Sunshade system using linear actuators and free-floating canopy

Abstract

A shade system includes a first linear actuator attachable to a structure, and a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator and attachable to the structure. The first and second linear actuators are each displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position. A canvas connected between the first and second linear actuators is fixed to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators and is free-floating between the distal and proximal ends. The canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.

1 . A shade system comprising:
 a first linear actuator attachable to a structure;   a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator and attachable to the structure, the first and second linear actuators each being displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position; and   a canvas connected between the first and second linear actuators, the canvas being fixed to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators and being free-floating between the distal and proximal ends,   wherein the canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.   
     
     
         2 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second linear actuators are motor driven. 
     
     
         3 . A shade system according to  claim 2 , wherein the motors are operable via a single switch. 
     
     
         4 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second linear actuators are self-aligning at the extended position and the retracted position. 
     
     
         5 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rings secured over the first and second linear actuators, and a corresponding plurality of straps connected between the rings and the canvas. 
     
     
         6 . A shade system according to  claim 5 , wherein the straps are adjustable to adjust canvas tension. 
     
     
         7 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , wherein the canvas comprises a shade section and a cover section connected to the shade section, wherein the cover section is sized and positioned to cover the shade section when the canvas is retracted into the accordion configuration. 
     
     
         8 . A shade system according to  claim 7 , wherein the cover section comprises connectors at ends thereof, and wherein when the canvas is retracted into the accordion configuration, the cover section is positioned over the shade section to engage the connectors. 
     
     
         9 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, and wherein the first and second linear actuators are installed within the tubular framework. 
     
     
         10 . A shade system according to  claim 9 , wherein each of the first and second linear actuators comprises a stationary component and a linearly displaceable component, and wherein the stationary component is secured within the tubular framework. 
     
     
         11 . A shade system according to  claim 9 , wherein the first and second linear actuators are motor driven. 
     
     
         12 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, the shade system further comprising a first clip coupled with the first linear actuator and a second clip coupled with the second linear actuator, the first and second clips being configured to connect to the tubular framework of the T-top. 
     
     
         13 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a first clip coupled with the first linear actuator and a second clip coupled with the second linear actuator, the first and second clips being configured to connect to the structure. 
     
     
         14 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a canvas tensioning system including webbing members affixed to the canvas and cam lock sliding members coupled with the first and second linear actuators, wherein the webbing members are tightened via the cam lock sliding members. 
     
     
         15 . A shade system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a crossbar connected between distal ends of the first and second linear actuators and connected to the canvas, wherein attachment points between the crossbar and the first and second linear actuators are pivotable. 
     
     
         16 . A marine vessel including a cabin area with a boat deck, the marine vessel comprising:
 a structural member secured to the boat deck and extending over the cabin area; and   a shade system attached to the structural member, the shade system comprising:
 a first linear actuator connected to the structure; 
 a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator and connected to the structure, the first and second linear actuators each being displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position; and 
 a canvas connected between the first and second linear actuators, the canvas being fixed to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators and being free-floating between the distal and proximal ends, 
   wherein the canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.   
     
     
         17 . A marine vessel according to  claim 16 , wherein the canvas comprises a shade section and a cover section connected to the shade section, wherein the cover section is sized and positioned to cover the shade section when the canvas is retracted into the accordion configuration. 
     
     
         18 . A marine vessel according to  claim 16 , wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, and wherein the first and second linear actuators are installed within the tubular framework. 
     
     
         19 . A marine vessel according to  claim 16 , wherein the structure comprises a T-top having a tubular framework, the marine vessel further comprising a first clip coupled with the first linear actuator and a second clip coupled with the second linear actuator, the first and second clips being configured to connect to the tubular framework of the T-top. 
     
     
         20 . A method of installing a shade system on a marine vessel including a structure, the method comprising:
 attaching a first linear actuator to the structure;   attaching a second linear actuator spaced from the first linear actuator to the structure, the first and second linear actuators each being displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position; and   connecting a canvas between the first and second linear actuators by fixing the canvas to distal ends and to proximal ends of the first and second linear actuators, wherein the canvas is free-floating between the distal and proximal ends, wherein the connecting step is practiced such that the canvas is configured to retract into an accordion configuration when the first and second linear actuators are displaced from the extended position to the retracted position.