GB2262551A

GB2262551A - A canopy for e.g.fishing

Info

Publication number: GB2262551A
Application number: GB9226590A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clifford Royston Fox; Reginald George Purssord
Original assignee: Fox Design International Ltd
Current assignee: Fox Design International Ltd
Priority date: 1991-12-20
Filing date: 1992-12-21
Publication date: 1993-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2012-12-21
Also published as: GB9226590D0; GB2262551B

Abstract

A canopy (10) is provided with a liner (22) which is positioned adjacent to an outer membrane of the canopy (10) with a spacing between the membrane and the liner (22). The canopy (10) is of the umbrella type, and side panels (36) can be fixed to the canopy, and the liner can be extended to form, in effect, a tent. <IMAGE>

Description

A canopv The present invention relates to a canopy, especially but not exclusively for use by anglers during overnight fishing.

Generally such a canopy has a membrane or skin which comprises a relatively waterproof material attached to a plurality of supporting ribs.

A problem encountered with such a canopy is that condensation tends to form on the underside of its membrane, sometimes quite heavily, such that it becomes damp underneath, even to the extent that water droplets form and fall onto the occupant.

An aim of the present inventions is to overcome this problem.

Accordingly the present invention is directed to a canopy provided with a liner which is positioned adjacent to an outer membrane of the canopy with a spacing beteen the membrane and the liner.

This construction obviates the problem of condensation on the underside of the canopy membrane.

Furthermore, it provides the advantage that the thermal insulation provided by the canopy is increased, and that those parts of the canopy closest to the occupant are kept dry.

The present invention also extends to a liner for such a canopy.

In GB-A-2,236,193 and also in EP-A-0,409,639 there is depicted a canopy which has a plurality of ribs radiating from a central hub with no central pole such as is present in a conventional umbrella. This allows for greater available space underneath the canopy.

Preferably the liner is used with such a canopy.

The liner can be made from a variety of different materials but particularly suitable is a nylon material which can, if desired, be made waterproof by some form of coating on the material such as silicon, P.U. nylon, or Scotchguard (TM).

The liner is preferably secured in place directly onto the ribs of the canopy, independently of the outer membrane, so that either can be changed, if damaged, independently of the other.

It is preferable that the liner should follow roughly the same shape as the outer membrane when the canopy is erected with an airspace between them, to reduce the likelihood of water vapour or actual water droplets finding their way into the canopy interior, wherever these may form on the inside of the outer membrane depending on the temperature gradient across the two skins.

The liner is advantageously attached by means of elastic loops or clips at intervals along each rib, or by tunnels sewn into the fabric in order to facilitate direct attachment to the ribs (the tunnels may be in castellated form, effectively each comprising a series of short tunnels). This is preferable, for ease of use, so that the liner need not be independently removed from the canopy ribs when the canopy is collapsed, but the whole structure can be left intact as one assembly.

The liner may be made from a series of segments stitched or fused together with the seams generally corresponding in position to the ribs of the complete canopy. The outer corners of the segments may be secured at or relatively near to the respective ends of the ribs (that is to say at the points furthest away from the central hub) by means of a clip, an elasticated loop or a button hole and toggle so that when the canopy is erected the liner is stretched taut, covering most or all of the underside of the outer membrane of the canopy.

Canopies used by anglers who fish for extended periods of time often require perimeter surrounds, or side skirts in order to provide greater protection against the elements for the occupant. The usual means of attachment of such side skirts or other surrounds that extend donwardly from the perimeter of an angler's canopy, are Velcro (TM) joins. This necessitates the alteration of a standard canopy by fixing a Velcro (TM) tape to outside peripheral edges of the fabric of the canopy. The corresponding other engaging Velcro (TM) tape is attached to each side skirt in order that its attachment and removal is easily achieved.

Therefore, in addition to adding stiffness to the outside perimeter of the canopy, which may be undesired, any sewing on of the Velcro (TM) may result in the ingress of water through the web, the latter having been perforated by the sewing needle.

On a canopy which has a side skirt that creates an enclosure around the periphery of the canopy, the liner could be extended down the inside of the skirt, if desired, by the addition of side pieces attached to the edges of the main canopy liner to overcome that problem.

Alternatively, the liner may itself be provided with a side skirt so that the liner and side skirt form an enclosure. The skirt may in this case comprise a substantially waterproof material that is generally more weather-proof than the material which is used for the liner. Such a construction has the advantage that a vent is present between the canopy and the lining which is open to the surrounding air so that the later can circulate in the space between the canopy and the lining.

Advantageously the canopy is equipped with one or more poles attached to ribs whose outer ends are not in contact with the ground when the. canopy is in use.

The canopy liner may be so attached to the ribs of the canopy that it is stretched by them. It may also have its skirt stretched around those legs. This has the advantage that the front of the liner is held taut and thus given smooth sides to allow any condensation which may form to run off easily.

In a preferred embodiment the skirt of the liner is provided with at least one releasable join extending in a generally upright direction when the canopy is errected, to provide an entrance thereto.

Advantageously the liner is provided with an integral ground sheet. If the liner is also provided with a skirt, the liner, the skirt and the ground sheet may form an enclosure that surrounds its interior in every direction, downwardly as well as upwardly and every horizontal direction.

Where a rod or tube, usually an aluminium tube, extends down towards the ground from the hub to provide a secure fixing to a ground spike, a tunnel can be formed in the liner, by the addition of an extra piece of material attached to the liner, into which this rod or tube can be passed in order to stretch the liner towards the intended rear of the canopy. Therefore, the liner need not be actually fixed to this rod or tube in the same way as it is to the ribs.

In a structure in which the ribs which support the main canopy membrane are on the outside of that membrane, loops or other means can be suspended below the surface of the membrane and a liner can be fixed to these rather than directly to the ribs.

It has been found that the ideal thickness of material for the liner is between 57 g/m2 and 113 g/m2 and that approximately four fixing loops can be used for each rib.

If the liner is used in conjunction with the construction described in GB-A-2,237,193 and EP-A0,409,639, the rod or tube can be fixed to the pressure plate. Therefore, the rod or tube may be passed through the tunnel at the intended rear of the liner (entering it from the bottom upwards). An opening may be cut in the centre of the liner in order to allow access to enable the pressure plate to be secured and to enable the rod or tube to be attached to the hub.

The number of segments which may be used to form the canopy can vary but ideally four to nine segments have been found to be suitable. It is preferable that the liner is made of the same number of segments but this is not essential and, therefore, both these and the method of attachment can be varied by a person skilled in the art.

Examples of a canopy according to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective underneath view of the canopy; Figure 2 shows a sectional view through the canopy; Figure 3 shows further details of a liner of the canopy by way of a further underneath view thereof; Figure 4 shows a front elevational view of a modified canopy erected with side flaps; Figure 5 shows the canopy illustrated in Figure 4 with storm poles and with a canopy liner spread out underneath it; Figure 6 shows a partial view of the underside of the canopy with the liner attached to a main pole of the canopy; Figure 7 shows a further partial view of the underside of the canopy with the liner partially attached to ribs of the canopy; Figure 8 shows a further elevational view of the canopy with the canopy liner partially suspended;; Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show details of attachment means of the liner; Figure 9 shows a cut-away front elevational view of the canopy illustrated in Figure 4 with the liner and side skirt fully installed; Figure 10 shows a front elevational view to one side of the canopy, with the liner and side skirt fully erected; and Figure 11 shows in greater detail a clip used to attach the liner to a rib of the canopy.

Figures 1 and 2 show a canopy 10, comprising a plurality of ribs 12. The ribs 12 are covered by a membrane 14. The ribs 12 are attached to a hub 15 in such a manner that they are pivotable towards one another at pivot points 16, but are held in their illustrated radially outwardly extending arched positions by means of a pressure plate 17 secured to the underside of the hub 15 so that the plate 17 is held tightly against the inner ends of the ribs 12. In this way the ribs 12 stretch, and are held taut against the skin 14 by the pressure plate 17. The canopy 10 is held in its erect position relative to the ground by means of a pole 18 which is connected at one end to the hub 15 and at the other to a ground spike 20 which is inserted into the ground.

Inside the canopy 10 a liner 22 is held underneath the membrane 14, the outer dimensions of the liner 22 being slightly smaller than the membrane 14, to avoid the liner catching rain when in use. The liner 22 is attached to the ribs 12 by plastic clips or elastic loops 24 spaced apart on the liner at positions which are in registration with the ribs 12. The edge of the liner 22, where it is nearest to the ends of the ribs 12, is held on those ends by clips, elasticated loops or buttonhole and toggle devices 29. The liner 22 may be provided with an addiitional strip of material extending from its centre to its periphery, stitched or welded to the liner along its sides, to create a tunnel 26 at the intended rear of the canopy 10 through which can be slid a pole 18.This inhibits any condensation which may form during use of the canopy, dripping into the interior space defined by the canopy, via the pole 18.

As can be seen more readily in Figure 2, the membrane 14 and the liner 22 together give the canopy a double-skin construction, so that there is a small air gap 28 between the membrane 14 by virtue of the thickness of the ribs 12, and the manner in which the two skins are attached thereto when the ribs are in their illustrated extended position.

The liner 22 comprises the same number of segments 29, stitched or welded together, as make up the outer membrane, in this case eight.

Figure 3 shows a hole 30 in the centre of the liner 22 to allow access to the hub 16. This provides access to the pressure plate to enable the canopy to be erected before use or to be dismantled and collapsed after use. To ensure that no condensation can drip down from the hub, the ribs, and the underside of the membrane 14 when the canopy 10 is in use, the hole 30 can be closed by a flap 32 which is held in the closed position by a zip, or by Velcro (TM) fasteners, or by some other fastening means 34.

Figure 4 shows a modified canopy 10 having two lowermost panels 35 with outer edges generally contiguous with the ground, and also two side flaps 36, extending from the two panels 37 of the canopy which are contiguous with the lowermost panels 35. The canopy 10 is supported by the pole 18. The side flaps 36 are attached to the main canopy by joins 38 which are preferably as described in GB-A-2,236,193 or EP-A-0,409,639 or alternatively by a Velcro (TM) join. The side flaps 36 are held out taut by pegs 40 which are inserted in the ground. Underneath the canopy 10 there is shown a folded up canopy liner 22.

Figure 5 shows the same view as Figure 4 with the canopy liner spread out underneath the canopy 10 before attachment. The canopy 10 has also been equipped with storm rods 42 which rest on the ground at one end and are attached at their respective other ends to the uppermost two ribs 12. The storm rods 42 are telescopic poles and have a lock 44 to set them at the desired length. This is preferable to enable the canopy to be set up on uneven ground.

Figure 6 shows the rear of the liner 22 being attached to the pole 18. This is achieved by means of three Velcro (TM) ties 44 which are sewn onto the liner 22 at their middles. The ends of Velcro (TM) are then joined to form a loop round the pole 18.

Figure 7 shows clips 46, which are sewn into the seams 48 between segments of the liner 22, being attached to the ribs 12 of the canopy 10. The clips 46 therefore support the liner 22 which hangs from the clips 46 so that it is spaced apart from the web 14 of the canopy 10.

Figure 8 shows the liner 22 in a semi-installed state. As can be seen this liner 22 is provided with front panels 48 of a skirt which is sewn or otherwise joined to the fron periphery of the liner 22 to provide a total enclosure for the occupant of the canopy. The canopy 10 is also equipped with side poles 50. The side poles 50 run along the intended front edge of the side flaps 36. The side poles 50 are telescopic and have a lock 60 to set them at the appropriate length allowing for uneven ground. One end of the side poles 50 rests on the ground next to the pegs 40, and the other end is attached as shown in Figure 8a by screw-threaded engagement means 52 which are pivotably attached to the end of a rib 12. The engagement means 52 and the pole 50 when attached trap between them a tab 54 which is attached to the liner 22 and/or the front panels 48. The tab 54 has an eye 56 for this purpose. The eye 56 receives a screw-threaded spigot 58 of the engagement means 52. Preferably, the tab 54 is sewn in a seam between two of the panels 48.

Between the middle of the three front panels 48 and the outer two front panels 48 are two zip fasteners 64 which are located adjacent roughly to the storm poles 42 when the canopy has been fully erected. The middle panel of the front panels 48 contains a window 62.

Figure 8b shows how the storm poles 42 are attached to the ends of respective ribs 12, through the liner 22. The liner 22 is equipped with an eye 66 at each such position through which the spigot 58 of further pivotable screw-threaded engagement means 52 extends to enable it to engage the end of the storm pole 42.

Figure 9 shows the view inside the canopy 10 with the liner 22 fully installed but with the front panels cut away to reveal the underside of the liner 22. It can be seen from this Figure how the liner 22 conforms generally to the shape of the canopy 10. The liner is provided with a ground sheet 66 which is sewn or otherwise joined to the lower periphery of the liner 22, and is shon in this Figure as having been spread out on the ground to provide added comfort and protection for the user.

Figure 10 shows the completely erected canopy 10 and fully installed liner with integral ground sheet and skirt front panels 48. The zip fasteners 64 have been done up so that the front panels 48 pass round and over the storm poles to provide a complete enclosure.

However, the zip fasteners 64 provide an entrace to the inner enclosure of the canopy. The bottoms of the front panels 48 are held down by pegs 40, thus making the front of the inner enclosure secure against the wind.

The total effect of this combination of liner, ground sheet and front skirt is to provide an inner tent for the canopy 10. It should be noted that the front panels 48 may be made of more weather resistant material than the rest of the liner 22 which is under canopy thereby reducing the cost of manufacture of the inner enclosure or inner tent.

Figure 11 shows one of the clips 46 preferably used to attach the liner 22 to the ribs 12 of the canopy.

The clip 22 is preferably made of a U-shaped resilient plastics piece with an eye 68 at one end and a lip 70 at the other end. The dimensions of the U are such that when a rib is passed under the lip 70 into the bottom of the U, the clip snaps onto the rib and is retained there by friction and the resilience of the clip. A loop 72 of fabric is passed through the eye 68 and its ends are sewn into the panel seam 48 of the liner 22 to secure the clip to the liner 22.

Various modifications to the illustrated canopy will cocur to the reader familiar with the art of canopy manufacture, without taking the construction outside the scope of the present invention. To give one example only, a double flap construction could be used to close the hole 30, each flap part covering half of the hole, and one flap part slightly overlapping the other when in the closed position to obtain a good seal.

Claims

1. A canopy provided with a liner which is positioned adjacent to an outer membrane of the canopy with a spacing between the membrane and the liner.

2. A canopy according to claim 1, which has a plurality of ribs radiating from a central hub with no central pole such as is present in a conventional umbrella, thus providing a greater space underneath the canopy.

3. A canopy according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the liner is secured in place on the ribs of the canopy, independently of the outer membrane, so that either can be changed, if damaged, independently of the other.

4. A canopy according to any preceding claim, in which the liner follows generally the same shape as the outer membrane when the canopy is erected with an airspace between them, to reduce the likelihood of water vapour or actual water droplets finding their way into the canopy interior.

5. A canopy according to any preceding claim, in which the liner is attached by means of elastic loops or clips at intervals along each rib.

6. A canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the liner is attached by means of tunnels sewn into the fabric in order to facilitate direct attachment to the ribs.

7. A canopy according to any preceding claim, in which the liner is made from a series of segments stitched or fused together with the seams generally corresponding in position to the ribs of the complete canopy.

8. A canopy according to claim 7, in which the outer corners of the segments may be secured at or relatively near to the respective ends of the ribs by means of a clip, an elasticated loop or a button hole and toggle so that when the canopy is erected the liner is stretched taut, covering most or all of the underside of the outer membrane of the canopy.

9. A canopy according to any preceding claim, in which the canopy has a side skirt that creates an enclosure around the periphery of the canopy and in which the liner is extended down the inside of the skirt.

10. A canopy according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the liner is provided with a skirt which is joined to an intended front periphery of the liner, the skirt extending downwardly from the liner when the canopy is erected for use so that a vent is provided between the canopy and its liner which is open to the outside air, the skirt itself being exposed to the outside air.

11. A canopy according to claim 10, in which the canopy is equipped with one or more poles attached to ribs the outer ends of which are not in contact with the ground when the canopy is erected, and around which the skirt is stretched.

12. A canopy according to claim 10 or claim 11, in which the skirt is provided with ar least one releasable join extending in a generally upright direction to provide an entrance to the canopy.

13. A canopy according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the front portion of the skirt which is directly exposed to the outside air is made of a more weatherresistant material than the liner.

14. A canopy according to any preceding claim, in which the thickness of material of the liner is substantially in the range from 57 g/m2 to 113 g/m2.

15. A canopy according to any preceding claim, in which the liner has a ground sheet sewn or otherwise joined to it.

16. A liner for a canopy according to any preceding claim.

17. A canopy substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

18. A liner substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.