FOLDABLE SHELTER

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to canopies and shade structures, and more particularly, to a foldable shelter, and in particular, to a foldable shelter preferably for use outdoors, such as at the beach by way of example and not limitation.

Although foldable or collapsible shelters, such as canopies, umbrellas and/or cabanas, may be known, the present invention provides advantages heretofore unrealized, as will become clear from the figures and disclosure herein. For example, foldable shade structures are known from U.S. Patent Nos. 1293795, 4077421, 4077420, 4105039, 3101731, and US Publication No. 20040182429, as well as from GB481322 and DE 102006013581.  However, the known prior art cannot and does not achieve the advantages nor provide the functionality of the present invention as will be disclosed herein.

Based thereon, it can be seen that the state of the art is still deficient in the recognition and the ability to achieve the advantages achieved by the present invention. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved foldable shelter that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art and achieves the advantages disclosed and contemplated herein, all of which are provided by the embodiments, figures, and disclosure disclosed herein.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an objective of the present invention to overcome the perceived deficiencies in the prior art and achieve the advantages disclosed, contemplated, and understood herein.

For example, it is an advantage and objective of the present invention to provide for a shelter that includes at least four (4) canopy supports as disclosed herein.

Another advantage and objective of the present invention is to provide a shelter that can be collapsed to a closed position as compact as disclosed herein, wherein the arms of the canopy support are about parallel to the pole, and in a further preferred embodiment, are in fact parallel to the pole when the shelter and the collapsible canopy support assembly is in the closed position.

Based thereon, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a collapsible canopy support assembly for a shelter, wherein the collapsible canopy support assembly comprises a pole having a first end and a second end; a first hub fixedly coupled to the first end of the pole; a second hub fixedly coupled to the pole a spaced distance from the first hub; a canopy support comprising at least an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub and wherein the second end of the brace is coupled to the arm, and wherein the second end of the brace is slidable relative to the arm and releasably lockable relative to the arm; and wherein when the collapsible canopy support assembly is in an open position the arm and the pole form an angle α therebetween, wherein the angle α is between 60° and 90°; and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 70° and 120°; and wherein when the collapsible canopy support assembly is in a closed position the angle α between the arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°; the angle β between the brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°; and the arm is about parallel with the pole.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a collapsible canopy support assembly for a shelter, wherein the collapsible canopy support assembly comprises a pole having a first end and a second end; a first hub fixedly coupled to the first end of the pole; a second hub fixedly coupled to the pole a spaced distance from the first hub; at least four (4) arms, each arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; at least four (4) braces, each brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub and wherein the second end of each brace is coupled to a respective arm, and wherein the second end of each brace is slidable relative to its associated arm and releasably lockable relative to its respective arm; and wherein when the collapsible canopy support assembly is in an open position each arm and the pole form an angle α therebetween, wherein the angle α is between 60° and 90°; and each brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 70° and 120°; and wherein when the collapsible canopy support assembly is in a closed position the angle α between each arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°; the angle β between each brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°; and each arm is about parallel with the pole.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a shelter that comprises the aforementioned collapsible canopy support assembly(s) and further comprises a lower assembly comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; an auger extending from the second end of the shaft; and wherein the second end of the pole is insertable into the first end of the shaft.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of opening a shelter, wherein the shelter comprises at least a pole assembly, wherein the pole assembly comprises a pole having a first end and a second end; a first hub fixedly coupled to the first end of the pole; a second hub fixedly coupled to the pole a spaced distance from the first hub; a canopy support comprising a first canopy support comprising a first arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a first brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a first locking assembly slidable along the first arm and releasably lockable to the first arm, wherein the first locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the first brace such that the second end of the first brace is slidable relative to the first arm and releasably lockable relative to the first arm; a second canopy support comprising a second arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a second brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a second locking assembly slidable along the second arm and releasably lockable to the second arm, wherein the second locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the second brace such that the second end of the second brace is slidable relative to the second arm and releasably lockable relative to the second arm; a third canopy support comprising a third arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the third arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a third brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the third brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a third locking assembly slidable along the third arm and releasably lockable to the third arm, wherein the third locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the third brace such that the second end of the third brace is slidable relative to the third arm and releasably lockable relative to the third arm; a fourth canopy support comprising a fourth arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fourth arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a fourth brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fourth brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a fourth locking assembly slidable along the fourth arm and releasably lockable to the fourth arm, wherein the fourth locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the fourth brace such that the second end of the fourth brace is slidable relative to the fourth arm and releasably lockable relative to the fourth arm; and wherein the method comprises the steps of rotating the first arm from a position when an angle α between the first arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the first brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the first arm is about parallel with the pole to a position wherein the angle α between the first arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the first brace and the pole is between 70° and 120°; rotating the second arm from a position when an angle α between the second arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the second brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the second arm is about parallel with the pole to a position wherein the angle α between the second arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the second brace and the pole is between 70° and 120°; rotating the third arm from a position when an angle α between the third arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the third brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the third arm is about parallel with the pole to a position wherein the angle α between the third arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the third brace and the pole is between 70° and 120°; and rotating the fourth arm from a position when an angle α between the fourth arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the fourth brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the fourth arm is about parallel with the pole to a position wherein the angle α between the fourth arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the fourth brace and the pole is between 70° and 120°.

And in yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of closing a shelter having the construction as set forth above with respect to the opening of a shelter, and wherein the method of closing the shelter comprises the steps of rotating the first arm from a position when an angle α between the first arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and an angle β between the first brace and the pole is between 70° and 120° to a position wherein the angle α between the first arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, the angle β between the first brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the first arm is about parallel with the pole; rotating the second arm from a position when an angle α between the second arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and an angle β between the second brace and the pole is between 70° and 120° to a position wherein the angle α between the second arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, the angle β between the second brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the second arm is about parallel with the pole; rotating the third arm from a position when an angle α between the third arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and an angle β between the third brace and the pole is between 70° and 120° to a position wherein the angle α between the third arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, the angle β between the third brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the third arm is about parallel with the pole; and rotating the fourth arm from a position when an angle α between the fourth arm and the pole is between 60° and 90° and an angle β between the fourth brace and the pole is between 70° and 120° to a position wherein the angle α between the fourth arm and the pole is between 0° and 20°, the angle β between the fourth brace and the pole is between 150° and 180°, and the fourth arm is about parallel with the pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above set forth and other features of the invention are made more apparent in the ensuing Description of the Preferred Embodiments when read in conjunction with the attached Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable shelter constructed and expandable/extendable and foldable in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, particularly showing the shelter in an open condition;

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the sheller of FIG. 1 in a closed position;

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a sequence of steps for opening the collapsible canopy support assembly of a preferred embodiment of the present invention from a closed position to a first open position, while FIG. 3E illustrates a locking assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4F illustrates other preferred embodiments of the present invention, and in particular, wherein the respective canopy supports 100, 200, 300, and 400 each comprise an arm extension assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5F show various stages of opening a shelter having four (4) canopy supports and a lower assembly all constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, along with an exemplary flexible cover indicted at 1000;

FIG. 6 illustrates the coupling of the collapsible canopy support assembly of a preferred embodiment with a lower assembly constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a shelter having six (6) canopy supports and a lower assembly all constructed in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Identical reference numerals in the figures are intended to indicate like parts, although not every feature in every figure may be called out with a reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures in connection with the following disclosure as well as the disclosure provided in the attached drawings sheets that are made a part hereof, all of which disclose preferred embodiments (e.g. construction(s) and expanding/extending and folding and collapsing/closing methodologies) of the present invention.

As illustrated in the Figures, the present invention is directed to a foldable shelter preferably for use in connection with the outdoors, such as the beach by way of example and not limitation.

Reference is first made generally to FIG. 1, which illustrates a shelter, generally indicated at 5, constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. Shelter 5 preferably comprises a collapsible canopy support assembly, generally indicated at 10, and a lower assembly, generally indicated at 80, both constructed in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention. As to be contrasted with FIG. 2, which illustrates collapsible canopy support assembly 10 in a closed position, FIG. 1 illustrates collapsible canopy support assembly 10 in an open/expanded position.

Reference will now first be made to FIGS. 3A-3D, which illustrate a sequence of steps for opening the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 from a closed position (FIG. 2 and 3A) to a first open position (e.g. FIG. 3D). Reference to FIGS. 3A-3D will also be made in connection with a first preferred construction of collapsible canopy support assembly 10 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. For example, in a first preferred embodiment, collapsible canopy support assembly 10 comprises a pole 15 having a first end 15A and a second end 15B (FIG. 2); a first hub 20 fixedly coupled to the first end 15A of the pole 15; a second hub 25 fixedly coupled to the pole 15 a spaced distance from the first hub 20; a first canopy support generally indicated at 100, comprising at least a first arm 30 having a first end 30A and a second end 30B, wherein the first end 30A of the first arm 30 is pivotably coupled to the first hub 20; and at least a first brace 35 having a first end 35A and a second end 35B, wherein the first end 35A of the first brace 35 is pivotably coupled to the second hub 25 and wherein the second end 35B of the first brace 35 is coupled to the first arm 30, and wherein the second end 35B of the first brace 35 is slidable relative to the first arm 30 and releasably lockable relative to the first arm 30.

Both hubs 20 and 25 are preferably constructed not to slide along pole 15.

As can be seen in at least FIGS. 3A-3D, collapsible canopy support assembly 10 comprises a locking assembly, generally indicated at 40, slidable along the first arm 30 and coupled to the second end 35B of the first brace 35. Locking assembly 40 is releasably lockable to the first arm 30 by way of cooperation with at least one (1) locking member (e.g. pusher or spring push button) 42 on the first arm 30 for releasably locking the locking assembly 40 to the arm 30 and releasably locking the second end 35B of the brace 35 at a set position relative to the first arm 30. Preferably, but not necessarily, there is only one (1) locking member 42 on the first arm 30 for releasably locking the locking assembly 40 to the arm 30. FIG. 3E illustrates a pusher 43 on locking assembly 40 for disengaging the locking member 42 from locking assembly 40 to unlock the locking assembly 40 from first arm 30.

As can now be seen, when the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 is in the open position of FIG. 3D, (i) the first arm 30 and the pole 15 form an angle α therebetween, wherein the angle α is between 60° and 90° and (ii) the brace 35 and the pole 15 form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 70° and 120°, and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°; and wherein when the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 is in a closed position, (i) the angle α between the first arm 30 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, (ii) the angle β between the first brace 35 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and (iii) the first arm 30 is about parallel with the pole 15.

So far, FIGS. 3A-3D have been referred to herein to disclose a canopy support 100 having a respective first arm 30 and first brace 35 and the sequence of steps for opening the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 with respect thereto. However, it should be understood that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 will preferably comprise four canopy supports 100, 200, 300, 400, wherein each of the other canopy supports 200, 300, 400 are preferably constructed in the same manner as canopy support 100, i.e. wherein each of the four (4) arms, have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; and wherein each of the respective four (4) braces have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub and wherein the second end of each brace is coupled to its associated arm, and wherein the second end of each brace is slidable relative to its associated arm and releasably lockable relative to its respective arm.

For this preferred embodiment of the collapsible canopy support assembly 10, reference is again made to FIG. 1, which illustrates the four canopy supports 100, 200, 300, and 400, each comprising an arm, a brace, and a locking assembly as disclosed above with reference to canopy support 100 and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. In this regard, when the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 is in an open position:

each of the respective four arms 30, 230, 330, 430 and the pole 15 form an angle α therebetween, wherein the angle α is between 60° and 90°; and each of the respective braces 35, 235, 335, 435 and the pole 15 form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 70° and 120° and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°; and

wherein when the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 is in a closed position:

the angle α between each of the respective four arms 30, 230, 330, 430 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°; the angle β between each of the respective four braces 35, 235, 335, 435 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°; and each of the respective four arms 30, 230, 330, 430 is about parallel with the pole 15.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4F in connection with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, wherein canopy support 100 also comprises an arm extension assembly, generally indicated at 55, which is coupled to the second end 30B of the first arm 30, wherein the arm extension assembly 55 preferably comprises a cradle 56 and an extension arm 60 having a first end 60A and a second end 60B, wherein the first end 60A of the extension arm 60 is pivotably coupled to the cradle 55. In this way, and as illustrated in the sequence of FIGS. 4A-4E, the extension arm 60 is rotatable from a closed position wherein the arm 30 is intermediate the brace 35 and the extension arm 60 (i.e. FIG. 3A) to an extended position wherein (i) the first end 60A of the extension arm 60 is supported in the cradle 56 and the second end 60B of the extension arm 60 extends beyond the second end 30B of the first arm 30, and (ii) the canopy support 100 is extended by almost (e.g. at least 80% of) the entire length of the extension arm 60.

As shown in FIG. 4F, a spring button 57 (which also can be a dimple or the like) is provided near the first end 60A of extension arm 60 to releasably lock extension arm 60 colinearly with arm 30 when extension arm 60 is in the full extended/open position (i.e. as shown in FIG. 4E).

In a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that each of the other three (3) canopy supports 200, 300, and 400 each comprise an arm extension assembly 55 as disclosed above with respect to canopy support 100 and as also illustrated in the other figures herein, as well as a similar/identical spring button 57 or dimple on each respective extension arm.

It should be understood that in the closed position the extension arm of each canopy support 100, 200, 300, 400 is about parallel with its respective arm 35, 235, 335, 435 and the pole 15.

Reference is also made to FIG. 6, which illustrates that in addition to a collapsible canopy support assembly as disclosed above and illustrated in the figures, a preferred embodiment of the shelter 5 also comprises a lower assembly, generally indicated at 80, comprising at least a shaft 85 having a first end 85A and a second end 85B opposite the first end 85A; an auger 88 extending from the second end 85B of the shaft 85; and wherein the second end 15B of the pole 15 is insertable into the first end 85A of the shaft 85. An optional feature of shelter 5 is an additional anchoring assembly as illustrated in figures and/or disclosed in US Patent No. 12,065,848, the subject matter of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In view of the above preferred embodiments of the construction of shelter 5, it should also be understood that there are preferred methodologies of opening and closing shelter 5, with reference also being made to FIGS. 3A-3D, and FIGS. 5A-5F.

For example, in a preferred method of opening shelter 5, shelter 5 comprises the pole 15, the first hub 20 and the second hub 25 all as disclosed above and canopy supports 100, 200, 300, 400 as disclosed above, namely comprising:

a first canopy support comprising a first arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a first brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a first locking assembly slidable along the first arm and releasably lockable to the first arm, wherein the first locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the first brace such that the second end of the first brace is slidable relative to the first arm and releasably lockable relative to the first arm;

a second canopy support comprising a second arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a second brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a second locking assembly slidable along the second arm and releasably lockable to the second arm, wherein the second locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the second brace such that the second end of the second brace is slidable relative to the second arm and releasably lockable relative to the second arm;

a third canopy support comprising a third arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the third arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a third brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the third brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a third locking assembly slidable along the third arm and releasably lockable to the third arm, wherein the third locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the third brace such that the second end of the third brace is slidable relative to the third arm and releasably lockable relative to the third arm;

a fourth canopy support comprising a fourth arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fourth arm is pivotably coupled to the first hub; a fourth brace having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fourth brace is pivotably coupled to the second hub; a fourth locking assembly slidable along the fourth arm and releasably lockable to the fourth arm, wherein the fourth locking assembly is coupled to the second end of the fourth brace such that the second end of the fourth brace is slidable relative to the fourth arm and releasably lockable relative to the fourth arm; and wherein a preferred method of opening shelter 5 comprises the steps of:

rotating the first arm 30 from a position when an angle α between the first arm 30 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the first brace 35 and the pole 15 is between

150° and 180°, and the first arm 30 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A) to a position wherein the angle α between the first arm 30 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the first brace 35 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (FIG. 3D) and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°.

rotating the second arm 230 from a position when an angle α between the second arm 230 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the second brace 235 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and the second arm 230 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A) to a position wherein the angle α between the second arm 230 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the second brace 235 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (FIG. 3D) and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°;

rotating the third arm 330 from a position when an angle α between the third arm 330 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the third brace 335 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and the third arm 330 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A) to a position wherein the angle α between the third arm 330 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the third brace 335 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (FIG. 3D) and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°; and

rotating the fourth arm 430 from a position when an angle α between the fourth arm 430 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the fourth brace 435 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and the fourth arm 430 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A) to a position wherein the angle α between the fourth arm 430 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the fourth brace 435 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (FIG. 3D) and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°.

As disclosed above, the method of opening the shelter 5 may also comprise the step of engaging the locking member on each respective arm with the respective locking assembly slidably mounted on each respective arm to releasably lock the respective brace at a set position relative to the respective arm.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4E and FIGS. 5A-5F, the method of the present invention may also comprise the steps of further opening the canopy supports in which each of the other three canopy supports 200, 300 and 400 each comprise a first arm extension assembly as disclosed above with respect to canopy support 100 and wherein the method comprises the steps of:

rotating the first extension arm 60 of the first canopy support 100 such that the first end of the first extension arm is supported in the first cradle and the second end of the first extension arm extends beyond the second end of the first arm 30;

rotating the second extension arm 260 of the second canopy support 200 such that the first end of the second extension arm is supported in the second cradle and the second end of the second extension arm extends beyond the second end of the second arm 230;

rotating the third extension arm 360 of the third canopy support 300 such that the first end of the third extension arm is supported in the third cradle and the second end of the third extension arm extends beyond the second end of the third arm 330; and

rotating the fourth extension arm 460 of the fourth canopy support 400 such that the first end of the fourth extension arm is supported in the fourth cradle and the second end of the fourth extension arm extends beyond the second end of the fourth arm 460; and

whereby each respective canopy support 100. 200, 300, 400 is extended by more than 80% of the length of the respective extension arm associated with said respective canopy support 100. 200, 300, 400.

Furthermore in connection with the shelter 5 preferably comprising a lower assembly, generally indicated at 80, as disclosed above, a preferred method also comprises the step of inserting the second end 15B of the pole 15 into the first end 85A of the shaft 85. In a preferred embodiment, the step of inserting the second end 15B of the pole 15 into the first end 85A of the shaft 85 occurs prior to any of the steps of opening the collapsible canopy support assembly 10 as disclosed above.

To close the shelter, it should be understood that the foregoing steps could be done in reverse, and with reference to FIGS. 4A-4E, the method of closing the canopy supports 100, 200,

300, 400 may comprise the steps of rotating the first extension arm 60 out of the first cradle of canopy support 100 such that the first extension arm is about parallel with the first arm 30; rotating the second extension arm 260 out of the cradle of canopy support 200 such that the second extension is about parallel with the second arm 230; rotating the third extension arm 360 out of the cradle of canopy support 300 such that the third extension arm is about parallel with the third arm 330; and rotating the fourth extension arm 460 out of the cradle of canopy support 100 such that the fourth extension arm is about parallel with the fourth arm 460.

Further closure of the shelter 5 and collapsible canopy support assembly 10 can be achieved by disengaging the locking member on each respective arm with the respective locking assembly of each respective canopy support; rotating the first arm 30 from a position wherein the angle α between the first arm 30 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the first brace 35 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (e.g. FIG. 3D) (and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°) to a position wherein the angle α between the first arm 30 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the first brace 35 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and the first arm 30 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A); rotating the second arm 230 from a position wherein the angle α between the second arm 230 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the second brace 235 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (e.g. FIG. 3D) (and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°) to a position wherein the angle α between the second arm 230 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the second brace 235 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and the second arm 30 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A); rotating the third arm 330 from a position wherein the angle α between the third arm 330 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90° and the angle β between the third brace 335 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (e.g. FIG. 3D) (and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°) to a position wherein the angle α between the third arm 330 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the third brace 335 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and the third arm 330 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A); and rotating the fourth arm 430 from a position wherein the angle α between the fourth arm 430 and the pole 15 is between 60° and 90°

and the angle β between the fourth brace 435 and the pole 15 is between 70° and 120° (e.g. FIG. 3D) (and in a specific preferred embodiment, the angle α is between 75° and 85° and the brace and the pole form an angle β therebetween, wherein the angle β is between 80° and 90°) to a position wherein the angle α between the fourth arm 430 and the pole 15 is between 0° and 20°, an angle β between the fourth brace 435 and the pole 15 is between 150° and 180°, and the fourth arm 430 is about parallel with the pole 15 (FIG. 3A).

As can now be seen, the novelty of the present invention lies, for example, in the disclosed construction illustrated in the figures and the accompanying and associated methods of opening and closing the disclosed shelter construction(s).

For example, in addition to the patentability of the preferred embodiments of the construction of the shelter as disclosed and illustrated in the figures, in a preferred embodiment of opening the shelter, the present invention may comprise, among other steps disclosed and illustrated in the figures, the steps of unfolding and locking the arms outwardly to the open position. Correspondingly, in a preferred embodiment of closing/folding the shelter, the present invention may comprise the steps of releasing the locking mechanisms associated with the respective arms and folding the arms inwardly to a closed position in a sequence reverse to the unfolding of the arms, all as disclosed above and shown in the figures. Alternative sequences of steps of opening and closing may be performed while remaining well within the scope of the invention, in that the specific order of steps may vary while still remaining within the scope of the invention..

As can now be seen, the present invention provides for increased and improved versality, advantages, and construction over those designs and constructions of foldable shelters/canopies and cabanas as known in the prior art. For example and not limitation, the present invention incorporates improved constructions and methodologies for unfolding and folding of the arms for an easier and advantageous deployment of the canopy and shelter and respective folding and storing thereof. In addition, the foldable construction of the present invention provides for an easier and more advantageous ability for the present invention to be stored and/or transported while providing sufficient shade when deployed and used, e.g. at the beach.

As exemplary illustrated in FIG. 5F, it should be understood that a canopy 1000 made of plastic or other flexible material can be provided across the outstretched arms of the present invention, thus providing the desired shade thereunder.

As can be seen in the figures, a preferred shelter construction comprises four (4) arms and four (4) braces. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7, alternative preferred embodiments may comprise more than four (4) canopy supports, and in the illustrated example of FIG. 7, it can be seen that a shelter, generally indicated at 5’, comprises six (6) canopy supports comprising six (6) arms and six (6) braces. A flexible canopy 1000’ is shown provided thereon. It should thus be understood that the preferred methods of opening and/or closing the additional canopy supports (e.g. the respective arms and braces and/or extension arms) would be include the same steps as noted above with respect to canopy supports 100, 200, 300, 400.

While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

It will thus be seen that the objectives set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description and the description provided in the accompanying drawing sheets and made a part hereof, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions and methodologies without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above/accompanying description or shown in the accompanying Figures shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It should also be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention described herein and all statements of the scope of the invention that as a matter of language might fall therebetween.

As should now be understood, the present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art while also providing the advantages mentioned herein as well as those advantages that should be understood by those skilled in the art. Other advantages and objectives are deemed to be apparent from the disclosure herein.  It should also be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways.

It should also be understood that the term “about” is a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, and the like and includes variations of +/-15% or less, preferably variations of +/-10% or less, more preferably variations of +/-5% or less, even more preferably variations of +/-1% or less of and from the particularly recited value, in so far as such variations are appropriate to perform in the invention described herein. Furthermore, the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself specifically disclosed herein. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the disclosure herein wherein one member, e.g. an arm, is “about parallel” with another member, e.g. a different arm or the pole, should be understood and interpreted to mean exactly parallel or at an angle of less than 10° and preferably less than 5° between the two (2) members (e.g. pole/arm or arm/arm, as the case may be). In other words, the phrase “about parallel” should be interpreted to encompass and cover embodiments wherein the two (2) recited members are exactly parallel along with slight variations/angles as noted above.

It should also be understood that the angle ranges disclosed herein illustrate acceptable and preferrable angles although more specific preferred embodiments may comprise angle ranges that are less (e.g. smaller ranges) than those disclosed herein.