Shelter having an extendable roof
A canopy has a frame with a plurality of legs for defining a main area of protection, an auxiliary leg for defining an auxiliary area of protection adjacent the main area of protection, the auxiliary leg capable of being removed and a roof frame supported by the uprights. A tarp, secured to the frame, has a main section for covering the main area, and an auxiliary section adjacent the main section. The auxiliary section is (i) extendable between the legs and the auxiliary leg to cover the auxilary area, (ii) extendable between the legs and the support surface to provide additional cover to the main area as a wall, and (iii) storable such that only the main section covers the main area and the at least one auxiliary leg is removed.
Latest OPAC, LLC Patents:
This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application Nos. 200420020474.4, filed Feb. 27, 2004, and 200420020757.9, filed Mar. 12, 2004, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/793,369 filed Mar. 4, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The subject disclosure relates generally to shelters, and more particularly to an improved shelter that can provide additional protection when desired. Even more particularly, the subject disclosure relates to a shelter including a canopy that selectively extends.
2. Background of the Related Art
Over the years, many tents and other shelters having collapsible frames have been introduced. Such structures are commonly used to provide shelter during camping trips, picnics, parties, military operations, and other outdoor activities. One advantageous feature of such structures is their ability to provide relief from weather elements when desired but allow removal when no longer needed.
However, prior art shelters have several problems. The shelters are unable to vary their configuration easily to suit varying demands. Some prior shelter frames also allow the overlying canopy to sag in an unsightly manner or be blown loose. Moreover, varying the configuration can be a challenging task even when multiple people are involved in the assembly. In view of these apparent shortcomings, many attempts at overcoming these difficulties have been patented, such as: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,635; 5,511,572; 5,555,681; 5,632,293; 5,638,853; 5,701,923; 5,797,412; 5,813,425; and 6,173,726 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,681 to Cawthon discloses a building system that is modular in that a plurality of differently shaped buildings 10, 12 may be constructed from the same basic part set. The foundation of the buildings 10, 12 includes base plates 14 and headers 16 that are oriented horizontally. Vertical stud members 18 extend vertically between the base plates 14 and headers 16. Connectors 22 couple the components 14, 16, 18 together. Rafters 20 also terminate within the connectors 22 to form a roof structure. Wall panels 24 and roof panels 26 enclose the buildings 10, 12 and are selectively extendible from and retractable into the respective associated base plate members 14 and headers 16. This is an essential purpose of the buildings of Cawthon to selectively store the panels 24, 26 to allow enjoyment of ambient weather. However, once the building takes shape, major effort is required to reconfigure the space. Thus, it would be desirable to build a shelter that can quickly and easily be modified to have additional space that is protected from the elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure is directed to a canopy including a frame assembly including a plurality of legs upstanding from a support surface. A resilient tarp covers the frame assembly. The resilient tarp has a main section for substantially defining a main area of protection, an auxiliary section for substantially defining an auxiliary area of protection and an overhang. A plurality of cords attach the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a plurality of positions including: i) a set up position wherein the main section substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary section is stored; and ii) a set up position wherein the main section substantially covers the main area, the auxiliary section substantially covers the auxiliary area, and at least one of the plurality of cords extends at least partially over the auxiliary area.
Another aspect of the invention is a canopy providing shelter on a support surface. The canopy includes a frame assembly with a plurality of legs for defining a main area of protection, two auxiliary legs for defining an auxiliary area of protection adjacent the main area of protection, and a roof frame supported by the plurality of uprights. A resilient tarp secures to the frame assembly. The tarp includes a main section for substantially covering the main area, and an auxiliary section adjacent the main section, wherein the auxiliary section is (i) extendable between the plurality of legs and the at least one auxiliary leg to substantially cover the auxilary area, (ii) extendable between the plurality of legs and the support surface to provide additional cover to the main area, and (iii) storable such that only the main section substantially covers the main area.
Still another aspect of the invention is a canopy having a plurality of upright assemblies for defining a main area and an auxiliary area of protection, each upright having an interlocking male and female portion wherein the male portion includes at least one protuberance that causes at least one of the male and female portion to deform upon interlocking. A resilient tarp covering the main area and the auxiliary area whereby a plurality of cords attach the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a plurality of positions including: i) a first position wherein the resilient tarp substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area is exposed; and ii) a second position wherein the resilient tarp substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area. Still another aspect of the invention is directed to a kit that allows a traditional canopy to be outfitted with an auxiliary area of protection.
It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, and a method for applications now known and later developed. These and other features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSSo that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.
FIGS. 7A-C are varying possible cross-sectional views of the interconnection of the leg assembly of
The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with canopies and temporary shelters. The advantages, and other features of the system disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. For simplicity and clarity throughout this disclosure, only enough reference numerals with tag lines that are sufficient for understanding have been shown.
Referring to
Referring now to
In a preferred embodiment shown in
Referring to
Referring again to
Referring to
Referring now to
Referring to
As best seen in
Referring now to
Referring to
Referring now to FIGS. 12A-D, the clamp 250 has opposing portions 252, 254 that form respective hollows 260 for receiving cords 228, 230. The opposing portions 252, 254 are coupled together by pair of nuts 256 and bolts 258. To attach the clamp 250, the opposing sides 252, 254 are loosely coupled together and cords 228, 230 are passed through the hollows 260 as shown in
The hollows 260 also include bumps or ridges 264 formed transverse to the cords 228, 230 to increase the holding retention thereon. The ridges 264 may be formed on one or both of the opposing sides 252, 254. Preferably, the opposing sides 252, 254 form a pathway 266 so that the cord 230 can centrally exit the clamp 250. As a result, the weight carried by the clamp 250 is evenly distributed. In the embodiment shown, the hollows 260 and pathways 266 are shaped and configured to receive cords having an 8 mm. diameter. It is envisioned that the side 252 may include depressions for insertion of the nuts 256 therein. The clamp 250 is preferably constructed from a strong plastic, aluminum or the like.
Referring to
Referring to FIGS. 14A-C, still another alternative side 452 of a clamp is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the side 452 utilizes the same principles of the clamp 450 described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. The side 452 includes two pathways 466 for varying the point at which the cord 230 exits. Of course, the cord 230 may not exit via either pathway 466 as may be desired for the particular configuration.
Referring to
The auxiliary portions 312A, 312B include one or more stiffening ridges 350. The stiffening ridge 350 may be a seam sewn into the fabric, a rod inserted into a sleeve or the like. The purpose of the stiffening ridge 350 is to control the manner is which rainwater may collect on the auxiliary portion 312. On auxiliary portion 312A, the stiffening ridge 350 is shaped and formed to direct collected water towards the sides of the shelter 300. Alternatively on auxiliary portion 312B, the stiffening ridge 50 is shaped and formed to direct collected water towards the front of the shelter 300. Dashed lines 360 indicate a manner in which the auxiliary portions 312A, 312B sags to collect rainwater. Preferably, the auxiliary portions 312A, 312B sag to a certain point at which deformation occurs. During deformation, the water is released to allow the auxiliary portions 312A, 312B to substantially return to shape. In another embodiment, the auxiliary sections 312A, 312B do not have any stiffening ridges but are allowed to sag/collect water and deform to release. In still another embodiment, the outer legs 313 are relatively shorter than the inner legs 309. As a result, the auxiliary portions 312A, 312B are slanted to further increase the propensity of water to flow off to the sides of the shelter 300.
Referring now to
It is envisioned that numerous variations are possible beyond those specifically described here and such would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject disclosure. For example, the canopy may have two auxiliary sections on opposing sides of the main section. Of course, either or both auxiliary sections may be completely detachable. For another example, the main section of the canopy may be octagonal with a plurality of auxiliary sections that are various shapes such as triangular, trapezoidal and the like.
While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A canopy comprising:
- a frame assembly including a plurality of legs upstanding from a support surface and a roof assembly connected to the legs, the roof assembly having sides and a peaked front and back;
- a resilient tarp for covering the frame assembly, the resilient tarp having a main section for substantially defining a main area of protection, an auxiliary section for substantially defining an auxiliary area of protection and an overhang portion along the front and back; and
- a plurality of cords for attaching the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a plurality of positions including: i) a set up position wherein the main section substantially covers the main area, a portion of the main section extends out of the main area and the auxiliary section substantially covers the auxiliary area such that the overhang portion is snugly secured; and ii) a stored position position wherein the auxiliary section is stored, the main section substantially covers the main area such that the overhang portion is snugly secured, and the portion of the main section receives at least one of the plurality of cords to secure the resilient tarp to the frame assembly.
2. A canopy as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of positions further includes an enclosed position wherein the main section substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary section forms a wall for further protecting the main area.
3. A canopy as recited in claim 1, wherein each leg has an interlocking male and female portion wherein the male portion includes at least one protuberance that causes at least one of the male and female portion to deform upon interlocking.
4. A canopy as recited in claim 1, wherein the overhang portion of the tarp forms an edge sleeve for receiving at least one of the plurality of cords.
5. A canopy as recited in claim 1, wherein the tarp forms a valence parallel to the sides for preventing water from passing between the main section and the auxiliary area.
6. A canopy as recited in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary section of the tarp selectively sags to a point when water collects thereon, at the point of maximum sagging, the auxilary section deforms to release the water.
7. A canopy as recited in claim 6, wherein the tarp forms at least one stiffening ridge and is slightly slanted for creating areas of water flow.
8. A canopy for providing shelter on a support surface comprising:
- (a) a frame assembly having a plurality of legs for defining a main area of protection, at least one auxiliary leg for defining an auxiliary area of protection adjacent the main area of protection, the at least one auxiliary leg being capable of being easily and quickly removed; and a roof frame supported by the plurality of uprights; and
- (b) a resilient tarp assembly secured to the frame assembly having a clamp assembly, a main section for substantially covering the main area, and an auxiliary section adjacent the main section, wherein the auxiliary section is (i) extendable between the plurality of legs and the at least one auxiliary leg to substantially cover the auxilary area by using the clamp assembly for securing an additional cord to the at least one cord to selectively secure the tarp, (ii) extendable between the plurality of legs and the support surface to provide additional cover to the main area as at least a partial wall, and (iii) storable such that only the main section substantially covers the main area and the at least one auxiliary leg is removed.
9. A canopy as recited in claim 8, further comprising at least one cord with an earth anchor for securing the at least one auxilary leg to the support surface.
10. A canopy as recited in claim 8, further at least one cord for securing the resilient tarp to the frame assembly.
11. A canopy as recited in claim 10, wherein the clamp assembly includes opposing sides that are secured about the cords by fasteners.
12. A canopy as recited in claim 11, wherein each opposing side has at least one hollow for a cord.
13. A canopy as recited in claim 12, wherein the opposing sides form a pathway to allow the additional cord to exit the clamp.
14. A canopy as recited in claim 8, wherein each leg has an interlocking male and female portion wherein the male portion includes at least one protuberance that causes at least one of the male and female portion to deform upon interlocking.
15. A canopy comprising:
- a plurality of upright assemblies for defining a main area and an auxiliary area of protection, each upright having an interlocking male and female portion wherein the male portion includes at least one protuberance that causes at least one of the male and female portion to deform upon interlocking;
- a resilient tarp for covering the main area and the auxiliary area;
- a plurality of cords for attaching the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a plurality of positions including: i) a first position wherein the resilient tarp substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area is exposed; and ii) a second position wherein the resilient tarp substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area.
16. A canopy as recited in claim 15, further comprising at least one stiffening ridge formed in the resilient tarp.
17. A canopy as recited in claim 15, further comprising a valence formed in the resilient tarp and connected such that the valence is fully secured in the first position and able to raise and rest upon the auxiliary area in the second position.
18. An auxiliary section for atachment to a main canopy comprising:
- a tarp extendable between a plurality of legs of the main canopy and capable of substantially cover an auxilary area;
- at least one auxiliary leg for providing support to the tarp; and
- means for selectively attaching the tarp to the plurality of leg and the at least one auxiliary leg.
19. An auxiliary section as recited in claim 18, wherein the means is a plurality of elastic cords.
20. An auxiliary section as recited in claim 18, wherein the at least one auxiliary leg is two legs and the means is a plurality of hooks for coupling to the legs, first cords for coupling the tarp to the hooks and clamps for coupling second cords between the hooks and cords, each clamp having opposing portions that form respective hollows for receiving the first and second cords, the hollows including ridges to increase a holding retention therein.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 28, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 8, 2005
Applicant: OPAC, LLC (Stamford, CT)
Inventor: Brian Goldwitz (Orange, CT)
Application Number: 11/068,258