UNIVERSAL STOCK CANOPY

Abstract

A canopy assembly and method of assembly are disclosed herein. The canopy assembly comprises a canopy, a roll tube, and a flexible polyrod. The canopy fixedly encircles first and second polyrods at first location spaced between a distal end and a proximal end of the canopy and at a second location at the distal end of the canopy. The roll tube comprises first and second channels extending longitudinally across the roll tube. The first polyrod is housed within the first channel to maintain a position of the canopy section relative to the roll tube. The second polyrod is housed within a canopy rail to attach the canopy to a support structure. A flexible polyrod, non-fixedly and at least partially encircled by the canopy is housed within the second channel to maintain a position of a valance section of the canopy relative to the roll tube.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/414,982 filed Oct. 31, 2016 entitled UNIVERSAL STOCK CANOPY. The above-identified application from which priority is claimed is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a design and method of use of a canopy with a valance, and more specifically, a universal stock canopy with a press in valance polyrod.

BACKGROUND

An awning is a welcome addition to a house, recreational vehicle, or other dwelling. The awning typically provides increased enjoyment of an outdoor area surrounding the dwelling. The awning can cast a shaded area that creates an escape from direct sunlight, thereby providing a space in which an occupant of the dwelling may relax. The shaded area created by the awning contributes to the relaxation of the occupant in that there is a perceived decrease in temperature and thus, generally more comfort. The awning also advantageously protects occupants underneath from precipitation. Further, awnings, particularly awnings with valances, increase an attractiveness of the house, recreational vehicle, or dwelling to which it is attached.

Known awning structures generally consist of a base that is permanently affixed to the dwelling, and a canopy that is removably attached to the base, as well as a valance, coupled thereto. Conventional awning structures are discussed in detail further in U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,433 assigned to Carefree/Scott Fetzer Company. U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,433 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B is a conventional two-part canopy assembly 1a. The conventional two part canopy assembly 1a includes a canopy 3 and a valance 4 coupled to a roll tube 2. The canopy 6 is attached to the roll tube 2 via a first polyrod 3a that is housed within a first channel 2a on the roll tube 2 and the valance 4 is attached to the roll tube via a second first polyrod 4a that is housed within a second channel 2b.

The valance 4 is attached to the polyrod 4a by sewing, application of an adhesive, or combination thereof around the entire circumference of the polyrod. The canopy 3 is attached to the polyrod 4a by sewing, application of an adhesive, or combination thereof around the entire circumference of the polyrod. When assembled (e.g., the canopy 6 and the valance 4 are attached to the roll tube 2), the roll tube 2 comprises an exposed portion 5 that is unsightly.

Illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B is a conventional uni-body canopy assembly 1b. The conventional uni-body canopy assembly 1b includes a canopy 6 having a canopy section 6a, a valance section 6b, and a roll section 6c. The canopy 6 is attached to a canopy rail channel attached to the structure (not shown) via a second polyrod (not shown). The canopy rail channel is mounted on a dwelling or motor vehicle via a rail polyrod, which is laterally inserted into a channel of the canopy rail. The canopy 6 is attached to the roll tube 2 via a first polyrod 7a located between the canopy section 6a and the roll section 6c that is laterally inserted into the first channel 2a and a third polyrod 7b located between the valance section 6b and the roll section 6c that is laterally inserted into the second channel 2b. The addition of the third polyrod 7b, brings the total number of polyrods to be inserted into the first channel 2a, the second channel 2b, and the canopy rail, respectively, to three. Three polyrods are more difficult for an installer because the three polyrods are fixedly attached to the canopy, thus requiring simultaneous aligned movement to be inserted into the respective channels. Additionally, the static placement of the first polyrod 7a relative to the third polyrod 7b makes placement on different diameter roll tubes sub-optimal. For example, the third polyrod 7b may be too close to the first polyrod 7a making insertion into the second channel 2b difficult or impossible, or the third polyrod 7b may be too distant from the first polyrod 7a making the roll section 6c gapped or billowy, which is unsightly.

SUMMARY

One example embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a canopy assembly comprising a canopy, a roll bar, and a flexible polyrod. The canopy comprises a canopy section, a rod section, and a valance section, wherein the canopy section is between a first polyrod, coupled to the canopy at a location spaced between a distal end and a proximal end of the canopy, and a second polyrod, coupled to the distal end of the canopy. The rod section is separated from the canopy section by the first polyrod. The roll bar comprises first and second channels extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the roll bar. The first channel extends parallel to the second channel. The first polyrod, fixedly encircled by portions of the canopy section and the rod section, is housed within the first channel to maintain a position of the canopy section relative to the roll bar. The second polyrod, fixedly encircled by a portion of the canopy section, is housed within a canopy rail to attach the canopy to a support structure. The flexible polyrod, non-fixedly and at least partially encircled by portions of the rod section and the valance section, is housed within the second channel to maintain a position f the valance section and the rod section relative to the roll bar.

Another example embodiment of the present disclosure comprise a method of assembly of a canopy assembly kit. The method comprises providing a canopy coupled to a first polyrod. The first polyrod for laterally sliding into a first channel of a roll bar to secure the canopy relative to the first channel. The first channel extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the roll bar. A canopy section of the canopy is on a first side of the first polyrod and a rod section of the canopy is on a second side of the first polyrod. The method further comprises providing a flexible polyrod for aligning with a second channel with the roll section of the canopy between the flexible polyrod and the second channel, wherein the second channel extends parallel to the first channel from the first end to the second end of the roll bar and axially pressing the flexible polyrod and the roll section into the second channel. The flexible polyrod secures the canopy relative to the second channel to form a valance section of the canopy on a second side of the flexible polyrod, where the roll section is on a first side of the flexible polyrod.

In yet another example embodiment of the present disclosure a canopy assembly comprises a canopy comprising a canopy section, a rod section, and a valance section. Wherein the canopy section is between a first polyrod coupled to the canopy at a location spaced between a distal end and a proximal end of the canopy and a second polyrod coupled to the distal end of the canopy. Further, wherein the rod section is separated from the canopy section by the first polyrod. The canopy assembly additionally comprises a roll tube comprising first and second channels extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the roll tube. The first channel extending parallel to the second channel, wherein the first polyrod, fixedly encircled by portions of the canopy section and the rod section, is housed within the first channel to maintain a position of the canopy section relative to the roll tube. Additionally, wherein the second polyrod, fixedly encircled by a portion of the canopy section, is housed within a canopy rail to attach the canopy to a support structure. A flexible polyrod is non-fixedly and at least partially encircled by portions of the rod section and the valance section. The flexible polyrod is housed within the second channel to maintain a position of the valance section and the rod section relative to the roll tube. Wherein the flexible polyrod comprises a flexible diameter and the second channel comprises a channel opening width, wherein the flexible diameter is greater than the channel opening width, and wherein with the application of an axial force over a force threshold the flexible polyrod diameter compresses to comprise a diameter less than or equal to the channel opening width.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts unless described otherwise throughout the drawings and in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of a conventional two part canopy assembly;

FIG. 1B is a left side elevation view of FIG. 1A viewed along section lines 1A-1A;

FIG. 2A depicts a front perspective view of a conventional uni-body canopy assembly;

FIG. 2B is a left side elevation view of FIG. 2A viewed along section lines 2A-2A;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an awning assembly comprising a canopy assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a canopy assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a left side elevation view of a partially assembled canopy assembly taken along section lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B is a left side elevation view of a partially assembled canopy assembly taken along lines section 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5C is a left side elevation view of a partially assembled canopy assembly taken along section lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5D is a left side elevation view of an assembled canopy assembly taken along section lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a canopy in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method of assembly of a canopy assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

The apparatus and method 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates to a design and method of use of a canopy with a valance, and more specifically, a universal stock canopy with a press in valance polyrod.

In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 3, an awning assembly 30 is shown fully extended or unfurled. The primary components of the awning assembly 30, as shown in FIG. 3, are a canopy 16, a roll tube 12, a canopy rail 24, and arms 22. A left roller cap 32a and a right roller cap 32b provide a link between lateral ends of the roll tube 12 and distal ends of the arms 22. The awning assembly 30 is typically mounted on a sidewall of a motor home, house, or other structure. The canopy rail 24 is likewise configured for attachment to the sidewall of a motor home, house, or other structure. In one example embodiment, the canopy rail 24 extends the width of the canopy 16 or is longer (or possibly shorter). The canopy 16 is coupled to the canopy rail 24 via a second polyrod 23 inserted into a rail channel 25. A proximal end 35 of the canopy 16 encircles and is coupled to the second polyrod 23, such as by forming a second loop 23a around the second polyrod. In one example embodiment, the second polyrod 23 is fixedly attached to the proximal end 35 of the canopy 16 via fixed encirclement by the canopy, wherein, the canopy is fixedly attached via adhesive, and/or stitching.

In one example embodiment, the canopy 16 is connected to the roll tube 12 by a first polyrod 15. The first polyrod 15 is coupled to the canopy 16 with adhesive and/or stitching, such that the first polyrod is fixedly encircled by the canopy 16. In particular, the first polyrod 15 is encircled by a portion of a canopy section 16a and a rod portion 16c of the canopy 16, for example by forming a first loop 15a around the first polyrod. As best seen in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the first loop 15a is spaced from both the proximal end 35 and a distal end 37 of the canopy 16. The first polyrod 15 extends the width of the canopy 16 or longer (or possibly shorter). In an example embodiment, an outer surface 26a of the canopy section 16a of the canopy 16 is in contact with an outer surface 27 of the rod section 16c of the canopy when coupled to the first polyrod 15 (see FIG. 4). Wherein, the canopy section 16a is on a first side 31a of the first polyrod 15 and the rod section 16c is on a second side 31b of the first polyrod. The canopy 16 is partially supported by the two arms 22 mounted at two separate, respective locations on the canopy rail 24 and connected to respective lateral ends of the roll tube 12.

The first polyrod 15 is laterally inserted (e.g., inserted parallel to a lateral axis LA) into a first end 12d of a first channel 12a of the roll tube 12, the first channel 12a extends the width of the roll tube. In one example embodiment, the first polyrod 15 is inserted at a first end 11 of the roll tube 12 into the first channel 12a and slid along inside the first channel toward a second end 19 of the first channel with the attached canopy 16 protruding out a first channel opening 13a (see FIG. 5A). The second polyrod 23 is inserted into the rail channel 25 in a same or similar manner as the first polyrod 15 is inserted into the first channel 12a. It would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that though the first and second polyrods 15, 23 are illustrated as cylindrical, the first and second polyrods can have any other cross section that can fit into and be retained within the first channel 12a and rail channel 25, and allow the canopy 16 to be coupled to the roll tube 12.

In one example embodiment, the first channel 12a, a second channel 12b, and a third channel 12c are radially spaced from one another relative to a central axis of the roll tube 12 and extend from the first end 11 to the second end 19 of the roll tube. In the illustrated embodiment, the first, second, and third channels 12a-12c are parallel to the lateral axis LA. In an example embodiment of FIG. 4, the first, second, and third channels 12a-12e have a substantially same structure. The first, second, and third channels 12a-12c comprise a C-shaped notch in the roll tube 12 (see FIG. 5A), having channel opening widths 17, wherein the channel opening widths are less than a widest point of the C-shape. Stated another way, the channel opening widths 17 are less than the diametrical width of the channels 12a-12e. In one example embodiment, the first channel 12a, the second channel 12b, and the third channel 12c (see FIG. 4) are formed monolithically as a plastic extrusion, a molded plastic piece, or of an extruded, lightweight metal (e.g., aluminum). In one example embodiment, the rail channel 25 (see FIG. 3) has a same or substantially similar stricture as at least one of the first, second, and third channels 12a-12c.

As shown in the illustrated example embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, the awning assembly 30 when in the unfurled or extended position, the extension arms 22 extend outward from the wall or other mounting surface and the canopy 16 is fully extended, providing a valance section 16b of the canopy. The valance section 16b is part of, and continued from the canopy and is secured to the roll tube 12 via a flexible polyrod 18.

In one example embodiment, the flexible polyrod 18 is housed within the second channel 12b. The flexible polyrod 18 extends one of the width of the canopy 16 or longer (or possibly shorter). In the illustrated example embodiment of FIG. 4, the valance section 16b is on a second side 33b of the flexible polyrod 18, wherein the rod section 16c is on a first side 33a of the flexible polyrod. During installation, the flexible polyrod 18 is non-fixedly and at least partially encircled by the canopy 16, and particularly by portions of the rod section 16c and the valance section 16b. In another example embodiment, the outer surface 27 of the rod section 16c is not in contact with an outer surface 29 of the valance section lab when the canopy 16 is unfurled (see FIG. 5D), forming a gap G therebetween. In yet another example embodiment, the flexible polyrod 18 is semi-fixedly encircled by portions of the rod section 16c and the valance section 16b, wherein the portions of the rod section 16c and the valance section 16b are in contact merely from interactions between the second channel 12b and the flexible polyrod.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, a method of assembly of the canopy assembly 30 is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the canopy 16 coupled to the first and second polyrods 15, 23, as described above and is secured to the first channel 12a and the canopy rail 24, respectively. The flexible polyrod 18 comprises a flexible diameter 18a and the second channel 12a comprises the channel opening width 17. In one example embodiment, the flexible diameter 18a is elastic and is greater than the second channel 12b opening width 17, deforming only to allow full insertion of the polyrod 18 into the second channel. In another example embodiment, the flexible polyrod 18 comprises an initial substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the initial shape of the flexible polyrod is maintained absent application to the flexible polyrod of a force over a force threshold. Absent the force over the force threshold being applied to the flexible polyrod 18, the flexible polyrod since it is elastic, reverts to or maintains the initial shape. Though the flexible polyrod 18 is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, it would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that though the flexible polyrod is illustrated as cylindrical, the flexible polyrod can have any other cross section that can fit into and be retained within the second channel 12b. The flexible polyrod's geometrical shape being such to allow the canopy 16 to be coupled and/or secured by press fitting the rod and surrounding canopy into the roll tube 12 second channel 12b.

The flexible polyrod 18 is laterally aligned with the second channel 12b with the roll section 16c of the canopy 16 between the flexible polyrod and the second channel (see FIG. 5A). The flexible polyrod 18 and thus the roll section 16c are axially pressed into the second channel 12b to secure the canopy 16 to the roll tube 12 (see FIGS. 5B and 5C). In the example illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, the flexible polyrod 18 is axially pressed into the second channel 12b starting at the first end 11 of the roll tube 12 and progressively pressed into the second channel moving in a lateral direction toward the second end 19 of the roll tube and a second end 12e of the second channel until the flexible polyrod and the canopy 16 are housed within the second channel. In another example embodiment, the flexible polyrod 18 is pressed into the second channel 12b using a tool 20. The flexible polyrod 18 at least partially temporarily deforms to fit through the second channel opening, such that a deformed diameter of the flexible polyrod is less than or equal to the channel opening width 17. In another example embodiment, the channel opening width 17 expands elastically to allow the passage of the flexible polyrod 18 before closing. In one example embodiment, the second channel 12b comprises a spring or hydraulic mechanism to increase and decrease the channel opening width 17. In another example embodiment, the second channel 12b is comprised of an elastic and resilient material that absent application of a force, returns to an initial position e.g., the original channel opening width 17.

After insertion into the second channel 12a, the flexible polyrod 18 expands to its initial shape, thus frictionally coupling the canopy 16 to the roll tube 12 to form the valance section 16b (see FIG. 5D). Wherein, the valance section 16b of the canopy 16 is on a second side 33b of the flexible polyrod when assembled. After insertion of the flexible polyrod 18, the roll section 16c conforms to the roll tube 12 and is on a first side 33a of the flexible polyrod. The roll section 16c rests and/or conforms to the roll tube 12 regardless of a distance between the first and second channels 12a, 12b, thus, advantageously, the canopy 16 is kept taught about the perimeter of the roll tube 12.

In one example embodiment, an outer surface 27 of the rod section 16c is not in contact with an outer surface 29 of the valance section 16a when the canopy is unfurled. In this example embodiment, a portion 19 of the flexible polyrod 18 is exposed while the flexible polyrod is housed within the second channel 12b and supports the canopy 16. In an alternative example embodiment, when the rod 18 is installed within the channel 12b, the rod is completely covered by the overlap of the rod section 16c and valance section 16b of the canopy 16, eliminating any gap G.

Turning to FIG. 7, a method 200 of assembly of a canopy assembly kit comprising the canopy assembly 10 is illustrated. At 202, the method 200 starts. At 204, the canopy 16 is provided. The canopy 16 is coupled to the first and second polyrods 15, 23, as described above. The first polyrod 15 is configured to be laterally slid into the first channel 12a of the roll tube 12. At 206, the flexible polyrod 18 is provided for insertion into the second channel 12b. The flexible polyrod 18 is aligned with the second channel 12b parallel to the lateral axis, with the canopy 16 between the flexible polyrod and roll tube 12, and is axially pressed into the second channel 12b. At 208, the method 200 ends.

The addition of the flexible polyrod 18 increases the ease of installation of a new canopy, as merely two polyrods have to be slid into channels, rather than three. The canopy 16 is more aesthetically pleasing, as compared to a two-piece canopy (see 1A-1B) as the roll tube 12 lacks the exposed portion 5. Further, because the flexible polyrod 18 is not coupled to the canopy 16, the canopy can be installed on various roll tubes having different diameters and spacing between channels. Whereas, the addition of the third polyrod 7b coupled to the canopy 3 (see FIGS. 2A-2B) can result in insertion of the third polyrod being difficult or impossible (e.g., when the polyrods are too close together), or the roll section 6c being gapped or billowy (e.g., when the polyrods are too far apart), which is unsightly.

Although various embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within for example 10%, in another possible embodiment within 5%, in another possible embodiment within 1%, and in another possible embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected or in contact either temporarily or permanently, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

To the extent that the materials for any of the foregoing embodiments or components thereof are not specified, it is to be appreciated that suitable materials would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art for the intended purposes.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A canopy assembly comprising:

a canopy comprising a canopy section, a rod section, and a valance section, wherein the canopy section extends between a first polyrod coupled to the canopy at a location spaced between a distal end and a proximal end of the canopy and a second polyrod coupled to the distal end of the canopy, and wherein the rod section is separated from the canopy section by the first polyrod;

a roll tube comprising first and second channels extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the roll tube, the first channel extending parallel to the second channel, wherein the first polyrod is fixedly encircled by portions of the canopy section and the rod section to be housed within the first channel to maintain a position of the canopy section relative to the roll tube, and further wherein the second polyrod, fixedly encircled by a portion of the canopy section, is housed within a canopy rail to attach the canopy to a support structure during installation; and

a flexible polyrod, non-fixedly and at least partially encircled by portions of the rod section and the valance section to be housed within the second channel to maintain a position of the valance section and the rod section relative to the roll tube.

2. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible polyrod comprises a flexible diameter and the second channel comprises a channel opening width, wherein the flexible diameter is greater than the second channel opening width, and wherein with the application of a force over a force threshold the flexible polyrod diameter compresses to comprise a diameter less than or equal to the second channel opening width.

3. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible polyrod comprises an initial substantially cylindrical shape, and where absent a force over a force threshold the flexible polyrod maintains or reverts to the initial substantially cylindrical shape.

4. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the combination of the canopy surrounding the flexible polyrod and the flexible polyrod collectively have a diameter that is greater than the second channel opening width.

5. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the rod section is spaced from an outer surface of the valance section by the flexible polyrod when the canopy is unfurled.

6. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second polyrods comprise a substantially cylindrical shape and are substantially rigid.

7. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible polyrod separates the valance section from the rod section.

8. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of an outer surface of the flexible polyrod is exposed when the canopy is unfurled.

9. The canopy assembly of claim 1, wherein the rod portion is flush with the canopy rail when the canopy is at least one of extended, retracted, and being extended and retracted.

10. A method of assembly of a canopy assembly kit comprising:

providing a canopy coupled to a first polyrod, the first polyrod for laterally sliding into a first channel of a roll tube to secure the canopy relative to the first channel, the first channel extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the roll tube, and wherein a canopy section of the canopy is on a first side of the first polyrod and a rod section of the canopy is on a second side of the first polyrod; and

providing a flexible polyrod for: aligning with a second channel with the roll section of the canopy between the flexible polyrod and the second channel, the second channel extending parallel to the first channel from the first end to the second end of the roll tube; and axially pressing the flexible polyrod and the roll section into the second channel to secure the canopy relative to the second channel and to form a valance section of the canopy on a second side of the flexible polyrod, where the roil section is on a first side of the flexible polyrod.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein providing the canopy comprises providing the canopy coupled to a second polyrod at a distal end of the canopy section, wherein a proximal end of the canopy section is coupled to the first polyrod.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the providing a flexible polyrod comprises providing a polyrod having a substantially cylindrical shape and where absent a force over a force threshold the flexible polyrod maintains or reverts to the substantially cylindrical shape.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the providing a flexible polyrod comprises providing a polyrod comprising a flexible diameter greater than a channel opening width of the second channel, and wherein with the application of an axial force over a force threshold the flexible polyrod diameter compresses to comprise a diameter less than or equal to the channel opening width.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein responsive to the axially pressing the flexible polyrod and the roll section into the second channel, an outer surface of the rod section is spaced from an outer surface of the valance section by the flexible polyrod.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein responsive to the axially pressing the flexible polyrod and the roll section into the second channel, a portion of an outer surface of the flexible polyrod is exposed when the canopy is unfurled responsive to the flexible polyrod being axially pressed into the flexible polyrod.

16. A canopy assembly comprising:

a canopy comprising a canopy section, a rod section, and a valance section, wherein the canopy section extends between a first polyrod coupled to the canopy at a location spaced between a distal end and a proximal end of the canopy and a second polyrod coupled to the distal end of the canopy, and wherein the rod section is separated from the canopy section by the first polyrod;

a roll tube comprising first and second channels extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the roll tube, the first channel extending parallel to the second channel, wherein the first polyrod is fixedly encircled by portions of the canopy section and the rod section to be housed within the first channel to maintain a position of the canopy section relative to the roll tube, and further wherein the second polyrod is fixedly encircled by a portion of the canopy section to be housed within a canopy rail to attach the canopy to a support structure during installation; and

a flexible polyrod and at least partially encircled by portions of the rod section and the valance section to be removably housed within the second channel to maintain a position of the valance section and the rod section relative to the roll tube, wherein the flexible polyrod comprises a flexible diameter and the second channel comprises a channel opening width, further wherein the flexible diameter is greater than the channel opening width, and whereby responsive to the application of an axial force over a force threshold, the flexible polyrod diameter compresses to comprise a diameter less than or equal to the channel opening width.

17. The canopy assembly of claim 16, wherein the flexible polyrod comprises an initial substantially cylindrical shape, and where absent the axial force over the force threshold the flexible polyrod maintains or reverts to the initial substantially cylindrical shape.

18. The canopy assembly of claim 16, wherein an outer surface of the rod section is spaced from an outer surface of the valance section by the flexible polyrod when the canopy is unfurled.

19. The canopy assembly of claim 16, wherein a portion of an outer surface of the flexible polyrod is exposed when the canopy is unfurled.

20. The canopy assembly of claim 16, wherein the rod portion is flush with the canopy rail when the canopy is at least one of extended, retracted and being extended and retracted.