A canopy system

Abstract

The disclosure provides for a canopy system for mounting to a structure such as a building, to define a canopy therefrom. The canopy system has a plurality of spars, and a base member. The base member is configured to be mounted to the structure. When mounted to the structure, the base member can cantileveringly support each of the plurality of spars at respectively continuously selectable locations along a length of the base member.

Description

A CANOPY SYSTEMFIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention relates to canopies for structures, and more particularly but not solely to canopy systems for defining a canopy from another structure such as a building.BACKGROUND

[0002] Canopies are used to provide coverings for various areas.

[0003] Architectural canopies are canopies which are supported by a building or another built structure. Architectural canopies may be utilised as, for example, store frontage cover over sidewalks, entry covers, or simply as architectural features.

[0004] Canopies and particularly store frontage canopies may need to provide certain structural strength such as to support workers on top of them and bear other environmental loads. These canopies may need to provide for drainage of rainfall, and to accommodate branding or other signage. In some instances such as where the canopies include lighting, these canopies may need to provide for electrical wiring to the lighting fixtures.

[0005] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an improved canopy system which addresses or ameliorates one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.SUMMARY

[0006] Conventional architectural canopies are custom-built structures. Construction of these canopies may require engineering design of the structural elements, then their fabrication. Once fabricated, the structural elements may be mounted to the building which is to be provided with the canopy. With this in place, roofing for watertightness and water management may be added, and fascia and soffit elements may be constructed and attached to the structure. These may involve the services of multiple trades.

[0007] Where the canopy is to provide for management of rainwater, guttering and down piping may also be installed either within the canopy or appended to it. According to local regulations, this work may require a registered plumber.

[0008] If electrical power is to be utilised on the canopy, for example for safety or security lighting, or to power lit signage, the services of a registered electrician may be required.

[0009] The built structure may also require painting, potentially involving yet another trade.

[0010] The need for multiple different trades to construct such a canopy involves significant costs and may also introduce the potential for slow or delayed construction of the canopy. This may particularly be the case where different stages of the construction require certain work to precede them; for example where work on enclosing the canopy with a roof, facia, and soffitcannot commence until initial electrical wiring has been completed, and then the final electrical wiring of the fixtures or signage only once the canopy is otherwise completed.

[0011] Many conventional canopies utilise tie rods extend backwards from the canopy and anchor it to a higher point on the building. These tie rods may be unsightly.

[0012] In addition or alternatively to the object previously described, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a canopy system able to be prefabricated offsite for assembly onsite.

[0013] In addition or alternatively to the objects previously described, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a canopy system for architectural canopies, the canopy system within it provisioning for at least the structural, water management, canopy, and finishing elements of the architectural canopy.

[0014] In addition or alternatively to the objects previously described, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a kit of parts for a canopy system, the kit of parts providing for at least the structural, water management, and canopy elements of an architectural canopy.

[0015] In addition or alternatively to the objects previously described, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide kit of parts for a canopy system, the kit of parts configured to be assembled into a canopy onsite by only the attachment of fasteners and connection together of components of the kit of parts.

[0016] In addition or alternatively to the objects previously described, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a method of assembly of a canopy system.

[0017] In addition or alternatively to the objects previously described, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a canopy system where the structural association of the canopy system to the building is to be located along a single horizontal strata of the building.

[0018] In addition or alternatively to the objects previously described, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide a canopy system having one or more of increased speed of completion, reduced cost, and improved simplicity of assembly compared to those associated with the prior art.

[0019] In a first aspect, the disclosure provides a canopy system for mounting to a structure such as a building to define a canopy therefrom, the canopy system comprising: a plurality of spars, and a base member configured to be mounted to the structure and to cantileveringly support each of the plurality of spars at respectively continuously selectable locations along a length of the base member.

[0020] In some configurations the base member comprises an overhanging hook defining a hook channel and a shoulder, and each spar comprises a first leg configured to be received within the hook channel of the base member and a shoulder corresponding to the shoulder of the base member.

[0021] In some configurations the shoulder projects transversely of the hook channel.

[0022] In some configurations the shoulder is operable to limit translation of a spar received within the hook channel in a direction outwardly of the hook channel.

[0023] In some configurations the hook channel opens in a first direction, and the shoulder extends at least partially in a second direction which is substantially transverse to the first direction.

[0024] In some configurations the shoulder extends transversely to a depth of the hook channel.

[0025] In some configurations the shoulder faces the hook channel.

[0026] In some configurations the first leg is of a spar of the plurality of spars is received within the hook channel of the base member the shoulder of the spar is engageable with the shoulder of the base member to cantileveringly support the spar upon the base member.

[0027] In some configurations a distal portion of the first leg of each of the plurality of spars comprises a bevel or a chamfer, the bevel or chamfer configured to permit insertion of the first leg into the hook channel when the spar is rotated relative to the base member away from its cantileveringly supported orientation.

[0028] In some configurations the hook channel comprises an open channel.

[0029] The canopy system of any one of claims 2-10, wherein the hook channel extends along the length of the base member.

[0030] In some configurations the shoulder extends along the length of the base member.

[0031] In some configurations the overhanging hook and the shoulder of the base member are integrally comprised by the base member.

[0032] In some configurations the base member comprises a substantially continuous cross section between a first and second ends along its length.

[0033] In some configurations the base member is an extrusion.

[0034] In some configurations when cantileveringly supported by the base member, each of the plurality of spars are individually moveable laterally along the length of the base member.

[0035] In some configurations when cantileveringly supported by the base member each the plurality of spars are rotatable in only one degree of freedom and translatable in only one direction, being laterally along the length of the base member.

[0036] In some configurations each of the plurality of spars are configured to, when in a cantileveringly supported condition by the base member, interlock with the base member to prevent rotation away from the cantileveringly supported condition.

[0037] In some configurations each of the plurality of spars interlock with the base member by way of respective integral features of each of the plurality of spars and the base member.

[0038] In some configurations the base member comprises a groove along its length and each of the plurality of spars comprise a clip configured to engage with the groove when eachrespective spar is in the cantileveringly supported condition, the engagement interlocking together the base member and each respective spar to prevent rotation away from the cantileveringly supported condition.

[0039] In some configurations the base member defines a fastener retaining feature configured to receive and retain therein a head of at least one fastener.

[0040] In some configurations the fastener retaining feature comprises a fastener channel which extends along the length of the base member, the fastener channel having in at least some portions a constricted opening such that the head of a fastener located within the fastener channel may be retained therein.

[0041] In some configurations the fastener channel comprises the constricted opening along the whole fastener channel, and fasteners are insertable into the fastener channel at respective lateral ends thereof.

[0042] In some configurations each of the plurality of spars comprise a second leg having a fastener opening configured to align with fastener channel of the base member, such that a fastener located in the fastener channel may be inserted through the fastener opening to secure the respective spar to the base member at the fastener channel.

[0043] In some configurations the second leg of each of the plurality of spars is located opposite the shoulder of the spar from the first leg of the spar.

[0044] In some configurations each of the plurality of spars when secured by a fastener through their respective fastener openings are secured against rotational removal of each spar from the condition in which they are cantileveringly supported on the base member.

[0045] In some configurations each of the plurality of spars when secured by a fastener through their respective fastener openings are secured against translation laterally along the length of the base member.

[0046] In some configurations the hook channel and shoulder of the base member each extend along the length of the base member.

[0047] In some configurations the hook channel and shoulder of the base member are each defined in a cross section of the base member.

[0048] In some configurations the base member comprises a constant cross section along its length.

[0049] In some configurations the base member is an extrusion.

[0050] In some configurations the canopy system further comprises a head flashing, and the head flashing and base member comprise between them a first and second sets of coupling features, the coupling features being mutually engageable to secure the head flashing to the base member.

[0051] In some configurations the coupling features of the base member are oriented substantially away from each other while the coupling features of the head flashing are oriented substantially facing each other.

[0052] In some configurations the first and second sets of coupling features each comprise a clip and a groove configured to receive the clip.

[0053] In some configurations the coupling features of the base member comprise two grooves configured to open in substantially opposite directions while the coupling features of the head flashing comprises two clips configured to project in substantially the same direction as each other.

[0054] In some configurations the canopy system further comprises a gutter, the gutter securable between the base member and two or more of the plurality of spars.

[0055] In some configurations the gutter, base member, and each of the plurality of spars comprise between them a first and second sets of gutter coupling members for securing the gutter to the base member and the plurality of spars.

[0056] In some configurations the first set of gutter coupling members comprise a clip of the base member which is configured to secure to a corresponding first clip of the gutter, and the second set of gutter coupling members comprise a clip of each of the plurality of spars and a corresponding second clip of the gutter.

[0057] In some configurations when coupled together, the first clip of the gutter is located between the clip of the base member and a remainder of the base member.

[0058] In some configurations the base member comprises a plurality of fastener openings through which a corresponding plurality of fasteners may be passed for securing the base member to the structure.

[0059] In some configurations the canopy system is configured so that the in the condition in which the spars are cantileveringly supported each of the plurality of spars are nonperpendicular to the base member.

[0060] In some configurations in use, in the condition in which the spars are cantileveringly supported each of the plurality of spars extend non-horizontally.

[0061] In some configurations in use, in the condition in which the spars are cantileveringly supported a distal end of each of the plurality of spars is located higher than a corresponding proximate end adjacent the base member.

[0062] In some configurations each of the plurality of spars comprise a spar body and a mounting portion associated with the spar body, the mounting portion being for association with the base member.

[0063] In some configurations the canopy system further comprises at least one canopy element, the canopy element being securable to at least two of the spars to define a canopy in use.

[0064] In some configurations each at least one canopy element comprises a canopy panel, and each canopy panel is mountable to an underside of at least two of the spars.

[0065] In some configurations each canopy panel comprises an upturned end portion distal of the base member in use.

[0066] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a canopy system for mounting to a building or other structure to define a canopy therefrom, the canopy system comprising: a base member mountable to the building or other structure, and a spar, wherein the base member and the spar are configured such that the spar may be cantileveringly supported by the base member, and wherein when cantileveringly supported by the base member the spar is moveable laterally along the base member.

[0067] In some configurations the spar is moveable laterally along the base member between a plurality of predefined supported positions.

[0068] In some configurations the spar is moveable laterally along the base member to any desired supported position between a first lateral portion and opposed second lateral portion of the base member.

[0069] In some configurations the spar is moveable laterally along the base member to any desired supported position between a first and second lateral extents of the base member.

[0070] In some configurations the base member comprises a substantially continuous cross section between its first and second lateral extents.

[0071] In some configurations the base member is an extrusion.

[0072] In some configurations the canopy system comprises at least one spar, and each at least one spar is configured to be cantileveringly supported by the base member and when so supported to be moveable laterally along the base member.

[0073] In some configurations the canopy system comprises a plurality of spars.

[0074] In another aspect the disclosure provides a canopy system comprising a base member and a plurality of spars, the base member and each spar of the plurality of spars mutually configured such that each spar may be cantileveringly supported upon the base member solely by corresponding features of the spar and the base member.

[0075] In some configurations the base member comprises a constant cross section across at least a substantial portion of a length of the base member.

[0076] In some configurations when cantileveringly supported upon the base member the spars are moveable laterally along a length of the base member.

[0077] In some configurations the spars may each be cantileveringly supported on the base member solely by an interaction of integral features of each respective spar and the base member.

[0078] In some configurations the spars are each mountable to the base member to be cantileveringly supported thereon, the spars being mountable by an interaction of respective integral features of the spars and the base member.

[0079] In another aspect the disclosure provides a method of assembling a canopy system to a structure such as a building to define a canopy, the method comprising the steps of: securing a base member to the structure, coupling a plurality of spars to the base member in a cantileveringly supported condition by, for each of the plurality of spars: inserting a first leg of the spar into a channel defined by a hook of the base member, rotating the spar within the channel so that a shoulder of the spar becomes supported by a shoulder of the base member, and securing the spar to the base member at a portion of the spar spaced away from the first leg, and securing one or more canopy elements to the plurality of spars.

[0080] In some configurations the method further comprises the step, after the step of inserting the first leg of the spar into the channel, of sliding the spar within the channel to a desired location along a length of the base member.

[0081] In some configurations the step of securing the spar to the base member comprises inserting a fastener into a fastener channel of the base member, passing the fastener through a fastener opening of the spar, and tensioning the fastener.

[0082] In some configurations the method further comprises the step of clipping a head flashing onto the base member across at least two clip locations thereof.

[0083] In some configurations the method further comprises the step of attaching a gutter between the base member and each of the plurality of spars.

[0084] In another aspect the disclosure provides a kit of parts for a canopy system, the kit of parts comprising: a base member for mounting to a structure such as a building, the base member having a substantially continuous cross section, a hook which defines a hook channel, and a shoulder, a plurality of spars, each spar having a mounting portion for cantileveringly mounting to the base member at the hook channel and the shoulder, and at least one canopy element for being supported by the plurality of spars to define a canopy.

[0085] In some configurations the kit of parts further comprises one or more of a fascia, a soffit, tie rods, signage, and lighting.

[0086] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a canopy system for mounting to a structure such as a building to define a canopy therefrom, where the canopy system comprises a base member for mounting to the structure, a plurality of spars each configured to be cantileveringly supported by the base member, and at least one canopy element to depend from the plurality of spars to define the canopy.

[0087] The plurality of spars are cantileveringly supported solely by the base member.

[0088] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a base member for a canopy system, the base member comprising an elongate body of substantially continuous cross section which has in cross section a hook defining a hook channel, and a shoulder.

[0089] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a spar for a canopy system, the spar is configured to be cantileveringly supported from a base member and comprises a first leg and opposed to the first leg a shoulder.

[0090] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a kit of parts for a canopy system for a building, the kit of parts comprising a base member, a plurality of spars, a plurality of fasteners, and at least one canopy element, and wherein the canopy system is configured to be assembled only from the components of the kit of parts.

[0091] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a building comprising a canopy system substantially as described herein.

[0092] A canopy system according to the disclosure may provide for simplified construction of a canopy for a building. A base member may first be mounted to the building, for example using fasteners. The desired number of spars may then be inserted into the hook channel of the base member, and levered so that their weight is cantileveringly supported by the base member. The spars may be slid laterally along the base member to fine tune their positions along it. One or more fasteners may be used to secure the spars, to prevent their rotation away from their cantilevered condition and to secure them in their location along the length of the base member. Canopy elements may be mounted to the spars, to define the canopy. The canopy elements may be configured to integrally connect to the spars, or may be fastened to it. A gutter may be connected to the remainder of the canopy system, preferably without the use of separate fasteners. Similarly, a head flashing may be connected to the base member, preferably without the use of separate flashings. In this manner a canopy system may be provided and installed which provides a canopy, the necessary structural support for it, provisions for drainage from the canopy, and provides waterproofing to the building where it has been penetrated by fasteners. Such a canopy system may be able to be installed in a single event by a qualified installer, without necessitating the coordination of multiple trades providing different sequentially dependent services.

[0093] The components of a canopy system according to the disclosure may be designed and produced off-site, then brought together on-site for connection together without requiring any on-site fabrication.

[0094] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[0095] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0096] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[0097] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0098] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0099] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0100] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0101] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0103] Figure 1 is a view of a canopy system.

[0104] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a base member for a canopy system.

[0105] Figure 2B is an end view of a base member for a canopy system.

[0106] Figure 3 is a view of a spar for a canopy system.

[0107] Figure 4 is a side view of an end portion of the spar of Figure 3.

[0108] Figure 5 is a side view of a first assembly state of a sparand a base member.

[0109] Figure 6 is a side view of a second assembly state of a sparand a base member.

[0110] Figure 7 is a side view of a third assembly state of a spar and a base member.

[0111] Figure 8 is a sectional view through a canopy system and a structure to which it is assembled.

[0112] Figure 9 is a section view through a canopy system and a structure to which it is assembled.

[0113] Figure 10 is an upper perspective view of a canopy system.

[0114] Figure 11 is a lower perspective view of a canopy system.

[0115] Figure 12 is a lower perspective view of a canopy system.

[0116] Figure 13 is an upper perspective view of a canopy system.

[0117] Figure 14 is an upper perspective view of another configuration of a canopy system including tie rods.

[0118] Figure 15 is an upper perspective view of a section taken through a canopy system which includes a fascia and soffit.

[0119] Figure 16 is a sectional view of a canopy system and a structure to which it is assembled, where the structure has cladding panels such as for example aluminium composite cladding.

[0120] Figure 17 is a sectional view of a canopy system and a structure to which it is assembled, where the structure has a brick veneer.

[0121] Figure 18 is a sectional view of a canopy system and a structure to which it is assembled, where the structure has a weatherboard cladding.

[0122] Figure 19 is a sectional view of a canopy system and a concrete structure to which it is assembled.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0123] Figure 1 shows an upper perspective view of an at least partially assembled canopy system 100. The canopy system 100 has a base member 110 which is for mounting to a structure, such as a building (not shown), to define a canopy from the structure. The canopy may particularly be an architectural canopy. The canopy may cover a ground area such as to provide one or more of shade, rain protection, or simply to provide an architectural feature.

[0124] A plurality of fasteners 119a are shown for mounting the base member 110 to the structure. It will be appreciated that in other arrangements the base member 110 may mounted to the structure by other methods such as by welding.

[0125] A plurality of spars 120 are shown mounted to and depending from the base member 110. The spars 120 are each configured to cantilever from the base member in use. Canopy elements 130 depend from the spars 120, to define a covering canopy.

[0126] A canopy system may include one or more base members 110 from which one or more respective spars 120 can be cantileveringly supported when the base member 110 is mounted to a building.

[0127] The base member 110 is configured to provide cantilevering support to the spars120.

[0128] The base member 110 may be an elongate member with a continuous or at least substantially continuous cross section along its elongate direction. Features of the base member 110 are configured to interact the spars to provide cantilevering support to them. The features of the base member 110 may be configured to allow the spars to be mounted to the base member only by an insertion of the spar at one or either of the elongate ends of the base member 110.

[0129] In other preferred forms, the features of the base member 110 may be configured to allow the spars to be mounted to the base members at any desired location along the length of the base member 110 in its elongate direction.

[0130] The features of the base member 110 may be configured to allow the spars to be mounted to the base members by an insertion into the base member in a direction transverse to the elongate direction of the base member 110.

[0131] In some configurations the insertion of the spars into the base member may comprise a pivoting insertion.

[0132] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a base member 110 and Figure 2B shows a cross section of the base member 110 of Figure 2A. The base member 110 has a hook 112. The hook 112 overhangs to define a hook channel 113. The hook channel 113 has a base 113a and an opening 113b.

[0133] The base member has a shoulder 114. The shoulder 114 projects transversely of the hook channel 113. The shoulder is operable to limit movement into and out of the hook channel 113 of a spar that is received within the hook channel 113.

[0134] As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the shoulder 114 projects transversely to the elongate direction of the hook channel.

[0135] The shoulder 114 is operable to limit translation in a direction away from the opening of the hook channel of a spar that is received within the hook channel.

[0136] The shoulder 114 may be operable to support a load exerted in a direction away from the hook channel.

[0137] The shoulder 114 may face the hook channel 113. As shown particularly in Figure 2B, the shoulder 114 may be located opposite to the hook channel 113.

[0138] In other configurations, the shoulder 114 may be laterally offset from the hook channel 113. For example, the shoulder may be located either closer to the building side of the base member 110 or further away from it, so that it is not directly facing the hook channel 113. In any case however the shoulder 114 is configured to provide vertical support to a spar which is engaged in the hook channel 113.

[0139] As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the shoulder 114 projects transversely of the hook channel 113 and also away from the hook channel, having a ramped form. The shoulder 114 isshown projecting at an approximately 45-degree angle to vertical, or to the opening of the hook channel 113.

[0140] A shoulder 114 may be configured at other angles and having other shapes, so long as it projects transversely of the hook channel 113 and is able to provide vertical support to a spar which is engaged in the hook channel 113. For example, the shoulder may comprise a shelf which extends entirely transversely to the hook channel 113.

[0141] As shown in Figure 2A, the shoulder 114 may continuously extend along the length of the base member 110.

[0142] In other configurations, a plurality of shoulders 114 may be provided discontinuously along part or all of the length of the base member 110.

[0143] As shown in Figure 2A, the hook 112 and hook channel 113 may extend along the length of the base member 110.

[0144] In other configurations, a plurality of hooks 112 may define discrete hook channels 113 along part or all of the length of the base member.

[0145] While illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B as being located facing and substantially opposite to the hook channel 113, the shoulder 114 may in other configurations be provided within the hook channel 113. For example, the shoulder 114 may be provided by a recess along the length of the hook channel 113 and which extends transversely to it.

[0146] As shown in Figure 2B the shoulder 114 may be provided so that it faces the hook channel 113.

[0147] In other configurations the shoulder may be offset from the hook channel.

[0148] The shoulder 114 may extend at least partially horizontally in use, while the hook channel 113 may open at least partially downwardly in use.

[0149] A base member may include one or more clip features to accommodate the connection of one or more additional components of the canopy system. As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B the base member 110 has three clip features 115, 116, and 117.

[0150] A base member may include a fastener channel such as the fastener channel 118 illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, further detail of which will be described below.

[0151] A base member may include fastener openings 126 to accommodate fasteners for securing the base member to the building or other structure. The fastener openings 126 may be located behind the hook channel, towards an upper extent of the base member in use. Fastener openings 126 may also be provided towards a lower extent of the base member in use.

[0152] A spar 120 is shown in Figure 3. In the illustrated configuration the spar 120 includes a spar body 121 and a mounting portion 122. The mounting portion 122 is configured to be received by the base member so as to allow the spar to be cantileveringly supported by the base member.

[0153] The spar body 121 may be an extrusion.

[0154] As illustrated in Figure 3, the spar body 121 and mounting portion 122 are shown as separate components which are secured together to define the spar 120.

[0155] In other configurations, the mounting portion 122 may be formed unitarily with the spar body 121.

[0156] Figure 4 is a side view of a mounting portion 122 of a spar 120. The mounting portion 122 defines a first leg 123 which is configured to be received within the hook channel 113 of the base member 110. As illustrated in Figure 4 the first leg 123 has a chamfer 125 along a distal edge of the first leg.

[0157] The mounting portion 122 has a shoulder 124 which is configured to correspond to the shoulder 114 of the base member 110. As illustrated in Figure 4 the shoulder 124 is located substantially opposite to a projecting direction of the first leg 123.

[0158] A mounting portion 122 may include one or more clip features at which one more other components of the canopy system may be coupled. As seen in Figure 2, the mounting portion includes a clip feature 129.

[0159] As seen in Figure 4, the mounting portion 122 includes fastener openings 126a and 126b. The fastener openings 126a and 126b are located on a second leg 128 of the mounting portion 122. Theas second leg 128 extends substantially opposite to the first leg 123.

[0160] Figures 5-7 illustrate the assembly of a spar 120 onto a base member 110 so that the spar 120 is cantilevered from the base member.

[0161] The base member 110 is configured to allow the spars 120 to be assembled to the base member 110 at a front side 201 of the base member 110. The front side 201 is opposite to a back side 202, at which the base member 110 is mounted to the structure which is to be provided with the canopy.

[0162] The spars 120 may be able to be assembled to the base member 110 by insertion of the first leg 123 of a spar into the hook channel 113 from one end of the base member 110. The first leg 123 may then be slid laterally along within the hook channel 113 to provide the spar at the desired location along the length of the base member 110. This method of assembly may be provided in addition, or alternatively to assembly by connection at the front side 201 of the base member 110.

[0163] It may be desirable for the spars to be able to be connected to the base member 110 at the front side 201 of the base member 110. This may allow spars to be assembled at their desired or approximately desired locations along the base member, without necessitating the insertion of each into the hook channel at the end, then moving them individually along the base member to their desired locations.

[0164] Figure 5 shows the initial stage of the mounting of a spar 120 to the base member110. As seen in Figure 5 the spar 120 has been rotated relative to its mounted orientation so that its distal end (not shown) is raised. The rotation allows the first leg 123 of the spar 120 to be inserted into the hook channel 113 of the base member 110. While the adjacent profiles of the mounting portion 122 of the spar 120 and the base member 110 substantially correspond, at least at the first leg 123, hook channel 113, and respective shoulders 114 and 124, the distal edge of the first leg 123 most proximal to the base member 110 includes a chamfer 125. As seen in Figure 5, the chamfer 125 allows the first leg 123 to otherwise be a close fit with the hook channel 113 to ensure a secure connection but allows the insertion of the first leg 123 into the hook channel 113 when they are angled relative to each other.

[0165] While as illustrated in Figure 5 the first leg 123 has a chamfer 125, it will be appreciated that in other forms a bevel or other reduction of the corner may be provided to allow the insertion of the first leg 123 into the hook channel at an angle thereto.

[0166] Once the first leg 123 is inserted into the hook channel 113, the spar 120 may be rotated downwardly about the hook channel to bring the shoulder 124 of the spar to rest on the shoulder 114 of the base member. This is illustrated in Figure 6. In this condition the spar 120 may be entirely supported by the base member, being cantilevered from it.

[0167] In either the partially associated condition of Figure 5 or the fully cantileveringly supported condition of Figure 6, the spar 120 may be translatable laterally along the length of the base member 110 to its desired position. The spars 120 translate along the base member by sliding within the hook channel 113 and on the shoulder 114.

[0168] The spars 120 may be continuously locatable at any desired location along the length of the base member 110.

[0169] The base member and spars may be configured, when a spar is cantilevered from the base member, to provide frictional engagement to prevent sliding of the spar along the base member. In such arrangements, an upwards force may be required on the spar to decrease the normal force between the surfaces of the spar and base member so that sliding may easily occur.

[0170] In other configurations the base member and spars may be configured with limited frictional engagement between them such that a spar having its weight fully supported by the base member may be slid along the base member.

[0171] In the condition shown in Figure 5 the spar 120 may have only one rotational degree of freedom, being by rotation of the distal end of the spar 120 upwards about its engagement with the hook channel 113 of the base member 110.

[0172] The mounting of the spars to the base member may include a locking to prevent their rotation away from their cantilevered condition. The spars and base member may be provided with mutual features to lock them in place. For example, the base member may have one or morecatches which materially interfere with the spars once they are in their cantileveringly supported conditions and prevent their rotational removal from their cantileveringly supported conditions.

[0173] The spars may interlock with the base member by the interaction of respective integral features of each of the spars and the base member. For example, each spar may have a catch which when the spar is supported on the shoulder 114 is caused to become engaged with a detent of the base member. Detents may be provided in the desired mounting locations of the spars along the length of the base member. Alternatively, detents may be provided continuously along the length of the base member. For example, particularly where the base member is an extrusion, a single detent may be provided continuously along the length of the base member.

[0174] In other examples, one or more fasteners may be utilised to secure the spars in their cantileveringly supported conditions. Such fasteners may also lock the spars in their longitudinal position along the length of the base member.

[0175] As illustrated in Figures 5-7, the base member 110 has a fastener channel 118 which extends along its length. The fastener channel is configured so that its opening is constricted relative to its body. As shown in Figure 7, a fastener 119a may be located in the fastener channel 118 so that a head of the fastener is located in the body of the fastener channel and the body of the fastener extends through the constricted opening.

[0176] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, when cantileveringly supported on the base member 110 the spar body 121 extend non-perpendicularly from the base member 110. In some examples the canopy system 100 may be configured so that when the base member 110 is mounted to a substantially vertical face of a structure, the spar bodies 121 of each of the spars 120 extend upwardly from adjacent the structure towards their distal ends.

[0177] In some examples the canopy system may be configured so that the cantileveringly supported spar bodies 121 extend with an angle of about 2 to about 8 degrees to the horizontal.

[0178] In some examples the canopy system may be configured so that the cantileveringly supported spar bodies 121 extend with an angle of about 5 degrees to the horizontal.

[0179] The mounting portion 122 of the spar may include a second leg 128. The second leg may define one or more fastener openings 126a. The fastener 119a may be inserted through each fastener opening 126a of the spar 120, and a nut tightened on to the fastener 119a to secure the spar 120 against removal from its cantilevered position.

[0180] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second leg 128 of the spar 120 may located opposite of the shoulder 124 from the first leg 123.

[0181] Where a spar 120 is secured with a fastener 119a that extends from the fastener channel 118 of the base member, the fastener 119a may be inserted into the fastener channel 118 before the spar is associated with the base member, then the fastener 119a may be inserted into the fastener opening 126a at the same time as the spar 120 is rotated to bring the two shoulders114 and 124 into contact. Otherwise, where a spar 120 is already cantilevered from a base member, the spar 120 may be rotated away from its cantilevered position to allow a fastener 119a to be slid into place in the fastener channel 118 and inserted into the fastener opening 126 of the spar 120.

[0182] A canopy system 100 having a plurality of spars, such as the canopy system 100 of Figure 1 , may be assembled by a mounting of the base member 110 to the structure from which the canopy is to extend, followed by the successive mounting of each of the spars 120 to the base member 110 as has been described in relation to Figures 5 and 6 and / or 5-7.

[0183] The securing of a fastener 119a to a spar 120 may secure the spar 120 against one or both of lateral translation along the base member 110 and rotation away from its cantileveringly supported condition.

[0184] Because the spars are able to be cantileveringly supported by the base member without affixing any fasteners to or through the spar, a person assembling the canopy system may be able to quickly hook each of the spars onto the base member, then with their weight supported by the base member translate the spars individually along the base member to their desired fixed locations. Enabling this method of assembly may provide ease and efficiency benefits over conventional systems where the supporting elements for the canopy must first be placed accurately in their desired locations then secured to the structure or some other component of the canopy system with commonly multiple separate fasteners.

[0185] Figure 8 shows a sectional view through the length of a base member 110 which has been mounted to a structure 210. Fasteners 119c are shown securing the base member 110 to the structure 210. As seen in Figure 8 a spar 120 has been mounted to the base member 110 so that it is cantileveringly supported by the base member. The spar 120 has been secured in its cantilevered condition by a fastener 119a. A canopy element 130 has been secured to the spar 120, with one fastener 131 shown.

[0186] As seen in Figure 8, a fastener 119b is shown extending through the mounting portion 122 adjacent the spar body 121 and extending across to the second leg 128 of the mounting portion 122. A corresponding hole is provided in the second leg 128 of the mounting portion 122, so the fastener 119b passes through the second leg 128 and is supported by the base member 110. The fastener opening 126b through the second leg 128 is illustrated in in Figure 3. Threads may be provided at the opening for the fastener 119b opposite from the second leg 128. This may allow threaded tightening or loosening of the fastener to provide for levelling of each individual spar 120.

[0187] The fastener 119b may additionally or alternatively be utilised to provide additional torsional strength to the mounting portion 122. Where the fastener 119b is for only providing torsional strength to the mounting portion 122 and not levelling, the fastener 119b may not engage adjacent the structure 210 with the base member 110, but may be engaged just between thespaced parts of the mounting portion 122 at and opposite to the second leg 128. In such a configuration the fastener 119b may thread into holes on both the second leg 128 and also on the opposed part of the mounting portion 122.

[0188] The fastener 119b may be configured be supported at one end by the second leg 128 and thread into the opposed portion of the mounting portion 122 adjacent to the spar body 121. This configuration, or an opposite configuration where the supporting and threading portions are reversed, may allow for fine-tuning of the

[0189] In other arrangements, canopy elements may be mounted to the spars either with or without the use of separate fasteners. For example, the spars and canopy elements may be configured to couple directly to each other, so that the canopy elements can be mounted without the use of separate fasteners.

[0190] A canopy system may be configured to provide drainage of rain water incident on the canopy system. To this end, a canopy system may include one or more gutters. A shown in Figure 9, the canopy system is configured so that when cantileveringly supported on the base member 110, the spars 120 rise towards their distal end away from the base member 110. This may provide a fall for drainage. The spars 120 and canopy elements 130 may be arranged so that a fall is provided to the canopy elements also. By this configuration, water incident on the canopy elements and spars in use will drain towards the base member 110. Where it is not desirable for the water to drain downwardly adjacent the structure, a gutter may be provided.

[0191] Figure 9 illustrates a gutter 140 which is provided to collect drained water from the spars and canopy elements. The gutter 140 as illustrated connects between the mounting portion 122 of the spar 120 and the base member 110.

[0192] A gutter 140 may be configured to press-fit onto one or more other components of the canopy system. In some configurations a gutter may be retained only by features integral to the gutter and any other components of the canopy system to which it connects, without additional intermediate components such as fasteners. This may be desirable to increase the simplicity of assembling the canopy system and consequently the labour time and cost associated with assembling the canopy system.

[0193] In other configurations a gutter may be retained by such features and / or by fasteners.

[0194] As shown in figure 9 the gutter 140 has two clips 141 and 142 which are oriented towards each other. The clips 141 and 142 are connected at corresponding clip 115 of the base member 110 and clip 129 of the spar 120. The clips 115 and 129 are oriented substantially away from each other.

[0195] While illustrated as connected between the base member and the spar, in other configurations the gutter may be connected between any two otherwise located clips which areoriented substantially away from each other. For example, the clips 141 and 142 of the gutter 140 may connect to corresponding clips of the mounting portion 122 and a canopy element 130, or across the mounting portion 122 alone.

[0196] The gutter 140 may be an extruded section, having the clips 141 and 142 formed along its length. As illustrated in Figure 9, the gutter 140 may be mounted by pressing the gutter upwardly so that the clips 141 and 142 are respectively urged against the clips 115 and 129 so that they are caused to engage with each other.

[0197] By being located underneath and behind the lower edge of the fastener channel 118, water may be prevented from leaking past the gutter 140 as it drains down the base member 110.

[0198] As shown in Figure 9, the gutter 140 includes an extension 142 towards the structure 210. Such an extension 143 may extend at least partially towards the base member 110 and / or the structure 210 from a body of the gutter. The extension 143 may act as a shield against water reaching the lower fasteners 119c, for example when the canopy or structure are being washed. The extension 143 may additionally or alternatively partially or wholly visually occlude the lower fasteners 119c from view from underneath the canopy system when it is assembled.

[0199] In some cases it may be desirable to include a head flashing with the canopy system, to prevent water ingress in between the base member 110 and the structure 210 and / or around the fasteners 119c. A head flashing may be provided to integrate with the canopy system 100.

[0200] Figure 9 shows a head flashing 150 which may be configured to in use prevent water ingress at one or more locations. As illustrated in Figure 9, the head flashing 150 has two substantially opposed clips 151 and 152. The clips 151 and 152 are off generally oriented parallel to each other and are coupled to corresponding clips 116 and 117 of the base member 110. As illustrated in Figure 9 the clips 116 and 117 each define catches which engage with the clips 151 and 152 when they are pressed against them, towards the structure 210. By such a configuration the head flashing 150 may be configured to be secured as part of the canopy system without the use of any separate fastening components. This may increase the speed with which the canopy system can be assembled and reduce the number of components parts of the canopy system.

[0201] While the clips 116 and 117 are illustrated in the arrangement of Figure 9 as being on the base member 110, in other configurations the head flashing 150 may clip across another or two or more other components of the canopy system. For example, the clip 116 may be provided on an upper face of the base member 110 as illustrated in Figure 9, while the clip 117 may be provided on the spar 120, and more particularly on the mounting portion 122 of the spar 120.

[0202] As illustrated in Figure 9 the head flashing 150 covers the upper fasteners 119c which secure the base member 110 to the structure 210.

[0203] As illustrated in Figure 9 a sealing bead 211 may be provided between the head flashing 150 and the structure 210 to prevent water ingress between the base member 110 and the structure 210.

[0204] In other configurations, the head flashing 150 may itself seal against the structure. For example, the sealing bead 211 may be provided along with the head flashing 150.

[0205] When assembling a canopy system according to the disclosure the base member may first be mounted to the structure from which the canopy is to extend. With the base member secured to the structure, for example by one or more fasteners, the spars may be connected to the base member so that they are cantileveringly supported by it, for example as described in relation to Figures 5-7. Once the spars are supported by the base member, waterproofing may be provided between the base member and the structure. For example, one or more flashings, such as the head flashing 150, may be attached to the base member to provide waterproofing.

[0206] One or more head flashings 150 may be utilised with a single base member 110.

[0207] In at least some configurations a single head flashing 150 is to be utilised in association with a single base member 110, the head flashing unitarily extending along the length of the base member. Such a configuration may increase the speed and simplicity of installation, as only a single component is required to be installed to provide head waterproofing, and accordingly waterproofing between individual flashing components is not required. This may also increase the durability and reliability of the waterproofing of the canopy system.

[0208] The head flashing 150 may be an extrusion.

[0209] Water channelling features such as a gutter 140 also be installed following connection of the spars to the base member.

[0210] Where a waterproofing flashing such as a head flashing 150 and / or a gutter 140 are installed after connection of the spars to the base member, the ease and efficiency of the installation of the canopy system may be increased. Because the canopy system may include the canopy elements separately to the spars, access may be possible from underneath the canopy system to connect waterproofing and / or water channelling parts. This improved ease of access may increase the speed of installation and reduce its cost, for example where it means that access machinery to locate workers above the canopy system is not required, or that workers do not need to walk on top of the canopy system (which may require safety equipment and / or specialised workers).

[0211] As seen in the side views of Figures 5-9, the spars 120 and base member 110 may be configured so that when the base member is mounted to the structure 210, the spars rise from a first end at their association with the base member 110 towards respective distal second ends. The spars 120 extend non-perpendicularly from the base member 110. Where the canopy system 100 is mounted to a vertical structure such as a wall of a building, the spars 120 may extend non-perpendicularly from the structure 210. This may provide a fall to the canopy elements 130 to allow drainage, where the canopy elements 130 when mounted to the spars 120 are provided at the same angle as the spars 120.

[0212] Figure 10 shows an assembled canopy system 100. Four spars 120 are cantileveringly supported by a base member 110. Canopy elements 130 have been mounted to the spars 120. A gutter 140 has been connected between the base member 110 and each of the spars 120. A head flashing 150 is connected along the base member 110. An end panel 160 is illustrated to cover the ends of the base member 110, the head flashing 150, and the gutter 140.

[0213] While the canopy system 100 of Figure 10 is illustrated as having three canopy elements 130 supported on spars 120, it will be appreciate that the disclosure may be utilised to provide a canopy system of any other desired arrangement; for example a wider or narrower canopy or a deeper or shallower canopy. Similarly, while a single base member 110 is illustrated, in other configurations more than one base member 110 may be utilised in a canopy system.

[0214] A canopy system 100 according to the disclosure may extend along a straight portion of a structure, or may extend along one or more non-straight portions of a structure, such as along a curved wall or around a corner of a building. Where the canopy system is to extend around a corner of a building, a single base member may be configured to extend on both sides of the building. In other arrangements however, two base members may be aligned with each other, one extending along each side of the building and meeting or being adjacent to each other at the corner.

[0215] Figure 11 shows a lower perspective view of the canopy system 100 of Figure 10. As shown in Figure 11 , the canopy system 100 may present a clean and aesthetically attractive underside comprised primarily of the canopy elements 130 and the gutter 140, while the remainder of the parts of the canopy system 100 are hidden from view.

[0216] Figure 12 shows another perspective view of a canopy system 100, without an end panel 160 so that the detail of the ends of the gutter, the base member 110, and the flashing 150 are visible.

[0217] The canopy elements 130 shown in Figures 11 and 12 have distal ends 132 adjacent the distal second ends of the spars 120 which are folded upwardly. This may act to further hide the spars 120 in use from the view of a person below the canopy system 100.

[0218] Also as seen in Figures 12 and 13, the spars 120 may taper towards the canopy elements 130 in use. The spars 120 of Figures 12 and 13 each have mitred ends. This configuration may aid in preventing the spars from being visible in use to a person below the canopy system.

[0219] A canopy system 100 may be provided with one or more different forms of canopy elements 130. For example, as illustrated in the arrangements of Figures 10-12, the canopy elements 130 may be in the form of solid panels.

[0220] In other forms, one or more of the canopy elements 130 of a canopy system 100 may be formed of pliable or flexible materials, such as for example a fabric or a plastic sheeting.

[0221] As illustrated in Figure 10-12 the canopy elements 130 may be opaque. For example, they may be formed from a metal or an opaque plastic.

[0222] While Figures 10-12 show the canopy being formed by three separate canopy panels, it will be appreciated that in other forms the entirety of a canopy of a canopy system according to the disclosure may be formed by a single canopy element.

[0223] Figure 13 illustrates another canopy system 100 where the canopy elements 130 are planar in form. The canopy elements 130 may be transparent. The canopy elements may for example be glass panels.

[0224] While a canopy system may be configured according to the disclosure so that the canopy is cantileveringly by the base member 110 alone, additional support members may be provided to the canopy system. For example, Figure 14 shows a canopy system 100 where tie rods 170 are associated with each of the spars 120. The other ends of the tie rods 170 are for connection to the structure or building from which the canopy system is to depend.

[0225] While canopy systems 100 have been illustrated having canopy elements 130 mounted to the spars 120, the canopy system may additionally or alternatively include other components to provide the desired finish to the system. For example, Figure 15 illustrates a canopy system 100 having a fascia 180 and soffit 190 which are provided to box in and finish the canopy.

[0226] As illustrated by Figures 16-19, the canopy system 100 may be provided to a wide range of different structures.

[0227] Figure 16 partially shows a canopy system 100 which has been assembled onto a wall of a building where the building has a panel cladding 212, such as an aluminium composite cladding (ACM). Where the panel cladding 212 has a cavity inside it, cavity packers 213 may be provided to fill the cavity at the mounting locations of the base member 110. Behind the cladding panels 212, support framing 214 may be provided as needed. A sealing bead 211 is shown between the head flashing 150 and the cladding panel 212.

[0228] Figure 17 partially shows a canopy system 100 which has been assembled to a wall of a building where the building has a brick veneer 217. To mount the canopy system 100 to the structure 210, a structural bracket 215 may be connected to the support framing 214 so that it extends out through the brick veneer 217. The base member 110 is then mounted to the structural bracket 215.

[0229] The head flashing 215 may be configured to be incorporated into the brick veneer217. Or, in other configurations, a separate flashing incorporated into the brick veneer 217 may cooperate with the head flashing 215 to provide vertical weathertightness between the base member 110 and the structure 210.

[0230] Figure 18 partially shows a canopy system 100 which has been assembled to a wall of a building having a weatherboard cladding 220. Packing elements 221 are provided against the weatherboard cladding 220 to provide a flat mounting surface, and the base member 110 is fastened to the support framing 214 through the weatherboard cladding 220. A secondary flashing 222 is shown which cooperates with the head flashing 150 to provide protection for water ingress around the fasteners 119c and between the base member 110 and the structure 210.

[0231] Figure 19 partially shows a canopy system 100 which has been assembled to a wall concrete panel 223 wall of a building 210. As shown, the base member 110 is directly fastened to the concrete panel 223.

[0232] It will be appreciated that many other methods may be utilised to secure spars in their cantilevered conditions on a base member, such as but not limited to welding or the use of a fastener which extends through the spar and base member and into the structure to which the base member 110 is mounted.

[0233] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0234] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the preferred embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, and also the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being comprised in the present disclosure.

[0235] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A canopy system for mounting to a structure such as a building to define a canopy therefrom, the canopy system comprising: a plurality of spars, and a base member configured to be mounted to the structure and to cantileveringly support each of the plurality of spars at respectively continuously selectable locations along a length of the base member.

2. The canopy system of claim 1 , wherein the base member comprises an overhanging hook defining a hook channel and a shoulder, and each spar comprises a first leg configured to be received within the hook channel of the base member and a shoulder corresponding to the shoulder of the base member.

3. The canopy system of claim 2, wherein the shoulder projects transversely of the hook channel.

4. The canopy system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the shoulder is operable to limit translation of a spar received within the hook channel in a direction outwardly of the hook channel.

5. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the hook channel opens in a first direction, and the shoulder extends at least partially in a second direction which is substantially transverse to the first direction.

6. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the shoulder extends transversely to a depth of the hook channel.

7. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-6, wherein the shoulder faces the hook channel.

8. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-7, wherein when the first leg is of a spar of the plurality of spars is received within the hook channel of the base member the shoulder of the spar is engageable with the shoulder of the base member to cantileveringly support the spar upon the base member.

9. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-8, wherein a distal portion of the first leg of each of the plurality of spars comprises a bevel or a chamfer, the bevel or chamfer configured to permit insertion of the first leg into the hook channel when the spar is rotated relative to the base member away from its cantileveringly supported orientation.

10. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-9, wherein the hook channel comprises an open channel.

11. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-10, wherein the hook channel extends along the length of the base member.

12. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-11 , wherein the shoulder extends along the length of the base member.

13. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-12, wherein the overhanging hook and the shoulder of the base member are integrally comprised by the base member.

14. The canopy system of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the base member comprises a substantially continuous cross section between a first and second ends along its length.

15. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-14, wherein the base member is an extrusion.

16. The canopy system of any one of claims 1 -15, wherein when cantileveringly supported by the base member, each of the plurality of spars are individually moveable laterally along the length of the base member.

17. The canopy system of any one of claims 1 -16, wherein when cantileveringly supported by the base member each the plurality of spars are rotatable in only one degree of freedom and translatable in only one direction, being laterally along the length of the base member.

18. The canopy system of any one of claims 1 -17, wherein each of the plurality of spars are configured to, when in a cantileveringly supported condition by the base member, interlock with the base member to prevent rotation away from the cantileveringly supported condition.

19. The canopy system of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of spars interlock with the base member by way of respective integral features of each of the plurality of spars and the base member.

20. The canopy system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the base member comprises a groove along its length and each of the plurality of spars comprise a clip configured to engage with the groove when each respective spar is in the cantileveringly supported condition, the engagement interlocking together the base member and each respective spar to prevent rotation away from the cantileveringly supported condition.21 . The canopy system of any one of claims 1 -17, wherein the base member defines a fastener retaining feature configured to receive and retain therein a head of at least one fastener.

22. The canopy system of claim 21 , wherein the fastener retaining feature comprises a fastener channel which extends along the length of the base member, the fastener channel having in at least some portions a constricted opening such that the head of a fastener located within the fastener channel may be retained therein.

23. The canopy system of claim 22, wherein the fastener channel comprises the constricted opening along the whole fastener channel, and fasteners are insertable into the fastener channel at respective lateral ends thereof.

24. The canopy system of claim 22 or 23, wherein each of the plurality of spars comprise a second leg having a fastener opening configured to align with fastener channel of thebase member, such that a fastener located in the fastener channel may be inserted through the fastener opening to secure the respective spar to the base member at the fastener channel.

25. The canopy system of claim 24, wherein the second leg of each of the plurality of spars is located opposite the shoulder of the spar from the first leg of the spar.

26. The canopy system of claim 24 or 25, wherein each of the plurality of spars when secured by a fastener through their respective fastener openings are secured against rotational removal of each spar from the condition in which they are cantileveringly supported on the base member.

27. The canopy system of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein each of the plurality of spars when secured by a fastener through their respective fastener openings are secured against translation laterally along the length of the base member.

28. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-27, wherein the hook channel and shoulder of the base member each extend along the length of the base member.

29. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-28, wherein the hook channel and shoulder of the base member are each defined in a cross section of the base member.

30. The canopy system of claim 29, wherein, the base member comprises a constant cross section along its length.31 . The canopy system of claim 30, wherein the base member is an extrusion.

32. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-31 , wherein the canopy system further comprises a head flashing, and the head flashing and base member comprise between them a first and second sets of coupling features, the coupling features being mutually engageable to secure the head flashing to the base member.

33. The canopy system of claim 32, wherein the coupling features of the base member are oriented substantially away from each other while the coupling features of the head flashing are oriented substantially facing each other.

34. The canopy system of claim 32 or 33, wherein the first and second sets of coupling features each comprise a clip and a groove configured to receive the clip.

35. The canopy system of any one of claims 32-34, wherein the coupling features of the base member comprise two grooves configured to open in substantially opposite directions while the coupling features of the head flashing comprises two clips configured to project in substantially the same direction as each other.

36. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-35, wherein the canopy system further comprises a gutter, the gutter securable between the base member and two or more of the plurality of spars.

37. The canopy system of claim 36, wherein the gutter, base member, and each of the plurality of spars comprise between them a first and second sets of gutter coupling members for securing the gutter to the base member and the plurality of spars.

38. The canopy system of claim 37, wherein the first set of gutter coupling members comprise a clip of the base member which is configured to secure to a corresponding first clip of the gutter, and the second set of gutter coupling members comprise a clip of each of the plurality of spars and a corresponding second clip of the gutter.

39. The canopy of claim 38, wherein when coupled together, the first clip of the gutter is located between the clip of the base member and a remainder of the base member.

40. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-39, wherein the base member comprises a plurality of fastener openings through which a corresponding plurality of fasteners may be passed for securing the base member to the structure.41 . The canopy system of any one of claims 2-40, wherein the canopy system is configured so that the in the condition in which the spars are cantileveringly supported each of the plurality of spars are non-perpendicular to the base member.

42. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-41 , wherein in use, in the condition in which the spars are cantileveringly supported each of the plurality of spars extend non-horizontally.

43. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-42, wherein in use, in the condition in which the spars are cantileveringly supported a distal end of each of the plurality of spars is located higher than a corresponding proximate end adjacent the base member.

44. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-43, wherein each of the plurality of spars comprise a spar body and a mounting portion associated with the spar body, the mounting portion being for association with the base member.

45. The canopy system of any one of claims 2-44, wherein the canopy system further comprises at least one canopy element, the canopy element being securable to at least two of the spars to define a canopy in use.

46. The canopy system of claim 45, wherein each at least one canopy element comprises a canopy panel, and each canopy panel is mountable to an underside of at least two of the spars.

47. The canopy system of claim 45 or 46, wherein each canopy panel comprises an upturned end portion distal of the base member in use.

48. A canopy system for mounting to a building or other structure to define a canopy therefrom, the canopy system comprising: a base member mountable to the building or other structure, and a spar,wherein the base member and the spar are configured such that the spar may be canti leveri ngly supported by the base member, and wherein when cantileveringly supported by the base member the spar is moveable laterally along the base member.

49. The canopy system of claim 48, wherein the spar is moveable laterally along the base member between a plurality of predefined supported positions.

50. The canopy system of claim 48 or 49, wherein the spar is moveable laterally along the base member to any desired supported position between a first lateral portion and opposed second lateral portion of the base member.51 . The canopy system of any one of claims 48-50, wherein the spar is moveable laterally along the base member to any desired supported position between a first and second lateral extents of the base member.

52. The canopy system of any one of claims 48-51 , wherein the base member comprises a substantially continuous cross section between its first and second lateral extents.

53. The canopy system of any one of claims 48-52, wherein the base member is an extrusion.

54. The canopy system of any one of claims 48-53, wherein the canopy system comprises at least one spar, and each at least one spar is configured to be cantileveringly supported by the base member and when so supported to be moveable laterally along the base member.

55. The canopy system of claim 54, wherein the canopy system comprises a plurality of spars.

56. A canopy system comprising a base member and a plurality of spars, the base member and each spar of the plurality of spars mutually configured such that each spar may be cantileveringly supported upon the base member solely by corresponding features of the spar and the base member.

57. The canopy system of claim 56, wherein the base member comprises a constant cross section across at least a substantial portion of a length of the base member.

58. The canopy system of claim 56 or 57, wherein when cantileveringly supported upon the base member the spars are moveable laterally along a length of the base member.

59. The canopy system of any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein the spars may each be cantileveringly supported on the base member solely by an interaction of integral features of each respective spar and the base member.

60. The canopy system of any one of claims 56 to 59, wherein the spars are each mountable to the base member to be cantileveringly supported thereon, the spars being mountable by an interaction of respective integral features of the spars and the base member.61 . A method of assembling a canopy system to a structure such as a building to define a canopy, the method comprising the steps of: securing a base member to the structure, coupling a plurality of spars to the base member in a cantileveringly supported condition by, for each of the plurality of spars: a) inserting a first leg of the spar into a channel defined by a hook of the base member, b) rotating the spar within the channel so that a shoulder of the spar becomes supported by a shoulder of the base member, and c) securing the spar to the base member at a portion of the spar spaced away from the first leg, and securing one or more canopy elements to the plurality of spars.

62. The method of claim 61 , wherein the method further comprises the step, after the step of inserting the first leg of the spar into the channel, of sliding the spar within the channel to a desired location along a length of the base member.

63. The method of claim 62 or 62, wherein the step of securing the spar to the base member comprises inserting a fastener into a fastener channel of the base member, passing the fastener through a fastener opening of the spar, and tensioning the fastener.

64. The method of any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein the method further comprises the step of clipping a head flashing onto the base member across at least two clip locations thereof.

65. The method of any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the method further comprises the step of attaching a gutter between the base member and each of the plurality of spars.

66. A kit of parts for a canopy system, the kit of parts comprising: a base member for mounting to a structure such as a building, the base member having a substantially continuous cross section, a hook which defines a hook channel, and a shoulder, a plurality of spars, each spar having a mounting portion for cantileveringly mounting to the base member at the hook channel and the shoulder, and at least one canopy element for being supported by the plurality of spars to define a canopy.

67. The kit of parts of claim 66, wherein the kit of parts further comprises one or more of a fascia, a soffit, tie rods, signage, and lighting.

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