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New Modular Shade System Grabs Spotlight 08-18-15 | News

New Modular Shade System Grabs Spotlight
Can Be Adapted to Fit any Space and Structure

Constructed of panels made with outdoor fabrics that connect together, the Infinity Canopy was recently bestowed two industry honors.

Introduced less than a year ago, the Infinity Canopy, which can be put up in any length or width, has been getting its share of attention.

Unlike shade systems that require precise measurement and prefabrication, and are made of one piece of sewn fabric that can't be modified after installation, this innovative product is ready to be shipped, can be configured to fit any space, and easily modified in size, color, design and style. Also, a damaged section can be quickly replaced and the entire canopy can be removed with less effort for cleaning and winterization.

The Infinity Canopy was launched in Oct. 2014 at the awning industry's main trade show. There it won the Show Stoppers prize for the best new product. Later in March, it won the best new product prize in the outdoor category at the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association Expo.

The product is a modular slide-on wire canopy composed of individual five-feet-wide and two-feet-long shade panels that connect together to create a canopy that can be as long and wide as needed to fit any space.. The panels and profiles can also be cut to fit smaller than 5' wide spaces.

Each module is composed of a shade panel, aluminum frame, and stainless steel clips that attach the canopy to a pair of parallel cables installed between two opposing structures. The stainless steel aircraft cable providing support for the canopy is drawn in a rectangle loop connecting on both ends to a tensioner. The canopy's hardware is marine grade anodized aluminum and stainless steel. The materials for the shade panels are made of outdoor fabrics such as Phifertex and Sunbrella that are resistant to water, fire, mold, fading and can last 5-10 years. They are available in mesh and solid canvas in a variety of colors.

According to the company's founder Alan Shargani, the idea for the product came from a less than positive experience he had trying to find a canopy.

As he recalls, "I called the awning company and was very dismayed by the price and the fact that it was going to take them a long time to make it, and once they made it, if I didn't like it, I was stuck with it, I couldn't change it in any way. So that got me thinking about a modular system."