AU2023200613A1

AU2023200613A1 - Structural Umbrella

Info

Publication number: AU2023200613A1
Application number: AU2023200613A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sam King
Original assignee: Sam King Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Sam King Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-08
Filing date: 2023-02-07
Publication date: 2023-08-24

Abstract

A fixed umbrella 10 has a post 12 for supporting a canopy frame that has a structural periphery 24 that can be formed in a square or rectangular configuration, and arms 20 that extend from the structural periphery 24 to connect with the post 12 5 either directly or indirectly. The structural periphery 24 includes a gutter G for receipt of rainwater. The umbrella 10 also has a canopy 28 that overlies the canopy frame 20,24 and which has peripheral outer edges 29 that are secured to the structural periphery 24 adjacent the gutter G so that water that sheds off the canopy 28 flows into the gutter G. 10 10 Fig 1 2 A Fig 2 14 /4f 20 20 202{ 122 iss Fig 4 18 Fig 3 21....p ^Il/

Description

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STRUCTURAL UMBRELLA

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a new form of umbrella/tensile structure that includes a gutter system for capturing rainwater that sheds off the umbrella canopy.

Background of Invention

[0002] The discussion of the background to the invention that follows is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any aspect of the discussion was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Fixed position umbrellas are popular in schools, restaurants, bars and cafes that have outdoor areas, so that patrons can sit or stand beneath an umbrella for protection against sun or rain. These umbrellas are usually permanently in place, so that they do not need to be erected on a daily basis.

[0004] During rainy conditions, water sheds off the umbrella canopy downwardly to and off the edge of the canopy. Without a gutter system, water simply flows off the edge of the canopy and so patrons sheltering beneath the umbrella need to be inboard of the canopy edge to avoid the falling water. However, if there is rain and wind, the falling water can be blown inwardly and onto the sheltering patrons.

[0005] Gutter systems have been developed in the past to catch water that sheds from the umbrella canopy. For example, gutter systems have been developed for square umbrella canopies in which a centre of the canopy forms an apex and the canopy falls downwardly away from the apex. The apex is engaged by the upper end of a post and arms extend away from the post to the four corners of the canopy. The canopy extends between the corners under tension, but without support, the edge of the canopy between the arms becomes slightly inwardly curved or concave. This means that either a curved gutter must be provided or a straight gutter of significant width must be provided in order to capture water shedding from the canopy along the full length between opposite corners. Neither option is feasible.

[0006] However, one solution has been to add a section of material to the canopy, that stretches between opposite corners and that underlies the edge of the canopy between the opposite corners and that forms a straight outer edge that can overlie a gutter. This additional section of material is known in the industry as a "frog" or infill. With this additional material in place, water sheds down the canopy and onto the material and then into the gutter.

[0007] While the use of the additional infill material described above allows the use of a gutter system and thus protects patrons from falling water, the material is difficult to install as installation requires lacing the infill material up with cables and turnbuckles, and the effect is to reduce the aesthetic appeal of the umbrella from the underneath. Moreover, the additional infill material can flap about in windy conditions and there is the potential for water to be driven up the additional infill material between the infill material and the canopy and over the inner edge of the infill material and onto patrons sheltering beneath the canopy if there is sufficient wind in a particular direction.

[0008] The present invention has been developed in order to provide an umbrella that has an improved gutter system, or at least a different gutter system that gives consumers an alternative choice.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention there is provided a fixed umbrella, the umbrella having a post for supporting a canopy frame, the canopy frame comprising:

a structural periphery formed in a square or rectangular configuration and arms extending from the structural periphery to connect with the post either directly or indirectly, the structural periphery including a gutter for receipt of rainwater, and

the umbrella further having a canopy overlying the canopy frame and having peripheral outer edges that are secured to the structural periphery adjacent the gutter so that water that sheds off the canopy flows into the gutter.

[0010] The present invention advantageously provides a structural periphery to which the peripheral outer edge of the canopy can be secured. By securing the peripheral outer edge to the structural periphery, the outer edge can be secured straight rather than curved as in the prior art arrangements that employ "frogs", and so rainwater can be shed into a straight gutter. Moreover, the structural periphery can securely locate the outer edge of the canopy against flapping or lifting away from the structural periphery, so making the canopy more secure and improving the aesthetics of the umbrella.

[0011] An umbrella according to the present invention can have a central post, or a cantilevered post, or multiple posts. The canopy can have a central apex and in some arrangements the apex is where inner ends of the arms meet. Thus, the arms extend at an angle upwardly from the structural periphery to meet at the apex and the canopy overlies the apex and the arms. A central post can be anchored to the ground directly below the apex of the canopy and can extend to the apex. The upper end of the post can connect to the inner ends of the arms. Bracing members can extend from the post towards the upper end of the post, to the arms.

[0012] A cantilevered post can comprise several post sections including a first upright post section, a second post section extending laterally from first post section and a third post section that extends to the apex of the canopy and that connects to the inner ends of the arms and that optionally connects to ends of bracing members that extend from the third post, to the arms. Each of the first and third post sections can extend generally vertically in some forms of the invention, although the arrangement can provide for tilting of the canopy for adjusting the coverage provided by the canopy, whereby the second and third post sections are both other than vertical. Other forms of cantilevered post include two post sections only, or more that three post sections.

[0013] The structural periphery is structural in that it secures and supports the peripheral outer edge of the canopy. The canopy is not required to be secured as in some prior art umbrellas by the arms of the umbrella, with the edge of the canopy in these prior art umbrellas being unsecured between the arms. The structural periphery of the present invention provides stiffness to the umbrella so that the canopy is less likely to flap during windy conditions and the canopy can be secured to remain taut so that rain will not pool on the canopy and will flow or shed off the canopy.

[0014] The structural periphery can comprise a gutter that extends continuously about the four sides of the square or rectangular configuration of the structural periphery, or the gutter can extend only about or along a section of the structural periphery, along one pair of opposite sides for example. The structural periphery can include an outlet for draining rainwater from the gutter. The outlet can be for connection to a downpipe for example. Multiple outlets can be employed if the umbrella is to be installed in an area that experiences large or heavy rainfall, or if different options for the position at which a downpipe is to be connected is desirable. Alternatively, outlets can be cut into the gutter when the umbrella is installed so that the number and position of the outlet or outlets can be customised to the particular installation.

[0015] The structural periphery includes the gutter and facility to secure the peripheral outer edges of the canopy adjacent the gutter. The structural periphery can thus have a connection arrangement so that the outer edges of the canopy extend into the gutter and are secured thereto. Alternatively, the structural periphery can have a drainage surface that is inclined towards the gutter and that includes an outer edge that extends to, or overlies or overhangs the gutter and the peripheral outer edges of the canopy can be attached to or overlie the drainage surface so that any rainwater that sheds off the canopy and onto the drainage surface drains into the gutter. The drainage surface can extend fully about the square or rectangular configuration of the structural periphery, or it can be applied to less than the full configuration of the periphery.

[0016] The drainage surface can include a connection arrangement for connecting the outer edge of the canopy to the drainage surface, or to overlie a portion of the drainage surface. In some forms of the invention, the outer edge of the canopy can be clamped to the drainage surface. Clamping can be by way of the drainage surface including a channel into which the outer edge can be received and a clamping member can be inserted into the channel to clamp the outer edge within the channel. Alternatively, the outer edge can include a rod that can be inserted into the channel. The outer edge can be formed in a loop to receive the rod.

[0017] Other clamping arrangements can be employed. Also, other connection arrangements can be employed. Clips can be employed to connect the outer edge of the canopy to the structural periphery for example. Screws or bolts can be employed. In some forms of the invention, a connector connects to the peripheral outer edges of the canopy and is fixed to the drainage surface, or to the gutter. In some forms of the invention, the connector extends into hooked connection with a portion of the structural periphery that overhangs the gutter.

[0018] The peripheral outer edges of the canopy can connect to a tensioner, so that once the peripheral outer edges of the canopy are connected to the structural periphery, the tension in the canopy can be adjusted, usually to increase the tension. This allows the canopy to be attached to the canopy frame in a relaxed state and to be subsequently tensioned once the attachment is complete. Moreover, the canopy can be periodically re-tensioned, for example as the canopy fabric over time stretches. Re-tensioning may also be appropriate seasonally between summer and winter as the canopy fabric reacts to different ambient temperature. The use of a tensioner to connect the canopy to the canopy frame can also allow quick removal of the canopy when required, such as due to incoming inclement weather.

[0019] The tensioner can take any suitable form. In some forms of the invention, the tensioner has a first part for connection to the peripheral outer edges of the canopy and a second part for connection to the structural periphery and the first and second parts connect together adjustably. The second part can connect to the structural periphery in any suitable manner such as by connection to the drainage surface, or to the gutter, for example hooked connection to the gutter.

[0020] The adjustable connection can be a sliding connection. The adjustment can be by a screw connector that shifts the first and second parts relative to each other. The tensioner can be formed by multiple pairs of first and second parts that connect to multiple discrete sections of the peripheral outer edges of the canopy, or the tensioner can extend along major sections of the outer edges, for example along substantially the full length of each section of the outer edges that extends along each side of the square or rectangular structural periphery. The separate tensioner sections may be disconnected at the corners of the structural periphery for example.

[0021] Where the tensioner comprises multiple first and second parts that connect to discrete sections of the peripheral outer edges of the canopy, a single screw connector can be associated with each of the first and second parts. In contrast, where the tensioner extends along major sections of the outer edges, multiple screw connectors can be associated with or deployed along the length of the tensioner sections. Screw connectors advantageously can be driven by power drills and so the tensioning of the canopy fabric can be completed relatively quickly and without significant physical effort. Also, the screw connectors can be largely concealed from view with the screw heads being the only externally visible part.

[0022] While the invention has been developed for umbrellas that have a single post, the invention is nevertheless applicable also to umbrellas that have two or more posts. These umbrellas may have a rectangular structural periphery in which the length of the structural periphery is significantly greater than the width. These umbrellas may form a continuous canopy that extends from one end of the structural periphery to the other with two or more posts spaced apart lengthwise as required to support the canopy frame.

[0023] A single post umbrella will often be formed to have a generally square structural periphery and the arms of the umbrella will normally extend respectively from each corner of the structural periphery, into connection with the post. The arms can connect directly or indirectly to the post and would normally extend upwardly from the structural periphery to the post, such as to an apex or top or upper region of the post. However, the arms can extend generally horizontally, or downwardly to the post. Four arms can connect between the corners of the structural periphery and the post. If further support by the canopy frame is required, additional arms can extend from the structural periphery to the post, whereby these arms can extend from the structural periphery between the corners of the structural periphery, such as mid-way between the corners. Different numbers of arms can be employed where the structural periphery is other than square or rectangular, such as hexagonal or octagonal.

[0024] Likewise, in multiple post umbrellas, at least some of the arms can extend from the structural periphery spaced away from the corners. For example, in a rectangular structural periphery that is supported by three posts, arms that connect to the middle post will not connect to corners of the structural periphery. In this arrangement, the arms that connect to the posts on each side of the middle post can connect to the corners of the structural periphery. Alternatively, the arms that connect to the posts on each side of the middle post can connect to the structural periphery away from or between the corners, or there can be a combination of arms that connect to both the corners of the structural periphery and to the structural periphery away from or between the corners. It follows that the arms can connect to the structural periphery at the corners, or spaced from the corners, or a combination of both. The assembly of arms does not need to be the same for each side of the structural periphery, so that more arms might be provided on one side compared to another side.

[0025] Arm connectors can be employed to connect the arm ends to the structural periphery. In some forms of the invention, an arm connector includes a connection flange to connect to a surface of the structural periphery, such as to a wall of the structural periphery. In some forms of the invention, the arm connector can include a channel that receives a gutter section of the structural periphery, with the channel being a close fit to the gutter section and being connected to the gutter section by rivets or screw fasteners for example. Part of the connection can be a friction fit or a snap fit connection. In some forms of the invention, an inboard wall of the gutter of the structural periphery is formed as a double wall, comprising a pair of substantially parallel walls that are spaced apart to provide a gap between them. An inner wall of the pair of walls can be used to connect to the arm connector, while an outer wall of the pair of walls can form a wall of the gutter that is exposed to the receipt and flow of rainwater within the gutter. This arrangement means that no connection openings need to be formed in the wall of the gutter through which water flows and so the potential for leakage is prevented.

[0026] The above double wall arrangement can also securely support the drainage surface by providing support for the drainage surface at two spaced apart positions. This is regardless of whether the canopy drains directly onto the drainage surface, or whether the drainage surface supports the canopy tensioner.

[0027] The arm connector can include an opening for receipt of the end of an arm, or it can include a spigot or boss for receipt within the hollow end of an arm. The arm connector can be formed in a 45 configuration for connection to a corner of the structural periphery, or it can be formed in a T-configuration for connection to the structural periphery between the corners.

[0028] Often multiple umbrellas are erected at a particular site. These umbrellas are often set up in a row or rows of single umbrellas, or grids of rows that are connected together. In these arrangements using an umbrella of the present invention, the structural periphery of one umbrella can connect to the structural periphery of another umbrella. This connection advantageously can improve the structural rigidity of a row of umbrellas, and advantageously, allows a continuous shelter or canopy to be extend from one end of a row of umbrellas to the other end without ingress of rainwater between adjacent umbrellas. This advantage also applies to the blockage of sunlight along the full rows of umbrellas whereas in some prior art arrangements, sunlight can penetrate between gaps between adjacent umbrellas. This above arrangement differs from a previously described arrangement in which a single structural periphery and canopy is supported by multiple posts.

[0029] The connection of multiple umbrellas in a row can also include arranging communication between the gutters so that rainwater received in the gutter of one umbrella can flow to the gutter of a connected umbrella, so that a rainwater discharge outlet need only be formed in one of the structural peripheries of one of the umbrellas.

[0030] The structural periphery can be formed by separate rolled sections of galvanised steel sheet for example, or the rolled sheet can be powder coated. Alternatively, weatherproofing finishes can be applied.

[0031] The arms that connect to the post can form part of the support for the canopy, or the arms can be spaced from the canopy so that the canopy extends from an apex to the structural periphery without arm support.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0032] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a view from the underneath of an umbrella according to one embodiment of the present invention but without the canopy of the umbrella in place.

[0034] Figure 2 is a view from the underneath of the umbrella of Figure 1 but with the canopy of the umbrella in place.

[0035] Figure 3 is a view from the above the umbrella of Figure 1 with the canopy of the umbrella in place.

[0036] Figure 4 is a view from above of a prior art umbrella.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates a section of an extrusion used for the structural periphery of the umbrella of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the extrusion section of Figure 5.

[0039] Figure 7 illustrates a corner section of the structural periphery of the umbrella of Figure 1 from above.

[0040] Figure 8 illustrates the corner section of Figure 1 from below.

[0041] Figure 9 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the extrusion section of Figure 6 with a tensioning device applied.

[0042] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the extrusion section of Figure 9.

[0043] Figures 11 and 12 are views of the tensioning device shown in Figures 9 and 10 in contracted and expanded conditions.

[0044] Figure 13 shows a pair of umbrellas connected together in a row.

[0045] Figure 14 is a detailed view of the connection between the pair of umbrellas as shown in Figure 13.

Detailed Description

[0046] Figure 1 is a view from the underneath of an umbrella 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The umbrella 10 has a central post 12 that is anchored at the bottom end 14 to the ground surface. The bottom end 14 has an anchor plate 15 that can be bolted to the ground surface.

[0047] The post 12 extends vertically upwards and an upper end 16 of the post 12 forms an apex 18 (see Figures 2 and 3). Four arms 20 extend outwardly and downwardly from the upper end 16 and terminate at corners 22 of a structural periphery 24. The structural periphery 24 is formed as a square, but it could alternatively be formed as a rectangle. Indeed, it could also be formed as an octagon or a hexagon for example, although it is expected that the invention will be most applicable to structural peripheries that are formed to have a square or rectangular configuration.

[0048] Bracing members 26 extend upwardly from the post 12 to the arms 20. The post 12, the arms 20 and the bracing members 26 are fixed in place in the umbrella 10. That is, the umbrella 10 is not intended to be collapsible once erected. In other forms of the present invention the umbrella can be collapsible, and this might be useful for temporary installations, such as for festivals, in which the umbrellas are erected for several days or weeks only.

[0049] The arms 20 and the structural periphery 24 form a canopy frame for supporting a canopy 28. The canopy is shown in Figures 1 and 3 in which Figure 1 is a view from the underneath of the umbrella 10, while Figure 3 shows the Figure 2 arrangement from above.

[0050] It can be seen from Figure 1 that the canopy 28 overlies the arms 20, while Figure 3 shows that the outer edges 29 of the canopy 28 extend in a straight line parallel to the sides 2 4 1to 244 of the structural periphery 24. The outer edges 29 Figure 3) are supported by the structural periphery 24 to extend in the straight line. This differs from prior art arrangements in which the outer edge of the canopy is unsupported and becomes curved and can flap in wind. Such a prior art arrangement is shown in Figure 4, in which the outer edges 30 of the canopy 32 are not supported and the edge of the canopy 32 between the corners 34 is slightly inwardly curved or concave as a result of being stretched between a pair of arms. Note the difference between Di and D2 in Figure 4. To catch rainwater that sheds from the canopy 32, an additional section of material 36, which is known in the industry as a "frog", is added underneath the outer edges 30 of the canopy 32 to form a straight outer edge that can overlie a gutter. The alternatives are to provide either a curved gutter that follows the curved outer edges 30 of the canopy 32, or a straight gutter of a width that extends inwardly enough to catch rainwater that sheds from the innermost section of the outer edge 30. As discussed above, neither option is feasible and so the addition of the

"frog" has been the solution to date. While the frog option works, obviously it adds a further fabric component to the umbrella that needs to be fitted and the aesthetics of the frog detract from the overall look of the umbrella from patrons sitting underneath. The frog can also flap in wind and it has little or no effect on preventing the outer edges 30 of the canopy 32 from flapping separately.

[0051] The structural periphery 24 shown in Figure 1 forms a rigid frame. The four sides 2 4 1to 244 of the structural periphery 24 are welded together at the corners and are formed from an extruded aluminium, although it could alternatively be a galvanised metal for example. The four sides 2 4 1to 244 can alternatively be bolted or screwed together, particularly if there needs to be capacity for the structural periphery 24 to be dismantled or collapsed. A perspective view of one suitable extrusion is shown in Figure 5. The section 38 includes a front wall 40, a base 41, a rear internal wall 42, a rear external wall 43 and an inclined drainage surface 44. The front wall 40, base 41 and the rear internal wall 42 form a gutter G for the capture of rainwater. The gutter G is open upwardly. The drainage surface 44 is inclined downwardly and extends into, or over the top of the gutter G.

[0052] The rear internal and external walls 42 and 43 form a box structure between the base 41 and the drainage surface 44. The box structure stiffens the extrusion section 38 and provides support for the drainage surface 44, to angle the drainage surface 44 downwardly. The rear external wall 43 can also be used for connection of parts to the structural periphery 24, such as the arms 20 of the canopy frame without interfering with the integrity of the rear internal wall 42. That is, fasteners can be secured through openings in the rear external wall 43 leaving the rear internal wall 42 free from openings through which rainwater might leak.

[0053] The section 38 is positioned in proximity to the outer edges 29 of the canopy 28 in Figure 3, in which the outer edges 29 are raised slightly above the drainage surface 44 so that rainwater sheds from the canopy 28 over the outer edges 29 and drops onto the drainage surface 44. Because the drainage surface 44 is inclined downwardly and extends into, or over the top of the gutter G, rainwater that sheds onto the drainage surface 44 will flow into the gutter G. Advantageously, rainwater does not fall from the structural periphery 24, but rather, can be directed to a downpipe for discharge.

[0054] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the section 38 of Figure 5 and shows one arrangement for fixing the outer edges 29 of the canopy 28 to overlie the drainage surface 44. In Figure 6, a further elongate extrusion 46 is attached to the drainage surface 44 by screws 47, and the extrusion 46 includes an opening 48 for receipt of an elongate rod 49 that is attached to the outer edges 29 of the canopy 28. The rod 49 is captured within the opening 48 and thus the outer edges 29 are secured in a straight line along the sides 2 4 1to 244of the structural periphery 24 as shown in Figure 3. The extrusion 46 can extend along each of the sides 2 4 1to 244of the structural periphery 24 and separate straight sections of the extrusion 46 can be connected to each other at corners 22 of the structural periphery 24, or the separate straight sections of the extrusion 46 can terminate just prior to the corners 22 so that there is no connection between them. This latter arrangement is shown in Figure 14.

[0055] In alternative arrangements, the outer edges 29 of the canopy 28 can be secured by a similar rod arrangement to the opening 50 (Figure 6) of the section 38 and in this arrangement, the outer edges 29 of the canopy 28 would extend over the front 52 of the drainage surface 44.

[0056] Figures 7 and 8 show an arm connector 54 for connecting canopy frame arms 20 to the structural periphery 24. The arm connector 54 becomes part of the structural periphery 24 as shown. Figures 7 and 8 show the arm connector 54 in connection with the structural periphery 24, by the arm connector 54 including a channel 56 that receives the gutter G of the section 38 in close fitting relationship. The section of the structural periphery 24 shown in Figures 7 and 8 has the same cross-section as the section 38 shown in Figures 5 and 6, but Figures 7 and 8 show a right-angle corner formed by two abutting and connected sections 38 of that cross section. In Figures 7 and 8, the two abutting and connected sections 38 are welded together. The sections 38 of the structural periphery 24 shown in Figures 7 and 8 continue beyond the arm connector 54 to extend to the next corner in the structural periphery 24 while the arm connector 54 exists only at the corners of the structural periphery 24.

[0057] The arm connector 54 includes openings 58 for passage of fasteners such as rivets or screw fasteners to connect to the rear external wall 43 of the structural periphery 24 and to the drainage surface 44. The upper edge 60 of the outer wall 62 of the arm connector 54 can be formed with a raised bead 64 for receipt within the groove 66 of the front wall 40 (see Figures 5 and 6) of the section 38 for securing the outer wall 62 to the front wall 40.

[0058] The arm connector 54 thus connects to the corners of the structural periphery 24 and includes a spigot or boss 70 that can be inserted into the open end of an arm 20. The arm 20 can abut against the flange 72. The boss 70 is fixed to the arm connector 54 by welding to the right-angle junction of the inner wall 74 as shown in Figure 8.

[0059] Figures 7 and 8 show a 45 channel 56 for accepting or connection to a corner of the sections 38 forming the structural periphery 24. It is to be appreciated that a similar arrangement can be adopted for connection of an arm 20 to a straight section of the structural periphery 24 between corners, whereby the channel 56 is straight rather than angled.

[0060] Figure 9 is the same cross-sectional view of the extrusion section 38 of Figure 6 but with a canopy tensioner 76 applied to the drainage surface 44. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the Figure 9 arrangement. The tensioner 76 comprises two telescopically connected parts 78 and 80 which are shown in contracted and expanded positions in Figures 10 and 11,

[0061] Figure 9 shows the rod 49 of Figure 6 captured in the opening 82 in the leading end of the part 78 and the outer edges 30 of the canopy 32 extend from the rod 49. The part 80 engages the extrusion section 38 by hook engagement between the hook 84 of part 80 engaging within the opening 50 of the section 38 (see also Figures 5 and 6). The parts 78 and 80 are connected together by screw connectors 88 that screw through a barrel nut 90 that seats against an elongate seat 92 that extends for the length of the tensioner 76. The seat 92 engages the part 78 and by rotating the screw 88 in a first tensioning direction, the barrel nut is drawn to the right as shown in Figure 9 thus pushing the seat 92 and the part 78 to the right as well and increasing tension on the canopy 32. The maximum tensioned position of the parts 78 and 80 is shown in Figure 11 in which the part 78 is fully received within the part 80 to the maximum extent so that the screw 88 cannot be rotated in the tensioning direction any further.

[0062] By rotating the screw 88 in a second and opposite direction, tension in the canopy 32 can be reduced. The minimum tensioned position of the parts 78 and 80 is shown in Figure 12 in which the part 78 is extended relative to the part 80 to the maximum extent so that the screw 88 cannot be rotated any further without the parts 78 and 80 releasing. The circled areas of Figure 12 show the final overlap between the parts 78 and 80 before they would disconnect from each other. This fully relaxed position of the parts 78 and 80 can be employed during installation of the canopy 32 to the canopy frame to allow the hook 84 of part 80 to extend about the front 52 of the drainage surface 44 engage the opening 50 of the section 38.

[0063] Figure 13 shows a pair of umbrellas 10 that are connected in a row. It is to be appreciated that three or more umbrellas 10 can be connected together in the manner shown. As shown, the structural periphery 24 of one umbrella 10 is connected to the structural periphery 24 of the second umbrella 10. The structural peripheries 24 can simply be bolted together along the facing sides 2 4 1and 244of the respective umbrellas 10.

[0064] Figure 13 shows the arrangement in which the pair of separate umbrellas 10 are connected together so that the canopy that is formed between the pair of umbrellas is a pair of adjacent pyramid shaped canopies. Conical shaped canopies can also be formed. It is to be appreciated however, that the facing sides 2 4 1and 244 of the structural peripheries 24 can be removed, so that the structural periphery 24 is formed as a rectangular periphery and the supporting arms can be modified so that the canopy has a generally horizontal ridge that extends between the respective apexes 18 of the posts 12. This is an arrangement in which the arms 20 could extend to positions mid-way between the corners of the structural peripheries 24 rather than to the corners of the peripheries 24. It will be appreciated that a rectangular structural periphery can include any number of posts 12 and supporting arms 20, either repeating the pattern of separate but connected umbrellas 10 as shown in Figure 13, or as indicated above whereby facing sides of the structural periphery, such as the facing sides 2 4 1and 244 shown in Figure 13 can be removed and the canopy is formed with the generally horizontal ridge.

[0065] Where the two or more structural peripheries 24 are connected together as shown in Figure 13, the gutters G of the peripheries 24 can be modified to enable water to flow between them. Figure 14 shows an arrangement in which a section 96 of the front wall 40 of the facing sides 2 4 1and 244 of the structural peripheries 24 is removed to allow flow of rainwater between them. Flow of rainwater between the two structural peripheries 24 may be required if a rainwater outlet is provided in one of the structural peripheries 24 only, so that flow of rainwater from the first structural periphery 24 to the second allows the rainwater captured in the first structural periphery 24 to be discharged at the second structural periphery 24. This reduces the number of rainwater outlets that are needed and consequently the number of downpipes. Multiple downpipes may negatively affect the aesthetics of a row of umbrellas, while there may be limited downpipe discharge positions for discharge of rainwater along a row of umbrellas.

[0066] Each structural periphery 24 may include an outlet for discharge of rainwater, but the outlet may be a closable outlet so that only those outlets that are required in a row of umbrellas can be opened for use. Alternatively, for permanent umbrella installations, an outlet may be formed in the appropriate structural peripheries of the umbrellas as part of the installation process. An outlet may be formed in the base 41 of the section 38 of a structural periphery in the same manner as outlets are formed in house or building guttering for downpipe connection.

[0067] Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A fixed umbrella, the umbrella having a post for supporting a canopy frame, the canopy frame comprising:

a structural periphery, for example formed in a square or rectangular configuration, and arms extending from the structural periphery to connect with the post either directly or indirectly, the structural periphery including a gutter for receipt of rainwater, and

2. An umbrella according to claim 1, the canopy frame including four arms that extend respectively from each corner of the structural periphery, upwardly relative to the structural periphery and to an apex, the arms being connected directly or indirectly to the post.

3. An umbrella according to claim 1 or 2, the outer edge of the canopy being secured straight along each side of the structural periphery.

4. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the post being a central post.

5. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the post being a cantilevered post.

6. An umbrella according to claim 5, the cantilevered post comprising a first upright post section, a second post section extending laterally from first post section and a third post section that extends to an apex of the canopy and that connects to the inner ends of the arms.

7. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 3, including multiple posts.

8. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the gutter of the structural periphery extending continuously about the four sides of the square or rectangular configuration of the structural periphery.

9. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the structural periphery including an outlet for draining rainwater from the gutter.

10. the structural periphery including a connection arrangement so that the outer edges of the canopy extend into the gutter.

11. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the structural periphery having a drainage surface that is inclined towards the gutter and that includes an outer edge that extends to, or overlies or overhangs the gutter and the peripheral outer edges of the canopy are attached to or overlie the drainage surface.

12. An umbrella according to claim 11, the peripheral outer edges of the canopy are attached to or overlie the drainage surface so that any rainwater that sheds off the canopy and onto the drainage surface drains into the gutter.

13. An umbrella according to claim 11, the drainage surface including a connection arrangement for connecting the outer edge of the canopy to the drainage surface, or to overlie a portion of the drainage surface.

14. An umbrella according to claim 13, the outer edge of the canopy being clamped to the drainage surface.

15. An umbrella according to claim 14, the outer edge of the canopy being clamped to the drainage surface by the drainage surface including a channel into which the outer edge is received and a clamping member is inserted into the channel to clamp the outer edge within the channel, or the outer edge includes a rod that is inserted into the channel.

16. An umbrella according to claim 11, a connector being connected to the peripheral outer edges of the canopy being fixed to the drainage surface, or to the gutter.

17. An umbrella according to claim 16, the connector extending into hooked connection with a portion of the structural periphery that overhangs the gutter.

18. An umbrella according to claim 11, the peripheral outer edges of the canopy being connected to a tensioner that connects to the structural periphery, so that tension in the canopy can be adjusted.

19. An umbrella according to claim 18, the tensioner has a first part for connection to the peripheral outer edges of the canopy and a second part for connection to the structural periphery and the first and second parts connect together adjustably.

20. An umbrella according to claim 19, the second part connecting to the drainage surface, or to the gutter,

21. An umbrella according to claim 20, the second part connecting to the gutter by hooked.

22. An umbrella according to any one of claims 19 to 21, the adjustable connection being a sliding connection.

23. An umbrella according to any one of claims 19 to 21, the adjustable connection being by a screw connector that shifts the first and second parts relative to each other.

24. An umbrella according to claim 1, the umbrella having two or more posts and a rectangular structural periphery in which the length of the structural periphery is significantly greater than the width.

25. An umbrella according to claim 24, the canopy being continuous from one end of the canopy frame to the other.

26. An umbrella according to claim 1, the umbrella having a single post and a generally square structural periphery and the arms of the umbrella extend respectively from each corner of the structural periphery, into connection with the post.

27. An umbrella according to claim 1, the umbrella having a single post and a generally square structural periphery and the arms of the umbrella extend respectively from the structural periphery between the corners of the structural periphery, such as mid-way between the corners.

28. An umbrella according to claim 1, the umbrella having multiple posts and including at least some arms that extend from the structural periphery spaced away from the corners.

29. An umbrella according to claim 28, comprising a rectangular structural periphery supported by at least three posts comprising a pair of end posts and at least one post intermediate the end posts, in which arms that connect to the intermediate post or posts connect to the structural periphery spaced from the corners of the structural periphery and the arms that connect to the end posts connect to the structural periphery at the corners of the structural periphery and/or spaced from the corners of the structural periphery.

30. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 29, arm connectors connecting ends of the arms to the structural periphery.

31. An umbrella according to claim 29 or 30, the arm connector includes a connection flange to connect to a surface of the structural periphery,

32. An umbrella according to claim 29 or 30, the arm connector includes a channel that receives a gutter section of the structural periphery, with the channel being a close fit to the gutter section and being connected to the gutter section.

33. An umbrella according to any one of claims 30 to 32, the arm connector including an opening for receipt of the end of an arm.

34. An umbrella according to any one of claims 30 to 32, the arm connector including a spigot or boss for receipt within the hollow end of an arm.

35. An umbrella according to any one of claims 1 to 32, an inboard wall of the gutter of the structural periphery being formed as a double wall, comprising a pair of substantially parallel walls that are spaced apart to provide a gap between them.

36. An installation comprising at least two umbrellas according to claim 1, the structural periphery of one umbrella being connect to the structural periphery of another umbrella.

37. An installation according to claim 36, in which the gutters of two connected umbrellas are in communication so that rainwater received in the gutter of one umbrella can flow to the gutter of a connected umbrella.