nut annular
slotted boss 252 and/or the respective front canopy downspout-strut
70 or the rear canopy strut(s) 78. Alternatively, the accessory 254
can include a threaded stud that can treaded into the pinch nut
threaded bore 242. In yet other embodiments, it is envisioned that
the accessory 254 can include a pinch nut 222 integrally formed or
connected therewith, such that accessory can be mounted to the
front canopy downspout-strut 70 and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78
by inserting the integrally formed/connected pinch nut 222 into the
respective dovetailed channel 218 and using the accessory 254 as a
turning implement to turn the pinch nut 222 within the dovetailed
channel 218, thereby bindingly engaging the pinch nut 222 within
the dovetailed channel 218.
[0076] Referring particularly to FIGS. 13, 14 and 19, in various
embodiments, the dovetail channel 218 can further include an
off-center wire duct 258 recessed within the base 230 that is
structured and operable to have wires (e.g., vehicle or accessory
wires) disposed therein. The off-center wire duct 258 recessed
within the base 230 such that a longitudinal center line WDCL of
the wire duct 258 is offset and non-coaxial with a longitudinal
center line BCL of the base 230. Therefore, the off-center wire
duct 258 defines a first base section 230A and a second base
section 230B, wherein the first base section 230 has a width P that
is greater than a width Q of the second base section 230B.
Moreover, since the first base section 230A has a width P that is
greater than the width Q of the second base section 230B, the first
base second 230A provides a bolt stop that is structured and
operable to prevent a rod, bolt or stud threaded into a pinch nut
222 bindingly lodged within the dovetailed channel 218 from
extending into the wire duct 258 and damaging any wires disposed
therein.
[0077] More specifically, when a pinch nut 222 is bindingly lodged
within the dovetailed channel 218 and a threaded rod, bolt or stud
is threaded into the threaded bore 242 of the pinch nut 222 to
attach an accessory to the respective front canopy downspout-strut
70 and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78, the threaded rod, bolt or
stud will contact the base first section 230A and be prevented from
entering, or protruding into, the wire duct 258. Therefore, the
base first section 230A provides a bolt stop (e.g., a rod, bolt or
stud stop) that prevents the rod, bolt or stud from damaging wires
disposed within the wire duct. Furthermore, once the rod, bolt or
stud contacts the base first section 230A, if the rod, bolt or stud
is turned further, the pinch nut will be drawn up the rod, bolt or
stud such that the angle side 238 (e.g., the flat portion 238A
and/or the rounded portion 238B) will be further forced against and
engaged with beveled walls 232 of the dovetailed channel, thereby
further securing the pinch nut 222 and associated accessory 254 at
the desired location on the respective front canopy downspout-strut
70 and/or the rear canopy strut(s) 78.
[0078] It is envisioned that the accessory attachment system
described herein, including the respective front canopy
downspout-strut 70 and the rear canopy strut(s) 78 comprising the
dovetail channel 232 (as described above) and the pinch nut 222 (as
described above) will provide an attachment system that will reduce
the time required to install accessories, reduce the number of
fasteners required, reduce corrosion, and help protect wires.
[0079] The description herein is merely exemplary in nature and,
thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of that which is
described are intended to be within the scope of the teachings.
Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain
example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be
appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or
functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without
departing from the scope of the disclosure. Such variations and
alternative combinations of elements and/or functions are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the
teachings.
* * * * *