Shading structure to support fabric canopy and having tensioner to adjust tension of fabric canopy

Abstract

A shading structure (102) to support a fabric canopy includes a beam having a tube with a free end and a slot. A tensioner to adjust tension of the fabric canopy extends inside the tube and includes an insert non-movably arranged inside the tube and a rod extending through the insert and arranged in threaded engagement with the insert. The rod moves, in the axial direction, in response to a rotation of the rod relative to the insert. A hook is coupled to the rod and moves with the elongated rod in the axial direction between an extended position and a retracted position. A first end of the rod is provided with a tool interface which is arranged inside and offset from the free end of the tube in the extended position of the hook.

Description

[0001] Shading Structure to Support Fabric Canopy and having Tensioner to adjust

[0002] Tension of Fabric Canopy

[0003] The current invention relates to a shading system having a fabric canopy to provide shade. More particularly, the current invention relates to a shading structure arranged to support a fabric canopy, the shading structure comprising at least one beam arranged to support the fabric canopy, said beam including an elongated tube having a free end and defining a slot in a sidewall of the elongated tube and extending in an axial direction of the elongated tube from the free end; and at least one tensioner coupled to the beam and arranged inside the elongated tube, said tensioner being arranged to enable an adjustment of tension of the fabric canopy supported on the at least one beam.

[0004] Description of related art

[0005] Building structures with fabric canopies are generally used as sunshades in playgrounds, parks and the like. In general, these structures include a fabric cover arranged on a frame. The frame typically comprises beams to support the fabric cover. In some cases, the beams are supported on standing poles. The fabric roof is typically maintained in a tightly stretched condition to provide a smooth appearance and to prevent flapping of the fabric when the structure is exposed to wind. During periods of bad weather, for example during the winter or during a storm, it is common to remove the fabric canopies to reduce the loads on the canopy and the frame. Furthermore, the fabric canopies can stretch over time when maintained taut by an applied stretching force. As such the tension applied by the fabric cover reduces over time. Accordingly, tensioners are mounted to the structures to adjust the tension of the fabric cover. This allows the tension to be removed easily when the canopy needs to be removed and then re-applied later on when the canopy needs to be installed again. Also, the tension can be easily adjusted if the fabric stretches over time. One prior art type tensioner includes a telescoping device that can be telescoped in and out of the beam to loosen or tighten the fabric cover. Telescopic structures are complex in design and are difficult to install. Examples of such telescopic structures are provided in US7392816 and US2007240746.

[0006] Another known tensioner includes a hook displaceably mounted to the beam. The fabric cover is attached to the hook. These types of tensioners allow movement of the hook in the axial direction of the beam to adjust the tension in the fabric cover. To move the hook in the axial direction, the tensioner includes a rod which is rotated about its central axis. Generally, these tensioners are complex in design and are relatively difficult to install on the beam. Moreover, the rod and sleeve are easily accessible from outside which makes the entire system prone to tempering and vandalism. Examples of structures with moving hooks are disclosed in US8991413 and US2007028953.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] It is a first aspect of the current invention to provide a shading structure that supports a fabric canopy and includes a tensioner having a hook connected to the fabric canopy that enables an adjustment of the tension of the fabric canopy.

[0009] A second aspect of the current invention is to provide a shading structure with a tensioner having a tool interface portion that engages with a suitable tool to manipulate / move the hook, said tool interface portion being arranged to prevent an undesired and unauthorized movement of the hook.

[0010] A third aspect of the current invention is to provide a shading structure with a tensioner that reduces the chances of vandalism of the shading system. Another aspect of the current invention is to provide a shading structure with a tensioner that is easy to insert inside the beam and install inside the beam. The tensioner can be fully or partially pre-assembled outside the beam and then inserted inside the beam and installed inside the beam.

[0011] These aspects are provided at least in part via a shading structure according to the opening paragraph, further characterized in that the at least one tensioner comprises: an insert arranged inside the elongated tube and non-movably coupled to the elongated tube, the insert defining a threaded hole, an elongated rod comprising a first end, a second end, and a threaded portion, said elongated rod being arranged inside the elongated tube such that a longitudinal axis of said elongated rod is parallel to a centre axis of the elongated tube, said threaded portion extending through the threaded hole of the insert and being arranged in threaded engagement with the insert, said first end of the elongated rod being arranged proximal to the free end of the elongated tube and said second end of the elongated rod being arranged distally to the free end of the elongated tube and further from the free end of the elongated tube than the insert, said elongated rod being arranged to move, in an axial direction, inside the elongated tube in response to a rotation of the elongated rod relative to the insert, and a hook coupled to the elongated rod such that the elongated rod is adapted to rotate relative to the hook, while being arranged to be displaced with the elongated rod in the axial direction, said hook extending, at least partially, radially outwardly from the elongated tube through the slot and being configured to be displaced between an extended position and a retracted position in response to the displacement of the elongated rod in the axial direction, and in that the first end of the elongated rod is provided with a tool interface which is arranged inside the elongated tube and which is arranged to displace with the first end of the elongated rod, said tool interface being arranged offset from the free end of the elongated tube when the hook is arranged in the extended position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the insert is fixedly attached with the elongated tube by extending at least one screw through at least one radial hole in the elongated tube such that at least one screw engages with the insert.

[0013] In such a scenario, the tensioner can be preassembled outside the elongated tube and then attached to the elongated tube by inserting the tensioner in the free end of the tube and then fixing the insert to the elongated tube by extending at least one screw via at least one radial hole in the elongated tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the insert is press fitted inside the tube. In such a case, the insert is fixed inside the tube first and then the rest of the assembly of the tensioner is inserted inside the beam and is engaged with the insert and the beam.

[0015] Since the elongated rod is arranged in the tube via a single insert fixed in the tube further down in the tube, the elongated rod moves axially back and forth relative to the tube when the elongated rod is rotated. When the mechanism is put into its retracted position, then the elongated rod is quite far inside the tube. This means that it will be difficult to get access to the elongated rod, unless one has a special tool. This will make it safer against vandalism.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tensioner includes an end stopper fixedly attached to the elongated rod and arranged further from the free end of the elongated tube than the insert. The end stopper is arranged to contact the insert in the extended position of the hook.

[0017] In some embodiments, the end stopper is press fitted on the rod. In some embodiments, the end stopper is welded to the rod. In some embodiments, the end stopper includes two nuts in contact with each other and tightened against each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the end stopper is attached to the elongated rod by extending a pin through a nut and the rod in the radial direction. However, it may be appreciated that the end stopper may be fixedly attached to the elongated rod by any other suitable means known in the art.

[0019] In some embodiments, the at least one tensioner includes a middle stopper arranged inside the tube between the hook and the insert. The middle stopper is arranged to contact the insert in the retracted position of the hook.

[0020] In some embodiments, the middle stopper is attached to the elongated rod such that the elongated rod is adapted to rotate with the middle stopper while the middle stopper moves with the elongated rod in the axial direction. Accordingly, relative axial displacement between the middle stopper and the rod is eliminated.

[0021] In some embodiments, the middle stopper is fixedly attached to the rod similar to the end stopper such that the relative axial as well as rotational movement between the rod and the middle stopper are prevented.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second stopper is arranged at a fixed distance from the hook. In some embodiments, the at least one tensioner includes a cylindrical body arranged inside the elongated tube, said hook being attached to the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body being arranged surrounding the elongated rod and being coupled to the elongated rod such that the elongated rod is adapted to rotate relative to the cylindrical body and the cylindrical body being arranged to be displaced with the elongated rod in the axial direction. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the cylindrical body is arranged complementary to an inner surface of the elongated tube.

[0023] In some embodiments, the middle stopper engages with the cylindrical body and is arranged between the cylindrical body and the insert, such that the middle stopper pushes the cylindrical body, and hence the hook, towards the extended position in response to suitable rotation of the elongated rod relative to the insert.

[0024] In some embodiments, a washer is arranged between, in the axial direction, the cylindrical body and the middle stopper to reduce friction between the cylindrical body and the middle stopper during the rotation of the elongated rod.

[0025] In some embodiments, the tool interface is arranged outwardly of the cylindrical body, in the axial direction, and proximal to the free end of the elongated tube. The tool interface can be arranged as a head portion of the rod which is arranged to be engageable with a suitable tool to rotate the rod about its central axis relative to the insert.

[0026] As the tool interface is arranged engaged with the cylindrical body, the tool interface of the rod pushes the cylindrical body, and hence the hook, towards the retracted position in response to suitable rotation of the elongatedrod. In some embodiments, a washer is arranged between the cylindrical body and the tool interface of the elongated rod to reduce friction between the tool interface and the cylindrical body during rotation of the elongated rod relative to the cylindrical body.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one tensioner includes a sleeve attached to the cylindrical body and extending away from the cylindrical body in a direction towards the free end of the elongated tube in the axial direction of the elongated tube. The sleeve is arranged surrounding the tool interface. In some embodiments, the sleeve extends past the head portion of the rod in the axial direction, such that a free end of the sleeve is closer to the end of the elongated tube than the head portion of the rod. In some embodiments, the sleeve extends past a free end of the tool interface in the axial direction of the elongated tube.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hook, the cylindrical body, and the sleeve are portions of a single moulded component.

[0029] In some embodiments, the hook and / or the sleeve may be separately formed from the cylindrical body and then attached to the cylindrical body.

[0030] In some embodiments, the tensioner comprises a removeable cap arranged on a free end of the sleeve. The cap is arranged at the free end of the sleeve and prevents access to the tool interface of the rod and also prevents ingress of rain water inside the tube. Accordingly, the cap is to be removed to access the tool interface and to rotate the rod.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cap is completely arranged inside the tube between the tool interface and the free end of the beam. In some embodiments, the hook is arranged such that a portion of the sleeve extends from the hook towards the free end of the elongated tube and in that the distance from the hook to a free end of the sleeve is greater than or equal to the radius of the elongated tube and / or in that the cylindrical body extends from the hook and away from the free end of the elongated tube such that a distance from the hook to a free end of the cylindrical body is greater than or equal to the radius of the elongated tube. In some embodiments, the distance from the end of the sleeve to the free end of the cylindrical body is greater than the diameter of the elongated tube or greater than 1 ,5 times the diameter of the elongated tube. In this way, the hook is arranged more stable in the tube and is prevented from jamming.

[0032] In some embodiments, the elongated tube comprises at least one hole extending radially through the elongated tube, said at least one hole facilitating an extension of at least one fastener into the elongated tube to non-movably retain the insert inside the elongated tube.

[0033] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises / comprising / comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0034] Brief description of the drawings

[0035] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a top perspective view of a shading system having a fabric canopy mounted on a shading structure.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of a portion II defined in fig. 1 depicting an engagement structure of the fabric canopy engaged with a hook of a tensioner of the shading structure.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a top front perspective view of the shading structure of fig. 1 .

[0038] Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of a portion IV of shading structure as defined by the circle identified by IV in fig. 3.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a beam of the shading structure depicting a tensioner mounted to the beam and showing a hook of the tensioner arranged in a retracted position.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of a beam of the shading structure depicting the hook arranged at an extended position with a fabric canopy engaged with the hook.

[0041] Fig. 7 shows a front top perspective view of the tensioner outside the elongated tube.

[0042] Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of the tensioner of fig. 7.

[0043] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1 , a shading system 100 having a shading structure 102 and a fabric canopy 104 supported on the shading structure 102 is shown. The fabric canopy 104 when mounted and supported on the shading structure 102 provides shade from the sun and protection from the rain. The shading system can be used for many applications, for example to provide an area for resting and / or playing. As shown in FIG. 2, the fabric canopy 104 is mounted on the shading structure 102 via a plurality of U-shaped engagement structures 106 tied to a plurality of loops 108 connected to the fabric canopy. The engagement structures 106 are arranged at the comers of the fabric canopy 104 and are engaged with hooks 152 of the shading structure 102 to enable mounting and adjusting the tension of the fabric canopy 104, and thereby preventing any slack in the canopy 104 when arranged on the shading structure 102.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the shading structure 102 in this embodiment, includes a plurality of columns or poles 110, in this case four columns 110, extending vertically from a surface, for example, a ground surface, with one end, i.e., first end 112, attached to the ground surface and another end i.e., second end 114, arranged vertically above the ground surface. The columns 110 may be bolted to the ground surface using suitable fasteners, such as, but not limited to, grouting bolts. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the columns 110 are arranged in substantially square configuration or pattern, however, it may be appreciated that the columns 110 may arranged in any other geometric pattern, for example, circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the columns 110 may be telescopic columns to adjust the distance of the canopy 104 from the ground surface.

[0046] Supported on the columns 110 and arranged at a vertical distance from the ground surface, the shading structure 102 includes a plurality of beams 116, for example, four beams 116. As shown, the beams 116 are inclined beams extending obliquely to the columns 110 and hence to the ground surface such that first ends 118 of the beams 116 are arranged closer to the ground surface and second ends 120 of the beams are arranged further from the ground surface. As shown, the second ends 120 of the beams 116 are attached to each other, while first ends 118 of the beams 116 are free ends 118. It may be appreciated that the beams 116 are identical to each other and therefore, a construction of only one beam 116 is explained in detail.

[0047] As best shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the beam 116 in this embodiment, is an elongated tube 122 having a cylindrical wall 124 including an outer surface 126 and an inner surface 128 with an opening 129 of the tube 122 arranged at the first end 118 of the beam 116. Further, the wall 124 defines an elongated slot 130 extending from the inner surface 128 to the outer surface 126. As illustrated, the slot 130 extends in an axial direction from the free end 118 of the beam 116 towards the second end 120. Accordingly, an open end 132 of the slot 130 is arranged at the free end 118, while a closed end 134 of the slot 130 is arranged distally from the free end 118. Moreover, the wall 124 defines at least one hole, for example, two holes 140, extending through the wall 124 in a radial direction and arranged farther away from the free end of the tube than the closed end 134 of the slot 130. Accordingly, the holes 140 are arranged between the closed end 134 of slot 130 and the second end 120 of the beam 116. In some embodiments, the holes 140 are arranged diametrically opposite to each other. Although two holes 140 are shown and contemplated, it may be appreciated that the beam 116 may include only a single hole or multiple holes.

[0048] Additionally, referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, the shading structure 102 includes a plurality of tensioners 150 associated with and mounted to the plurality of beams 116 to adjust the tension of the fabric canopy 104. In the illustrated embodiment, a tensioner 150 is associated with and mounted to each of the four beams. For the sake of simplicity, only a single tensioner is described, as they are all the same. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the tensioner 150 includes a hook 152 extending partly outwardly of the slot 130, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, and adapted to be displaced between an extended position (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) and a retracted position (shown in FIG. 4 and 5). It may be appreciated that the tension of the fabric canopy 104 is adjusted by moving the hook 152 between the extended position and the retracted position. In the retracted position, the hook 152 is arranged proximate to the closed end 134 of the slot 130 or contacting the closed end 134 of the slot 130, as shown in FIG. 4, while in the extended position, the hook 152 is arranged proximate to the free end 118 of the beam 116.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the tensioner 150 includes a cylindrical body 154 arranged inside the tube 122 and coaxially to the tube 122 and has an outer surface 156 arranged contacting the inner surface 128 of the tube 122 and an inner surface 158 defining an elongated channel 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the hook 152 is integrally formed with the cylindrical body 154 and extends radially outwardly from the outer surface 156 of the cylindrical body 154. Further, the tensioner 150 includes a sleeve 162 attached to the cylindrical body 154 and extending in the axial direction from the cylindrical body 155 towards the free end 118 of the tube, and is arranged coaxially to the cylindrical body 154. As shown, an inner diameter of the sleeve 162 is larger than an inner diameter of the elongated channel 160 in the cylindrical body 154, accordingly, a step 164 is defined at an interface of the sleeve 162 and the cylindrical body 154. It may be appreciated that that an outer diameter of the sleeve 162 is identical to an outer diameter of the cylindrical body 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 162 is integrally formed with cylindrical body 154. However, it may be appreciated that one or more of the hook 152 and / or the sleeve 162 may be formed separately from the cylindrical body 154 and suitably connected with the cylindrical body 154.

[0050] To displace the hook in the axial direction, relative to the beam 116, between the extended position and the retracted position, the tensioner 150 includes an insert 166 fixedly attached to the tube 122, and an elongated rod 170 movably arranged inside the tube 122. As shown, the insert 166 is arranged inside the tube 122 is located at a location farther away from the free end 118 of the beam 116 than the hook 152. The insert 166 is fixed to the tube 122 by extending two screws 178 through the two radial holes 140 in the tube 122. In the assembly of the insert 166 with the tube 122, the screws 178 extend inside the tube 122 and have tips which are engaged with the insert, while heads of the screws 178 are engaged with the outer surface of the tube 122. In the current embodiment, the insert 166 includes holes 180 extending radially inwardly from an outer surface 176 of the insert. During assembly, the holes 180 are aligned with the holes 140 in the tube 122 to allow the screws to be inserted into the insert. Although the insert 166 is contemplated to be fixed inside the tube via screws 178, it may be appreciated that other means of fixing the position of the insert 166 inside the tube 122, for example, but not limited to, press fitting, adhesive engagement, spot welds, external compression of the tube, pins, etc..

[0051] As shown, the insert 166 is a disc shaped structure and includes a hole 174 with a threaded inner surface 172 . The insert 166 is arranged coaxially in the tube 122 with the threaded hole 174 being an axial hole having a central axis aligned with a central axis of the tube 122.

[0052] As shown, the rod 170 also extends through the elongated channel 160 of the cylindrical body 154, and includes a first end 182 arranged inside the sleeve 162 and a second end 184 located farther away from the insert 166 relative to the free end 118 of the beam 116. Moreover, the rod 170 includes a rod portion 186 extending from the second end 184 towards the first end 182 and a head portion 188 attached to the rod portion 186 at the first end 182. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod portion 186 extends through the cylindrical body and the threaded hole in the insert and includes a threaded portion 190 arranged in threaded engagement with the insert 166. In an embodiment, the threaded portion 190 extends along an entire length of the rod portion 186. Alternatively, the threaded portion 190 may extend along a portion of length of the rod portion 186 with the threaded portion 190 extending from the second end 184 towards the head portion 188. The head portion 188 defines a tool interface that enables an engagement of a suitable tool with the rod 170 for rotating the rod 170 about its central axis. As the insert 166 is fixed inside the tube 122, the rod 170 moves linearly i.e. , in the axial direction relative to the tube 122 upon rotation of the rod 170 due to the threaded engagement of the rod 170 with the threaded hole of the insert 166. The rod 170 is arranged to move linearly towards the second end 120 of the beam 116 when rotated in a first direction, while the rod 170 is arranged to move linearly towards the free end 118 of the beam when rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0053] Moreover, during the assembly of the rod 170 inside the tube 122, the head portion 188 is arranged inside the sleeve 162 and is engaged with the step 164. Accordingly, the head portion 188 pushes and displaces the cylindrical body 154 i.e., hook 152 towards the second end 120 of the beam 116 as the rod 170 moves towards the second end 120 due to the rotation of the rod 170 in the first direction. Therefore, the hook 152 i.e., cylindrical body 154 is engaged to the rod 170 such that the hook 152 along with the cylindrical body 154 can slide / move along with the rod 170 in the axial direction, while the rod 170 can rotate inside the elongated channel 160 and relative to the cylindrical body 154 i.e., hook 152. A washer 192 is arranged between the step 164 and the head portion 188, contacting both the head portion 188 and the step 164 to reduce friction between the head portion 188 and the step 164 when the head portion rotates relative to the cylindrical body.

[0054] To prevent the movement of the hook 152 beyond the retracted position in the second direction and the extended position in the first direction, the tensioner 150 includes a first (end) stopper 194 and a second (middle) stopper 196 mounted to the rod portion 186 of the rod 170. As shown, the first stopper 194 is arranged proximate to the second end 184 of the rod 170 and is located farther away from the free end 118 of the beam 116 than the insert 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stopper 194 is coaxially arranged on the rod portion 186 and is fixedly attached to the rod portion 186 such that relative linear and rotational movement between the first stopper 194 and the rod 170 is prevented. The first stopper 194 is arranged to contact the insert 166 when the hook 152 is arranged at the extended position, thereby restricting / preventing any further movement of the rod 170 towards the free end 118 of the beam. At this position i.e., at the extended position of the hook 152, the head portion 188 and the sleeve 162 are still arranged completely inside the tube 122 and at least the head portion 188 is arranged at an axial distance from the free end 118 of tube 122. Accordingly, the head portion 188 of the rod 170 can be accessed only with a suitable tool and hence avoids / prevents / reduces any unwanted rotation of rod 170, and hence the movement of the hook 152, by a person who is not in possession of the special tool. This prevents vandalism. The first stopper could be in the form of a nut, screwed onto the threaded portion of the rod and then spot welded to the rod to prevent rotation / displacement of the nut.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second stopper 196 is mounted to the rod portion 186 and is arranged between the insert 166 and the cylindrical body 154 to prevent / restrict the axial movement of the hook 152 beyond the retracted position. The second stopper 196 is coaxially arranged on the rod portion 186 and is fixedly attached to the rod portion 186 such that relative axial and radial movement between the second stopper 196 and the rod 170 is prevented. As shown, a washer 198 is disposed between an axial end of the cylindrical body 154 and the second stopper 196, contacting both the cylindrical body 154 and the second stopper 196. Accordingly, the washer 198 and the second stopper 196 engages the rod 170 with the cylindrical body 154 i.e., hook 152, to push the cylindrical body 154, and hence the hook 152 towards to the free end 118 of the beam 116 as the rod 170 is displaced towards the free end 118 of the beam 116 due to the rotation of the rod 170 in the second direction. Further, the second stopper 198 is arranged to contact the insert 166 in the retracted position of the hook 152, limiting any further axial movement of the rod 170 towards the second end 120 of the beam.

[0056] In some embodiments, the tensioner 150 includes a cap 200 (shown in FIG. 6) removably arranged to cover the opening of the sleeve 162 to prevent any tempering or unwanted access of the head portion 188 of the rod 170, and hence unwanted adjustment of the tension of the fabric canopy 104. It may be appreciated that the cap 200 is to be removed to access the head portion 188, and hence to move the hook 152 between the extended position and the retracted position to adjust the tension of the fabric canopy 104 and remove / disengage the fabric canopy 104 from the shading structure 102. The cap also prevents undesired environmental elements, for example rain, from getting into the construction.

[0057] A method of engaging and disengaging the fabric canopy 104 to the shading structure 102 is now explained. Before engaging the fabric canopy with the shading structure, the caps 200 are removed from each of the beams 116, and each of the hooks 152 are displaced to their retracted position. For so doing, a suitable tool is engaged with the head portion 188 of the rod 179 and rotated in the first direction relative to the cylindrical body 154 and the insert 166 to axially displace the rod 170 towards the second end 120 of the beam 116. For engaging the fabric canopy 104 to the shading structure 102, the fabric canopy 104 is supported on the beams 116, and U-shaped engagement structures 106 of the fabric canopy 104 are engaged with the hooks 152 of the tensioners 150 mounted to the beams 116. Subsequently, the hooks 152 are axially displaced towards the extended position by rotating the rod 170 in the second direction relative to the insert 166 and the body 154. The hooks 152 are moved, by rotating the rods 170 in the second direction, toward the free ends 118 of the beams 116 to suitably tension the fabric canopy 104. After adjusting the tension of the fabric canopy 104 to the desired tension, a technician reengages the caps 200 on the end portions of the sleeves to protect the mechanism inside the beams.

[0058] To remove the fabric canopy 104 from the shading structure 102, the technician, at first, disengages the caps 200 from the beams 116, and then displaces the hooks 152 to the retracted position. For so doing, the technician rotates the rods 170 in the first direction relative to the body 154 and the insert 166 by using the suitable tool and thereby displaces the rod 170 in the axial direction. Upon positioning the hooks 152 in their retracted positions, the technician disengages the loops 108 and the engagement structures 106 from the hooks 152. In this manner, the tensioner 150 facilitates engagement and disengagement of the fabric canopy 104 from the shading structure 102.

[0059] It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, the specific materials used and the specific manufacturing procedures have not been described in detail since it is maintained that the person skilled in the art would be able to find suitable materials and suitable processes to manufacture the shading structure according to the current invention.

[0060] List of elements

[0061] 100 shading system

[0062] 102 shading structure

[0063] 104 fabric canopy

[0064] 106 U-shaped engagement structure 108 loop

[0065] 110 column

[0066] 112 first end

[0067] 114 second end

[0068] 116 beam

[0069] 118 first end

[0070] 120 second end

[0071] 122 elongated tube

[0072] 124 cylindrical wall

[0073] 126 outer surface

[0074] 128 inner surface

[0075] 129 opening

[0076] 130 slot

[0077] 132 open end

[0078] 134 closed end

[0079] 140 hole

[0080] 150 tensioner

[0081] 152 hook

[0082] 154 cylindrical body

[0083] 156 outer surface

[0084] 158 inner surface

[0085] 160 elongated channel

[0086] 162 sleeve

[0087] 164 step

[0088] 166 insert

[0089] 170 rod

[0090] 172 inner surface

[0091] 174 threaded hole

[0092] 176 outer surface

[0093] 178 screw

[0094] 180 hole 182 first end

[0095] 184 second end

[0096] 186 rod portion

[0097] 188 head portion

[0098] 190 threaded portion

[0099] 192 washer

[0100] 194 first stopper (end stopper)

[0101] 196 second stopper (middle stopper)

[0102] 198 washer

[0103] 200 cap

[0104] 204 inner surface

Claims

Claims1. A shading structure (102) arranged to support a fabric canopy (104), the shading structure comprising: at least one beam (116) arranged to support the fabric canopy (104), said beam including an elongated tube (122) having a free end and defining a slot (130) in a sidewall of the elongated tube and extending in an axial direction of the elongated tube from the free end (118); and at least one tensioner (150)coupled to the beam (116<)and arranged inside the elongated tube, said tensioner being arranged to enable an adjustment of tension of the fabric canopy supported on the at least one beam, characterized in that the at least one tensioner (150) comprises: an insert arranged inside the elongated tube (122) and non- movably coupled to the elongated tube, the insert (166) defining a threaded hole, an elongated rod (170) comprising a first end, a second end, and a threaded portion, said elongated rod being arranged inside the elongated tube (122) such that a longitudinal axis of said elongated rod is parallel to a centre axis of the elongated tube, said threaded portion extending through the threaded hole (174) of the insert (166) and being arranged in threaded engagement with the insert, said first end of the elongated rod being arranged proximal to the free end of the elongated tube (122) and said second end of the elongated rod (170) being arranged distally to the free end (118) of the elongated tube (122) and further from the free end of the elongated tube than the insert, said elongated rod being arranged to move, in an axial direction, inside the elongatedtube in response to a rotation of the elongated rod relative to the insert, and a hook (152) coupled to the elongated rod (170) such that the elongated rod is adapted to rotate relative to the hook, while being arranged to be displaced with the elongated rod in the axial direction, said hook extending, at least partially, radially outwardly from the elongated tube (122) through the slot (130) and being configured to be displaced between an extended position and a retracted position in response to the displacement of the elongated rod in the axial direction, and in that the first end of the elongated rod (170) is provided with a tool interface which is arranged inside the elongated tube and which is arranged to displace with the first end of the elongated rod, said tool interface being arranged offset from the free end (118) of the elongated tube when the hook is arranged in the extended position.

2. The shading structure of claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one tensioner includes an end stopper (194) fixedly attached to the elongated rod and arranged further from the free end of the elongated tube than the insert, wherein the end stopper is arranged to contact the insert in the extended position of the hook.

3. The shading structure of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the at least one tensioner includes a middle stopper (196) arranged inside the elongated tube between the hook and the insert, said middle stopper being attached to the elongated rod such that the middle stopper is displaced with the elongated rod in the axial direction, the middle stopper being arranged to contact the insert in the retracted position of the hook.

4. The shading structure of claim 3, characterized in that the middle stopper (196) is arranged at a fixed distance from the hook (152).

5. The shading structure of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tensioner includes a cylindrical body (154) arranged inside the elongated tube, said hook (152) being attached to the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical body is arranged surrounding the elongated rod and is coupled to the elongated rod such that the elongated rod is adapted to rotate relative to the cylindrical body and the cylindrical body being arranged to be displaced with the elongated rod in the axial direction.

6. The shading structure of claim 5, characterized in that the at least one tensioner includes a sleeve (162) attached to the cylindrical body (154) and extending away from the cylindrical body in a direction towards the free end of the elongated tube in the axial direction of the elongated tube, said sleeve is arranged surrounding the tool interface of the elongated rod.

7. The shading structure of claim 6, characterized in that the at least one tensioner includes a removeable cap (200) arranged on a free end of the sleeve.

8. The shading structure of any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the hook is arranged such that a portion of the sleeve extends from the hook towards the free end of the elongated tube and in that the distance from the hook to a free end of the sleeve is greater than or equal to the radius of the elongated tube and / or in that the cylindrical body extends from the hook and away from the free end of the elongated tube such that a distance from the hook to a free end of the cylindrical body is greater than or equal to the radius of the elongated tube.

9. The shading structure of any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the sleeve, the cylindrical body and the hook are portions of a single moulded component.

10. The shading structure of any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the elongated tube comprises at least one hole (140) extending radially through the elongated tube, said at least one hole facilitating an extension of at least one fastener into the elongated tube to non-movably retain the insert inside the elongated tube.

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