Abstract:
Chair canopy system is a universal device that preferably attaches to the back of a manual or electric wheelchair, scooter, or chair. The device may be operated by manual means or electrically. This product allows the operator to handle daily activities and responsibilities while being protected from the elements. Disabled individuals will appreciate the protection from rain, snow, sun, and wind while running errands or attending recreational outdoor events. The portable shelter connects to the vehicle and is then pulled up and over to substantially ensure coverage of the operator. This product can be used to protect individuals from various kinds of weather and can also provide a barrier between the individual and airborne allergens and pollutants.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/437,869, filed Jan. 31, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of canopies and more specifically relates to a chair canopy system. 
       2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    Many individuals use wheelchairs, motorized chairs, and scooters to transport themselves between locations, indoors and outdoors and are often left exposed to the elements. When attending outdoor events or handling daily responsibilities, individuals have very little protection if it begins to rain, snow, or hail. Additionally, the skin can be exposed to the sun&#39;s rays for prolonged periods of time, which may eventually cause cancer. The sun can also cause dehydration and heat stroke if the individual is left unprotected. On windy days, allergens, dust, and other airborne particles can make contact with the individual. An efficient means and method of protection is needed for these chair occupants. 
         [0006]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pub. Nos. 2009/0277486; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,921,258; 7,316,450; 5,168,889; 5,301,975; and 4,643,479. This prior art is representative of canopies. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0007]    Ideally, a chair canopy system should be user-friendly and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable chair canopy system to provide retractable protection for occupants of chairs and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known canopy art, the present invention provides a novel chair canopy system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide environmental protection for chair occupants. 
         [0009]    Chair canopy system (Accl.i.Mate) is a universal device that preferably attaches to the back of a manual or electric wheelchair, scooter, or chair. This product allows the operator to handle daily activities and responsibilities while being protected from the elements. Disabled individuals will appreciate the protection from rain, snow, sun, and wind while running errands or attending recreational outdoor events. The portable shelter connects to the chair and is then pulled up and over to substantially ensure coverage of the operator. This product can be used to protect individuals from various kinds of weather and can also provide a barrier between the individual and airborne allergens and pollutants. 
         [0010]    A chair canopy system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment comprising: an arm assembly and a canopy cover. The arm assembly includes at least one clamp; at least one arm; and at least one rotator that are lockable via tighteners. The arm assembly is attachable to a chair via the clamp(s). The clamp is adjustable to fit on different sized bars on a chair(s). The arm connects the clamp to the rotator forming the arm assembly. The arm(s) are telescopic to accommodate different heights of an occupant(s). The arm assembly supports the canopy cover in relation to the chair. The chair comprises a wheelchair, scooter or the like in preferred embodiments. 
         [0011]    The arm assembly is rotatable in relation to the chair via the rotator(s). An in-use condition comprises a position wherein the canopy cover is located over the occupant wherein the stored condition (non-use condition—out of the way) comprises a folded-position adjacent a back of the chair. The canopy cover of the chair canopy system is suitable to shield the occupant of the chair from environmental conditions in the in-use condition when desired, and the canopy cover is able to be rotated to the stored condition when not in the in-use condition. The canopy cover preferably comprises accordion-style pleats. 
         [0012]    The canopy cover comprises canvas, a durable material suitable for sufficient longevity. Further, the canopy cover comprises a front windshield; at least one left side window and at least one right side window. The at least one left side window and the at least one right side window are foldable, with the left side window(s) and right side window(s) inset in the accordion-style pleats (such that they are foldable.) The chair canopy system comprises five clear-windows comprising vinyl; the clear-windows comprising the at least one left side window, at least one right side window, and the front windshield. The in-use condition comprises a stance wherein the canopy cover provides that the occupant is able to look through the front windshield and/or side windows. 
         [0013]    A kit is also embodied herein for the chair canopy system comprising at least the following parts: at least one arm assembly; a plurality of canopy covers in a wide array of colors and designs; a chair; and a set of user-instructions. The present invention may also include solar panels for powering accessories such as attachable fans, a misting machine and the like, safety reflectors, attachable tote bags or personal caddy bag for portable devices and/or other accessories may also be attached, as well as attachable plastic coverings for full protection. 
         [0014]    A method of using a chair canopy system is disclosed herein comprising the steps of: installing a chair canopy assembly onto a chair; adjusting the chair canopy assembly to a user-preferred position; shielding an occupant of the chair from environmental elements; and adjusting (including movement between in-use and storage conditions (locations) or increments thereof) of the chair having wheels. 
         [0015]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a chair canopy system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, chair canopy system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a chair canopy system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a canopy cover of the chair canopy system in a non-folded condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the canopy cover in a folded storage condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the chair canopy system in a storage condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the chair canopy system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0022]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a canopy device and more particularly to a chair canopy system as used to provide protection to chair occupants. 
         [0024]    Generally speaking, Accl.i.Mate (chair canopy system) of the present invention provides protection from the elements to wheelchair and motorized chair users. The invention is comprised of a canvas or nylon cover that will clamp onto virtually any style of wheelchair, scooter, or chair. The arms of the device are preferably telescoping to accommodate different user heights. The clamp may also be adjustable to fit on different sized bars on the chairs. The cover has five clear vinyl windows. There may be one large one in the front and four smaller side panels, two on each side. The cover is able to fold and unfold. When not in use, it can fold down flat against the back of the chair. The back of the individual is also protected by the cover. The product may be available in various colors and designs. 
         [0025]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating chair canopy system  100  (Accl.i.Mate) in in-use condition  106  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0026]    Generally, chair canopy system  100  comprises arm assembly  110  and canopy cover  140 . Arm assembly  110  preferably includes at least one clamp  114 ; at least one arm  120 ; and at least one rotator  130 . Arm assembly  110  is preferably attachable to chair  160  via clamp(s)  114 . Arm  120  preferably connects clamp  114  to rotator  130  forming arm assembly  110 . Arm assembly  110  preferably supports canopy cover  140  in relation to chair  160 . Arm assembly  110  is rotatable in relation to chair  160  via rotator(s)  130 . 
         [0027]    Canopy cover  140  of chair canopy system  100  is suitable to shield occupant  180  of chair  160  from environmental conditions in in-use condition  106  when desired, and canopy cover  140  is able to be rotated to stored condition  400  when not in in-use condition  106 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Chair  160  may comprises a typical chair  160  such as used in indoor and/or outdoor environments. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other chair arrangements such as, for example, a wheelchair, or a scooter, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0028]    In-use condition  106  comprises a position wherein canopy cover  140  is located over occupant  180 . In-use condition  106  comprises a stance wherein canopy cover  140  provides that occupant  180  is able to look through front windshield  210 . In this way the present invention may be used to cover/protect an individual from environmental conditions, yet provide that the individual is able to see where he/she is going. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view illustrating canopy cover  140  of chair canopy system  100  in non-folded condition  200  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    Canopy cover  140  comprises front windshield  210 . Canopy cover  140  further comprises at least one left side window  220  and comprises at least one right side window  230 . Chair canopy system  100  in preferred embodiments comprises five clear-windows, the clear-windows comprising two left-side windows  220 , two right side windows  230 , and front windshield  210 . The clear-windows preferably comprise vinyl or other suitable equivalent material may also be used. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, nylon, flexible plastic, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view illustrating canopy cover  140  in folded storage condition  300  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0032]    Canopy cover  140  comprises accordion-style pleats  410 . Canopy cover comprises at least one left side window  220  and comprises at least one right side window  230  which are foldable, with at least one left side window  220  and at least one right side window  230  inset in accordion-style pleats  410 . Storage condition  300  comprises a folded-position adjacent back  162  of chair  160 , as shown. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view illustrating chair canopy system  100  in storage condition  400  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         [0034]    Arm(s)  120  are preferably telescopic to accommodate different heights of occupant  180 , thus also making the present invention available for use by more than one individual. Clamp  114  is adjustable to fit on different sized bars  166  on chair(s)  160 . Rotators  130  are lockable via loosening tighteners  132  or other suitable securing/fastening means such that the present invention may be held in stasis in a preferred positioning. Canopy cover  140  of chair canopy system  100  is suitable to shield occupant  180  of chair  160  from environmental conditions in an in-use condition  106  when desired, and canopy cover  140  is able to be rotated to stored condition  400  when not in in-use condition  106 . 
         [0035]    Chair canopy system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4  may comprise kit  440 . Kit  440  may comprise the following parts: at least one arm assembly  110 ; a plurality of canopy covers  140  in a wide array of colors and designs; chair  160 ; and a set of user-instructions. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, cook preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, covers/arms of different sizes and profiles. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , showing a flowchart  550  illustrating a method of use  500  for chair canopy system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0037]    A method of using (enabling method of use  500 ) chair canopy system  100  system  100  preferably comprises the steps of: step one  501  installing chair canopy assembly  102  onto chair  160 ; step two  502  adjusting chair canopy assembly  102  to a user-preferred position(ing); step three  503  shielding occupant  180  of chair  160  from environmental elements; and step four  504  adjusting includes movement between in-use  106  and storage conditions  300  (locations) or increments thereof. In step four  504  chair step four  160  comprises wheels  164  (but may also comprise non-wheeled versions.) 
         [0038]    It should be noted that step  504  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
         [0039]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0040]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.