Deployable canopy system

Number: 12735913
Published: 2026-09-15
Filed: 2024-09-03
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Peavy; Joel, Dickinson; Dexter, Bristow; Robert J., Heshmati; Maeis, Tye; Bryan S., Bristow; Colleen, Ricketts; Mar C., Blackann; Trevor S.
CPC: E04H15/322; E04H15/60
Verdict: Set aside cpc prior 0.27
In edition: 2026-W38
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

A canopy system includes a canopy, cables respectively connected to the canopy, and a plurality of columns spaced from one another.

Abstract

A canopy system includes a canopy, cables respectively connected to the canopy, and a plurality of columns spaced from one another. The columns include a canopy column and at least two cable columns. Each column has a drive assembly arranged to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place respective ones of the cables. The drive assemblies are controllable in a coordinated manner to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place their respective ones of the cables to deploy or retract the canopy to one of a plurality of positions, including a deployed position in which the canopy provides covered protection and a retracted position in which the canopy is, at least in part, retracted within an inner chamber defined by the canopy column.

Background

FIELD (1) The present disclosure relates to a deployable canopy system that can selectively provide covered protection from adverse environmental conditions. BACKGROUND (2) There are many applications and situations where it may be desirable to provide people with covered protection from adverse environmental conditions in large open outdoor spaces, such as covered protection from the sun on a hot day or rain during a sudden downpour. For instance, it may be desirable to provide shade for visitors of theme and amusement parks, stadiums, city parks, and outdoor malls, especially in the heat of summer, to make their visit a more enjoyable experience and to encourage the visitors to stay even during the sunniest and hottest portions of the day or when raining. However, constructing such shelters with a permanent roof may not be a desirable option, namely because these structures tend to obstruct the views and sight lines of guests and are generally not compatible with the creative aesthetics of themed spaces. SUMMARY (3) In one example aspect, a canopy system is provided. The canopy system includes a canopy, cables respectively connected to the canopy, and a plurality of columns spaced from one another and including a canopy column and at least two cable columns. Each one of the plurality of columns has a drive assembly arranged to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place respective ones of the cables. The drive assemblies are controllable in a coordinated manner to wind-in, wind-out

Claims

1. A canopy system, comprising: a canopy; cables respectively connected to the canopy; and a plurality of columns spaced from one another and including a canopy column and at least two cable columns, each one of the plurality of columns having a drive assembly arranged to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place respective ones of the cables, wherein the drive assemblies are controllable in a coordinated manner to wind-in, wind- out, or hold in place their respective ones of the cables to deploy or retract the canopy to one of a plurality of positions, including a deployed position in which the canopy provides covered protection, a retracted position in which the canopy is, at least in part, retracted within an inner chamber defined by the canopy column, and a maintenance position in which the canopy is angled with respect to a horizontal reference plane with at least two corners of the canopy being arranged in respective lowered positions and at least one corner of the canopy being arranged in an elevated position. || 17. A canopy system comprising: a canopy; cables respectively connected to the canopy; a plurality of columns spaced from one another and comprising a canopy column and at least two cable columns, the canopy column comprising an inner chamber and a storage drum disposed within the inner chamber; and a plurality of drive assemblies associated with the plurality of columns and controllable in a coordinated manner to wind-in, wind-out, or hold in place respective ones of the cables to deploy or retract the canopy to one of a plurality of positions, including a deployed position in which the canopy provides covered protection and a retracted position in which the canopy is, at least in part, retracted within the inner chamber, wherein the storage drum is configured to receive, within a channel, the cable associated with the canopy column, so that the canopy does not contact the cable when wound on the storage drum, except for at a coupling interface between the cable and the canopy.