Awning Assembly Attachment

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

Present embodiments generally pertain to an attachment for an awning assembly. More specifically, present embodiments relate to, without limitation, an attachment for an awning assembly which allows the awning assembly to support and define a portion of an enclosure, such as a screened-in porch or the like for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) or fixed structure having an awning assembly.

Description of the Related Art

The use of awnings on recreational vehicles and fixed structures, for example on homes, has increased in part due to a desire to increase the functionality of outdoor living spaces beneath and around these awnings. Various attempts have been made to improve functionality of outdoor living spaces created in part by outdoor awnings.

The use of an awning, while providing an additional area for usage outside an RV, also has drawbacks associated with the outdoors. Insects can render a camping trip difficult. Further, windy conditions can cause problems for use of an awning.

One solution for dealing with these issues may be to use the awning as a structure which partially defines an outdoor structure which, generally speaking, provides additional square footage to the RV experience.

Unfortunately, use of such devices currently requires drilling or cutting of the awning roller tube, for example in order to connect supports for the enclosure to the roller tube. This is undesirable as it potentially allows dirt, water and other contaminants access to the interior of the tube and can lead to premature wear or unexpected damage to the awning roller tube.

Additionally, as an awning ages, exposure to UV and other elements can cause the awning fabric to shrink. This currently requires that new holes be drilled in the roller tube in order to keep the walls aligned with the edge of the fabric.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to overcome these and other deficiencies to provide an awning assembly which allows ease of connection and disconnection of an attachment that supports an enclosure to mount to the awning assembly without any permanent physical change to the awning itself.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

An awning assembly attachment is provided which allows connection of the attachment to an awning assembly. The attachment in one embodiment may be connected to the roller tube or, in other embodiments, used with alternate awning types. Once connected, the attachment provides seat for supports. As a result, the supports allow the awning assembly to define a portion of the enclosure and the enclosure to be formed about the awning defining an enclosure footprint. Alternately, the attachment may be used to allow for at least one horizontal or vertical support medial to the ends of the awning for improved awning functionality.

According to some embodiments an awning assembly attachment comprises a body which is connectable to an awning bar, the awning bar may have a plurality of axially extending grooves. A head may be positioned in at least one of the plurality of axially extending grooves to connect the body to the awning bar, the head may be being biased relative to the body and movable between a first position and a second position. The body may have at least one seat for at least one support, the at least one support being defining at least a portion of an optional awning component.

Optionally, the at least one support may be substantially vertical or may be substantially horizontal. The head may retain the body against the awning bar. The at least one support may be angled from a first end toward a second end of a canopy. The awning component is one of an enclosure, a tension rafter or a de-flapper. The awning bar may be a roller tube or the awning bar may have a non-circular cross-section. The head is movable by an actuator or a camlock.

According to some embodiments, an awning assembly attachment comprises a body having an inner surface which corresponds to an awning bar surface, an actuator which may be biased by a biasing element. The actuator operably engaging a head, the head extendable from the inner surface and being positionable in an accessory groove. At least one grasp to hold the body and utilize the actuator and, at least one first seat which receives a first support.

Optionally, the body may be being biased toward or away from the awning bar.

The biasing element may be a coil spring within the body or within a support. The at least one grasp may be formed integrally on the body. The at least one grasp may provide for placement of a user's hand to hold the body and actuate the spring loaded actuator. The at least one grasp may be a first aperture and a second aperture. The head may be movable away from the inner surface. The actuator may be connected to the head wherein when the actuator moves, the head moves. The at least one seat may further comprise a second seat. At least one of the first seat and the second seat may receive a support having a circular cross-section. The at least one of the first seat and the second seat may receive a support of non-circular cross-section. The first and second seats may comprise a surface for engagement with supports. The attachment may be movable relative to the awning roller tube within the accessory groove.

A method of connecting optional awning components to an awning bar, comprising the steps of positioning a head in a groove of the awing bar, positioning an attachment in a desired position of the groove and the awning bar, retaining the head and the attachment at a desired position, and engaging supports at attachment for the optional awning components.

According to some embodiments, a screened room enclosure may comprise an awning assembly including hardware, an awning bar located between the hardware, and an awning canopy. An attachment which connects to the awning assembly, the attachment having seats for at least one support. A screened-in enclosure may have at least one wall, the awning canopy defining a roof for the screened-in enclosure. The attachment may allow for the awning to support and define portions of the screened-in enclosure. All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplary only and many more features and objectives of an awning assembly attachment may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, no limiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood without further reading of the entire specification, claims and drawings, included herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments of the awning assembly attachment will now be described by way of examples. These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as other embodiments of the awning assembly attachment will become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description. Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recreational vehicle (RV) having a screened-in or porch enclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an attachment connected to the awning assembly;

FIG. 4 is a first perspective view of an exemplary awning assembly attachment;

FIG. 5 is a second perspective view of an awning assembly attachment with a head in a first position;

FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of an awning assembly attachment with a head in a second position;

FIG. 7 is a side-section view of an awning roller tube and an attachment which is connected to the awning roller;

FIG. 8 is a side-section view of the attachment being inserted into the awning roller tube for positional adjustment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a user actuating the head for connection to the awning roller tube;

FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view of a cassette awning assembly;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an attachment;

FIG. 12 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment wherein the attachment is used to connect a tension rafter; and,

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment wherein the attachment is used to connect a de-flapper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the awning assembly attachment is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout several views, there are shown in FIGS. 1-13 various embodiments of the awning assembly attachment. The attachment provides a structure for connecting supports which allow formation of an enclosure such as a screened-in enclosure or porch. The structure allows for formation of additional usable square footage and further allows such use of additional square footage using existing structure to define the enclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a recreational vehicle (RV) 10 is depicted. The example RV 10 includes a drive and a transmission, not shown, as well as at least one sidewall 12 and a roof 14. It should be understood that although an RV is referred to in the exemplary embodiments, one skilled in the art should understand that the use of the awning assembly attachment is not limited to these drivable vehicles. The term “RV” is also meant to include towable structures, sometimes called campers, homes and other stationary structures as well as boats or other marine applications, for example which use canopy structures which may or may not be retractable, commercial vehicles, agricultural vehicles, horse trailers, and temporary structures such as those used at sports events, (tailgating), flea markets. All of these structures are considered to be usable with the awning assembly attachment of the present embodiments.

An awning assembly 20 is connected to the sidewall 12 and/or the roof 14 of the vehicle 10. In further embodiments, the awning assembly 20 may be retractable within the sidewall 12 so as to reduce the airflow interference of the awning assembly 20 while the vehicle 10 is being operated. The awning assembly 20 may be defined by various structures such as roller type awning, cassette awning or other types. The awning assembly 20 may also be a manually operated awning or may be an automated awning.

The awning assembly 20 includes an awning or canopy 22 and hardware assembly 24 defined by at least one first arm 50 (FIG. 2) and at least one second arm 52 (FIG. 2). The awning hardware assembly 24 is utilized, according to the instant embodiment, to connect the awning assembly 20 to the sidewall 12 of the vehicle 10. The hardware assembly 24 allows for support of the canopy 22 in an extended position (shown) or in a retracted position. The hardware assembly or hardware 24 supports a movable awning bar 30. The awning bar 30 may be embodied by a roller tube in some embodiments which rotates to either extend or retract the awning canopy 22 or a non-rotating bar either of which may be of circular or non-circular cross-section. Optionally, the hardware assembly 24 may also provide a pathway for wiring from a power source to the awning bar 30 to drive a motor if the awning assembly 20 is automatically operated. Other wiring pathways may be used however.

The awning bar 30 may be circular in cross-sectional shape in some embodiments. The awning bar 30, depicted in one embodiment as a roller tube may include a first end and a second end with end caps 51 (FIG. 3). The awning bar 30 may be supported at or near ends to allow rotation for extension and retraction of the awning canopy 22. However, as will be described further, the present embodiments need not be limited to roller tube embodiments, as other types of awnings may be utilized.

The awning assembly 20 is exemplary and other variations may be utilized. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, a cassette style awning (FIG. 10) assembly may be used having an awning bar 131 which moves toward or away from the RV 10. Further, an awning bar 30 may be mounted to rotate at the RV sidewall 12 rather than be movable toward and away from the RV sidewall. Also, the awning bar 30 may be movable as shown, or may be fixed to the sidewall 12 so that the canopy extends with a non-rolling bar, such as in a cassette awning arrangement.

The instant awning assembly 20, specifically the canopy 22, also defines a roof, ceiling or cover for a porch or enclosure 29. The instant awning assembly may form a portion of or be utilized with optional awning components including, but not limited to, an enclosure, a tension rafter, a de-flapper or any of various structures which may be connected to the awning bar. The enclosure 29 is defined by a plurality of walls. In the instant embodiment, the enclosure 29 has a first wall 32, which may be opposite the RV sidewall 12, and two sidewalls 34, 36. The enclosure 29 provides for additional usable square footage and may, in some embodiments, form a screened-in porch. The footprint of the enclosure 29 may be rectangular in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the footprint may be square, trapezoidal or other geometric shapes depending on the shape of the canopy and the desired shape of the enclosure 29.

The walls 32, 34, 36 may be formed of different materials. In some embodiments, the walls 32, 34, 36 may be solid partitions so that those on the inside cannot see through the wall. In other embodiments, the walls 32, 34, 36 may be a screen material so those on the inside of the enclosure 29 can see outside the enclosure 29. In still further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the enclosure 29 may include a combination of solid and screened materials. For example, as shown, each wall has a solid portion 33 and a screened portion 35. The solid portion 33 may be opaque, transparent or semi-transparent. Additionally, the solid portion 33 may include a plurality of vent apertures 37. Still further, one or more of the walls 32, 34, 36 may include a door 38 which allows ease of entry into and exit out of the enclosure 29.

The walls 34, 36 in this embodiment hang from a support which is supported on one end by the wall of the RV 10 and on the other end by the attachment 60 (FIG. 3). The supports 43, 45 (FIG. 2) may be placed through a pocket sewn in the top edge of the walls 34 and 36. However alternate ways of connecting the walls 34, 36 and the supports 43, 45 may be used, such as for example, clips and hook and loop material. As depicted, the walls 34, 36 may in some embodiments, be located inside the boundary of the hardware assembly 24, 26. In other embodiments, the walls 34, 36 may be positioned externally of the hardware assembly 24, 26. The wall 32 may be connected to the awning bar 30 or may be connected to a forward flap on the awning 22 to support the wall 32.

Located near ends of the awning assembly 20 are supports 40, 42. When the awning assembly 20 is extended in the shown position, the hardware assembly 24 supports the load of the awning canopy 22 and awning bar 30. The additional weight of the walls 32, 34, 36 may require additional support. Accordingly, the supports 40, 42 receive some of the loading of the enclosure 29 and inhibit damage to the hardware assembly 24, 26. The supports 40, 42 may be formed of metal or other lightweight, relatively high-strength material. The supports 40, 42 may be each formed of a single structure or may be formed of multiple pieces or segments which may be joined together or may be nested, telescoping and/or foldable in order to form extended supports 40, 42 shown. Further, the supports 40, 42 may also be formed of various cross-sections. For example, the cross-section may be round, square, rectangular, other geometric cross-section or of varying cross-sectional shape through the length of the support. The supports 40, 42 may be exterior to the wall 32 or may be located within pockets as with supports 43, 45 (FIG. 2).

Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of the enclosure 29 is depicted. In the depicted view, the wall 34 and the hardware assembly 24 is shown. The hardware assembly 24 may be formed of one or more supports including a first arm 50 which is mounted to the sidewall 12 (FIG. 1). The second arm 52 extends from the first arm 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the second arm 52 may extend from the upper end, however this is not limiting and merely one example of a configuration which may be utilized. The second arm 52 may be pivotally connected to the first arm 50 and may be further sized so as to be nested in a nested arrangement with either or both of the first arm 50 and a third arm 56 which may be pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second arm 52 and spaced from the first arm 50. One or more struts 58 may be utilized to control movement of the second and third arms 52, 56. Additionally, an adjustable arm 57 may be utilized to position and adjust the extended configuration of the awning hardware assembly 24.

Depending from near the canopy 22 is the wall 34. The wall or partition 34 may be formed of one or more materials, for example wherein an upper portion 35 is screened in and a lower portion 33 is formed of a solid opaque material.

In this view, the cantilevered nature of an extended awning assembly 20 is clear and the need for a support, for example support 42 is explained. The weight of the awning assembly 20 in an extended position may cause one or more members of the hardware, for example strut 58 or arm 57, to vary in size, and result in the awning sagging. Additionally, the weight of the walls 32, 34, 36 (FIGS. 1, 2) also creates a need to support the loading on the hardware assembly 24. Accordingly, the awning bar 30 includes an attachment 60 (FIG. 3) which provides seats for supports 42, 43 (FIGS. 1, 2) as well as supports 44, 45 (FIG. 3). The supports 42, 43, 44 and 45 aid to carry the weight of the enclosure walls so not to damage the awning assembly 20.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the awning assembly 20 includes the awning canopy 22 and first and second hardware assemblies 24 and 26 (not shown in this view). In this embodiment, each of the hardware assemblies are formed the same and therefore only hardware 24 will be described. However, these hardware assemblies 24, 26 may be different and may also be embodied in differing forms from that which is depicted. The hardware assembly 24 supports the canopy 22 in the extended position (shown) and collapses to a compact, nested stack arrangement when the awning assembly 20 is retracted for road travel or when weather conditions preclude extended use of the awning assembly 20 or the use of the enclosure 29. In the retracted position, the hardware assemblies 24, 26 are generally positioned in a vertical arrangement at lateral edges of the canopy 22 and along sidewall 12 of the RV 10. In the extended position depicted, portions of the hardware assemblies 24, 26 extend outwardly from the RV sidewall 12.

The hardware assembly 24 includes a plurality of arms 50, 52, 56, 57 defining a four bar linkage comprising a first base arm 50, a second top arm 52, a third extending arm 56 and a fourth adjustable arm 57 which may allow for pitch adjustment.

The first base arm 50 is connected to the RV sidewall 12 and is channel-shaped having an open top which is capable of receiving a nested storage of the additional arms described in the following description of the hardware assembly 24. The first base arm 50 may be of a length so as to receive the additional arms in a compact nested arrangement so that those additional linkage arms do not extend from the bottom end of the first base arm 50. The channel shape is generally u-shaped and may have squared corners or rounded corners. Other shapes however may be utilized.

The first base arm 50 is straight and elongated and may be formed in various manners, including but not limited to an extrusion process. The first base arm 50 may be formed of a high—strength, lightweight material such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, among other materials. The channel shape comprises a main wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall defining the channel. The channel opening is outwardly facing so that the channel may receive the additional assembly arms when the awning assembly 20 is retracted.

The second arm 52 is pivotally connected to the first base arm 50 and extends at a second end to a third extended arm 56. The top arm 52 may also be formed of a high—strength, lightweight material such as aluminum alloy and may be formed in various fashions including, but not limited to, an extrusion process.

Extending outwardly from the first base arm 50 is the adjustable arm 57 which may allow adjustment of awning pitch, and the third extended arm 56. The third adjustable arm 57 may also be formed in various shapes including, but not limited to, a channel shape.

The adjustable arm 57 extends from the base arm 50 and provides the capability to raise or lower corners of the awning assembly 20 disposed away from the RV sidewall 12. This adjustment of the corners allows independent raising or lowering of either end of the awning bar 30. Each adjustable arm 57 includes a first member and a second member which slide relative to one another to adjust total length. Therefore, each adjustable arm 57 may be adjusted to move and may be adjusted between an extended position and a collapsed position. Although the depicted embodiment provides for manual adjustment, it is contemplated that other mechanisms may be provided to provide automated adjustment. A lock or clamp may be provided to limit relative motion between the members when the adjustable arm 57 is set at a desired configuration. The locked or secure position may be engaged, for example when extended, collapsed, or any position there between. Additionally, the unlocked position allows for manual adjustment to a desired configuration, at which time the lock may be engaged. The lock may be embodied by a lock knob, clamp, fastener-nut, latch, other movement limiting structure or combinations thereof. While an adjustment arm 57 is described, which is shown to have pitch adjustment capability for the awning bar 30, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that various other adjustable functions may be provided by adjustable arm 57. Therefore, the adjustment arm 57 should not be considered solely limited to pitch adjustment. Still further, arm 57 may alternatively be formed in a rigid construction.

The first and second members are slidable in an axial direction of the members relative to one another. Similarly, the members may be retracted to vary the pitch of the awning assembly 20 and the canopy 22. This functionality may also be provided at the opposite hardware assembly 26 so that the pitch of the canopy 22 may be changed to allow for drainage, for example, or allow of uneven deployment or retraction of the awning assembly 20. Once a desired position is achieved, in the extended configuration, the adjustable arm 57 may be locked in various manners, for example a knob-lock assembly or other fastening structure.

The hardware assembly 24 may further comprise a strut 58 which extends between the first base arm 50 and a second top arm 52. The strut 58 supports the second top arm 52 when the awning assembly 20 is in an extended or deployed position. The strut 58 further provides damping force for example, in windy conditions or during heavy rains. The strut 58 may be a gas strut, fluid strut or other suitable structure wherein the inner end of the strut 58 is connected to the base arm 50 and the outer end connects to the second top arm 52. The strut 58 may be provided with pivoting joints, such as pivotable ball end joints, or other connectors so that the strut 58 pivots and may be received within the base arm 50 when the awning assembly 20 is retracted. The joints or ends of the strut 58 may connect to a mounting bracket or other similar structure which is connected to the base arm 50 by various types of fasteners including, but not limited to, rivets or screws.

The strut 58 applies a force on the awning assembly 20 to provide an opposed force to any force which may be applied by water collecting on the canopy 22 or alternatively, wind blowing against the canopy 22. For example, the strut 58 may also allow a corner of the awning assembly 20 to lower if the adjustable arm 57 is unlocked or unsecured. Alternatively, when the loading of the water or wind is gone, the strut 58 allows the awning assembly 20 to return the lowered corner into the desired position. This description of hardware 24 is merely one example and others may be utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an attachment 60 is shown looking from the interior of the enclosure 29, upward. The attachment 60 may be used for a plurality of uses including, but not limited to, connection of further optional awning components from the awning assembly 20, such as the enclosure 29, a tension rafter 210 (FIG. 12), and/or connection of a de-flapper 310 (FIG. 13). The attachment 60 is positioned against the awning bar 30 and the awning bar 30 is supported by the hardware assembly 26. The awning bar 30 includes one or more axially extending grooves 31. These grooves 31 may be used to hang accessories from the awning bar 30, for example roller tube in some embodiments. In this embodiment, the at least one groove 31 is used to mount the attachment 60 and thereby allows connection of supports 44, 45. The one or more axial grooves 31 may be located circumferentially about the outer surface of the awning bar 30. The spacing may be determined on the desired adjustability and the number of locations for adjustment that may be desired. Still further, the at least one axial groove 31 may extend the entire length of the awning bar 30 or may extend partially so as to be spaced apart in the axial direction as well. Thus, the grooves 31 may be formed in a variety of manners or combinations of the described manners so as to provide further options for adjustment of the attachment 60.

The depicted awning bar 30 includes an end cap 51 having an opening therein. The attachment 60 passes axially through the end cap 51 and opening therein allowing the attachment 60 to slide through the end cap 51 and into the awning bar 30. As shown in the Figure, a double-headed arrow M represents the movement of the attachment 60 axially through the awning bar 30. Other structures and manners of connection may be made, but the instant embodiment provides for axial movement which matches the axial movement of the attachment 60 within, through or relative to the awning bar 30. For example, the attachment 60 may be formed to clamp around the circumferential perimeter of the awning bar 30 in whole or in part.

The supports 44, 45 each connect to the attachment 60. Various connection types or combinations of connection types may be used. According to some embodiments, the supports 44, 45 may be male element and the attachment may include female receivers or vice versa. According to the instant embodiment, each support 44, 45 includes a flange which receives a seat 64, 66 that positions the support. In other embodiments, the seats may be female and receive a male support or portion of the support. In further embodiments, and as described further herein, there may be a combination of connection types. In other embodiments, there may be abutting surfaces that engage one another or combination of surfaces and features.

The attachment 60 includes a body 62 having the seats 64 and 66 near ends of the body 62. In some embodiments, the body 62 has a partially circumferential shape so that an inner surface corresponds to an outer surface of the awning bar 30. The attachment 60 further comprises at least one grasp 70. In the instant embodiment, there are two grasps 70, 72 which aid a user in holding the attachment 60 and positioning the attachment 60 relative to the awning bar 30. However, other shapes may be utilized corresponding to shapes of the awning bar. In other embodiments, the at least one grasp 70 may have the circumferential length which accommodates one or more fingers.

Extending from the body 62 is an actuator 80. In the instant embodiment, the actuator 80 is disposed between the first and second grasps 70, 72 so that when held, the actuator 80 is easily accessible. The actuator 80 provides ability to engage the attachment 60 with the awning bar 30. As a result of the attachment 60, the supports 42, 43 (FIG. 2), 44, 45 may be installed without needing to drill, cut or otherwise materially change the structure of the awning bar 30.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exploded perspective view of the awning assembly attachment 60 with supports, for example supports 44, 45, exploded therefrom. The attachment 60 includes a body 62. The body 62 may have various shapes depending upon whether the attachment 60 is being connected to an awning bar which is circular in cross-section or other shape, such as may be used in a cassette awning. In the instant embodiment, the body 62 is partially circular in shape and has an inner surface 63 which approximates the outer surface diameter of the awning bar 30. However, non-circular cross-sectional shapes may be utilized as well where the awning is a non-circular in shape. For example, with brief reference to FIG. 10, the cassette awning 120 utilizes an awning bar 131 which is non-circular in shape. The attachment 60 may have a corresponding cross-sectional shape to operate with such alternate awning type.

The body 62 defines a mounting structure which may be formed of various materials including, but not limited to, lightweight metallic materials such as steel, aluminum or alloys. Further, the body 62 may be formed alternatively or additionally of lightweight, high-strength plastics, plastimeric materials, and/or polymerics including, but not limited to, vinyl, polyethylene, HDPE, LDPE and like materials

Near circumferential ends of the body 62 are seats 64, 66. The seats may take different forms so as to engage a hollow or solid tube support, receive a tube support, hollow or solid, or may form some other type of connection. The seats 64, 66 of the instant embodiment are stub-like in form and are received within the hollow supports 44, 45. The supports 44, 45 may have flanges 67 to aid in locating the seats 64, 66 into the supports 44, 45. Further, each of the supports 44, 45 may include a pin 47 which engages an aperture 65 in the seats 64, 66. The pins 47 may also aid to locate the supports 44, 45 on the seats 64, 66 allowing for a flat surface 49 at an end of the supports 44, 45 to engage a flat surface 69 of the seats 64, 66. However, it should be understood that alternate surfaces, such as ratchet type, ball and socket or cooperating curvilinear surfaces, for non-limiting example, may be used to aid in relative slipping between the supports and the seats.

Further, the seats 64, 66 are located near circumferential ends of the body 62. In this way, the supports 42, 44 extend in generally vertical dimension to support the added weight of the enclosure 29, and relieving the hardware 24, 26 of some of that loading. Additionally, the supports 43, 45 extend from the attachment 60 in a generally horizontal orientation, or may be at an angle to horizontal. The supports 43, 45 extend to the sidewall 12 of the RV 10 or other structure and provides further support for the walls 32, 34, 36 of the enclosure 29.

Extending from the body 62 of the attachment 60 is at least one grasp 70. As noted previously, the instant embodiment includes two grasps to improve handling of the attachment 60. For example, the upper grasp 70 may have an opening 71 to receive an index finger for example. The lower grasp 72 may include aperture 73 to receive two or more fingers other than the index finger. In this way, the thumb can be positioned near the actuator 80. Still further, upon actuation of the actuator 80, the attachment 60 may be slidably positioned along the awning bar 30 allowing the attachment 60 to be moved relative to the awning bar. According to other embodiments, the grasp 70 may be changed to provide for other forms of gripping and/or manipulation. For example, a single grasp may be utilized which is linear or arcuate in shape depending on the shape of the body 62. Accordingly, the actuator 80 may be positioned according to the grasp configuration to provide an easy to use and ergonomically correct arrangement.

The at least one grasp 70 may be formed integrally with the body 62 or may be connected after independently being formed. The materials for the at least one grasp 70 may be the same or differ from the body 62.

The two grasps 70, 72 of the instant embodiment define a pedestal 81 wherein the actuator 80 may be located. The actuator 80 moves inwardly and outwardly relative to the pedestal 81. Extending from the inner body surface 63 is a head 83. When the actuator 80 is depressed, the head 83 moves radially inwardly, relative to the inner surface 63. Alternatively, when the head 83 is not depressed, the actuator 80 is biased outward to the position shown, and the head 83 is positioned closer to the inner surface 63, as shown. The head 83 is sized to fit within the groove 31 of the awning bar 30 and inhibit removal of the attachment 60 therefrom. The head 83 is biased so that the body 62 is pulled to the awning bar 30 when the head 83 is disposed on the groove 31.

In other embodiments, the head 83 may be formed opposite to the depicted embodiment such that the head 83 normally extends further from the attachment 60 than closer. By depressing the actuator 80, the head 83 may be retracted to clamp or otherwise tighten the attachment 60 against the awning bar 30. Or in other embodiments, the insertion of the supports 43, 45 could force the attachment 60 to engage or retain the attachment against the awning bar 30 or other such awning bar, for example.

In some embodiments, the actuator 80 and the grasp 70 may be combined into a single structure. With reference to FIG. 11, an alternative attachment 160 is shown. The attachment 160 is similar to the previous embodiment in that the body 162 may have a circumferential shape or may have an alternate shape depending on the cross-sectional shape of the awning bar 30. Further, according to this embodiment, the structure includes a camlock assembly 180 including a grasp 170. The grasp 170 is defined in some embodiments by a ring 172 which is shown in a first position in solid line. In this position, the attachment 160 is pulled tightly against the awning bar. In the second position, the ring 172 is shown in broken line such that the attachment 160 is not pulled as tightly toward the awning bar 30. The embodiment also may include a head 184 which is shown in solid and broken lines in the two corresponding positions.

Also, this embodiment provides an alternative in that rather than having a biasing element, the attachment 160 uses the camlock 180 to move the head 184 between a locked and an unlocked position. The ring 172 may include a cam structure which causes movement of a connector 185 and the head 184 to move into or out of the body 162. Thus, the biasing structure is replaced with an alternate camming structure to move the head 184.

Referring now FIGS. 5 and 6, perspective views of the attachment 60 are depicted. In the two views, the actuator 80 changes positions causing movement of a head 83 that engages the awning bar groove 31. As shown in FIG. 5, the head 83 is closely positioned against an inner surface 63 of the body 62. In some embodiments, the inner surface 63 may also comprise a damping material 61 such as rubber or other material which improves frictional engagement and reduces noise during engagement with the awning bar 30. The head 83 may be of varying shapes which cooperate with the groove 31 of the awning bar 30. In one embodiment, the awning bar groove 31 may receive the head 83 when the actuator 80 is depressed and the head 83 is spaced further from the inner surface 63. However, as previously noted, the depression of the actuator 80 may not be required in some embodiments, as described previously.

With reference now to FIG. 6, the head 83 is spaced outwardly from inner body surface 63. Further, the actuator 80 is shown depressed and therefore not seen but instead hidden by the pedestal 81. With the head 83 extending inwardly from the inner surface 63, a connector 85 is shown. The connector 85 extends into the pedestal 81 and is connected to the actuator 80 (FIG. 5). The connecter 85 may be a constant cross-sectional shape or may vary in cross-section. The cross-section of the connector 85 varies toward the head 83 so that the connector 85 does not interfere with the groove 31 and the head 83 may move therethrough.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a side section view of an awning bar 30 is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the awning bar 30 includes three grooves 31 although any number may be used. Also shown is the attachment 60 shown in section view. The body 62 is depicted along with the first and second grasps 70, 72. In this view, the actuator 80 is connected to the connector 85. The connector 85 may be formed integrally with the actuator 80 or may be connected by fastener or other connection means.

As shown in this view, according to one embodiment, the pedestal 81 is hollow so that the actuator 80 can move therethrough. The actuator 80 may be sized to engage the inner walls of the pedestal 81 or may include tracks to aid in guiding such movement. The actuator 80 moves inwardly and outwardly through the pedestal 81. As discussed previously, the actuator 80 is biased in one embodiment toward a normal position shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 and may be moved to the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Other configurations may however be used.

According to the instant embodiment, the head 83 corresponds in cross-sectional shape to the groove 31. As shown in one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is round. However, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be square shaped or other polygons, curvilinear shapes or like shapes.

In the depicted position, the head 83 is extended inwardly from the inner surface 63 of the body 62. With the head 83 spaced away from the body 62, the head 83 may be slidably positioned through the end cap 51 (FIG. 3) and slot 39 (FIG. 3). After passing through the end cap 51 (FIG. 3), the head 83 enters the axial groove 31. This is achieved by depressing the actuator 80 so that the head 83 is spaced further from the body 62 and allowing adjustability of the attachment 60.

The actuator 80 has a U-shaped cross-section providing a seat for a biasing element 90. In the depicted embodiment, the biasing element 90 may be a coil spring which compresses to the state shown when the actuator 80 is depressed. At an opposite end, the biasing element 90 is seated within the pedestal 81. The pedestal 81 provides a structure against which the biasing element 90 can force the actuator 80 and draw the head 83 toward the inner surface 63 of the body 62. One skilled in the art will understand that it is desirable to depress the actuator 80 creating space between the head 83 and the body 62, so that the head 83 may be inserted into and/or adjusted within the awning bar 30.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a second side-section view of the awning bar 30 is shown for this embodiment. The awning bar 30 is shown in the same position as FIG. 7, however, the attachment body 62 is pulled closer to or biased toward the awning bar 30. In this view, the head 83 is fixed relative to the groove 31 and therefore cannot move relative to the awning bar 30. Thus, the biasing element 90 acting on the actuator 80 and the body 62, pulls the body 62 toward the awning bar 30. As the body 62 is pulled against the awning bar 30, the actuator 80 is forced toward the end of the pedestal 81 so that the actuator 80 is accessible to a user's finger or thumb.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a view of the attachment 60 is shown wherein the grasps 70, 72 are shown engaged by a user's hand. In the depicted embodiment, the grasp 70 allows for a first finger, such as the index finger, to pass through. Below the pedestal 81 is the second grasp 72 of one embodiment. The second grasp 72 may be larger than the first grasp 70 and allows for two or more fingers in some embodiments. By positioning the fingers in the manner depicted, the user can also easily access the actuator 80 to move the head 83 (FIG. 8).

From the depicted position, the actuation of actuator 80 causes the attachment 60 to move away from the awning bar 30. As the actuator 80 is depressed, the body 62 moves away from the awning bar 30. This is because the awning bar 30 is generally fixed and therefore the movement of the head 83 does not affect the awning bar 30 but instead, is transmitted to the body 62. Once the body 62 moves, the attachment 60 is spaced from the awning bar 30 (FIG. 7), so that the head 83 (FIG. 8) may be slidably adjusted through the groove 31 of the awning bar 30. Once the attachment 60 is in a desirable position, the actuator 80 may be released to either affix the attachment 60 to the awning bar 30. Alternatively, the actuator 80 may be released once the attachment 60 is removed from the awning bar 30.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a lower perspective view of an alternate cassette awning assembly 120 is depicted. One skilled in the art will understand that cassette awnings differ from that of the previous embodiments wherein the roller about which a canopy 122 wraps is located at a fixed end of the awning assembly 120, for example against a wall of a stationary structure such as a house or commercial building or alternatively, a sidewall 12 of the RV 10 (FIG. 1). The awning roller assembly 130 is generally fixed rather than translating in the instant embodiment and at an opposite end is defined by an awning bar 131 which moves toward or away from the fixed rotating awning assembly 130.

Extending between the roller assembly 130 and the awning bar 131 may be hardware 124, 126 which comprises pairs of first and second foldable arms 152, 154. These arms 152, 154, pivotally connect to fold the hardware 124, 126 to a retracted state or alternatively, extend to straightened condition in order to provide support for the awning or canopy 122. This is a general description of a cassette awning and other constructions may differ, and therefore this should be considered a non-limiting description of merely one embodiment which may be utilized.

The awning bar 131 may have an axially extending groove on a rear side (not shown) so that an attachment 60 may be utilized. Alternatively, the groove may be located on a forward side of the awning bar 131. The attachment 60 may vary in shape from the circumferential shape of the previous embodiments to a shape corresponding to a profile or cross-section of the awning bar 131. Once positioned on the awning bar 131, the attachment may be positionally adjusted and subsequently the supports 42, 43, 44, 45 may be installed.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment is depicted wherein an attachment 260, is shown used to connect a tension rafter 210. The tension rafter 210 is a structure which may tension an awning canopy 22 (FIG. 1) and may also be used to support the awning bar 30. Generally, these tension rafters 210 are installed around the axial center of the awning bar 30. In the instant embodiment, the attachment 260 may be used to connect a tension rafter 210 which is movable and/or biased in order to stretch the canopy fabric and reduce sagging or bowing. Further, as shown, a similar seat structure may be used for connecting the tension rafter 210. Thus the attachment 260 may be used to mount supports 43, 43, 44, 45 as previously described for the enclosure 29, or in the alternative instant embodiment, may be used to connect the awning bar 30, for non-limiting example a roller tube as shown, or alternatively, the attachment 260 may be formed to have alternate seat structure or the attachment 260 may be integrally formed with all or a portion of the tension rafter 210. The attachment 260, as in previous embodiments, provides an easy way of connecting the tension rafter 210 to the awning bar 30 to stretch the canopy 22 (FIG. 1) without requiring a permanent hole or structural change to the awning bar 30.

Referring now to FIG. 13, further alternative embodiment is shown wherein the attachment 360 is used to connect a de-flapper 310. In the use of awnings, the lateral edge of the canopy 22 may flap in the wind which can be annoying and can lead to rips or tears in the canopy 22. The attachment 360 may also be used to mount de-flapper structures 310 near the lateral edges of the canopy 22. In the instant embodiment, the attachment 360 may be located on the awning bar 30 at a location corresponding to where the lateral edges of the canopy 22 are disposed. The de-flapper 310 may be connected to the attachment 360 and extend along the edge of the canopy 22 to eliminate the undesirable flapping. The de-flapper 310 may be mounted to cooperate with the seats previously described or alternatively, the de-flapper 310 may be formed, in whole or in part, integrally with the attachment 360.

Thus the various embodiments show various attachment embodiments which provide easy to use connections to awning bars for supporting various structures including, but not limited to, enclosures, tension rafters and de-flappers.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teaching(s) is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.

Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Awning Assembly Attachment

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