Patent Publication Number: US-9901149-B2

Title: Canopies and canopy support structures

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Conventional pole-mounted canopy support structures suffer from an inability to independently configure the structure&#39;s height and span. In particular, the structure has to be tall enough that the structure&#39;s retractable arms can close without hitting the ground or other objects. Conversely, limits on the practical height of the structure limit the span of the structure&#39;s extended arms. These limitations are accentuated in the case of eccentric canopy structures (i.e., structures that have arms extending in a longer direction on one side of the structure&#39;s support pole). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a canopy support structure comprises a pole, a three-dimensional array of hub pairs, and a plurality of articulating arms connecting the hub pairs. The hubs of each hub pair are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure. A first of the hub pairs includes a first hub and a second hub. Each of the first hub and the second hub is coupled to and movable along the pole. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. Each of the hub pairs is pivotally connected to at least one other of the hub pairs by a respective set of the scissor-connected primary articulating arms. 
     In another embodiment, a canopy support structure comprises a pole, first and second hubs coupled to and movable along the pole, and a plurality of articulating arms. The first and second hubs are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure. Each of the articulating arms is connected directly or indirectly to the first and second hubs. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. At least some of the sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms are connected directly to the first and second hubs and extend outward from the first and second hubs during expansion of the canopy support structure. 
     In still another embodiment, a canopy support structure comprises a track, a three-dimensional array of hub pairs, and a plurality of articulating arms connecting the hub pairs. The hubs of each hub pair are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure. A first of the hub pairs includes a first hub and a second hub. The first hub or the second hub is coupled to and movable along the track. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. Each of the hub pairs is pivotally connected to at least one other of the hub pairs by a respective set of the scissor-connected primary articulating arms. 
     In yet another embodiment, a canopy support structure comprises a track, first and second hubs, and a plurality of articulating arms. The first hub or the second hub is coupled to and movable along the track. The first and second hubs are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure. Each of the articulating arms is connected directly or indirectly to the first and second hubs. The articulating arms include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. At least some of the sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms are connected directly to the first and second hubs and extend outward from the first and second hubs during expansion of the canopy support structure. 
     Other embodiments of the invention are also disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a first example of a canopy support structure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a bypass pin connection between two primary articulating arms; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a first example of a mechanical connector connection between secondary and tertiary articulating arms; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a second example of a mechanical connector connection between secondary and tertiary articulating arms; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a double-shear connector used to connect the suspension arms to the suspension hub in the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a first example of a modular primary hub usable in the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates two modular components of the modular primary hub shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a second example of a modular primary hub usable in the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a first example of a suspension hub usable in the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
         FIGS. 15-17  illustrate movement of primary hubs and a suspension hub when mechanical stops are used to limit the movement of the hubs; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate modular component usable with other like (or different) modular components to form a suspension hub for the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a second example of a suspension hub; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a third example of a suspension hub; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an example of a secondary hub usable in the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates an example of a mechanism for extending and retracting a canopy support structure; 
         FIGS. 23 &amp; 24  illustrate a pair of secondary hubs of substantially identical construction, wherein the upper one of the hubs has an optional telescoping mast fitted through a central sleeve of the hub; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a second example of a canopy support structure; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an elevation of one radial arm of the canopy support structure shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIGS. 27 &amp; 28  provide exploded views of a bracket used in the  FIG. 25  canopy support structure; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a top view of a first bracket joining a first set of articulating arms, as well as the opposite view of a second bracket joining a second set of articulating arms; 
         FIG. 30  provides an exploded view of an alternate bracket usable in the  FIG. 25  canopy support structure; 
         FIGS. 31 &amp; 32  illustrate a third example of a canopy support structure, without the suspension mechanism illustrated in  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a square “quadrilattice” canopy support structure; 
         FIGS. 34 &amp; 35  illustrate a fourth example of a canopy support structure, referred to as an “offset equilattice” canopy support structure; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a fifth example of a canopy support structure; 
         FIG. 37  provides a close-up view of a primary hub usable in the  FIG. 36  canopy support structure; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates a sixth example of a canopy support structure; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates a modular secondary hub that could be used in place of any of the secondary hubs shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates a seventh example of a canopy support structure; 
         FIGS. 41 &amp; 42  illustrate a secondary articulating arm having an optional telescoping arm; 
         FIG. 43  illustrates a canopy support structure configured to mount on or adjacent one or more walls of a building; 
         FIG. 44  provides a plan view of a modular primary hub that may be used to implement each of the primary hubs of the canopy support structure shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 45  illustrates a canopy support structure that is mountable at an inside corner of a building; 
         FIG. 46  illustrates a canopy support structure that is mountable at an outside corner of a building; 
         FIG. 47  illustrates the framework of a canopy support structure that is mounted via a row of upper hubs to a horizontal top track; 
         FIG. 48  illustrates the framework of a canopy support structure that is mounted via a row of lower hubs to a horizontal bottom track; 
         FIG. 49  illustrates the framework of a canopy support structure that is mounted to a horizontal track using rollers coupled to bypass pins; 
         FIGS. 50 &amp; 51  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the canopy support structure shown in  FIG. 49 , wherein the vertical track is mounted to one side of the horizontal track; 
         FIG. 52  illustrates a hub configured to mount a canopy support structure to a horizontal track; 
         FIG. 53  illustrates a hub configured to mount a canopy support structure to a vertical track; 
         FIGS. 54-57  illustrate a first method for attaching a novel, segmented, self-draining canopy to the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; and 
         FIG. 58  illustrates a second method for attaching a novel, segmented, self-draining canopy to the canopy support structure shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a first example of a canopy support structure  100 . The structure  100  comprises a pole  102 , a three-dimensional array  104  of hub pairs  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 , and a plurality of articulating arms or members (e.g.,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ). The hubs (e.g.,  118 / 120 ,  122 / 124 ,  126 / 128 ,  130 / 132 ) of each hub pair (e.g.,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ) move toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure  100  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 ), and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure  100  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). A first of the hub pairs  134  includes a first hub  118  and a second hub  120 , each of which is coupled to and movable along the pole  102 . These hubs  118 ,  120  are referred to herein as “primary hubs”. 
     In some embodiments, the canopy support structure  100  may be extended or retracted by means of a user moving (e.g., rolling or sliding) the lower hub  120  up and down the pole  102 .  FIG. 4  illustrates the canopy support structure  100  in an intermediate position, about halfway between the structure&#39;s fully extended and fully retracted positions. 
       FIGS. 2 &amp; 5  illustrate different subsets of the hub pairs and articulating arms that form the canopy support structure  100 . As shown most clearly in  FIG. 2 , the articulating arms or members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152  connect the hub pairs  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  and include sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms (e.g.,  106 / 108 ,  142 / 144 ,  146 / 148 ). By “scissor-connected”, it is meant that the primary articulating arms are coupled at some point along their length by a pivot mechanism, such as a pin or mechanical connector (e.g., pivot-connected sleeves or clips for receiving different ones of the scissor-connected primary articulating arms). Each of the hub pairs  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  is pivotally connected to at least one other of the hub pairs  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  by a respective set of the primary articulating arms  106 / 108 ,  142 / 144 ,  146 / 148 . By way of example,  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a canopy support structure  100  where primary articulating arms  106 ,  108 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148  only extend in a radial direction from the pole  102 —i.e., between the primary hubs  118 ,  120  (i.e., those that move along the post  102 ) and secondary hubs  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132  (i.e., those that are coupled to the post  102  via articulating arms  106 ,  108 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ). However, in some canopy support structure embodiments, primary articulating arms can also extend between pairs of secondary hubs, as discussed below in the context of lateral support members. 
     The articulating arms may also comprise secondary and tertiary articulating arms  114 ,  116 . Each of the secondary articulating arms  114  has first and second ends  154 ,  156 , with the first end  154  being pivotally connected to one of the hubs  130 , and with the second end  156  hanging free or being foldably coupled to an end of an articulating arm  174  that is coupled to a different hub pair  136  (e.g., by a foldable plastic or nylon connector comprising sleeves that engage the distal ends of adjacent articulating arms  114 ,  174 , or by a canopy or canopy segment having pockets that receive the distal ends of adjacent articulating arms  114 ,  174 ). Each secondary articulating arm  114  pivots with respect to a tertiary arm  116  at some intermediate point along its length. Each of the tertiary articulating arms  116  also has first and seconds  158 ,  160 , with a first end  158  being pivotally connected to one of the hubs  132 , and with a second end  160  being pivotally connected to an intermediate or end portion or of another articulating arm  114 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a bypass pin connection  162  between two primary articulating arms  106 ,  108 . The connection  162  comprises a pin  164  that extends through each of the primary articulating arms  106 ,  108  and allows them to pivot with respect to one another. The pin may be secured by having a head on one end, and a flare (rivet), bend, nut or other feature on the other end. In the case of a nut, the pin may be provided with threads over at least a portion thereof. A suspension arm  178  is sandwiched between the primary articulating arms  106 ,  108  and is retained by the pin  164 . Alternately, the primary articulating arms  106 ,  108  could be separated by a bushing or abutted directly against each other, or bushings or spacers could be included between each of 1) the articulating arm  106  and the suspension arm  178 , and 2) the articulating arm  108  and the suspension arm  178 . By way of example, the bushings or spacers may be formed of nylon, plastic or steel. Use of a lower friction material can improve the operability and extend the life of the articulating arms  106 ,  108 ,  178 . Bypass pin connections can be used to couple various ones of the articulating arms  106 ,  108 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148  used in the canopy support structure  100  (see  FIGS. 1, 2 &amp; 5 ). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a first example of a mechanical connector connection between secondary and tertiary articulating arms  114 ,  116 . The mechanical connector connection comprises a connector  166 . By way of example, the connector  166  comprises a body  168  in which first and second pins  170 ,  172  are received. The pins  170 ,  172  respectively engage the secondary and tertiary arms  114 ,  116  and retain them within the connector body  168 . Mechanical connector connections can be used to couple various ones of the articulating arms, and in some cases may connect primary articulating arms. Other types of connections between articulating arms may also be employed, such as the connection shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a second example of a mechanical connector connection for connecting secondary and tertiary articulating arms  114 ,  116 . The mechanical connector connection comprises a connector  900  having perpendicular channels  902 ,  904 . The first channel  902  has a curved surface that partially surrounds the circumference of a secondary articulating arm  114 . In some cases, the curved surface surrounds less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the secondary articulating arm  114 . In other cases, the curved surface may surround more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the secondary articulating arm  114 . In the latter cases, the secondary articulating arm  114  may clip into the first channel  902  of the connector  900 . The second channel  904  has a curved surface oriented perpendicularly to the curved surface of the first channel  902 . The second channel  904  is configured to receive one end of a tertiary articulating arm  116  such that the end faces into and rotates within the second channel  904 . A pin or other suitable fastener may be placed through corresponding holes in the secondary articulating arm  114 , connector  900  (e.g., hole  906 ) and tertiary articulating arm  116 . 
     A number of lateral support members  110 ,  112 ,  150 ,  152  may connect the pairs  136 ,  138 ,  140  of secondary hubs  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 . See  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 . By way of example, the lateral support members  110 ,  112 ,  150 ,  152  may take the form of ropes, cords, cables, wires or other flexible elements that provide tension between the secondary hubs  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 . In contrast to a flexible canopy, which only provides lateral bracing to its support structure when its support structure is fully extended, the lateral support members  110 ,  112 ,  150 ,  152  provide lateral bracing during all stages of operation of the canopy support structure  100  (e.g., when the canopy is fully extended, fully retracted, or in any position between fully extended and fully retracted). Despite the flexibility of these lateral support members  110 ,  112 ,  150 ,  152 , they may still articulate at their points of connection with the secondary hubs  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 . In some cases, the lateral support members  110 ,  112 ,  150 ,  152  can be implemented as scissor-connected (or unconnected) primary articulating arms  106 ,  108 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 . With concentric umbrellas (i.e., concentric around a pole  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 6 ), the tangential/concentric ring of lateral support members need only carry tension and so can comprise much lighter and non-rigid members. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of the canopy support structure  100 . As the figure illustrates, the three-dimensional array  104  of hub pairs and plurality of articulating arms or members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148  shown in  FIGS. 1-6  define a three-dimensional articulating lattice structure. By way of example, the three-dimensional articulating lattice structure is shown to have six equilateral triangle support structures  600 ,  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610 . Each equilateral triangle support structure (e.g.,  600 ) comprises a first set of hubs  118 ,  122 ,  126  defining vertices of a first equilateral triangle (see  FIG. 2 ); a second set of hubs  120 ,  124 ,  128  defining vertices of a second equilateral triangle; and a plurality of articulating arms or members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  146 ,  148  connecting the hubs  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  defining the vertices of the first and second equilateral triangles. As shown in  FIG. 6 , adjacent ones of the equilateral triangle support structures (e.g.,  600 ,  610 ) may share certain hub pairs  134 ,  136  and articulating arms  106 ,  108 . A canopy support structure  100  may be modified to comprise any number of equilateral triangle support structures and is sometimes referred to herein as an “equilattice” canopy support structure. For large umbrellas, additional secondary hub pairs may be added beyond the ring of secondary hub pairs formed, in part, by the secondary hub pairs  136 ,  138 ,  140  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The lattice framework  186  formed by the array  104  of hub pairs and articulating arms or members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152  may be tethered to the pole  102  by a tethering system (also referred to as a suspension system). See, in particular,  FIGS. 1 &amp; 5 . By way of example, the tethering system may comprise 1) an anchor on the pole, such as a suspension hub  176 , and 2) a plurality of tethers or articulating suspension arms (e.g.,  178 ). The tethers or suspension arms  178  are coupled between the anchor  176  and the lattice framework  186 . The suspension arms  178  may be constructed similarly to ones of the articulating arms or members  106 ,  110  that connect the hub pairs  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 , with rigid members that provide additional structural support for the primary articulating arms  106 ,  108  in the event of a wind event (e.g., a wind event that causes uplift forces on the canopy support structure  100  and the canopy it supports. Alternately, tethers may be provided by flexible elements such as ropes, cords, cables or wires. In  FIG. 5 , the suspension arm  178  comprises a first end  180  that is coupled between scissor-connected primary articulating arms  106 ,  108  by means of a bypass pin connection. The second end  182  of the suspension arm  178  is coupled by means of a double-shear connector  184  to the suspension hub  176 . The double-shear connector  184  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 10  and may comprise a tubular portion  1000  that slips inside one of the hollow suspension arms  178 , and a forked end comprising two tines  1004 ,  1006 . Alternately, and by way of example, the tubular portion  1000  may be hollow and slip over one of the suspension arms  178 , or the double-shear connector  184  may be welded to or otherwise permanently integrated with one of the suspension arms  178 . A rib of the suspension hub  176  is received between the tines  1004 ,  1006  and fastened thereto with a pin that extends through holes  1008 ,  1010  in the tines  1004 ,  1006  and the rib. Likewise, the tubular portion  1000  of the connector  184  is fastened to the suspension arm  178  with a pin that extends through holes  1002  in the connector  184  and suspension arm  178 . 
     The articulating arms and members  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  178  of the canopy support structure  100  ( FIG. 1 ) may be formed using the same or different materials. By way of example, the articulating arms  106 ,  108 ,  114 ,  116  may be hollow extruded aluminum tubes having square cross-sections; the suspension arms  178  may be hollow extruded aluminum tubes having circular cross-sections; and the lateral support members  110 ,  112  may be metal cords or fabric cables. Alternately, for example, any of the arms or members may be made of wood or a composite material; may be hollow or solid; or may have square, rectangular, circular or other cross-sections. The lateral support members and tethers may also be ropes, cords, cables or wires, for example. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an example  1100  of a primary hub  118  or  120 . The primary hub  1100  comprises a plurality of modular components  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108 ,  1110 ,  1112 .  FIG. 12  illustrates only two of the modular components  1102 ,  1104 . Each modular component  1102 - 1112  is identical in construction and is generally wedge-shaped. The outer surface of each component  1102 - 1112  has a double-humped surface that defines part of a hub waist  1114 . Additional waists  1128 ,  1130  may be formed by lips formed at each end of the hub&#39;s pole-receiving cavity  1154  ( FIG. 12 ). Wires, cords, clips or other elements may be placed around one or more of the waists  1114 ,  1128 ,  1130  and fastened to secure the modular components  1102 - 1112  to one another, thereby forming the hub  1100 . In this manner, the hub  1100  may be easily constructed, disassembled or repaired. 
     A rib  1116 ,  1118 ,  1120 ,  1122 ,  1124 ,  1126  extends from the outer surface of each modular component  1102 - 1112  and has a hole bridging its sidewalls (e.g., hole  1156 ). As shown in  FIG. 5  and illustrated by components  108  and  118 , an articulating arm may be pinned to each rib  1120  by means of its hole  1156  and a suitable pin. 
     Internally, each modular component  1102 - 1112  has a number of alignment features for aligning the modular component with adjacent components. By way of example, the alignment features are shown to comprise a pair of holes  1132 ,  1134  on one internal face  1136  of each wedge-shaped component, and a pair of corresponding pins  1138 ,  1140  on the other internal face  1142  of each wedge-shaped component ( FIG. 12 ). The pins may thereby be inserted into corresponding holes to construct the hub  1100 . 
     Each internal face (e.g.,  1136 ,  1142 ) of a modular component  1102 - 1112  may be recessed from the boundary of the modular component&#39;s outer surface and have a pair of axle-receiving holes  1146 ,  1148  therein. In this manner, an axle with attached wheel ( 1150  or  1152 ) may be fit between facing ones of the holes  1146 ,  1148  as the modular components  1102 - 1112  are assembled to form the hub  1100 . This enables the hub  1100  to roll along the surface of the pole  102  on which it is mounted, making it easier for a canopy operator to move the hub  1100  along the pole  102 . This is particularly useful for offset canopy support structures (e.g., any of the offset canopy support structures described later in this document), where the imbalance of forces on each hub might otherwise cause the hubs to bind up on the pole  102  and prevent smooth movement of a canopy support structure along the length of the pole  102 . Similarly, the double-hump arrangement may house two tiers of wheels or bearings to ensure alignment of the hub  1100  with the pole  102  for smooth movement along the length of the pole  102 . Alternately, the wheels  1150 ,  1152  may be eliminated; the double-hump may be eliminated in favor of a single hump; and the pole-receiving cavity  1154  of the hub  1100  may be provided with a diameter that enables the hub  1100  to slide along the surface of the pole  102 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a second example  1300  of a primary hub  118  or  120 . The hub  1300  includes a plurality of modular components  1302 ,  1304 ,  1306  that fit together similarly to the components  1102 - 1112  shown in  FIG. 11 . Three of the modular components are removed to reveal components interior to the hub  1300 . Each of the modular components  1302 - 1306  includes a rib  1308 - 1312  with a hole or holes for connecting articulating arms or other elements to the component  1302 - 1306 . 
     The outer surface of each modular component  1302 - 1306  defines part of a circumferential channel or waist  1314 ,  1316  at each end of the hub&#39;s pole-receiving cavity  1330 . Wires, cords, clips or other elements may be placed around each of the waists  1314 ,  1316  and fastened to secure the modular components  1302 - 1306  to one another, thereby forming the hub  1300 . 
     Interior to the hub  1300  are two pairs of rings  1322 / 1324 ,  1326 / 1328 . Each ring  1322 - 1328  has an inner surface  1332  that defines part of the pole-receiving cavity  1330 , and an outer surface  1334  that abuts interior surfaces of the modular components  1302 - 1306 . Connecting the inner and outer surfaces  1332 ,  1334  of each ring  1322  are a number of structural ribs. A number of slots defined in each ring  1322 - 1328  provide locations for receiving wheels or bearings (e.g., wheels  1318  and  1320 ). The slots face inwardly toward the pole-receiving cavity  1330 . Each wheel  1318  may be mounted on an axle, with ends of the axle being trapped between the rings of each pair  1322 / 1324 ,  1326 / 1328 . Spacers or clips on the interior surfaces of the modular components  1302 - 1306  may hold the ring pairs  1322 / 1324 ,  1326 / 1328  apart from one another. Alternately, spacers between or attached to the ring pairs  1322 / 1324 ,  1326 / 1328  may hold the ring pairs  1322 / 1324 ,  1326 / 1328  apart from each other. 
     In other embodiments of the primary hubs  118 ,  120 , each hub  118 ,  120  may be formed as a unitary molded structure or in other ways. If a hub is formed as a unitary molded structure, recesses for receiving wheels or bearings may be provided on the interior surface of its pole-receiving cavity. 
     The suspension hub  176  may in some cases be constructed of modular components with wheels or rollers, similarly to how the primary hub  1100  is constructed.  FIG. 14  illustrates an alternate example  1400  of the suspension hub  176 , constructed with modular components  1402 ,  1404 ,  1406 ,  1408 ,  1410  and  1412  similarly to how the primary hub  1100  is constructed, but without wheels or rollers on the interior of its pole-receiving cavity  1414 . 
     The outer surface of each modular component  1402 - 1412  defines part of a circumferential channel or waist  1416 ,  1418  at each end of the hub&#39;s pole-receiving cavity  1414  ( FIG. 14 ). Wires, cords, clips or other elements may be placed around each of the waists  1416 ,  1418  and fastened to secure the modular components  1402 - 1412  to one another, thereby forming the hub  1400 . 
     The outer surface of each modular component  1402 - 1412  further comprises a rib  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424 ,  1426 ,  1428 ,  1430  to which a double-shear connector (e.g.,  184 ) attached to a suspension arm (e.g.,  178 ) may be pinned. See  FIG. 10 . The ribs  1420 - 1430  may be sized to extend beyond those of the primary hubs  1100 , thereby enabling the suspension arms  178  to hang vertically outside the circumference of each primary hub  1100  and not interfere with the primary hubs  1100  when the canopy support structure  100  is in its retracted position. 
     In some cases, the ribs  1420 - 1430  may comprise holes  1432 ,  1434 ,  1436 ,  1438 ,  1440 ,  1442  through which the components of a multi-part canopy (e.g., the canopy shown in  FIGS. 54-57 ) may be laced. 
     Because the suspension hub  1400  has a pole-receiving cavity  1414  that fully receives the pole  102 , its ability to roll or slide down the pole  102  needs to be limited via a pin  1500  or other mechanism at or near the top of the pole  102 . See, for example, the suspension and primary hubs  1400 ,  118 ,  120  shown in different operating positions in  FIGS. 15-17 , where  FIG. 15  shows one possible hub position when a canopy support structure is fully retracted;  FIG. 16  shows hub positions when the canopy support structure is partially extended or retracted; and  FIG. 17  shows hub positions when the canopy support structure is fully extended. When coupled with a pin  1502  or other mechanism to set the lower extent of the lower primary hub  120 , setting the lower extent of the suspension hub  1400  short of the top of the pole  102  allows the suspension hub  1400  to move upward along the pole  102  as the canopy support structure retracts and the lowest primary hub  120  reaches its lower extent (i.e., as the hubs  1400 ,  118 ,  120  move from their  FIG. 16  positions to their  FIG. 15  positions). This enables a designer to control the lower clearance of the retracted canopy support structure ( FIG. 15 ) and the lower clearance of the extended canopy support structure ( FIG. 17 ) independently. In some cases, a pole  102  may be provided with multiple holes for receiving the pins  1500  and  1502 , thereby enabling a user of a canopy support structure to place the pins at selected locations along the pole  102 . Alternately, a suspension hub could be fixed to a movable mast mounted at the top of the pole  102  (i.e., in or about the top of the pole  102 ). Movement of the suspension hub can then be achieved via movement of the movable mast. 
     In some cases, the upper opening of the pole-receiving cavity  1414  can be fully or partly covered by a cap or finial, thereby enabling the suspension hub to sit atop the pole  102 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a modular component  1800  that may be joined with five like modular components to form a second example of a suspension hub. The modular component  1800  has a rib  1802  and two holes  1804 ,  1806  that function similarly to corresponding elements of the modular component  1402  ( FIG. 14 ). However, the modular component  1800  has an interior recess  1808  that, with similar recesses in the modular components that are joined to the modular component  1800  to form a suspension hub, enables a suspension hub formed of modular components  1800  to sit atop the pole  102  of the canopy support structure  100  ( FIG. 1 ). In addition, the modular component  1800  has a recess  1810  that, with similar recesses in the modular components that are joined to the modular component  1800  to form a suspension hub, provides a way to anchor the head of a bolt to which a cap  188  or finial is attached. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a third example  1900  of a suspension hub. The suspension hub  1900  is formed as a unitary molded structure having a shaft  1916  with pole-receiving cavity  1902 . In an alternate configuration, the suspension hub  1900  could have a body  1918  sized to fit within the pole  102  such that the horizontal member  1920  rests atop the pole  102 . In contrast to the suspension hub  1400  shown in  FIG. 14 , the suspension hub  1900  has double-shear connectors  1904 ,  1906 ,  1908 ,  1910 ,  1912 ,  1914  for directly receiving suspension arms. That is, a suspension arm  178  may be pinned to the suspension hub  1900  without using a double-shear connector  184 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a fourth example  2000  of a suspension hub. The suspension hub  2000  takes the form of a suspension ring having a plurality of holes  2002 ,  2004 ,  2006 ,  2008 ,  2010 ,  2012  therein. When non-rigid suspension members such as ropes or cords are used to suspend a lattice framework, the ropes or cords may be laced through one or more of the holes  2002 - 2012  and then attached to various points of the lattice framework. In addition, or alternately, the components of a multi-part canopy (e.g., the canopy described later in this document) may be laced to the suspension ring  2000 . Additional holes  2016 ,  2018  may be provided to accommodate other arrangements of articulating lattice structures (e.g., any of the “quadrilattice” arrangements described later in this document). 
     The underside of the suspension ring  2000  may have a channel  2014  formed therein. The channel  2014  allows the suspension ring  2000  to seat more positively on a pin that retains the suspension ring  2000  atop a pole  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the suspension hubs  1400  or  1900 , or suspension ring  2000 , may be used in conjunction with an optional pole cap  188  (see,  FIGS. 1-5 ). In these embodiments, lower canopy segments  5400 ,  5402 ,  5404 ,  5406 ,  5408 ,  5410  of a multi-part canopy may be laced or otherwise attached to the suspension hub  1400 ,  1900  or  2000 ; and the pole cap  188  may be used to support the center segment  5430  of the multi-part canopy. See, e.g.,  FIGS. 54-57 . Optionally, a finial may be attached to the pole cap  188 , and the canopy segment  5430  may be held between the pole cap  188  and finial. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates an example  2100  of a secondary hub  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 —i.e., one of the hubs that is connected directly or indirectly to one of the primary hubs  118 ,  120  by means of articulating arms. The secondary hub  2100  comprises a plurality of modular components  2102 ,  2104 ,  2106 ,  2108 ,  2110 ,  2112 , each of identical construction and generally wedge-shaped. The outer surface of each component  2102 - 2112  defines part of a circumferential channel or waist  2114 ,  2116  at each axial end of the hub  2100 . Wires, cords, clips or other elements may be placed around each of the waists  2114 ,  2116  and fastened to secure the modular components  2102 - 2112  to one another, thereby forming the hub  2100 . 
     The outer surface of each modular component  2102 - 2112  further comprises a rib  2118 ,  2120 ,  2122 ,  2124 ,  2126 ,  2128  to which an articulating arm or member  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  may be tied or pinned. See  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 . 
     In other embodiments of the secondary hubs  122 - 132 , each hub  122 - 132  may be formed as a unitary molded structure or in other ways. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates an example of a mechanism  2200  for extending and retracting the canopy support structure  100  or any other canopy support structure. The mechanism  2200  comprises a block and tackle  2202  having pulleys  2204 ,  2206  attached to the outer surfaces, ribs or collars  2208 ,  2210  of first and second primary hubs  2212 ,  2214 . A cord  2216  is anchored to one of the pulleys  2206  and threaded around each of the pulleys  2204 ,  2206 , in a typical block and tackle configuration. The block and tackle  2202  may be implemented as a single or multi-loop block and tackle. The free end  2218  of the cord  2216  is pulled to extend the canopy support structure attached to the primary hubs  2212 ,  2214  (not shown in  FIG. 22 ), and released to retract the canopy support structure. When pulled, the cord  2216  may be wrapped around a cleat to maintain the canopy support structure&#39;s extended position. A second block and tackle, similar to block and tackle  2202 , may be added to ribs or collars diametrically opposite the ribs or collars  2208 ,  2210  to ensure symmetrical loading of the block and tackle on the hubs, and to further enable smooth movement of the primary hubs  2212 ,  2214  along the length of the pole  2220 . 
     Alternate mechanisms may be used to extend and retract a canopy support structure. The mechanisms may be more rudimentary or more complex than the block and tackle shown in  FIG. 22 , and may include mechanisms mounted wholly or partly external or internal to the pole. Some forms of mechanism may include a crank for operating the mechanism. The various types of mechanisms usable to extend and retract a canopy support structure are not a part of the invention, and will not be described in further detail in this disclosure. 
       FIG. 22  also illustrates an optional safety stop  2222  (e.g., a collar that is welded or otherwise affixed to the pole  2220 ). The safety stop  2220  can be mounted mid-distance between the primary hubs  2212 ,  2214 , and can help prevent over rotation of the canopy support structure&#39;s articulating arms in high winds. 
       FIGS. 23 &amp; 24  illustrate a pair of secondary hubs  2300 ,  2302  of substantially identical construction, wherein the upper one of the hubs  2300  has an optional telescoping mast  2304  fitted through a central sleeve of the hub  2300 .  FIG. 23  shows the hubs  2300 ,  2302  when a canopy support structure is in its extended position. In this position, the telescoping mast  2304  bears against the upper surface of the lower hub  2302  and is pushed upward and out of the hub  2300  to a fully extended position.  FIG. 24  shows the hub  2300  when a canopy support structure is in a retracted or partially retracted position. In this position, the telescoping mast  2304  extends past the lower surface of the upper hub  2300 . The telescoping mast  2304 , and the length thereof, can be used to affect the drape of a canopy attached to the canopy support structure. In some cases, the telescoping mast  2304  can be used to simply push up and elevate a portion of a canopy. Alternately, a canopy could be attached to the telescoping mast  2304 , and the telescoping mast  2304  can push or pull the canopy to affect the canopy&#39;s drape. 
     The height of the hubs  2300 ,  2302  may be selected such that the hubs  2300 ,  2302  rest against each other or abut a spacer  2306  of the telescoping mast  2304  when a canopy support structure is in its fully extended position. Among other things, having the hubs  2300 ,  2302  rest against each other when the canopy support structure is extended helps prevent over-rotation of the structure&#39;s articulating arms. 
     In some cases, a telescoping mast may have a threaded finial attached to its upper end. In this manner, a canopy may be provided with a hole or grommet through which a portion of the telescoping mast may be inserted before the finial and mast are threaded together from opposite sides of the canopy. 
     In some embodiments, the canopy support structure  100  may be modified by eliminating its lateral support members  110 ,  112 ,  150 ,  152 . This makes the structure simpler and less expensive, but also makes it weaker. Nonetheless, the option of eliminating lateral support members can be especially useful when designing umbrellas for more protected areas. The umbrella&#39;s secondary hubs  122 - 132  remain laterally braced, but by secondary arms at obtuse angles as opposed to primary arms at acute angles. In fact, canopies directly attached to the upper secondary hubs  122 ,  126 ,  130  would do the task of bracing those hubs  122 ,  126 ,  130 , which may be all the bracing needed for some sizes of canopy support structures. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a second example  2500  of a canopy support structure, and  FIG. 26  illustrates an elevation of one radial arm of the canopy support structure  2500 . The canopy support structure  2500  comprises a pair  2502  of primary hubs  2504 ,  2506 , a plurality of primary, secondary and tertiary articulating arms (e.g.,  2508 ,  2510 ,  2512 ,  2514 ), a suspension hub  2516 , a plurality of suspension arms (e.g.,  2518 ), and a pole  2520 , and operates similarly to the canopy support structure  100 . However, in addition to eliminating lateral support members, the canopy support structure  2500  uses brackets (e.g.,  2522 ,  2524 ) in lieu of secondary hubs. In alternate embodiments, the brackets  2522 ,  2524  could be replaced with simple bypass pin connections. However, the brackets  2522 ,  2524  provide additional stability to the joints between articulating arms  2508 / 2512 ,  2510 / 2514 , and the upper brackets  2522  provide an anchor point for attaching a canopy or components thereof to the framework  2526 . Additionally, the upper brackets  2522  protect an attached canopy from wear due to friction resulting from contact with the articulating arms  2508 ,  2512 . 
     Similarly to the primary hubs  118 ,  120  of the canopy support structure  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , the primary hubs  2504 ,  2506  are coupled to and movable along the pole  2520 . The hubs  2504 ,  2506  are movable toward each other during extension of the canopy support structure  2500 , and away from each other during retraction of the canopy support structure  2500 . 
     Each of the primary  2508 ,  2510 , secondary  2512  and tertiary  2514  articulating arms is connected directly or indirectly to the first or second primary hub  2504 ,  2506 , with at least some of the articulating arms  2508 ,  2510  being coupled in sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. In the canopy support structure  2500  shown, all of the scissor-connected primary articulating arms  2508 ,  2510  are connected directly to the first and second primary hubs  2504 ,  2506  and extend outward from the first and secondary primary hubs  2504 ,  2506  during expansion of the canopy support structure  2500 . In alternate embodiments of the canopy support structure  2500 , additional sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms (and additional brackets) may be used to further extend the reach of a canopy support structure and may be indirectly connected to the first and second primary hubs  2504 ,  2506  via other sets of scissor-connected primary articulating arms. The same is true for the other canopy support structures (e.g., structure  100 ) disclosed herein. 
       FIGS. 27 &amp; 28  provide exploded views of one bracket  2522 .  FIG. 27  provides a view of the bracket  2522  as it would be seen from above a canopy. As shown, the bracket  2522  may be formed using two pieces  2528 ,  2530  of a single modular component, with one of the pieces  2530  rotated 180 degrees with respect to the other piece  2528 . 
     Each modular component  2528 ,  2530  comprises alignment features such as an alignment hole  2532  or  2538  and an alignment pin  2534  or  2536 , enabling the pin  2534  or  2536  of one component to be received by the hole  2532  or  2538  of the other component. Each modular component  2528 ,  2530  also comprises a hole  2540  or  2542 . When the components  2528 ,  2530  of the bracket  2522  are assembled, the holes  2540 ,  2542  may be used for lacing a canopy or components thereof to the bracket  2522 . This not only provides a mechanism for attaching the canopy to a lattice framework  2530 , but can also enable the canopy to provide additional structural stability to the canopy support structure  2500  when the structure  2500  is in its extended position. 
       FIG. 28  shows the undersides of the components  2528 ,  2530 , as well as a bushing  2544  that sits between the articulating arms  2508 ,  2512  that are joined by the bracket  2522 .  FIG. 29  illustrates a top view of the bracket  2522  joining articulating arms  2508  and  2512 , as well as the opposite view of the bracket  2524  joining articulating arms  2510  and  2514 . The components  2528 ,  2530 ,  2544  of each bracket  2522 , as well as the articulating arms  2508 ,  2512  to be joined, may be fastened together by inserting a pin through respective holes in the bracket components  2528 ,  2530 ,  2544  and articulating arms  2508 ,  2512 . 
     In alternate embodiments of the canopy support structure  2500 , different forms of brackets or fasteners could be used to join articulating arms. One such bracket is illustrated in  FIG. 30 . Of note, the bracket  3000  has only two elements, versus the three elements included in the brackets  2522 ,  2524  shown in  FIGS. 25-29 . One element comprises a bridge  3002  connecting two end caps  3004 ,  3006 . The other element is a wheel  3008  having a circumferential channel  3010  and a pair of edge recesses  3012 ,  3014 . The edge recesses  3012 ,  3014  mate with respective protrusions  3016 ,  3018  on the underside of the bridge  3002 . One articulating arm may be positioned between the wheel  3008  and the end cap  3004 , and another articulating arm may be positioned between the wheel  3008  and the end cap  3006 . A pin may then be inserted through corresponding holes in the end caps  3004 ,  3006 , wheel  3008  and articulating arms. Other brackets may include, for example, a feature or mechanism (e.g., a hole, hook or connector) for connecting rigid or flexible lateral support members to the brackets. 
       FIGS. 31 &amp; 32  illustrate a third example  3100  of a canopy support structure. The structure  3100  is similar to the structure  2500 , but with elimination of the suspension mechanism (e.g., the suspension hub  2516  and arms  2518 ). With elimination of the suspension mechanism, the canopy support structure  2500  has fewer parts, but the stability of the framework  2526  becomes dependent on the spacing of the primary hubs  2504 ,  2506  when the canopy support structure  2500  is extended. This tends to limit the horizontal extent of the canopy support structure  2500 . Also, without the suspension mechanism, the ability of the upper primary hub  2504  to roll or slide down the pole  2520  needs to be limited via a pin or other mechanism at or near the top of the pole  2520 . 
     To provide maximum clearance under the canopy support structure  3100  when extended, the lower bound of the upper primary hub  2504  needs to be positioned as close to the top of the pole  2520  as possible. However, this requires a canopy to take on a shallow dome shape, which may be less aesthetically pleasing. To achieve a canopy with concave draping and more visual interest, the lower bound of the upper primary hub  2504  can be set at a lower position on the pole  2520 , as shown in  FIG. 32 . In either case, the lower bound of the upper primary hub  2504  may be positioned along the length of the pole  2520  by inserting a stop pin through holes in the pole  2520  positioned just below a desired position of the upper primary hub  2504 . In some embodiments, multiple sets of holes may be provided in the pole  2520 , so that a canopy operator may choose the location at which the lattice framework  2526  will be opened. When coupled with a pin or other mechanism to set the lowest extent of the lower primary hub  2506 , setting the lower extent of the upper primary hub  2504  short of the top of the pole  2520  allows the upper primary hub  2504  to move upward along the pole as the canopy support structure  3100  retracts and the lowest primary hub  2506  reaches its lower bound. This allows a canopy designer to set the lower clearance of the retracted framework  2526  independently of the lower clearance of the extended framework  2526 . 
     Note that the lower primary hub  2506  in  FIGS. 31 &amp; 32  is flipped 180 degrees with respect to its orientation in  FIG. 25 . This modification places the hub&#39;s ribs “up” and enables the non-ribbed portion of the hub  2506  to be gripped when a user wants to extend or retract the canopy support structure  2500 , as opposed to providing the canopy support structure with a crank or pulley mechanism. Flipping one or both primary hubs  2506 ,  2508  of any canopy support structure 180 degrees also allows the secondary hubs  122 ,  124  of the canopy support structure  100  (or brackets  2522 ,  2524  of the canopy support structure  2500 ) to draw closer together for a shallower framework  186 ,  2526  when fully extended. 
     The various hubs used in the canopy support structures  100 ,  2500 ,  3100  described above are each configured to attach to six articulating arms or members. In other canopy support structures, hubs may be configured to attach to different numbers or arrangements of articulating arms and members. For example,  FIG. 33  illustrates a square “quadrilattice” canopy support structure  3300  in which the primary hubs  3302 ,  3304 , secondary hubs (e.g.,  3306 ,  3308 , and suspension hub  3310  are each configured to attach to four articulating arms (e.g.,  3312 ,  3314 ,  3316 ,  3318 ). 
       FIGS. 34 &amp; 35  illustrate a fourth example  3400  of a canopy support structure. This embodiment is referred to as an “offset equilattice” canopy support structure  3400 .  FIG. 34  illustrates the structure  3400  in an extended position.  FIG. 35  illustrates the structure  3400  in a retracted position. In principle, the structure  3400  is configured and operates similarly to the structure  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . However, the structure  3400  extends eccentrically rather than concentrically from a pole  3402 . The canopy support structure  3400  also includes two tiers of secondary hub pairs, with the secondary hub pairs  3404  and  3408  being one tier removed from the primary hub pair  3426 , and with the secondary hub pair  3406  being two tiers removed from the primary hub pair  3426 . 
     The number and arrangement of secondary hub pairs  3404 ,  3406 ,  3408  and articulating arms (e.g.,  3410 ,  3412 ,  3414 ,  3416 ,  3418 ,  3420 ) is exemplary only, and other offset canopy support structures can have different numbers and arrangements of secondary hubs and articulating arms. Of note, many of the same hub and articulating arm components that are used to construct the concentric canopy support structure  100  shown in  FIG. 1  may be used to construct the eccentric canopy support structure  3400  shown in  FIG. 34 . Note, however, that when the canopy support structure  3400  has a relatively short overhang on one side of the pole  3402 , the use of secondary hubs or brackets may not be necessary in that part of the canopy support structure  3400 . For example, a secondary articulating arm  3424  may be coupled at one end to the upper primary hub  3428 ; a tertiary articulating arm  3432  may be coupled at one end to the lower primary hub  3430 ; and the tertiary articulating arm  3432  may be coupled to the body of the secondary articulating arm  3424 . Alternately, the secondary articulating arm  3424  could be replaced with another tertiary articulating arm. In either case, one end of a suspension arm  3434  may be coupled to the pin  3436  that joins the articulating arms  3424  and  3432 . 
     In some cases, counterweights may be hung from the articulating arms  3422 ,  3424  of the shorter overhang; and in some cases, the counterweights may be hanging flower planters. Alternately, and by way of example, an optional brace may be secured between one of the articulating arms  3422 ,  3424  and the pole  3402  (or pole base, or ground) when the canopy support structure  3400  is extended. The brace may criss-cross the pole when viewed from certain angles, or may extend substantially vertically to the ground or pole base. When the canopy support structure  3400  is retracted, the brace may be detached from the canopy support structure  3400  at one or both ends. Alternately, the body of the brace can be configured to articulate, telescope or bend (e.g., in the case of a cable, wire or other flexible brace) as the canopy support structure is moved to its retracted position. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates a fifth example  3600  of a canopy support structure. The structure  3600  not only extends eccentrically from a pole  3602 , but it comprises hubs (e.g.,  3604 ,  3606 ,  3608 ) with asymmetric arrangements of ribs. For example,  FIG. 37  provides a close-up view of the primary hub  3604 , which has a sleeve  3610  connected to a collar  3612 , with five ribs  3614 ,  3616 ,  3618 ,  3620 ,  3622  connecting the sleeve  3610  and the collar  3612 . The ribs  3614 ,  3616 ,  3618 ,  3620 ,  3622  are distributed asymmetrically about the sleeve  3610 . 
       FIG. 38  illustrates a sixth example  3800  of a canopy support structure. The structure  3800  extends eccentrically from a pole  3802  and comprises hubs (e.g.,  3804 ,  3806 ,  3808 ,  3814 ,  3816 ,  3818 ,  3820 ,  3822 ) with asymmetric arrangements of ribs. In contrast to the other canopy support structures disclosed herein, the structure  3800  has a three-dimensional articulating lattice structure with a quadrilateral support structure  3810  (in the example shown, a square support structure). The quadrilateral support structure  3810  comprises a first set of hubs  3806 ,  3812 ,  3814 ,  3816  defining vertices of a first quadrilateral; a second set of hubs  3804 ,  3818 ,  3820 ,  3822  defining vertices of a second quadrilateral; and a plurality of articulating arms that interconnect the hubs  3804 ,  3806 ,  3812 ,  3814 ,  3816 ,  3818 ,  3820 ,  3822 . Also unlike the other canopy support structures disclosed herein, the structure  3800  comprises an articulating, telescoping or flexible suspension member  3824  that connects to a hub  3822  (or to a rib thereof). 
       FIG. 39  illustrates a modular secondary hub  3900  that could be used in place of any of the secondary hubs  3806 ,  3814 ,  3816 ,  3818 ,  3820 ,  3822  shown in  FIG. 38 . Unlike the modular hubs described earlier in this description, the modular secondary hub  3900  comprises a number of 45 degree wedges instead of a number of 60 degree wedges. The modular secondary hub  3900  also comprises a mix of different types of wedges, including a first number of identical type wedges  3902 ,  3904 ,  3906 ,  3908 ,  3910  with ribs, and a second number of identical type wedges  3912 ,  3914 ,  3916  without ribs (i.e., blanks). The modular secondary hub  3900  therefore illustrates how different types of modular components may be mixed to form different configurations of hubs. For some embodiments of canopy support structure, wedges of different angular extents can be mixed to form a single hub. For example, 15, 30, 45 and even 60 degree wedges could be mixed to form a single hub. In general, modular components of smaller angular extent can be mixed and matched to form a wider variety of hub configurations. 
       FIG. 40  illustrates a seventh example  4000  of a canopy support structure. The structure  4000  employs an array of different types of hubs, as well as scissor-connected primary articulating arms (e.g.,  4002 ,  4004 ) of different lengths. More particularly, the canopy support structure  4000  is an offset square quadrilattice similar to the canopy support structure  3800 . However, unlike the canopy support structure  3800 , which has a suspension arm  3824  directly connected to secondary hub  3816  or  3822 , the canopy support structure  4000  has a suspension arm  4012  connected to primary articulating arms  4026  and  4028 , at the hypotenuse of the square formed by the articulating arms  4002 ,  4004 ,  4022 ,  4024 ,  4030 ,  4032 ,  4034  and  4036 . This arrangement requires the primary articulating arms  4026  and  4028  to be longer than the primary articulating arms  4002 ,  4004 ,  4022  and  4024 , but allows the suspension arms  4012 ,  4014 ,  4016 ,  4018 ,  4020  to be the same length. In addition, it may require that the distance from one end of a primary, secondary, or tertiary arm to the closest scissor connection along the length of the arm be the same for all arms connected to any single hub. Alternately, the sum of the distance from one end of a primary, secondary, or tertiary arm to the closest scissor connection along the length of the arm and the distance from the corresponding end of the primary, secondary, or tertiary arm with which it is connected to the scissor connection by which the pair of arms are connected can be the same for all connected pairs of arms at all hub pairs. Alternately, varying the distance from the end of an arm to a scissor connection within a pair of arms, while keeping the sum of those distances the same for all pairs of hubs, allows the umbrella or awning designer to vary the pitch of the extended framework without compromising its smooth operation and compact contraction. For example, by increasing the length of the end  4038  of a downward sloping arm  4002  of a scissor-connected primary articulating arm pair  4002 / 4004 , while decreasing the length of the end  4040  of an upward sloping arm  4004  by an equal amount, the canopy support structure  4000  can be caused to slope downward as it extends away from the pole  4006 . In a similar manner, a shorter tertiary articulating arm  4008  paired with a shorter end  4042  of a secondary articulating arm  4010  causes the secondary articulating arm  4010  to slope downward at a steeper angle. Such modifications can give rise to an even greater array of canopy support structure shapes, slopes and configurations. 
     Providing a canopy support structure with telescoping arms, to allow the above-described variations in arm length, allows the operator to independently adjust the slope of articulating arms upward or downward to account for varying angles of the sun, thereby providing increased shade advantage. Also, controlling the telescoping potential in the articulating arms with alignment holes of equal spacing, and connecting the telescoping arms with their corresponding main bodies with spring-loaded pins, allows a canopy support structure to be retracted at any time without restoring the symmetric configuration of the arms. Alternatively, inserting a spring inside the outer arm of the telescoping pair of arms and before inserting the inner arm of the telescoping pair of arms allows the spring to absorb impact resulting from the shade structure inadvertently falling or being blown over during a wind event. 
       FIGS. 41 &amp; 42  illustrate a secondary articulating arm  4100  having an optional telescoping arm  4102 . The telescoping arm  4102  slides within a main body  4104  of the secondary articulating arm  4100 . The main body  4104  or telescoping arm  4102  can be tapered or otherwise configured so that the telescoping arm  4102  can be locked within the main body  4104  when retracted or extended.  FIG. 41  illustrates the telescoping arm  4102  in a fully extended position, and  FIG. 42  illustrates the telescoping arm  4102  in a partially or fully retracted position. The use of one or more telescoping arms  4102  around the periphery of a canopy support structure allows the circumference of the canopy support structure to be modified. Connecting the canopy to both the outer end  4108  of telescoping arm  4102  and outer end  4106  of main body  4104  creates a fold in the canopy, similar to a valance, when the telescoping arm  4102  is contracted, while maintaining a fully-stretched canopy. 
     In some cases, canopy support structures constructed in accordance with some or all of the principles disclosed herein may be configured to mount on or adjacent one or more walls of a building. A first such structure  4300  is shown in  FIG. 43  and comprises hub pairs  4302 ,  4304 ,  4306  and articulating arms or members  4308 ,  4310 ,  4312 ,  4314 ,  4316 ,  4318  similar to those shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . The pole  4320  may be mounted to a wall of a building using one or more suitable mounting brackets. Providing flexibility in the mounting bracket creates a tilting mechanism for the canopy, for increased shade advantage and aesthetic interest. Alternately, the pole  4320  may be mounted on the ground adjacent a wall. 
       FIG. 44  provides a plan view of a modular primary hub  4400  that may be used to implement each of the primary hubs  4322  of the canopy support structure  4300 . The modular primary hub  4400  comprises four ribbed modular components  4402 ,  4404 ,  4406 ,  4408 , each of which is constructed identically to the modular components  1102 - 1108  used in the primary hub  1100  ( FIG. 11 ). The modular primary hub  4400  also comprises two modular components  4410 ,  4412  that are ribless. The ribless modular components  4410 ,  4412  are better adapted to facing or abutting a wall. 
       FIG. 45  illustrates a canopy support structure  4500  that is mountable at an inside corner of a building (e.g., to or adjacent an inside corner of a building).  FIG. 46  illustrates a canopy support structure  4600  that is mountable at an outside corner  4602  of a building (e.g., to or adjacent an outside corner of a building). Each of the canopy support structures  4500 ,  4600  are constructed and operate similarly to other canopy support structures that have already been described. 
     In addition to mounting a pole of a canopy support structures on or near a wall or building, a canopy support structure may be movably mounted on one or more tracks mounted on a wall or building.  FIGS. 47-50  illustrate various exemplary ways to mount a canopy support structure on a track or tracks. 
     In  FIG. 47 , the framework of a canopy support structure  4700  is mounted via a row of upper hubs  4702 ,  4704 ,  4706  to a horizontal top track  4708 . In some embodiments, the canopy support structure  4700  could be additionally supported with a vertical track (e.g., similar to the vertical track  4814  shown in  FIG. 48 ). The upper hubs  4702 ,  4704 ,  4706  may be constructed similarly to the hub shown in  FIG. 21 , but with two of the ribbed wedges shown in  FIG. 21  replaced with a pair of 15 degree wedge spacers  5202 ,  5204  and a 45 degree wedge  5206  having a rib  5208 . See, for example, the exploded view of upper hub  5200  shown in  FIG. 52 . An arm  5210  is pivot-mounted at one of its ends to a hole in the rib  5208 . An axle  5212  is rotationally mounted to the other end of the arm  5210 . A horizontal track roller  5214  is rotationally mounted to the axle  5212 . 
     In  FIG. 48 , the framework of a canopy support structure  4800  is mounted via a row or lower hubs  4802 ,  4804 ,  4806  to a horizontal bottom track  4808 . In this embodiment, the lower hubs  4802 ,  4804 ,  4806  may be implemented using the hub design  5200  shown in  FIG. 52 . To provide the canopy support structure  4800  with more stability (e.g., to prevent the structure from tipping or pulling away from the wall  4810 ), one of the upper hubs  4812  may be slidably or rollably mounted to a vertical track  4814 . An exemplary configuration of this upper hub  4812  is shown in  FIG. 53 . The hub  5300  may be constructed similarly to the hub  5200  ( FIG. 53 ), but with an axle  5302  having vertically rolling rollers  5304 ,  5306  held by the hole in the wedge&#39;s rib  5208  (with the axle  5302  and rollers  5304 ,  5306  replacing the arm  5210 , axle  5212  and horizontal track roller  5214 ). 
     In  FIG. 49 , the framework of a canopy support structure  4900  is mounted to a horizontal track  4902  using rollers coupled to bypass pins. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 49  therefore represents a mid-mounted canopy support structure  4900 . Similarly to the  FIG. 48  embodiment, a vertical track  4904  may be employed to ensure the stability of the structure  4900 . The vertical track  4904  may be centrally mounted with respect to the horizontal track  4202 , thereby causing the canopy support structure  4900  to collapse in the center of the horizontal track  4902 , or the vertical track  4904  may be mounted to one side of the horizontal track  4904 , thereby causing the canopy support structure  4900  to retract to one side of the horizontal track  4902  (as shown in  FIGS. 50 &amp; 51 ). In some awning configurations, the canopy could be attached to the top of the vertical track. Alternatively, the apex of a canopy could be attached directly to a wall at a location independent of either the horizontal or vertical track. 
     Depending on their configurations, the disclosed canopy support structures can be used to provide various advantages over more conventional canopy support structures. For example, the scissor-like retraction of a canopy support structure enables it to provide more clearance over ground, thereby enabling the canopy support structure to clear the head of a person sitting or standing at a table positioned under the canopy support structure. In contrast, a conventional canopy support structure having a similar height and span barely clears the table. One can appreciate that the circumference of a conventional canopy support structure is limited by the height of its pole and the need for its arms to clear objects like people, tables and the ground when in a closed position. The novel canopy support structures disclosed herein are not so limited, and are capable of larger circumference and/or offset constructions that are not possible using conventional canopy support structures. 
     Another potential advantage of the disclosed canopy support structures is the ability to construct multiple configurations of canopy support structures using a relatively small number of parts. For example, the same configurations of pole, primary hub components, secondary hub components, suspension hubs and articulating arms can be used to construct the canopy support structures shown in many of the disclosed embodiments. The use of parts that are interchangeable among different configurations of canopy support structure adds simplicity and versatility to a product line of different canopy support structures, and reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and inventoried for the product line. Simplicity and versatility in product parts also makes it easier to provide a canopy support structure that a purchaser can assemble on their own (e.g., as a do-it-yourself kit, or from a number of individually purchased parts). 
     Some of the notable advantages of canopy support structures that are asymmetric or offset with respect to a pole include 1) their ability to be rotated based on the position of the sun, and 2) the ability to position their poles “out of the way” of the area covered by their canopies. Unfortunately, the dimensions of asymmetric or offset canopy support structures have conventionally been limited by the direct relationship between offset arm height and umbrella height. The techniques used for building the canopy support structures disclosed herein overcome the direct relationship between arm height and umbrella height, and enable the construction of larger asymmetric and offset canopy support structures, thereby enabling a canopy user to better capitalize on the inherent advantages of an asymmetric or offset canopy. 
     Various types of canopies may be draped over and secured to the canopy support structures disclosed herein.  FIGS. 54-57  illustrate how a novel, segmented, self-draining canopy may be attached to the equilattice canopy support structure  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . To begin, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 54 &amp; 55 , a plurality of canopy segments  5400 ,  5402 ,  5404 ,  5406 ,  5408 ,  5410  may be attached to the canopy support structure  100 . Three canopy segments  5400 ,  5402 ,  5404  are shown attached to the canopy support structure  100  in  FIG. 54 . The canopy segments  5400 ,  5402 ,  5404  are attached to the canopy support structure  100  by means of pockets  5436 ,  5438 ,  5440  that receive the free ends of secondary articulating arms, and by one or more laces  5412 ,  5414 ,  5416 . Lace  5412  is shown in a broken line for ease of viewing. As shown, the lace  5412  extends from the pole  102 , through a grommet or clip on one corner of a first canopy segment  5400 , through an eyelet or clip atop the secondary hub  122  (or alternately, through a bracket  2522 ,  3000  such as the one illustrated in  FIG. 25 or 30 ), through a grommet or clip on one corner of a second canopy segment  5402 , and back to pole  102 . Each diamond-shaped lacing pattern may be formed separately, or a single cord may provide all of the diamond shaped laces  5412 ,  5414 ,  5416 . To enable similar attachments of the remaining canopy segments, the canopy segments  5400 - 5410  may comprise button-holes through which eyelets or clips  5418 ,  5420 ,  5422 ,  5424 ,  5426 ,  5428  project. The eyelets or clips  5418 - 5428  may be attached to the tops of the secondary hubs. 
       FIG. 55  illustrates attachment of the remaining canopy segments  5406 ,  5408 ,  5410 . In practice, all of the canopy segments  5400 - 5410  would be attached more or less in parallel. Preferably, the canopy segments overlay each other like windmill blades, and each diamond-shaped lace extends not only through grommets or clips of two canopy segments (e.g.,  5400  &amp;  5402 ), but through the buttonhole formed in an intermediate canopy segment (e.g.,  5406 ). The canopy segments  5406 - 5410  have pockets  5442 ,  5444 ,  5446  for receiving the ends of respective articulating arms. 
       FIG. 56  illustrates attachment of a center segment  5430  of the canopy. The center segment  5430  may comprise a hole for receiving a post or stud that attaches a finial or cap  5434  to the cap  188 . Cap  188  is shown in  FIG. 1 , but is covered by the center segment  5430  in  FIG. 56 . The center segment  5430  may also have a number of grommets or clips attached to the corners of its hexagonal circumference. In this manner, a lace  5432  may be alternately threaded through ones of the grommets or clips attached to the center segment  5430  and ones of the eyelets or clips attached to the tops of the secondary hubs. Alternately, some or all of the canopy segments  5400 - 5410 ,  5430  could be stitched, attached with hook and loop fasteners, or otherwise connected at abutting corners, thereby eliminating some or all of the lacing. Additionally, any or all of the canopy segments  5400 - 5410 ,  5430  could be provided with a disconnect mechanism designed to 1) quickly release the canopy segment during a high wind event and provide increased venting, which venting tends to lessen forces that might damage the canopy&#39;s support structure, and 2) provide easy re-connection of a canopy segment to the canopy support structure  100 . 
       FIG. 57  illustrates how the segments  5400 - 5410 ,  5430  of the canopy drape over the various hubs and allow water to self-drain from the canopy when the canopy support structure  100  is in a retracted or partially retracted position.  FIG. 57  further illustrates how the operator of a canopy could increase the natural venting potential of the canopy, during moderate winds, by retracting the canopy to varying degrees. Alternatively, a non-segmented canopy may be used in place of the segmented canopy (e.g., in protected areas, where water and debris will not pool in the accordion folds created be the articulating arms, or for uses where the shade structure is brought inside when not in use). 
       FIG. 58  illustrates an alternate way to provide and lace outer canopy segments  5800 ,  5802 ,  5804 ,  5806 ,  5808 ,  5810  to the canopy support structure  100 . The canopy segments  5800 - 5810  overlay each other like windmill blades. Each of the canopy segments  5800 - 5810  is attached to the canopy support structure  100  by means of a pocket  5838 ,  5840 ,  5842 ,  5844 ,  5846 ,  5848  that receives the free end of a respective secondary articulating arm, and by one or more laces  5832 ,  5836 . 
     The lace  5832  extends between snaps, clips or grommets (e.g., snaps  5812 ,  5814 ) at outer corners of the canopy segments  5800 - 5810  and eyelets or clips atop the secondary hubs of the canopy support structure  100 . Alternately, the lace  5832  may extend through brackets  2522 ,  3000  such as the ones illustrated in  FIG. 25 or 30  instead of through eyelets or clips atop secondary hubs. 
     The lace  5836  extends between snaps, clips or grommets (e.g., grommets  5816 ,  5818 ) at inner corners of the canopy segments  5800 - 5810  and holes in a suspension hub  5834 . By way of example, the suspension hub  5834  may take the form of suspension ring  2000  ( FIG. 20 ). 
     The segmented, self-draining canopies shown in  FIGS. 54-58  may be variously modified, depending on the configuration of the canopy support structure for which the canopy is designed. 
     While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and are intended to represent a spectrum of design variations and versatility provided by the invention. The appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.