Modular canopy system and method of assembly

Abstract

A modular canopy system for installation on a supporting surface, the system comprising: a. a centre plate comprising i. a canopy surface; ii. a first substantially planar securing surface extending at an acute angle from the canopy surface, wherein the canopy surface and the securing surface define a first securing portion at a first end of the canopy surface and a second securing portion at an opposing second end of the canopy surface; and b. first and second securing plates, each securing plate comprising i. a substantially planar surface; ii. a canopy engagement portion extending from the planar surface, the canopy engagement portion defining a receiving slot for receiving at least a portion of a respective first or second securing portion therein; and iii. a second substantially planar securing surface extending from the planar surface at an acute angle relative to the canopy engagement portion, wherein, when the first and second securing portions are receivable within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates such that the first and second securing surfaces extend along a common plane. The present invention also provide a method of assembly of such a modular canopy system.

1 . A modular canopy system for installation on a supporting surface, the system comprising:
 a. a centre plate comprising   i. a canopy surface;   ii. a first substantially planar securing surface extending at an acute angle from the canopy surface, wherein the canopy surface and the securing surface define a first securing portion at a first end of the canopy surface and a second securing portion at an opposing second end of the canopy surface; and   b. first and second securing plates, each securing plate comprising   i. a substantially planar surface;   ii. a canopy engagement portion extending from the planar surface, the canopy engagement portion defining a receiving slot for receiving at least a portion of a respective first or second securing portion therein; and   iii. a second substantially planar securing surface extending from the planar surface at an acute angle relative to the canopy engagement portion,   wherein, when the first and second securing portions are receivable within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates such that the first and second securing surfaces extend along a common plane.   
     
     
         2 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein, when the first and second securing portions are received within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates, the first and second securing surfaces define a substantially continuous planar surface. 
     
     
         3 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the canopy surface is rectangular or square in shape. 
     
     
         4 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the canopy surface comprises a curved edge. 
     
     
         5 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the centre plate comprises a rigid material. 
     
     
         6 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein when the first and second securing portions are received within the receiving slots of respective first and second securing plates, each securing plate extends from the centre plate at an acute angle. 
     
     
         7 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second securing surfaces are provided with adhesive tape. 
     
     
         8 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a spacer having an adhesive surface for engagement with the supporting surface and an abutment for supporting a portion of an edge of the securing surface. 
     
     
         9 . A modular canopy system as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the spacer further comprises a first surface for supporting a portion of the securing surface and wherein the first surface is rotatable relative to the abutment. 
     
     
         10 . A method of assembling a canopy comprising the steps of:
 a. providing a modular canopy system as claimed in claim; and   b. locating the first and second securing portions of the centre plate within receiving slots of respective securing plates to provide an assembled canopy system.   
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of cutting the centre plate to a desired width prior to step b. 
     
     
         12 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of bringing the first and second securing surfaces into contact with a canopy supporting structure to adhere the canopy system to the canopy supporting structure. 
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 c. adhering two or more aligned spacers to a canopy supporting surface;   d. aligning an edge of the canopy securing surface with the abutment of the spacer and aligning the canopy securing surface with the first surface of the spacer; and   e. rotating the first surface of the spacer to bring the canopy securing surface into engagement with the canopy supporting surface.