SUNSHADE SYSTEM USING LINEAR ACTUATORS AND FREE-FLOATING CANOPY

Abstract

A shade system includes a first linear actuator attachable to a structure, and a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator and attachable to the structure. The first and second linear actuators are each displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position. A canvas connected between the first and second linear actuators is fixed to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators and is free-floating between the distal and proximal ends. The canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.

Claims

1. A shade system comprising: a first linear actuator attachable to a structure; a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator and attachable to the structure, the first and second linear actuators each being displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position; and a canvas connected between the first and second linear actuators, the canvas being fixed to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators and being free-floating between the distal and proximal ends, wherein the canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.

2. A shade system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second linear actuators are motor driven.

3. A shade system according to claim 2, wherein the motors are operable via a single switch.

4. A shade system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second linear actuators are self-aligning at the extended position and the retracted position.

5. A shade system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rings secured over the first and second linear actuators, and a corresponding plurality of straps connected between the rings and the canvas.

6. A shade system according to claim 5, wherein the straps are adjustable to adjust canvas tension.

7. A shade system according to claim 1, wherein the canvas comprises a shade section and a cover section connected to the shade section, wherein the cover section is sized and positioned to cover the shade section when the canvas is retracted into the accordion configuration.

8. A shade system according to claim 7, wherein the cover section comprises connectors at ends thereof, and wherein when the canvas is retracted into the accordion configuration, the cover section is positioned over the shade section to engage the connectors.

9. A shade system according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, and wherein the first and second linear actuators are installed within the tubular framework.

10. A shade system according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second linear actuators comprises a stationary component and a linearly displaceable component, and wherein the stationary component is secured within the tubular framework.

11. A shade system according to claim 9, wherein the first and second linear actuators are motor driven.

12. A shade system according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, the shade system further comprising a first clip coupled with the first linear actuator and a second clip coupled with the second linear actuator, the first and second clips being configured to connect to the tubular framework of the T-top.

13. A shade system according to claim 1, further comprising a first clip coupled with the first linear actuator and a second clip coupled with the second linear actuator, the first and second clips being configured to connect to the structure.

14. A shade system according to claim 1, further comprising a canvas tensioning system including webbing members affixed to the canvas and cam lock sliding members coupled with the first and second linear actuators, wherein the webbing members are tightened via the cam lock sliding members.

15. A shade system according to claim 1, further comprising a crossbar connected between distal ends of the first and second linear actuators and connected to the canvas, wherein attachment points between the crossbar and the first and second linear actuators are pivotable.

16. A marine vessel including a cabin area with a boat deck, the marine vessel comprising: a structural member secured to the boat deck and extending over the cabin area; and a shade system attached to the structural member, the shade system comprising: a first linear actuator connected to the structure; a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator and connected to the structure, the first and second linear actuators each being displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position; and a canvas connected between the first and second linear actuators, the canvas being fixed to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators and being free-floating between the distal and proximal ends, wherein the canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.

17. A marine vessel according to claim 16, wherein the canvas comprises a shade section and a cover section connected to the shade section, wherein the cover section is sized and positioned to cover the shade section when the canvas is retracted into the accordion configuration.

18. A marine vessel according to claim 16, wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, and wherein the first and second linear actuators are installed within the tubular framework.

19. A marine vessel according to claim 16, wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, the marine vessel further comprising a first clip coupled with the first linear actuator and a second clip coupled with the second linear actuator, the first and second clips being configured to connect to the tubular framework of the T-top.

20. A method of installing a shade system on a marine vessel including a structure, the method comprising: attaching a first linear actuator to the structure; attaching a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator to the structure, the first and second linear actuators each being displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position; and connecting a canvas between the first and second linear actuators by fixing the canvas to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators, wherein the canvas is free-floating between the distal and proximal ends, wherein the connecting step is practiced such that the canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other aspects and advantages will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 shows the shade system in a deployed position;

[0019] FIG. 2 shows the shade system in a retracted position;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the rings and strap configuration connecting the canvas to the actuators;

[0021] FIGS. 4-6 show an embodiment including an integrated boot;

[0022] FIGS. 7-10 show mounting clips for attaching tubular constructs to a mounting structure;

[0023] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a variable width telescoping awning system with provisions for tensioning the canvas;

[0024] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary shade system integrated into a T-top structure;

[0025] FIGS. 14 and 15 show an extensible crossbar with swivel eye ends; and

[0026] FIG. 16 is a close-up view of an actuator swivel eye end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a shade system 10 is configured as a single stage automated shade system intended to target lower-cost boats in the recreational marine industry. The system 10 includes a first linear actuator 12 attachable to a structure S (e.g., a T-top, radar arch, etc.). A second linear actuator 14 is spaced from the first linear actuator 12 and is similarly attachable to the structure S. In some embodiments, the first and second linear actuators 12, 14 are motor driven and are displaceable between a retracted position (FIG. 2) and an extended position (FIG. 1). The shade system 10 also includes a stationary crossbar 11 connected between a proximal end of linear actuators 12, 14 and a driven crossbar 13 connected between a distal end of linear actuators 12, 14. See FIG. 4.

[0028] A canvas 16 is connected between the first and second linear actuators 12, 14. The canvas 16 is fixed to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators 12, 14 and is free-floating between the distal and proximal ends. Using ring connectors as shown in FIG. 3, the canvas 16 is configured to retract into the accordion configuration shown in FIG. 2 when the first and second linear actuators 12, 14 are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0029] In some embodiments, the motor driven first and second linear actuators 12, 14 are operable via a single switch. There is no circuit board or chip controlling the system. Rather, the system is able to slightly “rack” if the actuators 12, 14 deploy or retract at different speeds. The actuators 12, 14 are self-aligning at the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the canvas 16 is connected to the actuators 12, 14 via a ring 18 including a clip 20 through which an adjustable strap 22 is secured. The strap 22 is sewn or otherwise connected to the canvas and subsequently extends through the clip 20. The clip 20 includes a cam lock portion that enables the strap 22 to tension the canvas 16. The rings 18 fit loosely over the actuators 12, 14 so that the canvas is free-floating between the distal and proximal ends of the actuators 12, 14.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the canvas 16 may be provided with features allowing a portion of the canvas 16 to wrap around itself, securing the fabric for high-speed transport. In this context, the canvas 16 may be provided with a shade section 16a and a cover section 16b connected to the shade section 16a. Cover section 16b is a circular piece of canvas fabric for loosely encompassing the stationary crossbar 11. In the extended position as shown in FIG. 4, the cover section 16b may be extended over the cabin area or the like and contribute to the shading function of the canvas 16. In the extended position, the stationary crossbar 11 engages an exterior end of the cover section 16b to pull the canvas taut. When the canvas 16 is retracted into the accordion configuration (see FIGS. 2 and 5), the cover section 16b is not part of the accordion configuration and can be pulled around the accordion configuration of the canvas 16 and secured by suitable attachment structures or connectors 24. In the retracted position, the cover section 16b may be pulled so that the stationary crossbar 11 engages an interior end of the cover section to allow the exterior end of the cover section to wrap around the accordion configuration. The cover section 16b may be provided with the connectors 24 at ends thereof. Exemplary connectors 24 may include a zipper as shown in FIG. 5, a hook and loop fastener, snaps, etc. As shown in FIG. 6, the connectors 24 are provided at both interior and exterior ends of the cover section 16b, and when the canvas 16 is retracted into the accordion configuration, the cover section 16b is looped over the accordion-configured shade section 16a to engage the connectors 24. The cover section 16b simulates a storage boot and allows for high-speed transport of the system while preventing the canvas from flapping or catching wind.

[0032] The integrated boot canvas via the cover section 16b is a low-cost lightweight method of storing canvas when the shade system is not in use. The integral nature of the cover section 16b ensures that the boot functionality cannot be misplaced. Furthermore, the system is easily deployed by a single individual.

[0033] FIGS. 7-10 show an exemplary clip 26 for attaching tubular constructs to an existing mounting structure. The clip 26 is provided with an S-shaped mounting structure, two clamping components, and hardware including bolts and nuts. The clip 26 allows for tubular structures (e.g., linear actuators) to be attached to other tubular structures (e.g., T-top frames) with a variety of tubing outer diameters or shapes and/or to attach the shade system to flat frameworks (e.g., hard tops).

[0034] The clips 26 allow for a single product to cover nearly any conceivable installation scenario. Additionally, the system inherently includes adjustability to allow for rapid installation. The clips 26 are also readily installed by a single person, as the S-shape of the clip 26 allows for the top clamping component to balance on an upper tubular structure without user support. The clips 26 can accommodate any size and shape of canopy frame. FIG. 10 shows the clips supporting one of the linear actuators 12, 14 of the shade system 10.

[0035] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a variation including a variable width telescoping awning system with a specialized canvas tensioning system. The telescoping awning system includes nested crossbars 28 and a specialized canvas tensioning system to accommodate multiple overall system widths as determined by actuator mounting locations allowing for four directions of canvas tension. The nested crossbars 28 allow for the canvas support structure to adapt to variable mounting locations.

[0036] The canvas tensioning system is comprised of webbing members 30 rigidly affixed to the canvas 16 and cam lock capable sliding members 32 that ride on extension arms of the actuators 12, 14. The cam lock sliding members 32 slide on the actuators 12, 14 with a small amount of clearance to allow for the sliding action. The webbing 30 is tightened through the cam lock sliding members 32, allowing for a canvas with a fixed primary width to adapt to multiple actuator mounting widths.

[0037] The configuration shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 allows for reduced complexity by providing a single part to accommodate multiple installations. The adjustability of the system reduces the need for precise tolerancing and allows for the system to operate with less electrical power. The cam lock sliding members 32 allow for four direction tensioning of canvas and hands-free stowage of the system during retraction.

[0038] FIG. 13 shows a variation with the shade system incorporated into the tubular framework TF of a T-top structure TS. The actuators 12′, 14′ include a stationary component and a movable component. The stationary components of the actuators 12′, 14′ are installed directly within the tubular framework TF of the T-top structure TS. The illustrated system allows for reduced cost by removing external mounting features. Additionally, the direct integration into the T-top structure TS improves retention and sturdiness of the system.

[0039] FIGS. 14-16 show a self-aligning load limiting linear actuator system. The linear actuators in this embodiment are attached via an extensible crossbar 34 such that the attachment points of the crossbar 34 are able to pivot, allowing for relative motion between the two actuators. Canvas 16 is generally attached to and travels with extensible crossbar 34, but is spaced from the extensible crossbar in FIGS. 14 and 15 for clarity. Swivel eye ends 36 on the actuators are frictionally attached via controlled crimp features that allow for rotary motion only when the actuators reach their end of travel. The swivel eye ends 36 are capable of rotation if needed. During normal operation, the friction between the swivel eye ends 36 and the extensible crossbar 34 is greater than the friction between the lead screw and nut. At end of travel, the lead screw and nut become locked together, but the motor is still attempting to rotate. In this instance, the swivel eye ends 36 become stationary, and the tube is able to begin rotating. The benefit is that the motor does not go into a stall condition. In this context, the actuators possess current limiting devices that limit the total load output capability of the system.

[0040] The construction allows for linear actuator systems to operate without the need for PCB control. This vastly simplifies the system and reduces costs. The friction eye end mechanisms allow for linear load control via mechanical means. This increases safety by allowing for inherent current limiting and by limiting linear load capability in the event that something becomes entangled in the system during switch operated movement.

[0041] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.