US20160324324A1

US20160324324A1 - Flexible Canopy Shade Cover

Info

Publication number: US20160324324A1
Application number: US14/820,797
Authority: US
Inventors: Elke Wilkerson Altonen
Original assignee: WILKERSON ALTONEN, ELKE
Priority date: 2015-05-07
Filing date: 2015-08-07
Publication date: 2016-11-10

Abstract

A flexible canopy shade cover is a portable shade device that can be used in a wide range of functional applications. One version is for frame supported structures and a second version is for surface areas. In each version, a flexible flat fabric panel is designed to optimize shade area and provide maximum sun protection. The flexible flat fabric panel is made of a shade enhanced material that is flexible, light-weight, durable and UV50+ coated. The panel encloses a resilient spring steel frame that provides structural flexibility and support when the par el is in its various configurations. For frame supported structures, the flexible flat fabric panel employs grommets mounted on each side that serves as pivot attachment interface. Spring loaded clips attach the panel to various frame members. The jaws of the clips clamp the grommets, the steel spring frame and the panel ends to a frame member, thereby attaching the flexible flat fabric panel to a frame structure. For surface area applications, the flexible flat fabric panel has weight pockets, liquid weight pockets sewn to the bottom semicircular ends of the panel that serve as the pivot attachment interface. A weight block, external to the flexible fabric flat panel attached to the bottom semicircular ends of the panel will also serve as the pivot attachment interface. A weight material placed in the pockets or the weight blocks provides the weight mass to anchor the panel ends to a surface. A solid weight material of small granules or objects placed in the weight pockets, in weight sleeves inserted in the weight pockets or in weight block containers serve as the attachment means. Fluids poured in liquid bladders that are inserted into the weight pockets or in liquid bladders built in the liquid weight pockets or in a weight block sealed containers serve as attachment means. In both embodiments, when the ends of the flexible flat fabric panel are brought together, the panel pops into a flexible canopy shade cover configuration. If the ends are set on a surface and twisted into a figure eight, the flexible flat fabric panel collapses into a compact circular configuration that is convenient for transport and storage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
This invention generally relates to a universal sun shade canopy that is flexible, portable, and attaches to a variety of frame structures and surface areas.
2. Background
Portable shade covers have been around a long time. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors and serve numerous applications for various frame structures or surface area applications. They all have common functional attributes. They provide various levels of shade and sun protection, they have a shade cover panel that has a support frame, they have a pivot attachment interface system that allows the panel to be adjusted and connected to a frame or surface and a attachment means that makes the connection. Many portable shade cover panels have limited applicability; often they are dedicated to a specific frame structure or surface area location. For frame attach shade covers, they are limited by the size of the shade cover panel and the width of the frame structure, their pivot attachment interface is dedicated and its attachment means is often designed to fit on only one frame structure. For surface area applications, the shade covers are limited to a fixed shape often encumbered with many interconnecting frame support components involving frame rods, stakes, poles and ropes to anchor them to a surface. The flexible canopy shade cover addresses these limitations incorporating some features found in existing shade cover panels and adding new features that reduce or eliminate the limitations mentioned. The objective in developing the flexible canopy shade cover was to have a shade cover that: 1) is designed to provide maximum shade; 2) utilizes a flexible surface fabric that provides maximum protection from the harmful rays of the sun; 3) has a pivot attachment system that is adjustable and universal; 4) has an attachment system that holds the panel in place; 5) has a minimum amount of components; 6) can be installed, adjusted and dismantled in seconds, 6) functions in various environmental conditions; 7) is durable, portable, safe and convenient to use; and 9) is affordable.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 270,224, 1883. “Canopy For Folding Steamer-Chairs”: One of the first patents issued for an outdoor sun shade was a portable collapsible canopy designed for outdoor folding steamer chairs. The canopy framework utilizes flexible bows that are flat on top and extend downward to fit into circular discs that are slipped on a receiving bolt in an attachment pivot assembly. The receiving bolts are tightened by binding nuts to secure the bows into various open positions. The bows are bound together by a fabric designed to cover them to provide shade when the canopy is open. The inventor claims no novelty with the canopy configuration except for the attachment mechanism making the canopy suitable for folding steamer chairs. This invention, almost 130 years ago was ingenious relative to its construction and addressing the problem on putting a portable, collapsible canopy on an outdoor “lounge” chair.
Patent Number: U.S. PAt. No. 2,036,033A, 1936. “Portable Canopy and Beach Shelter Construction”. Almost 80 years ago, Mr. Edward Fisher came up with the concept of a portable canopy using doom shaped rattan rods connected to pivotal points on each side of the canopy that allow it to deploy and fold using wing nut at the pivot point to hold the canopy in place. The rattan rods provide support for the shade material and the ends of these rods are inserted into a five-fingered pivot mechanism positioned on opposite sides of the canopy dome. The pivot mechanisms are inserted into tubular poles staked to the ground. For stability, a floor is sewn to the bottom portion of the canopy that uses a weighted material to keep the canopy in place. This invention is a forerunner in portable canopy shade development.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,161A, 1976. “Portable Structure”. This invention describes a support for a tent like structure, or the like comprising a continuous loop of flat spring steel that is flexible, coil able and resilient such that a flexible-like fabric attached to it at various points defines, in this case, a saddle-shaped configuration based upon the size and shape of the fabric. Because the flat spring steel material is coil able, the configuration is self-erecting and readily collapsible. This invention introduces the concept of using flat spring steel or plastic rods to make a collapsible/self-erecting portable sun screen structure; the forerunner to many products on the market today.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,305, 1978, “Sun Protection”. This invention describes a sun protection device that is portable and has a frame made of three vertical support beams connected to three horizontal separation beams bound together at a pivot points on mounting rings placed on the ends of the vertical support rods that slide onto clamping bolts in the pivotal mounting fixture that keeps the together by tightening a clamping nuts. The pivotal mounting mechanism has a mounting clamp that connects to a chair frame by means of a vertical tube-like clamp that tightens with a clamping nut. The pivotal mounting fixture can be moved to different positions to account for chair design and user size and shade preference. The shade is provided with a sun protective fabric attached to the leading and rear vertical support bracket cross members. Excellent concept except its chair specific and assembly is cumbersome.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,273A, 1992, “Self-extending portable panels”. This invention describes self-extending storage panels formed when cloth or a flexible fabric encases a circular spring wire hoop in a sleeve that can be twisted for storage. It's an innovative invention used in many products that are on the market today. We are applying these concepts to define the shape and functionality of the flexible canopy shade cover but not making claims regarding this invention.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 56,203,363A, 1993, “Portable Canopy Attachment”. This invention generally describes a method of attaching a portable shade cover to a lawn chair. A tubular frame is comprised of an upper rectangular frame, a upper vertical interface frame to provide proper height (it's fixed) above the back of the chair, a horizontal frame between the shade and upper vertical support, a hinge system on each side of the chair that connects the shade structure with the upper vertical supports and a clamping structure that connects the upper vertical structure to the rear vertical supports of the chair. The upper vertical rails can be attached to lower extension rods that are staked to the ground. The hinges allow the shade structure to rotate from a horizontal shade position to a vertical stored position located behind the back of the chair there are no intermediate positions. The top shade and upper vertical surface areas are covered by a flexible shade fabric. This canopy is large and rather cumbersome. It takes time to install and breakdown and is not universal; i.e. fixed dimensions. This invention does, like other brings out the importance of pivot points for rotation.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,650A, 1998, “Sun Shade Attachment”. This sunshade employs a horizontal shade roller mechanism to extend the cover above the backrest of the chair. The crank roller mechanism adjusts the extension of the shade fabric from the rear (full close) to the front (full open) or any position in between. The sides of the shade fabric are supported by two telescoping rails that swing out from the rear and are orthogonal to the roller support. Beneath this roller assembly is an attachment mechanism that has two horizontal supports, one for bracing the shade assembly and the other above the chair top rail for mounting. The top rail mounting bracket has horizontal and vertical mounting brackets that are adjustable to accommodate different chair sizes. The design provides for some flexibility relative to chair and user size and portability. The roller is a novel way to adjust the shade cover for different levels of sun blocking. However, this is a complex mechanism and expensive. It is also limited to tubular/web chairs and takes time to install.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 005,960,520A, 1999 “Clip Assemblies For Keeping Towels, Sheets and the Like In Place”. Describes a spring loaded clip that has a larger footprint than clips developed in prior art. These clips have long handles, large clamping jaws, toothed gripping serrations in the clamping jaw area and a heavy duty spring to provide enough force to securely clasp large items. The size is such that the clip can attach a large mounting frame and clasp, for example a towel in its teeth firmly holding it in place. The size and clamping strength of these clips are used but not claimed in this invention.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,038 B1, 2002: “Collapsible Shade for a Towel Mat”. A simple portable, collapsible shade that can be secured to a mat or ground surface using two pivot points on opposing sides of the shade opening and connected to the ground or collapsible mat surface at two pivot points. In one configuration, the shade is comprised of a curved frame that provides structural support for the canopy that can be used alone. In another configuration, an adjustable horizontal shade is attached at two pivot points on the canopy frame providing additional shade coverage. The frames are made of a flexible twisted material. The surfaces of the frames are covered by a flexible fabric designed to fit the shape and size of the frames that provide tautness to the surfaces and form to the canopy. This patent covers various embodiments and the common theme is collapsibility and portability of the flexible twisting material to define the shape and size of the canopy alone with its flexible fabric. The collapsible concepts are used in many products today although the pivot mechanisms have not been clearly defined. It appears that pivots and how they are made would be a problem.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,334B2, 2006: “Head and Neck Sunshade for a Reclining Sunbather”. This sunscreen comprises a pair of side support beams (lower-linear, upper-liner or curved) connected on opposite ends of a base support beam. Rivets or bolt/wing nuts hold the beams together on each side and pivot to allow the adjustment of the angular opening to allow entry under the shade screen. Attached to the top and lower support beams is a flexible fabric covering cut specifically to match the dimensions of the support beams thereby providing a sun barrier. This invention like others is portable and has support beams tied together at a base pivot point that in this case, is staked to the ground. The fixed nature of the support beams means that each shade has to be tailored for the user. This is a limiting factor that would impact the product cost.
Patent Number: U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,596, 2011: “Removable and Adjustable Canopy Covering”. This portable sunscreen canopy has a multi-function mounting/interface apparatus that is attached to the back supports of chairs. A screw controlled clamping device is attached to the frame of a chair and the pivot mechanism holds the leading and trailing ends of the canopy frame elements together. The canopy surface cover is made of a flexible fabric that has sleeves to accept four canopy frame elements. The two addition frame elements are positioned equally between the leading and back frame elements and not attached to the pivot device. When the leading and rear sections of the canopy frame are inserted into the pivot mechanism, the tension creates a left/right lateral surface and the front rear traverse arch when the canopy is extended. The canopy has two fabric layers that have air pockets to channel the wind through the canopy cover without flipping the canopy. This is similar to prior art except the air pockets and multi-function mounting/interface apparatus is novel. This canopy would take time to step up and rather cumbersome to install.

SUMMARY

The embodiments summarized herein describe flexible canopy shade covers designed for frame supported structures and surface areas.
Flexible canopy shade covers for frame supported structures is comprised of a flexible flat fabric panel, a pivotal attachment interface for frame structures and attachment devices for frame members. The membrane of the fabric panel is made of a silver coated flexible material that is durable and UV+ coated. This material reflects a substantial amount of light and provides a high level of UV protection. The panel length is designed to meet a range of frame dimensions and its panel width is designed to maximize shade area. Pivot-hole locations and diameters are designed to optimize panel attachment. They are punched into opposite sides of the flexible flat fabric panel. Enclosed in the perimeter of the panel is a heavy gauge resilient spring steel frame that serves as the primary contact point for the flexible flat fabric panel when it is attached to a frame. The steel spring frame maintains the structural integrity of the panel after it is attached and its flexibility enables the panel to be repositioned on the frame. Grommets are mounted on the pivot-holes to accept various attachment devices. The grommets provide a passageway through the membrane of the panel allowing attachment devices to penetrate its surface without tearing it. The attachment devices are spring loaded clips. The clips have large clamping jaws enabling them to attach to a variety of frame structures. One jaw of each clip passes through a grommet hole and the other jaw passes over the grommet collar, the outside edge of the panel and a frame contact point thereby attaching the panel to a frame structure. As the sides of the panel are brought together, the center of the panel pops into a flexible canopy shade cover configuration. To remove the panel from the frame structure, releasing the jaws one at a time allows the panel to open into its flat panel configuration. If the flexible flat fabric panel rests on a surface and its ends are curved upwards and twisted into a figure eight, its center presses against the surface, the panel collapses into a compact circular configuration that is convenient for transport and storage. A support cord is sewn to the top rear center of the panel to provide a rear attachment support point. Support loops are sewn to the interior front section of the panel to provide additional support. The design and flexibility of the panel allows it to be used on many frame structures. Additional grommets can be placed at various locations on the panel perimeter to improve functionality and adaptability.
Flexible canopy shade covers for surface applications is comprised a flexible flat fabric panel, a surface pivotal attachment interface and surface attachment devices. The design, construction and function of the flexible flat fabric panel are the same as the frame version except for a different pivot attachment interface and attachment means The panel uses either weight pockets or liquid weight pockets sewn to the semicircular ends of the panel that serve as the pivot attachment interface. Both pockets have a depth and access opening wide enough to accommodate a weight material that provides the weight mass to anchor the panel ends to a surface. Weight blocks, external to the flexible fabric flat panel with no weight pockets or liquid weight sleeves, have panel slots that attach to the semicircular ends of the panel that serve as the pivot attachment interfaces. The weight blocks can be made of a solid heavy material or be either sealed or unsealed containers. Granular substances or solid objects placed in the weight pockets, in weight sleeves containing the weight material, or in the weight blocks serve as the attachment means for the panel. Fluids poured into liquid bladders placed in the weight pockets, into liquid bladders built into the liquid weight pockets or into sealed weight block containers serve as an attachment means. The weight sleeves, liquid bladders and weight block containers provide a convenient way to insert, dispose or store the weight material. As the sides of the panel are brought together, the spring steel frame changes shape and the flexible flat fabric panel to pops into the flexible canopy shade cover configuration.
To remove the panel from the surface, simply move the ends of the panel away from each other and the panel opens into its flat panel configuration. There are numerous surface areas that this panel will work on, either natural or manmade. It is flexible, installs or disassembles in seconds without having to deal with frame support rods, poles, ropes, stakes or sand bags.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 flexible canopy shade cover
11 mesh air panel
12 flexible flat fabric panel
13 mesh panel stitching
14 semicircle center
15 semicircle radius
16 semicircle extended length
17 panel outline pattern
18 pattern width
19 pattern length
20 panel perimeter
21 canopy shade height
22 canopy shade width
23 panel end
24 panel rear edge
25 panel horizontal centerline
26 rear panel center
27 panel front edge
28 compact circular
29 panel outside edge
30 fabric panel membrane
31 flexible lightweight fabric
32 fabric sleeve
33 fabric sleeve width
34 sleeve stitching
35 support cord
36 support loop
37 rod thickness (t)
38 rod thickness (T)
39 spring steel frame
40 pivot hole
41 pivot hole center
42 pivot hole line
43 pivot hole angle
44 pivot hole diameter
45 fabric mesh panel
46 mesh panel pattern
47 mesh panel exterior border
48 mesh panel vertical border
49 mesh panel interior distance
50 grommet
51 grommet collar
52 grommet male collar
53 grommet female collar
54 grommet outside diameter
55 grommet hole diameter
56 grommet hole
57 ninety degree arc
58 arc vertical line
60 spring loaded clip
62 clamping jaw
63 clamping jaw
64 jaw handle
65 jaw handle
66 jaw cross-section dimension
67 pivot interface
68 jaw opening
69 jaw depth
70 jaw clamping area
71 spiral spring winding
72 clamping jaw pressure
73 jaw contact points
81 frame horizontal support
82 frame contact
83 frame structure
84 frame structure width dimension
83 frame cross section dimension
85 canopy height
90 chaise lounge
98 chair
99 table top
112 flexible flat fabric panel
115 semicircle radius
118 panel width
119 panel length
120 weight pocket
121 weight pocket pattern
122 pocket exterior border
123 pocket vertical border
124 pocket inward distance
125 pocket stitching
126 pocket opening
127 pocket membrane
128 panel end
129 panel front edge
130 fabric panel membrane
131 flexible light weight fabric
132 flexible light weight fabric
133 vertical border length
134 panel rear edge
135 spring steel frame
136 weight pocket
137 weight pocket cavity
138 weight sleeve
139 liquid weight pocket
140 weight material
143 solid weight material
144 liquid weight material
145 liquid weight bladder
146 liquid pocket fabric membrane
147 point of support
148 water proof light weight flexible material
149 large mouth screw type bladder opening
150 large mouth screw cap
151 canopy shade height
152 canopy shade width
160 surface
170 trapezoid weight block
171 panel support slot
172 weight block material

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top planar view of the flexible flat fabric panel.

FIG. 2 is a top planar view of the flexible flat fabric panel with a fabric mesh panel on the panel ends.

FIG. 3 is an expanded top planar view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel with grommets or mesh air panel on the panel end.

FIG. 4 is an expanded top planar view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel with grommet on the panel end.

FIG. 5 is an expanded top planar view of one end of the flexible flat cover panel with two grommets on the panel end.

FIG. 6 is a line section 6-6 of FIG. 4 of grommet attached to fabric panel membrane.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the spring loaded clip.

FIG. 8 is an expanded side view of the spring loaded clip attached to a frame contact.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the flexible flat fabric panel attached to the frame structure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the flexible flat fabric panel attached to a chair in a pop up flexible canopy shade cover configuration.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the flexible flat fabric panel attached to chair with support loops in a pop up flexible canopy shade cover configuration.

FIG. 12 is a top planar view of the flexible flat fabric panel collapsed in a compact circular shape.

FIG. 13 is a top planar view of a flexible flat fabric panel with weight pockets.

FIG. 14 is an expanded top planar view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel with a front facing weight pocket on the panel end.

FIG. 15 is an expanded top planar view of one end of a flexible flat fabric panel with the weight pocket extending from panel front edge to a panel rear edge.

FIG. 16 is an expanded top planar view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel with a liquid weight pocket on the panel end.

FIG. 17 is an expanded top planar view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel with an external weight block on panel end.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the flexible flat fabric panel sitting on a sand surface in a pop up flexible canopy shade cover configuration.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the flexible flat fabric panel with weight pockets on each end sitting on a sand surface in a pop up flexible canopy shade cover configuration.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of flexible flat fabric panel with fluid weight pockets on each end sitting on a tailgate surface in a pop up flexible canopy shade cover configuration.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of flexible flat fabric panel with weight blocks on each end sitting on a tailgate surface in a pop up flexible canopy shade cover configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of this invention have four major functional components: a flexible flat fabric panel, a pivot attachment interface, a support cord and loops and attachment devices that define the various flexible canopy shade cover configurations.
FIG. 1 is a top planar view of a flexible flat fabric panel12 cut to a panel outline pattern17. The pattern17 defines a panel perimeter20, a panel width18, a panel length19 and a panel horizontal centerline25. Pattern17 is drawn by connecting the ends of two equal extended semicircles with semicircle centers14, semicircle radius15 and extended semi-circle lengths16. The panel width18 is designed to maximize shade area and the panel length19 is designed to meet a wide range of frame dimensions in order to provide sufficient occupancy space. A wide frame width dimension is used in calculating the length19. The width18 is proportional to the radius15. The length19 is equal to the widthl8 plus a multiple of the semicircle extended length16. A fabric panel membrane30 is made of a flexible light-weight material31 cut to the pattern17. The membrane30 has a fabric sleeve32 sewn to the panel perimeter20 with sleeve stitching34. The width of the sleeve33 must be long enough to accommodate a hem on membrane30 and have enough depth to enclose a spring steel frame39. For this embodiment, a 1.5 cm sleeve width33 is used. The resiliency, flexibility and structural support for the panel12 is provided by the spring steel frame39. The frame39 is constructed of a rod with a thickness-t37 FIG. 5 greater than the membrane30 thickness which is in the plane of the panel12 and thickness-T38 FIG. 5 normal to the plane of the panel12 where T is larger than t. The ends of the rod are connected by a metal sleeve forming a continuous circular hoop of an unconstrained spring steel frame39. The flexible flat fabric panel12 takes form when the frame39 is enclosed in the sleeve32 causing it to extend and stretch to the boundary constraints of the membrane30. When panel ends23 of the panel12 are brought towards each other, the panel12 pops into a flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration FIGS. 8-12. If the panel12 is set on a surface and its panel ends23 are curved upwards and twisted into a figure eight, its center presses against the surface and the panel12 collapses into a compact circular configuration28 FIG. 13 with radius15 of the outline pattern17. This formation is convenient for transport and storage. Panel outline patterns are designed to meet various frame structural dimensions regarding frame dimension size, occupancy comfort and shade area protection. Grommets50 are placed on opposite panel ends23 facing a panel rear edge24. A support cord35 is sewn to panel rear center26. Support loops36 are sewn to the interior of the panel12 on the panel perimeter20 opposite the grommets50 to provide additional attachment support.
FIG. 2 is a top planar section view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG.1 with a fabric mesh panel45 on panel end23. A mesh panel pattern46 has an exterior border47 that conforms to the panel end23. The pattern46 has a mesh vertical border48 radially inwards at an interior distance49 from the panel end23. The fabric mesh panel45 is cut to the pattern46 and the exterior boder47 are sewn to the panel end23. If the vertical borders48 is not sewn to the panel membrane30, the fabric mesh panels45 serves as a storage pocket. The fabric mesh panel45 can replace a portion of the panel end23 section of the panel mermbrane30 by removing that section and replacing it with the fabric mesh panel45 section and sewing it into place at the vertical border48 with mesh panel stitching13. Varying the interior distance49 affects the amount of airflow and privacy of the panel12.
FIG. 3 is a top planar section view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 1 with gromments50 mounted to an upper area of the fabric panel membrane30. The locations are offset from the center of the panel12 so the top shade area is not comprised yet allows air to pass during windy conditions. A mesh air panel11 can also be used in place of the grommets50.
FIG. 4 is an expanded top planar section view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 1 showing grommet50 mounted on the panel12 in mounting area line section 1-1. The grommet50 mounts on a pivot hole40 punched into the membrane30 at the panel end23. A pivot hole center41 is located on a pivot hole line42 drawn at a pivot hole angle43 extending from a semicircle center14 to the panel rear edge24. The angle43 properly positions the pivot hole40 at a specific position optimized for attaching the panel12 to a frame structure83 FIG.9. To function properly on a frame structure, the angle43 can vary between 0 and 60 degrees. The length of the line42 equals the length of the semicircle radius15 minus a multiple of the fabric sleeve width33 minus fifty percent grommet outside diameter54 FIG. 6. The line42 places the pivot hole40 inside and adjacent to the spring steel frame39 thereby giving enough clearance to mount the grommet50 on the panel12. A grommet hole diameter55 FIG. 6 is equal to the pivot hole diameter44 FIG. 6 enabling the grommet50 to be inserted into the pivot hole40. A grommet collar51 surrounds a grommet hole56 and gives structural support around the pivot hole so the membrane30 does not tear. The grommet hole56 provides a pass-through in the panel12 FIG. 8 enabling a jaw62 FIG. 8 of a spring loaded clip60 FIG. 7 to pass through it and attach it to a frame contact82 FIG. 8. The grommets50 are a major component of this embodiment. They function as the pivot attachment interface enabling a quick connection, rotation or relocating of the panel12 on the frame contact82 FIG. 8 with 1he spring loaded clips60 FIG. 7 Grommets are available in different sizes, shapes, colors, and are made of an assortment of materials. For this embodiment, a Size10 circular plastic grommet is used.
FIG. 5 is an expanded top planar view of one end of the flexible flat cover panel12 FIG. 1 with two grommets50 mounted on the panel end23 perimeter. Pivot hole centers41 are located on pivot hole lines42 FIG. 4 drawn from semicircle center14 FIG. 4 at pivot hole angles43 extending from the panel horizontal centerline25 FIG. 1. One angle43 varies from zero to sixty degrees counter clockwise up from the centerline25 and the other angle43 varies from zero to 60 degrees clockwise down from the centerline25. The angles43 on each side to the centerline25 do not have to be the same enabling attachment flexibility. The pivot hole center42 locations must be the same on opposite sides of the panel12 at their corresponding angles43. Grommets50 mount to their matching pivot holes40 located at their corresponding pivot hole line42 lengths. More than two grommet pairs provide additional attachment options for use in a multi-grommet pivot attachment system. Different size grommets50 can be used with each pair having the same size grommet holes56 FIG. 6. Individual grommets50 can be placed anywhere along the panel ends23 or the panel rear edge24 to provide extra structural support.
FIG. 6 is a line section 6-6 of FIG. 4 showing grommet50 attached to the fabric panel membrane30 with the fabric sleeve32 enclosing the spring steel frame39 with rod thickness(t)37 in plane with the membrane30 surface and rod thickness(T)38 orthogonal to the membrane30 surface where thickness(t)37 in less than thickness(T)38. The grommet collar51 FIG.4 is a circular ring bordered by the grommet outside diameter54 and the grommet hole diameter55 that matches the pivot hole diameter44. The gromment50 is assembled when a male collar52 and a female collar53 are aligned and pressed together on the pivot hole40. The grommet hole diameter55 is selected to accommodate clamping jaws62, 63 cross-section dimension66 FIG. 6.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the spring loaded clip60 with clamping jaws62, 63 identical in dimensional size and shape. They connect at a pivot interface67 encasing a strong clip spring71 that provides clamping jaw pressure72 FIG. 8 when the jaws62, 63 are closed. Large spring loaded clips60 are used in this embodiment because they attach to commonly used frames structures83 FIG. 9. The clips60 have wide jaw openings68 and deep jaw depths69. The line section 2-2 cross section dimension66 is less than the grommet hole cliameter55 FIG. 6. For this embodiment, a 4.0 cm jaw opening68 and 4.0 cm jaw depth69 is used. Jaw handles64, 65 meet at the pivot interface67 opposite to and in the same plane as the jaws62, 63. Squeezing handles 64, 65 together opens the jaws 62, 63 allowing a frame contact82 FIG. 8 to come between them. When the handles64, 65 are released, the frame contact82 FIG.8 is clamped in a clamping jaw area70. Adjustments can be made by squeezing the handles64, 65 together thereby loosening the jaws 62, 63 enabling the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 1 with grommets50 FIG. 4 to be moved or rotated on the frame structure83 FIG. 9. For this embodiment, clips60 will not attach to a frame contact82 greater than 4.0 cm. For larger frame contacts, larger spring loaded clips are required. For small frame contact82 dimensions, the jaws62, 63 often attach to a frame horizontal support81 member or material FIG. 9 adjacent to the frame contact82 to assist in the connection. Spring loaded clips are excellent attachment devices; they quickly attach to many frame structures83 FIG. 9 and allow adjustments to be made in optimizing the panel12 connection on the frame structure83. A variety of spring loaded clips that can be used; they come in different sizes, shapes, spring strengths, colors and are made of various materials.
FIG. 8 is an expanded side view of the spring loaded clip60 attached to the frame contact82 by means of grommet50 mounted to the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 4. A clamping jaw63 passes over the panel outside edge29 and the clamping jaw62 passes through the grommet hole56. Clamping jaw pressure72 is applied between jaw contact points73 and the frame contact82 in the clamping jaw area70 holding the panel12 in place.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the flexible flat fabric panel12 attached to frame structure83. The panel12 is in the pop up flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration with the panel ends23 attached to the frame contacts82 with the spring loaded clips60 passing through the grommets50. The support cord35 is attached to the rear frame horizontal support81. The cover10 has a canopy height85 that is dependent upon the pattern length19 FIG. 1 and a frame structural width 84. Attachment ease, flexibility, shade area optimization and maximum UV protection are key features of this embodiment. This components of this embodiment attach to various frame structures83 FIG. 9 including, but not limited to lounge chairs, tables, wheel chairs, baby cribs, high chairs, strollers, folding chairs, patio chairs, motorized chairs.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 1 attached to a chair98 frame structure83 in pop up flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration. The spring loaded clips60 pass through the grommets50 and the support cord35 is tied to a frame horizontal support81.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 1 attached to chair98 frame structure83 in a pop up flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration. The spring loaded clips60 pass through the grommets50 and the support cord35 is tied to a frame horizontal support81 and support loops36 FIG. 1 are attached to the chair98 arms.
FIG. 12 is a top planar view of the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 1 collapsed in a compact circular28 configuration with semicircle radius15 FIG. 1. The compact configuration28 is convenient for transport and storage.
FIG. 13 is a top planar section view of a flexible flat fabric panel112 that incorporates the same design guidelines and materials as the flexible flat fabric panel12 FIG. 1. The panel length119, panel width118 and spring steel frame135 are modified for surface applications. The functionality of the panel112 however, is the same as panel12 FIG. 1 relative to resiliency, flexibility, structural support and configurability.
The difference between panel112 and panel12 relates to the pivot attachment interface and attachment means. Panel112 has a weight pockets120 attached to each panel end128. The pockets120 function as pivot attachment interfaces. A fabric pocket membrane117 is made of a flexible light weight material132 that may be different than the flexible light weight fabric131 of the fabric panel membrane130. A weight material140 functions as the attachment means.
FIG. 14 is an expanded top planar section view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 13 with weight pocket120 on the panel end128. A weight pocket pattern121 has a pocket exterior border122 that conforms to the panel end128. The pattern121 has an interior vertical border123 at a radially inward distance124 from the panel end128. The inward distance124 is a multiple of the semicircle radius115 FIG. 1. The pocket120 is cut to the pattern121 and sewn to the panel end128 and a portion of the vertical border123 with pocket stitching125. A weight pocket opening126 faces panel front edge129 and is not sewn to a fabric panel membrane130. The pocket opening126 allows a weight material140 to be placed in a pocket cavityl37. A solid weight material143 composed of small solid granules or small solid objects is placed in the cavityl137 or placed in a weight sleeve138 filled with the solid weight material143 that is placed in the cavity137 serves as the attachment means. The sleeve138 is a long tubular bag with a string on one end that keeps the weight material140 in the bag when the string is tightened. The sleeve138 provides a convenient way to place the weight material140 in the weight pocket120 and store the weight material140 when it is not in the pocket120. A liquid weight material144 is a fluid of fluid gel that is poured into a liquid weight bladder145 that is placed in the cavity137. The fluid in the bladder145 can be stored or emptied when not in use. For all categories of weight material140, the weight of the weight material140 provides enough weight mass to anchor the panel112 to a surface160 FIG. 18.
FIG. 15 is an expanded top planar section view of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 13 with a weight pocket120 on a panel end128 extending inward to a vertical border123 that extends from a panel front edge129 to a panel rear edge134. A pocket opening126 can be equal to or less than the vertical border123 length and placed anywhere along the vertical border123.
FIG. 16 is an expanded top planar view of one end the flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 15 with a liquid weight pocket139 on a panel end128 extending from a panel front edge129 to a panel rear edge134. The pocket139 has a pocket exterior border122 that conforms to the panel end128 and a vertical border123 radially inwards from the panel end128. A liquid weight pocket fabric membrane146 is made of a flexible light weight fabric131 with a built in liquid weight bladder145 made of a water proof flexible light weight material148. The bladder145 has a large mouth screw type opening149 that can be placed anywhere on the surface of the pocket fabric membrane146. A large mouth screw cap150 seals the bladder145 and provides access to the bladder opening149.
FIG. 17 is an expanded top planar section of one end of the flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 13 with a panel end128 inserted into a panel support slot171 of a trapezoid weight block170. The spring steel frame135 provides structural support to panel112 on its panel end28 line section A-A. The perimeter of the panel end28 matches the support slot internal perimeter173 increasing the contact area of the frame135 and the panel112 with the support slot171. The weight block170 is the attachment means that has the weight mass to anchor the panel112 to a surface160 FIG. 18. The weight block can be a solid weight material172 composed of heavy plastic, rubber or similar weight material140 or an empty container that can be filled with small solid granules or solid objects or it can be a sealed liquid container that holds liquids. In this embodiment, the weight block70 is an external component relative to the built-in weight pockets or liquid weight pockets.
FIG. 18 is a front view of flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 13 on surface160. The flexible flat fabric panel112 is in pop up flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration. Its panel ends128 face each other and sit on the surface160 with weight pockets120 filled with weight material140. The center of gravity for the panel112 is the weight material140 in the pocket cavities137 with point of support147 at the panel ends128 at the surface160. If the panel112 is tilted forward or backward, the panel ends128 rotate in the direction of the tilt and establish a new point of support147 on the panel end128 thereby keeping the panel112 deployed and anchored to the surface160. The flexible flat fabric panel112 is very flexible. Moving the weight pockets120 containing the weight material140 on the surface160 alters its canopy shade height151 and canopy shade width152 allowing the panel112 to adjust to various occupant, wind, surface and sun conditions.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view the flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 13 sitting on a sand surface160 held in place by a weight material140 in weight sleeves138. Flexible flat fabric panel112 is in pop up flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 13 sitting on a tailgate surface160 held in place by a weight bladder145 in liquid weight pockets139. Flexible flat fabric panel112 is in pop up flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of flexible flat fabric panel112 FIG. 13 sitting on a tailgate surface160 held in place by a weight blocks160. Flexible flat fabric panel112 is in pop up flexible canopy shade cover10 configuration

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A flexible canopy shade cover-F used for outdoor frame (F) mounting, comprising:

flexible light-weight fabric

shade pattern-F

shade cover-F

shade cover panel-F

spring-loaded steel frame

pivot points

grommets

spring-loaded clips

toggle cord

2. A flexible light-weight fabric that is durable, color fast, shade enhanced and UV50+ coated to serve as a surface cover for flexible canopy shade cover-F claim 1.

3. A shade pattern-F design made by connecting the ends of two extended semicircles each having radius r and extended length l. The width of the said pattern-F is 2 times the radius and the length is equal to the sum of 2 times the radius plus the extended length.

4. A shade cover-F surface defined by shade pattern-F of claim 3 using flexible light-weight fabric claim 2. The perimeter of said cover-F has a fabric sleeve sewn to it to encase a spring-loaded steel frame.

5. A spring-loaded steel frame constructed of a heavy gauge rod whose ends are connected by a steel sleeve to provide structural support and flexibility to shade cover-F claim 4. Said frame changes shape when a compressing force is applies to each end; it can be folded into stacked concentric circles for storage, lay flat as a frame for positioning, and pop into an arched canopy when its ends are brought together. Fiberglass, nylon, stainless steel, bamboo and various plastic polymer materials can be used as long as they are non-toxic, light-weight, flexible, strong and spring retention characteristics.

6. A shade cover panel-F comprising a spring loaded steel frame claim 5 enclosed in fabric sleeve of shade cover-F claim 4. Said panel-F assumes various functional shapes claim 5 for flexible canopy shade cover-F claim 1.

7. Pivot points are located on opposite ends of shade cover panel-F claim 6 at positions adjacent to spring loaded steel frame claim 5 on the perimeter of said panel-F claim 6. Said pivot points are aligned to each other at equal angular distances from the semicircle radius point of shade pattern-F claim 3. Holes are punched into said shade cover-F claim 4 to accept grommets. These locations are not fixed and vary depending upon mounting application.

8. Grommets are attached to shade cover panel-F claim 6 by aligning the female and male connectors over the pivot point holes claim 7 and compressing them. The diameter opening of said grommets allow clamping jaws to pass through them thereby attaching said panel-F claim 6 to a mounting frame. For this embodiment, Size 10 grommets are used. The grommets can be made of steel, brass, rubber or plastic polymer and have varied outline shapes. The pivotal and attachment functions are achieved utilizing the mounting frame as the attachment and pivot points, the grommets as a means to reach the pivot points and spring-loaded clips to make the attachments.

9. Spring-loaded clips have two clamping jaws whereby one jaw is inserted through the center of grommet claim 8 and the other jaw passes over the outside edge of frame of flexible shade cover panel-F claim 6 thereby attaching said grommet claim 8, a portion of said panel-F claim 6 and the enclosed section of spring loaded steel frame claim 5 of said panel-F claim 6 to a mounting frame. For this embodiment, said clips having a jaw opening of 4.0 cm and clamping depth of 4 cm. It would be more appropriate that the mounting frame have two rigid/semi-rigid attachment locations that are opposite and horizontal to each other and separated by a distance suitable to mount said panel-F claim 6. When said clips are inserted through the grommets claim 8 and attached to a mounting frame, the ends of said panel-F claim 6 are brought towards each other and said panel-F claim 6 pops into an arched canopy. The clamping jaws do not have to close entirely on the mounting frame as long as there is enough pressure to keep said panel-F claim 6 in place. For small dimension mounting frames, it would benefit if the jaws could attach to a supportive structure beyond the frame contact to be effective. The opening and depth of the clamping jaws should be large enough to attach to different mounting frames. Said clips can be moved to relocate or adjust flexible canopy shade cover-F claim 1 on mounting frame. Other clips, clamps or straps can be used, but spring loaded clips work well.

10. A toggle cord attached to top of shade cover panel-F claim 6 whose length can be adjusted using the toggle clamp thereby putting tension on the rear section of flexible canopy shade cover-F claim 1 to provide additional structural support and make fine horizontal adjustments.

11. A flexible canopy shade cover-S used for various outdoor surfaces (S), comprising:

shade pattern-S

weight pockets

shade cover-S

shade cover panel-S

weights

12. A shade pattern-S is identical to shade pattern-F claim 3 except weight pockets are added to each end of said pattern-S. The weight pocket design conforms to the semicircular perimeter ends of said shade pattern-S having a depth extending inward on a line from outside edge of said pattern-S and perpendicular to a line crossing said pattern-S defining the top of said pocket. A weight pocket opening faces the front of said pattern-S and sized to accept weights or weight sleeves. The design of weight pocket is proportional to the size of flexible canopy shade cover-S claim 11.

13. A shade cover-S has a surface area defined by shade pattern-S of claim 12 that uses special flexible light-weight fabric claim 2. The perimeter of said shade cover-S has a fabric sleeve sewn to it that encases a spring-loaded steel frame claim 5.

14. A shade cover panel-S is formed when spring loaded steel frame claim 5 is enclosed in the fabric sleeve of shade cover-S claim 13. Said panel-S assumes various functional shapes for flexible canopy shade cover claim 11.

15. Weight or weight sleeves are inserted into each weight pocket claim 12 of flexible shade cover panel-S claim 14 to anchor said panel-S claim 14 to a surface. Said weight or weighted sleeves are heavy enough to hold said panel-S claim 14 in place. The weight can be natural material or manmade. When the weighted ends of said panel-S claim 14 are brought together, said panel-S claim 14 pops into an arched canopy. To adjust the width, height and location of said flexible canopy shade cover-S claim 11, simply move said weight pockets on the surface to get the proper shape. The flexibility, ease of installation and adjustability of flexible canopy shade cover claim 11 provides improves shade and sun protection.