Patent Publication Number: US-2022228397-A1

Title: Collapsible canopy with reinforcement bars

Description:
The present disclosure relates to an outdoor product, in particular to a collapsible canopy. This application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/188,273 filed on Nov. 12, 2018 (soon to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 11,299,906 on Apr. 12, 2022), which is CIP of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/012,076 filed on Jun. 19, 2018 (which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,597,897 on Mar. 24, 2020), which is a CIP of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/925,314 filed on Mar. 19, 2018 (which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,699,738 on Jun. 6, 2020), which is a CIP of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/549,164 filed on Aug. 6, 2017 (which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,273,710 on Apr. 30, 2019), which is National Stage Entry of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/CN2016/091675, filed on Jul. 26, 2016, of which all of the above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Collapsible canopies that are capable of being locked into an unfolded position are very popular in modern society. Generally, each collapsible canopy comprises a foldable collapsible canopy frame and a collapsible canopy fabric, the collapsible canopy frame consists of a roof frame and four or more supporting legs, the supporting legs are used for supporting the roof frame and are provided with a locking structure on each supporting leg respectively, the collapsible canopy fabric covers the roof frame and is used for sunshading, rain sheltering or wind sheltering. At present, the locking structure is generally a locking pin, and an unfolded state of the collapsible canopy is locked by way of respectively locking each supporting leg. However, this way has the following defects: 
     In a process where a collapsible canopy is unfolded or folded, a user needs to perform a locking operation or an unlocking operation on a locking mechanism of each supporting leg one by one when unfolding or folding the collapsible canopy. The operation is cumbersome, functional defects or improper operation of forcing unlocking can occur. Also, the unfolding or folding of the collapsible canopy needs cooperation of many people so that the collapsible canopy can be erected. In addition, in a process where the collapsible canopy is unfolded and is erected, stresses of stress points of a plurality of supporting legs are not uniform, thus it is very difficult to support the collapsible canopy at optimum points and consequently the supporting effect of the collapsible canopy is influenced. Damages to the collapsible canopy mostly occur at the supporting legs of the collapsible canopy, since positions of sliding blocks need to be fixed after the collapsible canopy is unfolded, and holes are formed in the supporting legs at the fixing positions of the sliding blocks for inserting locking pins. Holes in the supporting legs weakens the supporting strength of the supporting legs, and the supporting legs are usually damaged at the fixing positions of the sliding blocks and consequently the service life of the collapsible canopy is shortened. 
     It should also be noted that prior art collapsible canopies can be unstable if exposed to certain conditions. For example,  FIG. 31  shows prior art canopy  895  covered in fabric. Wind force is blowing against the side of canopy  895 . Unfortunately canopy  895  has no means to resist this external force and consequently its side is deformed due to the action of the wind force. 
     What is needed is collapsible canopy with a better locking mechanism and structural reinforcement to better resist deformation of shape. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a collapsible canopy with an improved locking mechanism. The collapsible canopy has at least three supporting legs. The collapsible canopy also has a central lock that is used for locking the collapsible canopy in an unfolded state and permits the collapsible canopy to be folded into a folded state when the central lock is unlocked. An outer retractable unit is connected between each adjacent supporting leg. An inner retractable unit having an inner end is connected between each supporting leg and the central lock. The inner end of the inner retractable unit is connected through the central lock. Reinforcement bars are pivotally connected between the outer retractable units and the inner retractable units, the reinforcement bars function to maintain the shape of the collapsible canopy when the collapsible canopy is in a locked and unfolded position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-9  show a preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing a stop pole as a stopping device. 
         FIGS. 10-16  show another preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing the central top cap as the stopping device. 
         FIGS. 17-23  show another preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing stopping plugs connected to top pipes as the stopping device. 
         FIGS. 24-25  show another preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizing stopping plugs connected to connecting rods as the stopping device. 
         FIG. 26  shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 27-28  show detail perspective views of reinforcement bar pivot connection. 
         FIGS. 29-30  show a preferred canopy in a locked and unfolded position. 
         FIG. 31  shows a prior art canopy in a locked and unfolded position being deformed by wind force. 
         FIG. 32  shows a preferred canopy in a locked and unfolded position resisting deformation due to wind force. 
         FIG. 33  shows another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein no overhanging rod is extended out. 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic structure diagram of the canopy shown in  FIG. 33  after two overhanging rods on the left side are extended out. 
         FIG. 35  is a schematic structure diagram of the canopy shown in  FIG. 33  after all overhanging rods are extended out. 
         FIG. 36  is a front view of the canopy shown in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is a schematic structure diagram of the canopy shown in  FIG. 35  in the folded position. 
         FIG. 38  shows a part of the canopy shown in  FIG. 33 , wherein the overhanging rods are not extended out. 
         FIG. 39  is a schematic diagram of the part shown in  FIG. 38 , wherein the overhanging rods are extended out. 
         FIG. 40  is an exploded schematic view of another part of the canopy shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 41  is an exploded schematic view of still another part of the canopy shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 42  is a schematic diagram of the part shown in  FIG. 41 , wherein no cross bar is shown. 
         FIG. 43  is a schematic diagram of the connecting process of the second end portion of the cross bar and the connecting rod according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 44  is a schematic structure diagram of the second end portion of the cross bar according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 45-47  show yet another embodiment of the present disclosure utilizing sliding sleeves with slots. 
         FIGS. 48-49  show yet another embodiment of the present disclosure utilizing fixing joints with slots. 
         FIGS. 50-52  show yet another embodiment of the present disclosure utilizing a fixing seat and a rotating seat to rotatably connect the overhanging rod and the cross bar. 
         FIGS. 53-55  show yet another embodiment of the present disclosure utilizing a fixing seat and a rotating joint to rotatably connect the overhanging rod and the cross bar. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention provides a collapsible canopy that utilizes a self-locking central lock to lock the canopy in an unfolded state for secure usage. The self-locking central lock is highly effective and reliable and is very resistant to corrosion and damage due to exposure and use. The present invention also shows the utilization of reinforcement bars to better maintain the shape of the canopy and to resist any force that may cause shape deformation. The below listed embodiments present collapsible canopies with various self-locking central locks and also shows the utilization of reinforcement bars. 
     Preferred Embodiment with Stop Pole Connected to Center Top Cap 
     A first preferred embodiment showing collapsible canopy  750  is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . In  FIG. 1 , center top cap  601  is pivotally connected to four first oblique top pipes  692 . Center bottom cap  602  is pivotally connected to four bottom cap connecting rods  693 . Four second oblique top pipes  694  are each pivotally connected to a first oblique top pipe  692  at one end and are each pivotally connected to a supporting leg  695  at the other end. Leg connecting rods  684  are pivotally connected between support legs  695  and second oblique top pipes  694 , as shown. The pivot connection between center top cap  601  and support legs  695  of top pipes  692  and  694  form inner retractable units  615 . 
     First eave pipes  671  and second eave pipes  672  are pivotally connected to supporting legs  695  and are pivotally connected to each other as shown. Middle eave pipes  673  and  674  are pivotally connected between first eave pipes  671  and second eave pipes  672 , as shown. Pivotally connected eave pipes  671 - 674  form outer retractable units  614  that are pivotally connected between support legs  695 . 
     Stop pole  700  is bolted onto center top cap  601  so that it is rigidly attached. Stop pole  700  extends downward from center top cap  601  as shown. 
     Operation of Preferred Embodiment with Stop Pole Connected to Center Top Cap 
       FIG. 5  shows collapsible canopy  750  in an unlocked and collapsed position, similar to that depicted in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 3  the force of gravity is pressing downwards on first oblique top pipes  692 . The user has not yet pressed upward on center bottom cap  602 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , the user has begun to press upwards on bottom cap  602 . Oblique top pipes  692  have begun to pivot outwards from center. Bottom cap connecting rods  693  are pivotally connected to bottom cap  602  at bottom cap pivot axis  603  and bottom cap connecting rods  693  are pivotally connected to oblique top pipes  692  at top pipe pivot axis  604 . In  FIG. 6 , pivot axis  603  is lower than pivot axis  604 . Therefore, the user must continue to press upward on bottom cap  602  to overcome the weight of oblique top pipes  692 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , the user has pressed further upwards on bottom cap  602 . Oblique top pipes  692  have pivoted further outwards. In  FIG. 7 , pivot axis  603  is still lower than pivot axis  604 . Therefore, the user must still continue to press upward on bottom cap  602  to overcome the weight of oblique top pipes  692 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , the user has pressed further upwards on bottom cap  602 . Pivot axis  603  is now higher than pivot axis  604 . Once the pivot axis  603  becomes higher than pivot axis  604 , the weight of oblique top pipes  692  will cause bottom cap  602  to move upward so that the user no longer has to press upward on bottom cap  602 . In  FIG. 8 , top pipes  692  have begun to pivot inwards and bottom cap  602  is being forced upwards towards stop pole  700 . The user may now stop upwards pressure on bottom cap  602 . The downward force provided by oblique top pipes  692  will move bottom cap  602  upwards until is stopped by stop pole  700 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , the downward force provided by oblique top pipes  692  has moved bottom cap  602  upwards so that it has been stopped by stop pole  700 . Pivot axis  603  is higher than pivot axis  604 . Center locking mechanism  720  is now in a self-locked position. It should be noted that a self-locked position is achieved after bottom cap pivot axis  603  becomes higher than top pipe pivot axis  604 . After that occurs, the user may cease applying upward force onto bottom cap  602 . The force of gravity acting on top pipes  692  will force bottom cap  602  upwards until it is stopped by a stopping device, such as stopping pole  700 . Once the upward motion has been stopped collapsible canopy  750  will be in a secure, locked position, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 . 
     To unlock collapsible canopy  750  the user will need to pull downward on bottom cap  602  until pivot axis  603  is lower than pivot axis  604 . Once this occurs, the force of gravity will take over and collapsible canopy  750  will be in the unlocked position as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
     Preferred Embodiment with Center Top Cap as the Stopping Device 
     Another preferred embodiment showing collapsible canopy  751  is shown in  FIGS. 10-11 . Collapsible canopy  751  is very similar to collapsible canopy  750  described above. However, rather than utilizing stop pole  700 , collapsible canopy  751  utilizes center top cap  601  as the stopping device. This embodiment is preferred due to its simplicity and its cost effectiveness. 
     Operation of Preferred Embodiment Utilizing the Center Top Cap as the Stopping Device 
       FIG. 12  shows collapsible canopy  751  in an unlocked and collapsed position, similar to that depicted in  FIG. 12 . In  FIG. 12  the force of gravity is pressing downwards on first oblique top pipes  692 . The user has not yet pressed upward on center bottom cap  602 . 
     In  FIG. 13 , the user has begun to press upwards on bottom cap  602 . Oblique top pipes  692  have begun to pivot outwards from center. Bottom cap connecting rods  693  are pivotally connected to bottom cap  602  at bottom cap pivot axis  603  and bottom cap connecting rods  693  are pivotally connected to oblique top pipes  692  at top pipe pivot axis  604 . In  FIG. 13  pivot axis  603  is lower than pivot axis  604 . Therefore, the user must continue to press upward on bottom cap  602  to overcome the weight of oblique top pipes  692 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , the user has pressed further upwards on bottom cap  602 . Oblique top pipes  692  have pivoted further outwards. In  FIG. 14 , pivot axis  603  is still lower than pivot axis  604 . Therefore, the user must still continue to press upward on bottom cap  602  to overcome the weight of oblique top pipes  692 . 
     In  FIG. 15 , the user has pressed further upwards on bottom cap  602 . Pivot axis  603  is now higher than pivot axis  604 . Once the pivot axis  603  becomes higher than pivot axis  604 , the weight of oblique pipes  692  will cause bottom cap  602  to move upward so that the user no longer has to press upward on bottom cap  602 . In  FIG. 15 , top pipes  692  have begun to pivot inwards and bottom cap  602  is being forced upwards towards center top cap  601 . The user may now stop upwards pressure on bottom cap  602 . The downward force provided by oblique top pipes  692  will move bottom cap  602  upwards until is stopped by center top cap  601 . 
     In  FIG. 16 , the downward force provided by oblique top pipes  692  has moved bottom cap  602  upwards so that it has been stopped by center top cap  601 . Pivot axis  603  is higher than pivot axis  604 . Center locking mechanism  721  is now in a self-locked position. It should be noted that a self-locked position is achieved after bottom cap pivot axis  603  becomes higher than top pipe pivot axis  604 . After that occurs, the user may stop applying upward force onto bottom cap  602 . The force of gravity acting on top pipes  692  will force bottom cap  602  upwards until it is stopped by a stopping device, such as center top cap  601 . Once the upward motion has been stopped collapsible canopy  751  will be in a secure, locked position, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 11 . 
     To unlock collapsible canopy  751  the user will need to pull downward on bottom cap  602  until pivot axis  603  is lower than pivot axis  604 . Once this occurs, the force of gravity will take over and collapsible canopy  750  will be in the unlocked position as shown in  FIGS. 36 and 38 . 
     Preferred Embodiment with Plugs Mounted to the Top Pipes as the Stopping Device 
     Another preferred embodiment showing collapsible canopy  752  is shown in  FIGS. 17-18 . Collapsible canopy  752  is very similar to collapsible canopies  751  and  752  described above. However, collapsible canopy  752  utilizes plugs  783  mounted to top pipes  692  as the stopping device.  FIG. 19  shows a detailed view of plug  783  mounted to top pipe  692  over connecting rod  693  pivotally connected at pivot axis  604 . This embodiment shows that a stopping device may be mounted to a top pipe. 
     Operation of Preferred Embodiment Utilizing Top Pipe Mounted Plugs as the Stopping Device 
       FIG. 20  shows collapsible canopy  752  in an unlocked and collapsed position, similar to that depicted in  FIG. 17 . In  FIG. 20  the force of gravity is pressing downwards on first oblique top pipes  692 . The user has not yet pressed upward on center bottom cap  602 . 
     In  FIG. 21 , the user has begun to press upwards on bottom cap  602 . Oblique top pipes  692  have begun to pivot outwards from center. Bottom cap connecting rods  693  are pivotally connected to bottom cap  602  at bottom cap pivot axis  603  and bottom cap connecting rods  693  are pivotally connected to oblique top pipes  692  at top pipe pivot axis  604 . In  FIG. 21 , pivot axis  603  is lower than pivot axis  604 . Therefore, the user must continue to press upward on bottom cap  602  to overcome the weight of oblique top pipes  692 . 
     In  FIG. 22 , the user has pressed further upwards on bottom cap  602 . Pivot axis  603  is now higher than pivot axis  604 . Once the pivot axis  603  becomes higher than pivot axis  604 , the weight of oblique pipes  692  will cause bottom cap  602  to move upward so that the user no longer has to press upward on bottom cap  602 . In  FIG. 22 , top pipes  692  have begun to pivot inwards and bottom cap  602  is being forced upwards towards center top cap  601 . The user may now stop upwards pressure on bottom cap  602 . The downward force provided by oblique top pipes  692  will move bottom cap  602  upwards until connecting rods  693  are stopped by plugs  783 . 
     In  FIG. 23 , the downward force provided by oblique top pipes  692  has moved bottom cap  602  upwards so that the upward motion of connecting rods  693  has been stopped by plugs  783 . Pivot axis  603  is higher than pivot axis  604 . Center locking mechanism  722  is now in a self-locked position. It should be noted that a self-locked position is achieved after bottom cap pivot axis  603  becomes higher than top pipe pivot axis  604 . After that occurs, the user may stop applying upward force onto bottom cap  602 . The force of gravity acting on top pipes  692  will force bottom cap  602  upwards until connecting rods  693  are stopped by a stopping device, such as plugs  783 . Once the upward motion has been stopped collapsible canopy  752  will be in a secure, locked position, as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     To unlock collapsible canopy  752  the user will need to pull downward on bottom cap  602  until pivot axis  603  is lower than pivot axis  604 . Once this occurs, the force of gravity will take over and collapsible canopy  752  will be in the unlocked position as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
     Preferred Embodiment with Plugs Mounted to Connecting Rods as the Stopping Device 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  show plugs  783  mounted to connecting rods  693 . This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment with the exception that plugs  783  are mounted to connecting rods  693  rather than top pipes  692 . 
     For example, in  FIG. 25 , the downward force provided by oblique top pipes  692  has moved bottom cap  602  upwards so that the upward motion of connecting rods  693  has been stopped by plugs  783  coming in contact with top pipes  692 . Pivot axis  603  is higher than pivot axis  604 . Center locking mechanism  722  is now in a self-locked position. It should be noted that a self-locked position is achieved after bottom cap pivot axis  603  becomes higher than top pipe pivot axis  604 . After that occurs, the user may stop applying upward force onto bottom cap  602 . The force of gravity acting on top pipes  692  will force bottom cap  602  upwards until the upward motion of connecting rods  693  is stopped by a stopping device, such as plugs  783  coming into contact with top pipes  692 . Once the upward motion has been stopped collapsible canopy  752  will be in a secure, locked position, as shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     Preferred Embodiment Having Reinforcement Bars 
       FIG. 26  shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention where collapsible canopy  850  has multiple reinforcement bars  802 . Each reinforcement bar  802  is pivotally connected between inner retractable units  615  and outer retractable units  614 . Specifically, in the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 26  each reinforcement bar  802  is shown pivotally connected between first oblique top pipe  692  and at a position near the junction between second eave pipe  672  and middle eave pipe  674 . 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  show detailed perspective views of the pivot connection of reinforcement bar  802 . For example, in  FIG. 27  reinforcement bar  802  is shown pivotally connected to middle eave pipe via connection bracket  805 . Likewise, in  FIG. 28  reinforcement bars  802  are shown pivotally connected to first oblique top pipe  692  via connection brackets  805 . 
     In  FIG. 29 , canopy  850  has been placed into a locked and unfolded position as shown. Reinforcement bars  802  are shown positioned between inner retractable units  615  and outer retractable units  614 . Reinforcement bars  802  are rigid and will resist external forces acting on canopy  850  that will tend to deform the shape of canopy  850  in its locked position. For example, wind blowing against a locked and unfolded canopy  850  will be unable to press outer retractable units  614  inward because of the reinforcement provided by reinforcement bars  850 . 
       FIG. 30  shows a top view of canopy  850  in a locked and unfolded position. Reinforcement bars are clearly shown in position to resist deformation of the shape of canopy  850 . 
       FIG. 31  shows prior art canopy  895  covered in fabric. Wind force is blowing against the side of canopy  895 . Unfortunately canopy  895  has no means to resist this external force and consequently its side is deformed due to the action of the wind force. 
       FIG. 32 , however, shows canopy  850  covered in fabric. Although wind force is blowing against the side of canopy  850 , canopy  850  is able to maintain its shape. Reinforcement bars  802  ( FIG. 30 ) provide optimum support and reinforcement and resist any tendency to deform the shape of canopy  850 . 
     Preferred Embodiment with Overhanging Rods 
     Referring to  FIG. 33  to  FIG. 44 , a collapsible canopy of this embodiment has an unfolded position and a folded position, and comprises a collapsible canopy frame body; the canopy frame body can be independently supported on the ground, and the canopy frame body is covered with a cloth cover for sunshading, rain sheltering and wind sheltering, etc.; a part of the cloth cover (for example, the edge part) can hang down from the sides of the canopy frame body, and this part of the cloth cover is called the surrounding cloth  70 . In conjunction with  FIG. 33  to  FIG. 37 , the canopy frame body comprises at least three supporting legs  1  extending in the up-down direction, and is supported on the ground by the supporting legs  1 . The canopy frame body comprises a plurality of outer retractable units  21  and a plurality of inner retractable units  22  comprising inner ends, each outer retractable unit  21  is connected between two of the at least three supporting legs  1 ; each inner retractable unit  22  is connected to one of the at least three supporting legs  1 , wherein the outer retractable units  21  and the inner retractable units  22  form a roof frame  2  of the collapsible canopy, and the cloth cover is mainly covered on the roof frame  2 . 
     The canopy further comprises a plurality of overhanging rods  3  having an inner end portion and an outer end portion, the inner end portion of each overhanging rod  3  is rotatably connected to one of the supporting legs  1 , specifically via a pivot shaft. The number and position of overhanging rods  3  correspond to the support legs  1  one to one, that is, the inner end portion of each overhanging rod  3  is rotatably connected to one corresponding supporting leg  1 , the above-mentioned surrounding cloth  70  is connected to the outer end portions of the overhanging rods  3 , and can be stretched by the overhanging rods  3  to be used as eaves to increase the shading area, and can also hang down on the sides of the canopy with the folding of the overhanging rods  3  for use as side surrounding cloth. Each overhanging rod  3  has a folded state and an unfolded state, and the outer end portion of the overhanging rod  3  is drawn close to the supporting leg  1  when in the folded state, and is offset from the supporting leg  1  by a distance when in the unfolded state. In other words, each overhanging rod  3  has folded state in which it is drawn close to the supporting leg  1  and an unfolded state in which it is unfolded with respect to the supporting leg  1 . After the overhanging rod  3  is unfolded, the overhanging rod  3  is transverse to the supporting leg  1 , so that the surrounding cloth  70  can be extended outward, which can increase the sunshade area of the canopy. Further, the overhanging rods  3  on the left extends to the left in their unfolded state, that is to say, the outer end portions of the overhanging rods  3  are located on the left side of the supporting legs  1 ; the overhanging rods  3  on the right extends to the right in their unfolded state, that is to say, the outer end portions of the overhanging rods  3  are located on the right side of the supporting legs  1 ; such that the surrounding cloths  70  on the left side and the right side are stretched to increase the eave areas on the left and right sides of the canopy, such that the sunshade areas on the left and right sides are increased. When the overhanging rods  3  are in the folded state, the surrounding cloths hang down and are located on the sides of the canopy. 
     It should be noted that: in this embodiment, the overhanging rods  3  are directly connected to the supporting legs  1  via pivot shafts; and in some other embodiments, the overhanging rods  3  can be indirectly connected to the supporting legs  1  through other components, such as sliding sleeve, connecting cap, etc. that rotatably connected to the supporting legs  1 . 
     The canopy further comprises a plurality of cross bars, and the number and position of the cross bars  4  correspond to the overhanging rods  3  one to one. In conjunction with  FIG. 38  to  FIG. 44 , each cross bar  4  has a first end portion for rotatably connecting to one of the overhanging rod  3  and a second end portion for detachably connecting to one of the outer retractable unit  21 . When the overhanging rod  3  is in the folded state, the second end portion of the cross bar  4  is disconnected from the outer retractable unit  21 , and when the overhanging rod  3  is in the unfolded state, the second end portion of the cross bar  4  is connected to the outer retractable unit  21 . During folding the canopy frame body from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second end portion of the cross bar  4  is automatically disconnected from the outer retractable unit  21 , and the overhanging rod  3  is converted from the unfolded state to the folded state. The second end portion of the cross bar  4  and a rod of the outer retractable unit  21  are detachably connected, and are configured to be able to be automatically disconnected from the outer retractable unit  21  during the folding of the outer retractable unit  21 , and one of the implementations will be described in detail below. 
     Each outer retractable unit  21  comprises an eave rod  211  capable of turning downward when the canopy frame body is folded; a clamping slot portion  41  capable of accommodating the eave rod  211  is formed on the second end portion of the cross bar  4 , and the clamping slot portion  41  has an opening  410  facing downward, as shown in  FIG. 44 . A clamping slot formed by the clamping slot portion  41  preferably extends upward from the lower surface of the clamping slot portion  41 , and in the section of the clamping slot portion  41  perpendicular to the length direction of the eave rod  211 , the profile of the clamping slot is generally an inverted U shape. When folding the canopy frame body, the eave rod  211  will turn downward, and the cross bar  4  is forced by the overhanging rod  3  to automatically disconnected from the eave rod  211  during folding the collapsible canopy from the unfolded position to the folded position, so as to release from the clamping slot of the clamping slot portion  41 , the cross bar  4  and the outer retractable unit  21  are disconnected to avoid the failure of the folding of the canopy frame body or the damage to the overhanging rod  3  or the rods of the canopy frame body due to forgetting to fold the overhanging rod  3 . 
     In conjunction with  FIG. 42  to  FIG. 44 , a positioning protrusion  211   a  is formed on the eave rod  211  matched with the cross bar  4 , and the clamping slot portion  41  has a positioning groove  411  matched with the positioning protrusion  211   a , to limit the sliding of the clamping slot portion  41  in the length direction of the eave rod  211 . The positioning groove  411  communicates with the clamping slot formed by the clamping slot portion  41  and extends upward from the lower surface of the clamping slot portion  41 , and during the process of clamping the clamping slot portion  41  onto the eave rod  211 , the positioning protrusion  211   a  enters the positioning groove  411 ; the positioning groove  411  has two opposite limiting walls, and each limiting wall as a whole is not parallel to the length direction of the eave rod  211 ; the positioning protrusion  211   a  is located between the two limiting walls, to prevent the clamping slot portion  41  from moving forward and backward on the eave rod  211 . The positioning protrusion  211   a  specifically comprises a pin, a pull nail, or a rivet fixed on the eave rod  211 . In this embodiment, each of the cross bars  4  is a single bar; while in some other embodiments, each cross bar  4  may be composed of a plurality of rods. 
     The canopy further comprises a plurality of supporting rod  5  having a first end portion and a second portion, and the number and position of the supporting rods  5  correspond to the overhanging rods  3  one to one. In conjunction with  FIG. 42  to  FIG. 44 , the first end portion of each supporting rod  5  is rotatably connected to the supporting leg  1  and capable of sliding in an up-down direction, and the second end portion is rotatably connected to the overhanging rod  3 . Specifically, the first end portion of the supporting rod  5  is rotatably connected to a supporting seat  51 , and the supporting seat  51  is slidably connected to the supporting leg  1  and capable of sliding in the up-down direction. The supporting seat  51  is preferably a sliding sleeve slidably sleeved on the supporting leg  1  in the up-down direction, and the lower end portion of the supporting rod  5  is pivotally connected to the sliding sleeve and the upper end portion thereof is connected to the overhanging rod  3 . Overhanging lock mechanisms are provided between the supporting seats  51  and the supporting legs  1 , respectively, and when the overhanging rod  3  is in the unfolded state, the overhanging lock mechanism locks the supporting seat  51  and the supporting leg  1 . The overhanging lock mechanism may utilize an known structure, for example, a locking member (not shown) is arranged on the supporting seat  51 , a locking hole (not shown) matched with the locking member is arranged on the supporting leg  1 , and the locking member is releasably inserted into the locking hole. When in the unfolded state, the locking member on the supporting seat  51  is inserted into the locking hole to lock the overhanging rod  3  in the unfolded state, so that it can be unfolded stably; when it needs to be converted to the folded state, an unlock button  52  on the supporting seat  51  is pressed to release the locking member from the locking hole, the supporting seat  51  is slided downward to the lower portion of the supporting leg  1 , to drive the overhanging rod  3  to fold until the outer end portion thereof is drawn close to the supporting leg  1 , and at the same time, the first end portion (lower end portion) of the supporting rod  5  is drawn close to the lower portion of the supporting leg  1 . 
     Further, a fixing seat  30  is arranged between the inner end portion and the outer end portion of the overhanging rod  3 , and the fixing seat is located approximately in the middle of the overhanging rod  3 . The first end portion of the cross bar  4  is rotatably connected to the fixing seat  30  via a first pivot shaft  301 , and the second end portion (upper end portion) of the supporting rod  5  is rotatably connected to the fixing seat  30  via a second pivot shaft  302 . An angle formed between the axial line of the first pivot shaft  301  and/or the second pivot shaft  302  and the horizontal plane when the overhanging rod  3  is in the folded state is less than 10 degrees. Specifically speaking, when the overhanging rod  3  is in the folded state, the axial line of the first pivot shaft  301  and the axial line of the second pivot shaft  302  are preferably parallel to the horizontal plane or only inclined at a small angle, and the axial line of the pivot shaft connecting the overhanging rod  3  and the supporting leg  1  is preferably parallel to the horizontal plane or only inclined at a small angle, so that the overhanging rod  3  and the cross bar  4  can automatically fall under the action of their own gravity and hang down on the sides of the supporting leg  1 . Further, when the overhanging rod  3  is in the folded state, the supporting rod  5  is drawn close to the front side or rear side of the overhanging rod  3 , and when viewed form the front side or rear side, the supporting rod  5  is completely shielded by the overhanging rod  3 . 
     In conjunction with  FIG. 42  to  FIG. 44 , the supporting leg  1  comprises a supporting leg body  10  extending in the up-down direction, a fixing joint  11  fixed to the upper end portion of the supporting leg body  10 , and a foot pad fixed to the lower end portion of the supporting leg body  10 ; the inner end portion of the overhanging rod  3  is pivotally connected to the fixing joint  11 , the supporting seat  51  is slidably sleeved on the supporting leg body  10 , and the locking hole is arranged on the supporting leg body  10 . The foot pad  12  provides a larger contact area with the ground, and rolling wheels  13  are arranged on the foot pads  12  of some of the supporting legs  1  (for example, two supporting legs  1  on the right side) to facilitate the transportation of the canopy. Unless otherwise specified, “upper end portion of the supporting leg  1 ” and “lower end portion of the supporting leg  1 ” described below refer to the fixing joint  11  and the foot pad  12 , respectively. 
     In conjunction with  FIG. 33  to  FIG. 36 , there are four supporting legs  1 , and four sides, namely the front, rear, left and right sides of the canopy is provided with one outer retractable unit  21 , respectively. Each outer retractable unit  21  comprises at least one eave rod assembly  210  rotatably connected between adjacent supporting legs  1 , each eave rod assembly  210  comprises two eave rods  211  that can be extended and drawn close relative to each other, and the middle parts of two eave rods  211  are rotatabely connected via a third pivot shaft  212  to form a cross-shaped structure similar to scissors. The upper end portion of the supporting leg  1  (specifically, the fixing joint  11 ) is pivotally connected to one end portion of an eave rod  211  of the eave rod assembly  210  connected thereto; the supporting leg  1  (specifically, the supporting leg body  10 ) is further provided with a sliding sleeve  101 , the sliding sleeve  101  is sleeved on the supporting leg  1  and capable of sliding in the up-down direction, and the sliding sleeve  101  is pivotally connected to one end portion of the other eave rod  211  of this eave rod assembly  210 . When folding, the sliding sleeve  101  slides downward, and the two eave rods  211  of the eave rod assembly  210  are drawn close to each other in the transverse direction, so that the supporting legs  1  are drawn close to each other, thereby reducing the size of the canopy in the front-rear, left-right directions, as shown in  FIG. 37 . Specifically in this embodiment, each of the outer retractable units  21  is composed of three eave rod assemblies  210  that are rotatably connected in sequence. The clamping slot portion  41  mentioned above is preferably detachably connected to the upper end portion of the eave rod  211  which is connected to the upper end portion of the supporting leg  1 , and the positioning protrusion  211   a  mentioned above is also formed at the upper portion of this eave rod  211 . 
     Each inner retractable unit  22  comprises a first oblique top rod  222  and a second oblique top rod  221  that are rotatably connected at one end portion of each, the other end portion of the second oblique top rod  221  is rotatably connected to the upper end portion of the supporting leg  1 , and the other end portion of the first oblique top rod  222  of each inner retractable unit  22  is rotatably connected to a central lock  23 . The central lock  23  comprises a top cap  231  and a bottom cap  232  that can locked or disengaged from each other, and the other end portion of the first oblique top rod  222  is rotatably connected to the top cap  231 ; each inner retractable unit  22  further comprises an auxiliary top rod  223 , one end portion of the auxiliary top rod  223  is rotatably connected to the first oblique top rod  222  and the other end portion is rotatably connected to the bottom cap  232 . Each inner retractable unit  22  comprises an third oblique rod  224 , the upper end portion of the third oblique rod  224  is rotatably connected to the second oblique top rod  221 , and the lower end portion thereof is rotatably connected to the sliding sleeve  101  of the supporting leg  1 . The central lock comprises a lock member for locking the collapsible canopy in the unfolded state when the central lock is locked and for permitting the collapsible canopy to be folded into the folded position when the central lock is unlocked; when the top cap  231  and the bottom cap  232  are locked together, the canopy frame body is locked in the unfolded position by the central lock  23 ; when the top cap  231  and the bottom cap  232  are unlocked, the third oblique rod  224  moves downward with the sliding sleeve  101 , and pulls the inner retractable unit  22  to fold, that is, the second oblique top rod  221  and the first oblique top rod  222  rotate downward, so that the inner end portion of the second oblique top rod  221  and the outer end portion of the first oblique top rod  222  move close to the lower end portion of the supporting leg  1 , the top cap  231  and the upper end portion of the supporting leg  1  are drawn close to each other, and the lower end portion of the auxiliary top rod  223 , the bottom cap  232  and the outer end portion of the first oblique top rod  222  are drawn close to each other. 
     The canopy frame body further comprises a reinforcement mechanism  6 . Specifically, the reinforcement mechanism  6  is connected between the outer retractable units  21  and the inner retractable units  22 . The reinforcement mechanism  6  comprises a reinforcement bar  610 , one end portion of the reinforcement bar  610  is rotatably connected to the first oblique top rod  222 , and the other end portion is rotatably connected to the outer retractable units  21  (specifically, the upper rotational joint, i.e. the upper pivot shaft, of two adjacent eave rod assemblies  210 ). Specifically, one end portion of the reinforcement bar  610  is pivotally connected to the first oblique top rod  222 , and a distance between the joint of the two and the inner end portion of the first oblique top rod  222  is less than one-third of the length of the first oblique top rod  222 ; the other end portion of the reinforcement bar  610  is pivotally connected to a connector  611 , and the eave rods  211  of the above-mentioned two adjacent eave rod assemblies  210  are rotatably connected to this connector  611 . The canopy of this embodiment has eight reinforcement bars  610 , each outer retractable unit  21  is rotatably connected to the first oblique top rods  222  of two adjacent inner retractable units  22  through two reinforcement bars  610 , respectively, the four groups of outer retractable units  21  and inner retractable units  22  are respectively connected together to form a reinforcement structure, so as to reduce the problem of concave deformation of the outer retractable units  21  caused by the thrust of the cross bars  4 . The reinforcement bars  610  can rotate correspondingly to the unfolding and folding of the canopy frame body, without affecting the unfolding and folding of the canopy frame body. 
     The canopy is used as follows: the canopy frame body is unfolded, the top cap  231  and the bottom cap  232  are then locked to each other to maintain the canopy unfold stably, as shown in  FIG. 33 , the overhanging rods  3  on one side are chosen to be unfolded according to the needs, as shown in  FIG. 34 ; or the overhanging rods  3  on both sides are chosen to be unfolded, as shown in  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 36 . The specific process of unfolding each overhanging rod  3  is as follows: the overhanging rod  3  is lifted, then the supporting seat  51  is moved upward accordingly, the second end portion of the cross bar  4  is clamped at the positioning protrusions  211   a  on the eave rods  211 , and the overhanging lock mechanism is locked to lock the overhanging rods  31  stably in its unfolded state. The specific process of folding each overhanging rod  3  is as follows: the overhanging lock mechanism is unlocked, and the second end portion of the cross bar  4  is disconnected from the eave rod  211 , and under the action of its own gravity, the supporting seat  51  slides downward, and the overhanging rod  3  and the cross bar  4  are hanged down automatically to the side of the supporting leg body  10 . When the canopy is needed to be folded, the overhanging rod  3  can be folded in advance; if forget to fold, during the folding process of the canopy frame body, under the squeezing action of the external force, the cross bar can automatically be disconnected from the eave rod  211  to be released, specifically: the top cap  231  and the bottom cap  232  are unlocked, the sliding sleeves  101  on the supporting leg bodies  10  are moved downward, the eave rods  211  of the outer retractable units  21  are rotated and drawn close with respect to each other, in particular the eave rods  211  connected to the cross bars  4  are rotated downward, to disengage from the openings  410  of the clamping slot portions  41 , and the canopy frame body is folded normally. 
     After the canopy is unfolded, it is possible to flexibly choose to unfold or fold the overhanging rods  3  according to the needs, and the unfolding and folding are fast and convenient; the cross bars  4  can strengthen the overhanging rods  3  after they are unfolded, which has good strength; in particular, if forget to fold the overhanging rods  3  when folding the canopy, the second end portions of the cross bars  4  can automatically disengage from the eave rods  211  of the outer retractable units  21  under the action of external force as the outer retractable units  21  are folded, which will not cause the overhanging rods  3  to be accidentally broken or the structure of the canopy frame body to be damaged due to forgetting to fold the overhanging rods  3 . In addition, foldable reinforcement mechanisms  6  are provided between the outer retractable units  21  and the inner retractable units  22 , which can be unfolded and folded with the canopy frame body, and can offset or reduce the thrust of the cross bars  4  on the outer retractable units  21 , avoiding the problem of concave deformation of the outer retractable units  21  caused by the thrust of the cross bars  4 . The canopy frame body is locked by the central lock  23 , which can be quickly opened and closed. 
     Preferred Embodiment with Sliding Sleeves with Slots 
     This embodiment is basically the same as the Embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33-44 , differs only in the connection between the overhanging rod  3  and the canopy frame body. As shown in  FIGS. 45-47 , each of the overhanging rods  3  is detachably inserted in one of the supporting legs  1  but not connecting to the supporting leg  1 . Specifically, the inner end of each overhanging rod  3  is detachably connected to the supporting leg  1  through the sliding sleeve  101  thereon. The sliding sleeve  101  is provided with a slot  101   a , and the slot  101   a  generally extends obliquely. When the overhanging rod  3  is in the open state, the inner end of the overhanging rod  3  is inserted in the slot  101   a  and connected with the supporting leg  1 ; when the overhang rod  3  is in the folded state, the inner end of the overhanging rod  3  is pull out from the slot  101   a  and detached from the supporting leg  1 . Although the cross bars are not shown, the cross bars can also be automatically disconnected from the inner outer retractable units  21  when the canopy frame body is folded. 
     Preferred Embodiment with Fixing Joints with Slots 
     This embodiment is basically the same as the Embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33-44 , differs only in the connection between the overhanging rod  3  and the canopy frame body. As shown in  FIGS. 48-49 , each of the overhanging rods  3  is detachably inserted in one of the supporting leg  1  but not connecting to the supporting leg  1 . Specifically, the inner end of each overhanging rod  3  is detachably inserted in the fixing joint  11  of one supporting leg  1 . The fixing joint  11  is provided with a slot  11   a , and the slot  11   a  generally extends obliquely. When the overhanging rod  3  is in the open state, the inner end of the overhanging rod  3  is inserted in the slot  11   a  and connected with the supporting leg  1 ; when the overhang rod  3  is in the folded state, the inner end of the overhanging rod  3  is pull out from the slot  11   a  and detached from the supporting leg  1 . Although the cross bars are not shown, the cross bars can also be automatically disconnected from the inner outer retractable units  21  when the canopy frame body is folded. 
     Preferred Embodiment with Rotating Seats 
     This embodiment is basically the same as the Embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33-44 , differs only in the connections of the overhanging rod  3 , the cross bar  4  and the supporting rod  5 . As shown in  FIGS. 50-52 , the fixing seat  30  on each of the overhanging rods  3  is rotatably connected to a rotating seat  31 , the first end portion of one of the cross bars  4  is rotatably connected with the rotating seat  31  via a pivot shaft a 1 , and the second end portion of the supporting rod  5  is rotatably connected with the fixing seat  30  via a pivot shaft a 2 . In particular, the rotating seat  31 , the fixing seat  30  and the second end portion of the supporting rod  5  are rotatably connected via the pivot shaft a 2 . When the overhanging rod  3  is in the folded state, the lower end portion of the overhang rod  3 , the second end portion of the cross bar  4 , and the first end portion of the support rod  5  and the supporting leg  1  are close to each other. 
     Preferred Embodiment with Rotating Joints 
     This embodiment is basically the same as the Embodiment shown in  FIGS. 33-44 , differs only in the connections of the overhanging rod  3 , the cross bar  4  and the supporting rod  5 . As shown in  FIGS. 53-55 , the first end portion of one of the cross bars  4  is rotatably connected with the fixing seat  30  on each of the overhanging rods  3  via a rotating joint  32 , and the second end portion of the supporting rod  5  is rotatably connected with the fixing seat  30  via a pivot shaft a 3 . When the overhanging rod  3  is in the folded state, the lower end portion of the overhang rod  3 , the second end portion of the cross bar  4 , and the first end portion of the support rod  5  and the supporting leg  1  are close to each other. 
     Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of the invention.