Patent Application
20080099155
The present invention pertains to recreational vehicles (whether self propelled or pulled) and mobile homes. The invention particularly pertains to retractable awning devices commonly installed on the recreational vehicles.
The majority of recreational vehicles have a retractable awning installed on the side of the vehicle. When stored, e.g., during vehicle travel, the awning is rolled up and the support arms are hingeably folded to the side of the vehicle. There are two support arms, each positioned at one end of the awning. When the vehicle is parked, the awning may be deployed.
Deployment may include the steps of pulling upon a strap end that is wound with the awning. Pulling the strap causes the awning to unwind. The support arms can also be deployed from the side of the vehicle. The support arms, each hinged to the side of the vehicle, can be variously positioned, thereby adjusting the angle of the awning. Each support arm can be extended in length.
A problem common to all awning systems is the storing or placement of the extended strap after deployment of the awning. Currently there is no satisfactory method to conveniently store the strap. The strap may be manufactured of woven nylon or similar material. The end of the extended strap forms a loop at the end. Some users will wrap the strap around one of the support arms. This can be unsightly and the strap tends to unwind or blow in the wind, causing a potential hazard. Others tie the strap end to the awning support arm. This can be unsightly. In addition, over time, it becomes difficult to untie the strap.
The invention pertains to a method of storing and securing an awning strap of a recreational vehicle. The method (and device) is used when the vehicle is parked and the awning deployed from its stored position. The method may comprise the steps of extending an end of an awning strap proximate to the extended awning support arms and inserting a first loop retaining end of a device into a loop at the end of the awning strap and inserting a second end of the device into an awning support arm positioning hole.
The invention also includes a device for securing an awning support strap where the device comprises an elongated device with a first bent end adaptable to the loop of the awning strap and a second end that may be inserted within a hole of the awning support arm or other suitable structure. The apparatus holds the extended strap snugly to the support arm, eliminating the need to tie or wrap the strap. This improves the appearance and safety of the recreational vehicle when parked.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated by reference and constitute part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. These drawings, together with the summary of invention given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below serve to explain the principles of the invention.
The present invention is for a method and device for securely and removeably fastening a strap end to an extended awning support arm.
When a support arm is extended in length, the increased support arm length extends the awning coverage. The extended segment of the support arm may comprise a rail extending from the interior annulus of the support arm. The rail may have regularly spaced holes. The holes may be used in combination of a lever controlled pin component that controls the position or extended length of the support arm. In one example, the holes do not exceed ⅜ inch diameter.
In one embodiment of the invention, the device subject of the invention is elongated and has a first end component and a second end component. The first end component has two 90° bends. The segment of the end component between the two bends is approximately equal to the diameter or width of the awning strap. (Reference
The second end component of the device also comprises one 90° bend. The bend of the second end may be radially oriented 90° to the bend of the first end. The segment of the second end component may be inserted into a positioning hole within the rail of the extended awning support arm.
In one embodiment the first end of the device is inserted into the loop of the strap. The device can then be used to pull the strap snuggly along the length of the awning support arm and the second end of the device inserted into one of the holes of the extension rails. This combination holds the awning strap securely to the awning support arm and eliminates the need for tying or wrapping the strap to the support arm.
The device can be made of metal. It may also be made of plastic or similar material. In one embodiment, the device may contain an elastomeric or stretching component.
This specification is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herein shown and described are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. As already stated, various changes may be made in the shape, size and arrangement of components or adjustments made in the steps of the method without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein and certain features of the invention maybe utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention.
While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
