FLEXIBLE COVER SYSTEM APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A system for providing cover or shade to an area that may comprise an anchoring system, a suspension system, and a cover-providing material. The suspension system may be comprised of multiple, flexible poles that provide tension between the anchoring system and the shade-providing material. A system for providing cover or shade can be supported with structural poles that are flexible enough to attenuate the loads applied within the system.

Claims

1. A system for providing shade, comprising: a base fixed to a supporting surface; a flexible pole connected to the base at a proximal end and comprising an end cap at a distal end; and a cord connected to the end cap and connected to a sail, wherein the sail is comprised of a flexible material.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible pole is comprised of an unsaturated polyester resin.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible pole is comprised of a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible pole is comprised of aluminum and has a tapered cross-section throughout the length of the flexible pole.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sail is further comprised of a solar panel and the solar panel is connected to a battery.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sail is further comprised of LED lighting.

7. The system of claim, wherein the sail is in a cantilevered position.

8. A system for providing cover to a desired area, comprising: a first base fixed to a supporting surface; a first flexible pole connected to the first base at a proximal end and comprising a first end cap at a distal end, wherein the first flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the first flexible pole; and a first cord connected to the first end cap and connected to a sail.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first flexible pole is comprised of an unsaturated polyester resin and has a circular cross-section.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the first flexible pole is comprised of a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil and has a consistent cross-section.

11. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a second base fixed to the supporting surface; a second flexible pole connected to the second base at a proximal end and comprising a second end cap at a distal end, wherein the second flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the second flexible pole; and a second cord connected to the second end cap and connected to the sail.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first and second flexible poles are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: an unsaturated polyester resin; a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil; a thermoset reinforced composite; aluminum with a tapered cross-section throughout the lengths of the first and second flexible poles; and, steel with a tapered cross-section throughout the lengths of the first and second flexible poles.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the sail is further comprised of a solar panel and the solar panel is connected to a battery.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the sail is further comprised of LED lighting.

15. A system for providing cover to a desired area, the system comprising: a first base fixed to a supporting surface; a first flexible pole connected to the first base and comprising a first end cap opposite the connection to the first base, wherein the first flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the first flexible pole; a first cord connected to the first end cap and connected to a sail; a second base fixed to the supporting surface; a second flexible pole connected to the second base and comprising a second end cap opposite the connection to the second base, wherein the second flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the second flexible pole; and a second cord connected to the second end cap and connected to the sail in such a manner that cover is provided to a desired area.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible poles have a consistent cross-section and are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: an unsaturated polyester resin; a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil; and a thermoset reinforced composite.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the first and second flexible poles have a tapered cross-section throughout the length of each flexible pole and are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the supporting surface is comprised of a frame built to provide support for each base in the desired area.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the sail is further comprised of a solar panel and the solar panel is connected to a battery.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the sail is further comprised of LED lighting and the LED lighting is powered by the solar panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible shading system;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flexible shading system;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base, pole, and end cap components;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a sleeve, pole, and end cap components;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base, bracket, pole, and end cap components;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a support frame;

[0020] FIG. 7A is a top view of an embodiment of a sail with flexible rods;

[0021] FIG. 7B is a side view of an embodiment of a sail with a flexible rod;

[0022] FIG. 8A is a side view of an alternate configuration of a flexible shading system;

[0023] FIG. 8B is a side view of an alternate configuration of a flexible shading system;

[0024] FIG. 8C is a side view of an alternate configuration of a flexible shading system; and

[0025] FIG. 8D is a side view of an alternate configuration of a flexible shading system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] It will be readily understood that the components and configurations of the present invention, as generally described herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations or devices. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system, device, components and method of the present invention, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 for providing cover, shade, or protection to a desired area may be comprised of multiple components. A foundation 15 can provide a solid footing or base 20 for the system 10. A foundation 15 may be fixed or attached to a supporting surface. The ground or any suitable, solid surface may be considered a supporting surface as long as it is capable of supporting the system 10. A foundation 15 may be a component that is permanently fixed to or part of the supporting surface. A foundation 15 may also be a component this semi-permanently fixed to the supporting surface. A foundation 15 may be a component that removably fixed to the supporting surface, or even mobile. A foundation 15 can be composed of any suitable material, for example, cement, steel, plastic, suitable polymers, composites, or the like. A foundation 15 can be a container that is filled with a material that provides ballast or weight, for example, a plastic container that can be filled with sand. A foundation 15 may be anything that provides ballast for anchoring the system 10 and can be connected to the supporting surface, whether that connection is intended to be permanent or semi-permanent.

[0028] A foundation 15 may include a base 20 or an anchor 22. The base 20 or anchor 22 can be considered a connection point between the foundation 15 and the pole 30. An anchor 22 may be a component that is attached to the foundation 15, or the anchor 22 may be formed as part of the foundation 15. An anchor 22 can be permanently connected to a foundation 15, or an anchor 22 can be removably connected to a foundation 15. The particular configuration can be dependent on whether the system 10 is intended to be portable or permanent. An anchor 22 is formed to provide a connection between a foundation 15 and a pole 30. The anchor 22 can have an opening where the pole 30 is inserted into and connected to the anchor 22. The opening can be shaped to accept one end of a pole 30, a proximal end of the pole 30, including poles that can have varies cross-sections or diameters or shapes. The anchor 22 can be comprised of any suitable material, including steel, aluminum, plastic, suitable polymers, composites, or the like. A foundation 15, a base 20, and/or an anchor 22 may be used interchangeably to describe various configurations of components used to provide the necessary stability to a system 10. The different terms are used herein to illustrate that various components and/or structures may be utilized and combined in any manner that is more suitable for a variety of supporting surfaces, terrains, or contours where a system 10 may be installed.

[0029] A pole 30, or flexible pole 30, can be comprised of any suitable material. A flexible pole 30 can have various lengths depending on the intended height for suspending a sail 50 in the system 10. A flexible pole 30 can be flexible enough to attenuate the loads applied to the pole 30 and throughout the system 10.

[0030] In one embodiment, a flexible pole 30 can have a circular cross-section that stays consistent throughout the length of the pole 30, i.e., when the cross-section has a consistent diameter. A flexible pole 30 can also have a cross-section of virtually any polygon that stays consistent throughout the length of the pole 30, i.e., a rectangular cross-section, a hexagonal cross-section, an octagonal cross-section, or the like. A flexible pole 30 can be comprised of an unsaturated polyester resin, a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil, a thermoset reinforced composite, any suitable polymer, any composites and laminates, or the like.

[0031] In one embodiment, a flexible pole 30 can have a tapered cross-section throughout the length of the pole 30 in order to induce a similar flexing effect as seen in the thermoset reinforced composites. A flexible pole 30 can have a tapered cross-section that may be thickest at the middle of the pole 30 and taper towards the ends of the flexible pole 30. A flexible pole 30 can be comprised of steel, aluminum, wood, suitable polymers, typical construction materials, composites or laminates, or the like.

[0032] A flexible pole 30 can have an end cap 40 on the end of the pole 30 opposite the anchor 22 or base 20, or the distal end of the pole 30. An end cap 40 can function to provide an attachment or connection point enabling a sail to be operably connected to a flexible pole 30, often via a cord 46, or chain 46, or rope, or similar component. An end cap 40 can include various components to enable connection between the end cap 40 and a cord 46, for example, a clamp 42, a grommet 44, or the like. An end cap 40 can be comprised of any suitable material, including steel, aluminum, plastic, suitable polymers, composites, or the like.

[0033] A sail 50 may be comprised of any suitable material. A suitable material is generally characterized as a flexible fabric, a sheet of plastic, or the like. A sail 50 can function to provide shade from the sun or protection from the elements. A sail 50 can include various configurations or embodiments.

[0034] In one embodiment, a sail 50 can include rigid or flexible solar panels to enable the production of electricity. The solar panels can be connected to any suitable and/or required components to make the solar panels operable, including without limitation, a combiner box, a charge controller, and one or more batteries.

[0035] In one embodiment, a sail 50 can include integrated lighting, such as light emitting diodes (LED), which can be integrated with or attached to the fabric and/or sail structure to provide light, a light show, or to function as a screen for displaying images or videos. This embodiment could be combined with a sail 50 that include solar panels so that a sail 50 could provide light and the power to operate the light. Also, the power for such lights could obtained from local infrastructure or remote power systems.

[0036] The lengths and/or sizes of the various components of a cover system 10 can be, and usually are, adjusted to fit the needs of a given area or situation where the system 10 will be installed. The following example lengths and sizes are provided to give a sense of common, usual lengths and sizes of the components of the system 10, however, these examples are not to be considered limiting of the various sizes and combinations of sizes that may be utilized for the different components in a system 10. The ranges in the examples provided may be adjusted, whether increased or decreased, to fit the variety of situations where a cover system 10 may be installed.

[0037] A flexible pole 30 may have a length between approximately two (2) to approximately ten (10) meters. A flexible pole 30 may have a cross-section with a diameter between approximately one (1) to approximately eight (8) centimeters. With respect to a flexible pole 30 having a consistent cross-section, the diameter may fall within this range over the entire length of the pole 30. With respect to a flexible pole 30 having a cross-section that tapers, the largest diameter of the pole may fall within this range while the diameter may decrease over the length of the pole 30. End caps 40 and cords 46 may have sizes that are adjusted to fit the flexible poles 30 with which they are used, depending on the cross-section and diameter of the pole and the desired specifications of the system 10.

[0038] A sail 50 may have a wide variety of side lengths depending on the shape of the sail 50 and the area where the sail 50 is to be deployed. A sail 50 having a triangular shape may have side lengths between approximately one (1) to approximately twenty (20) meters in length. A sail 50 having a rectangular shape may have side lengths between approximately one (1) to approximately twenty (20) meters in length. A sail 50 may have a surface area between approximately two (2) to approximately two hundred (200) square meters.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, a cover system 10 may be arranged in any suitable configuration. For example, in one embodiment, a configuration could include three foundations 15 or bases 20 with three corresponding flexible poles 30 generally arranged in a triangle configuration to support a sail 50 having a triangular shape. In another embodiment, a configuration could include four foundations 15 or bases 20 with four corresponding flexible poles 30 generally arranged in a square or rectangular configuration to support a sail 50 having a corresponding shape. Similar configurations could be utilized to accommodate any size and shape of sail 50 desired.

[0040] With respect to virtually any configuration, the lengths of the flexible poles 30 could be adjusted to influence the shape and/or slope of a sail 50. For example, varying heights of poles 30 could be utilized to create vaulted or hyperbolic sail 50 shapes, including using the ground itself as a mount or foundation point to create a lean-to configuration, or a cantilevered configuration. Moreover, multiple attachments can be made to a single pole 30 to join together multiple sails 50 of various shapes and sizes into one cohesive structure.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, a base 20 may be configured to include an anchor 22, where the anchor 22 can include supporting structures to further stabilize the base 20 and anchor 22 configuration. The anchor 22 can have an opening formed to fit a flexible pole 30, thus connecting the base 20 and the flexible pole 30. This connection can be designed to be permanent or to include a semi-permanent, removable connection. The base 20 may be configured to enable a permanent or semi-permanent connection to a foundation 15, or to a supporting surface, depending on the contour of the supporting surface and the intended use of the system 10.

[0042] In one embodiment, an end cap 40 may be configured as a clamp 42. A clamp 42 can be used to secure a cord 46 or a sail 50 to the flexible pole 30. A clamp 42 may include a bonded clamp on, or other mechanical attachment, either rigid or flexible, permanent or semi-permanent, to enable a connection between the flexible pole 30 and a cord 46 or sail 50.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, a flexible pole 30 may be configured to include an end cap 40 and a grommet 44, or eyelet 44. The grommet 44 can be utilized to secure a cord 46 or chain 46 to the end cap 40, and thus to the flexible pole 30. A flexible pole 30 can utilize a sleeve 24 to enable a connection between the flexible pole 30 and another, suitable structure, i.e., an anchor 22 or a bracket 26. A sleeve 24 may be utilized to form a semi-permanent connection between a flexible pole 30 and another, suitable structure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, a base 20 may include a bracket 26 and a sleeve 24 configuration to enable a connection between a flexible pole 30 and a substantially vertical supporting surface, i.e., a wall or the like. This type of embodiment may be used to enable a connection between a flexible pole 30 and any supporting surface that is not substantially horizontal. The use of this type of base 20 and bracket 26 increases the possible locations and areas where a cover or shade system 10 may be installed.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, a frame 60 can be used to provide a supporting surface, or supporting structure, where the contours or composition of the ground may not be conducive to installation of a cover system 10. A frame 60 can be configured and constructed in any desired manner to provide support and stability for one or more foundations 15 and/or bases 20. A frame 60 may also be utilized to provide electrical wires or similar structures throughout a system 10 as the wires may be contained within the frame 60. A frame 60 can be comprised of any suitable material, including steel, aluminum, plastic, suitable polymers, composites, or the like.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 7A, a sail 50 can include one or more rods 52 to provide additional structure and/or rigidity to a sail 50. For example, a pocket 54, or sail pocket 54, may be included with a sail 50 so that the ends of flexible rods 52 may be inserted into the pockets 54 and create tension to make a sail 50 more rigid. If the rods 52 are longer than the corner-to-corner distance of the sail polygon, the rods 52 will flex and tension the sail 50, forming a flattened, more rigid sail. Referring to FIG. 7B, a sail 50 can be seen in side-view where a rod 52 is used to make the sail 50 substantially flat and rigid. The use of sail rods 52 allows for sails 50 to be configured as flat planes, and the flat planes can be mounted to flexible poles 30 with the rods 52 up or down. The use of sail rods 52 also creates an assembly that can be mounted to a central pole 30 with the sail 50 facing up on the top side, or with the sail hung from the underside of another structure. Sails that are more rigid or flat can be used to increase the options for various configurations of a cover system 10.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 8A, a sail 50 may be configured to form a lean-to formation. A foundation 15 and anchor 22 can provide stability when placed on a supporting surface. A flexible pole 30 provides support for a sail 50 that angles down toward the supporting surface, and in some configurations, an end of the sail 50 may rest on the supporting surface. A sail rod 52 can be used to provide some rigidity to the sail 50 in the lean-to configuration.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 8B, a sail 50 may be supported in a substantially horizontal position by two poles 30. In such a configuration, a sail 50 may or may not include rods 52. Sail rods 52 may be utilized to make the sail 50 more rigid. A sail 50 may be suspended between two flexible poles 30 such that the flexible poles 30 create a certain amount of tension to stretch the sail 50 between the poles 30.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 8C, a sail 50 may be suspended in a substantially horizontal position by the use of one flexible pole 30. In such a cantilevered position, the sail 50 can include one or more rods 52 to maintain the rigidity of the sail 50. Such a cantilevered position may be very desirable where surface area for a cover system 10 is limited.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 8D, a sail 50 may be suspended in a substantially horizontal position by the use of one flexible pole 30 and connected at the middle of the sail 50, even with the rods 52 facing downward. In such a tiltable/rotatable configuration, the sail 50 can be tilted and/or rotated on the top of the flexible pole 30 (as shown by the dashed lines). Such a tiltable/rotatable configuration may be very desirable where surface area for a cover system 10 is limited and the sail 50 can be adjusted to change the coverage or shade made available by the sail 50.

[0051] A method for installing a cover system 10 may comprise providing the various components arranged and connected as desired to provide cover or shade to an intended area. For example, a base 20 or foundation 15 may be provided, wherein the base 20 or foundation 15 is a concrete structure, or any structure suitable for providing the desired stability and support for the system 10. A flexible pole 30 may be provided and connected to the base 20 or foundation 15. An end cap 40 may be provided and connected to the flexible pole 30. A cord 46 may be provided and connected to the end cap 40. Also, a sail 50 may be provided and connected to the end cap 40, or a sail 50 may be provided and connected to a cord 46, which cord 46 is connected to an end cap 40. The flexible pole 30 may attenuate the loads applied to the pole by the system.

[0052] In one embodiment, a method may utilize flexible poles 30 that have a consistent cross-section throughout the length of the poles 30. The flexible poles 30 may be comprised of an unsaturated polyester resin, a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil, a thermoset reinforced composite, any suitable polymer, any composites and laminates, or the like. In one embodiment, a method may utilize flexible poles 30 that have a tapered cross-section throughout the length of the poles 30. The flexible poles 30 may be comprised of steel, aluminum, wood, suitable polymers, typical construction materials, composites or laminates, or the like. The flexible poles 30 may be sized and shaped as desired to properly install a cover system 10.

[0053] In one embodiment, a method for installing a cover system 10 may comprise providing sails 50 that further comprise solar panels, lights, or the like. The solar panels may be operably connected to a battery. In one embodiment, a method for installing a cover system 10 may comprise providing sails 50 that further comprise rods 52 for flattening or making the sail 50 more rigid.

[0054] In one embodiment, a method for providing cover to a desired area may comprise providing various components and steps to install a cover system 10 in a desired area. For example, providing a first base 20 fixed to a supporting surface. Also, providing a first flexible pole 30 connected to the first base 20 and comprising a first end cap 40 opposite the connection to the first base 20. Also, providing a first cord 46 connected to the first end cap 40 and connected to a sail 50. Also, attenuating loads applied to the first flexible pole 30. Also, providing a second base 20 fixed to the supporting surface, and providing a second flexible pole 30 connected to the second base 20 and comprising a second end cap 40 opposite the connection to the second base 20, and providing a second cord 46 connected to the second end cap 40 and connected to the sail 50 in such a manner that cover is provided to a desired area. Also, attenuating loads applied to the second flexible pole 30. In one embodiment, the first and second flexible poles 30 may have a consistent cross-section and may be comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: an unsaturated polyester resin; a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil; and a thermoset, reinforced composite. In one embodiment, the first and second flexible poles 30 may have a tapered cross-section throughout the length of each flexible pole and may be comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass.

[0055] The steps of the method may be repeated as many times as desired, using as many bases 20 and corresponding flexible poles 30 as may be desired to install various configurations of cover systems 10. Also, various embodiments of flexible poles 30 and/or sails 50 may be utilized to configure and install a cover system 10 suitable for virtually any area.

[0056] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its fundamental functions or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the illustrative embodiments are to be embraced within their scope.