Canopy extension and retraction mechanism

Abstract

A canopy extension and retraction mechanism 100 comprises a primary arm 102 connected to a base structure 108, and fixed 110 and pivotable 112 secondary arms connected to the primary arm. An actuator

Description

Field of Invention The present invention relates to a mechanism for extending and retracting a canopy, as well as a canopy system comprising the mechanism and a canopy attached thereto. Background Prior art canopies or awnings extend outwardly in an orthogonal direction to the roof or wall to which they are attached. For example, an awning on a boat typically extends outwardly from the aft end of the boat roof. While this provides some shade when the sun is in-front / behind the boat, it does not provide sufficient shade when the sun is incident on the side of the boat or when directed at the corners of the roof. An objective of the present invention is to address the aforementioned problem, amongst others. Summary of Invention In a first aspect, there is provided a canopy extension and retraction mechanism, the canopy extension and retraction mechanism comprising: a primary arm pivotably connectable at a first end to a base structure; one or more secondary arms to which a canopy is connectable, the one or more secondary arms connected to a second end of the primary arm, wherein the second end of the primary arm is an opposite end to the first end; an actuator configured to pivot the primary arm in a first pivoting direction when moving the canopy system from a retracted state to an extended state, and to pivot the primary arm in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction when moving the canopy from the extended state to the retracted state; a rotatable guiding member connected to the second end of the primary arm, wherein a fixed secondary arm of the one or more secondary arms is fixedly connected to the rotatable guiding member; a motion transfer mechanism configured such that the rotatable guiding member rotates when the primary arm pivots; wherein the rotatable guiding member is rotated in a first rotational direction by the motion transfer mechanism, causing the one or more secondary arms to fan outwardly from the base structure, when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction; and the rotatable guiding member is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by the motion transfer mechanism, causing the one or more secondary arms to retract toward to the base structure, when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction. Preferably, the one or more secondary arms comprises a plurality of secondary arms. Preferably, the plurality of secondary arms are shaped to at least partially interlock with one another in the retracted state. Preferably, the plurality of secondary arms have an L-shaped cross-section so as to at least partially interlock with one another. Preferably, the plurality of secondary arms comprises the fixed secondary arm, and one or more pivoting secondary arms that re pivotably connected to the second end of the primary arm. Preferably, the fixed secondary arm is configured to pull the one or more pivoting secondary arms into the extended state when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction. Preferably, the fixed secondary arm is configured to pull the one or more pivoting secondary arms by creating a tension in a canopy connectable between the secondary arms. Preferably, the fixed secondary arm is configured to push the one or more pivoting secondary arms into the retracted state when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction. Preferably, each pivoting secondary arm has a plurality of ring-shaped connectors that are connected to and rotate about an axel, and the ring-shaped connectors of each pivoting secondary arm are interleaved with one-another along the axel. Preferably, mechanism further comprises an axel at the second end of the primary arm, wherein the rotatable guiding member and the one or more secondary arms rotate about the axel. Preferably, the primary arm comprises a first primary arm piece and an opposing second primary arm piece, and the axel is connected between the first primary arm piece and the second primary arm piece. Preferably, the first primary arm piece and the second primary arm piece are connected by one or more pillars, and at least one of the pillars is offset from a straight line between the axel and a pivoting connection at the first end of the primary arm about which the primary arm pivots, the offset in a direction away from the one or more secondary arms when in the retracted state. Preferably, the fixed secondary arm has a curved profile. Preferably, at least one of the one or more of the secondary arms is curved to conform to the shape of a roof. Preferably, the roof is a boat roof or a vehicle roof Preferably, the motion transfer mechanism comprises a guiding cord connectable to both a first fixing point and a second fixing point on the base structure, such that the primary arm is connectable to the base structure at a point between the first fixing point and the second fixing point, and the guiding cord is configured such that the rotatable guiding member rotates and moves along the guiding cord when the primary arm pivots; wherein the rotatable guiding member is rotated in the first rotational direction by interacting with the guiding cord when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction; and the rotatable guiding member is rotated in the second rotational direction by interacting with the guiding cord when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction. Preferably, the motion transfer mechanism comprises a geared system configured to cause the rotatable guiding member to rotate in the first rotational direction when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction, and the second rotational direction when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction. In a second aspect, there is provided an extendable and retractable canopy system, comprising a canopy attached to the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of the first aspect. In a third aspect, there is provided a boat comprising the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of the first aspect, or the extendable and retractable canopy system of the second aspect. In a fourth aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of the first aspect, or the extendable and retractable canopy system of the second aspect. Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a conceptual top view of a boat with a prior art awning; Figure 2 is a top view of the canopy extension and retraction mechanism in the retracted state; Figure 3 is a top view of the canopy extension and retraction mechanism in the extended state; Figure 4 is a top view of the canopy extension and retraction mechanism in the retracted state when integrated into a roof; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the canopy extension and retraction mechanism in the retracted state when integrated into a roof with a cover; Figure 6 is a cutaway perspective view showing interlocking arms of the canopy extension and retraction mechanism; Figure 7 is another cutaway perspective view showing interlocking arms of the canopy extension and retraction mechanism; Figure 8 is a top view of the extendable and retractable canopy system including the canopy extension and retraction mechanism; Figure 9 is a conceptual top view of a boat with a first canopy system arrangement using the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of Figures 2 to 7; Figure 10 is a conceptual top view of a boat with a second canopy system arrangement using the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of Figures 2 to 7; and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the canopy system mounted to the aft side of a roof. Detailed Description Prior art canopies 14 or awnings extend outwardly, in an orthogonal direction 20, from the wall or roof 12 upon which they are mounted. Figure 1 shows a conceptual top view of an example of such a prior art canopy 14 extending from the aft end 22 of the roof 12 of a boat 10. Such a canopy 14 can provide some shade when the sun illuminates the boat 10 from the front and back directions 16, but not sufficiently when the sun illuminates the boat from sidewards directions 18. Figures 2 to 7 detail an embodiment of a canopy extension and retraction mechanism 100 of an extendable and retractable canopy system that, advantageously, provides shade for when the sun illuminates in a direction toward a corner of a roof or wall, or from a substantially sideways direction (i.e., directions labelled 18 in Figure 1) relative to extension direction 20 of a traditional awning such as that of Figure 1. Figure 8 shows an extendable and retractable canopy system including the canopy extension and retraction mechanism 100 and the canopy 174. Figures 9 10, and 11 detail examples of such a canopy extension and retraction mechanism applied to a boat. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism 100 and extendable and retractable canopy system described herein are suitable for use in providing protection from the sun, protection from rain, and more generally weather protection. Figure 2 shows a top view of the canopy extension and retraction mechanism 100 (hereinafter referred to as the mechanism) in the retracted state. Figure 3 shows a top view of the mechanism 100 in the extended state. The mechanism 100 includes a primary arm 102 that is connected at a first end 104 to a base structure 108 by a pivoting joint 154 such that the second end 106 (opposite to the first end 104) of the primary arm 102 can swing away from and toward the base structure 108. In other words, the primary arm 102 is pivotably connected to the base structure 108 at the first end 104 of the primary arm 102. The primary arm 102 can be made from materials such as aluminium, steel, stainless steel, carbon fibre, or the like. The base structure 108 can itself be a wall or roof to which the mechanism 100 is connectable. Alternatively, the base structure 108 can be a mount upon which the mechanism 100 is connected, such as a plate or similar; such a mount can be connectable to the wall or roof to which the mechanism 100 is to be connected. That is to say, the base structure 108 may or may not be part of the mechanism 100. An actuator 122 is attached to the base structure 108. The actuator 122 pushes and pulls the primary arm 102 to be pivoted about the pivoting joint 154. The actuator 122 is configured to pivot the primary arm 102 away from the base structure 108 when moving the mechanism 100 from a retracted state to an extended state, and to pivot the primary 5 arm 102 toward the base structure 108 when moving the mechanism 100 from the extended state to the retracted state. For example, the actuator 122 can be a linear actuator, such as a solenoid, that pushes and pulls the primary arm 102. The actuator 122 can be connected between the first end 104 of the primary arm 102 and the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. It is noted that, in Figure 3, the actuator 122 is not connected to the primary arm 102; however in use the end of the actuator 122 labelled X would be connected to the point on the primary arm 102 labelled Y. A rotatable guiding member 124 is connected to the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. The rotatable guiding member 124 is configured to rotate in a plane parallel to the plane through which the primary arm 102 pivots. The rotatable guiding member 124 can be planar or substantially flat in shape. The rotatable guiding member 124 can be circular in shape, for example in the form of a disc or wheel, with the circular faces having radii extending parallel to the plane through which the primary arm pivots 102. The rotatable guiding member 124 can be made from materials such as plastic, aluminium, steel, stainless steel, or the like. The rotatable guiding member 124 can be attached to the second end 106 of the primary arm 102 by way of an axel or pin 136 attached to the primary arm 102. The axel or pin 136 can pass through approximately the centre of the rotatable guiding member 124 so as to allow the rotatable guiding member 124 to rotate around the axel or pin 136. A guiding cord 130 is connected to a first fixing point 132 and a second fixing point 134 on the base structure 108. The first fixing point 132 is displaced to one side of the pivoting joint 154 of the primary arm 102, and the second fixing point 134 is displaced to an opposite side of this pivoting joint 154. The primary arm 102 is connected between the first fixing point 132 and the second fixing point 134. The first fixing point 132 and the second fixing point 134 can lie in the same plane as the rotatable guiding member 124. In this way, the guiding cord 130 and the rotatable guiding member 124 are in the same plane. In a first example, the guiding cord 130 can be configured as a single cord that is connected between the first fixing point 132 and the second fixing point 134 such that the rotatable guiding member 124 moves or rolls along the guiding cord 130 when the primary arm 102 pivots. In a second example, the guiding cord 130 can be configured as two distinct parts. A first guiding cord part can be connected between the first fixing point 132 and the rotatable guiding member 124; that is, the first guiding cord part is fixed at the first fixing point 132, and fixed to the rotatable guiding member 124. A second guiding cord part can be connected between the second fixing point 134 and the rotatable guiding member 124; that is, the second guiding cord part is fixed at the second fixing point 134, and fixed to the rotatable guiding member 124. The two guiding cord parts can take a partial turn (e.g., a half turn) around the rotatable guiding member 124 and are then fixed to the rotatable guiding member 124. So, as the primary arm pivots, because one end of each guiding cord part is fixed to the base structure 108, the guiding cord parts cause the rotatable guiding member 124 to rotate. As the actuator 122 is extended, the first guiding cord part causes the rotatable guiding member 124 to rotate clockwise (as we see it in Figures 2 and 3). As the actuator 122 retracts, the second guiding cord part causes the rotatable guiding member 124 to rotate anticlockwise (as we see it in Figures 2 and 3). The guiding cord part that is in tension keeps the other guiding cord part tight. In some examples, at least one of the first fixing point 132 or the second fixing point 134 may provide an elastic connection between the base structure 108 and the guiding cord 130, to allow some movement in the guiding cord 130 thereby reducing any fatigue due to tension in the guiding cord 130. Because the geometry may not be not precise, the elastic connection keeps tension in both guiding cord parts (in the aforementioned second example), so they do not fall out of a groove 126 in the rotatable guiding member 124. The rotatable guiding member 124 can have a groove 126 (see Figures 6 and 7) in an outer edge to house the guiding cord 130. The groove 126 acts as a guideway for the guiding cord 130. This contributes to keeping the rotatable guiding member 124 and guiding cord 130 correctly in connection with one another. Although described as a cord, the guiding cord 130 can be any suitable material such as a rope, string, cable, chain or wire. The guiding cord 130 can be of a non-elastic material to provide a robust guide to the rotatable guiding member 124. In an example, the guiding cord 130 can be made from a highly engineered fibre, such as Dyneema cord. Secondary arms 110, 112 are connected to the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. The canopy (not pictured) is connectable between the secondary arms 110, 112. In the example of Figures 2 to 7, five secondary arms 110, 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D are presented; however, any suitable number may be used. The secondary arms 110, 112 can be made from materials such as aluminium, steel, stainless steel, carbon fibre, or the like. One of the secondary arms is a fixed secondary arm 110 that is fixedly connected (i.e., not pivotably connected) to the rotatable guiding member 124. The fixed secondary arm 110 has a first end 114 that is connected to the rotatable guiding member 124, and a second end 116 (opposite the first end 114) that is a free end. The fixed secondary arm 110 extends outwardly from the rotatable guiding member 124. In this way, when the rotatable guiding member 124 rotates, the fixed secondary arm 110 rotates with it in a sweeping manner. The secondary arms can also include pivoting secondary arms112A, 112B, 112C, 112D (hereinafter collectively referred to by the reference numeral 112) that are pivotably connected to the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. The secondary arms 112 each have a first end 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D that is pivotably connected to the second end 106 of the primary arm 102, and a second end 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D (opposite the first end 118A, 118B, 118C, 118D) that is a free end. In the retracted state shown in Figure 2, the secondary arms 110, 112 are substantially adjacent to one another in a closely stacked or compacted arrangement. In the extended state shown in Figure 3, the secondary arms 110,112 are spaced apart from one another in a fanned manner, fanned outwardly about the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. When the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 away from the base structure 108 (i.e., in a first pivoting direction), the rotatable guiding member 124 is rotated in a first rotational direction by interacting with the guiding cord 130. As the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 away from the base structure 108, the second end 106 of the primary arm 102 moves toward the second fixing point 134. Consequently, the rotatable guiding member 124 rotates or rolls along the guiding cord 130 toward the second fixing point 134. This interaction between the rotatable guiding member 124 and the guiding cord 130 causes the secondary arms 110, 112 to fan outwardly from the base structure 108 as the mechanism 100 moves from the retracted state (Figure 2) to the extended state (Figure 3). The secondary arms 110,112 are arranged such that the fixed secondary arm 110 is the first to fan (or swing / rotate) outwardly from the base structure 108 as the rotatable guiding member 124 rotates in the first rotational direction. The fixed secondary arm 110 is configured to pull the pivoting secondary arms 112 into the extended state when the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 away from the base structure 108. The canopy (not shown) is connected between the fixed secondary arm 110 and each of the pivoting secondary arms 112. When the fixed secondary arm 110 is rotated in the first rotational 8 direction by the rotation of the rotatable guiding member 124, a tension is created in the canopy between the fixed secondary arm 110 and its nearest neighbour pivoting secondary arm 112A. This tension causes the fixed secondary arm 110 to pull the nearest neighbour pivoting secondary arm 112A, thereby pivoting the nearest neighbour pivoting secondary arm 112A about the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. As the nearest neighbour pivoting secondary arm 112A pivots, it creates a tension in the canopy between itself and the next nearest neighbour pivoting secondary arm 112B, thereby pulling the next nearest neighbour pivoting secondary arm 112B. This continues until there is a tension between each of the secondary arms 110,112 and the fixed secondary arm 110 has reached a stopping point. In this way, the fanning out of the secondary arms 110, 112 opens or outwardly extends the canopy. In some cases, the tension may be created in a separate cord connected between the secondary arms, rather than the canopy. The stopping point can be defined by the primary arm 102 hitting a stopper 166 as it pivots toward the second fixing point 134, or a stop switch. A snail cam 178 can also be used to adjust the stop position of the secondary arms 110, 112 relative to the primary arm 102. To create a tension the canvas, the final secondary arm to pivot away from the base structure when moving from the contracted to extended state (i.e., the secondary arm labelled 112D) can be restrained. A restraint to provide this restraining can comprise a restraining cord connected between the base structure 108 and the final secondary arm 112D to pivot away from the base structure 108 (for example, halfway along the arm). This restraining cord restrains the movement of the secondary arm 112D when moving from the retracted state to the extended state, to provide tension in the canopy, and goes slack when moving from the extended state to the retracted state. This is particularly useful for provide tension in the canopy when there is some flexibility in the secondary arms. When the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 toward the base structure 108 (i.e., in a second pivoting direction, opposite to the first pivoting direction), the rotatable guiding member 124 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by interacting with the guiding cord 130. As the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 toward the base structure 108, the second end 106 of the primary arm 102 moves toward the first fixing point 132. Consequently, the rotatable guiding member 124 rotates or rolls along the guiding cord 130 toward the first fixing point 132. This causes the secondary arms 110, 112 to retract inwardly to the base structure 108 as the mechanism 100 moves from the extended state (Figure 3) to the retracted state (Figure 2). The rotation of the rotatable guiding member 124 in the second rotational direction slackens the tension in the canopy between the secondary arms 110, 112. As the rotatable guiding member 124 rotates in the second rotational direction it causes the fixed secondary arm 110 to rotate or swing back toward the retracted state (i.e., in the opposite direction to when the secondary arms fan outwardly), thereby releasing the tension in the canopy. As the fixed secondary arm 110 swings back toward the retracted state, the fixed secondary arm 110 pushes the pivoting secondary arms 112 back into the retracted state. Whilst a plurality of secondary arms 110, 112 are shown, in some examples there may only be the fixed secondary arm 110 (i.e., not pivoting secondary arms). In such a case, the canopy can be connected between the fixed secondary arm 110 and the base structure 108 such that a tension is created in the canopy as the fixed secondary arm 110 fans outwardly from the retracted state to the extended state. In other examples, more pivoting secondary arms 112 can allow for the mechanism 100 to extend a canopy up to substantially a full circle. In an alternative to using the guiding cord 130 to bring about the rotation of the rotatable guiding member when the primary arm 102 pivots, a geared system may be used instead. Such a geared system is configured to cause the rotatable guiding member 124 to rotate in the first rotational direction when the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 in the first pivoting direction, and the second rotational direction when the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 in the second pivoting direction. More generally, one can consider that the canopy extension and retraction mechanism 100 includes a motion transfer mechanism (e.g., the guiding cord examples, or the geared system) that is configured to rotate the rotatable guiding member 124 when the primary arm 102 pivots. The rotatable guiding member 124 is rotated in the first direction by the motion transfer mechanism when the actuator pivots the primary arm 102 in the first pivoting direction, and the rotatable guiding member 124 is rotated in the second direction by the motion transfer mechanism when the actuator 122 pivots the primary arm 102 in the second pivoting direction. Figure 4 shows a top down view of the mechanism 100 integrated into / onto a roof 148, such as the roof of a boat. The mechanism 100 can be integrated into or onto a sidewall of the roof 148. In the example of a boat, the mechanism 100 may be mounted into or onto the aft side of the roof toward the rear of the boat, the front side of the roof toward the bow of the boat, or the sides of the roof that connect the front and back of the roof. In some examples, the mechanism 100 (as well as a canopy connected to the mechanism 100) can be stored in enclosure 150 that is integrated into / onto a wall or roof. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the mechanism in such a box 150. The enclosure 150 can fully surround the mechanism 100 in the retracted state, and flip-down or hinged cover 152 can be opened so that the mechanism 100 can extend out of the enclosure 150 when moving into the extended state. The enclosure 150 can be a box mounted into / onto a roof or wall. Alternatively, the enclosure 150 can be moulded or otherwise constructed into a roof structure (e.g., on a boat) itself, rather than being a separate box. Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the second end 106 of the primary arm 102 to show the connection between the secondary arms 110, 112, the primary arm 102 and rotatable guiding member 124, as well as more detail recording the arrangement of the secondary arms 110, 112. These views show cutaways through the secondary arms 110, 112 and primary arm 102 so that more detail can be observed. The primary arm 110 can be configured as two primary arm pieces 138, 140 that are displaced apart from one another in a direction orthogonal to the direction through which the primary arms 102 swings on the pivoting joint 154, and are opposed to one another. The two pieces can be planar in shape. Each of the primary arm pieces 138, 140 can be planar having a face with a longer axis extending between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the primary arm 102, and a shorter axis perpendicular to the longer axis in a plane parallel to that through which the primary arm 102 swings on the pivoting joint 154. Each of the primary arm pieces 138, 140 has a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the plane through which the primary swings 102 on the pivoting joint 154. In other words, the primary arm 102 can comprise a first primary arm piece 138 that can be planar and a second primary arm piece 140 that can be planar; the first primary arm piece 138 and second primary arm piece 140 oppose one another. The first primary arm piece 138 and the second primary piece 140 can be of substantially the same shape. These two primary arm pieces 138, 140 can be fixedly connected to one another by a connecting member 142, 144 that connects the two primary arm pieces 138, 140. That is, the first primary arm piece 138 and the second primary arm piece 140 are displaced apart from one another by the connecting member 142, 144. In the example of Figures 2 to 6, the connecting member 11 comprises two pillars 142, 144 displaced between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. In other examples, any suitable number of pillars can be used. In other examples, the connecting member could be a wall running substantially along the length on the two primary arm pieces 138, 140, joining the primary arm pieces, or any other sort of suitable connection. In the examples of Figures 2 to 6, there are two pillars 142, 144 arranged in the primary arm 102. These two pillars 142, 144 are between the axel or pin 136 that connects the rotatable guiding member 124 to the primary arm 102, and the pivoting joint 154 where the primary arm 102 connects to the base structure 108. In other words, the pillars 142, 144 are arranged between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. The pillar 144 nearest to the axel or pin 136 that connects the rotatable guiding member 124 to the primary arm 102 can be offset from a straight line between the axel or pin 136 and the pivoting joint 154. This offset is in a direction toward the base structure 108 when the when the mechanism is in the retracted state. This is best observed in Figures 2 and 3. More generally speaking, the first primary arm piece 138 and the second primary arm piece 140 are connected by one or more pillars 142, 144, and at least one of the pillars is an offset pillar 144 that is offset from a straight line between the axel 136 and a pivoting joint 154 where the first end 104 of the primary arm 102 connects to the base structure 108. This allows for the secondary arms 110, 112 to be more closely packed toward the base structure 108 in the retracted state as the offset of the offset pillar 144 allows for the secondary arms 110, 112 to rotate further to be closer to the base structure 108. This extra rotation provided by the offset pillar 144 can save a considerable amount of space given the length of the secondary arms 110, 112. A balance is therefore provided between the structural rigidity due to the presence of the pillars 142, 144 and a compact design made allowable by the offset pillar 144. The primary arm 102 can be considered to have three portions; a first end portion at the first end 104, and a second end portion at the second end 106, as well as a middle portion can connect the two end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion can be in a straight line with one another, and the middle portion can bend outwardly from this straight line; the outward bending being in a direction toward the base structure when the mechanism is in the retracted state. This outward bending can accommodate the offset pillar 144. This is best observed in Figures 2 and 3. Returning to Figures 6 and 7, the axel or pin 136 about which the rotatable guiding member 124 rotates can be connected between the first primary arm piece 138 and second primary arm piece 140, at the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. A bracket 128 or fixing can be provided on the rotatable guiding member 124. The bracket 128 is used to fixedly connect fixed secondary arm 110 to the rotatable guiding member 124. The bracket 128 can extend outwardly from rotatable guiding member 124 in direction orthogonal to the plane in which rotatable guiding member 124 rotates. The fixed secondary arm 110 can be fixedly attached to bracket by bolts 156, for example. Each of the secondary arms 110, 112 has an L-shaped cross-section, when considering a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the secondary arms 110, 112. Each secondary arm 110, 112 can be formed as two pieces 158, 160 that can be planar and joined at right angles to one another along their respective longer edges to create the L-shaped cross-section. The first planar piece 158 has a face with a shorter axis extending in a plane parallel to the plane through which secondary arms 110, 112 swing, and a longer axis corresponding to the long axis of the secondary arm 110, 112. The second planar piece 160 has a face with a shorter axis extending in an orthogonal direction to the shorter axis of the first planar piece, and a longer axis corresponding to the long axis of the secondary arm 110, 112. The secondary arms 110, 112 can be configured to at least partially interlock with one another when the mechanism is in the retracted state such that the first planar pieces 158 of the secondary arms 110,112 stack with one another and the second planar pieces 160 of the secondary arms 110, 112 stack with one another. This is achieved by the secondary arms 110, 112 each being slightly offset from one another in a direction orthogonal the plane through which they swing when the mechanism moves between the retracted and extended states. The slight offset can be approximately equal, but slightly greater than, the thickness of the first planar piece 158 to provide a compact arrangement whilst still allowing the secondary arms 110, 112 freely move when moving between the extended and retracted states. This arrangement allows for the secondary arms 110, 112 to be compactly stored when in the retracted state, whilst maintaining mechanical strength to support the canopy in the extended state. More generally speaking, the plurality of secondary arms 110, 112 are shaped to at least partially interlock with one another in the retracted state, and this can be provided by an L-shaped cross-section. The secondary arms 110, 112 can have one or more through-holes 164 in the second planar piece 160 to reduce the weight of the secondary arms 110,112. In some cases, through-holes may also be provided in the first planar piece 158. Each of the pivoting secondary arms 112 has two ring-shaped connectors 146 at the first end 118 of the pivoting secondary arms 112, where the pivoting secondary arms 112 connect to the second end 106 of the primary arm 102. For each pivoting secondary arm 112, the first ring-shaped connector 146A-1, 146B-1, 146C-1, 146D-1 is positioned proximal to the join between the first planar piece 158 and the second planar piece 160. For each pivoting secondary arm 112, the second ring-shaped connector 146A-2,146B-2, 146C-2, 146D-2 is positioned at the opposite side of the second planar piece 160 (in the direction in which the second planar piece 160 extends from the join). The ringshaped connectors define a circular through-hole; the circular through-hole is through a plane parallel to the plane through which secondary arm 112 swings. The axel or pin 136 at the second end 106 of the primary arm 102 is configured to pass through the through-hole. The ring-shaped connectors can be stacked in an interleaved manner so as to be adjacent to one another. This provides for a compact arrangement for the pivoting secondary arms 112, as well as providing lateral strength in the join between the pivoting secondary arms 112 and the axel or pin 136 as the ring-shaped connectors support one another. In the example of there being four pivoting secondary arms (112A, 112B, 112C and 112D), with each pivoting secondary arm having two ring-shaped connectors (146A-1, 146A-2; 146B-1,146B-2; 146C-1, 146C-2; 146D-1,146D-2) the ring-shaped connectors can be interleaved in the order A-1, B-1, C-1, D-1, A-2, B-2, C-2, D-2. This can be seen in Figure 6. That is, all of the first ring-shaped connectors 146A-1, 146B-1, 146C-1, 146D-1 are stacked, then all of the second ring-shaped connectors 146A-2, 146B-2, 146C-2, 146D-2 are stacked, in order, in a direction from the rotatable guiding member 124. More generally, it can be said that each pivoting secondary arm 112 has a plurality of ring-shaped connectors that are connected to and rotate about the axel 136, and the ring-shaped connectors of each pivoting secondary arm 112 are interleaved with one-another. In an alternative, each pivoting secondary arm may have one ring-shaped connector. In such an example, the ring-shaped connectors of each pivoting secondary arm are stacked on the axel. In some cases, the fixed secondary arm 110 can also have a ring-shaped connector 162 positioned at the edge of the second planar piece 160 away from the join between the first planar piece 158 and the second planar piece 160. The ring-shaped connector 162 of the fixed secondary arm 110 can be interleaved with the other ring-shaped connectors, for example between the stack of first ring-shaped connectors and the stack of second ring-shaped connectors. This can add lateral strength to the fixed secondary arm 110. The fixed secondary arm may be connected to the bracket 128 proximal to the join between the first planar piece 158 and the second planar piece 160 of the fixed secondary arm 110. In some cases, the secondary arms 110, 112 may only have the second planar piece (i.e., an substantially flat cross-section), or any other suitable shape. In such cases, the ring-shaped connectors can be proximal to upper and lower edges of the secondary arms, as appropriate. In some examples, the primary arm 102 and / or second arms 110, 112 are planar in that the extend substantially level to a roof from which they extend, or perpendicular to a wall from which they extend. However, in other examples, the primary arm 102 and / or second arms 110, 112 need not be planar but can instead droop to provide a more umbrella-like form, for example under their own weight. This droop can be provided by some flexibility in the arms themselves, or in the joints. This can allow for the canopy to spiral downward as it goes over the secondary arms 110, 112, which can provide improved rain shedding. The fixed secondary arm 110 can have a curved profile. That is, the fixed secondary arm can be bent or not straight along the long axis. The curve can be configured such that in the retracted state, a free end (i.e. the second end 116) of the fixed secondary arm 110 curves away from the base structure 108. In the extended state, when the fixed secondary arm 110 is parallel to the edge of the roof (or wall, for example), as seen in Figure 4 (i.e., when at the stopping point), the curve can at least partially bend around a corner of the roof (or wall). For example, the fixed secondary arm 110 can be dimensioned to have a straight portion 168 extending from the rotatable guiding member 124, with a length that corresponds to a distance between the rotatable guiding member 124 and the end of the roof (or wall) when the mechanism 100 is in a fully extended state (i.e., when the primary arm 102 is at the stopping point). At the end 170 of this straight portion 168 away from the rotatable guiding member 124, the fixed secondary arm 110 can be bent through an angle so as to at least partially bend the remaining portion 172 of the fixed secondary arm 110 around the corner defined by the end of the roof (or wall). This enhances the shade provided by a canopy connected between the pivoting secondary arms 112 and the fixed secondary arm 110. In some cases, the fixed secondary arm 110 can be bent through a greater angle (e.g. 90 degrees) so as to extend fully around the corner. More generally, one or more of the secondary arms 110,112 can be curved to conform to a shape of a roof or wall to which the mechanism 100 is mounted when in the extended configuration. For example, one or more of the secondary arms 110,112 can be curved to conform to the shape of a boat or vehicle roof. The mechanism 100 can be provided as part of a extendable and retractable canopy system 176 (referred to as the canopy system herein), wherein the canopy 174 is attached to and between the secondary arms 110, 112. That is, the canopy system comprises both the mechanism 100 and the canopy 174. the Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 3, but with the canopy 174 illustrated, thereby presenting the full canopy system 176. The canopy 174 may be of a canvas material, such as a textile, cloth or fabric. Figure 9 shows a conceptual top-down view of a boat 210 comprising the mechanism 100, and more particularly the extendable and retractable canopy system comprising the mechanism with the canopy attached to and between the secondary arms. Figure 9 (and Figure 10) shows the secondary arms depicted as dashed lines under the canopy. In the example of Figure 9, there are two extendable and retractable canopy systems (i.e., two mechanisms) with a first canopy system 220-1 mounted on a first side 224-1 of the roof 212 and a second canopy system 220-2 mounted on second side 224-2 of roof 212, the second side 224-2 being opposite the first side 224-1. The sides 224-1,224-2 of the roof 212 can be considered as the sides perpendicular to the aft end 222 of the roof. In the example of Figure 9, a traditional awning 214 is fitted to the aft end 222 of the roof 212. The first canopy system 220-1 and second canopy system 220-2 provide shade for when the rays of the sun impinge in directions 18 substantially on the sides of the boat. The traditional awning 214 only provides substantial shade when the rays of the sun impinge in a direction 16 toward the front or back of the boat. In this way, the combination of the first canopy system 220-1, and the second canopy system 220-2, with the traditional awning 214, can provide shade from the sun from all angles. In some examples, the traditional awning need not be present. This is shown in the conceptual top-down view of a boat 310 in Figure 10. In the pictured example of Figure 10, there are two canopy systems. The first canopy system 320-1 and the second canopy system 320-2 are both mounted on the aft side 322 of the roof 312; however, they could instead be mounted on the sides 324-1, 324-2 of the roof 312 in a similar manner to Figure 9. In this case, the mechanisms can have secondary arms (in particular the fixed secondary arms) that have the bent profile so as to extend around the corner of the roof 312 toward the sides 324-1 and 324-2. If the secondary arms of both the first canopy system 320-1 and the second canopy system 320-1 are made sufficiently large enough, they can extend such that the canopies abut or partially overlap one another on the aft side 322 of the roof 312 and provide shade across the aft side 322 of the roof 312 as well as the sides 324-1 and 324-2 of the roof 312. This provides shade for when the rays of the sun impinge in a direction 18 substantially on the sides of the boat 310, and for when the rays of the sun impinge in a direction 16 toward the front or back of the boat 310. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the canopy system 320 mounted on the aft side 322 of the roof 312 of a boat, proximal to the corner of the roof so as to extend around the corner to provide shade on the side 324 of the roof 312. One can envisage that a second canopy could be mounted on the opposing corner of the aft side 322 of the roof, in a mirrored arrangement, such that the abutting edges 321 of the two canopies of the two canopy systems would abut or partially overlap one another, as in Figure 10. Whilst in the foregoing description, the mechanism and canopy system is described as being mounted into / onto the side of a roof or aft end of a roof, in other examples the mechanism and canopy system can be mounted into / onto any side of a roof or wall. Whilst the description relates to mounting the mechanism and canopy system to boats, the teaching can also be applied to mounting the mechanism and canopy system to other structures, for example buildings, caravans, camper vans, and mobile homes.

Claims

1. A canopy extension and retraction mechanism, the canopy extension and retraction mechanism comprising:a primary arm pivotably connectable at a first end to a base structure;one or more secondary arms to which a canopy is connectable, the one or more secondary arms connected to a second end of the primary arm, wherein the second end of the primary arm is an opposite end to the first end;an actuator configured to pivot the primary arm in a first pivoting direction when moving the canopy system from a retracted state to an extended state, and to pivot the primary arm in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction when moving the canopy from the extended state to the retracted state;a rotatable guiding member connected to the second end of the primary arm, wherein a fixed secondary arm of the one or more secondary arms is fixedly connected to the rotatable guiding member;a motion transfer mechanism configured such that the rotatable guiding member rotates when the primary arm pivots;wherein the rotatable guiding member is rotated in a first rotational direction by the motion transfer mechanism, causing the one or more secondary arms to fan outwardly from the base structure, when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction; andthe rotatable guiding member is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by the motion transfer mechanism, causing the one or more secondary arms to retract toward to the base structure, when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction.

2. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 1, wherein the one or more secondary arms comprises a plurality of secondary arms.

3. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 2, wherein the plurality of secondary arms are shaped to at least partially interlock with one another in the retracted state.

4. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 3, wherein the plurality of secondary arms have an L-shaped cross-section so as to at least partially interlock with one another.

5. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plurality of secondary arms comprises the fixed secondary arm, and one or more pivoting secondary arms that re pivotably connected to the second end of the primary arm.

6. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 5, wherein the fixed secondary arm is configured to pull the one or more pivoting secondary arms into the extended state when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction.

7. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 6, wherein the fixed secondary arm is configured to pull the one or more pivoting secondary arms by creating a tension in a canopy connectable between the secondary arms.

8. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the fixed secondary arm is configured to push the one or more pivoting secondary arms into the retracted state when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction.

9. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein each pivoting secondary arm has a plurality of ring-shaped connectors that are connected to and rotate about an axel, and the ring-shaped connectors of each pivoting secondary arm are interleaved with one-another along the axel.

10. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the canopy extension and retraction mechanism further comprises an axel at the second end of the primary arm, wherein the rotatable guiding member and the one or more secondary arms rotate about the axel.

11. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 10, wherein the primary arm comprises a first primary arm piece and an opposing second primary arm piece, and the axel is connected between the first primary arm piece and the second primary arm piece.

12. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first primary arm piece and the second primary arm piece are connected by one ormore pillars, and at least one of the pillars is offset from a straight line between the axel and a pivoting connection at the first end of the primary arm about which the primary arm pivots, the offset in a direction away from the one or more secondary arms when in the retracted state.

13. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the fixed secondary arm has a curved profile.

14. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the one or more of the secondary arms is curved to conform to the shape of a roof.

15. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of claim 14, wherein the roof is a boat roof or a vehicle roof.

16. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any preceding claim, wherein the motion transfer mechanism comprises a guiding cord connectable to both a first fixing point and a second fixing point on the base structure, such that the primary arm is connectable to the base structure at a point between the first fixing point and the second fixing point, and the guiding cord is configured such that the rotatable guiding member rotates and moves along the guiding cord when the primary arm pivots;wherein the rotatable guiding member is rotated in the first rotational direction by interacting with the guiding cord when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction; andthe rotatable guiding member is rotated in the second rotational direction by interacting with the guiding cord when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction.

17. The canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the motion transfer mechanism comprises a geared system configured to cause the rotatable guiding member to rotate in the first rotational direction when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the first pivoting direction, and the second rotational direction when the actuator pivots the primary arm in the second pivoting direction.

18. An extendable and retractable canopy system, comprising a canopy attached to the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A boat comprising the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 17, or the extendable and retractable canopy system of claim 18.

20. A vehicle comprising the canopy extension and retraction mechanism of any one of claims 1 to 17, or the extendable and retractable canopy system of claim 18.5

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