Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Rigid barrier cantilevered from vertical support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-14
2001-09-11
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Rigid barrier cantilevered from vertical support
C052S222000, C052S745060, C160S328000, C135S119000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286268
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to mechanical structures and associated methodology for providing shade and ultraviolet (UV) protection in various outdoor environments play areas, auto parking, sports fields, theme parks, country clubs and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Shade structures are well-known in the art and provide shade—hail, snow, water, heat and UV protection in numerous applications: automobile dealerships, auto parking facilities, water parks, playgrounds, swimming pool areas, tennis courts, outdoor eating areas, amusement parks, and the like. Providing shade has become increasingly significant throughout the United States and abroad because of ever changing and indeterminate weather conditions and the increasing awareness of skin cancer caused by the harmful UV rays from sunlight. Conventional shade structures typically comprise a mechanical support structure made of reinforced steel, and a covering made of high density polyethylene cloth having UV additives. The support structure is designed to handle loading due to wind, snow, hail and other elements in accordance with the local building codes. The structures are often designed in different configurations depending on the desired application. Thus, for example, a dome structure may be used with the roofs on surrounding buildings are curved or there are curved lines present in the design of the building. A hip structure is commonly used to enhance the roofline of surrounding buildings. A pyramid structure is often used when the desired shade area is square.
Another common structure is a cantilever. In this structure as illustrated generally in
FIG. 1
, each of a set of central support posts
100
a-n
are provided with a pair of outwardly-extending trusses
102
a-b.
Each truss
102
is generally triangular in shape and includes a plurality of cross support beams
104
in a known configuration. The shade
106
extends from an apex
108
outward to an edge
110
of each truss
102
. In the prior art, the shade
106
typically includes a cable or rope
112
inside an outside pocket
114
. During installation, the shade is positioned over the trusses and pulled taut, and the cable is then secured to an outer perimeter beam
116
in each truss section using a fastener or other mechanical locking means.
With this design, however, it is often difficult to position the shade in an attractive and secure manner along the outer perimeter beam in each truss section. If the shade is not secured properly, it may be damaged during subsequent use and thus compromise the aesthetic appearance and physical integrity of the structure.
The present invention addresses this problem.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to provide a rapid and “fool proof” method for installing the shading element or fabric over the canopy structure.
The perimeter beam connecting each truss section is adapted to swivel or pivot between a first and second position. In the first, installation position, an end of a shading element is loosely positioned within a locking device of the perimeter beam. Thereafter, the beam is rotated outwards and downwards into the second, locking position pulling the shade fabric taut. In this position, the shade fabric extends around an outer periphery of the beam and is locked within the locking structure. This configuration provides secure tensioning of the shade fabric that is aesthetically pleasing. In particular, the edge of the shade is secured and hidden within the locking structure of the perimeter beam when viewed from the outside edge of the structure.
Additionally, a methodology is provided for installing a shading element the comprises the steps of placing the fabric on a canopy structure, spreading the fabric out over the top of the structure and positioning it in approximate final position, inserting the edge of the shading element into a locking channel in a pivoting perimeter beam, and pivoting the beam around a pivot point to a locking position, thereby pulling the fabric taunt and completing the installation process all in one motion.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects and features of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention as will be described. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4887626 (1989-12-01), Dalo et al.
patent: WO-9606244-A1 (1996-02-01), None
Friedman Carl D.
Hugh & Luce, LLP
Slack Naoko
Sun Ports International, Inc.
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