GRILL CANOPY

Abstract

A canopy having a base, at least one support extending vertically from the base, an extender coupled to the at least one support and configurable between a retracted position and an extended position, a roof coupled to the extender, and at least one panel pivotally coupled to the roof, the at least one panel pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the extender extends away from base as the extender is configured from the retracted position to the extended position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to canopies for covering objects. Such canopies may, for example, be used by persons to cover outdoor grills.

BACKGROUND

Grills, such as barbecues, are commonly used and/or stored outside. It is generally desirable to store grills between uses in a manner that protects them from the elements. Further, during bouts of inclement weather, it is sometimes desirable to also protect grills and/or their users from the elements during use.

Grills are sometimes protected from the elements between uses through storage in houses, sheds or the like. Such solutions often require movement of the grill between storage and use (for example, by moving the grill from a shed to a suitable outdoor area).

Another solution for protecting grills between uses is the application of a covering, which may comprise fitted flame-retardant sheets designed specifically to fit over the grill in question. Such coverings must be removed and stored during use of the grill, may not be safely applied immediately use of the grill while the grill is still hot, and/or may be inconvenient to drape over the grill (for at least some types of grill).

Users of grills sometimes place grills under canopies to shield the user and/or the grill from the elements such as rain and sunlight. Such canopies may be, for example, permanent installations (such as in a person's backyard or in a public park), portable apparatus that may be assembled and disassembled at a user's discretion, or umbrellas set up to extend over the user and, in some cases, the grill. Such canopies can be difficult to set up, awkward to move (or immobile), and may cause smoke from the grill to collect around or above the user's head.

There is a general desire for apparatus which ameliorate at least some of the shortcomings of the above solutions in a flexible and convenient way.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a canopy is provided. The canopy comprises a base; at least one support extending vertically from the base; an extender coupled to the at least one support and configurable between a retracted position and an extended position; a roof coupled to the extender; and at least one panel pivotally coupled to the roof, the at least one panel pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position; wherein the extender extends away from base as the extender is configured from the retracted position to the extended position.

The at least one panel may comprise a front panel, two side panels and a back panel. The canopy may further comprise two side walls and a back wall, wherein when the extender is in the retracted position and the panels are in their closed positions, the side panels are continuous with the side walls to close off the sides of the canopy, and the back panel is continuous with the back wall to close of the back of the canopy.

According to another aspect, a canopy is provided. The canopy comprises a base; a pair of opposing supports extending vertically from the base; an extender coupled to each support, each extender configurable between a retracted position and an extended position; a roof coupled to the extenders; and a first pair of opposing panels pivotally coupled to second opposing sides of the roof, each of the panels pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position; wherein the extenders extend away from base as the extenders are configured from the retracted position to the extended position.

The canopy may comprise a second pair of opposing panels pivotally coupled to second opposing sides of the roof, each of the panels pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the panels may be substantially vertically oriented. In the open position the panels may be substantially horizontally oriented and define one or more user shelter spaces thereunder. When the extenders are configured in their retracted position and the panels are configured in their closed position, the panels may span a height from the base to the roof.

The first pair of opposing panels may comprise a front panel and a back panel, a second pair of opposing panels comprise two side panels, wherein the canopy further comprising two side walls and a back wall, wherein when the extenders are in the retracted position and the panels are in their closed positions, the side panels are continuous with the side walls to close off the sides of the canopy, and the back panel is continuous with the back wall to close of the back of the canopy. When the extenders are configured in their extended position and the panels are configured in their open position, the space beneath the panels may provide sufficient clearance to accommodate at least an adult of average height standing thereunder.

The roof may comprise a rectangular frame extending orthogonally from the extenders. The roof may be closed or open. The first and/or second pairs of opposing panels may be movable together between the open and closed positions. The at least of one of the panels may be independently movable between the open and closed positions. The canopy may comprise means for temporarily securing the panels in the closed position. The panels may be biased to move from the closed position to the open position. The extenders may be in sliding engagement with the supports. The canopy may comprise a crank in mechanical communication with the extenders; wherein in response to the crank being turned by a user, the extenders moves between the retracted and extended positions. The crank may be mounted on the support.

The canopy may comprise a slider slidably coupled to each of the extenders, wherein each slider is slidably movable between a lower position and an upper position; the slider is pivotably coupled to a support arm at a first end of the support arm; the support arm is pivotably connected to one of the panels at a second end of the support arm; in response to moving the slider from the lower position to the upper position, the panel moves from the closed position to the open position. The extenders may comprise a lower slider abutment and an upper slider abutment, wherein the slider abuts the lower abutment in the lower position and the slider abuts the upper slider abutment in the upper position. In response to a user applying upward force to the slider while the slider is in the upper position, the corresponding extender may move from the retracted position towards the extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an example canopy in a closed configuration.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an example canopy in an open configuration.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of an example canopy in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of an example canopy in the early stages of transitioning from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of an example canopy in the late stages of transitioning from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

FIG. 2D is an illustration of an example canopy in an open configuration.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of an example canopy in a closed configuration.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an example canopy in a configuration between its open configuration and its closed configuration.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of an example canopy in an open configuration.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of an example canopy of FIG. 3A seen from the side.

FIG. 4B is an illustration of an example canopy of FIG. 3B seen from the side.

FIG. 4C is an illustration of an example canopy of FIG. 3C seen from the side.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of the example canopy seen in FIG. 3A seen from the front.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of the example canopy seen in FIG. 3A seen from the above.

FIG. 5C is an illustration of the example canopy seen in FIG. 3C seen from the front.

FIG. 6A is an illustration of an example canopy in a closed configuration.

FIG. 6B is an illustration of the example canopy of FIG. 6A in the early stages of transitioning from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

FIG. 6C is an illustration of the example canopy of FIG. 6A in the late stages of transitioning from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the example canopy shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the example canopy shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7C is a side view of the example canopy shown in FIG. 6C.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

This disclosure relates to a canopy for a grill. The canopy opens and closes around a grill. The canopy has a roof attached to which are pivotable panels. When closed, the roof of the canopy is lowered and the panels pivot to point generally downwards adjacent to the grill, thereby sheltering the grill on at least some sides. When open, the roof of the canopy is raised and the panels pivot outwards so as to extend above a user while the user operates the grill.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show an example canopy 10. Canopy 10 comprises a base 12, support 14, extender 16, roof 18, and panels 20.

Base 12 supports other elements of canopy 10; in particular, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, base 12 rests on the ground and supports a support 14. Base 12 may, in some embodiments, lie directly on the ground. In other embodiments, base 12 is supported off the ground by feet, wheels, and/or other supporting members. In embodiments where base 12 is supported by moveable members, such as wheels, the moveable members are preferably lockable.

Base 12 may be configured to receive and/or support a grill. For example, base 12 may define an enclosed open area into which a grill can placed (e.g. in embodiments where base 12 is shaped as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, described in greater detail below) or define one or more openings leading to an open area into which a grill can placed (e.g. in embodiments where base 12 is shaped as depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C, described in greater detail below). Alternatively, or in addition, a grill may be placed on top of a suitably-configured base 12 (e.g. where base 12 is a platform.)

Base 12 may comprise one of a variety of shapes. For example, when seen from above, base 12 may appear as a rectangle, a circle, arc, parallel lines (e.g. as depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C, described in greater detail below), a constellation of points (for example, where base 12 comprises a plurality of feet) and/or other shapes suitable for supporting the other elements of canopy 10. Base 12 may comprise a perimeter of such a shape, and may thereby provide a space for the grill to stand on the ground while partially surrounded by base 12. Alternatively, or in addition, base 12 may comprise a solid shape (such as a circular disc or rectangular plank) upon which a grill may be situated.

Base 12 anchors a support 14. Support 14 extends upwardly from base 12. Support 14 may comprise vertical portions (as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B) and/or support 14 may comprise portions that extend at an upwards angle or even, at some points, horizontally or downwards. Support 14 may, for example, comprise a cylindrical, rectangular, or otherwise shaped body.

In some embodiments, canopy 10 may comprise a plurality of supports 14. For example, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, described in greater detail below, comprises two supports 14, each possessing the above-described characteristics of support 14. In alternative embodiments, canopy 10 may comprise a single support 14.

Each support 14 supports an extender 16. Extender 16 moves along at least a portion of support 14 so as to extend in an upwards direction and retract towards base 12. In its retracted configuration, extender 16 may, in some embodiments, extend no further in the upwards direction than does support 14. In other embodiments, at least a portion of extender 16 is positioned above support 14 even when extender 16 is retracted. In its extended configuration, extender 16 serves to support roof 18 above base 12 and support 14, and in particular supports roof 18 at a height above that which support 14 can reach independently.

In some embodiments, extender 16 fits around support 14; for example, extender 16 may comprise a cylinder with a diameter wider than that of a cylindrical support 14. Alternatively, or in addition, extender 16 may fit inside of support 14; for example, extender 16 may comprise a cylinder with a diameter less than that of a cylindrical support 14. In some embodiments, support 14 and extender 16 are adjacently coupled; for example, support 14 may comprise, on one side, an aperture that runs the length of at least a portion of support 14. In such an example, extender 16 may comprise one or more tabs or other protrusions that are received by the aperture in support 14 and enable extender 16 to slide up and down the length of support 14. In such an example, the aperture acts as a track for extender 16 to move along between the extended and retracted configurations.

In some embodiments, extender 16 can be locked into one or more positions. In particular, it may be advantageous for extender 16 to be capable of being locked into a fully-extended position. Extender 16 may optionally be locked in a fully-retracted position, although in some embodiments extender 16 may be adequately held in such a position by the force of gravity. Extender 16 may be locked in a position through the use of a locking mechanism, as is known in the art. For example, extender 16 may comprise a ratcheting mechanism which enables upward movement of extender 16 but inhibits downward movement until the ratchet is released. Alternatively, or in addition, pegs may be insertable into support 14 and/or extender 16 by a user, thereby preventing extender 16 from retracting until the pegs are removed.

In embodiments where canopy 10 comprises multiple supports 14 extenders 16 may be identical. In other embodiments, one or more extenders 16 may differ from one or more other extenders 16. For example, canopy 10 may have three supports 14 arranged along an arc, and the middle support 14 may be wide and vertically-oriented whereas the other two supports 14 may be relatively narrower and be positioned at angles extending away from the middle support 14.

Extender 16 supports a roof 18. Roof 18 is positioned generally above the space in which a grill may be positioned on, in, and/or around base 12. In some embodiments, roof 18 may comprise generally similar dimensions to base 12. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, roof 18 is smaller than base 12 in at least one dimension. In some embodiments, roof 18 may be generally flat, whereas in other embodiments roof 18 may be of other shapes such as domed or peaked. In some embodiments, roof 12 comprises a hollow frame (in this context, “hollow” indicates that the frame generally traces out a perimeter, circumference, and/or other boundary of a shape without comprising at least a portion of the interior of that shape; the term as used herein does not necessarily mean that roof 18 comprises hollow construction materials such as hollow tubes or the like). Alternatively, or in addition, roof 18 may comprise a solid shape without a gap in its interior area.

In some embodiments where roof 18 comprises a hollow frame, roof 18 may further comprise a covering (not shown) spanning the hollow frame to protect the grill below from the elements. In some such embodiments the covering may be retractable or removable, to allow the top of canopy 10 to be open when the grill below is in use, to allow the heat and smoke from the grill to escape canopy 10. In other such embodiments the covering may be permanently fixed in place.

Roof 18 supports a plurality of panels 20. In alternative embodiments, roof 18 may support a single panel 20. One or more sides of canopy 10 not enclosed by panels 20 may, for example, be left open and/or enclosed by one or more enclosures (not shown). Such enclosures may be supported by base 12. Such enclosures may for example span the height from base 12 to roof 18 when extenders 16 are in their retracted configuration.

Each panel 20 is pivotably attached at one end to roof 18. In ordinary use, panels 20 pivot between two positions: a closed position and an open position. In the closed position panels 20 hang down from their points of connection with roof 18. For example, panels 20 may hang in a vertical orientation, pointing straight down. In other embodiments, panels 20 may not assume a substantially vertical position in the closed position, but instead project out from the vertical to a reduced degree relative to the open position.

In the open position, panels 20 project out beyond the bounds of roof 18 and/or base 12 (as seen from above), thereby, in effect, extending roof 18 and sheltering persons and things beneath panels 20. Panels 20 may be configured in the open position while extenders 16 are in their extended position, thereby increasing the height of panels 20 and providing room underneath for at least an adult of average height to stand.

Panels 20 may comprise any of a variety of shapes and configurations; for example, panels 20 may comprise rigid rectangular frames across which sheets of fabric, plastic or like material are laid, thereby providing a barrier to rain and/or sunlight. Such sheets may be removable in some embodiments, for example to facilitate their cleaning or replacement. The sheets may in some embodiments be printed with promotional material such as logos of grill manufacturers, sports teams, and the like. The material may be water-resistant or waterproof. The material may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Panels 20 may comprise solid shapes (as described in the context of base 12 and roof 18), and may in addition, or in the alternative, comprise shapes such as semicircles, partial ovals, trapezoids, and/or other polygonal or irregular shapes. In some embodiments, panel 20 comprises a water-resistant and translucent material, thereby allowing some sunlight to pass through to the user while still sheltering the user from rain and/or other inclement weather.

In some embodiments, canopy 10 may comprise means for temporarily securing panels 20 in the closed position when the grill is not in use. For example, base 12 may include depressions that secure panels 20 in the closed position (e.g. in embodiments where base 12 is shaped as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D, described in greater detail below). Or, for example, adjoining sides of panels 20 may be removably fastened together by straps, hook and loop fasteners, snap buttons, or the like. Or, for example, the mechanism for pivoting panels 20 between open and closed positions may comprise means for locking panels 20 not only in the open position but also in the closed position, by known means.

In some example embodiments, panels 20 may be made to pivot between open and closed positions and extender 16 may be made to extend and/or retract through the use of a single mechanism. Examples of such mechanisms will be described in greater detail below.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show an example embodiment of a canopy 30. Canopy 30 comprises a base 12, supports 14, extenders 16, a roof 18, and panels 20.

Base 12, in the illustrative embodiment, comprises a rectangular frame with a rectangular space in which a grill G may be positioned. Grill G is not a part of canopy 30, and is included for illustrative purposes only. Base 12 further comprises abutments 38 against which panels 20 may rest while in the closed position. In the illustrative embodiment, abutments 38 comprise a semi-cylindrical recess; as depicted, the recess is positioned in such a way that, when panels 20 are inserted into abutments 38 from above, abutments 38 comprise a small lip in the direction facing horizontally outwards from base 12. Panels 20 are thereby, in the illustrated embodiment, inhibited from pivoting outwards (at least without the application of sufficient force by a user) while in the closed position and abutting abutments 38.

In the illustrated embodiment, each support 14 comprises a hollow body with a rectangular cross section. Each extender 16 comprises a body with a rectangular cross section that is smaller than that of supports 14 in both dimensions. Extender 16 may therefore be inserted into the body of support 14. In the illustrated embodiment, one of supports 14 comprises a crank 32. The crank, as depicted, is mounted on the exterior of support 14 and engages with extender 16 such that turning crank 32 in a direction (e.g. clockwise) causes extender 16 to extend. Extension of extender 16 causes roof 18 to rise, causing opposing extender 16 to extend as well.

Crank 32 may comprise a ratcheting mechanism, thereby preventing extender 16 from retracting until the ratcheting mechanism is disengaged. Canopy 30 may comprise, for example, a button to disengage the ratcheting mechanism; in other embodiments, turning the crank in another direction (e.g. counter-clockwise) may disengage the ratcheting mechanism and enable extender 16 to retract.

In the illustrated embodiment, roof 18 comprises a solid surface. Panels 20 comprise rectangular panel frames 34 which serve as a rigid boundary for panel sheets 36. In the illustrated embodiment, panel sheets 36 comprise apertures along at least a portion of the edges of panel sheets 36, exposing portions of panel frames 34. These apertures enable the user to insert a hand and grip a panel frame 34. The user may then pull panel 20, causing it to pivot from a closed position (shown in FIG. 2A) to an open position (shown in FIG. 2B, in respect of the rightmost panel 20). The pivot-inhibiting effect of abutment 38 may be overcome, in at least the illustrated embodiment, through the application by the user of sufficient force.

Panels 20 may be held in the open position through the use of a ratcheting mechanism, hydraulic piston, spring-loaded piston, friction-based lock, and/or through any other mechanism known in the art.

As depicted in FIG. 2B, lifting a panel 20 may expose crank 32. The user may then turn crank 32 and extend extenders 16 in the manner described above. Once extenders 16 are partially or wholly extended, the user may then easily pivot panels 20 into the open position through the use of manual force; alternatively, or in addition, panels 20 may automatically move to the open position after being raised out of abutment 38 (e.g. where panels 20 are biased to move into the open position via spring-loaded or hydraulic mechanisms). The process of opening canopy 30 is depicted in various stages in FIGS. 2A-2D.

As shown in FIG. 2A, canopy 30 encloses grill G while in the closed position, thereby serving as a grill cover when the grill is not in use. Canopy 30 may then be put in the open position, as shown in FIG. 2D, and provide to a user shade and/or shelter from the elements while grill G is in use.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show a canopy 50 according to another example embodiment. Canopy 50 comprises a base 12, supports 14, extenders 16, a roof 18, and panels 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, base 12 comprises two parallel feet from which supports 14 (visible in FIG. 3C) extend. Supports 14, in the illustrated embodiment, are insertable into extenders 16. A slider 52 fits around extender 16 and slides up and down the surface of extender 16.

Slider 52 connects to slider hinges 54; slider hinges 54 are connected to support arms 56. At the other end of support arms 56 are panel hinges 58. Panel hinges 58 are connected to panels 20.

Slider hinges 54 and panel hinges 58 allow support arms 56 to pivot relative to extender 16 and panels 20, respectively. Panel 20 comprises, in the illustrated embodiment, a frame connected to pivots 60 on roof 18. The positions of pivots 60 are fixed, as are the positions of panel hinges 58 relative to panels 20. Therefore, when slider 52 is moved in an upwards direction along the length of extender 16, support arms 56 are forced to pivot, thereby causing panels 20 to be moved outwards and pivot around pivot 60. This motion is illustrated as the transition between FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, extender 16 comprises pegs protruding from the surface from extender 16 and preventing slider 52 from sliding above or below certain points along the length of extender 16. In some embodiments, continued application of upward force on slider 52 once it has reached a peg impeding further progress relative to extender 16 causes extender 16 to extend; slider 52 thereby serves the function of a sort of handle by which a user can push extender 16 up. This process is illustrated in the transition from FIG. 3B to FIG. 3C. Slider 52 thereby provides a single mechanism by which panels 20 can be placed in the open position and extender 16 may be extended.

In the illustrative embodiment, roof 18 and panels 20 comprise rectangular frames. One or more panels 20 and/or roof 18 may be covered with fabrics, plastics, and/or other materials; alternatively, or in addition, roof 18 and/or panels 20 may comprise solid ships.

In the illustrated embodiment, canopy 50 comprises two panels 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, canopy 30 may comprise four panels 20. In general, a canopy 10, 30, or 50 may comprise any number of panels, including one, two, three, or four panels.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C correspond generally to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, respectively. FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C display canopy 50 as seen from the side in the various positions illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. Additionally, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C include measurements for an illustrative embodiment of canopy 50; such an embodiment, following the measurements displayed in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, has been found by the inventor to be of suitable size to shelter common grills 31 and users without being so bulky to make canopy unnecessarily unwieldy.

In the illustrated embodiment, extender 16 comprises a lower peg 60 and an upper peg 62. When canopy is in the closed configuration, slider 52 abuts lower peg 60, thereby preventing slider 52 from sliding any further down the length of extender 16. If extender 16 is extended, further downward force applied to slider 52 will cause extender 16 to retract.

Similarly, upper peg 62 inhibits upward movement of slider 52 relative to extender 16 beyond the position of upper peg 62. Continued upward force on slider 52 may, if extender 16 is not fully extended, cause extender 16 to extend.

FIG. 5A comprises a front-facing view of canopy 50 in the position illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4A. FIG. 5B shows a view of canopy 50 from above while in the position illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4A.

FIG. 5C shows a forward-facing view of canopy 50 in the position illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 4C.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C include additional measurements of an example canopy 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C; these measurements may be read together with those presented in in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C for a fuller understanding of that illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 6A to 6C and 7A to 7C illustrate a canopy 110 according to a further embodiment, in various stages of transition from a closed configuration (FIGS. 6A and 7A) to an open configuration (FIGS. 6C and 7C). Canopy 110 includes a base 112, support 114, extender 116, and roof 118, which are constructed and function similarly to base 12, support 14, extender 16, and roof 18 of canopy 10 described above. Canopy 110 also includes a front panel 120, side panels 122 and back panel 124, which are constructed and function similarly to panels 20 of canopy 10; however, side panels 122 and back panel 124, in the closed configuration, only extend part of the way down the height of canopy 10, as best shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A. The remaining height of canopy 10 is closed off by fixed side walls 132 and fixed back wall 134. Side walls 132 and/or back wall 134 are supported by base 112.

Side walls 132 and back wall 136 may be constructed of any rigid, water resistant, at least partially heat resistant, material. In some embodiments, side walls 132 and back wall 136 may be constructed of sheet metal or hard plastic.

In the illustrated embodiment, side walls 132 and back wall 136 are about the same height. The height of side walls 132 and back wall 136 may for example be about the height of the grilling surface of a typical grill (i.e., to allow heat from the grill to easily escape the canopy in the open configuration and not get trapped by the side walls/back wall). In other embodiments, side walls 132 and back wall 134 may be of different heights, and in such embodiments side panels 122 and back panel 124 would be of correspondingly different heights such that in the closed configuration the sides of canopy 110 would be closed off by a combination of the side panels/back panels and side walls/back walls. In yet other embodiments, side panels 122 and/or back panel 124 may extend downward beyond the top of side walls 132 and/or back wall 134 in the closed configuration (i.e., overlap the side walls and/or back walls). In yet other embodiments, side walls 132 may be absent and side panels 122 may extend downward to base 112 in the closed configuration. In yet other embodiments, back wall 134 may be absent and back panel 124 may extend downward to base 112 in the closed configuration

In the illustrated embodiment, side walls 132 are supported by base 112 and back wall 134 spans between side walls 122. In other embodiments, base 112 may run along the sides and back of canopy 110, in which case side walls 132 and back wall 134 may be directly supported by base 112. In other embodiments base 112 may only run along the back of canopy 110, in which case back wall 134 may be supported by base 112 and side walls 132 may be supported by and extend from back wall 134.

In the illustrated embodiment, extenders 116 are supported by and extend from side walls 122. In other embodiments, extenders 116 may be supported by and extend from side walls 122 and/or back wall 124. In yet other embodiments, extenders 116 may be supported by and extend from base 112.

In the illustrated embodiment, front panel 120, in addition to pivoting from a closed configuration to open configuration, slides inwardly through guide 128 in a direction parallel to roof 118. This inward slidability of front panel 120 allows canopy 110 to transition to the open configuration with reduced clearance in the area in front of canopy 110, and provides a more compact profile for canopy 110 in the open configuration.

In some embodiments, canopy 110 may include a floor 140. Floor 140 may span an interior space defined by base 112 to provide a surface over which grill G may be positioned. Floor 14 may for example be constructed of a sheet-like, rigid or semi-rigid material.

While a number of exemplary claims and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. For example, the modifications described for canopy 10 would apply equally to canopy 110. For example, canopy 110 may include only one support 112 and corresponding extender 114. Such a single support 112 may extend from and be supported by back wall 134 or from a back section of base 112.

This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the description, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A canopy comprising:

a base;

at least one support extending vertically from the base;

an extender coupled to the at least one support and configurable between a retracted position and an extended position;

a roof coupled to the extender; and

at least one panel pivotally coupled to the roof, the at least one panel pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position;

wherein the extender extends away from base as the extender is configured from the retracted position to the extended position.

2. A canopy according to claim 1, wherein the at least one panel comprises a front panel, two side panels and a back panel.

3. A canopy according to claim 2, further comprising two side walls and a back wall, wherein when the extender is in the retracted position and the panels are in their closed positions, the side panels are continuous with the side walls to close off the sides of the canopy, and the back panel is continuous with the back wall to close of the back of the canopy.

4. A canopy comprising:

a base;

a pair of opposing supports extending vertically from the base;

an extender coupled to each support, each extender configurable between a retracted position and an extended position;

a roof coupled to the extenders; and

a first pair of opposing panels pivotally coupled to second opposing sides of the roof, each of the panels pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position;

wherein the extenders extend away from base as the extenders are configured from the retracted position to the extended position.

5. A canopy according to claim 4 comprising a second pair of opposing panels pivotally coupled to second opposing sides of the roof, each of the panels pivotally movable between a closed position and an open position.

6. A canopy according to claim 5, wherein in the closed position the panels are substantially vertically oriented.

7. A canopy according to claim 6, wherein in the open position the panels are substantially horizontally oriented and define one or more user shelter spaces thereunder.

8. A canopy according to claim 7, wherein when the extenders are configured in their retracted position and the panels are configured in their closed position, the panels span a height from the base to the roof.

9. A canopy according to claim 7, wherein the first pair of opposing panels comprise a front panel and a back panel, a second pair of opposing panels comprise two side panels, wherein the canopy further comprising two side walls and a back wall, wherein when the extenders are in the retracted position and the panels are in their closed positions, the side panels are continuous with the side walls to close off the sides of the canopy, and the back panel is continuous with the back wall to close of the back of the canopy.

10. A canopy according to claim 9, wherein when the extenders are configured in their extended position and the panels are configured in their open position, the space beneath the panels provide sufficient clearance to accommodate at least an adult of average height standing thereunder.

11. A canopy according to claim 10, wherein the roof comprises a rectangular frame extending orthogonally from the extenders.

12. A canopy according to claim 11 wherein the roof is closed.

13. A canopy according to claim 11 wherein the roof is open.

14. A canopy according to claim 13 wherein the first and/or second pairs of opposing panels are movable together between the open and closed positions.

15. A canopy according to claim 13 wherein at least of one of the panels is independently movable between the open and closed positions.

16. A canopy according to claim 15 comprising means for temporarily securing the panels in the closed position.

17. A canopy according to claim 16 wherein the panels are biased to move from the closed position to the open position.

18. A canopy according to claim 17 wherein the extenders are in sliding engagement with the supports.

19. A canopy according to claim 18 comprising a crank in mechanical communication with the extenders; wherein in response to the crank being turned by a user, the extenders moves between the retracted and extended positions.

20. A canopy according to claim 19 wherein the crank is mounted on the support.

21. A canopy according to claim 4 comprising:

a slider slidably coupled to each of the extenders;

wherein:

each slider is slidably movable between a lower position and an upper position;

the slider is pivotably coupled to a support arm at a first end of the support arm;

the support arm is pivotably connected to one of the panels at a second end of the support arm;

in response to moving the slider from the lower position to the upper position, the panel moves from the closed position to the open position.

22. A canopy according to claim 21 wherein the extenders comprise a lower slider abutment and an upper slider abutment, wherein the slider abuts the lower abutment in the lower position and the slider abuts the upper slider abutment in the upper position.

23. A canopy according to claim 22 wherein, in response to a user applying upward force to the slider while the slider is in the upper position, the corresponding extender moves from the retracted position towards the extended position.