Tent – canopy – umbrella – or cane – Portable shelter – Framework
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-02
2001-06-19
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane
Portable shelter
Framework
C135S127000, C135S120300, C052S083000, C052S018000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06247484
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to large canopies such as the type that provides protection and shade for vehicles in automobile lots and other large areas that require a protective cover. More particularly, the invention is directed to an eave construction that prevents undue buildup of snow and other loads on the canopy cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,005 to Thomas discloses a canopy structure that is intended for use to cover parking lots, automotive dealer lots, and other large areas in order to provide protection from hail and other inclement weather conditions, as well as to serve as a sun shade. The canopy is constructed using upright posts which support cables that in turn support a flexible cover. Although this type of canopy functions well for the most part, it is not wholly free of problems under all conditions.
In particular, when the canopy is installed in an area that is subject to heavy snowfall, the snow can build up unduly on top of the cover. Between the support cables, the cover can sag when ice, snow, and other loads are applied to it. Because the eaves are held in a substantially rigid condition by taut cables that extend along the eaves, the cover can sag below the level of the eave and create a “cup” condition. Cupped areas are prone to receiving snow and ice to the point where the load becomes so heavy that the structure can fail. This obviously creates a serious problem in geographic areas where heavy snow falls are prevalent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a large canopy that is provided with a specially constructed eave structure designed to discharge snow and other materials from the canopy cover before they accumulate unduly and apply loads heavy enough to cause structural damage or other serious problems.
It is the primary object of the invention to provide a canopy eave construction that functions to dump snow and other materials from the canopy before they build up to a point where excessive loads are applied to the cover. Other objects of the invention are to provide an eave construction of the character described which is simple and economical to manufacture and install, which functions in a reliable manner, and which is effective in harsh climates.
The function of discharging snow from the cover is achieved primarily by a unique pipe and rod arrangement that is installed on the eave of the cover, and also by the provision of a special clamp bracket that holds the cover tightly on the support cables to minimize cupping.
In accordance with the invention, hollow pipes are installed in a sleeve which is formed on the edge of the cover that extends along each eave of the canopy structure. The pipes are located at each of the seams which provide channels or passages in the cover that receive parallel support cables extending to the eaves. A rod extends in the sleeve between each pair of pipes. The rods are stiff enough to normally maintain the eave in a straight horizontal configuration. However, if snow or other loads should accumulate on the cover between the support cables, the rods are flexible enough to bow downwardly before the load becomes excessive. Then, the center portion of the rod bows downwardly to a low enough position that a chute is formed allowing the snow to slide downwardly off of the cover and past the eave. Once the snow has been discharged, the rods snap back to their normally straight condition extending along the eave.
Another important feature of the invention is the provision of clamp brackets which allow the cover to be pulled tightly so that the tendency for the cover to cup is minimized. The clamp brackets are applied to the sleeve at the eave of the canopy at the locations of the seams. Each bracket has a barrel which extends around the sleeve and closely receives one of the pipes. The brackets can be pulled to pull the cover tautly on the support cables.
Each bracket has a clamp which can be tightened onto the corresponding support cable to maintain the cover in a taut condition. The clamp structure may take the form of U-bolts receiving nuts that may be tightened to clamp the cable tightly between the U-bolts and a plate portion of the bracket. The support cables may have looped ends through which an eave cable can be strung to locate the eave cable outwardly from the sleeve, thereby providing a space wide enough to accommodate the snow or other materials that are discharged past the eave.
Other and further objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course of the following description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1481019 (1924-01-01), Luebbert
patent: 1808693 (1931-06-01), Terzoli
patent: 1839076 (1931-12-01), Adams
patent: 2239399 (1941-04-01), Pandya
patent: 2355008 (1944-08-01), Moran
patent: 2493749 (1950-01-01), Brown et al.
patent: 2693195 (1954-11-01), Frieder et al.
patent: 3807421 (1974-04-01), Geiger et al.
patent: 4068404 (1978-01-01), Sheldon
patent: 4320603 (1982-03-01), Kirschen
patent: 4877044 (1989-10-01), Cantwell
patent: 4982534 (1991-01-01), Saitoh et al.
patent: 5010695 (1991-04-01), Schildge, Jr.
patent: 5582197 (1996-12-01), Dobberstein
patent: 5597005 (1997-01-01), Thomas
Layne Christensen Company
Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP
Stephan Beth A.
LandOfFree
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