Personal canopy apparatus

• US 6,845,780 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2002
• Issued: 01/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles A. Bishirjian
• Original Assignee: Charles A. Bishirjian
• Inventors: Bishirjian, Charles A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez, Ramon O.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SCHULTERBRANDT, KOFI A
• Application Number:
  US10/318,572
• Publication Number:
  US 20040112416A1
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 135/96, 135/90, 135/132, 135/133, 135/135, 135/20.1, 135/20.3, 135/16, 135/155, 297/184.15, 297/184.16, 297/184.17
• US Class Current: 135/96
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 15/003 Bathing or beach cabins
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 15/02 Tents combined or specially associated with other devices

Abstract

A personal canopy apparatus connectable to a separate structure. The canopy apparatus includes a main spine connectable to the separate structure, a top spine pivotally connected in a generally forwardly extending orientation to an upper end of said main spine, and a retractable canopy. The canopy includes two flexible covers each supported along a proximal edge by the top spine. A leading edge support arm and battens are supportively connected to each of the covers and are pivotally connected at a proximal end about one of two closely spaced third pivotal axes at a distal end of the top spine. When each of the covers are open in a fan-like manner, the support arms extend laterally in opposite directions from the top spine to form a leading edge of the canopy. The support arms, covers and battens are stored in closely aligned fashion within a substantially hollow length of said top spine.

Claims

1. A personal canopy apparatus for one or more individuals which is connectable to a separate structure, said canopy comprising:

an elongated main spine connectable at a lower end thereof about a first pivotal axis in a generally upright orientation to the separate structure;

an elongated top spine pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof about a second pivotal axis to an upper end of said main spine;

a retractable canopy including two flexible covers each of which is supported along a proximal edge thereof by said top spine, a leading edge support arm and a plurality of battens each connected to a respective one of said covers, said support arms and battens of each said cover being pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof about one of two closely spaced third pivotal axes at a distal end of said top spine whereby, when each of said covers are open in a fan-like manner, said support arms extend laterally in opposite directions from the distal end of said top spine to form a leading edge of said canopy and said battens are arranged in a spaced apart array radiating from said third pivotal axis;

said support arms, covers nd battens being positioned in closely aligned fashion along said top spine when said canopy is in a stored configuration.

2. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said main spine and said top spine have an arcuate shape, said main spine being telescopic in length.

3. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said second pivotal axis is oriented at an acute angle with respect to each of said spines whereby, when said top spine is selectively rotated about said second pivotal axis, said covers are correspondingly angularly oriented to one side of said main spine.

4. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

each of said covers is individually deployable and storable along said top spine.

5. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the separate structure includes:

a pedestal/post mount attachable to a support surface.

6. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said top spine includes longitudinal slots formed along each side thereof for storing said support arms, covers and battens.

7. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

said top spine is pivotable about said second axis into a stored position along side said main spine.

8. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a flexible protective front panel attachable to and downwardly extending from each of said support arms.

9. A personal canopy apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein:

said front panel includes a transparent portion for forward viewing therethrough by the user.

10. A personal canopy apparatus for one or more individuals which is connectable to a separate structure, said canopy comprising:

an elongated main spine connectable at a lower end therof in a generally upright orientation the separate structure;

an elongated top spine pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof to an upper end of said main spine;

a retractable canopy including two flexible covers each of which is supported along a proximal edge thereof by said top spine, a leading edge support arm and a plurality of battens each supportively connected to each of said covers, said support arms and battens of each said cover being pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof to a forwardly distal end of said top spine whereby, when each of said covers are open, said support arms extend laterally in opposite directions from the forwardly distal end of said top spine to form a leading edge of said canopy and said battens are arranged in a spaced apart array radiating from the forwardly distal end of said top spine;

said support arms, covers and battens being positioned in closely aligned fashion against and along the length of said top spine when said canopy is in a stored configuration;

said main spine and said top spine arcuate in shape, said main spine being telescopic in length;

said pivotal axis between said spines being oriented at an acute angle with respect to each of said spines whereby, when said top spine is rotated, said covers are correspondingly angularly oriented between being an overhead, and a side position;

each of said covers being individually deployable and storable against said top spine;

said top spine including longitudinal slots formed along each side thereof for storing said support arms, covers and battens therein;

said tap spine being pivotable into a stored position along side said main spine.

11. A personal canopy apparatus for an individual which is connectable to a separate structure, said canopy comprising:

an elongated telescoping main spine connectable at a lower end thereof about a first horizontal pivotal axis in a generally upright orientation to the separate structure;

an elongated top spine pivotally connected at a proximal end thereof in a generally forwardly extending orientation to an upper end of said main spine about a second pivotal axis therebetween, said second axis being coplanar with said main spine and said top spine;

a retractable canopy including two individually deployable flexible covers each of which is connected along a proximal edge thereof to and extending along said top spine;

a leading edge support arm and a plurality of battens oh supportively connected to each of said covers, said support arm and battens of each said cover being pivotally connected at a forwardly proximal end thereof to a forwardly distal end portion of said top spine whereby, when each of said covers are open, said support arms extend laterally in opposite directions from the forwardly distal end of said top spine to form a leading edge of said canopy, said battens being arranged in a spaced apart array radiating from said forwardly proximal ends;

said support arms, covers and battens being bundled in closely aligned fashion against said top spine when said canopy is in a stored configuration;

said top spine including longitudinal slots formed along each side thereof for storing said support arms, covers and battens.