CANOPY SYSTEM

Abstract

A canopy system is disclosed, including a first frame member and a second frame member. A canopy includes a first channel to receive the first frame member therethrough and a second channel to receive the second frame member therethrough. A first rope extends from a left side of the first frame member and a second rope extends from a right side of the first frame member. At least one anchor affixed to an end of each rope and at least one anchor affixed to the ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to retain the canopy in a suitable position. The canopy system allows for the efficient setup of the canopy both in windy conditions and calm (no wind) conditions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to canopies for providing shade from the sun and protection from the elements

BACKGROUND

Humans benefit greatly from receiving appropriate amounts of sunlight. However, overexposure to the sun can be harmful to the skin and over time can cause skin cancer. Overexposure to the elements such as heat and wind can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and general discomfort. These symptoms are common when spending many hours at the beach, at a sports game, or other outdoor environment where sun is prevalent.

In the current market, tents and sunshades are available which can be deployed in the outdoors which provide shade or shelter from the sun and elements. However, many of these systems must be deployed in specific environmental conditions. For example, some canopies cannot be deployed during periods of high wind, have complicated setup protocols which require multiple people to perform tasks simultaneously, or may even require setup to be performed while there is sufficient wind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is disclosed further in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments provided herein relate to a canopy system is disclosed, including a first frame member and a second frame member. A canopy includes a first channel to receive the first frame member therethrough and a second channel to receive the second frame member therethrough in a windy condition, or a third channel to receive the second frame member in a calm condition (no wind). A first rope extends from a left side of the first frame member and a second rope extends from a right side of the first frame member. At least one anchor affixed to an end of each rope and at least one anchor affixed to the ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to retain the canopy in a suitable position.

In some embodiments, in a calm (no wind) condition, a canopy includes a first channel to receive the first frame member therethrough and a third channel to receive the second frame member therethrough. The first rope extends from a left side of the first frame member and a second rope extends from a right side of the first frame member, and a third rope extends from left side of the second frame member and a fourth rope extends from a right side of the second frame member.

The canopy system which can be readily and efficiently deployed to provide shade and shelter from the sun and/or elements (i e., wind, rain, hail, snow, etc.). The canopy system includes a canopy supported by a frame which provides structural support to the canopy when deployed. The frame is secured to the ground surface using anchors and ropes that are held by anchors/or sandbags to retain the canopy system in a suitable position during periods of extended use. The canopy system can be deployed during periods of high winds and other inclement weather during which many other canopy systems cannot be deployed. The canopy system can also be well displayed during period of no wind situation.

The canopy system provides an efficient and convenient means to prevent overexposure to the sun and/or elements in an environment which has excessive sun exposure (e.g., at the beach, at a sporting event, outdoor concert, outdoor event venue, etc.) By using the canopy as a shade form the sun, those shaded by the canopy receive a reduction in ultraviolet (UV) light which is a part of the sun’s light spectrum. The canopy system includes anchors and sandbags which allow the canopy to be retained in position during high winds.

In one aspect, the first, second, and third channels allow the user to selectively position the frame members on the canopy. In one example, the first and second channels are utilized for the windy configuration which allows the canopy to be deployed during high winds. The first and third channels are utilized in the calm configuration when there is little to no wind in the environment wherein the canopy is positioned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the canopy system in a configuration suitable to be deployed during periods of high wind, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the canopy system in a configuration which is deployable in a calm (not windy) environment, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the canopy, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the canopy system frame sections, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates perspective view of the anchors of the canopy system, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the sandbags of the canopy system, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments described herein relate to a canopy system which can be readily and efficiently deployed to provide shade and shelter from the sun and/or elements (i.e., wind, rain, hail, snow, etc.). The canopy system includes a canopy supported by a frame which provides structural support to the canopy when deployed. The frame is secured to the ground surface using anchors and/or sandbags to retain the canopy system in a suitable position during periods of extended use. The canopy system can be deployed during periods of high winds and other inclement weather during which many other canopy systems cannot be deployed.

The canopy system provides an efficient and convenient means to prevent overexposure to the sun and/or elements in an environment which has excessive sun exposure (e.g., at the beach, at a sporting event, outdoor concert, outdoor event venue, etc.) By using the canopy as a shade form the sun, those shaded by the canopy receive a reduction in ultraviolet (UV) light which is a part of the sun’s light spectrum. The shade provided by the canopy provides a cooler climate when the user (e.g., a person or animal) are shaded by the canopy and prevents over exposure to UV radiation which is known to cause sunburn and cancer

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the canopy system 100 in configuration suitable to be deployed during periods of high wind (herein referred to as the “windy configuration 101 A canopy 103 extends over a first frame member 105 and a second frame member 107 which are secured to the ground surface 109 via anchors 111 positioned at the ends of the first frame member 105 and the second frame member 107. The first frame member 105 is positioned at the front 113 of the canopy system 100 and the second frame member is positioned rearward (i.e., towards the rear 115) of the canopy system 100. In the windy configuration 101 the first frame member 105 and the second frame member 107 are positioned about 2-feet apart from one another to provide sufficient support to the canopy system 100 during high winds. A first rope 117 extends from the left side 119 of the first frame member 105 and a second rope 121 extends from the right side 123 of the first frame member 105. The first rope 117 and second rope 121 are each secured to the ground surface 109 via at least one anchor and/or sandbag 125. The canopy 103 extends to the rear 115 to provide a sufficient coverage area such that users may stand, sit, and move under the canopy 103 while being protected from the sun and elements.

In some embodiments, the first frame member 105 and the second frame member 107 extends through a first channel 129 and a second channel 131 formed between the layers of the canopy 103. The first channel 129 and second channel 131 retain the canopy 103 in position to prevent the canopy 103 frame becoming detached.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the canopy system 100 in a configuration which is deployable in a calm (not windy) environment. Hereinafter, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 is referred to as a “calm configuration” 200. In reference to the calm configuration 200, the first frame member 105 is positioned at the front 113 of the canopy 103 and the second frame member 107 is positioned at the rear 115 of the canopy 103. The first frame member 105 extends through the first channel 129 and the second frame member 107 extends through a third channel 201. The first rope 117 extends from the left side 119 of the first frame member 105 and the second rope 121 extends from the right side 123 of the first frame member 105. A third rope 203 extends from the left side 119 of the second frame member 107 and a fourth rope 205 extends from the right side 123 of the second frame member 107. Each rope 117,121,203,205 are anchored to the ground surface 109 via anchor and/or sandbags 125. The first frame member 105 and second frame member 107 are anchored to the ground surface 109 via the anchors 111

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the canopy 103 which may be constructed of a fabric or other suitable material which is flexible, lightweight, and of a material which provided at least partial UV protection. The first channel 129, second channel 131, and third channel 201 are positioned between the layers of the canopy 103 to allow the first frame member 105 and second frame member 107 (see FIGS. 1-2) to extend therethrough. As described above, the user selectively positions the second frame member 107 in either the second channel 131 (in the windy configuration) or the third channel 201 (in the calm configuration). Reinforced bands 300 are provided on the front 113 to strengthen and reinforce he structure of the canopy 103. The canopy 103 is constructed to have dimensions suitable for shading at least one human when properly deployed. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the canopy system 100 can be constructed in various sizes, shapes, and configurations. For example, the canopy 103 may have a rectangular, square, circular, or oblong shape, among others.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the first frame member 105 and second frame member 107 which are separable into frame sections 400 to allow the first frame member 105 and second frame member 107 to collapse when not in use. The collapsibility allows the first and second frame members 105,107 to be easily transported and stored by reducing their length. A string 401 is positioned through the interior 403 of each frame section 400 to keep the frame sections together when not connected. Further, the string 401 can be pulled at an end to aid in reconnecting the first ends 405 and second ends 407 of the frame sections 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates perspective view of the anchors 111 of the canopy system Each anchor 111 may be positioned at least partially underneath the ground surface such that the anchors retain the canopy system on the ground in a suitable position and to ensure the canopy system is not moved by the wind, or by accidental contact. The anchors 111 have a tip portion 500 which facilitates the penetration of the ground surface and to allow the anchors to be at least partially buried therein In some embodiments, the anchors 111 are conically shaped

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the sandbags 125 of the canopy system. Each sandbag includes a container 600 filled at least partially with sand or another medium which provides weight to retain the canopy system on the ground and prevents the canopy system from moving due to wind or accidental contact. The opening 601 of the sandbags 125 may be tied to close the opening 601.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A canopy system, comprising:

a first frame member and a second frame member;

a canopy including a first channel to receive the first frame member therethrough, and the canopy including a second channel to receive the second frame member therethrough;

a first rope extending from a left side of the first frame member and a second rope extending from a right side of the first frame member;

at least one anchor affixed to an end of each rope and at least one anchor affixed to the ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to retain the canopy in a suitable position.

2. The canopy system of claim 1, further comprising a base positioned on the ground surface.

3. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the canopy includes reinforced bands.

4. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the canopy is constructed of a flexible material.

5. The canopy system of claim 3, wherein the canopy is constructed a UV protective material.

6. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member each include a plurality of frame sections.

7. The canopy system of claim 6, wherein a string extends through the interior of each of the plurality of frame sections to facilitate the connection of each of the plurality of frame sections.

8. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the at least one anchor includes a tip portion to facilitate the penetration of a ground surface.

9. The canopy system of claim 1, wherein the first frame member is positioned at a front of the canopy.

10. The canopy system of claim 9, wherein the second frame member is positioned rearward of the first frame member.

11. A canopy system, comprising:

a first frame member positioned at a front of the canopy system and a second frame member positioned at the rear of the canopy system;

a canopy including a first channel to receive the first frame member therethrough, and the canopy including a second channel to receive the second frame member therethrough;

a first rope extending from a left side of the first frame member and a second rope extending from a right side of the first frame member;

at least one anchor affixed to an end of each rope and at least one anchor affixed to the ends of the first frame member and the second frame member to retain the canopy in a suitable position; and

at least one sandbag connected to each of a first rope, the first rope, the second rope, a third rope and a fourth rope.

12. The canopy system of claim 11, further comprising a base positioned on the ground surface.

13. The canopy system of claim 12, wherein the canopy includes reinforced bands.

14. The canopy system of claim 13, wherein the canopy is constructed of a flexible material.

15. The canopy system of claim 13, wherein the canopy is constructed a UV protective material.

16. The canopy system of claim 15, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member each include a plurality of frame sections.

17. The canopy system of claim 16, wherein a string extends through the interior of each of the plurality of frame sections to facilitate the connection of each of the plurality of frame sections.

18. The canopy system of claim 17, wherein the at least one anchor includes a tip portion to facilitate the penetration of a ground surface.

19. The canopy system of claim 18, wherein at least one sandbag includes a container at least partially filled with a weighted material.

20. The canopy system of claim 19, wherein the at least one sandbag incudes an opening to selectively fill the sandbag with the weighted material.