US20230083640A1

US20230083640A1 - Canopy conversion system

Info

Publication number: US20230083640A1
Application number: US17/887,853
Authority: US
Inventors: Jamie Tate
Original assignee: Beautification Co LLC
Current assignee: Beautification Co LLC
Priority date: 2021-09-15
Filing date: 2022-08-15
Publication date: 2023-03-16

Abstract

A canopy conversion system including a cover configured to extend around sides of a canopy frame and a plurality of rod mounts attached to the cover configured to horizontally mount one or more rods. The rod mounts may be spaced apart to allow curtains supported on the rods to be slidable between open and closed positions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/261,259, filed Sep. 15, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Mobile shade solutions include pop-up canopies. Pop-up canopies commonly include a metal frame with a canopy cover that attaches to the frame. These canopies are popular because the metal frames are sturdy and easy to pop-up, take down, and store when not in use. One of the ways in which these pop-up canopies are able to do so is because of a cross bar design that makes X shapes along the perimeter.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a canopy conversion system includes a cover having a securing band that extends allow an outer perimeter thereof that is configured to wrap around a perimeter of a canopy frame and secure thereto. The securing band may attach directly to the frame, or the system may further include or incorporate a securing strap configured to wrap around the perimeter of the frame and attach thereto wherein the securing band may further attach to the securing strap to secure to the frame. The securing strap may include a hook and loop, or other attachment structures configured to selectively attach to the securing band to secure the cover. Depending on the configuration, the securing band or securing strap may include hook and loop or other attachment structures configured to hold a rod that functions as a curtain rod. The rod may be collapsible. Curtains mounted on the rod may be slidable or fixed. The curtains may comprise privacy curtains and/or provide a curtain wall. The cover may be configured to fit frames having various different roof slopes or pitches. In one example, the cover has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may include the securing band at lower end and define an opening at an upper end. The upper portion may include a modular a canopy cap. The cap may be configured to hide the opening and allow the cover to be used with frame structures having varying slope/pitches. In one embodiment, the lower portion does not include an opening at an upper end and the canopy cover may or may not include a modular cap for positioning along the upper portion of the cover. The securing strap and securing band and cover may be provided in various sizes to fit the common pop-up canopy frame sizes. 8′×8′, 10′×10′, 10′×12′, 10′×20′, etc. Custom sizes may similarly be provided.
In one aspect, a canopy conversion system includes a securing strap configured to extend around sides of a canopy frame. A plurality of rod mounts may be attached to the securing strap and be configured to horizontally mount one or more rods. The rod mounts may be spaced apart to allow curtains supported on the rods to be slidable between open and closed positions.
The system may include a rod for mounting to the rod mounts. The rod may be collapsible.
The system may include one or more curtains for slidably mounting to one or more rods mounted to the rod mounts.
The system may further include a cover having a securing band including a securing strap attachment structure configured to removably attach to the cover attachment structure.
In one example, the cover may include an upper portion and the lower portion may define a central opening along an upper end. The upper portion may include a cap configured to removably couple with the lower portion over the central opening.
In one example, the securing strap cover attachment structure is configured for removably attaching the cover and may include a hook and loop material.
In one example, the system further includes a post cover comprising a sleeve configured to receive a frame post.
In another aspect, a canopy conversion method includes securing a strap around sides of a canopy frame and mounting one or more rods to one or more spaced apart rod mounts attached to the securing strap such that a curtain supported on the one or rods is slidable between open and closed positions.
In one example, the method also includes slidably mounting one or more curtains on the one or more rods.
In one example, the securing strap includes a cover attachment structure and the method may further include removably attaching a securing strap attachment structure located along a lower portion of a cover to the cover attachment structure. The cover may include an upper portion having a cap. The lower portion may define a central opening. The method may further include removably coupling the upper portion to the lower portion such that the cap covers the central opening.
In one example, the method also includes extending a frame post through a post cover comprising a sleeve.
In yet another aspect, a canopy conversion system includes a cover. The cover may include a lower portion configured to selectively attach to a canopy frame and defining a central opening dimensioned to receive a central portion of the frame therethrough. The cover may further include an upper portion comprising a cap. The upper portion may be configured to removably attach to the lower portion such that the cap covers the central opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the described embodiments are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The described embodiments, however, both as to organization and manner of operation, may be best understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A & 1B illustrate first and second sides of securing strap of a canopy conversion system according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 2A & 2B illustrate attachment of a rod to a securing strap of a canopy conversion system for mounting panels according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates mounting of a securing strap to a canopy frame according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4A illustrates coupling of a rod end to a rod mount according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 4B-4D illustrate isolated views of a segment of a securing strap according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates curtain panels mounted along the rods according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 6A & 6B illustrate curtains according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate example post covers according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cover according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cover according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates mounting a lower portion of a cover to a securing strap secured to a canopy frame according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 11A & 11B illustrate mounting an upper portion of a cover comprising a cap to a lower portion of a cover secured to a canopy frame wherein FIG. 11B depicts an assembled canopy on a frame according to various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 12A & 12B illustrate a rod attachment positioned along a securing band wherein FIG. 12B depicts a rod mounted to the securing band via the rod attachment according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 13A illustrates a cover attached to a canopy frame according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 13B illustrates an isolated view of a portion of the securing band of the cover illustrated in FIG. 13A according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 13C illustrates an isolated view of an embodiment of portion of a securing of a cover according to various embodiments described herein; and

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate various configurations of rod ends and rod mounts according to various embodiments described herein.

DESCRIPTION

Current canopy options are limited in aesthetics as well as functionality. For example, current canopy designs lack slidable panels as the frame design impedes the use of a functional curtain that slides along a rod to open and close for additional shading, privacy, and also beautification.
According to various embodiments, a canopy conversion system may be configured to transform a pop-up shade canopy into an event party tent or fancy exhibit booth with ease.
In one example, the canopy conversion system may include a securing strap that affixes to a pop-up canopy frame without requiring permanent changes to the existing frame or canopy. The securing strap may be configured to secure a functional and decorative cover over the frame. Additionally or alternatively, the securing strap may include rod mounts for mounting a rod configured to function as a curtain rod. When curtains are slidably mounted along the rod, the shade canopy has now been converted from merely an overhead shade into an event tent that now creates beautiful shade and privacy. Rod mounts may be positioned along a lower edge, inner side, or other location along the securing strap. The securing strap may be configured to secure to the frame via compression by wrapping around a perimeter of the frame and/or via frame attachments, such as fastening loops (e.g., via hook and loop, snaps, clips, or the like) or tie offs. In some embodiments, the securing strap may be configured to selectively attach to an existing cover or improved cover. For example, the securing strap may be configured to selectively attach to a lower perimeter of a cover, referred to herein as a securing band. The securing band may include securing strap attachment structures along an interior facing side of the securing band that attachably interface with cover attachment structures along an exterior facing side of the securing strap. In some embodiments, the securing strap may be provided with securing strap attachment structures that may be used to modify an existing cover. For example, sections of hook or loop material configured to be sewn or adhered to an interior facing side of a securing band may be provided and positioned by a user to interface with the cover attachment structures to secure the securing band of the cover to the securing strap. In one embodiment, the securing band includes one or more rod mounts along an exterior facing side or lower edge configured to mount curtain rods. The cover may include an opening at an upper end of the lower portion or may be continuous to an upper portion. The upper portion may include a modular cap configured to cover the opening or position over an integrated portion of the upper portion of the cover.
In another embodiment, rather than utilizing a securing strap, the canopy system may comprise a cover having a lower portion including a securing band extending around a perimeter of a lower end of the cover. The securing band may include frame attachment structures such as fastening loops (e.g., via hook and loop, snaps, clips, or the like) or tie offs along an interior facing side configured to selectively attach to a canopy frame. The securing band may include one or more rod mounts along an exterior facing side, lower edge, or interior facing side configured to mount curtain rods. The cover may include an opening at an upper end of the lower portion or may be continuous to an upper portion. The upper portion may include a modular cap configured to cover the opening or position over an integrated portion of the upper portion of the cover.
While the canopy conversion system is generally described herein for use with commonly available canopy frames, it is to be appreciated that various embodiments may also include such a frame. The present disclosure similarly contemplates a canopy system that includes or incorporates the canopy conversion system into a single apparatus and, thus, making it unnecessary to convert such a canopy system as the conversion is incorporated therein. Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates a canopy conversion system that includes a securing strap and/or rod mount structures for mounting a rod for supporting a curtain to modify a pre-existing frame and canopy.
FIGS. 1A-14C illustrate various features of a canopy conversion system 1 according to various embodiments wherein like numbers identify like features.
The canopy conversion system 1 may include a canopy 2 (FIG. 11B) or one or more components thereof, such as rod mounts 15 to supportively couple a rod 50 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B & 4 ) for slidably or fixedly mounting curtains 30 (see, e.g., FIG. 5 ); a securing strap 10 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A & 1B) for securing between a frame 40 and a cover 60 and/or supporting a rod mount 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6A & 6B); a cover 60 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 & 9 ) or portion thereof, e.g., an upper portion 67, which in some embodiments may include a cap 70, and/or a lower portion 66 including a securing band 65 along a lower end 66 a for attaching to a frame 40 and/or securing strap 10 and which may include frame attachment structures 17 and/or rod mounts 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13A & 13B); one or more post covers 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A-7D); or combination thereof. As noted above, in a conversion context, the frame 40 may be provided together with an above component, separately, or may be configured to utilize a pre-existing frame 40 wherein the canopy conversion system 1 may be used to modify the existing canopy product by replacing or augmenting a pre-existing canopy or one or more components thereof. In one embodiment, the canopy conversion system 1 includes a frame 60 in addition to a canopy 2 or one or more components thereof as described herein.
Further to the above, the canopy conversion system 1 may be configured for use with multiple types of canopy frames 40, including custom canopy frames 40. With general reference to FIG. 3 , canopy frames 40 typically include posts 42 a that position on a surface and support side members 42 b that define a perimeter of the frame 40. Side members 42 b typically couple to roof members 42 c that extend between and provide connections between the side members 42 b to form a roof supporting portion of the frame 40. Roof members 40 c are typically configured to support a grade along a cover 60 of a canopy 2 for water runoff and thus may extend to a height above the side members 42 b. The grade may be provided in various roof configurations. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the roof members 42 c include a prop rod 42 d that extends vertically to an elevated position relative to the side members 42 b. The prop rod 42 d may be positioned to contact and support a cover that drapes over the prop rod 42 d and extends to the side members 42 b without contacting additional roof members 42 c. In other configurations, roof members 42 c may extend at an upwardly directed angle from the side members 42 b toward the prop rod 42 d, see, e.g., FIGS. 10-11B. In this configuration, the roof members 42 c may be configured to contact and support all or a portion of the cover from the prop rod 42 d to the side members 42 b. As shown in FIG. 10 , the roof members 42 c do not extend to the upper end of the prop rod 42 d and, thus, a cover 60 may be supported on the prop rod 42 d and therefrom drape toward the side members 42 b while also contacting a portion of the elevated roof members 42 c. In other configurations, roof members 42 c may extend to the upper end or top of the prop rod 42 d or otherwise themselves form the prop rod 42 d at an intersection at or near a central portion of the frame 40. In such a configuration, a cover 60 may contact and be supported by the roof members 42 c from side members 42 b to the prop rod 42 d or central intersection of the roof members 42 c, in which case an upper profile of the frame 40 defined by the roof members 42 c may generally define the profile defined by the cover 60 when positioned over the frame 40. However, covers 60 of the present disclosure may also be provided that include rigid structures or integrated frames therein that determine, in whole or in part, the profile of the cover 60. In further configurations, frames 40 may include a prop rod 42 d and/or roof members 42 c along a central portion of the frame 40 configured to be selectively raised and lowered to thereby modifying a height of a central portion of the cover 60 supported thereon. In some embodiments described herein, a cover 60 may include or attach to a cap 70. Various configurations of caps 70 may be provided. For example, a cap 70 may include frame attachment structures, which may be similar to frame attachment structures 17 described with respect to the securing band 65 or securing strap 10 herein (see, e.g., FIG. 13B), configured to selectively attach to such a prop rod 42 d and/or roof members 42 c along the central portion of the frame 40. In some embodiments, caps 70 may be configured to selectively attach to a lower portion 66 of a cover 60 via interaction of cap attachment structures 61 b, 61 c (see, e.g., FIG. 9 ) in addition to or alternatively to mounting to a prop rod 42 d and/or roof member 42 c. In one embodiment, the cover 60 may be utilized with a frame 40 having a selectively raisable and lowerable prop rod 42 d and/or roof members 42 c along a central portion that attaches to and/or supports the cap 70 to raise and lower with the same, either while the cap 70 is attached to a lower portion 66 of the cover 60 or separated from the remainder of the cover 60 to change the height, profile, and/or provide ventilation. It will be appreciated that embodiments of a cover 60 that do not include a separate cap 70 as an upper portion 67 or in addition to an upper portion 67 integrated with a lower portion 66 (see, e.g., FIG. 8 ) may similarly be used with such a frame 40 or any other frame configuration. Similarly, cover embodiments wherein a cover 60 includes a lower portion 66 and a cap 70 (see, e.g., FIG. 9 ) may also be used with any frame configuration.
With particular reference to FIGS. 1A & 1B, the canopy conversion system 1 may include a securing strap 10 configured to secure to a frame 60, such as to side members 42 b. The securing strap 10 may include various attachment structures 12 such as self-fasteners 14, rod mounts 15 for mounting a rod 50, cover attachment structures 16 for attaching a cover 60, e.g., along a lower portion 66 or securing band 65, and/or frame attachment structures 17 (see FIG. 4D). The attachment structures 12 may include hook and loop, snaps, interference or press-fit, zip fasteners, clips, buttons, rail and groove, holes, slots, or other suitable attachment structures for securing the respective components. For example, cover attachment structures 16 may include expanses of hook and loop material along an exterior facing side 64 b of the securing strap 10 that correspond to securing strap attachment structures 61 a (see FIG. 9 ) comprising expanses of corresponding hook and loop material positioned along an interior facing side 64 a of a securing band 65. As described in more detail below, some embodiments may not utilize a securing strap 10 and may include a securing band 65 configured to directly attach to side members 42 b of a canopy frame 40. Such securing bands 65 may include attachment structures 12 and/or rod mounts 15 similar to those described herein with respect to the securing strap 10. Accordingly, those having skill in the art will appreciate that features described with respect to the securing strap 10 may apply similarly to embodiments of the canopy conversion system wherein the securing band 65 is configured to selectively attach directly to a canopy frame 40.
In various embodiments, the securing strap 10 comprises a length of material dimensioned to extend around a perimeter of a frame 60. For example, the length of the securing strap 10 may be configured to extend around all or a portion of a perimeter of a canopy 2 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8-11B) suitably dimensioned for use with various canopy frames 60, such as frame sizes of 8′×8′, 10′×10′, 10′×12′, 10′×20′, as well as any custom frame sizes.
FIG. 1A illustrates a first side 10 a of an exemplary securing strap 10 and FIG. 1B illustrates a second side 10 b of the securing strap 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing strap 10 includes segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d corresponding to four sides 4 a. 4 b, 4 c, 4 d of a canopy (see, e.g., FIG. 11B). The segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d may be configured to secure to a canopy frame 40, such by wrapping around side members 42 b and/or attaching to side members 42 b via frame attachment structures 17 (see FIG. 4D). While the illustrated securing strap 10 includes four continuous segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d, in some embodiments, one or more segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d may be separable, discontinuous, and/or subdivided.
In the illustrated embodiment, the securing strap 10 comprises attachment structures 12 that include self-fasteners 14 positioned at opposing ends 10 c, 10 d of the securing strap 10 for securing the ends 10 c, 10 d together. In one embodiment, self-fasteners 14 including corresponding mating structures, e.g., hook and loop, press-fit, rail and groove, clips, buttons, snaps, zip fasteners, threads, or the like, may be provided at the first and second ends 10 c, 10 d. Using the self-fasteners 14, the securing strap 10 may be secured around a perimeter of a canopy frame 40 (FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, self-fasteners 14 may include a tensioning mechanism such as buckles or overlappable material to modify the length of the perimeter of the securing strap 10 when the respective ends 10 c, 10 d are attached. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a self-securing segment 11 g is positionable over segment 11 d such that the self-fastener 14 at respective ends 10 c, 10 d attach. The self-fasteners 14 include corresponding hook and loop fasteners, but other attachment structures may be used, such as those identified above or elsewhere herein. The hook and loop material may extend various lengths, such as about 6 inches or longer, e.g., about 2 feet, to provide a secure self-fastening location to tightly compress and secure the securing strap 10 around the frame 40. The length of the self-fastener 14 may correspond to a length of the additional securing segment 11 g, when present. The self-fastener 14 may be configured such that the first end 10 c secures interiorly or exteriorly of the second end 10 d when mateably attached. When the self-fastener 14 attaches exteriorly of the second end 10 d and overlaps the segment 10 d at the second end 10 d, the first side 10 a of the securing segment 11 g may provide a portion of an attachment structure 12, such as a cover attachment structure 16, along the segment 11 d positioned at the second end 10 d.
In some embodiments, the securing strap 10 may include attachment structures 12 comprising frame attachment structures 17 (see FIG. 4D) to secure the securing strap 10 to the frame 40. Such frame attachment structures 17 may be in addition to or instead of self-fasteners 14. Frame attachment structures 17 may include those of the type described above and elsewhere herein. In one example, frame attachment structures 17 include expanses of mateable or tieable material, e.g., along the second side 10 b, that tie and or fasten to loop around and thereby receive side members 42 b to secure the securing strap 10 to the frame 40. For instance, frame attachment structures 17 may include one or more sets of two lengths of material that extend from the securing strap 10 that may be tied or snapped around side members 42 b or other frame members 42. The one or more sets of these loops may be provided, such as one or more sets along one or more segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d or one or more sets along each segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d.
With further reference to FIGS. 2A & 2B, in various embodiments, a securing strap 10 may include one or more fasteners or attachments for mounting accessories such as a rod 50 for a curtain 30 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6A & 6B. Rod mounts 15 may include attachment structures 12 suitable for supportively mounting a rod 50 along one or more segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d of the securing strap 10, corresponding to canopy sides 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d. With further reference to FIGS. 13A-13C, various embodiments of a cover 60 may include one or more rob mounts 15 positioned along the lower portion 66. For example, rod mounts 15 may be provided along a lower edge 65 c or exterior facing side 64 b of a securing band 65 configured to selectively attach to a securing strap 10. Embodiments comprising a securing band 65 configured to directly attach to side members 42 b without the use of a securing strap 10 may include rod mounts 15 along an exterior facing side 64 b, interior facing side 64 a, or lower edge 65 c.
Rod mounts 50 may be beneficially spaced apart to allow curtains 30 to be hung from a rod 50 and thereon be slidably mounted to allow the curtains 30 to be translated between open and closed positions. For example, rod mounts 15 may include one or more rod end mount 15 a positioned at ends 11 b′, 11 b″ of one or more segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d of a securing strap 10 or segment ends 65 a, 65 b of a securing band 65 corresponding to sides of the cover 60. Rod mounts 15 may also include one or more intermediate rod mounts 15 b positioned at intermediate locations, for example along an intermediate portion 11 b′″, between ends 11 b′, 11 b″ of one or more segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. In some embodiments, rod end mounts 15 a may be positioned along intermediate portions of a securing strap 10 or securing band 65, e.g., to mount one or more rods 50 partially along a side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d of the canopy 2.
Intermediate rod mount 15 b may be positioned along intermediate portions of a segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d or side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d. Intermediate rod mounts 15 b may be utilized to support an intermediate rod portion 52 or a rod end 51. For example, multiple rods 50 may be used to span all or a portion of a length a side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d of the canopy 2 or a corresponding segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d and rod end mounts 15 a and intermediate rod mounts 15 b may be provided to supportively mount rod ends 51. Various other configurations may also be utilized. For example, rod end mounts 15 a may be shared, joined, or separate.
Example rod mounts 15 include loops, clamps, or sockets that supportively receive a rod 50. Rod mounts 15 may be configured to press-fit rods 50, such as in a socket or clamp. Loops may include full or partial loops of material, such as grommets or fabric strips into which rods 50 may be inserted, hooks to hook through or around rods 50. Rod mounts 15 comprising loops may include sleeves, such as those depicted in FIGS. 1A-2B, 4C, & 13C with respect to intermediate rod mounts 15 b, configured to slidably receive rods 50 through an opening and support intermediate rod portions 52. Rod mounts 15 comprising loops may include grommets, with respect to rod end mounts 15 a (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-4D& 13A-13C) or intermediate rod mounts 15 b (see, e.g., FIG. 4D). Loop openings for intermediate rod mounts 15 b will typically be larger than the outer perimeter defined by rods 50 to allow rod ends 51 to slide through the openings to rod end mounts 15 a. Rod mounts 15 may also include mating structures that mate with corresponding mating structures attached to rod ends 51 or intermediate rod portions 52. The rod end mounts 15 a may secure to rod ends 51, e.g., via a clamp, press-fit, fastener, or the like, or may passively hold a rod 15 such that it remains supportively mounted due to gravity. In some embodiments, rods 50 may include a cap or obstruction type fitting or dimension that prevents a rod 50 from being unintentionally removed from the rod mount 15, for example as described with respect rod end mount 15 a to FIG. 4A.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A & 2B, wherein FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of a securing strap 10 with mounted rods 50 and FIG. 2B illustrates an isolated view of a segment 11 b of the securing strap 10 having a mounted rod 50, the securing strap 10 includes one or more rod mounts 15 comprising a loop through which the rod 50 may be extended and thereon supportively mounted. The rod mounts 15 extend from a lower edge 10 e of each side segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. With particular reference to the isolated view provided in FIG. 2B, rod end mounts 15 a are provided at first and second ends 11 b′, 11 b″ of the segment and an intermediate rod mount 15 b is provided along an intermediate portion 11 b′″ of the segment 11 b. The rod 50 is extended through the rod end mounts 15 a and intermediate rod mount 15 b to thereon supportively mount the rod 50 at rod ends 51 and along an intermediate portion 52. Curtains 30 (FIGS. 6A& 6B) may include loops, sleeves, rings, or other suitable slidable structures that slidably mount to the rod 50. The rod mounts 15 may be spaced apart a distance to allow curtains 30 to be slid along the rod 50, e.g., between the ends 11 b′, 11 b″ of a segment 11 b and/or between the intermediate portion 11 b′″ and the respective ends 11 b′, 11 b″.
Various rod 50 configurations may be used. For instance, multiple rods 50 may be used, e.g., one for each segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d or one for two segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. FIG. 2A illustrates assembly of the securing strap 10 and rod 50 wherein four rods 50 are mounted along the lower edge 10 e of the securing strap 10, one rod 50 per segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. In another example, two rods 50 may be used per segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. In one such embodiment, an intermediate portion 11 b′″ of the segment 11 b includes one or more intermediate rod mounts 15 b to attach to an end of each rod. In a further example, the ends of the rods 50 may overlap along the central portion to increase the proximity the corresponding ends of the curtains 30 mounted along the rods 50 may translate toward or beyond each other. Rod mount 15 and rod 50 configurations described above and elsewhere herein may be similarly utilized with respect to securing bands 65 configured for attachment to securing straps 10 or directly to frames 40.
As noted above, rod mounts 15 may include various attachment or mounting structures. Loops, clips, clamps, or openings for receiving a rod 50, e.g., may comprise a fixed structure, openings defined by a continuous or discontinuous border, or may include secondary attachment structures that attach ends of material. For example, a rod mount 15 may include two strips of material, each having a corresponding mating structure, such as hook and loop, snaps, or clips, configured to mate to the other to form a loop to receive a rod 50. In another example, a rod mount 15 includes a hook that hooks through a hole in a rod 50 or material coupled to the rod 50 that includes the hole, lip, hook, or other suitable site for coupling with the hook. A rod mount 15 comprising a hook may be configured to support a rod 50 within a bend portion of the hook. In a further example, a closure latch may be provided that selectively spans a gap between the bend tip and shank of a hook. In one embodiment, rod mounts 15 may include c-shaped clips or other clips for supportively coupling a rod 50. In one example, clips may be configured to compress against a rod 50 or may include a groove dimensioned to receive a length of a rod 50 such that the rod 50 is compressibly retained within the groove or prevented from being unintentionally removed from the groove by a restrictive sized opening.
As introduced above, rod mounts 15 may include or cooperatively utilize mating structures associated with rod 50, such as hook and loop, press-fit, snaps, zip fasteners, buttons, rail and groove, holes, slots, threads, or the like. The mating structures may mate directly with rod mounts 15 or may be configured to retain rod ends 51 in a supportively mounted state with respective rod mounts 15. FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a rod end mount 15 a configured to supportively couple to a rod end 51. The rod end 51 may include or be configured to integrate with an end cap 53. As shown, the rod end 51 includes mating structure 53 a configured to mate with a corresponding mating structure 53 b of the end cap 53 to retain the supportive mounting of the rod end 51 and the rod mount 15. In particular, the rod end 51 includes a mating structure 53 a comprising threads configured to threadably mate with a corresponding mating structure 53 b of end cap 53 comprising a nut, which may be a wingnut, threaded socket, or the like. The rod end mount 15 a includes a slot or 15 c opening, which is illustrated as a grommet, for receiving the rod end 51 along arrow A. End cap 53 mating structure 53 b may then be positioned along arrow B relative to mating structure 53 a and thereon be rotated to mate therewith. Once mated, the size of the end cap 53 relative to the opening 15 c obstructs the rod end 51 from being pulled through the opening 15 c. The illustrated socket of mating structure 53 b incorporates the end cap 53 to cover the threaded ends of mating structure 53 a. FIG. 14A illustrates a rod end 51 of another rod configuration that may be utilized with rod end mount 15 a shown in FIG. 4A-4D and FIGS. 13A-13C. The illustrated rod end 51 includes mating structure 53 a comprising threads configured to threadably mate with mating structure 53 b of end cap 53 having a larger outer dimension than opening 15 c, thereby preventing end cap 53 from being pulled from the opening 15 c when mated. When mated, rod end 51 extends beyond the end cap 53. To prevent damay extend from the far end of end cap 53 when mated that may damage the cover 60. The end cap 53 may be provided with further a protective capping portion configured to position over the rod end 51 or protruding threads of the mating structure 53 a extending beyond mating structure 53 b when the two are mated. In another embodiment, the end of the mating structure 53 a may be provided as dull surface that limits the ability of the rod end 51 from snagging or tearing the securing strap 10, cover 60, or securing band 65. Other mating structures 53 a, 53 b may also be used. For example, a mating structure 53 b may comprise a clip configured to clip into a groove formed in a rod end 51. As another example, mating structure 53 a may comprise a socket configured to receive mating structure 53 b or rod end 51. For example, FIG. 14A illustrates a mating structure 53 a comprising a c-clamp ring configured to receive rod end 51 through an elastomeric restrictive opening. FIG. 14C illustrates a mating structure 53 a comprising an elongate groove configured to receive and press-fit with rod end 51. In another embodiment, the rod end mount 15 a includes an opening 15 c having a selectably contractable perimeter or reducible diameter configured to compress against or otherwise block the rod end 51 or end cap 53 thereon from being unintentionally pulled from the opening 15 c. FIG. 4A illustrates a single rod end mount 15 a along a segment 11 a. In some embodiments, a rod end mount 15 a may similarly be provided for segment 11 b. The rod 50 and rod mount 15 configuration described herein with respect to FIG. 4A, as well as those described with respect to FIGS. 4B-4D, may similarly be utilized with respect to securing bands 65, such as the securing band 65 embodiments shown in FIGS. 13A-13C.
The rod mount 15 illustrated in FIG. 4A functions as an end rod mount 15 a and includes a support configured to support the opening 15 c for receiving a rod 50 and couple it to the securing strap 10. As illustrated, the support of the rod mount 15 comprises a tab or strip of material, such as nylon, that supports the opening 15 c and attaches to the securing strap 10, which is shown to be along a corner seam 11 f. However, in other embodiments, similar rod mounts 15 may be provided at other locations along the securing strap 10. For example, such rod mounts 15 may be positioned spaced apart from ends 10 c, 10 d to receive rod ends 51 at intermediate positions and/or include openings 15 c sized to slidably receive rods 50 to support intermediate portions of rods and thus function as intermediate rod mounts 15 b (see, e.g., FIG. 4D). In another configuration, the mating structure 53 a, such as threads, may mate to a corresponding mating structure associated with the rod mount 15, such as corresponding threads defined within opening 15 c. In some embodiments, rod ends 51 may compress against or within rod mounts 15 to thereby retain the rod end 51. In one example, rod ends 51 may press-fit in rod end mounts 15 a.
FIGS. 4B-4D illustrate example variations of rod mounts 15 configurations along a segment 11 b. FIG. 4B illustrates a securing strap segment 11 b including rod end mounts 15 a similar to that described with respect to FIG. 4A positioned at ends 11 b′, 11 b″ and along intermediate portion 11 b′″. However, in other configurations, the rod end mounts 15 a positioned along intermediate portion 11 b′″ may be configured as intermediate rod mounts. Either or both rod end mounts 15 a along the intermediate portion 11 b′″ may receive a rod end 51, which may include a rod end 51 of different rods 50 that extend from a same or different ends 11 b′, 11 b″ of the segment 11 b. Rod ends 51 may press-fit, couple via mating structures, similar to that described with respect to FIG. 4A, or otherwise securely position with respect to rod end mounts 15 a. In some embodiments, the positioning or positionability of the rod end mounts 15 a along intermediate portion 11 b″ and/or a distance therebetween may be configured to allow each to mount different rod ends 51 extending from different ends 11 b′, 11 b″ such that portions of the rod ends 51 available to curtains overlap to allow curtains supported thereon to similarly overlap. In other embodiments, rod end mounts 15 a along intermediate portion 11 b′″ may position adjacent to each other such that portions of rod ends 51 available to curtains do not overlap. FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment similar to that described with respect to FIG. 4B but that includes an intermediate rod mount 15 b similar to that described with respect to FIG. 2B comprising a sleeve for receiving a rod 50 that is positioned along the height dimension of the securing strap 10 rather than along a lower edge 10 e. FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment similar to that described with respect to FIG. 4B but having rod mounts 15 positioned along a lower edge 10 e similar to the embodiments described with respect to FIG. 2B and including intermediate rod mounts 15 b along intermediate portion 11 b″′. In various embodiments, the intermediate rod mounts 15 b may be any suitable type of mount, such as those described herein. As shown, the intermediate rod mounts 15 b include loops or sockets, such as grommets, for receiving a rod 50. While two intermediate rod mounts 15 b are shown, in some embodiments, a single or no intermediate rod mount 15 b may be provided. The intermediate rod mounts 15 b are shown spaced apart. In use, either or both intermediate rod mounts 15 b may receive a single intermediate rod portion 52 to support the same.
In some embodiments, rod mounts 15 may be separate from the strap 10 and/or cover 60, such as separate from the lower portion 66 or securing band 65 thereof and may attach to the frame 40. For example, in one aspect, the canopy conversion system 1 may include a plurality of rod mounts 15 configured to selectively attach to a canopy frame 40, e.g., to frame members 42 such as side members 42 b and/or roof members 42 c and thereon supportively couple to a rod 50. Such rod mounts 15 may include frame fasters 17 similar to those described herein attached to rod mounts 15 similar to those described herein.
In the illustrated embodiments, the rods 50 are segmented to allow them to be broken down for storage. Various configurations of rods 50 may be used. For example, rods 50 may be of a continuous, fixed length. Rods 50 may be collapsible, selectively extendable, or modular. For example, rods 50 may be configured to be broken down into shorter lengths for storage, transport, or customization of length. Such rods 50 may include telescoping or nestable segments. Such rods 40 may include modular segments having mateable ends that may be threaded, snapped, pressed, or otherwise slotted together. In the illustrated embodiment, the rods 50 comprise collapsible tent poles coupled by an elastic rope and having nestable ends.
FIG. 3 illustrates securing of the securing strap 10 shown in FIG. 2A to a canopy frame 40. The securing strap 10 may wrap around a perimeter of the frame 40 and therearound be attached at ends 10 c, 10 d as described above. A rod 50, which may include multiple rods 50, may be supportively mounted to the securing strap 10 by rod mounts 15 as described herein (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A & 2B) before or after mounting the securing strap 10 to the frame 40.
As introduced above, various embodiments of a securing strap 10 may include one or more attachment structures 12 for attaching to accessories. For example, the canopy conversion system 2 may include a securing strap 10 configured to selectively attach to a securing band 65 of a cover 60 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9-11B). Cover attachment structures 16 may include any suitable attachment structures for attaching a cover 60 to the securing strap 10. Example cover attachment structures 16 include the attachment structures described above and elsewhere herein, such as clips, snaps, buttons, hooks, clamps, ties, threading, hook and loop, or rail and groove, positioned along the securing strap 10 for fastening to the securing band 65. The securing band 65 may include securing strap attachment structures 61 a configured to selectively attach to the securing strap 10. Securing strap attachment structures 61 a and cover attachment structures 16 may be configured to removably attach or mate along the first or second side 10 a, 10 b of the securing strap 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, cover attachment structures 16 are provided along the first side 10 a and include hook material configured to mate with corresponding loop material positioned along an interior facing side 64 a of the securing band 65. It is to be appreciated that the hook material may similarly be positioned along the securing band 65 and the loop material may be positioned along the securing strap 10. The cover attachment structures 16 are illustrated as being continuous along each segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d to provide a secure attachment along the length and a provide a flush appearance. However, in some embodiments, cover attachment structures 16 may not be provided continuously along each side.
As introduced above, the canopy conversion system 1 may include or be configured to incorporate curtains 30. With further reference to FIG. 5 illustrating curtains 30 supported along rods 50 according to one configuration and FIGS. 6A & 6B illustrating isolated views of exemplary 30, curtains 30 may slidably mount along rods 50 as to be slidable toward ends of respective sides 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d of the canopy 2 or segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d along which they extend. Various curtain configurations may be used. For example, a side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d corresponding to sides of the securing band 65 or segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d of the securing strap 10 may be associated with two curtain 30 panels. In one example, each curtain 30 panel is also shared with another side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d or segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. For instance, in FIG. 5 , curtain 30 panels span corners 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d of the canopy 2 and may be pulled therefrom to meet or approximate an adjacent curtain 30 panel along a same side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d or segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. In some embodiments, curtains 30 are configured to be slidable away from respective corner 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d or ends of segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. In one embodiment, two or more curtain 30 panels may be slidably mounted along a single side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d or segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d without spanning a corner 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d of the canopy 2. In another example, a single curtain 30 panel may slidably mount along a side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d or segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. or may be separate. The number of curtain 30 panels provided may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the canopy conversion system 1 includes one or more panels for use along a single side 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d or segment 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. While in other embodiments, the canopy conversion system 1 includes one or more panels for use along multiple sides 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d or segments 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d. Inclusion of curtains 30 and/or number of curtains 30 may be optional. In some embodiments, curtains 30 are not slidably mounted and therefore operate as curtain walls when used.
Curtains 30 may be provided with curtain supports 31 for mounting to rods 50, preferably slidably. Supports 31 may include loops such as curtain rings or other openings or slots for receiving rods 50. Curtains may include sashes 32 for tying the curtains 30 back, together, or to a frame post 42 a. In some embodiments, curtains may include loops, slots, clips, sleeves, or other coupling structures for receiving or attaching to frame posts 42 a to stabilize a position of the curtain or provide a post cover.
FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate various examples of a post cover 20. Post covers 20 may be optionally provided to hide frame posts 42 a and/or improve esthetics. Post covers 20 may generally include a sleeve of natural or synthetic fabric or other material. With reference to FIGS. 7A & 7B, one or more sashes 22 or ties may be provided between ends 20 a, 20 b to tie-off the post cover 20 in a decorative manner. With further reference to FIG. 7D, sashes 21 may include bows 23. Post covers 20 may also include attachment structures 21 configured to selectively attach to a canopy frame 40, such as to side members 42 b or roof members 42 c, securing band 65, or to the securing strap 10, e.g., to a corresponding attachment structure. In various s embodiments, the attachment structure 21 may be any suitable fastener for attaching the post cover 20 relative to the canopy 2 or frame 40, such as any of those described herein, e.g., hook and loop, press-fit, rail and groove, snaps, clips, buttons, zip fasteners, threads, holes, slots, or the like. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7B-7D, the attachment structures 21 include strips of material along ends 20 a for tying-off to side or roof members 42 b, 42 c. Post covers 20 may also include one or more reduced circumferences 24 to provide variation in contours along the length of a post 42 a. FIG. 7C, for example, includes a reduced circumference along end 20 a and between end 20 a and 20 b. An upper portion provides a bulbous profile while a lower portion provides a flowing skirt. In some embodiments, post covers may include an expanse of material that may be wrapped around a post 42 a or having ends that may be coupled to form a sleeve for receiving or wrapping around a post 42 a.
As introduced above, and with particular reference to FIGS. 8-11B, the canopy conversion system 1 may include a cover 60 configured to position over a frame 40. The cover 60 may be constructed of various natural and/or synthetic fabrics or materials. For example, the cover 60 may be fabricated from cotton, nylon, polyester, knits, blends, or other suitable materials. In some configurations, the cover 60 may be selected to provide UV protection via the blocking ability provided by the structure or thickness of the cover material. In one example, the cover 60 may include a UV protective coating. In these or other examples, the cover 60 may include an antimicrobial coating to prevent formation of mildew.
In embodiments wherein the cover 60 is configured to selectively attach to a securing strap, the securing band 65 may include securing strap attachment structures 61 a configured to selectively attach to the securing strap 10. Securing strap attachment structures 61 a may be as described above or elsewhere herein. The securing strap attachment structures 61 a may be configured to selectively attach to corresponding attachment structures provided along the securing strap 10.
In various embodiments, the cover 60 may be configured to secure to a frame 40. For example, an underside 63 of the cover 60 may include frame attachment structures 17 for selectively attaching to the frame 40, e.g., to side members 42 b and/or roof members 42 c. Such frame attachment structures 17 may include attachment structures such as mating structures, tie-offs, or other suitable mating structures, such as those described herein, for attaching to the frame 60. As described herein, the cover 60 may secure to the frame 40 via the securing band 65, which may include attachment to the securing strap 10 or, in some embodiments, attachment directly to the frame 40 via frame attachment structures. In one embodiment, wherein the securing band 65 is configured to selectively attach to a securing strap 10, one of the securing band 65 or another portion of the lower portion 66 or the upper portion 67 may include a frame attachment structure 17 configured to selectively attach directly to a frame member 42. In another embodiment wherein the securing band 65 is configured to selectively attach to a frame 40 without the use of a securing strap 10, the securing band 65 includes frame attachment structures 17 configured to selectively attach to side members 42 b. In a further embodiment, another portion of the lower portion 66 or upper portion 67 of the cover 60 may also include one or more frame attachment structures 17 configured to selectively attach to the frame 40, such as to one or more of a post 42 a, side member 42 b, roof member 42 c, or prop rod 42 d.
Additionally or alternatively to securing to the frame 40, in various embodiments, the cover 60 and securing strap 10 may be configured to be selectively attachable. For example, sides 64 of the cover 60 may be configured to selectively attach to the securing strap 10. The securing band 65 may include securing strap attachment structures 61 a (shown in ghost) positioned to attach to the securing strap 10. The securing strap attachment structures 61 a may be configured to selectively attach to corresponding cover attachment structures 16 provided along the securing strap 10. Securing strap attachment structures 61 a, for example, may be positioned along interior facing sides 64 a of the securing band 65, which in some embodiments may include perimeter edges 64 c, as exemplified in FIGS. 8 & 9 . In the illustrated embodiment, the securing band 65 is configured to extend over and thereby overlap the securing strap 10 while the securing strap attachment structures 61 a attach to the securing strap 10 at corresponding cover attachment structures 16. While the cover 60 may be configured to selectively attach to the frame 40 without coupling to the securing strap 10, the cover 60 in the illustrated embodiments is configured to selectively attach to the securing strap 10, and may optionally be configured to further attach to the frame 40, either to side members 42 b or to roof members 42 c for suitably configured frames 40. As noted elsewhere herein, in some embodiments, the canopy conversion system 1 may comprise a securing strap 10 for use with an existing frame and cover. The securing strap 10 may be used to support a rod 50 and/or securing band 65. In one embodiment, the securing strap 10 may be used to selectively attach to a suitably configured existing cover.
In various embodiments, the cover 60 may be configured to position over the top of the frame 40 and thereon define various conical or pyramidal shaped profiles according to the frame structure or rigidity of the cover 60. In some embodiments, the cover 60 is configured to define a frustum when positioned over the frame 40 wherein a central portion or peak of the frame 40 extends between an inner perimeter defined by the cover 60. As noted above, various configurations of frames 40 are in use. As such, the cover 60 of the canopy conversion system 1 may be configured to fit frames that have various “roof” slopes or pitches, which is typically a product of the particular configuration of prop rod 42 d and/or roof members 42 c of the frame 40. In one configuration, the cover 60 may comprise additional material to fit multiple frames 40 having various roof slopes or pitches. In one such example, the additional material may be cinched, folded over, draped, or overlapped when not needed. In some embodiments, a lower portion 66 of the cover 60 may be continuous with an upper portion 67 of the cover 60, an example of which is generally depicted in FIG. 8 . In another embodiment, a lower portion 66 of the cover 60 may be discontinuous or selectively separable from an upper portion 67 of the cover 60. For example, the cover 60 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes an upper portion 67 comprising a cap 70 and a lower portion 66 defining an opening 66 c along an upper end 66 b of the lower portion 66. The opening 66 c allows various configurations of roof members 42 c and/or a prop rod 42 d to extend therethrough. The cap 70 is configured to position over the opening 66 c in central portion and be supported by the roof members 42 c and/or a prop rod 42 d to accommodate various roof sloops or pitches provided by various frame configurations. In some embodiments, multiple caps 70 having different dimensions and arrangements may be provided to allow a user to customize the profile of the upper portion 67 and/or increase the adaptability of the cover 60 for a variety of frame configurations.
In some embodiments, the cap 70 may be configured to overlap or overhang the lower portion 66 without attaching thereto. In other embodiments, such that shown in the example illustrated in FIG. 9-11B, the cap 70 and lower portion 66 may be configured to removably attach to the lower portion 66. For example, the cover 60 may include cap attachment structures 61 b, 61 c configured to removably attach the lower portion 66 and the cap 70. Cap attachment structures 61 b, 61 c may include hook and loop, snaps, interference or press-fit, zip fasteners, clips, buttons, rail and groove, threads, holes, slots, or other suitable attachment structures for securing the lower portion 66 and upper portion 67 or cap 70 to either the lower portion 66 or portion of the upper portion 67, as the case may be. In the illustrated embodiment, a cap attachment structure 61 b is positioned along the lower portion around a perimeter of the opening 66 c. A corresponding cap attachment structure 61 c (shown in ghost) is provided along an underside of the cap 70. In some embodiments, cap attachment structures 61 b, 61 c may be provided at different locations or multiple cap attachment structures 61 b, 61 c may be provided along the lower portion 66 and/or cap 70 to allow attachment at different locations to accommodate different frame configurations. The illustrated cap attachment structures 61 b, 61 c comprise hook and loop material, but other attachment structures may be used. Additionally, the location of the cap attachment structures 61 b, 61 c may also be modified.
As introduced above, and with particular reference to FIGS. 12A-13C, the canopy conversion system 2 may include a cover 60 including a securing band 65 positioned at a lower end 66 a of a lower portion 66 of the cover 60. The securing band 65 may be configured to directly attach to frame members 42 of a canopy frame 40, such as to side members 42 b. Rod mounts 15 may be positioned along an interior facing side 64 a, exterior facing side 64 b, perimeter edge 64 c, seam 66 d, or lower edge 65 c of the lower portion 66 or securing band 65 thereof. FIGS. 12A & 12B illustrate a portion of an interior facing side 64 a of a securing band 65 including a rod mount 15. The rod mount 15 comprises to a loop including two strips of material, each having an attachment structure 12 configured to selectively attach to the other. As shown in FIG. 12A, the attachment structures 12 include hook and loop material; however, other attachment structures may be used, such as those described herein. FIG. 12B illustrates a rod 50 positioned within an opening 15 c formed between the two strips of material after the attachment structures 12 have been mated. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod mount 15 comprises an intermediate rod mount 15 b configured to support an intermediate portion 52 of a rod. In another embodiment, rod mounts 15 may be positioned along an exterior facing side 64 b of the lower portion 66 or securing band 65 thereof. In a further embodiment, an additional piece of material extends from the perimeter edge 64 c of the securing band 65 to hang down and cover the rod mounts 15 to block the mounts from view from the exterior side of the canopy 2.
FIG. 13A illustrates an embodiment wherein the securing band 65 is selectively attached directly to the frame members 42. FIG. 13B illustrates an isolated view of the interior facing side 64 a of the securing band 65 without a rod 50 or attachment to frame members 42. Rod end mounts 15 a are provided at segment ends 65 a, 65 b and are configured similarly to rod end mounts 15 a described with respect to FIG. 4A. The rod end mounts 15 a are provided along seams 66 d. However, in some embodiments rod end mounts 15 a may be provided elsewhere. Intermediate rod mount 15 b is configured as described with respect to FIGS. 12A & 12B. The securing band 65 also includes frame attachment structures 17 comprising tie-offs; however, other frame attachment structures 17 may be used, such as loop fasteners comprising selectively attachable strips of material, clips, clamps, press-fit slots dimensioned to receive frame members 42, or the like. The cover 60 is illustrated as including an integrated upper portion 67. In some embodiments, the cover 60 further include a cap 70 configured to position over the upper portion 67 of the cover 60. In another embodiment, the cover 60 may comprise an opening 66 c along an upper end 66 b of the lower portion 66 and the cover 60 may further include a cap 70 configured to cover the opening 66 c, for example, utilizing a configuration similar to that described herein with respect to FIG. 9-11B. While curtains or post covers are not shown, various embodiments of the canopy conversion system may further comprise one or more curtains that mount to curtain rods supported on the rod supports 15 and/or one or more post covers configured to cover post 42 a. The rod mounts 15 may be provided in various configurations as described above. FIG. 13C illustrates a configuration wherein the rod mounts 15 are positioned along the lower edge 65 c of the securing band 65. The rod end mounts 15 a may be similar to those described with respect to FIG. 4A and the intermediate rod support 15 b may have a sleeve configuration configured to slidably receive a rod 50 similar to that described above. The securing band 65 typically comprises a continuous length of material that forms a perimeter along a lower end 66 b of a lower portion 66 of a cover 60. However, in some embodiments, the securing band 65 may be configured to include two or more selectively attachable and detachable ends, e.g., via ties, clips, snaps, hook and loop, or other suitable attachments structures. While the securing band 65 will typically be integral with the low-er portion 66, it is contemplated that that an upper end of the lower portion 66 may attach to the securing band, e.g., via ties, clips, snaps, hook and loop, or other suitable attachment structures fasteners.
In various embodiments, a method of converting a canopy system includes extending a securing strap 10 around side members 42 b of a frame 40 (see, e.g., FIG. 3 ) and attaching the securing strap 10 to itself via self-fasteners 14 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1A & 1B) and/or to the side members 42 b via frame attachment structures 17. In the above or another embodiment, the method may include mounting a rod 50 to the securing strap 10 via rod mounts 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A, 12A & 12B). In the above or another embodiment, the method may include mounting one or more curtains 30 on the rod 50 (FIG. 5 ). The one or more curtains 30 may be slidably mounted on the rod 50 or fixed. The one or more curtains 30 may be mounted to span a corner or position along all or a portion of a single side of the canopy 2. In any of the above or another embodiment, the method may include covering one or more posts 42 a with one or more post covers 20 (FIGS. 7A-7D). In any of the above or another embodiment, the method may include mounting a cover 60 to the frame 40. The cover 60 may be mounted to the frame 40 directly along a securing band 65 utilizing frame attachment structures 17 for attachment to frame members 42 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13A-13C) and/or indirectly via attachment to the securing strap 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 10 ). For example, cover attachment structures 16 positioned along the securing strap 10 may be interfaced with securing strap attachment structures 61 a positioned along the securing band 65 In a further embodiment, the method includes positioning a cap 70 over an opening 66 c in a lower portion 66 of the cover 60 (FIGS. 11A & 11B). Roof members 42 c and/or a prop rod 42 d may extend through the opening 66 c and the cap 70 may be positioned over the roof members 42 c and/or prop rod 42 d. In a further example, the method includes fastening the cap 70 to the lower portion 66. Fastening the cap 70 to the lower portion may include fastening a cap attachment structure 61 b positioned along an upper end 66 b of the lower portion 66 to a corresponding cap attachment structure 61 c positioned on the cap 70.
The canopy conversion system 1 may include additional features. For example, in some embodiments, a securing strap 10 may be configured to wrap around an exterior facing side 64 b of a securing band 65 via attachment structures or wrapping compression. The securing strap 10 may include decorative features such as bunting or draperies. The securing strap 10 may include rod mounts 15 along its exterior side for mounting curtain rods. In one embodiment, the cover 60 includes a decorative lining and/or bunting along an underside 63.
This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional embodiments not expressly set forth in this specification. Such embodiments may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments described in this specification.
The grammatical articles “one”, “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, the articles are used in this specification to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to “at least one”) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, “a component” means one or more components, and thus, possibly, more than one component is contemplated and may be employed or used in an application of the described embodiments. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise. Additionally, the grammatical conjunctions “and” and “or” are used herein according to accepted usage. By way of example, “x and y” refers to “x” and “y”. On the other hand, “x or y” refers to “x”, “y”, or both “x” and “y”, whereas “either x or y” refers to exclusivity.
Any numerical range recited herein includes all values and ranges from the lower value to the upper value. For example, if a concentration range is stated as 1% to 50%, it is intended that values such as 2% to 40%, 10% to 30%, 1% to 3%, or 2%, 25%, 39% and the like, are expressly enumerated in this specification. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values and ranges between and including the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application. Numbers modified by the term “about,” “approximately,” or similar are intended to include +/−10% of the number modified.
The present disclosure may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be had to the following claims rather than the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention. Further, the illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A canopy conversion system, the system comprising:

at least a lower portion of a cover comprising securing band, wherein the securing band is configured to extend around sides of a canopy frame; and

a plurality of rod mounts attached to the securing band configured to horizontally mount one or more rods, the rod mounts spaced apart to allow curtains supported on the rods to be slidable between open and closed positions.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rod mounts comprise a rod end mount attached along a corner seam of the securing band.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rod end mount includes an opening dimensioned to receive an end of a rod.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a rod for mounting to the plurality of rod mounts, wherein the rod includes an end cap.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the end cap is configured to mate with the rod end, and wherein the end cap defines a larger diameter than the opening.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein a grommet defines the opening.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the end cap includes a protective capping portion configured to cover the end of rod when mated with the end cap.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a collapsible rod for mounting to the rod mounts.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising one or more curtains for slidably mounting to one or more rods mounted to the rod mounts.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the cover further comprises an upper portion, wherein the lower portion defines a central opening, and the upper portion comprising a cap configured to removably couple with the lower portion over the central opening.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the securing band includes frame attachment structures configured to removably attach to the canopy frame.

12. The system of claim 7, further comprising a securing strap configured to extend around sides of a canopy frame and secure thereto, wherein the securing strap includes cover attachments configured to selectively attach to strap attachment structures positioned along the securing band.

13. A method comprising:

extending a lower portion of canopy cover around sides of a canopy frame, the lower portion comprising a securing band; and

mounting a rod on a plurality of rod mount attached to the securing band to horizontally mount the rod, the rod mounts spaced apart to allow curtains supported on the rod to be slidable between open and closed positions.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the rod mounts comprise a rod end mount attached along a corner seam of the securing band.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the rod end mount includes an opening dimensioned to receive an end of a rod.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein mounting the rod on the plurality of rod mounts comprises:

extending the end of the rod through the opening in the rod end mount; and

mating an end cap to the end of the rod, wherein the end cap defines a larger diameter than the opening.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein a grommet defines the opening.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the end cap includes a protective capping portion configured to cover the end of rod when mated with the end cap.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the rod is collapsible.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the cover further comprises an upper portion, wherein the lower portion defines a central opening, and the method further comprises positioning an upper portion of the cover comprising a cap over the central opening.