Flexible cover system apparatus and methods of use

Abstract

A system for providing cover or shade to an area that may comprise an anchoring system, a suspension system, and a cover-providing material. The suspension system may be comprised of multiple, flexible poles that provide tension between the anchoring system and the shade-providing material. A system for providing cover or shade can be supported with structural poles that are flexible enough to attenuate the loads applied within the system.

1 . A system for providing shade, comprising:
 a base fixed to a supporting surface;   a flexible pole connected to the base at a proximal end and comprising an end cap at a distal end; and   a cord connected to the end cap and connected to a sail, wherein the sail is comprised of a flexible material.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible pole is comprised of an unsaturated polyester resin. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible pole is comprised of a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible pole is comprised of aluminum and has a tapered cross-section throughout the length of the flexible pole. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sail is further comprised of a solar panel and the solar panel is connected to a battery. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the sail is further comprised of LED lighting. 
     
     
         7 . The system of claim, wherein the sail is in a cantilevered position. 
     
     
         8 . A system for providing cover to a desired area, comprising:
 a first base fixed to a supporting surface;   a first flexible pole connected to the first base at a proximal end and comprising a first end cap at a distal end, wherein the first flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the first flexible pole; and   a first cord connected to the first end cap and connected to a sail.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first flexible pole is comprised of an unsaturated polyester resin and has a circular cross-section. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first flexible pole is comprised of a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil and has a consistent cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a second base fixed to the supporting surface;   a second flexible pole connected to the second base at a proximal end and comprising a second end cap at a distal end, wherein the second flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the second flexible pole; and   a second cord connected to the second end cap and connected to the sail.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second flexible poles are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: an unsaturated polyester resin; a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil; a thermoset reinforced composite; aluminum with a tapered cross-section throughout the lengths of the first and second flexible poles; and, steel with a tapered cross-section throughout the lengths of the first and second flexible poles. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the sail is further comprised of a solar panel and the solar panel is connected to a battery. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the sail is further comprised of LED lighting. 
     
     
         15 . A system for providing cover to a desired area, the system comprising:
 a first base fixed to a supporting surface;   a first flexible pole connected to the first base and comprising a first end cap opposite the connection to the first base, wherein the first flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the first flexible pole;   a first cord connected to the first end cap and connected to a sail;   a second base fixed to the supporting surface;   a second flexible pole connected to the second base and comprising a second end cap opposite the connection to the second base, wherein the second flexible pole attenuates loads applied to the second flexible pole; and   a second cord connected to the second end cap and connected to the sail in such a manner that cover is provided to a desired area.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second flexible poles have a consistent cross-section and are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: an unsaturated polyester resin; a unidirectional fiberglass rod with a thermoplastic veil; and a thermoset reinforced composite. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second flexible poles have a tapered cross-section throughout the length of each flexible pole and are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the supporting surface is comprised of a frame built to provide support for each base in the desired area. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the sail is further comprised of a solar panel and the solar panel is connected to a battery. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the sail is further comprised of LED lighting and the LED lighting is powered by the solar panel.