Abstract:
A mobile canopy system providing shelter from the sun, rain, and wind. The canopy system contains at least two canopy system sections, each containing one centrally located support structure. A truss system is attached to the support structure, perpendicularly extending the length of the canopy system section. Canopy framing systems are perpendicularly connected to, and intervally spaced along, the truss system. Cross bars are perpendicularly connected to the ends of the canopy framing systems, extending the length of the canopy system section. The canopy lies in an inclined plane, suspended from the cross bars, providing adequate clearance for underlying activities including golf. The inclined canopy, suspended below the truss system and canopy framing systems, provides absorbing and deflective protection to the user from errantly hit objects, whereby the canopy absorbs the force of the errant object and deflects the object out and away from the participant under the canopy system. An additional, retractable vertical canopy system provides further protection from high wind, driving rain, and early morning or late afternoon sun.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a canopy system, and more particularly to a protection system for golfers at driving ranges, providing tee area shelter, being equally suited for any activity where the participants are stationary or confined to an area. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Canopy systems have been developed in the past for awning and tent-like applications, providing protection for such things as children&#39;s playsets, vehicles, small gatherings, and specific worker applications. Mobile canopy shelters also exist for some of these applications, however, few canopy systems exist that shelter numerous people participating in outdoor activities such as golf. 
     Information relevant to attempts to address canopy systems for golfers can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,967,162 and 5,575,301. However, each of these references suffers from one or more disadvantages. 
     First, the canopy of these systems is installed over the supporting structure, forming an arch. This design allows animals to nest under the canopy in the supporting structure. This design also allows errantly hit objects, such as golf balls, to bounce about the structure and deflect back, possibly injuring the participants below. 
     The present invention solves these problems by providing a canopy installed in an inclined horizontal plane, below the canopy supporting structure. This design prevents animals from nesting and deflects errantly hit objects out and away from the sheltered participants. 
     Second, the past canopy systems are end-supported, requiring that the span support members (connecting the end-supports) are designed to support the entire canopy system, since they span the entire length. In contrast, the present invention includes independent canopy system sections, each with a centrally located ground support structure. The span support members of the present invention are, therefore, considerably shorter than those of end-supported canopy systems of similar length, since they span no greater than half the canopy system length. 
     The advantage of this design is structural economy, as the span support members are smaller and fewer in number. Weighing less, the present invention is more mobile and less expensive. Also, a smaller structure is less obtrusive and more aesthetically pleasing. 
     Third, the end-supports of the past canopy systems provide no flexibility in canopy system length; the consumer is limited to the length of the system as manufactured. In contrast, the independent canopy system sections of the present invention, each with a centrally located ground support structure, provide flexibility in overall canopy system length. The canopy system sections can be connected end to end and continued indefinitely, providing the consumer flexibility in attaining desired lengths, maximizing overall lengths, and extending canopy system lengths after initial purchase. 
     Finally, the present invention is superior to all previous systems in that it provides a vertical canopy arrangement providing greater protection from high wind, driving rain, and early morning or late afternoon sun, than related canopy systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a mobile, free standing canopy system, providing shelter from the elements while not subjecting the individuals underneath to injury by the deflection of errantly hit objects. This invention is also directed to a less expensive, more mobile, and more aesthetically pleasing canopy system for activities such as golf. 
     In one embodiment of the canopy system, at least two canopy system sections are connected end to end, each with one, centrally located support structure mounted on wheels. A truss system is attached to the support structure, perpendicularly extending the length of the canopy system section. Canopy framing systems are perpendicularly connected to, and intervally spaced along, the truss system. Cross bars are perpendicularly connected to the ends of the canopy framing systems, extending the length of the canopy system section. A canopy is suspended from the cross bars in an inclined horizontal plane, below the truss system and the canopy framing systems, providing adequate clearance for underlying activities, including golf An additional, retractable vertical canopy system provides further protection from high wind, driving rain, and early morning or late afternoon sun. The vertical canopy system is sectionally coiled and enclosed, with an enclosure supported on each vertical canopy support member, spaced at intervals that provide easy manual connection or retraction, as individually desired. 
     In a second embodiment of the invention the support structure is not centrally located within each canopy system section. In a third embodiment of the invention, the canopy system does not require at least two canopy system sections, as the canopy system is free-standing, including at least two support structures. In a fourth embodiment of the invention the canopy is not inclined. A fifth embodiment of the invention includes self-supporting, free-standing structure to support the canopy system, and framing members connected to the free-standing structure to support a canopy. The canopy is suspended from the framing members, whereby the framing members are not exposed to participants underneath. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a canopy system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a left elevation view of the canopy system shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the canopy system shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a back elevation view of the canopy system shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the canopy system shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an elevation view of a vertical canopy system of the canopy system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section plan detail of a coiled vertical canopy of the vertical canopy system shown in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates is an elevation detail of a cross bar sleeve connection for connecting canopy system sections of the canopy system shown in FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 9 illustrates is an elevation detail of a chord sleeve connection for connecting canopy system sections of the canopy system shown in FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 an illustration of a perspective view of a canopy system  10 . The canopy system  10  contains at least two canopy system sections  15 , connected at adjoining ends for free-standing self-support. Each canopy system section  15  contains one support structure  20 , which can be mounted on wheels  28 . 
     A truss system  30  is supported by the support structure  20  and extends the length of each canopy system section  15 . The truss system  30  supports multiple canopy framing systems  50 , perpendicularly aligned at intervals along the truss system  30 . Cross bars  56 , aligned parallel to the truss system  30 , are connected at each end of the multiple canopy framing systems  50 . The canopy  80  is supported by, and suspended from, the cross bars  56 . The truss system  30 , the canopy framing systems  50 , and the cross bars  56 , make up the framing members of the canopy system  10 . 
     FIG. 2 is a left elevation view of the canopy system  10  shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the components of the support structure  20 , the canopy framing system  50 , and the truss system  30 . The support structure  20  is shaped as an “A”-frame and contains a horizontal support member  22 , both can be made of tubular steel. The horizontal support member  22  lies in the same plane as, and extends in each direction just beyond the base of, the support structure  20 . The horizontal support member  22  is positioned high enough above the ground to provide adequate clearance beneath the canopy system  10  for activities such as golf. 
     The truss system  30 , aligned perpendicular to the plane of the support structure  20 , comprises a top chord  32  in vertical alignment with a bottom chord  34 , which can be but is not limited to “schedule 80” steel pipe. The top chord  32  and the bottom chord  34  are connected and reinforced by the vertical and diagonal members of web  36 , which can be smaller diameter “schedule 40” steel pipe. The top chord  32  is connected to the center of the horizontal support member  22 . The bottom chord  34  continues through the support structure  20 , underneath the horizontal support member  22 . 
     The canopy framing systems  50  are each comprised of a lower framing member  52  and a framing support member  54 . The lower framing member  52  lies in an inclined horizontal plane, with the front of the canopy system  10  (opening to the area of play) higher than the back of the canopy system  10 . The lower framing member  52  can be “schedule 40” steel pipe and is centrally connected to the bottom chord  34 . Pipe connections can be bolted, welded, or otherwise suitably secured. 
     The outer ends of the lower framing member  52  are supported by a framing support member  54 . The framing support member  54  can be stainless steel cable, steel pipe, or other suitable material. If the framing support member  54  is made of cable, connection to the lower framing member  52  is achieved by cable looping over a hook, or through an eyelet attached to the lower framing member  52 . If the framing support member  54  is made of “schedule 40” steel pipe, welded connections can be made to the top chord  32  and to the lower framing member  52 . 
     The canopy  80  can be aligned in an inclined plane and is positioned vertically below the canopy framing system  50  and the truss system  30 . The configuration of the present invention protects the user from a variety of hazards including the prevention of errantly hit balls or objects from being captured beneath the canopy system  10 . This unique and novel feature prevents objects from being deflected by otherwise exposed structure, possibly injuring participants. Instead, errant objects immediately hit the canopy  80  where their energy or force is partially absorbed, rendering the object harmless. Any remaining force is deflected out and away from the striker by the inclined plane of the canopy  80 . 
     FIG. 2 also illustrates an optional vertical canopy system  70 , showing one vertical canopy support member  72  which can comprise but is not limited to square aluminum bars. The top of the vertical canopy support member  72  is connected to the end of the lower framing member  52 . 
     FIG. 3 shows a front elevation of one complete canopy system section  15  of canopy system  10  connected to an adjoining canopy system section  15  (shown in partial view) at a connection point  18 . Although the preferred embodiment includes at least two canopy system sections  15 , it is to be understood that one or several canopy system sections  15  may be used. Alternative embodiments of the present invention might include one canopy system  10  without connections. FIG. 3 illustrates the canopy  80  below the truss system  30  and the canopy framing systems  50 , shielding the truss system  30  and the canopy framing systems  50  from a user beneath the canopy system  10 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a back elevation of one complete canopy system section  15  of canopy system  10  connected to an adjoining canopy system section  15  (shown in partial view) at a connection point  18 . The support structure  20  is centrally located within the canopy system section  15 , supporting the truss system  30 . Although the preferred embodiment shows the support structure  20  centrally located within the canopy system section  15 , it is to be understood that the support structure  20  is not limited to a central location within the canopy system section  15 . Alternative embodiments might have the support structure  20  located anywhere along the canopy system section  15 . 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the vertical and diagonal members of web  36 , connecting and reinforcing the top chord  32  with the bottom chord  34  of truss system  30 . The truss system  30  is further supported by a vertical bracing cable  42  attached to the top of the support structure  20  and extending to the top chord  32  on each side of the support structure  20 . Twisting is prevented by torsional bracing cables  44 , attached at each end of the horizontal support member  22  and separately extending to the top chord  32  and to the bottom chord  34  on each side of the support structure  20 . The vertical bracing cable  42  and torsional bracing cables  44  can be stainless steel and are stressed taut during installation to resist vibration and flutter due to wind. 
     FIG. 4 shows the connection (at a connection point  18 ) of two adjacent canopy system sections  15 . The connections can be made at either end of canopy system section  15 , and canopy system sections  15  can be continued indefinitely, providing flexibility in attaining desired lengths, maximizing overall lengths, and extending canopy system  10  lengths after initial purchase. In addition, canopy system sections  15  are fabricated in varying lengths to further accommodate recreational facility layouts. Connection of adjacent canopy system sections  15  entails attachment of the top chord  32  and the bottom chord  34  to that of the adjacent canopy system section  15  (detailed in FIG.  9 ), along with the attachment of respective cross bars  56  at the front and back of each canopy system section  15  (detailed in FIG.  9 ). 
     FIG. 5 shows a plan view of one complete canopy system section  15  of canopy system  10  connected to an adjoining canopy system section  15  (shown in partial view) at a connection point  18 . FIG. 5 shows the symmetrical layout of individual canopy framing systems  50 , perpendicularly spaced at intervals along truss system  30 . The preferred interval distance is 10 feet, but no specific distance is required. 
     The cross bars  56  are attached at the end of, and are aligned perpendicular to, each lower framing member  52 . The cross bars  56  extend the length of canopy system section  15 , and provide for the attachment of the canopy  80 , a portion of which is shown herein. The canopy  80  is attached to the cross bars  56  with canopy ties  82 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a horizontal lacing cable  46 , securing and reinforcing individual canopy framing systems  50  to each other. The horizontal lacing cable  46  attaches to the outer end portions of each lower framing member  52  with diagonal lacing through the truss system  30 . To increase rigidity and stiffness, the horizontal lacing cables  46  can also be attached to each other, and/or the truss system  30 , at each point of horizontal lacing cable  46  intersection. 
     FIG. 5 provides an overall plan view of the torsional bracing cables  44  and illustrates the connection of the cross bars  56  and the truss system  30  at a canopy system section  15  connection point  18 . 
     FIG. 6 shows an elevation view of the vertical canopy system  70 . The vertical canopy support members  72  are spaced at intervals that align with that of the lower framing members  52  (not shown). The bottom of each vertical canopy support member  72  is secured to the earth by an auger  79 , or similar device. A telescoping adjustment  77  is provided for the individual height adjustment of the vertical canopy support members  72 . The telescoping adjustment  77  can be two telescoping portions of dissimilarly sized aluminum bars, with bolt-thru fastening. 
     FIG. 6 shows the vertical canopies  76  uncoiled and in use, individually attached by hooks  78  to its respective, adjacent, vertical canopy support member  72 . A vertical canopy enclosure  74  is included and attached to each vertical canopy support member  72 , to house the vertical canopy  76  if use is not desired. Each participant can individually connect or retract the vertical canopy  76  over their individual portion of canopy system  10  use. 
     FIG. 7 details a cross-sectional plan view of the vertical canopy system enclosure  74 , showing a coiled vertical canopy  76 . The vertical canopy  76  is manually operational, with hook  78  providing for easy uncoiling and attachment to the adjacent vertical canopy support member  72 . 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 show connection point  18  details for adjacent canopy system sections  15  of the canopy system  10 . FIG. 8 details the connection of the cross bars  56 , using a cross bar sleeve connector  64 . The cross bar sleeve connector  64  can be “schedule 80” steel pipe with a slightly larger diameter than the cross bars  56 . The cross bar sleeve connector  64  receives each end of the cross bar  56  being connected, with a bolt-thru fastener securing the attachment. The cross bar sleeve connector  64  must be long enough to provide a high strength attachment, resisting the wind&#39;s bending stresses. 
     FIG. 9 details the connection of the top chord  32  and the bottom chord  34  of the truss system  30 , using a chord sleeve connector  62 . The chord sleeve connector  62  is similar to the cross bar sleeve connector  64 , except that the chord sleeve connector  62  has a larger diameter to accept the larger diameter of the top chord  32  and the bottom chord  34 . FIG. 9 shows that the web  36  does not extend through the connection. 
     In most applications, canopy system erection takes place on location. When using cable for the framing support members  54 , the cable is first slidably secured across the top of the top chord  32 . To ensure overall canopy framing system  50  stiffness and rigidity, the cable is pre-stressed before attachment to each outer portion of the lower framing member  52 . Pre-stressing occurs using a slightly shorter than necessary length of cable for the framing support member  54 , and bending the ends of the lower framing member  52 , about the bottom chord  34 , to accept connection with the taut cable of the framing support member  54 . The canopy framing system  50  is then rotatably adjusted about the truss system  30 , aligning the canopy  80  front end and back end heights. Upon achieving the desired canopy  80  taper, the center of the lower framing member  52  is bolted or pinned to the bottom chord  34 , and the cable of the framing support member  54  is clamped to the top chord  32 . This installation practice accommodates differing site conditions, such as unlevel terrain, prevailing winds, water run-off concerns, etc. 
     In some applications, it might be desirable to secure the bottom of the support structure  20  to the ground to account for the affects of wind uplift. In these situations, the wheels  28  may or may not be removed. The wheels  28  shall be of sufficient size to support the structure and provide for easy mobility, with all or some of the wheels  28  being pivotable. The wheels  28  can be motorized, providing mobility without towing equipment. However, in most applications, simply attaching the support structure  20  to lawn maintenance equipment will provide mobility. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.