ROOFTOP CANOPY SYSTEM

A canopy support for coupling a tarp to a roof at a desired tarp position spaced from the roof can include a base configured for secured attachment to the roof; and an elongate post comprising a proximal end configured for attachment to the tarp, and an opposed distal end rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis, and wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about and between a lowered post position and a raised post position.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a canopy support system for coupling a tarp to a roof at a desired tarp position. More specifically, this disclosures relates to a canopy support and a canopy support system for use on roofs having any pitch and that can tension a tarp between the canopy supports to a desired tarp position.

BACKGROUND

Because roofs are exposed to environmental elements, roof work such as roof installation, roof repair, and the like can at times be difficult. For example, installing or replacing a roof can be dangerous to roof workers on a rainy day because the pitch of the wet roof can cause workers to slip and fall. In another example, exposed roofs as well as the air directly above the roof can become extremely hot, requiring roof workers to require frequent breaks to cool off during roof installation and repair. In yet another example, in cold environments, frost can develop on roofs such that workers cannot work on the roof until the roof has warmed up. Therefore, during hot, wet, cold, and/or other undesirable roof environmental conditions, roof work can be very slow and/or dangerous. A tarp or other covering spaced from the roof can keep the roof dry and prevent direct sunlight from heating the roof.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

Disclosed is a canopy support for coupling a tarp to a roof at a desired tarp position spaced from the roof, the canopy support comprising a base configured for secured attachment to the roof; and an elongate post comprising a proximal end configured for attachment to the tarp, and an opposed distal end rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis, and wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about and between a lowered post position and a raised post position.

Also disclosed is a canopy support system for covering at least a portion of a roof with a canopy spaced from the roof, the canopy support system comprising a plurality of canopy supports, wherein each canopy support comprises a base configured for secured attachment to the roof; and an elongate post comprising a proximal end configured for attachment to the tarp and an opposed distal end rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis, and wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about and between a lowered post position and a raised post position; and a tarp coupled to the proximal end of each canopy support of the plurality of canopy supports.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a canopy support in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure comprising a base, a post rotatably coupled to the base, and a handle inserted into the post.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a distal end of the post of FIG. 1, showing a rotational notch of the post.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a proximal end of the post of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the canopy support of FIG. 1 with the handle removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the canopy support of FIG. 1, showing a tarp coupled to a proximal end of the post with the handle.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of canopy supports of FIG. 1 positioned on a roof, with a tarp coupled to the posts in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 in a disassembled position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 in a disassembled position in which a base arm of the base is releasably secured to a base plate of the base.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a canopy support in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure comprising a base, a post rotatably coupled to the base, and a compression strut configured to rotate the post.

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the canopy support of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the compression strut of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a plurality of canopy supports of FIG. 11 positioned on a roof, with a tarp coupled to the posts in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of a canopy support in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure comprising a base, a telescoping post rotatably coupled to the base and a bowed arm coupled to the post in a first arm position.

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the canopy support of FIG. 15 showing the bowed arm in a second arm position.

FIG. 17 is an elevational view of the bowed arm of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the canopy support of FIG. 15 positioned on a roof, with a tarp coupled to the post in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a canopy support in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure comprising a hinged base, a post coupled to the base, and a bowed arm coupled to the post in which a base arm of the hinged base is in a first position.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the canopy support of FIG. 19 in which the base arm of the hinged base is in a second position.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the canopy support of FIG. 19 in which the base arm of the hinged base is in a third position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 11 in which the compression strut is securedly coupled to the base.

FIG. 23 is a top elevational view of a front surface of a tarp of a canopy support system in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a bottom surface of the tarp of FIG. 23 showing a plurality of gutters coupled to the tarp.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the tarp and gutter of FIG. 24.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed is a rooftop canopy support system and associated methods, devices, and various apparatus. The rooftop canopy support system can be a portable device used on roofs having any pitch and that is easy to assemble, tension, and relocate. The rooftop canopy support system comprises a tarp and a plurality of rooftop canopy supports. In use, the plurality of rooftop canopy supports can be securedly attached to a roof, and the tarp can be stretched or extended between the plurality of supports to form a canopy over the roof. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed rooftop canopy support system is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a rooftop canopy support 100 comprising a base 102 and a post 104 coupled to the base 102, according to one aspect. In another aspect, the post 104 can be adjustably, rotatably coupled to the base 102 so that an angle formed between a longitudinal axis LP of the post 104 and a longitudinal axis LB of the base 102 can be selected by a user.

In one aspect, the base 102 comprises at least one base arm 106 configured for secured attachment to a roof and a base plate 108 coupled to the base arm 106. The base arm 106 can be an elongate arm positioned along the longitudinal axis LB of the base 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the base arm 106 comprises a roof engaging surface 110 and an opposed upper surface 112 that is spaced from the roof engaging surface 110 by a base arm thickness T1. The base arm 106 further comprises a pair of sidewalls 114 extending between the roof engaging surface 110 and the upper surface 112 of the base arm 106. The pair of sidewalls 114 can be spaced from each other by a base arm width W1.

As seen in FIG. 2, the at least one base arm 106 comprises a plurality of base arms 106 coupled together. In one aspect, the at least one base arm 106 can comprise a first base arm 106a and a second base arm 106b. In this aspect, the base arms 106 can be coupled together such that a longitudinal axis LB1 of the first base arm 106a is substantially normal to a longitudinal axis LB2 of the second base arm 106b. Alternatively, in other aspects, the base arms 106 can be coupled together such that the longitudinal axis LB1 of the first base arm 106a is at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis LB2 of the second base arm 106b.

At least one bore 116 can be defined in the at least one base arm 106 so that a fastener, such as a nail, screw, bolt and the like can be inserted through the base arm 106. For example, at least one bore 116 can be defined in the roof engaging surface 110 and the upper surface 112 of the base arm 106 so that a fastener can extend from the upper surface 112 and through the roof engaging surface 110 to the roof. In another example, at least one bore 116 can be defined in a sidewall 114 and the roof engaging surface 110 so that a fastener can extend from the sidewall 114 and through the roof engaging surface 110 to the roof. In other examples, at least one bore 116 can be defined in a base edge 118 formed between the roof engaging surface 110 and the sidewall 114 so that a fastener can extend from the base edge 118 and through the roof engaging surface 110 to the roof. As shown, a plurality of the bores 116 can be defined to provide multiple options for fastening into the roof at different angles, allowing the installer to tie directly downward into rafters in the roof or into plywood boards at multiple angles to securely fasten the base 102 to the roof.

In one aspect, the at least one bore 116 defined in the base arm 106 can be substantially circular in cross-sectional shape. Optionally, the at least one bore 116 can have other cross-sectional shapes, such as oval, slotted, tapered and the like. If the at least one bore 116 comprises a plurality of bores 116, a first bore of the plurality of bores 116 can have the same or a different cross-sectional shape than a second bore of the plurality of bores 116. For example, the first bore can have a circular cross-sectional shape and the second bore can have a slotted cross-sectional shape.

The base plate 108 can be coupled to and extend away from the upper surface 112 of the at least one base arm 106. In one aspect, the base plate 108 comprises a first edge 120 coupled to the upper surface 112 of the base arm 106 and a second edge 122 extending away from and/or spaced from the first edge 120. For example, at least a portion of the second edge 122 can be spaced from the first edge 120 a predetermined distance. In one aspect, the first edge 120 can be coupled to the base arm 106 such that the base plate 108 extends away from the base arm 106 substantially normal to a longitudinal axis LB of the base arm 106. Alternatively, in other aspects, the first edge 120 can be coupled to the base arm 106 such that the base plate 108 extends away from the base arm 106 at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis LB of the base arm 106. In another aspect, at least a portion of the second edge 122 can be arcuate in shape, such that, in use and as described more fully below, at least a portion of the post 104 can rotate relative to the base plate 108.

A plurality of pinning apertures 124 can be defined in the base plate 108 such that the pinning apertures 124 extend from a first plate surface 126 of the base plate 108 to a second, opposed plate surface 128. In one aspect, the plurality of pinning apertures 124 can be positioned adjacent to the second edge 122 of the base plate 108. Optionally, in other aspects, the plurality of pinning apertures 124 can be spaced from the second edge 122 a predetermined distance. In use, a pinning element 125, such as a rod, pin, and the like, including a handle 156 such as the handle 156 shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted through a portion of the post 104 and a pinning aperture 124 to secure the post 104 to the base plate 108 at a desired position.

Each pinning aperture 124 defined in the base plate 108 can be substantially circular in cross-sectional shape. Optionally, in other aspects, at least one pinning aperture 124 of the plurality of pinning apertures 124 can have another cross-sectional shapes, such as oval, slotted, tapered, capsule-shaped, and the like. For example, a first pinning aperture 124 of the plurality of pinning apertures 124 can have the same or a different cross-sectional shape than a second pinning aperture 124. In another example, at least one pinning aperture 124 of the plurality of pinning apertures 124 can be a slotted pinning aperture 124. In use, as described more fully below, the slotted pinning aperture 124 can allow the post 104 (while pinned in place by the pinning element 125) to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the base plate 108 a predetermined amount. For example, the slotted pinning aperture 124 can allow the post 104 to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the base plate 108 about 1 degree, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees.

In still another aspect, a rotation aperture (not shown) can be defined in a portion of the base plate 108, the rotation aperture extending from the first plate surface 126 to the second plate surface 128. In this aspect, a rotation element 129, such as a rod, an axle, and the like can be inserted through a portion of the post 104 and the rotation aperture to rotatably secure the post 104 to the base plate 108.

With reference to FIG. 9, optionally, the first base arm 106a can be selectively, releasably secured to the second base arm 106b. In one aspect, at least a portion of the first base arm 106a can slide or be inserted through a duct 107 defined in the second base arm 106b to form an assembled base 102. That is, the first base arm 106a can slide through the duct 107 until a proximal end 109 of the first base arm 106a is a predetermined distance from the second base arm 106b. With the proximal end 109 of the first base arm 106a in the predetermined position, in one aspect, a fastener such as a bolt, screw, pin and the like can be inserted through a portion of the first base arm 106a and the second base arm 106b to couple the base arms 106 together in the assembled position. Optionally, with the first base arm 106a inserted through the duct 107 of the second base arm 106b, the base arms 106 can be coupled to the roof to secure the first base arm 106a to the second base arm 106b in the assembled position.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in one aspect, the first base arm 106a can be coupled to the second base arm 106b without being inserted through the duct 107. In this aspect, the base arms can be coupled together with the longitudinal axis LB1 of the first base arm 106a substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LB2 of the second base arm 106b, which can make the base 102 easier to transport or to ship. That is, in a disassembled position, the first base arm 106a can be removed from the duct 107. Optionally, in the disassembled position, at least a portion of the first base arm 106a can overlie the second base arm 106b. In one aspect, in the disassembled position, the first base arm 106a can be secureably, releasably coupled to the second base arm 106b and/or the base plate 108.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the post 104 can be an elongate post 104 having a distal end 130 and an opposed proximal end 132. In use, the distal end 130 of the post 104 can be rotatably coupled to the base plate 108, and the proximal end 132 of the post can be configured to releasably couple the post 104 to a portion of a tarp 158 (illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8). According to one aspect, a plurality of holes 136 can be defined in the post. For example, a rotation hole 138 having a rotation axis AR can be defined in the distal end 130 of the post 104, the rotation hole 138 extending from a first post surface 140 to a second, opposed post surface 142. In another example, at least one pinning hole 144 having a pin axis AP can be spaced from the rotation hole 138 a predetermined hole distance, the pinning hole 144 extending from the first post surface 140 to the second post surface 142. In one aspect, the predetermined hole distance can be selected to correspond to a distance from a pinning aperture 124 of the base plate 108 to the rotation aperture of the base plate 108.

In another aspect, and as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the at least one pinning hole 144 can comprise a plurality of pinning holes 144, with each pinning hole 144 spaced from the rotation hole 138 a predetermined hole distance. For example, a first pinning hole 144a can be spaced from the rotation hole 138 a first predetermined distance, a second pinning hole 144b can be spaced from the rotation hole 138 a second predetermined distance, and a third pinning hole 144c can be spaced from the rotation hole 138 a third predetermined distance. While four pinning holes 144 are shown in the figures, it is contemplated that any number of pinning holes 144 can be defined in the post 104. In a further aspect, the predetermined hole distance from a pinning hole 144 to the rotation hole 138 can be selected to correspond to a range of motion of the post 104 when used with a compression strut 300, described more fully below.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in one aspect, a rotation notch 146 having a longitudinal notch axis LN can be defined in the distal end 130 of the post 104, the rotation notch 146 extending from a distal edge 148 towards the proximal end 132 of the post 104 a predetermined notch distance. In this aspect, the predetermined notch distance can be selected to be greater than a distance from the rotation aperture of the base plate 108 to the second edge 122 of the base plate 108. In another aspect, the longitudinal notch axis LN of the rotation notch 146 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104. Alternatively, in other aspects, the longitudinal notch axis LN of the rotation notch 146 can be at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104. In still a further aspect, the longitudinal notch axis LN of the rotation notch 146 can be substantially normal to the rotation axis AR defined in the distal end 130 of the post 104. Alternatively, in other aspects, the longitudinal notch axis LN of the rotation notch 146 can be at an acute angle to the rotation axis AR of the post 104.

In one aspect, the rotation notch 146 can be an angular notch such that a first sidewall 150 of the notch 146 can be at an acute angle relative to a second sidewall 152 of the rotation notch 146. In this aspect, the rotation notch 146 can have a different notch width WN as the notch 146 extends from the distal edge 148 of the post 104 towards the proximal end 132 of the post. For example, the rotation notch 146 can have a first notch width at the distal edge 148 of the post 104 that is greater than a second notch width at a position on the post 104 spaced from the distal edge 148. That is, the notch width can taper from the first notch width at the distal edge 148 to the second notch width as the notch 146 extends toward the proximal end 132 of the post 104. In use, described more fully below, the rotation notch 146 can allow the proximal end 132 of the post 104 to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis AR a predetermined amount. That is, the rotation notch 146 can allow the post 104 to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis AR of the post 104 about and between a first rotation position, in which the first sidewall 150 of the notch 146 contacts the first plate surface 126 of the base plate 108, and a second rotation position, in which the second sidewall 152 of the notch contacts the second plate surface 128 of the base plate 108. For example, the rotation notch 146 can allow the post 104 to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis AR less than about 1 degree, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 6 degrees, about 7 degrees, about 8 degrees, about 9 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 11 degrees, about 12 degrees, about 13 degrees, about 14 degrees, about 15 degrees, or more than about 15 degrees.

The post 104 can further comprise at least one of a top cap 154 and a handle 156, illustrated in FIGS. 4-7. In one aspect, the top cap 154 can be configured to engage the proximal end 132 of the post 104 to prevent, for example, the tarp 158 from contacting potential sharp edges of the post 104. In another aspect, the top cap 154 can be formed from a soft material, such as rubber, plastic and the like that can be sized and shaped to cover a proximal edge 160 of the post 104. In one aspect, the top cap 154 can be press fit onto the proximal end 132 of the post 104 and held in place with friction. In other aspects, the top cap 154 can be fastened to the post 104 with adhesives and the like.

At least one orifice 162 can be defined in the top cap 154, the at least one orifice 162 configured to engage a portion of the handle 156. In one aspect, the at least one orifice 162 can have an orifice diameter extending between an orifice wall 164. The orifice 162 can be sized and shaped so that a portion of the handle 156 can be inserted into the orifice 162. In a further aspect, the at least one orifice 162 can have a longitudinal orifice axis LO that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104. Optionally, however, the orifice axis LO can be at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104.

The handle 156 can comprise at least one of a grip 166 and a pin 168. In one aspect, the pin 168 can be sized and configured to be inserted into the orifice 162 of the top cap 154. For example, the pin 168 can be configured to frictionally engage the orifice wall 164 of the orifice 162. In a further aspect, the pin 168 can be coupled to the grip 166 so that to move or adjust the pin 168, a user can easily do so by urging the grip 166 to a desired position.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14 and according to one aspect, the rooftop canopy support 100 can further comprise the compression strut 300 configured to allow a user to precisely control a post angle α formed between the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104 and the longitudinal axis LB of the base 102. The compression strut 300 can comprise a first member 302 rotatably coupled to the base 102, a second member 304 rotatably coupled to the post 104 and slidably coupled to the first member 302, and a screw 306 configured to selectively move or slide the second member 304 relative to the first member 302.

The first member 302 of the compression strut 300 can be an elongate member comprising a distal end 308 and an opposed proximal end 310. Optionally, the first member 302 can be an elongate tubular member having an open proximal end 310. In one aspect, the distal end 308 of the first member 302 can be rotatably coupled to the base 102. For example, an opening 312 in the distal end 308 can be substantially co-axially aligned with a bore 116 defined in the sidewall 114 of the base 102, so that a pin 314 can be inserted through the first member 302 and the base 102. In another aspect, the first member 302 can comprise a threaded boss 316 coupled to the proximal end 310 of the first member 302. In this aspect, the threaded boss 316 can be configured to matingly engage threads of the screw 306. In a further aspect, and as illustrated in FIG. 22, a pinning bore 305 can be defined in a portion of the proximal end 310 and/or the threaded boss 316 of the first member 302. In this aspect, the pinning bore 305 can be configured so that when the pinning bore 305 is substantially co-axially aligned with a pinning aperture 124 defined in the baseplate 108 of the base 102, a fastener 315 such as a pin and the like can be inserted through the first member 302 and the base 102 to secure the first member 302 to the base 102.

With reference again to FIGS. 11-14, the second member 304 of the compression strut 300 can be an elongate member comprising a distal end (not shown) and an opposed proximal end 318. In one aspect, the second member 302 can be an elongate tubular member sized and configured so that the distal end is insertable into the open proximal end 310 of the first member 302. In another aspect, the proximal end 318 of the second member 304 can be rotatably coupled to the post 104. For example, an opening 322 in the proximal end 318 can be substantially co-axially aligned with a pinning hole 144 defined in the post 104, so that a pin 314 can be inserted through the second member 304 and the post 104. In yet another aspect, the second member 304 can comprise a screw wall 324 coupled to the proximal end 318 of the second member 304. In this aspect, the screw wall 324 can be configured to engage an end 326 of the screw 306.

With the distal end of the second member 304 inserted into the open proximal end 310 of the first member 302, the threaded boss 316 and the screw wall 324 can be aligned so that the screw 306 can engage the boss 316 and the screw wall 324 at the same time. In use, rotation of the screw in a first direction can move the screw 306 towards the proximal end 318 of the second member 304. If the screw 306 is rotated in the first direction until the end 326 of the screw 306 contacts the screw wall 324, continued rotation of the screw 306 in the first direction can urge the proximal end 318 of the second member 304 away from the distal end 308 of the first member 302. Rotation of the screw 306 in a second direction that is opposed to the first direction can move the screw 306 towards the distal end 308 of the first member 302. As rotation of the screw 306 moves the end 326 of the screw 306 away from the screw wall 324, gravity can urge the second member 304 down and into contact with the end 328 of the screw 306.

In use, the distal end 308 of the first member 302 of the compression strut 300 can be coupled to the base 102 and the proximal end 318 of the second member 304 can be coupled to the post 104. A distance between the distal end 308 of the first member 302 and the proximal end 318 of the second member 304 can be selectively adjusted by rotating the screw 306, thereby adjusting the angle formed between the post 104 and the base 102 to the desired post angle α. If the desired post angle between the post 104 and the base 102 cannot be obtained, the proximal end 318 of the second member 304 can be coupled to the post 104 at a different pinning hole 144. That is, in one aspect, the post angle formed between the post 104 and the base 102 can be adjusted by pinning the proximal end 318 of the second member 304 to a different pinning hole, such as the first pinning hole 144a, the second pinning hole 144b, the third pinning hole 144c and the like. In other aspects, the post angle α formed between the post 104 and the base 102 can be adjusted by pinning the distal end 308 of the first member 302 to a different bore 116 defined in the sidewall 114 of the base 102.

In one aspect, the rooftop canopy support 100 further comprises a platform 400 coupled to a portion of the base 102 and configured to assist a user to safely and securely stand on the roof 200. In this aspect, the platform 400 can be, for example, a plate positioned in a plane at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis LB of the base 102. The platform 400 can be configured so that when the base 102 is positioned on a pitched roof 200, the angle between the platform 400 and the base 102 can allow a portion of the platform 400 to be substantially horizontal relative to the ground. That is, the platform 400 can provide a substantially horizontal surface for a user when the base 102 is attached to a pitched roof 200. In another aspect, the acute angle between the platform 400 and the longitudinal axis LB of the base 102 can be selectively adjusted by the user.

The platform 400 can comprise a plurality of platforms 400, such as a first platform 400a, a second platform 400b and the like. In one aspect, each platform 400 of the plurality of platforms 400 can be at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis LB of the base 102. Optionally, however, at least one platform 400 can be at a different angle than an adjacent platform 400 relative to the base 102. In another aspect, each platform 400 of the plurality of platforms 400 can be the same size as an adjacent platform 400. In another aspect, at least one platform 400 can have a different size than an adjacent platform 400.

To assemble the canopy support 100, the post 104 can be coupled to the base 102. In one aspect, the rotation hole 138 defined in the distal end 130 of the post 104 can be substantially co-axially aligned with the rotation aperture defined in the base plate 108. A rotation element 129 such as a rod, an axle, and the like can be inserted through the aligned rotation hole 138 and the rotation aperture to rotatably secure the post 104 to the base 102. In this aspect, with the rotation hole 138 of the post 104 and the rotation aperture of the base 102 aligned, the base plate 108 can be positioned in the rotation notch 146 of the post 104. Thus, the post 104 can rotate relative to the base 102 with at least a portion of the base plate 108 passing through the rotation notch 146. In another aspect, in the desired post position, the pinning element 125, such as a rod, pin, and the like can be inserted through a pinning hole 144 of the post 104 and a pinning aperture 124 of the base plate 108 to secure the post 104 to the base plate 108 at the desired post position relative to the base 102. Optionally, if the rooftop canopy support 100 comprises the compression strut 300, the first member 302, the second member 304, and the screw 306 can cooperate to secure the post 104 to the base 102 at the desired post angle α relative to the base 102. In one aspect, the post 104 can rotate relative to the base 102 about and between a lowered post position, in which the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LB of the base 102, and a raised post position, in which the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104 is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis LB of the base 102.

In use and as illustrated in FIG. 8, the plurality of rooftop canopy supports 100 can be securedly attached to a roof 200, and the tarp 158 can be stretched or extended between the plurality of supports 100 to form a canopy over the roof 200. In one aspect, a first canopy support 100a of the plurality of supports 100 can be securedly attached to the roof 200 at a first position, and a second canopy support 100b can be securedly attached to the roof 200 at a second position that is spaced from the first position a predetermined distance. The tarp 158 can then be stretched or extended between the first support 100a and the second support 100b to form at least a portion of a canopy over the roof 200. As can be appreciated, any number of canopy supports 100 can be securedly attached to the roof 200. For example, there can be four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more than ten canopy supports 100 securedly attached to the roof 200, and the tarp 158 can be coupled to each of the canopy supports 100 to form a canopy over the roof 200. Optionally, the tarp 158 can comprise two or more tarps 158 as necessary to form a canopy having a desired canopy size.

In one aspect, to securedly attach the canopy support 100 to the roof 200, the base 102 can be positioned on the roof 200 such that the base arm 106 is at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis. That is, the longitudinal axis LB of the base arm 106 can be at an acute angle relative to an edge of the roof 200. With the base 102 in the desired position, a fastener such as a nail, screw, bolt and the like can be inserted through the at least one bore 116 defined in the at least one base arm 106 of the base 102 and into a portion of the roof 200. For example, the fastener can be inserted through a bore 116 defined in the upper surface 112 and the roof engaging surface 110 of the base 102 and into a rafter of the roof 200 (that is, the fastener can be inserted through the bore 116 and into the roof 200 substantially normal to the plane of the roof 200). In another example, the fastener can be inserted through a bore 116 defined in the sidewall 114 or the base edge 118 and the roof engaging surface 110 and into a deck board, such as a plywood board, of the roof 200 (that is, the fastener can be inserted through the bore 116 and into the roof 200 at an acute angle relative to the plane of the roof 200).

As the base 102 is being coupled to the roof 200, the post 104 can be in the lowered post position, the raised post position, or in any position between the lowered post position and the raised post position. With the canopy support 100 or a plurality of canopy supports 100 securedly attached to the roof 200, the tarp 158 can be coupled to the proximal end 132 of the post 104. In one aspect and as shown in FIG. 7, a grommet of the tarp 158 can be aligned with the orifice 162 defined in the top cap 154 of the post 104, and the pin 168 of the handle 156 can be inserted through the grommet and into the orifice 162 of the top cap 154. In this position, the pin 168 can frictionally engage the orifice wall 164 to fixedly attach a portion of the tarp 158 to the canopy support 100. This process can be repeated until the tarp 158 has been coupled to the desired number of canopy supports 100.

The post 104 can be rotated to a post position such that at least a portion of the tarp 158 coupled to the post 104 is a predetermined distance from the roof 200. In one aspect, with the tarp 158 (and post 104) in the desired position, the post 104 can be secured in the desired first post position by inserting the pinning element 125 through the pinning hole 144 of the post 104 and the pinning apertures 124 of the base plate 108. Alternatively, in another aspect, if the rooftop canopy support 100 comprises the compression strut 300, the screw 306 can be rotated until the tarp 158 (and post 104) is in the desired position. Friction between the boss 316 and the screw 306 can hold the post 104 in the desired position. For ease of access to the top cap 154, the tarp 158 can be coupled to the post 104 with the post 104 in the lowered post position. Then, the post 104 can be rotated from the lowered post position to the desired first post position, such as the raised post position or any post position between the lowered post position and the raised post position and held in place by the pinning element 125 or by the compression strut 300.

With each post 104 of the system in a desired first post position, tension applied to the tarp 158 can be adjusted to a desired tension level by a user if desired. In one aspect, such as aspects without the compression strut 300, the rooftop canopy support system 10 can further comprise a plurality of tension straps 170, each tension strap 170 having a first end 172 and a second end 174. In this aspect, as shown in FIG. 8, the first end 172 of the tension strap 170 can be coupled to a bore 116 defined in the base arm 106 of the base 102 and the second end 174 of the tension strap 170 can be coupled to a hole 136 defined in the post 104. The amount of tension in the tension strap 170 can be adjusted by a user to cause the tension strap 170 to urge the proximal end 132 of the post 104 relative to the base 102 a predetermined amount.

In one aspect, with the post 104 secured to the base 102, the position of the proximal end 132 of the post 104 relative to the base 102 can be adjustable. For example, the rotation notch 146 of the post 104 can be an angular notch, providing some freedom of movement between the base plate 108 and the first sidewall 150 and the second sidewall 152 of the notch 146 in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis AR of the rotation hole 138 of the post 104. In another example, the slotted pinning aperture 124 of the base plate 108 can provide some freedom of movement between the base plate 108 and the post 104 in a direction substantially normal to the rotation axis AR of the rotation hole 138 of the post 104. Thus, tension applied to the proximal end 132 of the post 104 by the tension strap 170 can cause the proximal end 132 of the post 104 to rotate in the direction of the applied force until the first sidewall 150 or second sidewall 152 of the rotation notch 146 of the post 104 contacts the base plate 108, and/or the pinning element 125 contacts the wall of the slotted pinning aperture 124, thereby preventing further rotation.

As can be appreciated, a plurality of tension straps 170 can be provided to each canopy support 100 to allow for more precise control of the position of the proximal end 132 of each post 104. For example, a first tension strap 170a can urge the proximal end 132 of a post 104 in a first direction, and a second tension strap 170b can urge the proximal end 132 of the post 104 in a second direction that is different than the first direction. In another example, if the rooftop canopy support 100 comprises the compression strut 300, the screw 306 can urge the proximal end 132 of a post 104 in a first direction, and the plurality of tension straps 170 can urge the proximal end 132 of the post 104 in a second direction that is different than the first direction 300. That is, the rooftop canopy support system 10 can be configured for bi-directional positioning of the post 104 after the post 104 has been secured by the pinning element 125. The system 10 is therefore also configured for bi-directional tensioning of the tarp 158. This movement provides tension on the tarp 158 in multiple direction to prevent sags in the tarp.

In one aspect, with the post 104 secured in the first post position by the pinning element 125 or by the compression strut 300, the first tension strap 170a of the plurality of tension straps 170 can urge the proximal end 132 of the post 104 from the first post position in a first direction that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis AR of the post 104 to a second post position, and the second tension strap 170b of the plurality of tension straps can urge the proximal end 132 of the post 104 from the second post position in a second direction that is substantially normal to the rotation axis of the post 104 to a third post position. As can be appreciated, movement of the posts 104 about and between the first, second and third post positions can adjust the tension in the tarp 158 to a desired tension level and/or a desired position relative to the roof 200.

If further tensioning and/or positioning of the tarp 158 is desired, a telescoping support pole 176 having a distal end 178 and a proximal end 180 can be provided, according to one aspect. In this aspect, the distal end 178 of the telescoping support pole 176 can be positioned on the roof 200 in a desired location and the proximal end 180 of the telescoping support pole 176 can be telescoped away from the distal end 178 until a desired pole height is reached. At the desired pole height, the tarp 158 can be at a desired position relative to the roof 200. In one aspect, the telescoping support pole 176 can comprise a base for secured attachment to the roof 200. Optionally, however, the telescoping support pole 176 can be held in place by friction from the tarp 158 and/or the roof 200.

When it is desired to remove or lower the canopy (for example, at the end of a working day), each post 104 can be rotated to or towards the lowered post position with the tarp 158 remaining coupled to the post 104. In this lowered post position, the tarp 158 can be secured to the roof 200 to keep the roof 200 covered and protected from environmental elements. Note that the handle 156 can be removed from the proximal end 132 of the post 104, and the pin 168 can be inserted through the tarp 156 and into a hole 136 defined in the post 104 or a bore 116 defined in the base arm 106 as necessary to provide the desired roof coverage.

The frictional engagement between the orifice wall 164 of the top cap 154 and the pin 168 can provide enough force to hold the tarp 158 in a desired position under normal working conditions, but might not provide enough force to hold the tarp 158 in the desired position when the wind level is above a safe working condition. That is, the frictional engagement of the top cap 154 and the pin 168 can resist uplift created by wind on the tarp 158 up to a desired uplift force. When the uplift force becomes larger such that the force could become dangerous to the canopy support system 10 and/or to the roof 200, the pin 168 can pop free of the top cap 154, thereby releasing the tarp 158 from the canopy support 100 to prevent damage from the uplift force.

In one aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 4, a clevis pin 182 can be provided if it is desired to prevent the tarp 158 from inadvertent or undesired releasing from the canopy support 100. The clevis pin can be inserted through a hole 136 defined in the proximal end 132 of the support post 104 and through a pin hole 184 defined in the pin 168 of the handle 156 to securedly attach the handle 156 to the post 104. In another aspect, a lanyard can be attached to both the clevis pin 182 and to a portion of the handle 156. In this aspect, the lanyard can couple the handle 156 to the post 104 to prevent misplacement of the handle 156 when the handle 156 is not in use.

Because the rooftop canopy support 100 is securedly attached to the roof 200, in one aspect, the support 100 can provide a safety line attachment point for a person on the roof 200. That is, a safety line can be coupled to the support post 104 on one end and to a person on the roof 200 on the other end of the safety line. In case of a fall then, the safety line can prevent the person from falling to the ground below. In one aspect, the platform 400 can provide further safety features such as a horizontal working surface for a person on the roof 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-17 and according to one aspect, the post 104 of the rooftop canopy support 100 can comprise at least one of a telescoping post 504 and a bowed arm 506 coupled the post 104, 504. In this aspect, the telescoping post 504 comprises a first member 508 rotatably coupled to the base 102 (as previously described with reference to the post 104), and a second member 510 slidably coupled to the first member 508.

The first member 508 of the telescoping post 504 can be an elongate member comprising a distal end 512 and an opposed proximal end 514. Optionally, the first member 508 can be an elongate tubular member having an open proximal end 514. In one aspect, the distal end 512 of the first member 508 can be rotatably coupled to the base 102. In a further aspect, a first pinning bore 516 can be defined in a portion of the proximal end 514 of the first member 508. In this aspect, the first pinning bore 516 can be configured so that when the first pinning bore 516 is substantially co-axially aligned with a pinning aperture 518 defined in the second member 510 (described more fully below), a fastener 520 such as a pin and the like can be inserted through the first member 508 and the second member 510 to secure the first member 508 to the second member 510.

The second member 510 of the telescoping post 504 can be an elongate member comprising a distal end (not shown), an opposed proximal end 522, and a central portion 524 extending between the distal end and the proximal end 522. In one aspect, the second member 510 can be an elongate tubular member sized and configured so that the distal end is insertable into the open proximal end 514 of the first member 508. In another aspect, a plurality of the pinning apertures 518 can be defined in the central portion 524 of the second member 510. For example, the pinning apertures 518 can be spaced along the length of the central portion 524. In use, the second member 510 can slide relative to the first member 508 to a desired position in which the telescoping post 504 has a desired post height. In the desired position, the first pinning bore 516 of the first member 508 can be substantially co-axially aligned with a pinning aperture 518 of the plurality of pinning apertures 518 of the second member 510, and the fastener 520 can be inserted through the first member 508 and the second member 510 to fix the position of the second member 510 relative to the first member 508.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the bowed arm 506 comprises a distal end 526 coupled to a post 104, such as, for example and without limitation, the telescoping post 504, and an opposed proximal end 528 extending away from the post 104. In one aspect, the bowed arm 506 can be an elongate member with at least one bend or curve formed therein. For example, the bowed arm 506 can be bent or arcuate in shape such that a longitudinal axis L1 of the distal end 526 is at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis L2 of the proximal end 528. In another aspect, only a portion of the bowed arm 506 can be bent or curved. In a further aspect, the bowed arm 506 can be bent or curved into a shepherd hook shape.

The bowed arm 506 can comprise a mounting plate 530 coupled to or formed integrally with the distal end 526 of the bowed arm 506. A plurality of arm pinning bores 532 can be defined in the mounting plate 530. In one aspect, the arm pinning bores 532 can be arranged such that there is a lower arm pinning bore 534 and at least two upper arm pinning bores 536. In use, the lower arm pinning bore 534 can be substantially co-axially aligned with a pinning hole 144, 518 of the post 104, 504. For example, if the post 104, 504 is a telescoping post 504, the lower arm pinning bore 534 can be substantially co-axially aligned with a pinning hole 518 of the plurality of pinning holes 518 of the second member 510 of the post 504, and the fastener 520 can be inserted through the mounting plate 530 and the second member 510 to form a hinge about which the bowed arm 506 can rotate relative to the post 504. An upper arm pinning bore can be substantially co-axially aligned with a different pinning hole 144, 518 of the post 104, 504 such that the proximal end 526 of the bowed arm 506 is in a desired position, and a second fastener 520 can be inserted through the mounting plate 530 and the post 104, 504 to secure the bowed arm 506 to the post 104, 504 in the desired position. For example, the bowed arm 506 can be secured to the post 504 with the longitudinal axis L1 of the distal end 526 of the bowed arm 506 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104, 504 (as illustrated in FIG. 15). Alternatively, the bowed arm 506 can be secured to the post 104, 504 with the longitudinal axis L1 of the distal end 526 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis LP of the post 104, 504 (as illustrated in FIG. 16).

To use the bowed arm 506, the tarp 158 can be coupled to the proximal end 132 of the post 104, 504. The bowed arm 506 can be positioned on the post 104, 504 with the lower arm pinning bore 534 substantially co-axially aligned with a pinning hole 144, 518 of the post 104, 504 such that the mounting plate 530 is in a desired vertical position relative to the post 104, 504. The height of the bowed arm 506 relative to the post 104, 504 can be selected by rotating the bowed arm 506 to a desired position and pinning an upper arm pinning bore 536 to the post 104, 504. With the bowed arm 506 coupled to the post 104, 504, a portion of the bowed arm 506 can engage the tarp 158 and urge the tarp 158 upwards away from the roof 200, thereby preventing rainwater from pooling on the tarp.

FIG. 18 illustrates the telescoping post 504 and the bowed arm 506 coupled to a roof 200, according to one aspect. In this aspect, the compression strut 300 can be used to rotate the post 504 to a desired angle relative to the roof 200, thereby tensioning the tarp 158. The mounting plate 530 of the bowed arm 506 can be used to rotate the bowed arm 506 to a desired angle relative to the post 504, raising the bowed arm 506 to further raise and tension the tarp 158.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-21 and according to one aspect, the rooftop canopy support 100 can comprise the base 102, the post 104 and the bowed arm 506. In this aspect, the base 102 comprises a hinged base 602 having a first base member 604 hingedly coupled to a second base member 606. Each of the first base member 604 and the second base member 606 comprise a planer surface 608 and at least one sidewall 610 extending upwards away for the planar surface 608. At least one bore 616 can be defined in the planar surface 608 of the hinged base 602 so that a fastener, such as a nail, screw, bolt, and the like can be inserted through the hinged base 602 and into the roof 200.

In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 21, a post mounting member 618 can be coupled to or formed integrally with the planar surface 608 of at least one of the first base member 604 and the second base member 606. The post mounting member 618 can extend upward away from the planar surface 608 a predetermined distance. The post mounting member 618 can be sized and configured such that the distal end 130 of the post 104 can be inserted over or inserted into the post mounting member 618. A pin 622 can be inserted through the post 104 and the post mounting member 618 to secure the post 104 to the base 602.

In one aspect, a duct 612 can be defined in at least one sidewall 610 of the hinged base 602. The duct 612 can be sized and configured so that at least a portion of the base arm 106 can slide through the duct 612 until a proximal end 614 of the base arm 106 is a predetermined distance from the post 104. With the proximal end 614 of the base arm 106 in the predetermined position, in one aspect, a fastener such as a bolt, screw, pin and the like can be inserted through a portion of the base arm 106 to secure the base arm 106 to the roof 200.

In use, for example, the first base member 604 can be positioned on one side of a ridge of the roof 200, and the second base member 606 can be positioned on the other side of the ridge of the roof 200. The hinge of the hinged base 602 can allow the planar surface 608 of each of the first base member 604 and the second base member 606 to lay flat against different sides of the roof 200. Fasteners can be inserted through the at least one bore 616 to secure to the hinged base 602 to the roof 200. In some aspects, such as where the first base member 604 and the second base member 606 cannot be directly fastened to rafters of the roof, the base arm 106 can be inserted through the duct 612 until the proximal end 614 of the base arm 106 is a predetermined distance from the post 104. Fasteners can be inserted through a portion of the base arm 106 to secure the base arm 106 and the hinged base 602 to the roof 200. Note that, while only one base arm 106 is shown, it is contemplated that two, three, four, or more base arms 106 can be inserted through respective ducts 612 of the hinged base 602 as desired to secure the hinged base 602 to the roof 200. Further, the position of each base arm 106 can be selected so that the fastener inserted through the base arm 106 engages a rafter or other structural component of the roof 200.

In use, the tarp 158 can be pulled over the proximal end 132 of the post 104 (with the handle 156 removed) such that it overlaps the post 104. Tension straps 170 attached to an edge of the tarp 158 and the hinged base 602, such as at a bore 620 in the sidewall 610 or at a bore 116 in the base arm 106 in FIG. 19, can then be used to pull a portion of the tarp 158 over the ridge of the roof, further covering the ridge of the roof and tensioning the tarp 158 at the ridge. Additionally, safety lines can be attached to one of the sidewalls 610, such as in the bore 620, to provide safety lines running from the ridge of the roof.

The tarp 158 of the rooftop canopy support system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 23, according to one aspect. The tarp 158 can be substantially rectangular in shape, though other shapes such as substantially square, round, and the like are contemplated. A plurality of holes 190 can be defined in the tarp 158 and adjacent to an edge of the tarp 158, the holes 190 sized and configured so that the pin 168 of the handle 156 can pass through the holes 190 to secure the tarp 158 to a post 104, 504. A grommet 198 (as seen in FIG. 25) can be positioned in each of the holes to prevent or restrict tearing of the tarp 158. In another aspect, at least one drain hole 192 can be defined in a portion of the tarp 158. For example, the at least one drain hole 192 can comprise a plurality of drain holes arranged in one or more rows. In this aspect, the drain holes 192 can be in a row substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the tarp 158. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the drain holes 192 can be arranged in two substantially parallel rows spaced apart a predetermined distance. It is contemplated however, that there can be three, four, five, or more than five rows of drain holes 192 defined in the tarp 158. Further, at least one row of drain holes 192 can be at an acute angle relative to an adjacent row of drain holes 192.

In one aspect, the tarp 158 can comprise a gutter 196 as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25. The gutter can be, for example, a trough coupled to the bottom side 194 of the tarp 158 underneath each row of drain holes 192. In this aspect, the gutter 196 can be coupled to the bottom side 194 of the tarp 158 under each drain hole 192, such as with stitching. The depth of the gutter 196 can increase as the gutter 196 nears an edge of the tarp 158, and the gutter 196 can have an open end at the edge of the tarp 158. Thus, any water flowing through the drain hole 192 can fall into the gutter 196 and be directed through the gutter 196 towards the edge of the tarp 158. This can be especially beneficial during heavy rain to prevent rain from pooling on the trap between the rooftop canopy supports 100. In one aspect, the gutter 196 can be formed from the same material as the tarp 158. Alternatively, the gutter 196 can be formed from other waterproof materials.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A canopy support for coupling a tarp to a roof at a desired tarp position spaced from the roof, the canopy support comprising:

a base configured for secured attachment to the roof; and
an elongate post comprising a proximal end configured for attachment to the tarp, and an opposed distal end rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis, and wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about and between a lowered post position and a raised post position.

2. The canopy support of claim 1, wherein in the lowered post position a longitudinal axis of the post is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the base, wherein in the raised post position, the longitudinal axis of the post is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the base, and wherein the canopy support further comprises a pinning element configured to secure the post at a desired first post position relative to the base.

3. The canopy support of claim 1, further comprising a compression strut configured to secure the post at a desired first post position relative to the base.

4. The canopy support of claim 3, wherein the compression strut comprises a first member rotatably coupled to the base, a second member rotatably coupled to the post and slidably coupled to the first member, and a screw configured to selectively move the second member relative to the first member.

5. The canopy support of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a base arm defining a longitudinal base axis substantially normal to the rotation axis, a roof engaging surface configured to engage the roof, and an opposed upper surface spaced from the roof engaging surface, and wherein the base further comprises a base plate coupled to and extending away from the upper surface of the base arm.

6. The canopy support of claim 5, wherein a bore is defined through a sidewall in the base arm, and wherein the bore is sized and configured so that a fastener is insertable through the base arm and into the roof.

7. The canopy support of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a base arm and a base plate coupled to and extending away from an upper surface of the base arm, the base arm comprising a longitudinal base axis substantially normal to the rotation axis, and wherein a slotted pinning aperture is defined through the base plate.

8. The canopy support of claim 1, wherein a rotation notch defining a longitudinal notch axis is defined in the distal end of the post, wherein the rotation notch extends from a distal edge of the post towards the proximal end of the post a predetermined notch distance, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the rotation notch is substantially normal to the rotation axis.

9. The canopy support of claim 8, wherein the rotation notch has a first sidewall at an acute angle relative to a second sidewall of the rotation notch, and wherein the rotation notch is configured to allow the post to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis.

10. The canopy support of claim 9, wherein the rotation notch is configured to allow the post to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis about and between a first rotation position, in which the first sidewall of the notch contacts the first plate surface of the base plate, and a second rotation position, in which the second sidewall of the notch contacts the second plate surface of the base plate.

11. The canopy support of claim 1, further comprising a platform coupled to the base and positioned in a plane at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the base.

12. The canopy support of claim 1, further comprising a handle configured to couple the tarp to the proximal end of the elongate post.

13. The canopy support of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tension straps, each tension strap having a first end coupled to the base arm and a second end coupled to the post, wherein the amount of tension in each tension strap is selectively adjustable by a user, wherein the post is secured to the base at a desired first post position, wherein a first tension strap of the plurality of tension straps is configured to urge the proximal end of the post from the desired first position in a first direction that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis to a second post position, and wherein a second tension strap of the plurality of tension straps is configured to urge the proximal end of the post from the second post position in a second direction that is substantially normal to the rotation axis to a third post position.

14. The canopy support of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a hinged base having a first base member hingedly coupled to a second base member, wherein each of the first base member and the second base member comprise a planar surface and at least one sidewall extending upwards away for the planar surface, and wherein the first base member is configured to be positioned on one side of a ridge of the roof, and the second base member is configured to be positioned on the other side of the ridge of the roof.

15. The canopy support of claim 14, wherein the base further comprises a post mounting member coupled to the planar surface of the second base member and extending upward away from the planar surface a predetermined distance.

16. The canopy support of claim 1, further comprising a bowed arm configured to rotate relative to the post and to raise and tension the tarp, the bowed arm comprising a distal end coupled to the post and an opposed proximal end extending away from the post, and wherein the bowed arm is arcuate in shape such that a longitudinal axis of the distal end of the bowed arm is at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the proximal end.

17. A canopy support system for covering at least a portion of a roof with a canopy spaced from the roof, the canopy support system comprising:

a plurality of canopy supports, wherein each canopy support comprises: a base configured for secured attachment to the roof; and an elongate post comprising a proximal end configured for attachment to the tarp and an opposed distal end rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis, and wherein the post is rotatable relative to the base about and between a lowered post position and a raised post position; and
a tarp coupled to the proximal end of each canopy support of the plurality of canopy supports.

18. The canopy support system of claim 17, further comprising a pinning element configured to secure the post at a desired first post position relative to the base.

19. The canopy support system of claim 17, further comprising a compression strut configured to secure the post at a desired first post position relative to the base.

20. The canopy support system of claim 17, wherein a plurality of drain holes are defined in the tarp, wherein the plurality of drain holes are arranged in substantially parallel rows spaced apart a predetermined distance, wherein a gutter is coupled to a bottom side of the tarp under each drain hole, and wherein the gutter is configured to direct water falling through the drain holes away from the tarp.

Patent History
Publication number: 20190242153
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 5, 2018
Publication Date: Aug 8, 2019
Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich (Atlanta, GA)
Application Number: 15/888,711
Classifications
International Classification: E04H 15/60 (20060101); E04H 15/64 (20060101);