Patent ID: 7703464

Claim:
A connector assembly for connecting a first load bearing structure of a shade structure to a second load bearing structure, the connector assembly comprising: support posts coupled with the second load bearing structure, the support posts having a first dimension in cross-section and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension, the second dimension being greater than the first dimension; and a connector capable of being coupled to the first load bearing structure for coupling the first load bearing structure to the support posts of the second load bearing structure, the connector comprising: a first end capable of being mechanically coupled with the first load bearing structure; and a second end capable of being mechanically coupled with the support post of the second load bearing structure, the second end comprising: first and second recesses extending from a first side of the connector toward a second side of the connector, each recess comprising an open end and a closed end, the open end having a first width being greater than the first dimension of the support post and less than the second dimension of the support post, the closed end having a second width greater than both the first and second dimensions such that the connector can rotate relative to the support post when the support post is in the closed end, the first width of the open end permitting the support post to be inserted through the open end and into the closed end when the second width of the support post is generally longitudinally aligned with the open end and preventing the support post from being removed from the closed end when the second width of the support post is generally longitudinally misaligned with the open end; first and second shoulders formed in the connector between the first and second recesses and a distal end surface of the connector and the second side of the connector, the first and second shoulders extending upwardly from the second side toward the first side of the connector, the first and second shoulders being configured to engage a respective support post to maintain the support post in the respective recess of the connector when attached; a reinforcing rib formed in the connector between respective side surfaces of the first and second recesses, the reinforcing rib extending along the first side of the connector and separating the first recess from the second recess to define a width that is less than the width of the connector, the reinforcing rib being monolithically formed with the first and second shoulders to couple the first and second shoulders to the first end of the connector for enhancing the structural strength of the connector; and closure members for retaining the support posts in the first and second recesses.