Patent Application
20140262059
This patent document relates generally to window awnings, and more particularly to an adjustable window awning.
Awnings are commonly used over windows and doors to shade them from sunlight and protect them from rain and other precipitation. They typically consist of a fixed frame and a canopy sewn and fitted over the frame.
A difficulty is windows, doors, and other structures protected by awnings come in many different sizes and shapes. As a result, awnings are generally custom built to fit the structure it is shading and are custom installed. Such custom built awnings typically require additional labor costs and are expensive to manufacture—especially if the installer incorrectly measures the window or door. Custom awnings also can be difficult to install.
In general terms, this document relates to an awning to shade a structure such as windows or other openings of a home or a building. One aspect is an apparatus for mounting to the wall of the structure and shading a window. The apparatus comprises first and second arms wherein each arm has an elongated portion and a mounting portion arranged at an angle relative to the elongated portion. The mounting portion defines one or more holes. An elongated portion of the first arm has a first inner surface and the elongated portion of the second arm has a second inner surface. The first inner surface opposes the second inner surface. At least a first clamp member is operably connected to the first arm and a second clamp member is operably connected to the second arm. At least one canopy member has a one end portion clamped between the first inner surface and the at least one clamp member, and an opposite end portion clamped between the second inner surface and the at least second clamped member.
A second aspect is an awning assembly. The awning assembly comprises first and second arms, wherein each arm has a rear portion arranged for mounting to an outer wall of the structure and a leading portion oppositely disposed from the rear portion. Each arm comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, and two or more clamp members. The two or more clamp members are positioned proximally to the inner surface. The two or more canopy members treated to be at least water resistant. Each of the canopy members have a width in the range of about five inches to about eight inches. A first one of the two or more canopy members has one end clamped to the first arm between the inner surface and one of the two or more clamp members, and an opposite end clamped to the second arm between the inner surface and one of the two or more clamp members. A second one of the two or more canopy members has one end clamped to the first arm between the inner surface and another of the two or more clamp members, and an opposite end clamped to the second arm between the inner surface and another of the two or more clamp members. First and second side curtains are formed with a non-rigid material and each side curtain has a top portion and a rear portion. The first curtain is operably connected to the outer surface of the first arm and the rear portion is arranged to extend along the exterior wall of the structure. The second curtain is operably connected to the outer surface of the second arm and a rear portion is arranged to extend along the exterior wall of the structure. A first side curtain bracket member is operably connected to an inner surface of the first side curtain and the exterior wall of the structure, and a second side curtain bracket member is operably connected to an inner surface of the second side curtain and the exterior wall of the structure. At least one rigid elongated member has a first end operably connected to the leading portion of the first arm and an opposite end operably connected to the leading portion of the second arm.
Another aspect is a method for assembling an awning. The method comprises attaching first and second arms to an exterior wall of the structure and proximal to a window wherein each of the first and second arms comprise an elongated portion and a clamping member operably connected to the elongated portion; and clamping a first end portion of a canopy member between the elongated bracket and the clamp of the first arm and an opposite portion of the canopy member between the elongated portion and the clamp of the second arm.
Another aspect is a kit for assembling an awning and mounting the awning to the exterior wall of a structure. The kit comprises first and second arms wherein each arm has an elongated portion and a mounting portion arranged at an angle relative to the elongated portion. The mounting portion defines one or more holes. The elongated portion of the first arm has a first inner surface and the elongated portion of the second arm has a second inner surface wherein the first inner surface opposes the second inner surface. At least two clamp members configured for operable connection to the first arm and at least two clamp members configured for operable connection to the second arm. At least one canopy member is configured for clamping to the first and second arms.
Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in the specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.
Within this patent document, the conjunction “or” connotes “and/or” inappropriate. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” connotes “one or more” unless stated otherwise or the use of “one or more” is clearly inappropriate. Additionally, qualifiers such as “about” and “substantially” connotes physical structures, physical relationships, and values for given measurements, parameters, ranges, positions, and the like that can vary due to differences in manufacturing tolerances, conditions of use, and other factors.
Referring to
The first arm 108, as shown in
The elongated portion 116 includes a proximal end portion 120 adjacent to the mounting portion 104 and an oppositely disposed distal end portion 122. The elongated portion 116 also includes an inner surface 124 and an outer surface 126. One or more clamping members 112a-112c are positioned to oppose the inner surface 124 and are configured to be drawn tight against the inner surface 124. In at least one possible embodiment, the clamping members 112a-112c are connected to the inner surface 124 with threaded rods such as bolts 128a-128f. In at least one embodiment, there is one clamping member connected to the first arm 108 for each canopy member 106a-106c. For example, if the awning 100 has only one canopy member, there is only one clamping member connected to the first arm 108. If there are two canopy members, then there are two clamping members. There also can be more than three canopy members and clamping members.
In at least one possible embodiment, the length of the clamping members 112a-112c and the distance between the threaded fasteners 128a and 128b; 128c and 128d; 128e and 128f is at least longer than the corresponding canopy members 106a-106c, respectively, are wide. This sizing enables the canopy members 106a-106c to be securely clamped between the clamping members 112a-112c, respectively, and the inner surface 124 of the elongated portion 116 of the first arm 108 without being wrinkled, folded over, or caught in the bolt threads.
The canopy members 106a-106c and clamps 112a-112b are arranged such that clamp members 112a-112c extend along the length of the first arm 108 generally in the same direction. In various embodiments, the clamp members 112a-112c can be positioned parallel to one another, at angles relative to one another, parallel to the length of the first arm 108, at angles relative to the arm 108, or combinations thereof. Additionally, adjacent ends of the clamp members 112a and 112b, or 112b and 112c can be spaced along the length of the first arm 108 to form a gap between the adjacent ends of the clamp members 112a and 112b, and 112b and 112c, respectfully. Alternatively, the end of one clamp member can be positioned over or below the end of the adjacent clamp member. For example, the distal end of clamp member 112a could be positioned above the proximal end of the clamp member 112b to form a stair-step type of arrangement.
As shown in
Each of the canopy members 106a-106c is formed with any suitable material such as fabric or other types of sheeting. An example includes fabric such as canvas woven from acrylic, cotton, or polyester. Another example includes vinyl sheeting or vinyl laminated to fabric. Additionally, the canopy members 106a-106c can be woven or formed with threads, fibers, or yarn. Alternatively, they can be formed with a solid sheet of material. In at least some embodiments, the canopy members 106a-106c are non-rigid and compliant so they can be rolled or folded for packaging and shipping before the awning is mounted and assembled. Additionally, the materials forming the canopy members 106a-106c resist stretching to prevent them from sagging over time.
The end portion or other edges of the canopy members 106a-106c may be subject to fraying, especially if they are woven or otherwise formed with fibers. Fraying can be prevented by heating the end portions to melt or otherwise burn the edge of the fabric to resist fraying. In other alternatives, the edge portion of the canopy members 106a-106c can be stitched, folded over and attached to the surface of the canopy members 106a-106c similar to a hem, or treated with an adhesive or similar material. Additionally, the material forming the canopy members 106a-106c can be coated or otherwise treated with a material to make them water resistant or water proof. The material forming the canopy members 106a-106c also can be treated with material to protect against ultra-violet rays from the sun and fading. The material forming the canopy members 106a-106c also can be treated with material to protect against mildew and other types of mold.
In at least one possible embodiment, the canopy members 106a-106c are elongated and have a length substantially greater than their width. In one example, the width of the canopy members 106a-106c is in the range from about five inches to about eight inches. In another embodiment, the width of the canopy member is about 6.5 inches. In other examples, the canopy members 106a-106c have a width outside of this range. The width of the canopy members 106a-106c can depend on a variety of factors including the length of the arms and the number of canopy members 106a-106c that are included in the awning. Additionally, the canopy members 106a-106c can have a shape other than an elongated strip of material as described herein.
Referring now to
Referring to
Additionally, a threaded member such as a screw or bolt 502 is positioned adjacent to the peg 500 and threaded through the first arm 108. The screw 502 engages a surface of the washer 504. In use, the screw 502 can be rotated to urge it toward the washer 504 in a direction parallel to the elongated reinforcing member 400. Rotating and urging the screw 502 in this direction causes the washer 504 to skew relative to the first arm 108 and the elongated reinforcing member 400. This movement of the washer 504 causes the first arm 108 and the second arm 110 to elongate and form a gap there between, which pulls the canopy members 106a-106c tight and prevents them from sagging. A screw similar to screw 502 can be mounted to the second arm 110 in a similar fashion.
In use, the awning assembly 100 is assembled by attaching first and second arms 108 and 110 to an exterior wall 130 above the area or structure to be protected by the awning. In this example, the mounting portions 104 and 105 of the first and second arms 108 and 110 are attached to an exterior wall 130 above a window 132. The mounting portions 104 and 105 of arms 108 and 110, respectfully, are attached to the exterior wall 130 using suitable fasteners such as screws or bolts. Wall anchors can be used to securely hold the fastener in the wall. Once the first and second arms 108 and 110 are attached to the exterior wall, one end of the canopy member 106a is fed between the clamping member 112a and the first arm 108. The threaded fasteners 128a and 128b are tightened until the canopy member 106a is securely held between the clamping member 112a and the first arm 108. The canopy member 106a is then fed through the gap between the second clamp member 113a and the second arm 110. The canopy member 106a is pulled taught and the fasteners 129a and 129b are then tightened until the clamping member 113a is pulled tightly toward the second arm 110 and is securely holding the canopy member 106a in place. The end portions of the canopy member 106a may be cut or otherwise trimmed to length with scissors or a knife if they extend too far past the clamp members 112a and 112b (e.g. end of canopy member 106c extending past clamp member 113c as illustrated in
If the elongated reinforcing member 400 is used, the peg 500 is threaded through the hole 510 in the distal end portion 122 of the first arm 108 until the head of the peg 500 engages the outer surface 126 of the first arm 108. The washer 504 is then placed on the peg 500 and the elongated reinforcing member 400 is slid over the peg 500. A second washer is then positioned between the opposite end of the elongated reinforcing member 400 and the second arm 110. A second peg is threaded through the second arm 110. This process is repeated for each of the elongated reinforcing members if more than one is used.
In various embodiments, the elongated reinforcing member 400 is attached to the first and second arms 108 and 110 after one or more of the canopy members 106a-106c are attached. This sequence of operations allows the reinforcing member 400 to be used as a lever to urge the first and second arms 108 and 110 apart to add tension to the canopy members 106a-106c and prevent sagging. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 400 is attached to the first and second arms 108 and 110 before the canopy members 106a-106c are attached. Additionally, in at least some alternative embodiments, the screw 502 is rotated after the first and second arms 108 and 110, canopy members 106a-106c, and elongated reinforcement member 400 are assembled to urge the first and second arms 108 and 110 apart to add tension to the canopy members 106a-106c.
If the awning assembly 100 is to include side curtains 300 and 301, they are connected to the first and second arms 108 and 110, respectively, using fasteners as described herein. Brackets 306 and 307 can be connected between the side curtains 300 and 301 and the exterior wall 130 of the structure also as described herein.
The awning assembly 100 may also be provided in a kit. In one possible embodiment, the kit includes arms 108 and 110, canopy members 106a-106c, clamp members 112a-112c, 113a-113c, and bolts. In various embodiments, the kit can include canopy members 106a-106c that are separated from one another. In other embodiments, the kit can include a single length of material for the canopy members 106a-106c that an installer can cut to length to form the separate canopy members 106a-106c. At least some alternative embodiments of a kit also can include various combinations of the side curtains 300 and 301, one or more reinforcing members 400, brackets 306 and 307, elongated reinforcing member(s) 400 and 402, washer(s) 507, screws or pegs 500, screw 502, wrenches or screw drivers for turning the various fasteners included in the kit, fasteners for mounting the first and second arms 108 and 110 to a wall 130, wall anchors, other various fasteners, screws, bolts, washers, adhesives, and hardware, etc.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.
