Open-air car canopy and cover assembly and method of operation

An open-air car canopy and cover assembly and method of operation provides a rearwardly extending canopy that shields an uncovered rear deck of an open-air car from a deployed position, and when in an undeployed position, the panels retract, becoming limp and folding upon themselves. An upper pocket covers the panel folds in the undeployed position by encapsulating the panels and the rotatable supporting bracket. Lateral and rear flaps having fasteners and rear flap fasteners retain the panels out of the rear sight line and side openings of the open-air car. A roof mount detachably attaches the canopy to the roof of the open-air car with a curved flange that hooks over a roof support structure, and metallic tensioned hooks that hook under the roof support structure. A tensioned hinge member is operable with rotatable supporting bracket to retain canopy in a fixed position between deployed and undeployed positions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an open-air car canopy and cover assembly and method of operation. More so, the present invention relates to a rearwardly extending canopy that shields an uncovered rear deck of an open-air car from a deployed position, and when in an undeployed position, a upper panel and a rear panel of the canopy drape between their rotatable supporting bracket while each of a pair of side panels of the canopy is limp and folded upon itself; whereby an upper pocket encapsulates the rotatable supporting bracket and the panels in the undeployed position; whereby lateral and rear flaps having fastening members that retain the panels out of the rear sight line and the side openings of the open-air car; whereby a roof mount detachably attaches the canopy to the roof of the open-air car through use of a curved flange that hooks over a roof support structure, and metallic tensioned hooks that hook under the roof support structure; and whereby a tensioned hinge member is operable with the rotatable supporting bracket to retain the canopy in a fixed position at or between the deployed and undeployed positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a golf cart is a small motorized vehicle for carrying golfers and their equipment across a golf course. Golf carts commonly have a seating cabin covered by a roof and an uncovered rear deck or compartment. This rear compartment is used to hold a golf bag and clubs, a sweater basket, as well as other gear, during use of the cart. Golfers within the covered cabin may be protected during rain; but the golf clubs remain exposed to the elements, and thereby get wet and slippery.

Often, golf carts install a rear compartment canopy to protect the rear compartment and its contents. The canopy can be easily opened as needed to access the contents carried in the rear compartment and closed when the cart is not in use. It is known in the art to have canopies for golf cart rear compartments. Generally, it advantageous for the canopy to unfold over and in close proximity to the clubs to minimize exposure to the weather. The canopy is often a portable, removable rear cover having a resilient cover that drapes over hingedly rotatable, or sliding supporting brackets.

In many instances, the canopy can be moved between a deployed position and an undeployed position. Currently available canopies are releasably secured in the non-operative, undeployed, condition by means of a hook and loop-type fasteners including a loop bundle strip attached at one end to the back section of the cover section and a hook bundle strip fixedly secured atop an attachment member. Snaps are also used to secure the canopies when undeployed.

Typically, when the canopy is undeployed it is folded-up upon itself so that the roof-like and the rear parts of the canopy drape between their supporting brackets while each of the side panels of the canopy is limp and folded upon itself. The folds of the panels tend to collect moisture, dust, bugs, and general debris that enter the folds from the open parts at the top and also from the sides.

Other proposals have involved covering the open rear compartment of a golf cart with a canopy structure. The problem with these golf cart canopies is that the panels fold into themselves, which provides a crevice for moisture, debris, and bugs to enter. Also, the panels cannot be retained in a folded away position to clear the rear line of sight, or cover the rear open area more effectively. Even though the above cited golf cart canopies meet some of the needs of the market, an open-air car canopy and cover assembly providing a rearwardly extending canopy that provides an upper pocket for encapsulating the rotatable supporting bracket and the panels in the undeployed position; lateral and rear flaps having fastening members to retain the panels out of the rear sight line and the side openings of the open-air car; a roof mount that detachably attaches the canopy to the roof of the open-air car through use of a curved flange that hooks over a roof support structure, and metallic tensioned hooks that hook under the roof support structure; and a tensioned hinge member that is operable with the rotatable supporting bracket to retain the canopy in a fixed position at or between the deployed and undeployed positions, is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to an open-air car canopy and cover assembly. The open-air car canopy and cover assembly provides a rearwardly extending canopy comprising a rotatable supporting bracket that supports an upper panel, a rear panel, and a pair of side panels. The rotatable supporting bracket attach to the rear section of the open-air car at a pivot portion for pivotally connecting the canopy frame structure to the open-air car.

When the canopy is disposed in a deployed position, the panels shield an uncovered rear deck of the open-air car. When the canopy is disposed in an undeployed position, the upper panel and the rear panel of the canopy drape between their rotatable supporting bracket while each of the side panels is limp and folded upon itself. The folds in the panels have a tendency to collect dirt, moisture, and other undesirable debris.

The assembly provides an upper pocket that encapsulates the upper panel and rotatable supporting bracket in the undeployed position; thereby forming a protective cover over the upper panels and folds therein. The upper pocket also works to securely retain the upper panel and rotatable supporting bracket in the undeployed position.

The assembly provides a rear flap that integrally extends from the rear panel of the canopy. The rear flap is defined by a lower hem having a plurality of rear flap fastening members. The rear flap folds upwardly so that the rear flap fastening members couple to a roof support structure or metallic tensioned hooks, described below. This works to retain the rear panel out of the rear sight line of the open-air car. In the deployed position, the magnets can be decoupled from the roof support structure, so that the rear panel falls and covers the open rear section.

The assembly provides a pair of lateral flaps that integrally extend from the side panels of the canopy. The lateral flaps are defined by a lower hem having a plurality of fasteners. The lateral flaps fold inwardly so that the fasteners couple to corresponding fasteners at the rear panel. The inward disposition of the lateral panels works to cover the rear section of the open-air car.

The assembly provides a roof mount that detachably attaches the canopy to the roof of the open-air car. The roof mount is generally elongated, being about as wide as the rear section of the open-air car. The roof mount comprises a first end having a curved flange that hooks over a roof support structure of the open-air car, and a plurality of metallic tensioned hooks that hook under the roof support structure, and couple to flanges or ribs under the roof of the open-air car. The curved flange and metallic tensioned hooks create sufficient tension so that the canopy remains attached to the rear section of the open-air car. The metallic tensioned hooks provide a metal material that enables the rear flap fastening members to couple thereto, while retaining the rear panel.

The assembly provides a tensioned hinge member that is operable with the rotatable supporting bracket. The tensioned hinge member fits into the pivot portion of the rotatable supporting bracket, creating a snug, frictional relationship in the pivot portion that helps to retain the canopy in a fixed position, at or between the deployed and undeployed positions. This works to enable the canopy to be extended to cover items such as golf bags, or folded out of the way to provide access to the items.

In one aspect, the metallic tensioned hooks that hook under the roof support structure and couple to a flange or rib adjacent to the roof support structure.

In another aspect, the tensioned hinge member comprises a tensioner screw.

In another aspect, the roof mount has a length about the length of the rear section of the open-air car.

In another aspect, the upper panel comprises a forward edge.

In yet another aspect, the forward edge comprises an open hem that receives a bar.

In yet another aspect, the bar slidably fits into the channel of the second end of the roof mount, whereby the upper panel detachably attaches to the roof mount.

In yet another aspect, the rear panel comprises a vinyl window.

In yet another aspect, the lower hem of the rear flap is elasticized.

In yet another aspect, the hem of the lateral flaps is elasticized.

In yet another aspect, the fasteners of the lateral flaps comprise a snap button.

In yet another aspect, the corresponding fasteners in the rear panel comprise a corresponding snap button.

In yet another aspect, the rear flap is sewn to the rear panel.

In yet another aspect, the lateral flaps are sewn to the side panels.

In yet another aspect, the panels comprises a resilient material.

In yet another aspect, the rear panel comprises an elasticized rear hem.

In yet another aspect, the open-air car comprises a golf cart.

One objective of the present invention is to protectively cover the folds that form in the panels of a golf cart canopy in the undeployed position, so as to prevent moisture, bugs, and debris from entering.

Another objective is to securely retain the canopy in a fixed position, at or between the deployed and undeployed positions through use of a tensioning screw.

Yet another objective is to retain the rear panel of the canopy out of the line of sight of the occupants of the open-air car.

Yet another objective is to detachably attach the rear panel to the metallic tensioned hooks at the roof support structure in a folded up position through utilization of magnets.

Yet another objective is to provide a roof mount that secures to the roof support structure of the golf cart in a snap-fit relationship.

Yet another objective is to provide metallic tensioned hooks that hook under the roof support structure, and couple to flanges or ribs under the roof of the open-air car.

Yet another objective is to enable the curved flange and metallic tensioned hooks to create sufficient tension so that the canopy remains attached to the rear section of the open-air car.

Yet another objective is to provide a portable, removable golf cart canopy for its rear golf cart compartment that can be easily opened to a deployed position, and retracted to an undeployed position.

Yet another objective is to unfold the canopy panels over and in close proximity to golf clubs in the cart rear compartment to minimize exposure to the weather.

Yet another objective is to provide an open-air car canopy and cover assembly that can be attached to a golf cart without altering or modifying the golf cart.

Yet another objective is to provide an open-air car canopy and cover assembly that is durable.

Yet another objective is to provide an open-air car canopy and cover assembly that is easy to use.

Yet another objective is to provide an open-air car canopy and cover assembly that is inexpensive to fabricate and is easy to integrate into an existing canopy design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An open-air car canopy and cover assembly100and method400of operation is referenced inFIGS. 1-12. Open-air car canopy and cover assembly100, hereafter “assembly100” is operational and detachably attachable to an open-air car200. A roof mount122detachably attaches the canopy to the roof of the open-air car200with a curved flange126that hooks over a roof support structure206, and metallic tensioned hooks132that hook under the roof support structure206.

As referenced inFIG. 3, assembly100provides a rearwardly extending canopy102comprising a rotatable supporting bracket104defined by a plurality of ribs106that hinge about a pivot portion156to carry multiple, resilient panels108,116,118a-boutwardly to a deployed position152for covering an open rear section202of an open-air car200. Ribs106rotate about the pivot portion156inwardly to retract the panels to an undeployed position154, causing the panels108to fold into themselves and become limp. A tensioned hinge member120is operable in the pivot portion156of the rotatable supporting bracket104. Tensioned hinge member120helps retain the canopy in a fixed position at or between the deployed and undeployed positions152,154.

An upper pocket138encapsulates the folded panels in the undeployed position154; thereby preventing debris and moisture from entering the folds of canopy. Upper pocket138is generally elongated. Upper pocket138is sewn across the top edge and upper side edges of panels of canopy102. Rear and lateral flaps140,146a-bintegrally join their respective panels116,118a-b. Flaps140,146a-bare defined by hems studded with rear flap fastening members144, including various fastening means that attach to roof mount and rear panel fasteners, so as to retain the panels out of the rear sight line and the side openings of open-air car200. In one embodiment, a lower support bar158extends between the lateral flaps146a-bto provide additional support. Lower support bar may attach to any mounting surface in open rear section202of open-air car200.

In one non-limiting embodiment, open-air car200may include an electric golf cart, a gas-powered golf cart, and a buggy used to carry a driver, a passenger, and sporting equipment, such as golf clubs. Configurations of open-air car200comprises an open frame that does not have side doors or a rear enclosures, but rather remains exposed to external elements. Open-air cars200further comprise a roof support structure206for supporting a roof204over the open frame; an open rear section202, such as a deck, that carries items; wheels; an electrical or gas power source; and steering components.

It is well known in the sport that wet golf club grips can hinder the performance of the player and is undesirable. Thus, asFIG. 1illustrates, the prior art golf carts installs a rear compartment canopy300cover to protect golf bags and clubs312located in the rear bag storage compartment from rain and damp weather conditions. The canopy300is often a portable, removable rear cover having a resilient cover302that drapes over hingedly rotatable, or sliding supporting brackets304a,304b. An upper canopy bracket306is detachably fastened to a roof structure on the golf cart. A side support structure on the golf cart can also serve as a lower fastening point for a lower canopy bracket308. AsFIG. 1illustrates, the canopy300can be easily opened as needed to access the golf bags and clubs312carried in the rear compartment314; and closed when the cart is not in use (FIG. 2).

As referenced inFIG. 3, assembly100of the present invention comprises a rotatable supporting bracket104defined by a multiple ribs106joined at a pivot portion156. In one non-limiting embodiment, ribs106are structurally rigid, and have a generally U-shape. Ribs106are spaced-apart, and may be fixed or movable relative top each other. Ribs106support multiple panels108,116,118a-bthat cover different open areas of the open-air car200.

Pivot portion156of rotatable supporting bracket104may include a hinge hole/axle configuration that pivotally connects rotatable supporting bracket104to an open rear section202of an open-air car200. Though in other embodiments, pivot portion156may include any hinging and pivoting enabling mechanism known in the art may be used as the pivot portion156.

As shown inFIG. 4, panels include an upper panel108, a rear panel116, and a pair of side panels118a,118b. Upper panel108is disposed generally parallel with the ground surface and the roof204of open-air car200. Upper panel108is flat, planar, and generally larger than the rear and side panels116,118a,118b. Upper panel108comprises a forward edge110adjacent roof support structure206of roof204.

Forward edge110of upper panel108may be configured to have an open hem112that receives a bar114used for coupling upper panel108to roof support structure206of open-air car200, as described below. Upper panel108covers the open top section of open-air car200from the deployed position152. From undeployed position154, upper panel108forms folds between ribs106of the canopy102(FIG. 5). Those skilled in the art will recognize that debris, moisture, and bugs often fall into such folds between ribs106.

Rear panel116is joined with upper panel108at a shared edge. Rear panel116is disposed rearward of upper panel108, generally perpendicular to the roof204. Rear panel116covers the open rear section202of the open-air car200from deployed position152. In one non-limiting embodiment, vinyl window forms in rear panel116. Side panels118a,118bare joined to both the upper and rear panels108,116at shared edges. From deployed position152, the side panels118a,118bcover the driver side and passenger side opening of open-air car200. From the undeployed position154, the side panels118a,118bare limp and folded into themselves.

Thus, when the rotatable supporting bracket104is disposed in a deployed position152, the panels at least partially cover the open rear section202the open-air car200. When rotatable supporting bracket104is disposed in an undeployed position154, the upper panel108and rear panel116drape between the ribs106, while the side panels118a,118bare generally disposed limp and folded into themselves.

In some embodiments, panels108,116,118a-bare fabricated from a resilient material adapted to folding and easy compatibility. Suitable materials for panels108,116,118a-bmay include, without limitation, vinyl, vinyl mesh, acrylic, polyester and polyethylene. In one non-limiting embodiment, panels108,116,118a-bare constructed with elasticized hems and peripheral regions that enable snug interaction with the sides and rear section202of the open-air car200.

Turning now toFIG. 11, assembly100further includes a tensioned hinge member120that is sized and dimensioned to operatively fit into the pivot portion156of the rotatable supporting bracket104. Tensioned hinge member120is configured to create tension at the pivot portion156, such that the rotatable supporting bracket104is fixedly disposed at or between the deployed and undeployed positions152,154. In one non-limiting embodiment, tensioned hinge member120comprises a tensioner screw. Though in other embodiments, any hinging and tensioning mechanism known in the art may be used.

AsFIG. 6illustrates, a roof mount122is used to detachably attach rotatable supporting bracket104to a roof support structure206at the roof204of open-air car200. Roof mount122is generally elongated, and about as wide as the rear section202of the open-air car200. This length allows the entire rear panel116to mate easily with roof support structure206; thereby creating a stronger connection with the roof204(FIG. 7). Roof mount122is unique in that a snap-fit, quick release connection is formed with roof support structure206. This allows assembly100to attach to any type of open-air car without altering or modifying the open-air car.

In one non-limiting embodiment, roof mount122comprises a first end124having a curved flange126that hooks over the roof support structure206. Curved flange126is a unitary, longitudinal component that extends longitudinally across roof mount122. Curved flange126may be fabricated from a resilient polymer that allows for slight bending and creation of a tension, such as a snap-fit interconnection with roof support structure206, and fitted engagement with flange208or rib at bottom of roof204. Curved flange126may include multiple curved flanges dispose din a spaced-apart relationship along the length of roof mount122.

Roof mount122further has a second end128defined by a channel130. The bar114in the open hem112of upper panel108slidably fits into the channel130. Bar114and channel130interaction is snug, but still allow for detachable attachment between forward edge110of upper panel108and roof mount122. Though in other embodiments, attachment means other than bar114and channel130interconnection may be used, including snap buttons, magnets, or adhesives may detachably attach forward edge110of upper panel108to roof mount122.

Looking now atFIG. 10, a plurality of metallic tensioned hooks132are operable to work with roof mount122. Metallic tensioned hooks132are configured to hook under the roof support structure206. Similar to curved flange126, the metallic tensioned hooks132may be fabricated from a resilient polymer that allows for slight bending and creation of a tension, such as a snap-fit interconnection with roof support structure206.

In one non-limiting embodiment, metallic tensioned hooks132include a free end136that fastens to roof mount. Further, metallic tensioned hooks132include a mount end134that hooks under the roof support structure206and couple to a flange208or rib adjacent to the roof support structure206. Thus, the opposing positions of metallic tensioned hooks132and curved flange126on first end124of roof mount122is designed to create tension therebetween. The tension helps retain rotatable supporting bracket104to the roof support structure206of open-air car200. This allows first end124of roof mount122to attach to roof support structure206on roof204.

As discussed above, roof mount122comprises a second end128defined by a channel130. Bar114from the forward edge110of the upper panel108is sized and dimensioned to slidably fit into the channel130forming in the roof mount122. In this manner, upper panel108detachably attaches to the roof mount122, which is itself detachably attached to the roof support structure206.

Turning toFIG. 8, an upper pocket138integrally joins upper and side panels118a,118b, positioning approximately near roof support structure206. Upper pocket138encapsulates the folded panels in the undeployed position154; thereby preventing debris and moisture from entering the folds. Upper pocket138is generally elongated; thereby allowing upper pocket138to be sewn across the forward edge110of upper panel108, and along with the upper side edges of canopy102. Also, the upper pocket138is sufficiently sturdy so as to retain the upper panel108and the rotatable supporting bracket104in the undeployed position154near the roof204. Upper panel108can be easily removed from upper pocket138to return to deployed position152.

Upper pocket138has a unique shape that encapsulates upper panel108, rotatable supporting bracket104, and other parts of canopy102while retracted into the undeployed position154. In this manner, the panel folds between the ribs106are protected from debris, moisture, and bugs entering therein. However in some embodiments, upper pocket138has an elasticized edge160that allows upper pocket138to form-fit the upper panel108, rotatable supporting bracket104, and other upper edges of canopy102; thereby enabling full encapsulation thereof.

However it is significant to note that the elasticized edge is not necessary, since the elongated, shape that extends across the length of the canopy10-2and to the edges/corners of the canopy are sufficient to retain the canopy panels and flaps. In yet other embodiments, a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro™, a button, a magnet, a zipper, or other canvas fastening mechanisms may be used to help encapsulate upper panel108, rotatable supporting bracket104, and other parts of canopy102in a form-fitting arrangement.

AsFIG. 9illustrates, assembly100further includes a rear flap140that extends from rear panel116of the canopy102. In one non-limiting embodiment, rear flap140is sewn to the rear panel116, so as to be integral therewith. Rear flap140has a lower hem142disposed distally from rear panel116. Lower hem142of rear flap140may be elasticized for a snug interaction with the rear section202of open-air car200. Lower hem142of rear flap140comprises a plurality of rear flap fastening members144, including magnetic buttons, Velcro™ snap buttons, zippers, and friction fit fastening means. In this manner, rear flap140is foldable towards the roof of open-air car200and can be retained against roof structure.

In this manner, rear flap140carries rear panel116to the roof support structure206, where the rear flap fastening members144detachably couple to the metallic tensioned hooks132at the roof support structure206. This upward retention of rear panel116serves to move rear panel116out of the rear sight line of rear section202of open-air car200. This may be useful for driving open-air car200in reverse. However, it is significant to note that a magnetic rear flap fastening member would be advantageous because it would be less likely to rust or wear out, as would a metallic fastening means or Velcro™.

Looking back atFIG. 4, a pair of lateral flaps146a-bextend from the side panels118a,118bof the canopy. In one non-limiting embodiment, lateral flaps146a-bare sewn to a corresponding side panel, so as to be integrally joined therewith. Lateral flaps146a-bare defined by a hem148having a plurality of lateral fasteners150. Similar to rear flap140, the lateral flaps146a-bmay be folded inwardly towards the rear section202of open-air car200. This inwardly foldable disposition of lateral panels moves the coverage area of side panels118a,118b, so as to increase coverage of rear section202of open-air car200. This can be useful for covering contents in a rear compartment, such as golf clubs, garments, food, etc.

Once folded towards rear panel116, lateral fasteners150detachably couple side panels118a-bto corresponding fasteners or magnets at the rear panel116. In one non-limiting embodiment, the lateral fasteners150on lateral flaps146a-bcomprise a snap button; and the corresponding fasteners in the rear panel116comprising a corresponding snap button. Though in other embodiments, a magnet may be used in place of the snap buttons. Furthermore, the hem148of the lateral flaps146a-bmay be elasticized to create snug fit with sides of open-air car200.

FIG. 12illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method400for operation of an open-air car canopy and cover assembly. Method400may include an initial Step402of providing a canopy operational with an open-air car, the canopy comprising a rotatable supporting bracket defined by a multiple ribs joined at a pivot portion, an upper panel, a rear panel, and a pair of side panels, the canopy movable between a deployed position and an undeployed position, whereby the panels fold into the ribs in the undeployed position.

The method400may further comprise a Step404of attaching, through a roof mount, the canopy to a roof support structure, the roof mount comprising a curved flange that hooks above the roof support structure, the roof mount further comprising a plurality of metallic tensioned hooks that hook below the roof support structure, whereby the curved flange and metallic tensioned hooks are oppositely disposed to create tension.

A Step406includes pivotally articulating the canopy to the undeployed position, whereby a tensioner screw fitted into the pivot portion of the rotatable supporting bracket creates tension at the pivot portion, whereby the tension fixedly disposes the rotatable supporting bracket at or between the deployed and undeployed positions.

In some embodiments, a Step408comprises encapsulating the rear panel and the rotatable supporting bracket in an upper pocket.

A Step410includes folding a rear flap towards the roof, whereby the rear flap is integrally joined with the rear panel.

In some embodiments, a Step412may include magnetically attaching the rear flap to the plurality of metallic tensioned hooks at the roof support structure.

A Step414comprises folding a pair of lateral flaps towards the rear panel, whereby the lateral flaps are integrally joined with the side flaps, whereby the lateral flaps comprises fasteners or magnets.

A final Step416includes attaching the fasteners or magnets of the lateral flaps to corresponding fasteners or magnets at the rear panel.

Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.