Canopy structure

The canopy structure of the present invention includes a generally rigid internal frame structure comprised of light-weight metal tubes and a pliable, waterproof covering such as nylon or other functionally similar fabric. The canopy covering further includes a series of grommet reinforced securing points which are each adapted to receive a tie-down or securing cord. These securing cords are formed of a loop of elastic or shock cord material which is attached to a ball-shaped stopper. Threaded into the edges of the canopy end panels are a pair of elastic bolt cords which also incorporate ball-shaped stoppers at both ends. The canopy covering is stretched taughtly across the top of the frame structure and attached to individual horizontal frame members using the elastic securing cords. Grommets located along the sides of the covering are attached to individual vertical frame members using both the elastic securing cords and an associated securing or locking tab. The elastic bolt cords associated with the ends of the covering are also attached to individual vertical frame members using the locking tabs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to elevated canopy structures, and more 
particularly to an elevated canopy structure which includes an internal 
frame and an outer fabric covering which is generally secured to the frame 
using a series elastic securing cords. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It is often desirable to park or store vehicles, such as automobiles and 
boats, in a covered or sheltered environment so as to prevent damage and 
wear caused by long term exposure to the natural elements. While 
conventional wooden or brick garages and car ports provide the desired 
shelter, such structures are generally quite expensive. In fact, it is 
often the case that construction of such a conventional garage structure 
costs as much or more than the vehicle that it is intended to protect. 
As an alternative to such conventional garage structures, relatively 
inexpensive and light-weight canopy-type structures are often employed. 
These canopy structures are typically comprised of a light-weight internal 
frame and an outer covering or canopy. In general, such canopy structures 
provide complete or full overhead protection, while providing only 
part-length side wall panels. Such part-length side walls provide some 
degree of protection from the sun and rain, however, they often perform 
poorly in windy conditions. That is, these side wall panels generally 
extend downward and hang freely from the overhead panel and, as such, are 
easily moved and flopped by the wind. In light wind conditions, such 
movement tends to reduce the overall effectiveness of the flaps, as rain 
and sun are periodically allowed to pass unobstructed into the interior or 
protected region of the canopy. Furthermore, in high wind conditions, the 
movement of the side panel flaps may actually lead to them being damaged. 
Therefore there is and continues to be a need for a light-weight and 
relatively inexpensive protective canopy structure, that includes partial 
side wall panels which are generally secured to the supporting internal 
frame structure. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a canopy structure that includes a main 
frame and a pliable cover supported over the main frame. There is provided 
a series of tie cords that secure the cover to the main frame. Further 
there is provided a series of securing tabs that are mounted on the main 
frame and which are attachable to the tie cords for effectively 
interconnecting the pliable cover to the main frame of the canopy. Each of 
the securing tabs is movably mounted on the frame structure such that the 
securing tabs can be moved from one point to another on the frame 
structure but wherein the respective tabs in response to a force being 
applied assumes a binding position on the main frame and thus effectively 
holds the securing tab in a generally stationary position on the main 
frame and that in turn securely holds the pliable cover to the main frame. 
In another embodiment of the present invention, the canopy structure is 
provided with at least one turn down end panel that is secured across the 
front or rear end of the canopy structure such that it basically depends 
downwardly from the upper portion of the frame structure that supports the 
canopy. In particular, the pliable cover that forms a part of the canopy 
structure includes an end section that extends transversally across the 
upper portion of the canopy structure as a whole. A tie cord is attached 
to the end panel and functions to hold the end panel in a generally taunt 
position as it spans an end area of the canopy structure. 
In another embodiment of the present invention, the canopy structure of the 
present invention includes a frame network that is specifically designed 
to minimize the number of different parts or components that go into 
making up the frame structure as a whole. In this regard, the frame 
structure includes a series of pipe members that form various parts of the 
overall frame structure. These pipe members are required to be 
interconnected together. Therefore, the canopy frame structure is provided 
with a series of interconnectors and these interconnectors generally 
include a series pipe fingers or arms that radiate from a central area of 
the connector. In this embodiment of the present invention, there are only 
two different pipe interconnectors. That is, in order to connect any two 
pipes of the frame structure together, the personnel actually erecting the 
frame structure will only have to select from two different pipe 
interconnectors. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a canopy 
structure of the character referred to above that can be easily installed. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a canopy structure 
that includes an adjustable structure for tying down one or more side 
flaps that may form a part of the pliable cover of the canopy structure. 
Another objection of the present invention resides in the provision of a 
frame structure or frame network for a canopy structure of the type 
referred to above, wherein the frame structure components are designed so 
as to minimize the number of interconnectors used to interconnect various 
frame members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Shown in FIG. 1 is a canopy-type garage or car-port structure of the 
present invention, which is generally indicated by the numeral 10. Canopy 
structure 10 includes an internal frame assembly, generally indicated by 
the numeral 20, which is further comprised of a series of vertical support 
members 22, horizontal support members 24, angled roof or truss support 
members 26, and horizontal ridge members 27. In the preferred embodiment 
described herein, these structural support members are fabricated of a 
relatively light-weight aluminum alloy or other metal, and are in the form 
of hollow tubes or pipes. When completely assembled, the various vertical, 
horizontal, and roof truss support members 22, 24, and 26, respectively, 
are joined and linked together using a number of connectors 28 (FIG. 8) so 
as to form the structurally sound and stable internal frame assembly 20 
shown in FIG. 1. In general, connectors 28 are fabricated of a metal or 
suitably strong plastic polymer, and include a number of hollow 
projections or arms, which are oriented at various angles to one another. 
The hollow arms of each connector 28 are adapted to receive and generally 
secure the structural support members that are inserted therein. See FIGS. 
2A and 8. 
It will be appreciated that the vertical support members 22, in a fully 
assembled frame structure 20, are generally disposed such that one end of 
each vertical member 22 is buried just below the surface of a relatively 
level area of ground 12. In practice, the buried ends of the vertical 
members 22 may be additionally set in concrete or cement so as to further 
secure and stabilize the entire frame assembly 20. 
With particular regard to the roof truss members 26, it will be appreciated 
that the shape of these truss members is responsible for determining the 
general contour of the canopy roof line. As the truss members 26 shown in 
FIG. 1 are generally straight lengths of metal tubing, the corresponding 
contour of the roof line is generally linear or V-shaped, when viewed from 
either end of the canopy structure 10. However, an alternate embodiment of 
the canopy structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A includes a series of 
generally curved or arched truss members 26. Consequently, the roof line 
of this structure 10, when viewed from either end is generally arched so 
as to give the canopy structure a different aesthetic or gothic 
appearance. In all other functional respects, the frame structure 20 
illustrated in FIG. 2 is generally similar to the frame structure 20 that 
is presented in FIG. 1 and described above. 
Canopy structure 10 also includes a canopy covering which is generally 
indicated by the numeral 40, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Covering 40 is 
comprised of a top or roof panel 42, a pair of side panels 44, and a pair 
of end panels 46. In the preferred embodiment disclosed and discussed 
herein, the canopy covering 40 is fabricated of a generally waterproof 
material such as water sealed nylon or the like. It will be appreciated 
that a variety of covering materials may be employed to provide the 
required protection, including woven fabrics which are comprised of 
synthetic and/or natural fibers, as well as plastics such as polypropylene 
and the like. So long as the covering material provides sufficient 
protection from the natural elements, the choice of a specific covering 
material will be mainly driven by cost and durability issues. 
Shown in FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the canopy covering 40, as the covering 
would appear if unfolded and laying flat on the ground. From the 
illustration provided in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the covering 
40 is generally rectangular in shape, having a pair of end and side edges. 
The end edges of covering 40 are generally folded back onto the main body 
of the covering, where they are stitched or otherwise secured so as to 
effectively form a small, hollow passageway 52 along the edge of each end 
of the covering 40. Disposed within this edge passageway 52 is a bolt cord 
or draw cord 54, which is typically elastic in nature. Once threaded 
within the edge passageway 52, the ends of each elastic bolt cord 54 are 
fitted with a generally spherical or ball-shaped stopper 56. 
The side edges of the covering 40 are also generally folded back onto the 
main body of the covering, where they are stitched or otherwise secured. 
However, in this case, the doubling back of material is intended to 
provide additional strength to the side edges such that each side edge may 
accommodate a pair of securing or reinforcing grommets 50. Such 
reinforcing grommets 50 are typically formed of metal and are press fit 
into apertures formed in the body of the covering 40 so as to provide a 
high strength, rip resistant attachment point for a securing line or cord. 
Inset towards the interior and thus generally away from the edges of the 
covering 40 are a series of four grommet strips 48. Strips 48 are 
typically stitched or otherwise secured to the main body of the covering 
such that each grommet strip 48 is generally parallel to the nearest 
adjacent edge of the covering 40, as indicated in FIG. 3. Furthermore, 
each strip 48 includes a series of individual reinforcing grommets 50 
which are functionally equivalent to the grommets 50 in the side edges as 
discussed above. It will be appreciated that the grommet strips 48 are 
attached or secured to the main body of the canopy 40 in a manner such 
that one edge of each strip 48 is free. Consequently, when the canopy 40 
is unfolded and stretched across the associated frame structure 20, the 
grommet strips 48 are allowed to hang generally vertically, thus 
permitting easy access to the securing grommets 50 disposed therein. It 
will be appreciated that the grommet strips 48 generally define one edge 
of the top, side and end panels 42, 44 and 46, respectively. Furthermore, 
it should be noted that while the grommet strips 48 are generally parallel 
to the edges of the covering 40, the strips 48 that are adjacent the ends 
of the covering will not be exactly parallel to associated edges. This is 
the case because the end edges are purposely tapered or contoured so as to 
provide the end panels 46 with a particular aesthetic or decorative 
appearance. In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the end 
panels 46 are generally tapered in a straight manner, while in the case of 
the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the end panels 46 are generally 
tapered in curved or arched fashion. However, regardless of the particular 
contour employed, in all cases the grommet strips 48 define the upper edge 
of each of the protective panels 42, 44, and 46. 
The canopy structure 10 of the present invention also includes or 
incorporates a securing tab, generally indicated by the numeral 60, as 
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Tab 60 is typically formed of a metal or metal 
alloy such as aluminum or stainless steel, but could also be fabricated of 
a hard rubber or synthetic polymer compound. As such, one end of the 
securing tab 60 includes a generally circular pole aperture 62, which is 
of a diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the 
associated pole or vertical frame member 22 on which it is to be employed. 
As such, the tab 60 may be threaded onto an associated frame member 22 by 
fitting or sliding one end of the frame member 22 through the pole 
aperture 62. Once threaded onto the frame member 22, the tab 60 is free to 
slide up and down so long as a generally perpendicular orientation is 
maintained with respect to the frame member passing therethrough. If, 
however, the tab 60 becomes significantly tilted or rotated with respect 
to the frame member 22, the rim or sides of the pole aperture 62 engage 
the surface of the frame member and effectively bind or lock the tab 60 in 
place, such that the tab 60 is not able to slide freely up or down the 
associated vertical frame member 22. On the end of the tab 60 opposite the 
pole aperture 62 is a generally circular cord aperture 66. Cord aperture 
66, while being generally circular, further includes a break or opening 
that forms a throat area 72 which is bounded on either side by a pair of 
finger-like projections 70. As such, the finger-like projections 70 and 
throat area 72 effectively form a slotted entrance or passageway to the 
interior of the generally circular cord aperture 66. 
Adapted to be used in conjunction with the securing tabs 60 and/or the 
grommets 50 disposed in the canopy covering 40 are securing cords, 
generally indicated by the numeral 80. Each securing cord 80 is comprised 
of an elastic band or loop 82 which includes a ball-shaped stopper 84, as 
shown in FIG. 7. 
As mentioned previously, when completely assembled, the various vertical, 
horizontal, and roof truss support members 22, 24, and 26, respectively, 
and roof ridge members 27 are joined and linked together using the 
connectors 28 so as to form the internal frame assembly 20 shown in FIGS. 
1 and 2. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the vertical support 
members 22, in a fully assembled frame structure 20, are generally 
disposed such that one end of each vertical member 22 is buried just below 
the surface of a relatively level area of ground 12. In practice, the 
buried ends of the vertical members 22 may be additionally set in concrete 
or cement so as to further secure and stabilize the entire frame assembly 
20. 
With the internal frame 20 fully assembled, the canopy covering 40 is 
positioned atop the frame structure 20 with the grommet strips 48 facing 
down and then extended generally over and around the roof apex members 27 
and the roof truss members 26. The grommet strips 48 are subsequently 
further aligned so as to be immediately adjacent the horizontal support 
members 24 and the roof truss members 26 located at either end of the 
frame assembly 20. Being so aligned, the side and end panels 44 and 46, 
respectively, will necessarily extend beyond the edges of the roof, as 
defined by the roof truss members 26, and hang generally downwardly 
towards the ground 12. 
With the canopy covering 40 in position and the grommet strips 48 properly 
aligned with respect to the horizontal and truss support members 24 and 
26, respectively, the elastic securing cords 80 may be used to attach the 
canopy covering 40 to the frame structure 20. More particularly, the 
elastic securing cords 80 are used to secure all of the grommet reinforced 
securing points on both the grommet strips 48 and the side panels 44 of 
the canopy cover 40 to the frame structure 20. In the case of the grommet 
strips 48, the elastic cord loop 82 is passed through the grommet 50, 
around the adjacent frame member, and the end of the cord loop 82 is then 
opened and stretched so as to pass around and over the associated 
ball-shaped stopper 84. As the stretched elastic cord 82 is released and 
recoils, the ball-shaped stopper 84 prevents the looped end of the cord 82 
from retreating back around the frame member and out through the grommet 
50. Thus, the ball-shaped stopper 84 effectively locks the elastic cord 
loop 82 in place, and in the process generally secures the grommet 50, and 
necessarily the canopy cover 40, to the frame assembly 20. 
In the case of the grommet reinforced securing points disposed in the side 
panel areas 44 of the canopy covering 40, a securing tab 60 is required in 
addition to the elastic securing cord 80. As shown in FIG. 8, the securing 
tab is threaded onto the vertical frame member 22 such that the frame 
member 22 passes generally through the pole aperture 62. The elastic 
securing cord 80 is then inserted through the grommet 50 in the same 
manner as described above. That is, the securing cord loop 82 is passed 
through the grommet 50 and once through, the end of the cord loop 82 is 
opened and slipped over the ball-shaped stopper 84 so as to effectively 
form a slip-type knot configuration. The stopper-end of the cord 80 is 
then pulled downwardly and taught, which causes the slip-knot feature to 
slide upwardly and generally tighten around the grommet 50. With tension 
still on the elastic cord 80, the associated securing tab 60 is slid along 
the support member 22 into a position which allows the ball-shaped stopper 
84 to be slipped just below the tab's lower surface. The cord loop 82 is 
then permitted to pass between the tab's finger-like projections 70, 
through the adjacent throat area or passageway 72, and into the cord 
aperture 66, as indicated in FIG. 6. Once tension is released, elastic 
cord loop 82 recoils, causing the ball-shaped stopper 84 to move upward 
and generally engage the cord aperture 66 of the tab 60. As shown in FIG. 
7, after engaging the cord aperture feature 66 of the tab 60, the 
ball-shaped stopper 84 continues to be pulled generally upwardly by the 
recoiling elastic cord loop 82. The application of an upward force at the 
cord aperture 66 causes that end of the tab 60 to be tilted or rotated 
generally upward and in doing so causes the tab 60 to bind against the 
adjacent vertical support member 22, thus locking the tab 60 in place and 
preventing any further upwards sliding of the tab 60 on the support member 
22, as shown in FIG. 7. Consequently, once the tab 60 is effectively bound 
against the support member 22, a significant amount of tension is 
maintained in the stretched elastic securing cord 80, and as such this 
residual tension is adequate to pull the associated side panel 44 
generally downward and maintain the panel 44 in a secured and taught 
configuration, as indicated in FIG. 8. It will be further appreciated that 
the tab 60 may be positioned on the vertical support member 22 in such a 
manner as to receive and secure the associated elastic cord 80 after the 
cord 80 has been wrapped around the vertical support member 22 any number 
of times. In this way, a fraction of the elastic cord recoil force may be 
used to hold the associated side panel 44 firmly against the adjacent 
horizontal support member 24. 
At either end of the canopy structure 10, the elastic bolt cords 54 are 
secured to the vertical support members 22 of the frame structure 20 in 
much the same manner as that described above. That is, with a securing tab 
60 in place on the associated vertical support member 22, each end of the 
elastic bolt cord 54 is stretched generally downwardly adjacent the 
support member 22. With the bolt cord 54 sufficiently stretched or 
extended, the tab 60 is slid along the support member 22 until the cord 
aperture 66 is positioned adjacent the ball-shaped stopper 56 located on 
the end of the cord 54. While tension is maintained in the stretched bolt 
cord 54, the ball-shaped stopper 56 is slipped just below the lower 
surface of the adjacent securing tab 60 such that the cord 54 is permitted 
to pass between the tab's finger-like projections 70, through the adjacent 
throat area or passageway 72, and into the cord aperture 66. Once tension 
is released, the elastic cord 54 recoils, causing the ball-shaped stopper 
56 to move upward and generally engage the cord aperture 66 of the tab 60. 
As shown in FIG. 9, after engaging the cord aperture feature 66 of the tab 
60, the ball-shaped stopper 56 continues to be pulled generally upwardly 
by the recoiling elastic bolt cord 54. The application of an upward force 
at the cord aperture 66 causes that end of the tab 60 to be tilted or 
rotated generally upward and in doing so causes the tab 60 to bind against 
the adjacent vertical support member 22, thus preventing any upwards 
sliding of the tab 60 on the support member 22, as shown in FIG. 9. 
Consequently, once the tab 60 is effectively bound against and locked in 
position with respect to the support member 22, a significant amount of 
tension is maintained in the stretched elastic bolt cord 54, and as such 
this residual tension is adequate to pull the associated end panel 46 
generally downward and maintain the panel 46 in a secured and taught 
configuration. It will be further appreciated that the tab 60 may be 
positioned on the vertical support member 22 in such a manner as to 
receive and secure the elastic bolt cord 54 after the cord 54 has been 
wrapped or partially twisted around the associated vertical support member 
22. 
In both the case of the bolt cords 54 and the side panel securing cords 80, 
the purpose of these elastic cords and the associated securing tabs 60 is 
to apply and maintain sufficient tension to the edges of the canopy 
covering 40 so as to insure that the covering 40 is stretched taughtly and 
held securely in place on the frame 20. As such, the taughtly stretched 
covering 40 is able to provide the interior of the canopy structure 10 
with some degree of protection from the natural elements. Furthermore, by 
maintaining the covering 40 in a taught configuration, a particular 
aesthetic form or decorative appearance may be conveyed. In the case of 
the canopy structure embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a generally angled or 
pitched straight roof line is formed as a result of the shape of the roof 
truss members 26 in combination with the contour of the taughtly stretched 
canopy covering 40. Short, taughtly stretched side panels 44 extend 
generally downwardly, while the tightly stretched elastic bolt cords 54 
insure that the associated end panels 46 are pulled taughtly so as to 
appear generally straight-line tapered as they extend downward from the 
roof panel 42. In the case of the canopy structure embodiment shown in 
FIG. 2, a smoothly curved or arched roof line is formed as a result of the 
shape of the roof truss members 26 in combination with the contour of the 
taughtly stretched canopy covering 40. Short, taughtly stretched side 
panels 44 extend generally downwardly, while the tightly stretched elastic 
bolt cords 54 insure that the associated end panels 46 are pulled taughtly 
so as to also present a generally curved or arched appearance as they 
extend downward from the roof panel 42. 
With particular reference to FIG. 9, it is noteworthy to observe how the 
bolt cord 54 extends closely adjacent the frame structure of the canopy in 
the corner area. In particular, note that the elastic or bolt cord 54 
extends closely adjacent the vertical members 22 of the frame as the bolt 
cord 54 extends upwardly to the corner connector 28 of the frame 
structure. This is to be contrasted with cases where the tie down cords 
would tend to extend at an angle across the corner area. This approach 
makes it more difficult to effectively secure the tie cord to the frame 
structure. 
Turning to FIG. 2A, there is shown therein an alternate embodiment for the 
basic frame structure for the canopy of the present invention. In this 
alternative embodiment, the frame, like that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 
include a series of vertical members 22, a series of truss members 26 and 
series of ridge members 27. All of these components are connected together 
by connectors. Disposed on opposite ends of the frame structure, there is 
provided three connectors referred to by the numerals 100, 102 and 104. 
Note that each of these connectors includes three arms or fingers that 
project from a central portion of the connector. Because of the shape of 
the truss members 26, the three connectors, 100, 102 and 104 can be 
designed to be identical or interchangeable. Thus connectors 100, 102 and 
104 are all interchangeable. 
Note that the roof truss members 26 assume a generally arch shape. Further 
note that connectors 100, 102 and 104 each include three arms that radiate 
from a central area. Each of these connectors include two connector arms 
that are particularly configured to form a Gothic arch segment. In the 
case of connector 102, the Gothic arch segment connects the two truss 
members 26 together. The same Gothic arch segment, in the case of 
connectors 100 and 104, connect vertical members 22 with one of the arch 
shape truss members 26. 
About intermediate portions of the frame structure, there is also provided 
additional connectors. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2A, note that the 
connectors 106, 108 and 110 all have four arms or four fingers projecting 
from the central portion thereof. But again, because of the particular 
shape of the frame structure and the components thereof such as the truss 
members 26, all three of these connectors, that is connectors 106, 108 and 
110, are identical and interchangeable. This means, that for a basic frame 
structure of the type shown in FIG. 2A, that only two different types of 
connectors are required for the entire frame structure of the canopy 
structure. 
The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways 
than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and 
essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, 
therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not 
restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency 
range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.