Patent Publication Number: US-2011061702-A1

Title: Portable shelter having frame with moveably coupled canopy support members

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/158,921, filed on Mar. 10, 2009. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a portable shelter and, more particularly, relates to a portable shelter having a frame with moveably coupled canopy support members. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable shelters have been proposed for conveniently providing shade from the sun, for providing shelter from inclement weather, and the like. These shelters can be used as canopies for outdoor gatherings, as temporary awnings that extend from a recreational vehicle, and for other similar uses. 
     These shelters can include a self-supporting frame and a tarp, canvas, or other foldable roof or canopy that is coupled to and supported by the frame. The frame can be moved between an extended and retracted position. When the frame is in the extended position, the canopy can be unfurled, unfolded, and expanded above the ground surface such that the canopy provides shelter. When the frame is in the retracted position, the canopy can be folded or otherwise retracted to make the shelter more compact and portable. 
     Although conventional portable shelters have been adequate for their intended purposes, they do suffer from certain disadvantages. For instance, when the frame is in the extended position, the canopy may not be adequately supported by the frame, and as a result the canopy might sag, bunch, bulge, etc. Furthermore, high winds, precipitation, or other loads on the canopy can transfer to the frame of the structure and cause the frame to inadvertently move. Still further, the frame can include many interconnected parts, and the construction of the frame can be complex. As such, assembling the portable shelter, disassembling the shelter, and/or moving the frame between the extended and retracted positions can be difficult and burdensome. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for a portable shelter with a frame that can better support the canopy cover. Moreover, there remains a need for a portable shelter that is more stable. Additionally, there remains a need for a portable shelter that can be more easily assembled, disassembled, and moved between its extended and retracted positions. 
     SUMMARY 
     A portable shelter is disclosed that includes a canopy and a frame assembly that supports the canopy. The frame assembly includes a lower portion that defines an area and a resiliently flexible canopy support member extending over the area and supporting the canopy over the area. The frame assembly further includes a collapsible coupling with a first end operably coupled to the lower portion and a second end operably coupled to the canopy support member. A distance between the first end and the second end is variable. 
     In addition, a portable shelter is disclosed that includes a canopy and a frame assembly that supports the canopy. The frame assembly is moveable between an extended position in which the canopy is unfurled and a retracted position in which the canopy is furled. The frame assembly includes a lower portion that defines an area, and the frame assembly further includes a resiliently flexible canopy support member extending over the area and supporting the canopy over the area. Also, the frame assembly includes a chain with a plurality of interlocking links. The chain has a first end operably coupled to the lower portion and a second end operably coupled to the canopy support member. 
     Still further, a portable shelter is disclosed that includes a foldable canopy and a frame assembly that supports the canopy. The frame assembly is moveable between an extended position in which the canopy is unfurled and a retracted position in which the canopy is furled. The frame assembly includes a plurality of upright, rigid legs that define an area between the plurality of legs. Also, the frame assembly includes a plurality of scissoring, pivotally attached, rigid leg supports that extend between and interconnect respective ones of the plurality of legs. Furthermore, the frame assembly includes a plurality of resiliently flexible canopy support members extending over the area and supporting the canopy over the area. The frame assembly additionally includes a plurality of resiliently flexible struts operably coupled to respective ones of the legs and operably coupled to respective ones of the canopy support members. The frame assembly also includes a plurality of chains, each with a plurality of interlocking links. The chains each have a first end operably coupled to respective ones of the legs, and a second end operably coupled to the canopy support member. The chains allow the canopy support members to resiliently flex relative to the legs when the frame assembly is in the extended position. 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of a portable structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the portable structure is shown in an extended position; 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric view of the portable structure of  FIG. 1A  shown in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view a frame assembly of the portable structure of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a portion of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a portion of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 5A  is an isometric view of a portion of the frame assembly of  FIG. 2  according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  is an isometric view of the portion of the frame assembly of  FIG. 5A  according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a portion of the frame assembly of  FIG. 2  according to another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a portion of the frame assembly of  FIG. 2  according to another exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a portion of the frame assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a portable shelter or structure  10  is illustrated according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The portable structure  10  generally includes a frame assembly  12 . The frame assembly  12  can support a canopy  14 . The canopy  14  can be made out of any suitable material, such as canvas, plastic sheeting, and the like. The canopy  14  can extend about an exterior, upper portion of the frame assembly  12 , and the frame assembly  12  can support the canopy  14  above the ground. Accordingly, the canopy  14  can provide shade, shelter from the elements, and the like. 
     Also, as will be described, the portable structure  10  can be positioned in an extended configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1A , wherein the canopy  14  is extended, deployed, unfurled, etc., and the canopy  14  is supported above the ground to provide shelter. Furthermore, the frame assembly  12  can be positioned in a retracted configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1B , wherein the canopy  14  is retracted, folded, furled, etc., and the frame assembly  12  occupies less space, thereby making the structure  10  more compact and portable. However, it will be appreciated that the structure  10  can be stationary without moving between an extended and a retracted position without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment in which the frame assembly  12  is shown in greater detail. As shown, the frame assembly  12  can generally include a lower portion  11  and a plurality of canopy support members  42   a - 42   d . The lower portion  11  can define an interior area A, and the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can extend over the area A. The canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can be operably coupled to the lower portion  11  as will be discussed, and the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can support the canopy  14  to cover the area A. Accordingly, users can be sheltered within the area A. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the lower portion  11  can include a plurality of upstanding legs  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   d  that are supported upright above a ground surface. In the embodiment shown, there are four legs  16   a - 16   d  that define the outer corners of the structure  10 ; however, it will be appreciated that the structure  10  can include any number of legs  16   a - 16   d  and the legs  16   a - 16   d  can be disposed at any suitable position. 
     The legs  16   a - 16   d  can be generally elongate, hollow, tubular, and rigid. The legs  16   a - 16   d  can also be made out of any suitable material, such as metal. In some embodiments, the legs  16   a - 16   d  are made out of aluminum, steel, or the like. The legs  16   a - 16   d  can each include a top portion  15  and a bottom portion  17 . When the frame assembly  12  is in the extended configuration, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the bottom portion  17  can be supported on the ground, and the respective legs  16   a - 16   d  can be positioned generally upright such that the top portion  15  is disposed above the ground. Furthermore, the legs  16   a - 16   d  can each include a telescoping portion (not shown) which telescopingly extends from the bottom portion  17  of the respective leg  16   a - 16   d  to increase the height of the respective leg  16   a - 16   d.    
     The frame assembly  12  can also include a plurality of caps  19  that are each disposed on the top portion  15  of a respective leg  16   a - 16   d . The caps  19  can be hollow so as to receive and couple to the top portion  15  of the respective leg  16   a - 16   d . Each cap  19  can also include a projection member  21 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . The cap  19  and the projection member  21  can be fixedly and integrally coupled so as to be monolithic. Furthermore, the cap  19  and the projection member  21  can be made out of a polymeric material or any other suitable material. 
     The frame assembly  12  can further include a plurality of sliders  25 . The sliders  25  can be hollow and tubular and can be slidingly received on respective ones of the legs  16   a - 16   d . The sliders  25  can be made out of any suitable material, such as a polymeric material. 
     Moreover, the frame assembly  12  can include a plurality of leg support members, generally indicated at  18 . The leg support members  18  generally extend between, interconnect, and support respective ones of the legs  16   a - 16   d . Thus, the structure  10  can be stable and free standing. 
     For purposes of discussion, the leg support member  18  extending between legs  16   a ,  16   b  will be discussed, and it will be appreciated that the other leg support members  18  can be similarly constructed. The leg support members  18  can be of a scissoring type as will be discussed in greater detail below. However, it will be appreciated that the leg support members  18  can be of any suitable (e.g., fixed) type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Specifically, each leg support member  18  can include a first member  20  and a second member  22 . The first and second members  22  can be rigid and elongate and can be made out of any suitable material, such as steel, aluminum, or another metal. The first member  20  of the leg support member  18  can include a first portion  24 , a second portion  26 , and a third portion  28 . The first portion  24  can be pivotally or hingeably coupled to a cap  19  at one end, and can be hingeably coupled to the second portion  26  at the opposite end. Furthermore, the second portion  26  can be hingeably coupled to the third portion at the opposite end thereof. Still further, the third portion  28  can be hingeably attached to a slider  25  on the opposite end thereof. The first member  20  can also include a plurality (e.g., two) hinge joints  36  with a pin or other suitable member that hingeably couples the first portion  24  to the second portion  26  and the second portion  26  to the third portion  28 . Accordingly, the first portion  24  and the third portion  28  are operatively coupled to different legs  16   a ,  16   b , and the first, second, and third portions  24 ,  26 ,  28  can hingeably pivot relatively to each other to allow the legs  16   a ,  16   b  to move toward each other when the frame assembly  12  moves from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration. 
     Moreover, the second member  22  of the leg support member  18  can include a first portion  30 , a second portion  32 , and a third portion  34 , which are similar to the portions  24 ,  26 ,  28  of the first member  20  of the leg support member  18 . Furthermore, the first and second members  20 ,  22  can include a plurality (e.g., two) of pivot pins  38  that rotatably couple the first and second members  20 ,  22 . As such, the leg support members  18  each fold in a scissoring action to allow the legs  16   a ,  16   b ,  16   c ,  16   d  to move toward and away from each other when moving the frame assembly  12  between the extended and retracted positions as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Moreover, the frame assembly  12  can include a plurality of reinforcement members  40 . Reinforcement members  40  can be made out of any suitable material, such as a polymeric material. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the reinforcement members  40  can be disposed on inner and outer surfaces of the leg support members  18  adjacent the hinge joints  36  and/or the pivot pins  38 . The reinforcement members  40  provide a smooth surface for pivoting of the respective hinge joint  36  and/or respective pivot pin  38  for facilitating movement and reinforcement of the associated hardware. 
     Additionally, as mentioned above and as shown in  FIG. 1B , the frame assembly  12  can further include a plurality of canopy support members  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c ,  42   d . The canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can be elongate and resiliently flexible. However, in other embodiments, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can be rigid. The canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can be made out of any suitable material, such as metallic and/or polymeric material. In some embodiments, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can include any one of the various features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,187, entitled REINFORCED SUPPORT MEMBER AND METHOD, issued Sep. 17, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thus, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can each include a core (not specifically shown) made out of fiberglass or other suitable material, and the core can be jacketed in a resiliently elastic material, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl, polypropylene, polyurethane, rubber and/or latex, to decrease the likelihood of splintering of the core. 
     For purposes of brevity, only the canopy support member  42   b  as shown in  FIG. 2  will be discussed in greater detail; however, it will be appreciated that each of the canopy support members  42   a ,  42   c ,  42   d  can have similar features. As shown, the canopy support members  42   b  can include a plurality of resilient sections  41   a ,  41   b ,  41   c . The section  41   a  can be received in a rigid, hollow tube  43   a  (e.g., a metallic ferrule), and the tube  43   a  can be pivotally attached (e.g., via a pin or other suitable fastener) to the respective projecting member  21 . Furthermore, the sections  41   a ,  41   b  can each be received within another rigid hollow tube  43   b  (e.g., a metallic ferrule) such that the tube  43   b  joints the sections  41   a ,  41   b . In addition, the sections  41   b ,  41   c  can each be pivotally attached and joined by a kick joint  46 . The kick joint  46  can allow the sections  41   b ,  41   c  to rotate about the kick joint  46  relative to each other in one direction and limit rotation in the opposite direction. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, a resilient cord (not specifically shown) can extend through a hollow passage defined longitudinally through the sections  41   a - 41   c , the tubes  43   a ,  43   b , and the kick joint  46 . The cord can bias these components toward each other and provide additional support. 
     Also, each canopy support member  42   a - 42   d  can be hingeably coupled to a central member  44 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, it will be appreciated that the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  each extend upward at an obtuse angle relative to respective the leg  16   a - 16   d , and the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can collectively reach an apex at the central member  44 . 
     The canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can be disposed on an inner surface of the canopy  14  and can thereby provide support for the canopy  14 . Also, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can resiliently bias the canopy  14  upwards and outwards away from the lower portion  11  of the frame assembly  12 . Thus, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can inhibit the canopy  14  from sagging inward due to wind, rain, and the like. Also, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  can resiliently flex relative to the legs  16   a - 16   d , for instance, under wind or other loads, and once the load is reduced, the support members  42   a - 42   d  can return the canopy  14  to its fully deployed state. Thus, the structure  10  is more stable and is more likely to remain upright with the canopy  14  deployed. In addition, the support members  42   a - 42   d  can be lightweight, and resiliently flexible, and can easily collapse to allow the structure  10  to more easily move between the extended and the retracted position. 
     In addition, the frame assembly  12  can include a plurality of struts  48 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Each strut  48  can be an elongate member made out of rigid metal, polymeric material, or any other suitable material. In other embodiments, the strut  48  can be resiliently flexible, and can be similar in construction to the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d . The strut  48  can each be pivotally (e.g., hingeably) coupled to a respective slider  25  to be coupled to the respective leg  16 . The opposite end of the strut  48  can be pivotally (e.g., hingeably) coupled to the tube  43   b  ( FIG. 2 ) of the respective canopy support member  42   a - 42   d . The strut  48  can provide additional support to the respective canopy support member  42   a - 42   d  to maintain the canopy  14  in its deployed position. 
     In order to move the frame assembly  12  from the extended configuration ( FIGS. 1A and 2 ) to the retracted configuration ( FIG. 1B ), the legs  16   a - 16   d  are moved generally toward each other while remaining generally parallel to each other. In order to move the legs  16   a - 16   d  together, the first and second members  20 ,  22  of the leg support members  18  hingeably pivot about the respective hinge joints  36  and pivot pins  38  in a scissoring motion, thereby causing the sliders  25  to slide toward the bottom portion  17  of the respective legs  16   a - 16   d . In addition, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  each fold at the respective kick joint  46  such that the kick joints  46  move generally toward the ground. Moreover, the struts  48  pivot relative to both the respective slider  25  and the respective canopy support member  42   a - 42   d . Also, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  hingeably pivot relative to the respective projection member  21  toward the ground. As a result, the canopy  14  folds and becomes furled as represented in  FIG. 1B . 
     Furthermore, to move the frame assembly  12  from the retracted configuration ( FIG. 1B ) to the extended configuration ( FIGS. 1A and 2 ), the legs  16   a - 16   d  are moved away from each other while remaining generally parallel to each other. In so doing, the first and second members  20 ,  22  of the leg support members  18  pivot about the respective hinge joints  36  and pivot pins  38 , thereby causing the sliders  25  to slide away from the bottom portion  17  toward the top portion  15  of the respective leg  16   a - 16   d . Also, the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  move from an area between the legs  16   a - 16   d , pivoting relative to the respective projection members  21  and unfolding about the respective kick joints  46  to be supported generally above the legs  16   a - 16   d , as shown in  FIG. 1B . Additionally, the struts  48  pivot about both the respective legs  16   a - 16   d  and the respective canopy support members  42   a - 42   d.    
     Now referring to  FIG. 5A , the structure  110  is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Components that are similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-4  are indicated by corresponding reference numerals increased by  100 . 
     As shown, the structure  110  can additionally include one or more collapsible couplings  149   a ,  149   b . In some embodiments, the collapsible couplings  149   a ,  149   b  can include a chain  150  with a plurality of interlocking links. However, it will be appreciated that the collapsible couplings  149   a ,  149   b  can be of any suitable type. The chain  150  can be made out of any suitable material, such as metal, polymer, etc. 
     The collapsible couplings  149   a ,  149   b  can each include a first end  153 , which is operably coupled to the lower portion  111  of the frame assembly  112 , and a second end  155 , which is operably coupled to a respective one of the canopy support members  142   a - 142   d . The chain  150  is collapsible, meaning that the chain  150  is not self-supporting or self-standing. As such, the distance between the first and second ends  153 ,  155  can vary fairly easily. Thus, the chain  150  can allow the canopy  114  and the canopy support members  142   a - 142   d  to resiliently move to better absorb heavy loading dues to wind or the like. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the first ends  153  of the chains  150  can be operably coupled to different surfaces of the cap  119 . A fastener (e.g., a bolt) can extend through the respective first end  153  of the chain  150 , through the cap  119  and through the respective leg support member  118  to moveably couple these members. In some embodiments, the first ends  153  are coupled to the same fastener that hingeably couples the respective leg support member  118  to the cap  119 . Also, a fastener (e.g., a bolt) can extend through the second end  155  of both chains  150  and through the canopy support member  142   a  to moveably couple these members. Thus, the chains  150  can branch away from the canopy support member  142   a  and can be movably coupled to the respective leg support member  118  and/or cap  119 . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the frame assembly  112  can include a plurality of struts  148  that each support the same canopy support member  142   a - 142   d . One end of each strut  148  can be pivotally coupled to the same canopy support member  142   a . The struts  148  can also branch away from each other and can be movably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to a respective leg support member  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the frame assembly  112  can include pivot joint members  151  that each pivotally couple a respective strut  148  to a respective leg support member  118 . For instance, the pivot joint members  151  can be generally U-shaped with a first fastener  161  (e.g., a pin) extending through the pivot joint member  151  and the respective leg support member  118 . A second fastener  163  (e.g., a pin) can extend through the pivot joint member  151  and the respective strut  148  as well. Accordingly, the strut  148  can pivot relative to the leg support member  118  about the axis of the first fastener  161  as well as the axis of the second fastener  163 . In other embodiments, the pivot joint member  151  can be a ball and socket joint, which allows the strut  148  to pivot relative to the leg support member  118  about a plurality of axes. The added mobility provided by the pivot joint member  151  can allow the structure  110  to be more stable as well as allow the structure  110  to move more easily between its extended and retracted positions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the structure  110 ′ can include a sleeve  160 ′ through which the chains  150 ′ extend. The sleeve  160 ′ can be made out of any suitable material, such as fabric, polymeric material, or other suitable material. The sleeve  160 ′ can be independent of the canopy  114 ′ and can be supported on the chains  150 ′ so as to encapsulate the chains  150 ′ and a portion of the canopy support member  142   a ′. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sleeve  160 ′ can be coupled to the canopy  114 ′, for instance by stitching. In addition, in some embodiments, the sleeve  160 ′ and the canopy  114 ′ can cooperate to encapsulate and encompass the chains  150 ′. Moreover, it will be appreciated that each chain  150 ′ can be encompassed by an individual sleeve  160 ′. The sleeve  60  can encompass and encapsulate the chains  150 ′ to reduce exposure of the chains  150 ′ and to keep unwanted foreign materials (e.g., dirt and/or debris) from contacting the chains  150 ′. Thus, the chains  150 ′ can be less susceptible to corrosion. Additionally, the sleeve  160 ′ can make the structure  110 ′ more aesthetically pleasing because the chains  150 ′ can be less visible. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the frame assembly  212  is shown according to various other exemplary embodiments. Components that are similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-4  are indicated with corresponding reference numerals increased by  200 . 
     As shown, the canopy support members  242   a - 242   d  can include a single chain  250  extending between the respective cap  219  and the respective support member  242   a - 242   d . Additionally, a turnbuckle  252  ( FIG. 5 ) can be included on the chain  250  for adjusting the length of the chain  250 . The turnbuckle  252  can include a rigid tube  271  with a threaded inner surface. The turnbuckle  252  can also include threaded fasteners  273   a ,  273   b  that are fixed to respective links of the chain  250 . The fasteners  273   a ,  273   b  can be threadably advanced to either increase the overall length of the chain  250 . Thus, the turnbuckle  252  allows the tension in the chain  250  to be varied, such that proper support of the canopy (not shown) can be maintained. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the struts  248  can be rotatably attached to the respective leg support member  218  via a ball and socket joint  275 . For instance, a ball can be fixed to the leg support member  218 , and the ball can be received in a rounded recess defined in the end of the strut  248 . Accordingly, the ball and socket joint can allow the strut  248  to pivot about a plurality of different axes as discussed above. 
     It will be appreciated that the chains  150 ,  150 ′,  250  can advantageously allow a fair amount of movement between the canopy support members  142   a - 142   d ,  142   a ′- 142   d ′,  242   a - 242   d  and the other portions of the frame assembly  112 ,  112 ′,  212 . As such, the canopy  114 ,  114 ′,  214  can flex and move relative to the frame assembly  112 ,  112 ′,  212  to absorb loads due to wind, precipitation, and the like. The chains  150 ,  150 ′,  250  can also allow the canopy support members  142   a - 142   d ,  142   a ′- 142   d ′,  242   a - 242   d  to move more easily between the extended and retracted configurations. Also, the struts  148 ,  148 ′,  248  can provide robust support for the canopy support members  142   a - 142   d ,  142   a ′- 142   d ′,  242   a - 242   d  for maintaining the support members  142   a - 142   d ,  142   a ′- 142   d ′,  242   a - 242   d  extended such that the canopy  114 ,  114 ′,  214  is less likely to excessively sag. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , another embodiment of the structure  310  is illustrated. Components that are similar to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-4  are indicated with corresponding reference numerals increased by  300 . 
     As shown, the canopy support member  342   b  can include a plurality of fork members  354 . The fork members  354  can be made out of any suitable material, such as metallic, polymeric, or any other suitable material. The fork members  354  are each coupled to the canopy support member  342   b  at one end, and the fork members  354  branch away from each other and are pivotally coupled to respective ones of the leg support members  318  via pivot joint members  351  of the type described above. 
     It will be appreciated that features of the embodiments discussed above could be arranged in any suitable combination with each other. For instance, the chains  150 ,  150 ′ of the embodiments of  FIGS. 5A and 5B  could be used to connect the canopy support members  42   a - 42   d  of  FIG. 2  to the projection member  21  of  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the chains  150 ,  150 ′ could be used to connect the fork members  354  of  FIGS. 7 and 8  to the leg support members  318 . 
     In summary, the frame assembly  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312  of the present disclosure can be relatively robust and can withstand substantially strong forces due to gusts of wind, rain, and the like. However, the frame assembly  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312  is relatively light weight, thereby allowing the frame assembly  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312  to move between the extended and retracted configurations relatively easily, and also allowing the frame assembly  12 ,  112 ,  212 ,  312  to be moved relatively easy. In addition, the canopy  14  can be supported without excessive sagging. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.