Accessory mounting article for portable canopies

Abstract

A versatile accessory mounting article for utilization at the internal apex of a canopy tent or like article for attachment of, and thus permitted exposure to, various devices thereunder is disclosed herein. Such a mounting article includes movable canopy contact arm components to allow for different height capabilities from the internal canopy apex with a lower edge connection (hook, clasp, and the like) allowing for placement of such a device. The device may be any type that may be placed on such a lower edge connection for exposure within the target tent, such as, without limitation, a fan, a light, a speaker, a camera, and the like. The movable canopy contact arm components are sufficiently strong to remain positioned and attached to such arm components while simultaneously connected to such a lowered and exposed device. A canopy including a hanging device utilizing such a versatile article is also encompassed herein.

Description

[0001] ACCESSORY MOUNTING ARTICLE FOR PORTABLE CANOPIES

[0002] Cross-Reference to Correlated Application

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 373,227, filed on August 23, 2022, the entirety herein being incorporated by reference.

[0004] Field of the Disclosure

[0005] A versatile accessory mounting article for utilization at the internal apex of a canopy tent or like article for attachment of, and thus permitted exposure to, various devices thereunder is disclosed herein. Such a mounting article includes movable canopy contact arm components to allow for different height capabilities from the internal canopy apex with a lower edge connection (hook, clasp, and the like) allowing for placement of such a device. The device may be any type that may be placed on such a lower edge connection for exposure within the target tent, such as, without limitation, a fan, a light, a speaker, a camera, and the like. The movable canopy contact arm components are sufficiently strong to remain positioned and attached to such arm components while simultaneously connected to such a lowered and exposed device. A canopy including a hanging device utilizing such a versatile article is also encompassed herein.

[0006] Background of the Prior Art

[0007] Portable, folding canopies can be used for a multitude of events. Erectable canopies, and other like outdoor implements, have been utilized for shade and cooling purposes for myriad numbers of events. For instance, such erectable canopies (and other like outdoor implements) have proven effective as temporary cover for outdoor sporting events, such as for watching under on the sidelines of a game, for tailgating (and like activities), even for providing food and drink supplies to thirsty and hungry attendees. Local fairs, craft shows, and the like, also make use of such canopy structures (large-scale tents, as well) for such cover purposes, particularly to separately provide areas for individuals and / or groups to present their wares, as non-limiting examples. They also have been utilized to provide shade and cooling for activities such as camping, ticket booths, and more. There are occasions where an accessory may be practical, or even necessary, to enhance the comfort, enjoyment, or safety levels for the occupants under the canopy. Examples may include, without limitation, hanging a light for use at night, a fan to provide cooling on warm days, or perhaps a speaker to provide music during a social function.

[0008] Currently, however, canopies are not designed to accommodate accessories such as those mentioned above. There may be certain implements within the pertinent prior art, such as straps, for instance, tied to a portion of a canopy or tent apex to permit attachment of a light or small fan thereto. Such lights or fans, though, are rather small and lacking power, particularly for such a fan, as a strap would allow for a fan to effectively remain in place, rather than spin itself in relation to the rotors thereof, thus limiting the effectiveness of such an accessory functionally. The weight of such an accessory, again, such as a small light, would be lacking to provide a significantly large device to provide full illumination as desired within such a canopy or tent on demand. In other words, the lack of effective accommodations for hanging accessories to such a degree is a noticeable deficiency within the pertinent prior art. Such a lack of reliable mounting capabilities can become problematic, or possibly unsafe, for any such canopy or tent as they may try to balance a light on the frame joists of the canopy, causing it to fall if someone bumps into such a frame. Furthermore, using a string or wire to hang a fan in a canopy might not be strong enough to endure the torque of the fan, causing it to fall, ultimately. Additionally, should an occupant decide not to mount a device on the target canopy or tent frame, but rather set it on the ground, it can be hazardous should someone trip over it. Furthermore, devices such as lights and fans are much more effective overhead as opposed to being on the ground where occupants can block the light or airflow from a fan.

[0009] There is thus a need to provide an effective connection for such accessories and / or devices to avoid such obstacles on the ground or flood thereof, as well as well as to facilitate application and / or mounting thereof to the base structure frame (arms, for instance). The ability , thus, to provide a simplified manner of reaching upward to the canopy and / or tent (or other structure) frame, near the apex, in particular) for attachment thereof and subsequently allowing the further connection of a subject accessory / device to the bottom thereof, not to mention the ability to adjust the height of the hanging accessory / device on demand easily , as well, would be quite significant in this area. To date, however, as noted above, there is noticeably lacking any such teaching. The present disclosure, particularly a novel removable, movable, and stowable mounting article provides an adaptive and maneuverable structure for such elevated location placement on a canopy (tent or like structure) and further hanging connection of a separate device / accessory thereto on demand, makes up for such prior art deficiencies.

[0010] Advantages and Summary of the Disclosure

[0011] An advantage of the disclosure is its ability to mount accessories such as fans, lights and speakers in an overhead position, which allows for a more even and uniform distribution of the function of said accessory. Light, airflow and sound are all more effective for the occupants underneath a canopy when presented from an overhead position, as opposed to sitting on the ground. Another advantage of the disclosure is the provision of a consistent and secure method for safely mounting said accessories overhead. The mounting bracket may be designed and manufactured in such a way that it provides a safe and reliable attachment to the canopy, and also a reliable attachment of the accessory to the mounting bracket. Another advantage is the ability to detach, take-down, and stow such a disclosed mounting bracket (article) on demand for further utilization at a desired location. The advantages of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

[0012] Accordingly, the disclosure encompasses an overhead canopy or tent mounting article for the disposition of a device or accessory downwardly hanging from the frame of said canopy or tent, said mounting article comprising at least one metal rod having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said bottom end is a component attached to at least one connection means for attachment to said device or accessory and said top end is configured for connection to said frame of said canopy or tent, either directly or through a different connector, wherein said device or accessory is disposed parallel with the ground or floor of said canopy or tent when present connected to said mounting article. Further provided is said mounting article having two separate metal rods connected to separate pivot points within said bottom end component for even introduction and attachment thereof on opposing frame arms of said canopy or tent, with said two separate metal rods optionally exhibiting a telescoping structure to adjust the lengths thereof. Also provided herein is said mounting article having a single plastic or hook and loop component attached directly to the apex of said canopy or tent.

[0013] Such a disclosed device attaches to either opposing arms near the apex or at the actual apex of a canopy frame and extends downward, with a hook, clasp, or other like structural component, at the bottom thereof to hang an accessory / device (such as, as noted above, a fan, light, speaker, etc.). The hook may also be supplied with a rubber grommet, or similar device, to allow for a reliable grip on the accessory and minimize vibration should the accessory be motorized, such as a fan, as one example. There are three primary methods of attaching the device to the canopy frame:

[0014] Iteration #1. The device consists of two rods of equal length with a hook at one end (“top”). These rods are attached to a metal bracket at the opposite end (“bottom”) via a bolt or rivet, which allows movement of the rods, hence the two rods can be adjusted to create an open “V” shape, or a closed “I” shape for transport. The bracket that connects to the two rods has a hook on the bottom of it for mounting said accessory. The two hooks at the top of the device are designed to fit over two of the opposing roof joists of the canopy frame, equidistant from the center of the apex. The hooks will be covered in rubber, plastic, or similar material to increase the devices grip on the canopy frame and reduce vibration.

[0015] Iteration #2. The device may also utilize a plastic cap, which fits over the circular device at the apex of the canopy frame which holds the four roof joists in place. The device would rest on the circular apex of the canopy frame via gravity, and the hook would extend downward from the plastic cap via a metal rod.

[0016] Iteration #3. The device may also utilize a Velcro™ locking system to attach to the canopy frame, whereas two pieces of Velcro material, one hook and one loop, are connected via fabric, and wrap around the apex of the canopy frame and secure via the hook and loop parts of the Velcro, which create a reliable bond to keep the hook secure. The hook would thus extend downward from the Velcro attachment via a metal rod.

[0017] In practice, then, the structural aspects of Iteration #1, above, involves a mounting article having two same-length arms, each with a top end having connection / attachment components for secure placement over a canopy or tent frame arm. Such components may be hooks that provide a similar and / or complementary shape in relation to such canopy or tent frame arms for such a connection / attachment purpose, or at least a suitable shape to ensure sufficient connection / attachment will occur upon placement over such an arm to allow for reliable and sturdy (static, for instance) placement thereon for proper connection with a target accessory / device downwardly therefrom. Such mounting article arms would thus lead downwardly to a pivot point attachment to permit both arms the ability to maneuver evenly and uniformly along the target canopy frame arm. The closer to one another on opposing canopy or tent frame arms the lower the connecting component of the lower end thereof (and thus the lower the height of the connected device / accessory hanging therefrom); the further apart such mounting article arms on opposing canopy or tent frame arms, the higher the connecting component of the lower end thereof (and thus the higher the height of the connected device / accessory hanging therefrom). Such mounting article arms may also be provided in telescoping fashion within separate shafts that may be locked in place at selected distances (with possible gauges etched or written therein said mounting article arms) with, as examples, twisted screws or clips, and the like, to allow for further extension capabilities and height selections from the target canopy or tent frame arms. As alluded to above, such mounting article arms lead downward to pivot points (swivels) with both such arms attached (through, for example, loop components aligned with loop components at the pivot location and a single bolt present through each aligned loop). Any manner of providing such a uniform type of pivot for both mounting article arms may be present therein, however. Such swivel joints (pivot points) present in relation to the two separate arms are provided to allow such mounting article arms a degree of movement for maneuvering to proper positioning over the canopy or tent framework components (arms); a screw-type lock may be utilized to ensure the mounting article arms are provided at desired angles for placement purposes (to ensure the uniform lengths of both arms for a level disposition of the connected device / accessory at the bottom thereof). Other locking mechanisms (clamps, pressure, etc.) may be employed as well or alternatively for such a purpose. At least, the mounting article arms may swivel to any desired angle as noted above (1 to 89 degrees from one another) to allow for height adjustments. For stowage, the mounting article arms may swivel to be parallel between one another, as well. Such a central pivot point component includes at its lower edge a centered connector (such as, as noted throughout, a hook, clasp, or other like structure) for attachment / connection with the target device / accessory. Such a connecting component (as it may be referred to) may include a grommet and / or rubber portion to permit a dampening or, at least, more secure connection point with such a target device / accessory. The entire mounting article may be constructed from metal (steel, stainless, brass, other alloys, as non-limiting examples) for resilience and strength for withstanding weights, torque applications, and other physical loads during utilization thereof. Hard plastic materials may be utilized as well (polystyrene, poly acrylate, ABS, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, and the like, as non-limiting examples) for such purposes. As it concerns the materials of the other two Iterations, other than those noted above, the metal rod and connection components may be manufactured of the same materials as noted for Iteration #1 , particularly for the metal rods and hook (or other type of connector) for the target device / accessory.

[0018] In this disclosure, the description of a cordless overhead fan may be referred to as a ceiling fan, although, as noted throughout, this type is portable and provided as a means to impart air circulation under erected canopies and other like structures. Importantly, however, such a cordless overhead fan device is, initially, an all-encompassing machine to provide such air circulation results on demand. Battery power, or other like possibilities, is utilized for operation and activation of such an inventive device. As long as a suitable voltage level is permitted to operate the motor present for such operation purposes, and the batteries (or other power sources) needed are provided suitable cavities for placement and connection to such a motor, such a power source would be considered acceptable. Such batteries may be of any typical size (C, D, 9-volt, etc., with multiple cells provided, or rechargeable types, including without limitation, lithium ion, nickel -cadmium, etc., may be utilized thus supplied with a charging station (or even a suitable cord for connection to a port on the fan itself that may be plugged into a suitable electronic outlet for such a purpose). This battery powered device, then, is not beholden to any external cords or outlets (except for the possible recharging capability), allowing for full portability to locations that are not provided with such electrical sources.

[0019] Such a portable overhead fan thus includes other "standard" ceiling fan components, including a motor (connected to the power source, understood in this situation to be, again, a battery powered source, instead of a typical permanently integrated or cord-provided source) that accords rotation capability to fan blades during operation. A switch allows activation and inactivation by a user that ostensibly allows for electrical charge to transfer from the power source for operation and discontinue such transfer to turn the device off, as well. The rotating base, as it is referred to herein, is a carousel-type component that turns in either direction in relation to the operation of the motor. The fan blades within the fan may be removable for stowage purposes, if desired, as well. The resultant shape of the stowable overhead fan would thus be of the upper portion (which is generally, though not necessarily, circular in shape itself) as the widest part thereof, allowing for a storage / transport container.

[0020] Such portability is further enhanced through the inclusion of a centrally disposed swiveling metal loop or hook present on the fan top. Such a loop allows for the lower portion of the downwardly extended arm of the mounting article to connect therewith through the hook, clasp, etc., present thereon. The fan may thus be provided at a preselected height (through manipulation of the two arms of iteration #1, or the length of the metal rod of Iterations #s 2 or 3 ; again, such a rod may be provided in telescoping fashion for selected length purposes, or multiple rods of differing lengths may be provided) on the canopy or tent frame for provision of the connected device / accessory at a preselected height hanging from such a mounting article. As above, the two arms of Iteration #1 may be telescoping or may be maneuvered on the canopy frame evenly along opposing arms thereof to adjust the downward position of the connecting hook portion to a desired height. Once in place and erected through the mounting article under the subject canopy / tent, the fan may then be operated through activation of a switch, either directly on the fan itself, through an extended pull switch, or even through a remote assembly, if desired. Such switch configurations, etc., are well known in the art, certainly.

[0021] Other devices / accessories other than such a ceiling fan that may be utilized in hanging fashion from a canopy and / or tent from include, without limitation, lights (including flood lights, flash lights, lanterns, LED lights, strobe lights, basically any type of light that provides effective illumination within such a canopy or tent; speakers for providing sound, whether in terms of broadcasts, communications, or other options; cameras, to permit visual monitoring of the canopy and / or tent; or other devices / accessories for enjoyment of such occupants therein.

[0022] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described herein and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0023] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates iteration #1 above with the two rods or equal length, comprising of a hook at one end for attaching to the canopy frame, connected by a bracket at the opposite end, which also includes the accessory mounting hook. This illustration shows the bracket in an “I” shape, or closed position, for transport or stowage. Fig. 2 illustrates iteration #1 above in the “V” shape, or open position for mounting on a canopy frame.

[0025] Fig. 3 illustrates iteration #1 as it would appear mounted in the apex of a canopy frame.

[0026] Fig. 4 shows how a fan would hang in a canopy via iteration #1 of the accessory mounting bracket.

[0027] Fig. 5 shows how a light, in this instance a battery-operated lantern, would hang in a canopy via iteration #1 of the accessory mounting bracket.

[0028] Fig. 6 illustrates iteration #2, which is a plastic molded cap designed to sit on top of the round joist connector at the apex of a canopy.

[0029] Fig. 7 shows how iteration #2 mounts in a canopy apex with fan attached to the bottom hook

[0030] Fig. 8 illustrates iteration #3, which has both hook and loop sides of Velcro at each end, joined by fabric. This device wraps around the canopy frame apex and secures when the hook and loop sides of the Velcro are joined together.

[0031] Fig. 9 shows iteration #3 installed in a canopy with a fan hanging from the hook at the bottom.

[0032] Detailed Description of the Drawings and Preferred Embodiments

[0033] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 9 thereof, a new portable, stowable overhead fan embodying the principles and concepts of the invention, without any limitation of breadth of the overall disclosure intended. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 1 presents the front perspective of the bracket described in iteration #1 in a closed or “I” position. It consists of two rods of equal length 3 with the “upper” portion of the rods curved into a hook shape 1. These hooks are covered in a plastic or rubber material 2 to provide a strong grip on the canopy frame and reduce slippage and / or vibration. The rods are curved into circles at the “lower” end of the bracket, and attached to a brace 5 via screws, washers and nylon lined nuts 4. An open-ended hook 6 is attached to the bottom of the brace and lined with a rubber grommet 7 which the accessory hangs from.

[0035] Fig. 2 presents the front perspective of the bracket described in iteration #1 in an open or “V” position. It consists of two rods of equal length 3 with the “upper” portion of the rods curved into a hook shape 1. These hooks are covered in a plastic or rubber material 2 to provide a strong grip on the canopy frame and reduce slippage and / or vibration. The rods are curved into circles at the “lower” end of the bracket, and attached to a brace 5 via screws, washers and nylon lined nuts 4. An open-ended hook 6 is attached to the bottom of the brace and lined with a rubber grommet 7 which the accessoty hangs from.

[0036] Fig. 3 presents the bracket described in iteration #1 mounted in a common portable canopy frame. Note that the entire canopy frame is not presented, but rather the top, or roof portion with an apex where the bracket hangs from. Items 1-7 are identical to those explained in Fig’s 1 and 2 above. The four roof supports 9 of the canopy are connected via a round bracket 8, which allows the roof supports to fold outward when the canopy is being set up for use. The roof supports also expand due to hinges 10 mounted within them, along with accordion style trusses 12 that open up via hinges 13 at the top of the canopy legs 11. Fig. 4 presents, as an example, a portable fan 14 hanging from the Accessory

[0037] Mounting Bracket. A hoop on top of the fan slides into the open hook 6 and is held securely in place via the rubber grommet 7 mounted in the open hook. The grommet has a slit in it, which allows the hoop on the fan to slide into the center of it. Items 1-13 are identical to those explained in Fig. 3.

[0038] Fig. 5 presents, as an example, a lantern 15 hanging from the Accessory Mounting Bracket. A hoop on top of the lantern slides into the open hook 6 and is held securely in place via the rubber grommet 7 mounted in the open hook. The grommet has a slit in it, which allows the hoop on the lantern to slide into the center of it. Items 1-13 are identical to those explained in Fig. 3.

[0039] Fig. 6 presents an alternative method for mounting the bracket in a canopy (iteration

[0040] 2) shown from a bottom-up perspective. This method comprises a cylinder with a solid top 1 that fits over the round roof support connector on a canopy. The device has four grooves cut into the downward cylinder 2, which fit around the four roof supports on a canopy. One portion of the cylinder is longer than the other portions 3 and supports a horizontal platform 4 through which a hook 5 is mounted for holding various accessories.

[0041] Fig. 7 presents iteration 2 as described in Fig. 6 above mounted in a canopy with a fan 3 attached. The cylinder top with the four slots in the side 1 fits over the round roof support connector at the apex of the canopy frame. The four roof supports are presented 4, and the accordion truss supports 5 connect to the legs of the canopy.

[0042] Fig. 8 presents an alternative method for mounting the bracket in a canopy (iteration

[0043] 3) shown from a bottom-up perspective. This method comprises two circular Velcro pieces, one hook 1 and the other loop 3 that are connected together by a stretchable fabric 2. A metal or plastic piece in attached to the center of the stretchable fabric in which a hook 4 extends downward for use in mounting accessories in the canopy. This device wraps around the roof support connector at the apex of a canopy frame and stays in place when the hook and loop pieces of Velcro are pressed together.

[0044] Fig. 9 presents iteration 3 as described in Fig. 8 above mounted in a canopy with a fan 4 attached. The stretchable fabric 1 is wrapped around the roof support connector of the canopy frame and held together by the hook and loop pieces of Velcro being pressed together. The fan 4 then hangs on the hook 3 which extends downward from the fabric and Velcro assembly at the top. The canopy frame supports are presented in 5, and the accordion truss supports are presented in 6. The canopy leg is presented in 7.

[0045] Such a disclosure thus provides a mounting article and system of utilization thereof for simplified attachment to a canopy or tent frame and further connection with an accessory / device thereto for presence within such a target canopy or tent. The ability to adjust height positions on demand is unique and permits greater versatility for a user in this respect.

[0046] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

ClaimsWhat I claim is:

1. An overhead canopy or tent mounting article for the disposition of a device or accessory downwardly hanging from the frame of said canopy or tent, said mounting article comprising at least one metal rod having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said bottom end is a component attached to at least one connection means for attachment to said device or accessory and said top end is configured for connection to said frame of said canopy or tent, either directly or through a different connector, wherein said device or accessory is disposed parallel with the ground or floor of said canopy or tent when present connected to said mounting article.

2. The overhead canopy or tent mounting article of claim 1 wherein said mounting article comprises two separate metal rods connected to separate pivot points within said bottom end component for even introduction and attachment thereof on opposing frame arms of said canopy or tent.

3. The overhead canopy or tent mounting article of claim 2 wherein said two separate metal rods exhibit a telescoping structure to adjust the lengths thereof.

4. The overhead canopy or tent mounting article having a single plastic or hook and loop component attached directly to the apex of said canopy or tent.

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