Patent Application
20080135187
The present invention generally relates to awning assemblies, particularly to awnings of the type for mounting to a substantially vertical support surface. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a breakaway water valve/window apparatus for draining water from the awning.
Typically, a retractable arm awning includes a roller disposed in a box fixed to a vertical wall with awning fabric extending between the roller and a header.
The header is held and moved by support arms between a retracted position proximate the wall to an extended position wherein the fabric awning extends between the wall mounted roller and the header. Such awning assemblies may be utilized with recreational vehicles, travel trailers, mobile homes, and the like, but are also useable with fixed structures.
During precipitation, water typically collects on fabric panels when extended. The weight of the water can cause damage to the mounting assembly and accordingly should be drained periodically if the awning is to be used during precipitation periods.
Heretofore, to remove water from the awning, a user often must push the canopy upwards to raise a deflected portion to a height that allows the water to drain over a side or front of the awning. This procedure can cause damage to the awning and may result in splashing water onto the user.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved awning and breakaway water valve/window therefore to provide a protective cover over a patio or along side a recreational vehicle which can be used during periods of rain without damage and manual water removal.
An awning in accordance with the present invention generally includes at least one fabric panel having a water drip hole therethrough along with a breakaway water valve/window, which in turn includes a flap hingeably attached to the fabric awning under the water drip hole and along an edge portion of the flap.
A pressure sensitive releasable joiner may be disposed between the fabric awning and another edge portion of the flap. Examples of this joiner include Velcro® fasteners and suitable releasable adhesives.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the edge portion and another edge portion comprise an entire perimeter of the flap.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the joiner comprises a resilient flap material, the flap may be circular, the edge portion may comprise a circumferential arc and another edge portion may comprise a radius.
More particularly, the awning may include a roller for winding the panel thereabout and the edge portion is disposed at a position for enabling resealing of a released joiner upon rolling of the panel onto the roller.
A further embodiment of the present invention includes a gutter disposed under the flap and panel opening for conducting water passing through the hole to an outside perimeter of the panel. Such a gutter is preferably formed from a flexible fabric material which is rollable with the panel about the roller.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the gutter has an axis generally parallel to a slope of the panel and another embodiment of the present invention the gutter has an axis generally perpendicular to the slope of the panel.
The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by the following description when considered in conjunction of the accompanying drawings, in which:
With reference to
The awning fabric, roller 18, header 20, and operating mechanism (not shown) may be any conventional configuration well known in the art.
As illustrated in the cross sectional view of
Release of the water as illustrated in
The breakaway water valve/window 24, shown open in
The hingeable attachment is disposed along an edge portion 32 of the flap 26. Another edge portion 34 which may include remaining perimeter of the flap includes a releasable joiner 38 which may be, for example, a Velcro® type fastener or a suitable multi-stick adhesive, which operates in a manner similar to that found on Post-It® notes.
Upon suitable pressure from accumulated water 42, the flap 26 releases from the fabric panel 14 thus opening the valve 24 enabling passage of water 40 therethrough as shown in
The flap may be reattached to the panel 14 by winding the panel 14 onto the roller 18 as shown in
Thus, the edge 34 is disposed at a position enabling resealing of a released joiner 38 upon rolling of the panel 14 onto the roller 18, release of the joiner 38 being caused by water weight, as hereinabove noted.
The adherence of the Velcro® or adhesive will be, of course, depend upon the tolerable water weight on the awning 10 and can be empirically determined.
With reference to
In this embodiment 50, a pressure sensitive releasable joiner 52 includes a resilient flap material, preferably circular in configuration with an edge portion 56 hingeably attached to the fabric panel 14 along a circumferential arc 60. Radii 62 define another edge portion.
The valve 50 opens along the radii 62 under weight of water 42 accumulated on the awning 48, thereby releasing same through a drip hole 66 defined by opening of the radii 62, see
With reference to
The gutter 70 may be formed from a fabric and thereby windable with the panel 14 onto the roller 18. As shown, the gutter 70 has an axis 78 generally parallel to a slope 80 of the panel 14.
Alternatively, as shown in
In either case, the gutter 70, 84 function to conduct water to the outside perimeter 72 of the awning 10.
As shown in
Although there has been hereinabove described a specific awning fabric breakaway valve/window in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the recited elements. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
