Patent Publication Number: US-9410341-B1

Title: Canopy and table frame assembly

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/061,920 filed Oct. 9, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a modular canopy and table frame assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Very few leisure time activities rival that of spending a warm summer day in a swimming pool. Whether it is a large, in-ground, Olympic size pool, or a small backyard above ground pool, the relaxation and comfort that is derived from swimming is a healthy benefit for all. However, one (1) thing that quickly takes away from this pleasure occurs when swimming under bright sunlight conditions. 
     Not only are the rays of the sun uncomfortably hot, they are also detrimental to the health of one&#39;s eyes and skin. Any cautious individual who ventures into a pool must repeatedly apply sun block lotion and even with such lotion a person will typically get out even after a brief period of time due to sun exposure. Accordingly, the need has developed for a means of generating shade near a pool that addresses the aforementioned problems. The use of the canopy and table frame assembly allows pool users the ability to swim in their backyard pool in shady conditions thereby enjoying increased usability of their pool in a manner which is quick, easy, and effective. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a canopy and table frame assembly. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a canopy assembly, comprising a frame, adapted to be anchored to a ground surface and a top face removably attached to the frame via a plurality of fasteners. The top face is configured to cover an area of ground. The frame further comprises a first plurality of vertical support members, a second plurality of vertical support members, a pair of horizontal support members laterally disposed between the first and second plurality of vertical support members, a first cross member attached to first ends of the pair of lateral horizontal support members and a second cross member attached to second ends of the pair of lateral horizontal support members. The top face is removably attached to the pair of horizontal support members, the first cross member, and the second cross member. 
     The canopy assembly further comprises a first lateral shade, a second lateral shade and an end shade. The first lateral shade and the second lateral shade is removably attached to one (1) of the pair of horizontal support members and the end shade is removably attached to the second cross member. There is at least one (1) mid-member attached to and spanning a distance between each of the pair of horizontal support members. The top face is removably attached to each mid-member. The frame further comprises a plurality of corner braces, each attached to one (1) of the first plurality of vertical support members. The frame also comprises a plurality of cantilever braces, each attached to one (1) of the second plurality of vertical support members. The first lateral shade and second lateral shade are each partially attached to a respective adjacent one of the pair of horizontal support members and the first cross member. The second plurality of vertical support members is fixed into the ground surface by removable attachment to an anchor stake. The anchor stake further comprises a corkscrew shape. 
     The canopy assembly also comprises a frame, adapted to be anchored to a ground surface; a top face removably attached to the frame via a plurality of fasteners and a table having a planar surface, adapted to be partially supported by a sidewall of a swimming pool and affixed to a lower portion of the frame. The top face is configured to cover an area of ground. This canopy assembly further comprises a first plurality of vertical support members; a second plurality of vertical support members; a pair of horizontal support members laterally disposed between the first and second plurality of vertical support members; a first cross member attached to first ends of the pair of horizontal support members; and, a second cross member attached to second ends of the pair of horizontal support members. The top face is removably attached to the pair of horizontal support members, the first cross member, and the second cross member. 
     This canopy assembly also comprises a first lateral shade, a second lateral shade and an end shade. The first lateral shade and the second lateral shade is removably attached to one (1) of the pair of the lateral horizontal support members and wherein the end shade is removably attached to the second cross member. There is at least one (1) mid-member attached to and spanning a distance between each of the pair of horizontal support members, wherein the top face is removably attached to each mid-member. The frame further comprises a plurality of corner braces, each attached to one (1) of the first plurality of vertical support members. The frame further comprises a plurality of cantilever braces, each attached to one (1) of the second plurality of vertical support members. Each of the second plurality of vertical support members is fixed into the ground surface by removable attachment to an anchor stake. The anchor stake further comprises a corkscrew shape. 
     The table further comprises a plurality of braces, each connected into one (1) of the first plurality of vertical support members. The table also comprises a plurality of drain apertures within the planar surface; a plurality of slots within the planar surface and a plurality of securement straps. Each of the straps is passed through each slot to adaptably secure the table to an upper framing member the sidewall of the swimming pool. The first lateral shade and second lateral shade are each partially attached to a respective adjacent one of the pair of horizontal support members and the first cross member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a canopy  10  with side table  80  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of a canopy  10  with side table  80  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 a    is an isolated view of a frame  20  of the canopy  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3 b    is an isolated close-up view of a shade pivot  64  of the canopy  10  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4 a    is an isolated view of a table  80  of the canopy  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4 b    is an isolated view of a securement strap  88  of the table  80  of the canopy  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4 c    is an isolated view of a table brace aperture  94  in a first vertical support  22  of the canopy  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an isolated view of a first lateral shade  50  of the canopy  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a cut-away view of a subterranean anchor stake  26  at a lower end of a second vertical support  24  of the canopy  10  in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  canopy with side table 
               20  frame 
               22  first vertical support 
               24  second vertical support 
               26  anchor stake 
               28  anchor stake fastener 
               30  top face 
               32  lateral horizontal member 
               34   a  first cross member 
               34   b  second cross member 
               36  mid member 
               42  corner brace 
               44  cantilever brace 
               46  top face cover 
               48  top face cover tie 
               50  first lateral shade 
               52  shade frame 
               54  shade cover 
               56  shade cover tie 
               60  second lateral shade 
               62  shade support arm 
               64  shade pivot 
               70  end shade 
               72  end shade cover 
               80  table 
               82  table lip 
               84  table aperture 
               86  slot 
               88  securement strap 
               92  table brace 
               94  table brace aperture 
               96  support brace fastener 
               100  swimming pool 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one (1) particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a canopy with a side table (herein referred to as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a sun cover for at least a portion of an above ground swimming pool  100  and a table  80  having a planar surface at a location around the perimeter and above a sidewall of that swimming pool  100 . The preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  is configured to be built around a four foot (4 ft.) high swimming pool  100 , however, other embodiments can be accomplished by the incorporation of an elevated platform having the pool side table  80  located approximately forty eight inches (48 in.) above that platform. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , isometric views, and  FIG. 3 , an isolated view of the frame  20 , of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  includes a plurality of vertical supports  22 ,  24  with preferably a fabric top face cover  46 , and a table  80  partially supported on the frame of the swimming pool  100  and partially supported by table braces  92  connected into the first vertical supports  22 . At least two (2) first vertical supports  22  are positioned in proximity of the vertical structural supports of the frame of the swimming pool  100 . A pair of second vertical supports  24  is fixed into the ground by anchor stakes  26 . The anchor stakes  26  are preferably corkscrew type fixtures which are threaded into the soil. The second vertical supports  24  are affixed to the anchor stakes  26  by means of an anchor stake fastener  28  inserted into aligned apertures in a lower end of the second vertical support  24  and an upper end of the anchor stake  26  projecting from the ground as seen in  FIG. 6 . The preferred material for the vertical supports  22 ,  24  and the horizontal members  32  is steel, utilizing either pipe or tubing of a sufficient cross-sectional size and shape to adequately accommodate the loading placed thereon by all considered influences. It is understood, however, that other materials, such as other metals, or PVC, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . It is understood that the anchor stakes  26  may also be used to secure the first vertical supports  22  to the ground. 
     A pair of parallel lateral horizontal members  32  is attached perpendicularly at either end of a first cross member  34   a  and a second cross member  34   b . The abutting joints of the lateral horizontal members  32  and the cross members  34   a ,  34   b  are mitered at appropriate intersecting angles to provide a smooth fit and a full penetration weld. At least one (1) mid-member  36  is positioned between the lateral horizontal members  32  and continuously welded, with appropriate bead, around the perimeter of each end to permanently secure the mid-member  36 . The mid-member  36  spans the distance between the lateral horizontal members  32 . The frame  20  is provided with a protective coating, or plating, to inhibit corrosion. The lateral horizontal members  32 , with the attached cross members  34   a ,  34   b  and the mid-member  36 , are subsequently attached to an upper end of the vertical supports  22 ,  24  in such a way as to form a unitary frame  20  having a generally planar top face  30 . The top face  30  is configured to constitute a larger area than an area bounded by the vertical supports  22 ,  24  and therefore the top face  30  is displaced toward the swimming pool  100  so as to have a portion cantilevered over the swimming pool  100 . A cantilever brace  44  is installed, preferably by welding, between each of the first vertical supports  22  and the respective lateral horizontal member  32 . The cantilever brace  44  is installed on the side of the first vertical support  22  toward the cantilevered portion of the top face  30  so as to reinforce the structural integrity of the frame  20 . The cantilever brace is configured to be oriented at approximately a forty five degree (45°) angle with the normal. A corner brace  42  is installed, preferably by welding, between each second vertical support  24  and the respective lateral horizontal member  32  as well as between each second vertical support  24  and the respective end of the first cross member  34   a  attached between the second vertical supports  24 . These corner braces  42 , oriented in two (2) perpendicular planes, are positioned at a forty five degree (45°) angle with the normal. The corner braces  42  reinforce the structural integrity of the frame  20 . 
     A top face cover  46  is attached to an upper side of the structural members  32 ,  34   a ,  34   b  and  36  of the top face  30  with a plurality of evenly spaced top face cover ties  48 . The top face cover  46  is preferably composed of a cotton canvas material and as such may be presented in a wide variety of colors and/or designs to suit the taste of a user. The top face cover  46  may be impregnated with such preservatives as may be necessary to impede the deterioration of the fabric due to normal weathering. The top face cover  46  may also be treated to block the transmission of the ultraviolet radiation band of sunlight. The top face cover ties  48  are preferably configured be lengths of a textile material secured to a lower side of the top face cover  46 , preferably by stitching, in such a manner as to allow two (2) dangling ends of each top face cover tie  48  to be tied around the members  32 ,  34   a ,  34   b  and  36  of the top face  30 . In an alternate embodiment the top face cover ties  46  may be configured to be portions of the top face cover  46  provided with the complimentary parts of a hook-and-loop fastener, such as VELCRO®, which can be wrapped around the structural members  32 ,  34   a ,  34   b  and  36  and secured to itself so as to attach the top face cover  46  to the top face  30 . 
     A first lateral shade  50  and a second lateral shade  60  are attached to each of the lateral horizontal members  32 . The first lateral shade  50  and the second lateral shade  60  are configured to be similar rectangular, welded, tubular shade frames  52  each having a shade cover  54  as more clearly illustrated in  FIG. 5 . An end shade  70  is attached to the first cross member  34   a  opposite from the swimming pool  100 . The end shade  70  is constructed in a similar manner to the lateral shades  50 ,  60  with a rectangular, welded, tubular shade frame  52  having a proportionately adjusted shade cover  54 . Each shade cover  54  is attached to an upper side of the respective shade frame  50 ,  60 ,  70  with a plurality of cover ties  56 . The cover ties  56  are configured in the same manner as the top face cover ties  48 . The shade covers  54  are preferably composed of the same constituent material as the top face cover  46  and may be presented in any color, complimentary or supplementary, and/or pattern, continuation or contrasting, as may suit the taste of a user. The shades  50 ,  60 , and  70  are pivotally attached to the lateral horizontal members  32  and the first cross member  34   a  of the top face  30 , preferably by means of a plurality of shade pivots  64  as seen in  FIG. 3 b   . In a preferred embodiment, the shade pivots  64  are configured to be evenly spaced, pliable, plastic zip ties. A zip tie is a commercially available device utilized in a wide variety of fastening schema having a uni-directional clasp on a first end into which a second end is inserted to form a loop, having selectable detent cavities available to the clasp, and collapsed about one (1) or more objects. The shades  50 ,  60 , and  70  are rotated about the respective shade pivots  64  to a predetermined orientation and maintained in that position with the insertion of a plurality of fixed length shade support arms  62  into apertures (not shown) in the various vertical supports  22 ,  24  and in the shade frames  52  as depicted in  FIG. 5 . The shade support arms  62  are configured to be wood, or metal, cylindrical rods. Multiple disposition angles of the shades  50 ,  60 ,  70  can be achieved by having, or providing, a selection of shade support arms  62  in different lengths. In an alternate embodiment, the shade support arms  62  may be configured to be extendable rods having some internal, or external, adjustment means in order to provide multiple disposition angles. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 a   , an isolated view of the table  80  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The table  80  is supported, in part, by some upper sidewall structure of the swimming pool  100  in a preferred embodiment. Additional support for the planar table  80  is provided by at least two (2) table braces  92 . The table brace  92  is preferably a round tube, or pipe, attached to an underside of the table  80  at an upper end and supported in a table brace aperture  94  in the first vertical support  22  by a support brace fastener  96  at a lower end thereof as shown in  FIG. 4 c   . The table  80  is preferably a rectangular, planar platform having an upwardly projecting peripheral table lip  82  as a means of retaining items placed thereon. Disposed around the periphery of the table  80 , just inside the table lip  82 , is a plurality of table apertures  84 , configured to be holes through the table  80  for drainage of any liquids spilled thereupon. The table  80  is provided with paired slots  86  for the installation of securement straps  88 . The location of the paired slots  86  coincides preferably with an upper framing member of the swimming pool  100 . The securement straps  88  are straps of a fabric material, such as woven nylon, the ends of which are inserted through the slots  86 , wrapped under the framing member of the swimming pool  100 , and fastened by tying as portrayed in  FIG. 4   b.    
     An alternate embodiment of the apparatus  10  may be configured to be constructed with either steel or PVC pipe and applicable plumbing fittings, such as elbows, tees, reducers, and the like, in order to produce a product which is more adaptable to a particular user&#39;s circumstances. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by an enabled individual in a simple and straightforward manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing a series of steps. It can be appreciated that the operational steps may be performed in alternative order and as such any operational description of use should not be viewed as a limiting factor. Utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the apparatus  10  having a desired size and style to suit the taste of a user; having the apparatus  10  installed by a qualified provider of such services; adjusting the lateral shades  50 ,  60  as necessary; adjusting the end shade  70  as necessary; and enjoying the shade while utilizing the swimming pool  100 . The canopy  10  can be further appointed or decorated with the addition of auxiliary lighting to enhance nighttime usage. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.