Collapsible canopy and collapsible canopy frame

A collapsible canopy frame including a plurality of side poles including a first side pole, a second side pole, and a third side pole, a first set of edge scissor assemblies coupling the first side pole and the second side pole to each other, at least one second edge scissor assembly coupling the second side pole and the third side pole to each other, and a hub coupled to the first side pole and the second side pole by the first set of edge scissor assemblies and coupled to the third side pole by a hub rib pole, the hub rib pole extending between the hub and an upper end of the third side pole.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a collapsible canopy and a collapsible canopy frame.

2. Description of the Related Art

Collapsible canopy frames often include a plurality of telescoping legs and one or more scissor assemblies (e.g., X-shaped scissor assemblies) extending therebetween. A canopy covering, such as a cloth, polyester, or leather covering, is disposed above, and supported by, the collapsible canopy frame. The scissor assemblies are moveable relative to the telescoping legs to adjust the collapsible canopy frame between an expanded position and a collapsed position.

Typically, collapsible canopy frames have a central support member that supports the canopy covering, creating a pyramidal shape. For example, in the typical scissor assembly canopy frame described above, the frame may include a central support member. As the scissor assemblies are expanded, the central support member is raised into a vertical supporting position and may have an extendable vertical pole member that is used to support a canopy and provide a peak for the canopy.

However, as collapsible canopies have become increasingly popular for sporting events, festivals, trade shows, and other gatherings, a variety of collapsible canopies may be desirable. For ease of use, canopy frames having reduced weight, a reduced size, and/or a different shape while still providing a strong and stable foundation may be desirable.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a collapsible canopy frame. Further, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a collapsible canopy.

In an one embodiment of the present disclosure a collapsible canopy frame is provided that includes: a plurality of side poles including a first side pole, a second side pole, and a third side pole; a first set of edge scissor assemblies coupling the first side pole and the second side pole to each other; at least one second edge scissor assembly coupling the second side pole and the third side pole to each other; and a hub coupled to the first side pole and the second side pole by the first set of edge scissor assemblies and coupled to the third side pole by a hub rib pole, the hub rib pole extending between the hub and an upper end of the third side pole.

In one embodiment, the hub, the first side pole, the second side pole, and the first set of edge scissor assemblies are located at a side area of the canopy frame.

In one embodiment, the collapsible canopy frame further includes a support member coupling the hub rib pole to the third side pole.

In one embodiment, each of the side poles is a telescoping side pole.

In one embodiment, the collapsible canopy frame further includes a first bracket coupling the hub rib pole to the third side pole.

In one embodiment, the collapsible canopy frame further includes a first bracket coupling an upper end of a scissor assembly of the at least one second edge scissor assembly to the third side pole and a second bracket coupling a lower end of the scissor assembly of the at least one second edge scissor assembly to the third side pole.

In one embodiment, the second bracket couples a support member to the third side pole.

In one embodiment, the first bracket is at or near a top end of the third side pole, and the second bracket is positioned below the first bracket on the third side pole.

In one embodiment, the first bracket is fixed to the third side pole.

In one embodiment, the second bracket is configured to slide along the third side pole.

In one embodiment, the first set of edge scissor assemblies coupling the first side pole and the second side pole to each other includes a first scissor assembly, a second scissor assembly, a third scissor assembly, and a fourth scissor assembly sequentially arranged to couple the first side pole and the second side pole to each other.

In one embodiment, the hub is coupled to an upper end of the second scissor assembly and an upper end of the third scissor assembly.

In one embodiment, the first scissor assembly and the fourth scissor assembly have a same length.

In one embodiment, the second scissor assembly and the third scissor assembly have a same length.

In one embodiment, the first scissor assembly and the second scissor assembly are different in length.

In one embodiment, the first scissor assembly is greater in length than the second scissor assembly.

In one embodiment, the plurality of side poles further includes a fourth side pole, and the canopy frame further includes: a third set of edge scissor assemblies coupling the third side pole and the fourth side pole to each other; and at least one fourth edge scissor assembly coupling the first side pole and the fourth side pole to each other.

In one embodiment, the third set of edge scissor assemblies includes a different number of edge scissor assemblies than the first set of edge scissor assemblies.

In one embodiment, the first side pole and the second side pole are spaced apart from each other by a same distance as the third side pole and the fourth side pole when the canopy frame is in an expanded state.

In one embodiment, a canopy covering may be on the collapsible canopy frame. The canopy covering includes a roof portion and a wall portion, and a gap is defined between the wall portion and a lower end of the first side pole of the plurality of side poles when the canopy frame is in a raised configuration.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of features and concepts of example embodiments of the present disclosure that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended to be used in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. One or more of the described features according to one or more example embodiments may be combined with one or more other described features according to one or more example embodiments to provide a workable method or device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and/or simplified for clarity.

It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, connected, or coupled to the other element or one or more intervening elements may also be present. When an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

FIG. 1is a front perspective view of a canopy frame in a fully expanded state and in a raised configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, a collapsible canopy frame100according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes side poles102to support the canopy frame100and one or more edge scissor assemblies104A,1046,104C,104D connecting each of the side poles102to another one of the side poles102. Each of the edge scissor assemblies104A,104B,104C,104D may be formed of a pair of scissor members pivotably coupled together and rotatable about a pivot, and each of the side poles102may be connected to two other side poles102adjacent to the side pole102by separate sets of one or more edge scissor assemblies. For example, a single set of one or more edge scissor assemblies may connect two side poles102to each other.

In one or more embodiments, the set of one or more edge scissor assemblies connecting two side poles may include one or more edge scissor assemblies104C,104D that include the pair of scissor members pivotably coupled to each other at a center of each of the pair of scissor members (i.e., the pair of scissor members may have a pivot point at a center of each of the pair of scissor members) or may include one or more edge scissor assemblies104A,1046that include the pair of scissor members pivotably coupled to each other at a location off-center from each of the pair of scissor members (i.e., the pair of scissor members may each have a pivot point located between a center and an end of each of the pair of scissor members). For example, each of the pair of scissor members in three sets of one or more edge scissor assemblies may include a pair of scissor members pivotably coupled to each other at a center of each of the pair of scissor members, and at least one of the pair of scissor members in another set of one or more edge scissor assemblies may include a pair of scissor member pivotably coupled to each other at a location off-center from each of the pair of scissor members (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 2A-2D).

As shown inFIG. 1, the canopy frame100may include four sets of edge scissor assemblies connecting four side poles102to each other. Two sets of the four sets of edge scissor assemblies include a single edge scissor assembly104C (e.g., a single edge scissor assembly including a pair of scissor members that are pivotably coupled to each other at a center of each of the pair of scissor members), one set of the four sets of edge scissor assemblies includes two edge scissor assemblies104D (e.g., two edge scissor assemblies each including a pair of scissor members that are pivotably coupled to each other at a center of each of the pair of scissor members), and one set of the four sets of edge scissor assemblies includes four edge scissor assemblies104A,104B (e.g., four edge scissor assemblies each including a pair of scissor members that are pivotably coupled to each other at a location off-center from each of the pair of scissor members). In one or more embodiments, the two edge scissor assemblies104D of one set of edge scissor assemblies and the four edge scissor assemblies104A,1046of another one of the set of edge scissor assemblies are different in length such that each of the sets of edge scissor assemblies connect a pair of corresponding side poles102that are spaced apart from each other via the sets of edge scissor assemblies by the same distance (e.g., in an expanded state and in a collapsed state).

As shown inFIG. 1, the edge scissor assemblies104A,104B,104C,104D have a first side with an upper outer end106,118, or126and a lower outer end108,120, or128and a second side opposing the first side with an upper outer end110or122and a lower outer end112or124. The upper and the lower outer ends of the first and the second sides may be pivotably coupled to either another edge scissor assembly104A,104C,104D by pivots or pivotably coupled to a side pole102by a first bracket114and a second bracket116mounted on a side pole102as will be described in more detail below.

In one or more embodiments, each of the one or more edge assemblies104B may include a pair of scissor members with a first one of the pair of scissor members having a length of about 15 inches and a second one of the pair of scissor members having a length of about 17 inches. In other words, the length from the lower outer end120of the edge scissor assembly1046to the upper outer end122of the edge scissor assembly1046may be about 17 inches, and the length from the upper outer end118of the edge scissor assembly1046to the lower outer end124of the edge scissor assembly1046may be about 15 inches. In this case, the pivot of the edge scissor assembly1046coupling the pair of scissor members to each other may be located about 9 inches from the pivot coupling another edge scissor assembly1046to the upper outer end122of the edge scissor assembly104B and about 8 inches from the pivot coupling another edge scissor assembly104A to the lower outer end124of the edge scissor assembly1046.

In one or more embodiments, each of the one or more edge assemblies104A may include a pair of scissor members with a first one of the pair of scissor members having a length of about 26 inches. In other words, the length from the lower outer end112of the edge scissor assembly104A to the upper outer end106of the edge scissor assembly104A may be about 26 inches. In this case, the pivot of the edge scissor assembly104A coupling the pair of scissor members to each other may be located about 8 inches from the pivot coupling another edge scissor assembly1046to the lower outer end112of the edge scissor assembly104A and about 18 inches from the pivot coupling the first bracket114to the upper outer end106of the edge scissor assembly104A.

Although a specific number of edge scissor assemblies104A,104B,104C,104D with specific lengths included in a set of edge scissor assemblies has been provided, any suitable number of edge scissor assemblies104A,104B,104C,104D with any suitable length may be used depending on the distance between connected side poles102, the dimensions of the edge scissor assemblies104A,104B,104C,104D, and the like.

In one or more embodiments, each of the side poles102has a substantially square cross-section, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a foot bracket130attached at a bottom end of the side pole102for supporting the weight of the canopy frame100. The side poles102may be spaced apart from each other such that a rectangular shaped covered area may be covered by a canopy covering resting on or attached to the canopy frame100when the canopy frame100is in a fully expanded state. Further, when the canopy frame100is in the fully expanded state, the side poles102may extend vertically or in the height direction and provide further support for the weight of the canopy frame100and the canopy covering. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the side poles102may be slanted relative to a height direction (e.g., a direction normal or perpendicular to the ground) of the canopy frame100which further expands the rectangular shaped covered area.

As shown inFIG. 1, the rectangular shaped covered area may have two opposing, parallel long sides corresponding to a width W and two opposing, parallel short sides corresponding to a depth D. Further, the canopy frame100may have a height H. The width W, the depth D, and the height H may be set to any suitable width, depth, and height respectively with corresponding changes to, for example, the side poles102and/or the sets of edge scissor assemblies.

In one or more embodiments, each of the side poles102has a first bracket114and a second bracket116mounted thereon. The first bracket114may be mounted at a top end of each of the side poles102and the second bracket116may be mounted at a side portion of the side pole102between the top end and the bottom end of the side pole102. Because the first bracket114may be at the top end of each of the side poles102and the foot bracket130may be at the bottom end of each of the side poles102, the first bracket114and the foot bracket130may be at opposite ends of each of the side poles102.

In one or more embodiments, the first bracket114positioned above the second bracket116near or at the top of the side pole102may be stationary or fixed while the second bracket116may be movable with respect to the side pole102. Therefore, the second bracket116may move or slide as the canopy frame100changes between the collapsed state and the fully expanded state.

Each of the first bracket114and the second bracket116may pivotably couple an edge scissor assembly104A,104C,104D to a corresponding one of the side poles102. For example, an upper outer end106of one edge scissor assembly104A,104C,104D may be pivotably coupled to the corresponding side pole102by the first bracket114, and a lower outer end108of the one edge scissor assembly104A,104C,104D may be pivotably coupled to the corresponding side pole102by the second bracket116. In one or more embodiments, the first bracket114and the second bracket116may each include a first connection region, a second connection region, and a third connection region (the connection regions132,134,136of the first bracket114are shown and described in more detail with respect toFIG. 3below). Edge scissor assemblies104A,104C,104D from separate sets of edge scissor assemblies may pivotably couple to the first bracket114at the first connection region132and the third connection region136, and a hub rib pole138may pivotably couple to the first bracket114at the second connection region134. The edge scissor assemblies104A,104C,104D from separate sets of edge scissor assemblies may pivotably couple to the second bracket116at the first connection region and the third connection region, and a support member140may pivotably couple to the second bracket116at the second connection region. The support member140may support the hub rib pole138as will be discussed in more detail below.

In one or more embodiments, the collapsible canopy frame100may further include a hub142connected to each of the side poles102by a hub rib pole138or one or more scissor assemblies104A,104B. The hub142, one or more scissor assemblies104A,104B connecting the hub142to two adjacent side poles102, and the two adjacent side poles102may define the boundaries of a side area (e.g., a planar side area). In one or more embodiments, the hub142may be centered between the two adjacent side poles102at the side area.

As shown inFIG. 1, the first bracket114and the second bracket116of the two adjacent side poles102at the side area may pivotably couple only edge scissor assemblies104A,104C to corresponding side poles102of the two adjacent side poles102, the first bracket114of other side poles102may pivotably couple edge scissor assemblies104D,104C and a hub rib pole138to corresponding side poles102, and the second bracket116of the other side poles102may pivotably couple edge scissor assemblies104D,104C and a support member140to the corresponding side poles102.

The hub142may include four coupling support members144,146,148,150at an underside of the hub142(the coupling support members144,146,148,150of the hub142are shown and described in more detail with respect toFIGS. 4A and 4Bbelow). Two edge scissor assemblies104B may respectively connect to the hub142using two coupling support members144,146from among the four coupling support members144,146,148,150, and two hub rib poles138may respectively connect to the hub142using the two other coupling support members148,150of the four coupling support members144,146,148,150. In one or more embodiments, the coupling support members144,146for the two edge scissor assemblies104A may be side-by-side such that a single pivot may couple each of the two coupling support members144,146and upper outer ends122,126of the two edge scissor assemblies104B together. Lower outer ends124,128of the two edge scissor assemblies104B connected to the hub142may be spaced apart from the hub142and may be coupled together by another pivot. The two hub rib poles138that may be respectively connected at the other two coupling support members148,150of the hub142may extend to corresponding side poles102spaced apart from the side area formed by the hub142and the two adjacent side poles102.

Although a specific number of coupling support members for the hub142are described, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of coupling support members at the underside of the hub142may vary depending on the number of hub rib poles138extending from corresponding side poles102of the canopy frame100to support the hub142.

In one or more embodiments, the set of one or more side poles102at the side area of the canopy frame100may include four edge scissor assemblies104A,1046sequentially connected to each other from one side pole102at the side area to another, adjacent side pole102at the side area with the hub142connected between two of the four edge scissor assemblies104A,104B. For example, a first pair of edge scissor assemblies104A may be pivotably coupled to separate ones of the two adjacent side poles102via corresponding first brackets114and second brackets116of the two adjacent side poles102as shown inFIG. 1. The first pair of edge scissor assemblies104A may also be connected to respective ones of a pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies1046connected between the first pair of edge scissor assemblies104A. The hub142may be coupled to an upper outer end122,126of the pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies1046by a pivot.

In one or more embodiments, the pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies1046may each have scissor members that are the same length as each other and the pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies1046may be the same length as each other. The pair of edge scissor assemblies104A may each have scissor members that are the same length as each other and the pair of edge scissor assemblies104A may be the same length as each other. Further, the scissor members of the pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies104B may be shorter in length than the scissor members of the pair of edge scissor assemblies104A. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the scissor members of the pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies104B may be greater in length than the scissor members of the pair of edge scissor assemblies104A.

A hub rib pole138may include an upper section158having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a lower section160having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end (the upper section158and the lower section160of the hub rib pole138are shown and described in more detail with respect toFIGS. 2A and 2Bbelow). The first end of the upper section158of the hub rib pole138may be coupled to the hub142at a coupling support member148of the hub142by a pivot. The second end of the upper section158of the hub rib pole138may be coupled to the first end of the lower section160of the hub rib pole138by a pivot, and the second end of the lower section160of the hub rib pole138may be pivotably coupled to a side pole102by the first bracket114mounted on the side pole102.

In one or more embodiments, the lower section160of the hub rib pole138may be coupled to a support member140by a pivot at a side region of the lower section160of the hub rib pole138between the first end and the second end of the lower section160of the hub rib pole138. The support member140may be pivotably coupled to the side pole102by the second bracket116mounted on the corresponding side pole102. Accordingly, the support member140may support the weight of the hub rib pole138when the canopy frame100is in a fully expanded state.

In one or more embodiments, the weight of the hub142may be supported by the side poles102, the hub rib poles138, the support members140, and/or edge scissor members when the canopy frame100is in the fully expanded state. Therefore, when the canopy frame100is in a fully expanded state, the hub142may form a peak for supporting a canopy covering resting on or attached to the canopy frame100. In other words, when the canopy frame100is in the fully expanded state, the hub142may be at the highest point of the canopy.

When the canopy frame100is in a collapsed state, the hub142may be lowered such that the hub142may be at a height lower than a top end of the side poles102. Further, to provide a compact form, the hub142may be located such that the hub142is centered between two adjacent side poles102in the collapsed state and off-center with respect to a top down view of the upright canopy frame100in the collapsed state.

As shown inFIG. 1, the hub142may be positioned between two side poles102at the side area corresponding to the long side of the rectangular shaped covered area. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hub142may be positioned between any two side poles102of the canopy frame100at any side (e.g., a long side or a short side) of the canopy frame100with suitable adjustments to the lengths of the components connecting to the hub142.

In one or more embodiments, each of the side poles102may be a telescoping side pole102as will be described in more detail below. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in one or more embodiments, the side poles102may not include telescoping sections (i.e., may not be telescoping side poles102). A telescoping side pole102may include two telescoping sections, which correspond to upper section154and lower section156, respectively. The upper and lower sections154,156may be coupled to each other through a height adjustment bracket152, which may adjust the relative positions of the upper and lower sections154,156, and therefore, the height of each telescoping side pole102.

When the canopy frame100is in the fully expanded state, the canopy frame100may be selectively set to a lowered configuration at a first height or to a raised configuration at a second height.

In the lowered configuration, the lower section156of the telescoping side pole102may mostly overlap to fully overlap the upper section154of the telescoping side pole102in a radial direction (or a thickness direction) of the telescoping side pole102. In one or more embodiments, the lowered configuration may be reversibly fixed in position by a bottom end of the height adjustment bracket152resting against or contacting a foot bracket130to support the weight of the canopy covering. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable locking mechanism may be used. For example, the lowered configuration may be fixed in position by a pin and through hole mechanism at any suitable portion of the telescoping side pole102(e.g., a retractable pin extending into a corresponding through hole when the pin of the upper section154or lower section156aligns with a through hole of the other section). As another example, the lowered configuration may be fixed by the height adjustment bracket152including a retractable protrusion which extends to form a friction stop against a portion of the telescoping side pole102in accordance with a knob.

In one or more embodiments, when the locking mechanism is disengaged, the lower section156of the telescoping side pole102may slide away from or slide towards the upper section154of the telescoping side pole102such that the height of the canopy frame100increases or decreases respectively. The lower limit of the height of the canopy frame100may be set by the lowered configuration and the upper limit of the height of the canopy frame100may be set by the raised configuration.

Therefore, starting from the lowered configuration, the height of the canopy frame100may increase until a pin and through hole mechanism (e.g., a pin of an upper section154or lower section156aligning with a through hole of the other section) reversibly locks the upper section154and lower section156of the telescoping side pole102in position indicating that the canopy frame100is at a set height (e.g., a set height for the raised configuration). In one or more embodiments, the total height of the canopy frame100in the raised configuration and in a fully expanded state is about 7.1 feet. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the height may be any suitable height based on the height of the telescoping side poles102, hub142, and the like.

Although two height configurations (e.g., the raised and lowered configuration) are described with reference toFIG. 1, any number of height configurations may be provided as desired with suitable adjustments to the telescoping side poles102to fix the telescoping side poles102of the canopy frame100at a series of set heights including the lowered configuration and the raised configuration. For example, multiple locking mechanisms incrementally set at different heights along the telescoping side poles102may be used to provide the series of set heights. As another example, a retractable protrusion which extends to form a friction stop in accordance with a knob at the height adjustment bracket152may be used to provide a user-selected height.

In one or more embodiments, the side poles102may not be telescoping, and instead may have a fixed length. In this case, one height configuration may be provided.

FIG. 2Ais a rear perspective view of the canopy frame ofFIG. 1in a fully expanded state and in a lowered configuration;FIGS. 2B-2Dare perspective views of the canopy frame ofFIG. 2Ain partially expanded states according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 2Eis a front view of the canopy frame ofFIG. 2Ain a collapsed state according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 2B-2E, the canopy frame100in the lowered configuration may collapse from the fully expanded state to partially expanded states before reaching the collapsed state. Similarly, the canopy frame100may expand from the collapsed state to partially expanded states before reaching the fully expanded state.

To collapse the canopy frame100, the side poles102are pushed towards the center of the covered area, forcing second brackets116to move away from first brackets114as upper and lower ends of the edge scissor members pivotably coupled to the first brackets114and second brackets116pivot in opposite directions to one another to increase the distance between their respective ends. Meanwhile, each of the second brackets116moves downward along the upper section154of the side pole102towards the height adjustment bracket152or the foot bracket130and away from the first bracket114. As the second bracket116moves downwardly, second brackets116pivotably coupling the support members140to side poles102may also move or force down the pivot coupling the support members140to the lower sections160of hub rib poles138such that the support members140coupled to side poles102at second brackets116pull the hub rib poles138downwardly. The hub rib poles138further fold at a pivot between the upper section158and the lower section160, concurrently (e.g., simultaneously) moving the hub142coupled to the hub rib poles138downwardly. The hub142may also be connected between edge scissor assemblies104A,104B such that the hub142is concurrently (e.g., simultaneously) moved downwardly by the edge scissor assemblies104A,104B while the hub rib poles138fold at the pivot moving the hub142downwardly. In one or more embodiments, the hub142may move downwardly due to a difference in length between the scissor members of the pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies1046and the scissor members of the pair of edge scissor assemblies104A. For example, the scissor members of the pair of intervening edge scissor assemblies1046may be shorter in length than the scissor members of the pair of edge scissor assemblies104A as shown inFIGS. 2A-2E.

Accordingly, the canopy frame100can thus be completely collapsed. Such a collapsed configuration effectively reduces the volume of the canopy frame100and allows a user to easily and conveniently carry the canopy frame100. In other words, the canopy frame100may be in a collapsed state for ease of transport. In the collapsed state, the canopy frame100may be more compact (e.g., have a smaller form factor) than the fully expanded state to allow a user to carry the canopy frame100or pack the canopy frame100into a bag.

As shown inFIG. 2E, the hub142of the canopy frame100may be at a side of the canopy frame100between two side poles102to form a compact rectangular shape for storage and/or transport. In the collapsed state, the hub142may be at a height between the foot bracket130and the top end of each of the side poles102.

To expand the canopy frame100from a collapsed state to the fully opened state, the side poles102are pushed or pulled outwardly (e.g., pushed or pulled outwardly at the same time), stretching the canopy frame100. As the side poles102are pushed or pulled outwardly, the second brackets116move upward along the side poles102while edge scissor members104A,104C,104D pivotably coupled to the first brackets114and second brackets116pivot in opposite directions to one another to decrease the distance between their respective ends, elongating the edge scissor assemblies104A,104B,104C,104D. As the second brackets116move upwardly along the side poles102, support members140coupled to move with second brackets116also move upwardly and push the hub rib poles138upward. As the hub rib poles138are pushed upwardly, the hub142is moved into a vertical supporting position for tautly supporting a canopy covering. In one or more embodiments, the hub142may also be connected between edge scissor assemblies104A,104B such that the hub142is concurrently (e.g., simultaneously) moved upwardly by the edge scissor assemblies104A,104B while the hub rib poles138move the hub142upward.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of an upper portion of a canopy frame100including first brackets according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, the structure of each first bracket114according to one or more embodiments includes a cavity for receiving a side pole102(e.g., the upper section of the side pole), a first connection region132, a second connection region134, and a third connection region136. Each of the first connection region132, the second connection region134, and the third connection region136may indicate a protrusion of the first bracket114including, for example, a through hole to receive a pivot connecting a hub rib pole138(e.g., a second end of the lower section of the hub rib pole) or an edge scissor assembly104A,104C,104D (e.g., an upper outer end of the edge scissor assembly) at the corresponding connection region132,136. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, any other suitable connection mechanism may be used to connect the first bracket114to the hub rib pole138or the edge scissor assembly104A,104C,104D while enabling the hub rib pole138or the edge scissor assembly104to pivot about the connection mechanism.

As shown inFIG. 3, side poles102at the side area of the canopy frame100may only be pivotably coupled to edge scissor assemblies104A,104C at the first connection region132and the third connection region136while the other side poles102of the canopy frame100may be pivotably coupled to edge scissor assemblies104C,104D at the first connection region132and the third connection region136and pivotably coupled to a hub rib pole138at the second connection region134.

In one or more embodiments, a first protrusion forming the first connection region132may extend in a first direction and a third protrusion forming the third connection region136may extend in a second direction normal or perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, the first protrusion and the third protrusion may be separated by a 90 degree or about 90 degree angle. A second protrusion forming the second connection region134may extend between the first protrusion and the third protrusion. For example, the second protrusion may be separated by a 45 degree or about 45 degree angle from the first protrusion and/or the third protrusion. Although particular angles are described with reference to the protrusion, the present disclose is not limited thereto. For example, different angles may be used with corresponding changes to components connected at the connection regions.

FIG. 4Ais a perspective view of a hub according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 4Bis a top view of the hub ofFIG. 4A.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, the structure of the hub142according to one or more embodiments includes, at an underside of the hub142, a first coupling support member144to receive an edge scissor assembly104B, a second coupling support member146to receive another edge scissor assembly104B, a third coupling support member148to receive a hub rib pole138, and a fourth coupling support member150to receive another hub rib pole138. Each of the first coupling support member144and the second coupling support member146may receive an upper end of corresponding edge scissor assemblies104B, and each of the third coupling support member148and the fourth coupling support member150may receive a first end of corresponding hub rib poles138. The first coupling support member144, the second coupling support member146, the third coupling support member148, and the fourth coupling support member150may each define a channel extending in a channel direction to receive an end of a corresponding hub rib pole138or edge scissor assembly104B and a through hole extending through the channel walls of the channel in a through hole direction crossing the channel direction, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The through hole may be set to receive a pivot such that an end of a hub rib pole138or edge scissor assembly104B may be coupled to the corresponding coupling support member.

In one or more embodiments, the first coupling support member144and the second coupling support member146may be side-by-side and the through holes of the first coupling support member144and the second coupling support member146may be aligned such that a single pivot may extend through both through holes, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In this case, a single pivot may couple each of the first coupling support member144and the second coupling support member146and the upper outer ends122,126of the two edge scissor assemblies104B together.

In one or more embodiments, the channel direction of the first coupling support member144and the second coupling support member146may be the same direction (e.g., a direction facing side poles adjacent to the hub), and the channel direction of the third coupling support member148and the fourth coupling support member150may be different directions (e.g., directions facing corresponding side poles102) from each other and from each of the other coupling support members. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the third coupling support member148and the fourth coupling support member150may each receive a separate pivot pivotably coupling corresponding hub rib poles138to the third coupling support member148and the fourth coupling support member150.

FIG. 5is a front perspective view of a canopy frame in a fully expanded state and in a raised configuration according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, the collapsible canopy frame500may include side poles102that are slanted relative to the height direction as opposed to side poles102that extend parallel to the height direction as shown inFIG. 1.

Although the canopy frame500shown inFIG. 5includes side poles102that are slanted, the same components of the canopy frame500function in the same way as the components of the canopy frame100described with respect toFIG. 1, and therefore, descriptions of the components may not be repeated.

FIG. 6Ais a front view of a canopy frame ofFIG. 5in a fully expanded state and in a raised configuration with a canopy covering according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG. 6Bis a front view of the canopy frame ofFIG. 5in a fully expanded state and in a lowered configuration with a canopy covering.

Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, one or more of the side poles102may include a fastening mechanism162at a side region of the side pole102between the first bracket114attached to the side pole102and the foot bracket130attached to the side poles102. The fastening mechanism162may be any reversible fastening mechanism162, such as a hook-and-loop fastener or touch fastener. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the fastening mechanism162may contact the side pole102and may fasten a corresponding portion of the canopy covering164to the canopy frame500.

Although a fastening mechanism162is shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, in one or more embodiments, the fastening mechanism162may be omitted and the canopy covering164may be mounted on the canopy frame500without using the fastening mechanism162.

In one or more embodiments, the canopy covering164includes two separate covers, a wall cover168and a roof cover166(although, in an embodiment, the wall cover and the roof cover may be formed integrally). In this case, the wall cover168may wrap around sides of the canopy frame500and be fastened to the canopy frame500by the one or more fastening mechanisms162as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, and the roof cover166may be mounted on the top of the canopy frame500as also shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B. The roof cover166may be fastened to the canopy frame500at the fastening mechanism162such that there is no gap formed between the roof cover166and the wall cover168at sides of the canopy frame500wrapped by the wall cover168. In other embodiments, the roof cover166may be fastened to the wall cover168or vice versa to prevent or substantially prevent a gap from being formed between the wall cover168and the roof cover166.

Accordingly, as shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the roof cover166may cover the top of the canopy frame500and upper portions of one or more sides of the canopy frame500while the wall cover168may cover potential openings or access points allowing access into the area covered by the roof cover166.

In one or more embodiments, portions of the wall cover168may include a window portion170. The window portion170may be a portion of the wall cover168including a transparent or translucent material. The wall cover168may also include rollable blinds172corresponding to each of the window portions170. The rollable blinds172may cover corresponding window portions170with a flap of opaque material in an unrolled state, and, in a rolled state, the rollable blinds172may be positioned at a side of the window (e.g., a side above the window) such that light may pass through the corresponding window portion170without being blocked by the rollable blinds172. In other embodiments, the window portion170may be an opening of the wall cover168rather than a portion including a transparent or translucent material.

In one or more embodiments, the wall cover168may have a height such that the wall cover168touches or nearly touches the ground in the lowered configuration (e.g., seeFIG. 6B) but is suspended off the ground in the raised configuration (e.g., seeFIG. 6A). By suspending the wall cover168off of the ground, a gap defined by the bottom of the wall cover168and the ground may be formed. Accordingly, relatively higher windows and greater air flow may be provided when the canopy frame500is raised with the wall cover168having a height shorter than the height of the canopy frame500in the raised configuration.

In one or more embodiments, the width W, the depth D, and the height H shown inFIG. 6Amay be about 8.5 feet, about 3.6 feet, and about 7.1 feet respectively. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Accordingly, as disclosed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a collapsible canopy frame having a strong and stable foundation with reduced size and weight.

Although some example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications are possible in the example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments, unless otherwise described. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed herein, and that various modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims, and their equivalents.