Pop up canopy
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Instant Pop-up canopies are portable shelters that collapse down to a size that is portable. Typically, canopies of this type come in sizes from 5'x5' to 10'x20'.
Most pop up canopies come in two pieces, the canopy frame and the canopy top. The canopy frame is constructed of either steel or aluminium. Steel framed canopies are heavier and typically cost less than the superior aluminium frames. Recently, stainless steel has been used because it is lighter than steel and stronger than aluminium
Tops for most canopies are made from an Oxford polyester blend of fabric. This fabric is rated in denier. A denier rating of 500 is acceptable and a rating above 500 will only increase weight and give no value to the fabric itself. Tops are also fire retardant and water resistant. Due to seams sewn into the top they will never be "water proof". Most companies offer a wide variety of colors for their tops. General colors are blue, green, red, white and yellow. Special colors include black, gold and purple.
The first pop up canopy was invented by Jim Lynch in 1983 and was made with chrome plated steel legs and nut and bolt fittings. Jim went on to start KD Kanopy in 1984, owning over 38 patents on the pop up style canopy, Jim decided to produce only a heavy duty commercial grade canopy and licensed out some of the patents to other companies to make a retail unit. KD Kanopy also invented the single pole tension units and introduced the revolutionary StarShade canopies to the market.
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[edit] Uses
Pop up canopies have become very popular for outdoor events and trade shows. Some commercial canopy companies are even beginning to silk screen and digitally print on the custom canopy tops to promote the company using them.
A straight leg canopy offers the same amount of square footage from the base of the legs to the top of the valance. A 10x10 canopy straight leg would offer 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of shade. A slant leg canopy offers about 20 percent less square footage from the base of the legs to the top of the valance. A 10x10 slant leg would offer only 80 square feet (7.4 m2) of shade due to the angle of the legs.
[edit] Features
An instant canopy is said to be an ideal choice for a business owner planning to organize a trade show. There are many advantages:
[edit] Easy to set up
An instant canopy is very easy to set up and manage. Unlike the typical canopy, an instant canopy does not require much time and labor to set up. It is only necessary to take it out from its case and the rest will be done on its own because it "robotically" bounces into shape. An instant canopy usually has a roof and legs but no boundary walls. It is very light and can be taken very easily from one place to the other. It may also be called a portable canopy.
[edit] Choice of types
There are instant canopies that are water proof. Similarly fireproof instant canopies are also available. Both these are available in different shapes, sizes and colors. The most common instant or pop up canopy is the one with a roof and legs.
Normally an instant or pop up canopy just has a roof and legs but it can be customized as per the user's requirements. Options include half walls or "hedges" and extra legs. Other changes or additions can also be done depending upon the user's requirements.
[edit] Waterproof fabric
It is recommended to opt for a waterproof instant canopy. The fabrics used in making this kind of instant canopy include polyurethane, silicone elastomer and polyvinyl chloride. Water dropped on a water proof instant canopy will not soak in, but will roll off the canopy's surface, thus protecting valuable products and visitors.
A water-proof, or water resistant, canopy is essential for an outdoor event. This way, the exhibitor will not have to worry about the climatic conditions. He/she can be sure that no amount of rainfall or snowfall can interrupt the event if a good quality water resistant instant or pop up canopy has been employed.
[edit] Check the denier
It is very important to check the denier which is the density of fibers. The greater the density of fiber, the tougher and more durable the fabric will be. Therefore it is recommended to opt for an instant or pop up canopy only after checking the denier. Usually, Polyester Oxford 500 denier is used for the top and 300 denier for the sidewalls.
[edit] Business grade instant canopy
A commercial or business grade instant or pop up canopy is usually made of steel or aluminum. This is the toughest of the instant canopies available in the market. It is made so in order to safeguard people from adverse climatic conditions.
A 29mm leg pipe canopy may be suitable for domestic use but, for commercial purposes, a 32mm leg pipe canopy is preferred.
If the canopy is to be moved often, an aluminium frame is useful for lightness. To attract the attention of customers, a shiny stainless steel frame is the recommended option for commercial use.
