Abstract:
A canopy has a frame with a plurality of legs for defining a main area of protection, an auxiliary leg for defining an auxiliary area of protection adjacent the main area of protection, the auxiliary leg capable of being removed and a roof frame supported by the uprights. A tarp, secured to the frame, has a main section for covering the main area, and an auxiliary section adjacent the main section. The auxiliary section is (i) extendable between the legs and the auxiliary leg to cover the auxiliary area, (ii) extendable between the legs and the support surface to provide additional cover to the main area as a wall, and (iii) storable such that only the main section covers the main area and the at least one auxiliary leg is removed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application Nos. 200420020474.4, filed Feb. 27, 2004, and 200420020757.9, filed Mar. 12, 2004, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/793,369 filed Mar. 4, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The subject disclosure relates generally to shelters, and more particularly to an improved shelter that can provide additional protection when desired. Even more particularly, the subject disclosure relates to a shelter including a canopy that selectively extends. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Over the years, many tents and other shelters having collapsible frames have been introduced. Such structures are commonly used to provide shelter during camping trips, picnics, parties, military operations, and other outdoor activities. One advantageous feature of such structures is their ability to provide relief from weather elements when desired but allow removal when no longer needed. 
         [0006]    However, prior art shelters have several problems. The shelters are unable to vary their configuration easily to suit varying demands. Some prior shelter frames also allow the overlying canopy to sag in an unsightly manner or be blown loose. Moreover, varying the configuration can be a challenging task even when multiple people are involved in the assembly. In view of these apparent shortcomings, many attempts at overcoming these difficulties have been patented, such as: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,635; 5,511,572; 5,555,681; 5,632,293; 5,638,853; 5,701,923; 5,797,412; 5,813,425; and 6,173,726 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,681 to Cawthon discloses a building system that is modular in that a plurality of differently shaped buildings  10 ,  12  may be constructed from the same basic part set. The foundation of the buildings  10 ,  12  includes base plates  14  and headers  16  that are oriented horizontally. Vertical stud members  18  extend vertically between the base plates  14  and headers  16 . Connectors  22  couple the components  14 ,  16 ,  18  together. Rafters  20  also terminate within the connectors  22  to form a roof structure. Wall panels  24  and roof panels  26  enclose the buildings  10 ,  12  and are selectively extendible from and retractable into the respective associated base plate members  14  and headers  16 . This is an essential purpose of the buildings of Cawthon to selectively store the panels  24 ,  26  to allow enjoyment of ambient weather. However, once the building takes shape, major effort is required to reconfigure the space. Thus, it would be desirable to build a shelter that can quickly and easily be modified to have additional space that is protected from the elements. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present disclosure is directed to a canopy including a frame assembly including a plurality of legs upstanding from a support surface. A resilient tarp covers the frame assembly. The resilient tarp has a main section for substantially defining a main area of protection, an auxiliary section for substantially defining an auxiliary area of protection and an overhang. A plurality of cords attach the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a plurality of positions including: i) a set up position wherein the main section substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary section is stored; and ii) a set up position wherein the main section substantially covers the main area, the auxiliary section substantially covers the auxiliary area, and at least one of the plurality of cords extends at least partially over the auxiliary area. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the invention is a canopy providing shelter on a support surface. The canopy includes a frame assembly with a plurality of legs for defining a main area of protection, two auxiliary legs for defining an auxiliary area of protection adjacent the main area of protection, and a roof frame supported by the plurality of uprights. A resilient tarp secures to the frame assembly. The tarp includes a main section for substantially covering the main area, and an auxiliary section adjacent the main section, wherein the auxiliary section is (i) extendable between the plurality of legs and the at least one auxiliary leg to substantially cover the auxiliary area, (ii) extendable between the plurality of legs and the support surface to provide additional cover to the main area, and (iii) storable such that only the main section substantially covers the main area. 
         [0010]    Still another aspect of the invention is a canopy having a plurality of upright assemblies for defining a main area and an auxiliary area of protection, each upright having an interlocking male and female portion wherein the male portion includes at least one protuberance that causes at least one of the male and female portion to deform upon interlocking. A resilient tarp covering the main area and the auxiliary area whereby a plurality of cords attach the resilient tarp to the frame assembly in a plurality of positions including: i) a first position wherein the resilient tarp substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area is exposed; and ii) a second position wherein the resilient tarp substantially covers the main area and the auxiliary area. Still another aspect of the invention is directed to a kit that allows a traditional canopy to be outfitted with an auxiliary area of protection. 
         [0011]    It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, and a method for applications now known and later developed. These and other features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an assembled collapsible shelter having one auxiliary area covered in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the frame assembly of the shelter of  FIG. 1  with the auxiliary portion of the tarp serving as a wall. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the tarp of the canopy of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a portion of a leg assembly of the frame assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a localized view of the interconnection of a male portion and female portion of a leg assembly of the frame assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0019]      FIGS. 7A-C  are varying possible cross-sectional views of the interconnection of the leg assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a localized view of the connection of the tarp to the frame for the canopy of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a detailed view of a preferred corner of the tarp of the canopy of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a localized view of an alternative connection of a tarp to a frame for a canopy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a localized view of another alternative connection of a tarp to a frame for a canopy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12A  is an end plan view of a clamp for a canopy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure in a partially assembled state. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12B  is an end plan view of the clamp of  FIG. 12A  in an assembled state. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12C  is an inside plan view of the nut side of the clamp of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 12D  is an inside plan view of the bolt side of the clamp of  FIG. 12A . 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is an end plan view of another clamp for a canopy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure in an assembled state. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14A  is an inside plan view of one portion of another clamp for a canopy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14B  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 14A  along line B-B. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14C  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of  FIG. 14A  along line C-C. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an assembled collapsible shelter having two auxiliary area covered in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a localized view of still another alternative connection of a tarp to a frame for a canopy in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with canopies and temporary shelters. The advantages, and other features of the system disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. For simplicity and clarity throughout this disclosure, only enough reference numerals with tag lines that are sufficient for understanding have been shown. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a canopy  100  in accordance with the present disclosure includes a frame assembly  102  for mounting a tarp  104  thereon. The canopy  100  provides shelter from the elements yet can be easily erected and modified for varying the amount and configuration of protection from weather elements. The canopy  100  is shown in the raised, unfolded or “set-up” position with the tarp  104  fully extended. As a result, two areas of protection result: i) the main section  106 ; and ii) the auxiliary section  108 . A main portion  110  of the tarp  104  covers the main section  106  and another auxiliary portion  112  covers the auxiliary section  108 . Preferably, the tarp  104  also includes a hem or overhang portion  111 . In another embodiment, the overhang portion  111  extends the full length of the tarp  104 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the tarp  104  is arranged so that the canopy  100  only provides protection for main section  106 . As shown, the auxiliary portion  112  of the tarp  104  that alternatively covers the auxiliary section  108  becomes a wall for the canopy  100 . When configured as a wall, the auxiliary portion  112  may attach to the frame assembly  102  by cords, attach to another portion of tarp such as an adjacent wall by a zipper and the like. 
         [0037]    In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the auxiliary portion  112  of the tarp  104  is detached from the main portion  110  when not desired. As a result, the canopy  100  appears like a traditional prior art canopy. The means for detaching the auxiliary portion  112  may be a combination of hook/loop fabric, snaps, clips, straps and holes, a zipper, and the like. In other embodiments, the auxiliary portion  112  is rolled or folded at suspended from the frame assembly  102  in a substantially concealed manner. The tarp  104  may be formed of any of a number of different transparent, translucent, and or opaque materials such as canvas, non-woven sheets or as woven fabric materials. Plastic may also be used to form the canopy, as desired, and the canopy may include a design or designs thereon (not shown), depending upon the nature of the material used for the canopy and other factors. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the frame assembly  102  includes eight leg assemblies  109  adapted to rest on a support surface to substantially define the main section  106  and support a roof assembly  114 . For example, it should be understood that the frame assembly  102  and, thereby the canopy  100 , according to the subject disclosure may include more or less than eight leg assemblies  106  to form configurations other than cubic and the like. Preferably, each of the leg assemblies  109  is the same. The roof assembly  114  includes a plurality of 3-way connectors  116  and 4-way connectors  118  for interconnecting horizontal and angled rails  120  upon the leg assemblies  109 . 
         [0039]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , additional auxiliary leg assemblies  113  are required in order to further support the auxiliary portion  112 . Preferably, auxiliary cords  132  and anchors  134  are attached to the auxiliary leg assemblies  113  and the auxiliary portion  112  attaches to the leg assemblies  113  to further support the canopy  100 . In another embodiment, the cords  132  are only attached to the auxiliary portion  112  and in another, the cords  132  are attached to the leg assemblies  113  and the tarp  104 . It is envisioned that intermediate the leg assemblies  113 , the auxiliary portion  112  may forms a plurality of troughs for desirably channeling rainwater off the sides of the shelter  100 . Each of the frame assembly components is preferably formed of a plastic material. It has been found that polyvinyl chloride (pvc) plastics, particularly in high density configuration, are excellent for use in the manufacture of the components of the present structure because pvc plastics are impervious to corrosion and hold up well in extremes of loading, sunlight, weather, and other conditions. Other materials, such as powder coated metal tubing, may be substituted for the above pvc or other plastics, as desired. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the leg assemblies  109 ,  113  and rails  120  preferably include multiple portions  122 . Each portion  122  may terminate in a smaller neck  124  to facilitate insertion and coupling. Further, to interlock the portions  122 , protuberances  126  are formed in the inner radius of a portion  122 . It is also envisioned that the 3-way connectors  116  and 4-way connectors  118  may utilize protuberance advantageously as well. In a preferred embodiment, the protuberances form a line and are spaced half an inch apart along the line and equidistant around the circumference. In another embodiment, there is only a single line of three protuberances. In still another embodiment, only a single protuberance is required. Alternatively, the location and number of protuberances may be varied as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject disclosure. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 7A , when the portions  122  have substantially equivalent wall thickness, the protuberances  126  cause each portion  122  to deform. The portion deformation creates tension that allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the portions. When the outer portion  122  has a thicker wall compared to the inner portion  122  mated therewith, the deformation is largely isolated to the inner portion as shown in  FIG. 7B . Conversely, when the inner portion  122  has a thicker wall compared to the outer portion  122  mated therewith, the deformation is largely isolated to the outer portion as shown in  FIG. 7C . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , after assembling the frame assembly  102 , the tarp  104  is secured thereto. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that each corner of the canopy  100  includes an arrangement as that shown in  FIG. 8 . In a preferred embodiment, the tarp  104  is attached to the frame assembly  102  by a plurality of cords  128 ,  130 . The cords  128 ,  130  pass through a sleeve (not shown) formed in the overhang portion  111  of the tarp  104 . Cord  128  passes out of the sleeve and secures the main portion  110  to the frame assembly  102 . Means for attaching the cords  128 ,  130  to the frame assembly are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,495 issued Apr. 9, 2002, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/282,283 filed Oct. 28, 2002 and the applications noted above, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0043]    As best seen in  FIG. 9 , additional fabric in the corners of the overhang portion  111  is layered to provide strength and form an edge sleeves  140 . The edge sleeves  140  extend to the end of the overhang portion  111 . Although cord  128  exits the sleeve substantially above the main section  106 , cord  130  passes through an edge sleeve  140  of the main portion substantially above the auxiliary section  108 . The cord  130  is also secured to the frame assembly  102 . As a result, the tarp  104  is attractively and effectively retained against the frame assembly  102 . In another embodiment, the cords  128 ,  130  are elastic and/or attach within holes formed in the frame assembly  102 . In another embodiment, the separately formed auxiliary portion  112  is directly sashed or otherwise secured to the frame assembly  102 . In the embodiment where the overhang portion  111  extends the full length of the tarp  104 , a cord secures the auxiliary section  112  to a leg assembly  113 . In still another embodiment, only cord  128  is used to secure the tarp  104 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an alternative method for securing a corner of the main portion  110  to the frame assembly  102  is shown. The cords  128 ,  130  attach to an eye-hook  160 . However, cord  130  does not pass the entire length of the main portion  110 . Instead, cord  130  merely passes through the edge sleeve  140  so that both ends of the cord  130  attach to the eye-hook  160 . Thus, cord  130  forms a short loop through the edge sleeve  140  for securing the tarp  104  to the leg assembly  109  at the corner. In another embodiment, a single cord  128  exits normally, secures to the eye-hook  160  then passes through the edge sleeve  140  so that the short loop is accomplished with a single cord. In still another embodiment, the single cord  128  passes first through the edge sleeve  140  to the eye-hook  160  and is secured thereto. A remaining portion of the single cord  128  then is passed through the edge sleeve  140  again to further strengthen the attachment of the tarp  104  to the frame assembly  102 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a valence  240  serves to prevent water from passing between the main portion  210  and the auxiliary portion  212 . In one embodiment, the valence  240  forms a gutter to channel water off the front and back corners of the main portion. In another embodiment, the valence  240  forms a pocket for retaining a cord for further attachment to the leg assembly  213 . Another alternative method for securing a corner of a main portion  210  to a canopy  200  is also shown in  FIG. 11 . As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the canopy  200  utilizes the same principles of the canopy  100  described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “2” instead of the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. As shown, a clamp  250  couples the cords  228 ,  230  together. In an alternative embodiment, the clamp  250  attaches directly to the main portion  210  of the tarp  204 . In both embodiment, rope  230  and clamp  250  can be used to not only secure the tarp  204 , but facilitate rerouting rope  228  during adding and removing the auxiliary portion  212 . 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12A-D , the clamp  250  has opposing portions  252 ,  254  that form respective hollows  260  for receiving cords  228 ,  230 . The opposing portions  252 ,  254  are coupled together by pair of nuts  256  and bolts  258 . To attach the clamp  250 , the opposing sides  252 ,  254  are loosely coupled together and cords  228 ,  230  are passed through the hollows  260  as shown in  FIG. 12A . The tarp  204  may or may not be included between the opposing portions  252 ,  254 . Upon tightening the bolts  258 , the cords  228 ,  230  are compressed and retained between the opposing portions  252 ,  254 . As a result, the auxiliary portion  212  may be easily added to the main portion  210  because the cord  228  may serve the intended purpose of securing the outermost corner while the additional cord  230  secures the tarp  204  at the corner of the main portion  210 . This provides the further benefit that the auxiliary portion  212  may be added to canopy  200  not originally intended to include the auxiliary portion  212 . 
         [0047]    The hollows  260  also include bumps or ridges  264  formed transverse to the cords  228 ,  230  to increase the holding retention thereon. The ridges  264  may be formed on one or both of the opposing sides  252 ,  254 . Preferably, the opposing sides  252 ,  254  form a pathway  266  so that the cord  230  can centrally exit the clamp  250 . As a result, the weight carried by the clamp  250  is evenly distributed. In the embodiment shown, the hollows  260  and pathways  266  are shaped and configured to receive cords having an 8 mm. diameter. It is envisioned that the side  252  may include depressions for insertion of the nuts  256  therein. The clamp  250  is preferably constructed from a strong plastic, aluminum or the like. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , another alternative clamp  350  sized for receiving 3 mm. cords is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the clamp  350  utilizes the same principles of the clamp  250  described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “3” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 14A-C , still another alternative side  452  of a clamp is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the side  452  utilizes the same principles of the clamp  450  described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” instead of the numeral “2” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. The side  452  includes two pathways  466  for varying the point at which the cord  230  exits. Of course, the cord  230  may not exit via either pathway  466  as may be desired for the particular configuration. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , a perspective view of an assembled collapsible shelter  200  having two auxiliary areas  208  covered in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the shelter  300  utilizes the same principles of the shelter  100  described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “3” instead of the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible to simplify the subject description. 
         [0051]    The auxiliary portions  312 A,  312 B include one or more stiffening ridges  350 . The stiffening ridge  350  may be a seam sewn into the fabric, a rod inserted into a sleeve or the like. The purpose of the stiffening ridge  350  is to control the manner is which rainwater may collect on the auxiliary portion  312 . On auxiliary portion  312 A, the stiffening ridge  350  is shaped and formed to direct collected water towards the sides of the shelter  300 . Alternatively on auxiliary portion  312 B, the stiffening ridge  50  is shaped and formed to direct collected water towards the front of the shelter  300 . Dashed lines  360  indicate a manner in which the auxiliary portions  312 A,  312 B sags to collect rainwater. Preferably, the auxiliary portions  312 A,  312 B sag to a certain point at which deformation occurs. During deformation, the water is released to allow the auxiliary portions  312 A,  312 B to substantially return to shape. In another embodiment, the auxiliary sections  312 A,  312 B do not have any stiffening ridges but are allowed to sag/collect water and deform to release. In still another embodiment, the outer legs  313  are relatively shorter than the inner legs  309 . As a result, the auxiliary portions  312 A,  312 B are slanted to further increase the propensity of water to flow off to the sides of the shelter  300 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the canopy  400  utilizes the same principles of the canopies described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” instead of the numerals “1”, “2” or “3” are used to indicate like elements whenever possible. A valence  440  serves to prevent water from passing between the main portion  410  and the auxiliary portion  412 . To assembly the auxiliary section  412 , a clamp  450  couples the cords  428 ,  430  together while the cord  428  is secured to the leg  413 . Subsequently, the cord  428  can be released so that the valence  440  can be raised to rest on the auxiliary section  412  and prevent rain and wind from passing therebetween. The cord  428  may be passed onto the auxiliary section  412  as shown and, optionally coupled to the cord  428  from the opposing corner. Alternatively, the cord  428  is rolled for storage within the valence  440 . It is envisioned that a plurality of mechanisms may serve the purpose of the clamp  450  as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based upon review of the subject disclosure. In an alternative embodiment, the valence  440  includes a hole (not shown) reinforced with a grommet at the approximate location of the leg  413 . As a result, the cord  428  can exit the valence  440  and secured the tarp to the leg  413  while the very end of the valence  440  may still be raised onto the auxiliary portion  412 . 
         [0053]    It is envisioned that numerous variations are possible beyond those specifically described here and such would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the subject disclosure. For example, the canopy may have two auxiliary sections on opposing sides of the main section. Of course, either or both auxiliary sections may be completely detachable. For another example, the main section of the canopy may be octagonal with a plurality of auxiliary sections that are various shapes such as triangular, trapezoidal and the like. 
         [0054]    While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.