CANOPY STRUCTURE
A canopy structure can comprise a frame comprising a base portion and a top portion. The top portion can comprise a plurality of support members configured to facilitate transition of the top portion between an extended position and a collapsed position. The top portion can comprise a low-friction bearing coupled to a first support member and a second support member so that the first support member and second support member are rotatable relative to one another. The bearing can comprise PTFE.
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This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2013/024186, filed Jan. 31, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/594,626, filed Feb. 3, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND Field of the InventionThe inventions disclosed herein relates generally to canopy structures, including tent canopy structures, and collapsible support structures. The inventions disclosed herein also relate generally to collapsible chairs.
SUMMARYIn some embodiments, a canopy structure generally comprises a frame comprising a plurality of support members; and a top cover configured to cover the frame comprising a center mesh portion and a perimeter fabric portion. The center mesh portion can comprise a peak of the cover. The perimeter fabric portion can comprise a lower perimeter of the cover. The center mesh portion can comprise about 50 percent or more of a surface area of the cover. Alternatively, the center mesh portion can comprise about 80 percent or more of a surface area of the cover. The center mesh portion can be permeable to air but not to water.
In some embodiments, the canopy structure can further comprise a rain fly comprising a fabric not permeable to water, the rain fly configured to cover the center mesh portion. The canopy structure can further comprise a plurality of D rings configured to connect the rain fly to the canopy structure. The rain fly can be configured to be partially removable. Alternatively, the rain fly can be configured to be completely removable.
In some embodiments, a canopy structure generally comprises a plurality of vertical support members; a first plurality of horizontal support members, each of the first plurality of horizontal support members comprising a first and second end, wherein the first end of each of the first plurality of horizontal support members is configured to be supported by one of the plurality of vertical support members; a second plurality of horizontal support members, each of the second plurality of horizontal support members comprising a first and second end, wherein the first end of each of the second plurality of horizontal support members is configured to be supported by one of the plurality of vertical support members; and a plurality of connectors, one of the plurality of connectors between the second end of each of the first plurality of horizontal support members and the second end of each of the second plurality of horizontal support members; wherein each of the plurality of connectors can be configured in a first state in which one of the first plurality of horizontal support members and one of the second plurality of horizontal support members are joined in a substantially smooth and level line; and wherein each of the plurality of connectors can be configured in a second state in which one of the first plurality of horizontal support members and one of the second plurality of horizontal support members are rotatable with respect to each other. The canopy structure further can comprise drapes configured to be hung from the first and second plurality of horizontal support members. The drapes can be configured to slide smoothly from the first plurality of horizontal support members across one of the plurality of connectors to one of the second plurality of horizontal support members when the one of the plurality of connectors is in the first state.
In some embodiments, a canopy structure can comprise a plurality of vertical support members; a plurality of horizontal X-member supports, wherein each of the plurality of horizontal X-member supports can be configured in an unfolded state and a folded state; a cover configured to cover the plurality of vertical support members and plurality of horizontal X-member supports; and a first side vertical support bar supported by at least one of the plurality of horizontal X-member supports, wherein the first side vertical support bar is configured to support a first portion of the cover in a raised position. In some embodiments, the first side vertical support bar can be located in a center of a side of the canopy structure. The canopy structure can further comprise a second side vertical support bar supported by at least one of the plurality of horizontal X-member supports, wherein the second side vertical support bar is configured to support a second portion of the cover in a raised position.
In some embodiments, a canopy structure comprises a frame comprising a base portion and a top portion, the base portion comprising a first plurality of vertical frame support members, the top portion comprising a second plurality of frame support members, wherein each of the second plurality of frame support members comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portions of each of the second plurality of frame support members joined proximate to a peak of the frame; and a cover configured to cover the top portion of the frame comprising a center cover portion and one or more perimeter cover portions, wherein the center cover portion is configured to adjust between a first position configured to provide a first ventilation air flow and a second position configured to provide a second ventilation air flow, wherein the second ventilation air flow is greater than the first ventilation air flow. At least one of the one or more perimeter cover portions can be configured to adjust between a third position configured to provide a third ventilation air flow and a fourth position configured to provide a fourth ventilation air flow, wherein the fourth ventilation air flow is greater than the third ventilation air flow. Each of the one or more perimeter cover portions can be configured to adjust between a third position configured to provide a third ventilation air flow and a fourth position configured to provide a fourth ventilation air flow, wherein the fourth ventilation air flow is greater than the third ventilation air flow. The canopy structure can further comprise a plurality of cover support members configured to support the center cover portion in the second position. The center cover portion can comprise a fabric, wherein a tautness in the fabric supports the center cover portion in the second position. The canopy structure can further comprise a plurality of spring members configured to support the center cover portion in the second position. A bottom portion of the center cover portion can be configured to overlap with an upper portion of the one or more perimeter cover portions when the center cover portion is in the first position. The center cover portion can comprise an edge, wherein the edge of the center cover portion is configured to face in a substantially horizontal direction when the center cover portion is in the second position. The center cover portion can comprise an edge, wherein the edge of the center cover portion is configured to face in a downward-sloping direction when the center cover portion is in the second position. The center cover portion additionally can be configured to adjust to a third position configured to provide a third ventilation air flow, wherein the third ventilation air flow is greater than the second ventilation air flow. The center cover portion can comprise an edge, wherein the edge of the center cover portion is configured to face in a substantially horizontal direction when the center cover portion is in the third position, and the edge of the center cover portion is configured to face in a downward-sloping direction when the center cover portion is in the second position. The first plurality of vertical frame support members can be configured to be adjustable between a first height in an extended state and a second height in a collapsed state, wherein the second height is less than the first height. The canopy structure can further comprise a first plurality of cover support members configured to support the center cover portion in the second position and a second plurality of cover support members configured to support the at least one of the one or more perimeter cover portions in the fourth position. The canopy structure can further comprise a first plurality of cover support members configured to support the center cover portion in the second position and a second plurality of cover support members configured to support each of the one or more perimeter cover portions in the fourth position. At least one of the one or more perimeter cover portions can comprise a fabric, wherein a tautness in the fabric supports the at least one of the one or more perimeter cover portions in the fourth position. Each of the one or more perimeter cover portions can comprise a fabric, wherein a tautness in the fabric supports each of the one or more perimeter cover portions in the fourth position. The canopy structure can further comprise a plurality of spring members configured to support the at least one of the one or more perimeter cover portions in the fourth position. The canopy structure can further comprise a plurality of spring members configured to support each of the one or more perimeter cover portions in the fourth position.
In some embodiments, a collapsible chair generally comprises a plurality of legs configured to be adjustable between a folded state and an unfolded state; a fabric seat portion configured to form a substantially horizontal surface when the plurality of legs are configured in the unfolded position; a plurality of fabric stops configured to support the fabric seat portion, each of the plurality of fabric stops connected to each of the plurality of legs, wherein each of the plurality of fabric stops comprises a chamfered edge configured to distribute force to the fabric seat portion.
In some embodiments, a telescoping canopy leg generally comprises a lower telescoping leg portion having a first cross-sectional area, an upper end of the lower telescoping leg portion comprising a first pin; a middle telescoping leg portion comprising a first hollow interior region having a second cross-sectional area, a lower end of the middle telescoping leg portion comprising a first hole and an upper end of the middle telescoping leg portion comprising a second pin; and an upper telescoping leg portion comprising a second hollow interior region having a third cross-sectional area, a lower end of the upper telescoping leg portion comprising a second hole; wherein the first cross-sectional area is less than the second cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area is less than the third cross-sectional area, the lower telescoping leg portion configured to slide within the middle telescoping leg portion, the middle telescoping leg portion configured to slide within the upper telescoping leg portion, the first pin configured to fit within the first hole, the second pin configured to fit within the second hole; and wherein the telescoping canopy leg is configured to be adjustable between an extended state and a collapsed state, the extended state being in which the first pin is positioned within the first hole and the second pin is positioned within the second hole, and a collapsed state being in which the lower telescoping leg portion is telescoped within the middle telescoping leg portion and the middle telescoping leg portion is telescoped within the upper telescoping leg portion.
For the purpose of understanding particular embodiments, reference will be made to the drawings.
The bottom fabric portion 110 can comprise solid fabrics, including polyester and ballistic nylon, for example. The top mesh portion 120 can comprise any mesh materials and fabrics. For example, the top mesh portion 120 can comprise a mesh material that is permeable to air but not permeable to water. For example, the mesh can comprise nylon, polyester, and/or other super fine fiber material and include a relatively small pore size and a hydrophobic coating to achieve air permeability and water impermeability. In preferred embodiments, the top mesh portion 120 can comprise about 50% or more of the surface area of the canopy portion. In other embodiments, the top mesh portion 120 can comprise about 80% or more of the surface area of the canopy portion. In alternative embodiments, the top mesh portion 120 can comprise less than 50% of the surface area of the canopy portion.
Some canopy structures comprise canopy covers that are formed solely from solid fabrics. In such canopy structures, the top of the canopy cover can reach relatively high temperatures. For example, under certain weather conditions, the space near the top of the canopy cover can include a temperature gradient with a peak temperature of 135° F. By replacing a top portion of the canopy cover with a mesh portion, as illustrated by the canopy embodiments in
In some embodiments, the canopy cover additionally can include a rain fly (not illustrated). The rain fly can comprise a solid fabric portion that covers the top mesh portion 120. The rain fly can be tied down or otherwise affixed to the canopy structure 100 and/or canopy cover. For example, the rain fly can be connected using D-rings located at the corners of the canopy cover. The rain fly can provide a barrier that prevents rain, snow, and other elements from passing through the top mesh portion 120. Optionally, the rain fly can be partially or completely removed to expose some or all of the mesh portion 120.
Each of the first plurality of horizontal support members 210 can comprise a first and second end. Similarly, each of the second plurality of horizontal support members 218 can comprise a first and second end. The first end of each of the first plurality of horizontal support members 210 can be configured to be supported by one of the plurality of vertical support members 205. Similarly, the first end of each of the second plurality of horizontal support members 218 can be configured to be supported by one of the plurality of vertical support members 205.
The plurality of connectors 220 can be provided between the first plurality of horizontal support members 210 and the second plurality of horizontal support members 218. For example, one of the plurality of connectors 220 can be between the second end of each of the first plurality of horizontal support members 210 and the second end of each of the second plurality of horizontal support members 218. The first and second pluralities of horizontal support members 210 and 218 can comprise a structure that forms a perimeter of the canopy.
As illustrated in
The plurality of connectors 220 can also be configured in a second state for transportation and storage. In the second state, the plurality of connectors 220 is configured to allow the first plurality of horizontal support members 210 and the second plurality of horizontal support members 218 to rotate with respect to each other. For example, when the plurality of connectors 220 is in the second state, the first plurality of horizontal support members 210 and the second plurality of support members 218 can be folded to be approximately parallel and adjacent to each other. Accordingly, when the plurality of connectors 220 is in the second state, the canopy structure 200 can be collapsed for transportation and storage.
The canopy structure 200 can comprise several roof support members that support the canopy. As illustrated in
As shown in
The pivots used to connect X-members can comprise PTFE and/or Teflon bearings or bearings comprising other materials. For example, pivots 231 and 237 can comprise PTFE and/or Teflon bearings or bearings comprising other materials. By comprising PTFE and/or Teflon, the bearings can be tightened down while still allowing the X-members to slide with respect to each other. For example, if pivot 231 is comprised of a PTFE and/or Teflon bearing, the PTFE and/or Teflon bearing can be tightened down to securely connect the first roof member 230 and second roof member 232 while allowing the first roof member 230 and second roof member 232 to sufficiently slide with respect to each other so as to be rotatable. In other embodiments, pivots 231 and 237 can comprise non-PTFE or Teflon bearings.
In preferred embodiments, the canopy structure 200 can have four sides. Alternatively, the canopy structure 200 can have any other number of sides, including five sides to form a pentagon and eight sides to form an octagon. In addition, the canopy structure 200 can be configured as a gazebo.
In some embodiments, the side vertical support bar can be located in a center of sides of the canopy structure. In some embodiments, additional side vertical support bars can be supported by the plurality of horizontal X-member supports.
In some embodiments, one vertical support bar is provided for each side of the canopy structure and can be located approximately half way between vertical frame members. In other embodiments, two or more vertical support bars can be provided for each side of the canopy structure.
The base canopy portion 410, the first canopy vent 420, and the second canopy vent 430 can be supported by a plurality of canopy frame members. For example, canopy frame members 440 and 450, as well as two other canopy frame members, support the base canopy portion 410, the first canopy vent 420, and the second canopy vent 430. Canopy frame members 440 and 450 each can comprise a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portions of each of the canopy frame members 440 and 450 can be joined proximate to a peak of the canopy frame.
The canopy vents can be configured to be alterable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. In the closed position, the bottom surface of the canopy vents can be adjacent to the top surface of the nearest canopy portion below, whether another canopy vent or the base canopy portion. In the closed position, the canopy vents can block passage of wind similar to the performance of a unitary canopy top. In the closed position, the canopy vents can provide a reduced ventilation air flow.
In an open position, the canopy vents can be flipped up to provide ventilation to the canopy structure. For example, the canopy vents can comprise an edge configured to face in a substantially horizontal direction when the canopy vents are in an open position. In the open position, warm air underneath the canopy surfaces can rise relative to cooler surrounding air. When the canopy vents are in a closed position, the warm air remains underneath the canopy surfaces. When the canopy vents are in an open position, the warm air can escape out of the canopy structure. In the open position, the canopy vents can provide an increased ventilation air flow relative to the closed position.
In some embodiments, the canopy vents can be configured to be held open in other positions. For example, the canopy vents can be configured to be held open in a downward sloping position that prevents the canopy vents from holding water and reduces rain water from being carried into the canopy interior by wind. The downward-sloping position can provide a ventilation air flow between the closed position and the open position.
In some embodiments, the canopy vents can be opened and closed when the canopy structure is in a collapsed or partially-collapsed state. For example, one side of the canopy, comprising two supporting legs, can be lowered, and a user can open and close a canopy vent by hand. In other embodiments, the canopy structure can comprise a system of cables, levers, push-rods, or other mechanical means to allow a user to adjust the canopy vents between an opened and closed state when the canopy vents are out of reach when the canopy structure is fully assembled. For example, a push-rod can be used to push the canopy vents from a closed to an open state. In addition, the push rod can include a hook at one end that interfaces with a loop in the canopy vent to allow the user to pull the canopy vents from an open state to a closed state.
In some embodiments, the canopy vents can be pre-attached to the frame members. In other embodiments, a user can attach the canopy vents to the frame members when setting up the canopy.
In some embodiments the canopy vents can be permanently attached to the canopy frame members. In other embodiments, the canopy vents can be removable with respect to the canopy frame members.
Although the Figures illustrate embodiments that include a first canopy vent and a second canopy vent, any number of canopy vents may be provided. For example, in some embodiments the canopy structure can comprise a base canopy portion and one canopy vent. Alternatively, the canopy structure can comprise a base canopy portion and three or more canopy vents.
Canopy vents, as described with respect to
The pins 640 and 650 can support the telescoping leg portions in an extended position. For example, the pin 640 can support the middle telescoping leg portion 620 on the base telescoping leg portion 610. The pin 640 can be attached near the top of the base telescoping portion 610. The middle telescoping leg portion 620 can include a hole near its bottom end that is configured to receive the pin 640. When the bottom end of the middle telescoping leg portion 620 is slid over the location of pin 640, the pin 640 can spring into the hole near the bottom end of the middle telescoping portion 620, fixing its position and providing vertical support. Alternatively, a user can press the pin 640 in to allow the middle telescoping portion 620 to slide past the base telescoping portion 610.
Similarly, the pin 650 can support the top telescoping leg portion 630 on the middle telescoping leg portion 620. The pin 650 can be attached near the top of the middle telescoping portion 620. The top telescoping leg portion 630 can include a hole near its bottom end that is configured to receive the pin 650. When the bottom end of the top telescoping leg portion 630 is slid over the location of the pin 650, the pin 650 can sprint into the hole near the bottom end of the top telescoping portion 630, fixing its position and providing vertical support. Alternatively, a user can press the pin 650 in to allow the top telescoping portion 630 to slide past the middle telescoping portion 620.
If the pins 640 and 650 were the same size, it may be possible for the hole near the bottom of the top telescoping leg portion 630 to become attached to the pin 640 near the top of the base telescoping leg portion 610. Advantageously, the pin 640 may be a larger size than the pin 650. The smaller size of the pin 650 would not permit the hole near the bottom of the top telescoping leg portion 630 be able to inadvertently attach to the pin 640 near the top of the base telescoping portion 610. So, varying the sizes of the pins 640 and 650, and, in particular, making the size of pin 640 larger than the size of pin 650, can prevent the wrong telescoping leg portion from inadvertently being attached to the wrong pin.
The features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims.
Claims
1. A collapsible canopy structure comprising:
- a plurality of vertical support members;
- a top portion comprising a first plurality of support members and a second plurality of support members, the first plurality and second plurality of support members configured to facilitate transition of the top portion between an extended position and a collapsed position; and
- a low-friction bearing coupled to a first support member of the first plurality of support members and a second support member of the second plurality of support members so that the first support member and the second support member are rotatable relative to one another.
2. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 1, wherein the low-friction bearing is configured to allow the first support member and the second support member to be rotatable relative to one another even when the low-friction bearing is tightened.
3. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 2, wherein the low-friction bearing comprises PTFE.
4. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 1, further comprising:
- a first plurality of horizontal support members, a first horizontal support member of the first plurality of horizontal support members comprising a first and second end, the first end of the first horizontal support member coupled to a first vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members;
- a second plurality of horizontal support members, a second horizontal support member of the second plurality of horizontal support members comprising a first and second end, the first end of the second horizontal support member coupled to a second vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members; and
- a connector coupled to the second end of the first horizontal support member and the second end of the second horizontal support member.
5. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 4, wherein the low-friction bearing comprises PTFE.
6. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 4, wherein the connector is configured in a first state to couple the first horizontal support member to the second horizontal support member in a substantially level line.
7. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 4, wherein the connector is configured in a second state to allow the first horizontal support member to move relative to the second horizontal support member.
8. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 6, further comprising drapes hung from the first and second horizontal support members.
9. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 8, wherein the connector is further configured to allow the drapes to slide substantially smoothly without snagging from the first horizontal support member to the second horizontal support member when the connector is in the first state.
10. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 9, wherein the low-friction bearing comprises PTFE.
11. A collapsible canopy structure comprising:
- a plurality of vertical support members;
- a top portion comprising first, second, third, and fourth support members, each of the first, second, third, and fourth support members comprising first and second ends, the first end of the first support member coupled to a first vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members, the first end of the second support member coupled to the first vertical support member, each of the first, second, third, and fourth support members configured to facilitate transition of the top portion between an extended position and a collapsed position;
- a first low-friction bearing coupled to the first support member and the second support member so that the first and second support members are rotatable relative to one another;
- a second low-friction bearing coupled to the third support member and the fourth support member so that the third and fourth support members are rotatable relative to one another;
- a third low-friction bearing coupled to the second end of the first support member and the first end of the third support member;
- a fourth low-friction bearing coupled to the second end of the second support member and the first end of the fourth support member.
12. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 11, wherein the first low-friction bearing is configured to allow the first support member and the second support member to be rotatable relative to one another even when the first low-friction bearing is tightened, and second low-friction bearing is configured to allow the third support member and the fourth support member to be rotatable relative to one another even when the second low-friction bearing is tightened.
13. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 12, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth low-friction bearing each comprise PTFE.
14. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 11, further comprising:
- a first plurality of horizontal support members, a first horizontal support member of the first plurality of horizontal support members comprising a first and second end, the first end of the first horizontal support member coupled to the first vertical support member;
- a second plurality of horizontal support members, a second horizontal support member of the second plurality of horizontal support members comprising a first and second end, the first end of the second horizontal support member coupled to a second vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members; and
- a connector coupled to the second end of the first horizontal support member and the second end of the second horizontal support member.
15. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 14, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth low-friction bearing each comprise PTFE.
16. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 14, wherein the connector is configured in a first state to couple the first horizontal support member to the second horizontal support member in a substantially level line.
17. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 14, wherein the connector is configured in a second state to allow the first horizontal support member to move relative to the second horizontal support member.
18. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 16, further comprising drapes hung from the first and second horizontal support members.
19. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 18, wherein the connector is further configured to allow the drapes to slide substantially smoothly without snagging from the first horizontal support member to the second horizontal support member when the connector is in the first state.
20. The collapsible canopy structure of claim 19, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth low-friction bearing each comprise PTFE.
Type: Application
Filed: May 10, 2013
Publication Date: Sep 26, 2013
Applicant: Bravo Sports (Santa Fe Springs, CA)
Inventors: Jack Lovley (Lake Forest, CA), Mark Groenhuyzen (Huntington Beach, CA), Joe Klingl (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 13/892,132