초록 ▼

A canopy apparatus is provided for a vehicle and includes inner and outer canopy support assemblies which include inner and outer top transverse canopy beams. The canopy support assemblies are pivotally connected to the vehicle. A flexible sheet assembly is supported by the top transverse canopy bea

A canopy apparatus is provided for a vehicle and includes inner and outer canopy support assemblies which include inner and outer top transverse canopy beams. The canopy support assemblies are pivotally connected to the vehicle. A flexible sheet assembly is supported by the top transverse canopy beams. Outer rider members are in sliding engagement with the outer canopy struts. Inner rider members are in sliding engagement with the inner canopy struts, wherein each of the outer rider members is placed adjacent to one of the inner rider members. A pair of rotatable rider connector assemblies are provided, wherein each rotatable rider connector assembly is connected between an outer rider member and an adjacent inner rider member. With the vehicle canopy apparatus of the invention, when the vehicle is moving forward and the top transverse inner canopy beam bumps into a tree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus yields to the tree limb and flexes backward. Similarly, when the vehicle is moving backward and the top transverse outer canopy beam bumps into a tree limb, the vehicle canopy apparatus yields to the tree limb and flexes forward. The yielding and flexing action of the vehicle canopy apparatus prevents encountered tree limbs from damaging either the canopy of the vehicle which supports the canopy. In either case, when the vehicle canopy apparatus is moved away from the tree limb, the bias springs aid the vehicle canopy apparatus is returned to the erected, non-flexed orientation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:] [1.] A canopy apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:an outer canopy support assembly which includes a pair of outer canopy distal ends, a pair of outer canopy struts connected to said oute

[ What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:] [1.] A canopy apparatus for a vehicle, comprising:an outer canopy support assembly which includes a pair of outer canopy distal ends, a pair of outer canopy struts connected to said outer canopy distal ends, and a top transverse outer canopy beam connected between said outer canopy struts, wherein said outer canopy distal ends are pivotally connected to the vehicle,an inner canopy support assembly which includes a pair of inner canopy distal ends, a pair of inner canopy struts connected to said inner canopy distal ends, and a top transverse inner canopy beam connected between said inner canopy struts, wherein said pair of inner canopy struts are nested within said pair of outer canopy struts, wherein said inner canopy distal ends are pivotally connected to the vehicle,a flexible sheet assembly supported by said top transverse outer canopy beam and said top transverse inner canopy beam,a pair of outer rider members in sliding engagement with said pair of outer canopy struts,a pair of inner rider members in sliding engagement with said pair of inner canopy struts, wherein each of said pair of outer rider members is placed adjacent to one of said pair of inner rider members,a pair of rotatable rider connector assemblies, wherein each rotatable rider connector assembly is connected between an outer rider member and an adjacent inner rider member,a pair of bottom outer rider stops connected to said pair of outer canopy struts, anda pair of bottom inner rider stops connected to said pair of inner canopy struts.