Abstract
A shade canopy tensioning assembly for keeping the fabric of a shade canopy (which includes umbrellas and other shade structures) taut, allowing the shade canopy to maintain its intended appearance, better withstand the elements, and ensure adequate shade provision. The assembly has distinct adjustment assemblies, coupled with at least one length manipulating rod and at least one threaded adjustment nut. These components can work together to tighten or loosen the fabric of a shade canopy when the fabric is attached to the assembly. Also, these components can be seamlessly integrated into shade canopy designs, allowing such designs to maintain their intended aesthetics. Further, these components allow the assembly to be easily adjusted, allowing the fabric of a shade canopy to be tightened or loosened with ease.
Claims
1. A shade canopy tensioning assembly comprising: a first adjustment assembly; a second adjustment assembly; said first adjustment assembly being selectively moveable relative to said second adjustment assembly; and said first adjustment assembly being affixed to the shade canopy.
2. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 1 further comprising a sheath, wherein said sheath comprises at least one groove, at least one structural support for a canopy rib, and at least one hinge at a distal end opposite to said first adjustment assembly.
3. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 2 further comprising at least one threaded adjustment nut and at least one length manipulating bolt, wherein said length manipulating bolt traverses at least partially through said first adjustment assembly, through said at least one threaded adjustment nut, and at least partially into said second adjustment assembly.
4. The shade canopy of claim 3 wherein said at least one length manipulating bolt is configured and dimensioned to selectively move said first adjustment assembly relative to said second adjustment assembly by rotation of said at least one length manipulating bolt within said at least one threaded adjustment nut.
5. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 3 wherein said first adjustment assembly further comprises an adjustment member, a sleeve member, and a first rotation lock, each in removeable connection to one another.
6. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 4 wherein said adjustment member comprises at least one canopy attachment point and at least one aperture, wherein said at least one canopy attachment point is configured and dimensioned to allow for a canopy to become removably attached to said first adjustment assembly and wherein said at least one aperture is configured and dimensioned to receive said at least one length manipulating bolt about a horizontal plane of said adjustment member.
7. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 4 wherein said adjustment member comprises a first sleeve member insert configured and dimensioned to be inserted and secured into said sleeve member.
8. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 6 wherein said first sleeve member insert comprises at least one screw hole dimensioned to align with at least one first screw hole formed on said sleeve member such that at least one screw may traverse each of said first sleeve member insert's screw hole and said sleeve member's first screw hole, thereby securing said first sleeve member insert to said sleeve member.
9. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 4 wherein said first rotation lock comprises at least one primary arcuate tab and a second sleeve member insert, wherein said second sleeve member insert is configured and dimensioned to be inserted and secured into said sleeve member.
10. The shade tensioning assembly of claim 9 wherein said at least one primary arcuate tab is disposed in sliding engagement with at least one groove of said sheath, wherein said at least one primary arcuate tab is configured and dimensioned to prevent rotation of said at least one first rotation lock and said first adjustment assembly within said sheath, and configured and dimensioned to permit translation of said first rotation lock and said first adjustment assembly within said sheath.
11. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 10 wherein said primary arcuate tab and said first rotation lock are enveloped by said sheath, and said sleeve member and said first adjustment assembly are at least partially enveloped by said sheath.
12. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 3 wherein said sheath comprises a retaining ring wherein said retaining ring is configured and dimensioned to prevent said first rotation lock from exiting said sheath.
13. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 9 wherein said second sleeve member insert comprises at least one screw hole dimensioned to align with at least one second screw hole formed on said sleeve member such that at least one screw may traverse each of said second sleeve member insert's screw hole and said sleeve member's second screw hole, thereby securing said second sleeve member insert to said sleeve member.
14. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 3 wherein said at least one threaded nut is coupled to said first adjustment assembly in non-rotating engagement, configured and dimensioned to prevent said at least one threaded nut and said first adjustment assembly from rotating about each other upon a rotational force being applied to said at least one length manipulating bolt, and configured and dimensioned to permit translation of said at least one threaded nut and said first adjustment assembly within said sheath.
15. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 3 wherein said at least one threaded adjustment nut is a lock nut.
16. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 3 wherein said second adjustment assembly comprising at least one aperture, wherein said aperture is configured and dimensioned to receive said at least one length manipulating bolt about a horizontal plane of said second adjustment assembly.
17. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 3 wherein said second adjustment assembly comprises at least a second rotation lock.
18. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 17 wherein said second rotation lock comprises at least one secondary arcuate tab in engagement with at least one groove of said sheath, wherein said at least one secondary arcuate tab is configured and dimensioned to prevent rotation of said at least one second rotation lock and said second adjustment assembly within said sheath.
19. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 17 wherein said second rotation lock comprises at least one screw hole disposed in alignment with with at least one screw hole formed on said sheath.
20. The shade canopy tensioning assembly of claim 3 wherein said at least one length manipulating bolt is of stainless-steel composition and traverses the entire length of said sheath.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present disclosure, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a shade canopy tensioning assembly.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of portions of a shade canopy tensioning assembly without depicting the shade canopy tensioning assembly's sheath.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of portions of a shade canopy tensioning assembly.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a top view of portions of a shade canopy tensioning assembly without depicting the shade canopy tensioning assembly's sheath.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of portions of a shade canopy tensioning assembly as if it were cut in half along a vertical plane passing therethrough, without depicting the shade canopy tensioning assembly's sheath.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of shade canopy tensioning assembly, depicting how a portion of the shade canopy tensioning assembly might move, and a vertical plane of the shade canopy tensioning assembly.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a portion of shade canopy tensioning assembly, depicting how a portion of the shade canopy tensioning assembly might move about a horizontal plane of the shade canopy tensioning assembly.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a shade canopy tensioning assembly, wherein the perspective view of FIG. 1 is denoted thereon.
[0036] FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of a shade canopy tensioning assembly, wherein the exploded, perspective view of FIG. 3 is denoted thereon.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of a shade canopy, denoting where multiple shade canopy tensioning assemblies may be installed on a shade canopy and denoting what multiple shade canopy tensioning assemblies may appear as when installed on the shade canopy.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative form of a shade canopy tensioning assembly when compared with the aforementioned Figures, made up of distinct views to understand the alternative form of the shade canopy tensioning assembly depicted therein.
[0039] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative form of a shade canopy tensioning assembly when compared with the aforementioned Figures, made up of distinct views to understand the alternative form of the shade canopy tensioning assembly depicted therein.
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative form of a shade canopy tensioning assembly when compared with the aforementioned Figures, made up of distinct views to understand the alternative form of the shade canopy tensioning assembly depicted therein.
[0041] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] Turning now descriptively to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a shade canopy tensioning assembly 5. A sheath 30, encompassing a first adjustment assembly (and various elements thereof) can be seen. The sheath 30, as will be subsequently described, may envelop at least part of the first adjustment assembly 10 and may comprise a retention ring 32 and at least one screw hole 31 (as will be subsequently described). For example, while the first adjustment assembly 10 may have various elements (such as an adjustment member 11, at least one canopy attachment point 12, at least one aperture 13, first sleeve member insert 14, sleeve member, at least one first sleeve member screw hole 16, at least one second sleeve member screw hole 17, a first rotation lock 18, a second sleeve member insert 18, and at least one primary arcuate tab 19), only some of the elements, namely, element identifiers 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16 are visible, which indicates other element identifiers may be enveloped by the sheath 30. That said, the first adjustment assembly 10 may translate in or out of the sheath 30 (exposing more or less of the first adjustment assembly 10 outside of the sheath 30) via rotation of at least one length manipulating bolt 40 (as will be described in more detail). This sliding allows for fabric of a shade canopy (which might be affixed to the first adjustment assembly 10 at the adjustment member 11) to become more or less taut (where the mechanics of which and components facilitating such movement will be described in more detail).
[0043] Fabric of a shade canopy may be removably attached to the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 via the canopy attachment point 12. Fabric of a shade canopy may be a number of different materials that may be used to provide shade or protection from the elements (such as rain, water or dust). As such, fabric of a shade canopy may be, and is not limited to being, polyester, canvas, coated canvas, acrylic, olefin, vinyl, fabric made under the trademark Sunbrella? or fabrics similar thereto, polyvinyl chloride (as a coating on fabric or fabric itself), nylon, and/or solution-dyed fabrics. That said, the canopy attachment point 12 may be a range of different solutions that can removably connect to the fabric. For example, the canopy attachment point 12 may be a grommet (that may receive an eyelet affixed to the fabric), a button (that may receive a snap affixed to the fabric), a Velcro strip (that corresponds to a Velcro strip of the fabric), a magnetic fastener (that may magnetically attract a magnet on the fabric), or a structure (that can have the fabric tied to or hooked thereon). To this end, the fabric may pertain to a shade canopy, and the shade canopy may be, and is not limited to being an umbrella, pop-up canopy, awning, pergola (with fabric providing shade thereto), cabana (with fabric providing shade thereto), gazebo (with fabric providing shade thereto), marquee, tent, or carport. As such, and as may be apparent, the present disclosure is contemplated as being usable on variety of shade canopies.
[0044] With reference now to FIG. 2, for purposes of further understanding the present disclosure, a portion of a shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 is shown in perspective view without a sheath 30. As such, FIG. 2 represents what may be at least partially enveloped by a sheath 30, namely, the first adjustment assembly 10 (which is at least partially enveloped by the sheath 30) and a second adjustment assembly 20 (which may be fully enveloped by a sheath 30). As such, in addition to the first adjustment assembly's 10 elements as depicted in FIG. 1, the first adjustment assembly's 10 second sleeve member screw hole 7, first rotation lock 18, and primary arcuate tab 19 may be seen. In addition, the second adjustment assembly 20, having a second rotation lock, at least one screw hole 26, and a secondary arcuate tab 28 can also be seen. Notably, the present disclosure contemplates at least one second adjustment assembly 20 and a shade canopy tensioning assembly may comprise more than one second adjustment assembly 20. As may be inferred with reference to FIG. 2, at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may traverse the length of the first adjustment assembly 10 and second adjustment assembly 20 (in a horizontal plane as will be subsequently described and depicted). With brief reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, it may be noted that the at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may traverse through at least one threaded adjustment nut 50, and may traverse the entire length of a sheath. With reference to FIG. 2, as may be seen, the at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may be inserted into and through the first adjustment assembly 10 at an aperture 13 of the first adjustment assembly 10. The aperture 13 may be configured and dimensioned to house the at least one length manipulating bolt's 40 head.
[0045] With reference now to FIG. 3 for purposes of further understanding to present disclosure, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of portions of a shade canopy tensioning assembly. Specifically, FIG. 3 depicts how elements such as the first adjustment assembly 10, threaded adjustment nut 50, second adjustment assembly 20, length manipulating bolt 40, and sheath 30 may align with one another. Moreover, FIG. 3 depicts how each element aligns with themselves. For example, with reference to the first adjustment assembly 10, the first sleeve member insert 14 can be viewed, as well as the adjustment member 11 which may be attached/affixed thereto or formed thereon. It can be noted that the first sleeve member insert 14 may be inserted into the sleeve member 15. Before insertion, a retention ring 32 may be inserted over the first sleeve member insert 14 (the purpose and structure of which will be subsequently described). Thereafter, it can be noted that the first sleeve member insert 14 may be secured to the sleeve member 15 by virtue of a screw 60. As may be apparent from the Figure, a screw 60 may traverse the sleeve member 15 and the first sleeve member insert 14 (at the corresponding and aligning first sleeve member insert screw hole 14 and at least one first sleeve member screw hole 16), thereby securing the first sleeve member insert 14 to the sleeve member 15. As may be apparent, more than one screw 60 may traverse the sleeve member 15 and the first sleeve member insert 14 to secure the first sleeve member insert 14 to the sleeve member 15.
[0046] With continued reference to the first adjustment assembly, it may also be noted that the second sleeve member insert 18 may be inserted into the sleeve member 15. Thereafter, it can be noted that the second sleeve member insert 18 (with a first rotation lock 18 attached thereon or formed thereon) may be secured to the sleeve member 15 by virtue of a screw 60. As may be apparent from the Figure, a screw 60 may traverse the sleeve member 15 and the second sleeve member insert 18 (at the corresponding and aligning second sleeve member insert screw hole 18 and at least one second sleeve member screw hole 17), thereby securing the second sleeve member insert 18 to the sleeve member 15. As may be apparent, more than one screw 60 may traverse the sleeve member 15 and the second sleeve member insert 18 to secure the second sleeve member insert 18 to the sleeve member 15.
[0047] With continued reference to the first adjustment assembly 10, and assuming the above elements are inserted and secured as mentioned in the above, at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may be inserted into the first adjustment assembly 10 (as depicted). As not depicted in FIG. 3, the at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may be inserted and secured to the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 (which will be described in more detail). As will also be described in more detail, as the at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may rotate, the length manipulating bolt 40 may rotate within the first adjustment assembly 10, and within the threaded adjustment nut 50. As the at least threaded adjustment nut 50 may be fixed in a non-rotational state and affixed to the first adjustment assembly (as will be subsequently described), the rotation of at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may cause the first adjustment assembly 10 to traverse a distance (left or right about a horizontal plane) along the at least one length manipulating bolt 40. As will be subsequently described, this movement allows at least part of the first adjustment assembly 10 to slide in or out of the sheath 30.
[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the second adjustment assembly 20 can be seen, wherein a second rotation lock 21 is formed thereon, and a screw hole 26 with a secondary arcuate tab 28 being formed on the second rotation lock 28. Reference to the sheath 30 may also be made. As such, the second adjustment assembly 20 may be inserted into the sheath 30. Notably, the sheath 30 may have at least one groove 35 that corresponds to at least one secondary arcuate tab 28, allowing the second adjustment assembly 20 to be inserted at a specific orientation within the sheath 30. Notably, this orientation may allow for the screw hole 26 to eventually align with the screw hole 31 of the sheath 30 upon the second adjustment assembly 20 reaching a specific length within the sheath 30. As may be apparent, the corresponding secondary arcuate tab 28 and groove 35 allows the secondary adjustment assembly 20 to be inserted in a non-rotating fashion in the sheath 30, meaning that the secondary adjustment assembly 20 is incapable of rotating within the sheath by virtue of the secondary arcuate tab 28's formation on the second rotation lock 21. As may also be apparent, when aligned, the screw hole of the sheath 31 and the screw hole 26 of the second rotation lock 21 (wherein the screw hole 26 may alternatively be located on the second adjustment assembly 20), may allow a screw 60 to traverse therethrough, securing the second adjustment assembly 20 in place within the sheath 30 such that the second adjustment assembly 10 may not slide or move about a horizontal plane of the sheath 30.
[0049] With continued reference to FIG. 3 and considering the above, the first adjustment assembly 10, may also then be inserted into the sheath 30 (along with the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50, which may be affixed to the first adjustment assembly 10, and at least a portion of the at least one length manipulating bolt 40). The result thereof may be considered as depicted in FIG. 1. As may not be apparent, but as may be part of the present disclosure, the at least one length manipulating bolt 40, may traverse through the second adjustment assembly 20 as the second adjustment assembly 20 may have an aperture that allows the length manipulating bolt 40 to penetrate therethrough. Notably, the first rotation lock 18, with its at least one primary arcuate tab may also have been inserted into a corresponding at least one groove 35 of the at least one sheath 30. Such an insertion and corresponding elements may allow for the first adjustment assembly 10 (when conjoined as described above) to remain in a fixed non-rotational orientation within the sheath 30. However, the first adjustment assembly 10 may still be able to translate (slide) about the sheath 30 via rotation of the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 (as will be subsequently described), and be guided, at least in part by the at least one groove 35 via the orientation of the at least one primary arcuate tab 19 in the at least one groove 35.
[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 3 and in light of the above, as may now be apparent, the exterior dimensioning of the first and second rotation locks 18/21 are smaller than the interior dimensioning of the sheath 30, allowing the first and second rotation locks 18/21 to be inserted into the sheath 30. That said, and as previously described, the retention ring 32 may have been placed over the first sleeve member insert 14. The dimensioning of the retention ring 32 may allow the retention ring 32 to freely slide over the first sleeve member insert 14, sleeve member 15, and second sleeve member insert 18. However, as the sleeve member 15 may have an adjustment member 11 and a first rotation lock 18 on either end, the dimensioning of the retention ring 32 could be smaller than the adjustment member 11 and rotation lock 18 such that, when the retention ring 32 is placed over the first sleeve member insert 14, sleeve member 15, and second sleeve member insert 18, it may only slide between the adjustment member 11 and rotation lock 18. Also, as the first adjustment assembly 10 (with retention ring 32 thereon) is inserted into the sheath 30, the retention ring 32 may have a structure designed to lock into the sheath 30. While non-limiting in depiction and structure for the purpose of this disclosure, FIG. 3 depicts extrusions of the retention ring 32 that may correspond to intrusions on the sheath 30 that allow the retention ring 32 to lock into place once inserted into the sheath 30. Therefore, the retention ring may allow the adjustment member 11 to be pushed up against the sheath 30 (and retention ring 32) when the first adjustment assembly 10 is slid fully into the sheath 30. However, when the first adjustment assembly is slid out of the sheath 30, once the first rotation lock 18 reaches the exit of the sheath 30 (where the retention ring 32 is located on the Figures), the first rotation lock 18 presses up against the retention ring 32, preventing the first adjustment assembly 10 from exiting the sheath 30. As such, the first adjustment assembly 10 is able to slide in and out of the sheath 30 (via rotation of the at least one length manipulating bolt 40), but is only able to slide in and out of the sheath 30 for the distance between the adjustment member 11 and the first rotation lock 18. This sliding action, when fabric of a canopy shade is affixed to the canopy attachment point 12, allows the fabric to be come more or less taut depending on the distance the first adjustment assembly 10 is slid out of the sheath. Brief reference to FIG. 10 may be had to determine where the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 may be installed thereon and, considering the above, how the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 may keep the fabric of the shade canopy more or less taut. Critically, this sliding action allows for a simplistic and clean line design wherein the first adjustment assembly 10 looks like a natural extension of a sheath 30. This design also provides for the appearance of consistency, continuity, precision and alignment. In turn, this design may enhance the overall look of a shade canopy that where fabric tautness is desired. Further, this design may minimally intrude on the intended design of the canopy, providing functional elegance. Lastly, the materials and finish of the first adjustment assembly 10 and sheath 30 may be similar, if not identical, such that the first adjustment assembly 10 looks like a natural continuation of the sheath 30, if noticed at all, as the design may provide a near unnoticeable seamlessness to a canopy design where the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 is installed.
[0051] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of portions of a shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 without depicting the shade canopy tensioning assembly's sheath 30. As previously mentioned and as is now depicted in FIG. 4, the length manipulating bolt 40 may traverse, at least partially through the first adjustment assembly 10, through the threaded adjustment nut 50, and through the second adjustment assembly 20 (wherein the length manipulating bolt 40 may traverse only partially through the second adjustment assembly 20, as is not depicted). Also, as not depicted, the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5, may have more than one second adjustment assembly 20, and a length manipulating bolt 40 may travel fully though one second adjustment assembly 20, and at least partially through other second adjustment assemblies 20. That said, as previously mentioned, the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 may be affixed to the first adjustment assembly 10. As such, the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 may be affixed by virtue of; the first adjustment assembly 10 having a cavity/slot at least part of the threaded adjustment nut 50 may fit into, the threaded adjustment nut 50 being welded or adhered to the first adjustment assembly 10, or the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 being set, with screws, into the first adjustment assembly 10. Therefore, as the at least one length manipulating bolt 40 is introduced into the first adjustment assembly 10 and the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50, as the length manipulating bolt 40 is rotated within the threaded adjustment nut 50, the first adjustment assembly 10 (by virtue of connection/affixation to the threaded adjustment nut 50) will move either back or forth along the length manipulating bolt 40 dependent on the direction of rotation the length manipulating bolt 40 is spun.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of portions of a shade canopy tensioning assembly as if it were cut in half along a vertical plane passing therethrough (as depicted in FIG. 6 as V), without depicting the shade canopy tensioning assembly's sheath 30. As described above, the first sleeve member insert 14 and the second sleeve member insert 18 may be inserted into the sleeve member and affixed thereto using screws 60. As may also be apparent, the dimensioning of the adjustment member 11 and first rotational lock 18 can be viewed as having a greater dimensioning (along the vertical plane V) than the sleeve member 15 (which allows for the retention ring's 32 retention of the first adjustment assembly 10 in the sheath 30 as previously described. Also, while not necessary to connect fabric of a shade canopy to the first adjustment assembly 10, the canopy attachment point 12 is depicted as a channel that may receive fabric or a pin attached to fabric such that the fabric is attached to the first adjustment assembly 10, via the adjustment member 11 and the canopy attachment point 12. While not depicted, the canopy attachment point may be located elsewhere along the first adjustment assembly 10, such as on the sleeve member 15, or as the aperture 13 (which, in addition to serving as an entry point for a length manipulating bolt 40, can also serve as the canopy attachment point 12).
[0053] FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of shade canopy tensioning assembly, depicting how a portion of the shade canopy tensioning assembly might move, and a vertical plane of the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5. The vertical plane V is depicted, which runs into the page. Notably, the movement of the first adjustment assembly 10 (which is partially depicted due to its insertion and partial envelopment by the sheath 30) is depicted as L, wherein the movement L represents the ability of the first adjustment assembly 10 to slide in or out of the sheath 30.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a portion of shade canopy tensioning assembly, depicting how a portion of the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 might move about a horizontal plane of the shade canopy tensioning assembly. The horizontal plane H is depicted, which runs into the page. Notably, the movement of the first adjustment assembly 10 is depicted as L, wherein the movement L represents the ability of the first adjustment assembly 10 to slide, along the horizontal plane H, in or out of the sheath 30. As may also be apparent, the dimensioning of the first adjustment assembly 10 and the sheath 30 can be viewed, the dimensioning of the first adjustment assembly 10 being smaller in dimension, (along the vertical plane V) than the sheath 30 (which allows for the first adjustment assembly 10 to at least slide into the sheath 30 as previously described. Also, as described above, the second adjustment assembly 20 may be inserted into the sheath 30, and affixed to the sheath 30 by virtue of a screw 60 traversing through the sheath's screw hole 31 and the screw hole 26 of the second adjustment assembly 20, which may, but need not be located on the second rotation lock 21.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a shade canopy tensioning assembly, wherein the perspective view of FIG. 1 is denoted thereon. Also visible is a hinge or movement assembly 34. However, the hinge or movement assembly 34 need not be present on the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5, and instead may have simply an attachment mechanism (such that the sheath 30 may be affixed to another structure). That said, should a hinge or movement assembly 34 be present, the hinge may allow the sheath 30 to rotate or move about another structure, as previously described. Also, visible is a structural support 33, which also need not be present on the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5. As previously described, the structural support 33 may be an assembly that is at least partially enveloped by the sheath 30, or not enveloped at all, and may be located at any distance along a length of a sheath 30. A shade canopy tensioning assembly may have more than one, or no structural supports. The structural support 33 may allow a canopy rib (or other similar structure) to connect to the sheath 30 and may otherwise act as a device to connect a structure that supports the shade canopy.
[0056] FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of a shade canopy tensioning assembly, wherein the exploded, perspective view of FIG. 3 is denoted thereon. Visible on FIG. 9 is how more than one secondary adjustment assembly 20 may be present on a shade canopy tensioning assembly 5, wherein more than one secondary adjustment assemblies 20 may have a length manipulating bolt 40 pass therethrough, the assemblies 20 allowing for the bolt 40 to be guided in a certain orientation as it traverses through the multiple elements which may be, at least partially, enveloped by the sheath 30. Also visible is how the hinge or movement assembly 34 is instead depicted as an attachment mechanism (which may attach to another structure so as to support the shade canopy tensioning assembly).
[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of a shade canopy, denoting where multiple shade canopy tensioning assemblies may be installed on a shade canopy and denoting what multiple shade canopy tensioning assemblies 5 may appear as when installed on the shade canopy. As previously described, the shade canopy tensioning assembly 5 may, from an aesthetic point of view, cleanly integrate into a shade canopy and have the shade canopy appear as if the shade canopy tensioning assemblies 5 are not noticeable on the canopy.
[0058] Without reference to the figures, it may be noted that the first rotation lock 18 (and at least one primary arcuate tab 19 formed thereon) and the at least one second rotation lock 21 (and at least one secondary arcuate tab 28 formed thereon) may be of polyvinyl chloride, metal, or plastic construction. The at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 may be composed of stainless steel. Also, the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 may be of a lock nut design. The screw 60 or various screws 60 as depicted in the Figures may be composed of stainless steel and have a commonly recognized recess, such as a Phillips head or flat head recess. Also, the screw 60 or various screw 60 as depicted in the Figures may have a flat or pointed tip. The at least one length manipulating bolt 40 may be composed of stainless steel. Also, the length manipulating bolt's 40 head may be configured and dimensioned to fit into the aperture such that the length manipulating bolt's 40 head is not visible from a side view of the first adjustment assembly. Also, the length manipulating bolt's 40 head may have a commonly recognized recess, such as a hex key/Allen key, or be rotatable through the use of a socket and wrench around the exterior of the bolt's 40 head.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative form of a shade canopy tensioning assembly when compared with the aforementioned shade canopy tensioning assembly 5, made up of distinct views (FIGS. 11A, B, C, and D) to understand the alternative form of the shade canopy tensioning assembly depicted therein.
[0060] FIG. 11A depicts an exploded view of a sheath 30 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned sheath 30), having a retention ring 32 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned retention ring 32), and at least one groove 35 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned at least one groove 35). Moreover, the sheath 30 may have at least one screw hole 31, which may be used in conjunction with a screw 60 so as to lock at least one second adjustment assembly 20 in place (in a similar fashion as was previously mentioned).
[0061] FIG. 11B depicts an exploded view of a first adjustment assembly 10, a second adjustment assembly 20, at least one threaded adjustment nut 50, and at least one length manipulating bolt 40. As may be inferred, elements remain the same when compared to the aforementioned shade canopy tensioning assembly 5, however, per FIG. 11B, the shade canopy tensioning assembly depicted therein has a different orientation/configuration of such elements. Notably, the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 is oriented as being placed in the aperture 13 of the adjustment member 11 of the first adjustment assembly 10 (where the aperture 13 may not allow the threaded adjustment nut 50 to rotate within the aperture 13). Therefore, it may be inferred that the shade canopy tensioning assembly as depicted in FIG. 11 is of a different orientation/configuration of the elements, notably, the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 being placed on or in the adjustment member 11. Such an alignment/configuration still provides for the first adjustment assembly 10 to slide in or out of the sheath 30 (as previously described via the same means as previously described).
[0062] FIG. 11D is a perspective view of the shade canopy tensioning assembly wherein the sheath 30 is see-through such that the elements as described in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B may be seen when they are installed, at least partially within the sheath 30.
[0063] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the shade canopy tensioning assembly wherein the sheath can be viewed as housing the first adjustment assembly 10, wherein the first adjustment assembly 10 may be slid in or out of the sheath 30 (in a movement, depicted as L) when a rotational force R, applied by a tool T, is applied to the at least one length manipulating bolt 40 installed in the first adjustment assembly 10.
[0064] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative form of a shade canopy tensioning assembly when compared with the aforementioned shade canopy tensioning assemblies, made up of distinct views (FIGS. 12A, B, C, and D) to understand the alternative form of the shade canopy tensioning assembly depicted therein.
[0065] FIG. 12A depicts an exploded view of a sheath 30 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned sheath 30), having a retention ring 32 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned retention ring 32 but instead of having a first rotation lock 18 press up against, it, the retention ring 32 has a screw 60, which is inserted into a second sleeve member screw hole 17 press up against it to retain the first adjustment assembly 10 in the sheath 30, allowing it to slide therein), and at least one groove 35 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned at least one groove 35). Moreover, the sheath 30 may have at least one screw hole 31, which may be used in conjunction with a screw 60 so as to lock a second sleeve member insert 18 in place (which is distinct from the aforementioned disclosure above, but modified such that the second sleeve member insert screw hole 18 may allow the screw 60 to lock the second sleeve member insert 18 in place within the sheath 30).
[0066] FIG. 12B depicts some of the same aforementioned elements, but includes new elements and a distinct orientation than the aforementioned shade canopy tensioning assembly. Firstly, a claim C is present that may clamp onto the first sleeve member insert 14 and receive a screw 60 through the first sleeve member screw holes 16, keeping the first sleeve member insert 14 in place within the sleeve member 15. Next, the sleeve chamber 70, which can be combined with the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50 is present. The sleeve chamber 70 may be of dimensioning that allows it to fit within the sleeve member 15. Also, the sleeve chamber may comprise a screw hole 71, such that the screw hole 71 may be aligned with the second sleeve member screw hole 17, fixing the sleeve chamber 70 in place. The sleeve chamber 70 may house or be otherwise fixed to the threaded adjustment nut 50, allowing the threaded adjustment nut 50 to rotate about the length manipulating bolt 40 As such, as the first adjustment assembly 10, comprising the first sleeve member insert 14, in place with the sleeve member 15, and the sleeve chamber 70, in place within the sleeve member 15 and housing the threaded adjustment nut 50, can be rotated about the length manipulating bolt 40. This rotation allows for the first adjustment assembly to slide in or out of the sheath 30, providing for the same uses and benefits as previously mentioned.
[0067] With continued reference to FIG. 12B, notably, the second sleeve member insert 18 is not inserted into the sleeve member 15. However, the second sleeve member insert 18 acts essentially as a second adjustment assembly 20 (as described above, in that it can be locked into place within a sheath 30). Also, notably, the orientation of the at least one length manipulating bolt 40 is flipped in that the bolt's 40 head is orientated away from the first adjustment member 10, which implies the length manipulating bolt 40 is held in place where the first adjustment member 10 (through the at least one threaded adjustment nut 50) rotate about the at least one length manipulating bolt. Also, the screw 60, which may be inserted into the second sleeve member screw hole 17 and the sleeve chamber screw hole 71 may be of a length such that its head will push up against the retention ring 32, retaining the first adjustment assembly 10.
[0068] FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the shade canopy tensioning assembly wherein the sheath 30 is see-through such that the elements as described in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B may be seen when they are installed, at least partially within in the sheath 30.
[0069] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the shade canopy tensioning assembly wherein the sheath 30 can be viewed as housing the first adjustment assembly 10, wherein the first adjustment assembly 10 may have a rotational force R, applied by a tool T, hand, or outside force, applied to the first adjustment assembly 10 so as to allow the first adjustment assembly 10 to slide in or out of the sheath in a movement, depicted as L.
[0070] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative form of a shade canopy tensioning assembly when compared with the aforementioned shade canopy tensioning assemblies, made up of distinct views (FIGS. 13A, B, C, and D) to understand the alternative form of the shade canopy tensioning assembly depicted therein. However, FIG. 13 is an extension of FIG. 12, in that the length manipulating bolt 40, nor the second sleeve member insert 18 are imaged in FIG. 13 (but may nevertheless be present in such a shade canopy tensioning assembly). Also, in FIG. 13B, the sleeve chamber 70 has a threaded adjustment nut therein, or similar structure, connected to a bevel gear or rack and pinion structure. The bevel gear or rack and pinion structure is able to have a force applied thereto R (through a tool T), as imaged in FIG. 13C, allowing the first adjustment assembly 10 to slide in or out of the sheath 30 in a movement as depicted as L.
[0071] FIG. 13A depicts an exploded view of a sheath 30 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned sheath 30), having a retention ring 32 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned retention ring 32 but instead of having a first rotation lock 18 press up against, it, the retention ring 32 has a screw 60, which is inserted into a second sleeve member screw hole 17 press up against it to retain the first adjustment assembly 10 in the sheath 30, allowing it to slide therein), and at least one groove 35 (which may comprise the same components and functionalities as the aforementioned at least one groove 35). As not depicted, the sheath 30 may have at least one screw hole 31, which may be used in conjunction with a screw 60 so as to lock a second sleeve member insert 18 in place (which is distinct from the aforementioned disclosure above, but modified such that the second sleeve member insert screw hole 18 may allow the screw 60 to lock the second sleeve member insert 18 in place within the sheath 30).
[0072] FIG. 13D is a perspective view of the shade canopy tensioning assembly wherein the sheath 30 is see-through such that the elements as described in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B may be seen when they are installed, at least partially within in the sheath 30.
[0073] It is intended that all matters in the foregoing disclosure and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
